WO1999060552A1

WO1999060552A1 - Decorative attachments for sleeves and methods for its application

Info

Publication number: WO1999060552A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/011380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald E. Weder
Original assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc. Not Individually, But As A Trustee Of The Family Trust
Priority date: 1998-05-21
Filing date: 1999-05-21
Publication date: 1999-11-25
Also published as: WO1999060552A9

Abstract

A decorative pop-up attachment is formed separately, or, alternatively, integrally with an item. The decorative pop-up attachment is positionable and/or connectable to an item, such as a pot or a container, a wrapping for a floral grouping, a wrapping for a pot or a container, a preformed flower pot cover, a floral grouping, a sleeve for a floral grouping, a sleeve for a pot or a container, or floral holding material. Methods for using decorative pop-up attachments.

Description

DECORATIVE ATTACHMENTS FOR SLEEVES AND METHODS FOR ITS APPLICATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to decorative pop-up attachments connected to or formed separately or integrally with floral holding material, floral wrappers, floral sleeves, pot wrappings, preformed flower pot covers, pot sleeves, pots and or containers, or the like, and the methods of making and using same.

Description of Related Art

Sheets of material have been utilized to form decorative wrappings about flower pots and floral groupings, and have been utilized to form preformed decorative flower pot covers. One floral wrapping is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,111,638, entitled "Method For Wrapping An Object With A Material Having Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Thereon", which illustrates wrapping pots with sheets of material. A floral wrapping using a sheet of material is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5.181 ,364. entitled "Wrapping A Floral Grouping With Sheets Having

Adhesive Or Cohesive Applied Thereto". A floral wrapping using a flattened or unflattened sleeve is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,428,939, entitled "Method For Crimping A Wrapper About A Floral Grouping", and in U.S. Patent No. 5,497,881, entitled "Floral Grouping Wrapper And Methods". A wrapper for a plant package using a flattened or unflattened sleeve is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,572,851, entitled "Plant Package Having A Detachable Sleeve

And Methods". Prefoπned decorative flower pot covers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,773,182, entitled "Article Forming System", which discloses a decorative article, and an article forming system.

Labels have sometimes been applied to pots, and to floral wrappings, sleeves and prefoπned decorative flower pot covers. These labels include price labels, UPC bar code labels, and labels describing the plant contained within a container or wrapping, and/or its care

(known in the art as "care tags").

Floral holding material, such as floral foam, has been used alone, or in combination with a pot or container, to hold flowers, living plants, and the like.

The prior art discloses sheets of material, sleeves, pot wrappings, pots/containers, prefoπned pot cover, pot sleeves, floral holding material, and the like. The sheets, sleeves, pots/containers, pot wrappings, pot sleeves, preformed pot covers, and the like decoratively cover flowers and containers, and the prior art discloses labels for these items.

The prior art does not disclose a decorative pop-up attachment which may be formed separately and connected to, or, alternatively, integrally formed with, a floral wrapper, a floral sleeve, a pot/container, a prefoπned pot cover, a pot sleeve, a pot wrapping, or floral holding material such as floral foam, and the like.

Therefore, there is a need felt within the art for a decorative pop-up attachment which utilizes not print or symbols (such as, but not by way of limitation, a UPC bar code), but which has a design, such as, but not by way of limitation, a whimsical character (a drawing of Peter Rabbit), used as a decoration on at least one end of a decorative pop-up attachment. In addition, such a decorative pop-up attachment may have a decorative end which follows the outer outline of the design indicia thereon. Such a decorative end is complementary to the shape of the design indicia, and forms part of the decoration of the decorative pop-up attachment.

The decorative pop-up attachment is an attachment which is connected to the above- referenced items, or, alternatively, is formed integrally therewith, and which is designed to extend a distance from the item. The decorative pop-up attachment will have a decoration which is whimsical, or related to a particular theme, such as, but not by way of limitation, a birthday, holiday, anniversary, and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Decorative pop-up attachments which are formed separately or integrally with pots, pot wrappings, sleeve wrappings, sheet wrappings, preformed flower pot covers, which are disposed in floral groupings, and which are utilized with pot sleeve wrappers, floral sleeve wrappers, and which are utilized with floral holding material are shown and/or described in detail herein. Methods for using decorative attachments which are formed separately or integrally with pots, pot wrappings, sleeve wrappings, sheet wrappings, prefoπned flower pot covers, which are disposed in floral groupings, and which are utilized with pot sleeve wrappers, floral sleeve wrappers, and which are utilized with floral holding material are shown and/or described in detail herein. The present disclosure includes both apparatus and methods of use, and all such disclosures are hereby incorporated in this section of the present application. It is an object of the present invention to provide a decorative pop-up attachment which utilizes not print or symbols (such as, but not by way of limitation, a UPC bar code), but which, rather, has a design, such as, but not by way of limitation, a whimsical character (for example, a drawing of Peter Rabbit), used as a decoration on at least one end of the decorative pop-up attachment. In addition, it is a goal of the present invention to provide a decorative pop-up attachment having a decorative end which follows the outer outline of the design indicia thereon. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a decorative end that is complementary to at least a portion of the shape of the design indicia, and therefore forms part of the decoration of the decorative pop-up attachment. It is yet a further goal of the present invention to provide a decorative pop-up attachment which is connected to the above-referenced items, or, alternatively, is formed integrally therewith, and which is designed to extend a distance from the item. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a decorative pop-up attachment which has a decoration which is whimsical, or related to a particular theme, such as, but not by way of limitation, a birthday, holiday, Christmas, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the upper surface of a decorative pop-up attachment formed from a sheet of material constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the design indicia on a decorative end, and showing one corner lifted for illustration purposes only.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lower surface of a decorative pop-up attachment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pad of sheets of material, each of which forms a decorative pop-up attachment, showing a portion of the top sheet of material lifted from the pad, exposing the next sheet of material.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pot, and a decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance therefrom.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pot of Figure 4, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface of the pot and positioned upon and connected to the pot.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a floral wrapping sheet of material, having one edge lifted for illustration purposes only.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sheet of material of Figure 6, having a floral grouping disposed thereon.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sheet of material formed into a wrapping for the floral grouping, showing one portion of the floral wrapping sheet of material overlapping at least one other portion of the floral wrapping sheet of material to form the wrapping, and a decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance from the wrapping. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the wrapping for the floral grouping of Figure 8, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment disposed adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the wrapping, and positioned upon and connected to the wrapping.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an opened sleeve used to form a wrapping for a floral grouping. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 10 which has formed a wrapping for a floral grouping disposed into and contained within the sleeve, the stem portion of the floral grouping extending beyond the lower end of the wrapping, and a decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance therefrom.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wrapping of Figure 11, showing the decorative pop-up attachment disposed adjacent the wrapping and positioned upon and connected to the inner peripheral surface of the wrapping. Figure 13 is a transverse view of Figure 12 taken at 13-13, showing the placement of the decorative pop-up attachment adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the wrapping.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second sheet of material, one edge being lifted for illustration purposes only.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pot disposed upon the upper surface of the second sheet of material shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pot and the second sheet of material of Figures 14-15, but showing the pot being partially wrapped by the second sheet of material.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the pot and second sheet of material of Figures 14- 16, but showing the second sheet of material forming a pot wrapping about the pot, and showing a decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance away.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the pot wrapped by the pot wrapping of Figure 17, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment disposed adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the pot wrapping and positioned upon and connected thereto.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the pot wrapped by the pot wrapping of Figure 17, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment disposed adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the pot wrapping and positioned upon and connected thereto.

Figure 20 is a transverse view of Figure 19 taken at 20-20, showing the placement of the decorative pop-up attachment adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the pot wrapping. Figure 21 is a perspective view of a preformed flower pot cover. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a preformed flower pot cover, having a pot disposed into the retaining space, and showing a decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance therefrom.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the preformed flower pot cover having a pot disposed therein of Figure 22, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment being disposed adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the preformed flower pot cover and positioned upon and connected thereto. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the preformed flower pot cover having a pot disposed therein of Figure 22, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment being disposed adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the preformed flower pot cover and positioned upon and connected thereto.

Figure 25 is a transverse view of Figure 24 taken at 25-25, showing the placement of the decorative pop-up attachment adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the preformed flower pot cover.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a floral grouping having a flower portion and a stem portion, and having a decorative pop-up attachment disposed in the center of the flower portion of the floral grouping. Figure 27 is a top plan view of the floral grouping and decorative pop-up attachment shown in Figure 26.

Figures 28 is a perspective view of a floral sleeve wrapper formed from a flattened sleeve of the present invention, the decorative pop-up attachment being integrally formed therewith.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 28, but showing the sleeve in an opened position, such an opened position creating a retaining space. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 29 but showing a floral grouping being inserted into the opened sleeve, the floral grouping being retained in the retaining space of the sleeve, the decorative pop-up attachment positioned to extend a distance therefrom.

Figure 31 is a perspective view of the sleeve of Figure 30, but showing a portion of the sleeve crimped about a portion of the floral grouping. Figure 32 is a perspective view of a pot sleeve formed from a sleeve, the sleeve having an upper sleeve portion which is removable, and a lower portion which forms a decorative cover, the decorative cover which is positioned about a pot having a floral grouping disposed therein, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed integrally with the decorative cover.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figure 32, but showing a portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 34 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 32-33, but showing a greater portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed in part by the removal of the upper sleeve portion.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 32-34, but showing the upper sleeve portion removed, and the decorative pop-up attachment formed integrally with the decorative cover and extending a distance therefrom, the decorative cover having a non-linear decorative edge. Figure 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pot sleeve of Figures 32- 35, the pot sleeve having an upper sleeve portion and a lower portion forming the decorative cover, the decorative cover having a skirt formed therewith, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed integrally with the decorative cover and extending a distance therefrom. Figure 37 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figure 36, but showing a portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 38 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 36-37, but showing a greater portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed in part by the removal of the upper sleeve portion. Figure 39 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 36-38, but showing the upper sleeve portion removed, and the decorative pop-up attachment formed integrally with the decorative cover and extending a distance therefrom, the decorative cover having a skirt formed therewith.

Figure 40 is a perspective view of a pot sleeve formed from a sleeve, the sleeve having an upper sleeve portion which is removable, and a lower portion which forms a decorative cover, the decorative cover which is positioned about a pot having a floral grouping disposed therein, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed separately, and disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface of at least a portion of the pot sleeve and positioned upon and connected thereto. Figure 41 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figure 40, but showing a portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 42 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 40-41, but showing a greater portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 43 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 40-42, but showing the upper sleeve portion removed, and the decorative pop-up attachment connected to the decorative cover and extending a distance therefrom, the decorative cover having a non-linear decorative edge.

Figure 44 is a transverse view of Figure 43 taken at 44-44, showing the placement of the decorative pop-up attachment adjacent the inner surface of the decorative cover.

Figure 45 is a perspective view of a pot sleeve formed from a sleeve, the sleeve having an upper sleeve portion which is removable, and a lower portion which forms a decorative cover, the decorative cover which is positioned about a pot having a floral grouping disposed therein, the decorative pop-up attachment being formed separately and disposed adjacent to the outer surface of at least a portion of the pot sleeve and positioned upon and connected thereto.

Figure 46 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figure 45, but taken from the rear of the pot sleeve, showing the decorative pop-up attachment being disposed, positioned and connected to at least a portion of the outer surface of the pot sleeve.

Figure 47 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figure 45-46, but showing a portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 48 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 45-47, but showing a greater portion of the upper sleeve portion of the pot sleeve detached.

Figure 49 is a perspective view of the pot sleeve of Figures 45-48, but showing the upper sleeve portion removed, and the decorative pop-up attachment connected to the decorative cover and extending a distance therefrom, the decorative cover having a skirt formed therewith.

Figure 50 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the decorative pop-up attachment, showing a pot having floral foam disposed therein, and showing the decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance therefrom.

Figure 51 is a perspective view of the pot having floral foam disposed therein of Figure 50, but showing a floral grouping disposed in the floral foam, and showing the decorative popup attachment being disposed in the floral foam.

Figure 52 is a transverse view of Figure 51 taken at 52-52, showing the decorative pop- up attachment being disposed in the floral foam.

Figure 53 is a transverse view similar to that taken at 52-52, but showing the decorative pop-up attachment having a bonding material disposed thereon, the decorative pop-up attachment connected via the bonding material to the pot, and the pot having floral foam and a floral grouping disposed therein. Figure 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the decorative pop-up attachment, showing a pot having floral foam disposed therein, and showing the decorative pop-up attachment spaced a distance therefrom, the decorative pop-up attachment having design indicia thereon which is representative of a bow.

Figure 55 is a perspective view of the pot and decorative pop-up attachment of Figure 54, but showing a floral grouping disposed in the floral foam, and showing the decorative popup attachment being disposed in the floral foam.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the decorative pop-up attachment, similar to that shown in Figures 54-55, but showing a bow connected to the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment, the decorative pop-up attachment having a shape which is complimentary to the outer portions of the bow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Embodiments of Figures 1-2 Referring to Figures 1-2, designated generally by the reference numeral 10 is a decorative pop-up attachment which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The decorative pop-up attachment 10 comprises at least one sheet of material 12. The sheet of material 12 has an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16 (one edge of the sheet of material lifted for illustration purposes only), and an outer periphery 18. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outer periphery 18 of the sheet of material 12 comprises a first side 20, a second side 22, a third side 24, and a fourth side 26. It will be appreciated that the sheet of material 12 may comprise a variety of shapes, and sides. At least one portion of the sheet of material will form a decorative end 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the sheet of material 12 may have more than one decorative end 30, that is, a plurality of decorative ends 30. One such decorative pop-up attachment with at least one decorative end is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,544,469, entitled "Wrapping Material Having An Extension For Design Indicia For Wrapping Flower Pots And Floral Arrangements And Methods", issued to Weder et al, on August 13, 1996, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein. It will be understood, however, for illustrative purposes only, that only one decorative end 30 is shown herein. The decorative end 30 comprises design indicia 32 on at least one surface thereof. The design indicia 32 may be on the upper surface 14, the lower surface 16, or both the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 (Figures 1-2). "Design indicia" as used herein includes, but not by way of limitation, fanciful designs such as rabbits, hearts, balloons, pumpkins, clover, and the like. Additional examples of design indicia include flowers (such as roses, daisies, lilacs), plants (such as fruits, vegetables, clover, grasses, trees), animals (rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, alligators, fish and the like), insects, fictional characters (such as cartoon characters), and/or real characters (such as a photograph of an individual), and the like. Design indicia 32 may vary between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 of the sheet of material 12 (Figures 1-2). That is, either the upper surface 14, or, alternatively, the lower surface 16, or, in another alternative, both surfaces, may have design indicia 32 thereon. In addition, the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 may each have different design indicia 32 disposed on each surface.

The design indicia 32 may be disposed upon the sheet of material 12 by use of a dye, ink, and/or pigment. Such dyes, inks, and/or pigments are known in the art and are commercially available, and may be disposed upon or incorporated in the sheet of material 12 by any method described herein or known in the art. That is, the design indicia 32 may be painted upon the sheet of material 12, sprayed upon the sheet of material 12, printed upon the sheet of material 12, or incorporated in the sheet of material 12 during the extrusion process. The extrusion of polymer films is well-known in the art. The sheet of material 12 may closely follow the design indicia 32, and be complementary to the shape of at least a portion of the design indicia. In this manner, the sheet of material 12 forms at least a portion of the design indicia 32 by following the outline of the design indicia 32. Alternatively, the sheet of material 12 may not follow the outline of the design indicia 32, and may form its own geometric, non-geometric and/or asymmetric shape.

A bonding material 33 may, optionally, be disposed on the sheet of material 12, on either the upper surface 14 (Figure 1), the lower surface 16, or both surfaces. Alternatively, however, the sheet of material 12 may be free of a bonding material 33. As illustrated in Figure 1, the bonding material 33, if present, is often disposed on the upper surface 14 of the sheet of material 12. The bonding material 33 may also be disposed in a strip of bonding material 33, although the bonding material 33 also could be applied to a surface of the sheet of material 12 be in the form of spaced apart spots or the bonding material 33 may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the sheet of material 12 in any geometric shape, non-geometric and/or asymmetric shape, or any combination thereof, including any pattern or plurality of patterns. Further, the bonding material 33 may form at least a part, or, alternatively, all of the pattern on each strip of material. In this instance, the bonding material 33 may comprise one or more colors; the bonding material 33 may comprise one or more patterns as well, as described above, and could form a part of the design indicia 32. One such bonding material is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,347,789, entitled, "Decorative Material Having A Colored Sticky Element Disposed Thereon Forming At Least A Portion Of A Decoration And Method", issued to Donald E. Weder, on September 20, 1994 and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Turning to the characteristics of the sheet of material 12, the sheet of material 12 has a thickness in a range from about 0.5 mils to about 50 mils. Often, the sheet of material 12 has a thickness in a range from about 1.0 mils to about 30 mils. In some embodiments, the sheet of material has a thickness in a range from about 3.0 mils to about 25 mils. In other embodiments, the sheet of material has a thickness in a range from about 4 mils to about 15 mils. And in yet still another embodiment, the sheet of material has a thickness in a range from about 4 mils to about 10 mils. The sheet of material 12 is constructed of a material which is at least somewhat flexible.

The sheet of material 12 may comprise any shape or combination of shapes, and a portion of a rectangular shape is shown in Figure 1 only by way of example. The sheet of material 12 for example may be square, rectangular, circular or any other geometric, non- geometric, asymmetric or fanciful shape, such as heart shaped, for example only, or any combination of geometric and non-geometric shapes, as shown in Figures 1-2. The sheet of material 12 may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of materials. The layers of material comprising the sheet of material 12 may be laminated together or connected together by any method known in the art. In one embodiment, the sheet of material 12 is a relatively thin, flexible material constructed from a plastic film. Alternatively, a paper may be utilized, alone, or in combination with other sheets of material described herein. One such plastic film (Hercules B523 oriented polypropylene packaging film (clear)), is available from Hercules Incorporated, Hercules Plaza, Wilmington, DE 19894. Such sheets of material may be laminated together or may be connected together by any method known in the art, or may remain partially or completely unconnected.

The sheet of material 12 shown in Figures 1-2 is constructed from any suitable material that is capable of having the characteristics and function described herein. The sheet of material 12 may comprise paper (the term "paper" as used herein means treated or untreated paper, corrugated paper or cardboard or any other form of paper material). The sheet of material may comprise cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized film, fabric (woven or nonwoven or synthetic or natural), fiber, burlap, or any combination thereof.

The term "plastic film" as used herein means a thermoplastic resinous material, such as, but not by way of limitation, a man-made polymer such as, but not by way of limitation, a polypropylene. The term "plastic film" as used herein also means a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A plastic film, as contemplated and described in detail herein, is relatively strong and not as subject to tearing (substantially non-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil.

The sheet of material 12 has a length 34 extending between the first and second sides 20 and 22 of the sheet of material 12. The sheet of material 12 also has a width 35 extending between the third and fourth sides 24 and 26 of the sheet of material 12. The sheet of material 12 may be constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of materials. One or more sheets of material may be laminated or bonded together, completely or partially, by any method known in the art. When multiple sheets of material 12 are used, the sheets of material 12 need not be uniform in size or shape. That is, one sheet may extend beyond at least a portion of the outer periphery of another sheet of material.

As noted earlier, a bonding material 33 may be disposed on the sheet of material 12, in any pattern or shape. One method for disposing a bonding material, in this case an adhesive, on a sheet of material is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,111,637 entitled "Method For Wrapping A Floral Grouping" issued to Weder et al., on May 12, 1992 and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Another method for disposing a bonding material in order to laminate two sheets of material is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,297,811 entitled "Laminated Printed Foil Flower Pot Wrap With Multicolor Appearance, issued to Weder on

November 3, 1981, which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The term "bonding material" when used herein means an adhesive, possibly a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive. Where 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" when used herein also means a lacquer, which may be applied to the sheet of material and, in this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations, also must be applied to effect the sealing of the lacquer.

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" also includes ties, labels, bands, ribbons, strings, tape, staples or combinations thereof. Some of the bonding materials would secure the ends of the sheet of material while other bonding material may bind the circumference of a wrapper or wrapping. Another way to secure the wrapping 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.

The term "bonding material" when used herein also means any heat or chemically shrinkable material, and static electrical or other electrical means, magnetic means, mechanical or barb-type fastening means or clamps, curl-type characteristics of the film or materials incorporated in the sheet of material which can cause the material to take on certain shapes, and any type of welding method which may weld portions of the sheet to itself or to a pot or container, or to both the sheet itself and a pot or container.

The sheet of material 12 may consist of designs or decorative patterns which are printed, etched, and/or embossed thereon using inks or other printing materials. An example of an ink which may be applied to either surface of the sheet of material 12 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,706 entitled "Water Based Ink On Foil And/Or Synthetic Organic Polymer" issued to Kmgman on Sep. 15, 1992 and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the sheet of material 12 may have various colorings, coatings, embossings, flockings and/or metallic finishes, or other decorative surface ornamentation applied separately or simultaneously. The sheet of material 12 may be characterized totally or partially, but not by way of limitation, by pearlescent, translucent, transparent, iridescent, neon, holographic, or the like, qualities. Each of the above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination with other characteristics described herein, and may be applied to the upper and/or lower surface of the sheet of material 12. Moreover, each surface of the sheet of material 12 may vary in the combination of such characteristics. The sheet of material 12 may also be partially or completely opaque, translucent, clear and/or tinted transparent. The sheet of material 12 may also optionally comprise one or more shape sustaining elements (not shown). "Shape sustaining elements" means wire or rods, or other elements made from metal, plastic (synthetic resinous plastic), cardboard or other thickened paper product, fiber, wood, or a combination thereof, which imparts sufficient shape to permit the sheet of material 12 to extend a distance from a floral wrapping, a pot or container and/or a preformed flower pot cover, as described in greater detail below. Such a shape sustaining element (not shown) may be attached to the sheet of material 12 via a bonding material, the element laminated between sheets of material 12, or by any method described herein or known in the art. It will be understood that the shape sustaining element may be used to bend and shape the decorative pop-up attachment 10. The shape sustaining element may be utilized to form the decorative pop-up attachment 10 into a shape which is complementary to the design indicia 32 contained thereon. The shape sustaining element may also be utilized to extend the decorative pop-up attachment 10 a distance from the item to which it is attached. When the decorative pop-up attachments 10 are used, one or more of the decorative pop-up attachments 10 are connectable to a pot or container, a wrapping for flowers (a sheet of material or a sleeve), a wrapping for a pot or container, or a preformed flower pot cover. Each decorative pop-up attachment 10 will extend a distance from the pot/container, the wrapping (for a floral grouping or a pot/container), or the preformed flower pot cover, so that the design indicia 32 on the decorative end 30 may be displayed. In many instances, each decorative pop-up attachment 10 will extend a substantial distance from the pot/container, the wrapping (for a floral grouping or a pot/container), or the preformed flower pot cover. Each of these applications is discussed in detail below.

The decorative pop-up insert 10 may also comprise an area for a hand-written or, alternatively, a printed message. Such an area may permit a personalized, written message (not shown). Alternatively, however, such an area may have a pre-printed message (not shown). In yet another alternative, the decorative pop-up insert 10 may have a connecting portion (not shown) on the sheet of material 12 where a card or small sheet of material having a message, whether hand-written or pre-printed, could be connected to the decorative pop-up attachment 10. Such a connecting portion may be formed by bonding material, by a slot (not shown) in the decorative pop-up attachment, or by any means and/or method known in the art. One such similar decorative pop-up attachment with an area for permitting a written or pre-printed message, or the attachment of a message, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,544,469, entitled "Wrapping Material Having An Extension For Design Indicia For Wrapping Flower Pots And Floral Arrangements And Methods", issued to Weder et al., on August 13, 1996, which has been previously incorporated by reference herein. Embodiment of Figure 3

Shown in Figure 3 is a modified decorative pop-up attachment 10a formed from a sheet of mateπal 12a which is identical to the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and sheet of material 12 shown m Figures 1-2 and described in detail previously, except that the sheet of material 12a is formed into a group of sheets of material 12a which are stacked and aligned, generally, but not by way of limitation, one on top of the other to form a pad 36 of sheets of material

12a.

The pad 36 comprises a top sheet 37 having a next sheet 38 disposed directly thereunder, with additional sheets of material 12a disposed under the next sheet 38, all sheets collectively forming the pad 36 of sheets of material 12a (one edge of the top sheet 37 lifted for illustration purposes only). The sheets of material 12a are generally aligned, and may, optionally, but not by way of limitation, be connected together via a bonding material (not shown), such as, but not by way of limitation, a pressure sensitive adhesive.

It will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment 10a may also be provided via a roll of sheets of material 12a (not shown). Such a roll may provide one, or a plurality, of decorative pop-up attachments 10a (not shown). Such a plurality of decorative pop-up attachments 10a would likely be separated by perforations, permitting each one to be easily separated from the roll (not shown). Alternatively, a plurality of decorative pop-up attachments

10a contained within a roll of decorative pop-up attachments 10a would be easily separated from a roll via a dispenser having a cutting edge (not shown).

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 4-5 Shown in Figure 5 is a decorative pop-up attachment 10b constructed from a sheet of material 12b, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment 10b is disposed on and connected to a pot 40.

The flower pot 40, illustrated in Figure 4, comprises an upper end 42, a lower end 44 and an outer peripheral surface 46. The upper end 42 has an opening 48 that is formed in the flower pot 40, with a portion of the flower pot opening 48 intersecting the upper end 42 of the flower pot 40 forming an inner peripheral surface 50 and a retaining space 52. A rim 54, namely a thickened "collar," suπounds the opening 48, and extends circularly around the upper end 42 of the flower pot 40. The flower pot opening 48 is sized and shaped for receiving a floral grouping, the floral grouping being retained in the retaining space 52 of the flower pot 40 (not shown).

The term "flower pot" means any type of container used to hold a floral grouping. Examples of flower pots 40 used in accordance with the present invention include clay flower pots, plastic flower pots, fiber flower pots, metal pots, paper mache pots, glass flower pots, baskets, and any combination thereof.

In a method of use, as shown in Figure 5, the decorative pop-up attachment 10b is disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 46 of the pot 40. The decorative pop-up attachment 10b is positioned upon the outer peripheral surface 46 of the pot 40, and connected to the outer peripheral surface 46 of the pot 40 via a bonding material 33b. When the decorative pop-up attachment 10b is connected to the pot 40 as described previously, the decorative pop-up attachment 10b extends a distance from the pot 40.

It will be understood that, alternatively, the decorative pop-up attachment 10b could be disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface 50 of the pot 40, and positioned thereon and connected thereto (not shown). It will be appreciated that when the decorative pop-up attachment 10b is disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface 50 of the pot 40, the decorative pop-up attachment may be held in place via bonding material which connects to the pot (not shown), or, alternatively, by a frictional engagement between the inner peripheral surface 50 of the pot 40 and any growing medium and/or floral grouping and/or other material contained in the pot 40 (not shown), or, in another alternative, by any other means or method known in the art. The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 6-9 Shown in Figures 8-9 is a decorative pop-up attachment 10c constructed from a sheet of material 12c, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment 10c is disposed on and connected to a wrapping containing a floral grouping 55.

"Floral grouping", as shown best herein in Figure 7 and as used herein and means fresh cut flowers, artificial flowers, other fresh and/or artificial plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary plants and/or ornamentation which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral grouping 55. The floral grouping 55 comprises a flower portion 56 which may comprise either a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion 57. However, it will be appreciated that the floral grouping 55 may consist of only a single bloom or only foliage (not shown). "Floral grouping" as used also includes any living plant which is contained within a flower pot as described herein. Such a floral grouping 55 may include, as well as a flower portion 56 and a stem portion 57, a root portion contained in a growing medium or other material (not shown).

As mentioned previously, the floral grouping 55 may be wrapped or held in a wrapping. The wrapping may be formed from a floral wrapping sheet of material 58 wrapped about the floral grouping 55, as shown in Figures 6-8. Such a floral wrapping sheet of material 58, as shown in Figures 6-7, has an upper surface 59, a lower surface 60 and an outer periphery 61. It will be understood that the floral wrapping sheet of material 58 has the same or similar characteristics as those previously described herein for the sheet of material 12 which forms the decorative pop-up attachment 10. In a method of forming a wrapping utilizing a floral wrapping sheet of material 58, a floral grouping 55 is disposed on the floral wrapping sheet of material 58, as shown in Figure 7. At least one portion of the floral wrapping sheet of material 58 is overlapped over at least one other portion of the floral wrapping sheet of material 58, as shown in Figure 8, thereby forming a wrapping 62. It will be appreciated that the floral wrapping sheet of material 58 may, optionally, have a bonding material disposed thereon (not shown), to secure the floral wrapping sheet of material 58 in the wrapped position. One method of forming a wrapping about a floral grouping is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,181,364, entitled "Wrapping A Floral Grouping With Sheets Having Adhesive Or Cohesive Applied Thereto", issued to Weder on January 26, 1993, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The wrapping 62 has an upper end 64, a lower end 66 and an outer peripheral surface 68. An opening 70 intersects the upper end 64 forming an inner peripheral surface 72 and a retaining space 74. The floral grouping 55 is retained in the retaining space 74 of the wrapping 62. The opening 70 also intersects the lower end 66, forming a lower opening 76, from which the stem portion 57 of the floral grouping 55 extends. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the lower end 66 of the wrapping 62 is closed (not shown). Further, it will be understood that the upper end of the wrapping 62 may also be closed (not shown).

In a method of use, the decorative pop-up attachment 10c is disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 68 of the wrapping 62. The decorative pop-up attachment 10c is positioned upon the outer peripheral surface 68 of the wrapping 62, and is then connected to the outer peripheral surface 68 of the wrapping 62 via the bonding material 33c. When connected to the wrapping 62, the decorative pop-up attachment 10c extends a distance from the wrapping 62. It will be understood that the decorative pop-up attachment 10c could be disposed adjacent to the inner peripheral surface 72 of the wrapping 62, and positioned thereon and connected thereto (not shown). In this instance, the decorative pop-up attachment 10c is connected to the inner peripheral surface 72 of the wrapping 62 via the bonding material 33c, or, alternatively, via a frictional engagement between the floral grouping 55, the decorative pop-up attachment 10c and the inner peripheral surface 72 of the wrapping 62, or, in another alternative, between overlapping folds of the floral wrapping sheet of material 58 which forms the wrapping 62. It will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment 10c in these embodiments (not shown) extends a distance from the wrapping 62 (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the wrapping 62 may, alternatively, be crimped about the stem portion 57 or any other portion of the floral grouping 55 (not shown). Such crimping or gathering permits the wrapping 62 to closely engage the stem portion 57 or other portion of the floral grouping 55 (not shown). The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 10-13

Shown in Figures 11-13 is a decorative pop-up attachment lOd constructed from a sheet of mateπal 12d, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment lOd is disposed on and connected to a sleeve which forms a wrapping 62d containing a floral grouping 55d. Such a sleeve may be formed from a continuous web, may be formed from one sheet of material, may be formed from two sheets of material, or may be formed from a plurality of sheets of material. The sleeve remains in a flattened state when not in use. To use the sleeve described herein, the sleeve must be opened and held open to permit the sleeve to form a retaining space for a floral grouping. It will be understood that the sheets of material forming sleeves have the same or similar characteristics as those described herein for sheets of material.

In the present instance, but not by way of limitation, the sleeve utilized as a wrapping

62d herein is preformed from a continuous web, and has an upper end 64d, a lower end 66d and an outer peripheral surface 68d. When the sleeve is unflattened, as shown in Figure 10, an opening 70d intersects the upper end 64d forming an inner peripheral surface 72d and a retaining space 74d. Such sleeves are disclosed in both U.S. Patent No. 5,572,851, entitled "Plant Package Having A Detachable Sleeve And Methods", issued to Weder, November 12,

1996, and U.S. Patent No. 5,625,979, entitled "Sleeve Having A Detachable Portion Forming A Skirt And Methods", issued to Weder, May 6, 1997, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

It will be appreciated, as shown in Figures 11-13, that a floral grouping 55d is disposed in the retaining space 74d. The opening 70d usually also intersects the lower end 66d, forming a lower opening 76d in the wrapping 62d as well. Often when there is a lower opening 76d, such as illustrated herein (Figures 1 1-13), the stem portion 57d of the floral grouping 55d extends therethrough. Alternatively, the lower end 66d may be closed (not shown). In a further alternative, the upper end 64d of the wrapping 62d may also be closed (not shown). In a method of use, as shown in Figures 10-11, the floral grouping 55d is disposed into the wrapping 62d, with the stem end 57d disposed into the opening 70d in the upper end 64d of the wrapping 62d. The floral grouping 55d is retained in the retaining space 74d, and the flower portion 56d of the floral grouping 55d is disposed adjacent and/or near the upper end 64d of the wrapping 62d, while the stem portion 57d of the floral grouping 55d extends through the lower opening 76d.

As illustrated in Figures 11-13, the decorative pop-up attachment lOd is disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface 72d of the wrapping 62d. The decorative pop-up attachment lOd is positioned upon the inner peripheral surface 72d of the wrapping 62d, and is then connected to the inner peripheral surface 72d of the wrapping 62d (Figures 12-13) via a bonding material, or, alternatively, via a frictional engagement between the inner peripheral surface 72d of the wrapping 62d, the decorative pop-up attachment lOd and the floral grouping 55d (not shown), or in another alternative, by any means and/or method known in the art.

When connected to the wrapping 62d, the decorative pop-up attachment lOd extends a distance from the wrapping 62d.

It will be understood that the decorative pop-up attachment lOd could be disposed adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 68d of the wrapping 62d, and positioned thereon and connected thereto via the bonding material 33 d, or by any other means or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art (not shown). In this instance as well, the decorative popup attachment lOd extends a distance from the wrapping 62d (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the wrapping 62d may, alternatively, be crimped about the stem portion 57d or any other portion of the floral grouping 55d (not shown). Such crimping or gathering permits the wrapping 62d to closely engage the stem portion 57d or other portion of the floral grouping 55d (not shown).

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 14-20 Shown in Figure 17-20 is a decorative pop-up attachment lOe constructed from a sheet of material 12e, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment lOe is disposed on and connected to a sheet of material forming a pot wrapping, which is wrapped about a pot 40e. The pot wrapping is formed from a second sheet of material 78, Figure 14, which is sized to wrap a pot 40e. It will be appreciated that the second sheet of material 78 has all of the characteristics described earlier for the sheet of material 12.

The second sheet of material 78 has an upper surface 80, a lower surface 82 and an outer periphery 84. The second sheet of material 78 may or may not having a bonding material thereon (not shown).

In a method of use, a pot 40e is disposed on one surface, in this example, but not by way of limitation, the upper surface 80 of the second sheet of material 78. The second sheet of material 78 is wrapped by an operator about the outer peripheral surface 46e of the pot 40e, forming the pot wrapping 86. One such pot wrapping is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,111,638, entitled "Method For Wrapping An Object With A Material Having Pressure Sensitive

Adhesive Thereon", issued to Weder, May 12, 1992, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The pot wrapping 86, when formed, has an upper end 88, a lower end 90 and an outer peripheral surface 92. An opening 94 intersects the upper end 88 of the pot wrapping 86 forming an inner peripheral surface 96 and a retaining space 98, which holds the pot 40e and which is adjacent the outer peripheral surface 46e of the pot 40e. Optionally, the pot wrapping

86 may also have a skirt 100 which extends from the upper end 88 of the pot wrapping 86, as shown in Figures 17-20. The decorative pop-up attachment lOe is shown, in Figures 17-18, to be disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 92 of the pot wrapping 86 via a bonding material, or via any other means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. The decorative pop-up attachment lOe, when disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface of the pot wrapping 86, is positioned on the pot wrapping 86 then connected to the pot wrapping 86 via a bonding material 33e, or via any other means or method known in the art. When the decorative pop-up attachment lOe is positioned on and connected to the pot wrapping 86, the decorative pop-up attachment lOe extends a distance from the pot wrapping 86.

Alternatively, as shown in Figures 19-20, the decorative pop-up attachment lOe may be disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface 96 of the pot wrapping 86. In this instance, the decorative pop-up attachment lOe is usually disposed adjacent both the inner peripheral surface 96 of the pot wrapping and the outer peripheral surface 46e of the pot 40e. The decorative pop-up attachment lOe may be connected to the pot wrapping 86 via frictional engagement, a bonding material 33e, or any other means or method known in the art. When the decorative pop-up attachment lOe is positioned on and connected to the pot wrapping 86, the decorative pop-up attachment lOe extends a distance from the pot wrapping 86. The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 21-25 Shown in Figures 22-25 is a decorative pop-up attachment 1 Of constructed from a sheet of material 12f, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment lOf is disposed on and connected to a prefoπned flower pot cover 102.

A preformed flower pot cover 102 is illustrated in Figure 21. One such similar preformed flower pot cover is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,773,182, entitled "Article Forming System", issued to Weder et al. on September 27, 1988, and is hereby incorporated herein by referenced. The preformed flower pot cover 102 has an upper end 104, a lower end 106 and an outer peripheral surface 108. An opening 110 intersects the upper end 104 of the preformed flower pot cover 102 forming an inner peripheral surface 112 and a retaining space 114. The area between the upper end 104 and the lower end 106 of the preformed flower pot cover 102 is the base 116. Optionally, the preformed flower pot cover 102 may have a skirt 118 which extends from the upper end 104 of the base 116.

In a method of use, an operator disposes a pot 40f into the retaining space 114 of the preformed flower pot cover 102, as shown in Figure 22. In this manner, the outer peripheral surface 46f of the pot 40f is adjacent the inner peripheral surface 112 of the preformed flower pot cover 102. It will be appreciated that the pot 40f, or any pot shown and described herein, may contain a floral grouping 55f.

In a method of using the decorative pop-up attachment lOf, shown in Figures 22-23, the decorative pop-up attachment lOf is disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 108 of the preformed flower pot cover 102. The decorative pop-up attachment lOf, when disposed adjacent the outer peripheral surface 108 of the preformed flower pot cover 102, is positioned upon the preformed flower pot cover 102 and connected to the preformed flower pot cover 102 via a bonding material 33f, or via any other means or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. When the decorative pop-up attachment lOf is positioned on and connected to the preformed flower pot cover 102, the decorative pop-up attachment 1 Of extends a distance from the preformed flower pot cover 102. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 24-25, the decorative pop-up attachment 1 Of may be disposed adjacent the inner peripheral surface 112 of the preformed flower pot cover pot wrapping 86. In this instance, the decorative pop-up attachment lOf is usually disposed adjacent both the inner peripheral surface 92 of the preformed flower pot cover 102 and the outer peripheral surface 46f of the pot 40f. The decorative pop-up attachment 1 Of may be connected to the preformed flower pot cover 102 via frictional engagement, a bonding material 33f, or any other means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. When the decorative pop-up attachment lOf is positioned on and connected to the preformed flower pot cover 102, the decorative pop-up attachment 1 Of extends a distance from the preformed flower pot cover 102.

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 26-27 Shown in Figures 26-27 is a decorative pop-up attachment lOg constructed from a sheet of material 12g, which is exactly like the decorative pop-up attachment 10 and the sheet of material 12, except that the decorative pop-up attachment lOg is disposed in the center of a floral grouping 55g.

The decorative pop-up attachment lOg is connected to any portion of the floral grouping 55g, that is, the flower portion 56g and/or the stem portion 57g, via a bonding material (not shown), or, alternatively, via a frictional engagement, or via any means or method known in the art. It will be appreciated that the floral grouping 55g may be disposed in a pot (not shown), or in a wrapping formed from either a floral wrapping sheet of material or a sleeve

(not shown), or in a pot wrapped in a pot wrapping (not shown), or in a pot disposed in a preformed flower pot cover (not shown). In a method of use, the decorative pop-up insert lOg is inserted into the center of the floral grouping 55g, as shown in Figures 26-27. The decorative pop-up insert lOg is disposed in the floral grouping 55g such that the decorative end 30g and the design indicia 32g thereon extends a distance away from the floral grouping 55g, and, particularly, a distance from the flower portion 56g of the floral grouping 55g.

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 28-31

Shown in Figures 28-31 and designated therein by the general reference numeral 120 is a floral sleeve wrapper for a floral grouping 55h constructed from at least one sheet of material. The floral sleeve wrapper 120 comprises a sleeve 122 which may be formed from a single web and/or a single sheet of material, which may be formed from two sheets of material which are aligned and connected together, or which may be formed from multiple sheets of material which are connected together to form the sleeve 122. It will be appreciated that the sheet of material, web, or multiple sheets of material utilized to form the sleeve 122 may have any or all or the characteristics previously described herein for sheets of material. The sleeve 122 is often tubular or frusto-conical in shape, although it will be appreciated that any shape may be utilized, so long as the sleeve 122 operates in the manner shown and/or described herein. The floral sleeve wrapper 120 comprises both a floral grouping 55h and the sleeve 122.

Referring to Figures 28-29, the sleeve 122 has an upper end 124, a lower end 126 and an outer surface 128. An opening 130 intersects both the upper end 124 and the lower end 126 forming an inner surface 132 and a floral retaining space 134. In some embodiments (not shown), the lower end 126 is closed, or is formed as a closed lower end (not shown). In some embodiments, the upper end 124 is closed, often after a floral grouping is disposed therein (not shown).

In this embodiment, the decorative pop-up attachment lOh is formed integrally with the sleeve 122. The decorative pop-up attachment lOh has a decorative end 30h which extends a distance from the sleeve 122, and which has design indicia 32h thereon. It will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment may be formed from the same sheet(s) of material, or web, as the sleeve 122. It will also be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOh may be formed separately, then may be permanently connected or incorporated in the sleeve 122, either before, during, or after the formation of the sleeve 122, as well. It will be understood that when a floral grouping 55h is disposed in the sleeve 122, the decorative pop-up attachment lOh extends a distance from the sleeve 122.

Sleeves, and their construction, are well known in the art and sleeves are commercially available, as are various devices and mechanisms capable of forming sleeves. One example of such sleeves is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,497,881, entitled, "Floral Grouping Wrapper And Methods", issued to D. Weder March 12, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein; another example of sleeve formation, as well as the use of crimping, bonding material and pull tabs with such sleeves, is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,428,939, entitled, "Method For Crimping A Wrapper About A Floral Grouping", issued to Weder et al. July 4, 1995, which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein. In a frequent manner of construction, a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material will be sealed together to form the sleeve 122, with a substantial portion of the first sheet of material laying adjacent the second sheet of material, and the sleeve 122 being naturally retained in a flattened and unopened state (Figure 28) until opened by an operator and held in an opened position (Figure 29). When the sleeve 122 is held in the opened position, the floral retaining space 134 is formed, and a floral grouping 55h may be both received within and retained in the floral retaining space 134. The floral sleeve wrapper 120 comprises the sleeve 122 having the decorative pop-up attachment lOh integrally formed therewith, and the floral grouping 55h (Figure 30). The sleeve 122, when opened and held in an opened position, is adapted to receive the floral grouping 55h within the floral retaining space 134. The floral grouping 55h (Figure 30) is disposed in the opening 130 of the sleeve 122 when the sleeve is held in an opened position, and contained substantially in the floral retaining space 134 of the sleeve 122, as will be described in detail below.

A bonding material (not shown) may be disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface 132 of the sleeve 122, or, alternatively, the bonding material may be disposed on the outer surface 128 of the sleeve 132 (not shown). A bonding material may be disposed on both the inner surface 122 and the outer surface 128 of the sleeve 122 (not shown). Further, it will be appreciated that the sleeve 122 may be free of a bonding material.

In a general method of use, illustrated in Figures 29-30, at least a portion of the floral grouping 55h is disposed within the sleeve 122 (Figure 30). In some applications, the stem portion 57h of the floral grouping 55h extends into the sleeve 122 via the opening 130 in the upper end 124, the stem portion 57h often extending through the open lower end 126 of the sleeve 122. The flower portion 56h of the floral grouping 55h is therefore disposed near the upper end 124 of the sleeve 122 and the flower portion 56h of the floral grouping 55h is often visible via the upper end 124 of the sleeve 122 (Figures 30-31). In some instances, the flower portion 56h of the floral grouping 55h may extend above the upper end 124 of the sleeve 122, in other instances, the flower portion 56h may extend below the upper end 124 of the sleeve 122 (not shown). In one method of use (Figures 28-30), an operator provides a flattened sleeve 122

(Figure 28) and a floral grouping 55h. The operator then opens the sleeve 122 (Figure 29) at the upper end 124 and holds the sleeve 122 in an opened position, thereby expanding outward and widening the floral retaining space 134 such that the floral retaining space 134, when the sleeve 122 is in an opened position, is sized to both receive and retain a floral grouping 55h therein. The operator disposes the floral grouping 55h into the opened sleeve 122 via the opening 130 in the upper end 124 and assuring that the floral retaining space 134 is widened and expanded outward, proceeds to insert the stem portion 57h into and, often, through the lower end 126 of the opened sleeve 122, the lower end 126 of the sleeve 122 frequently having the narrowest diameter (Figures 29-30). By inserting the floral grouping 55h into the sleeve 122 in this manner, the flower portion 56h is also disposed in the floral retaining space 134 of the sleeve 122 and the flower portion 56h is disposed close to and/or adjacent the upper end 124 of the sleeve 122, the upper end 124 frequently having the widest diameter (Figures 29- 30). In this manner, the floral sleeve wrapper 120, having a floral grouping 55h contained in the sleeve 122, is created. The sleeve 122 may be crimped about the floral grouping 55h, as shown in Figure 31.

The crimping is conducted by an operator after the floral grouping 55h is disposed in the sleeve 122 by gathering and crimping at least a portion of the sleeve 122 about the floral grouping 55h, often in the area of the stem portion 57h of the floral grouping 122. Such crimping may be conducted by hand, by grasping and substantially encompassing with one or more hands the lower end 126 of the sleeve 122 in the area of the stem portion 57h and evenly and firmly squeezing that portion of the sleeve 122 about the area of the stem portion 57h, thereby pressing and gathering the sleeve 122 against itself and about the stem portion 57h of the floral grouping 55h. It will be appreciated that if the sleeve 122 is crimped in an area having bonding material (not shown), the bonding material will assist in holding the crimped area in a crimped position.

The sleeve 122 may also be crimped by using both a crimping motion (as described above) and a turning motion to create a twisted crimping, resulting in a sleeve 122 which is both crimped as previously described, and which is twisted about at least a portion of the stem portion 57h of the floral grouping 55h, the sleeve 122 near the stem portion 57h being rotated for example, but not by way of limitation, about the stem portion 57h between about one- eighth of a turn to about a full rum (not shown). Crimping floral wrappers and floral sleeve wrappers about floral groupings is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,428,939, entitled

"Method For Crimping A Wrapper About A Floral Grouping", issued July 4, 1995 to Weder et al., which has been incorporated by reference herein previously. It will be further understood that any portion of any embodiment shown and/or described herein may be subject to crimping. Alternatively, the sleeve 122 may remain uncrimped. The bonding material, when disposed upon the sleeve 122, may cause the sleeve 122 to bondingly connect to portions of itself, causing the sleeve 122 to conform, either generally, or closely (depending, as will be appreciated, upon the amount of bonding material and the amount of the sleeve 122 which overlaps and connects to itself) to the floral grouping 55h.

When the floral grouping 55h is disposed in the sleeve 122 by any method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art, the sleeve 122 substantially suπounds and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping 55h, and the decorative pop-up attachment lOh extends a distance from the floral sleeve wrapper 120. The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 32-39 As illustrated in Figures 32-39, a pot sleeve 136 may also be provided, to dispose over a flower pot 40i alone, or most frequently, over a flower pot 40i having a floral grouping 55i disposed therein, or, in another alternative, about a growing medium having a floral grouping disposed therein (not shown). The pot sleeve 136 is formed by any means or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. It will be understood that the pot sleeve 136 is substantially flat until opened to receive a flower pot 40i. It will be appreciated that the pot sleeve 136 has substantially the same attributes and characteristics as that described above for the floral sleeve wrapper.

It will be understood that the pot sleeve 136 is substantially flat (not shown) until opened by an operator. It will also be appreciated that the sheet of material, web, or multiple sheets of material utilized to form the pot sleeve 136 may have any or all or the characteristics previously described herein for sheets of material. The pot sleeve 136 is often tubular or frusto-conical in shape, although it will be appreciated that any shape may be utilized, so long as the pot sleeve 136 operates in the manner shown and/or described herein.

Pot sleeves 136 have been used to cover pots and containers. Some pot sleeves are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,572,851, entitled, "Plant Package Having A Detachable Sleeve And Methods", issued to D. Weder November 12, 1996, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Pot sleeves having an excess of material, the excess of material sometimes forming pleats, folds, and the like, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,625,979, entitled, "Sleeve Having A Detachable Portion Forming A Skirt And Methods", issued to D. Weder May 6,

1997, which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein. It will be appreciated that the pot sleeve 136, or any embodiment shown and/or described herein, may have an excess of material. Alternatively, the pot sleeve 136, or any embodiment shown and/or described herein, may have one or more gussets. Such gussets may form an excess of material such as a single fold, or may comprise pleats, folds, or any other form of excess material known in the art. The gussets may be formed in any portion of any embodiment shown herein, including, but not limited to, the sides walls (outer surface and/or inner surface), the upper end, the lower end, the bottom, or any combination thereof. Gussets are disclosed formed in sleeves in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,146, issued to Weder et al. May 13, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In this embodiment, shown in Figures 32-35, the decorative pop-up attachment lOi is formed integrally with the pot sleeve 136. The decorative pop-up attachment lOi has a decorative end 30i which extends a distance from the decorative cover formed from the pot sleeve 136. The decorative pot-up attachment lOi has design indicia 32i thereon. It will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOi may be formed from the same sheet(s) of material, or web, as the pot sleeve 136. It will also be understood that the decorative popup attachment lOi may be formed separately, then may be permanently connected or incorporated in the pot sleeve 136, either before, during, or after the formation of the pot sleeve 136, as well. It will be appreciated that when a floral grouping 55i is disposed in the pot sleeve 136, and the pot sleeve 136 is formed into a decorative cover, the decorative pop-up attachment lOi extends a distance from the decorative cover, as will be described in detail below.

Turning to Figures 32-35, the pot sleeve 136 has an upper sleeve portion 138 and a lower portion 140, the lower portion 140 forming a decorative cover 142 (Figure 35) when the upper sleeve portion 138 is removed therefrom. Vertical detaching elements 144 such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations, are disposed in the upper sleeve portion 138, and non- linear circumferential detaching elements 146 such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations, are utilized to separate the upper sleeve portion 138 from the lower portion 140. The lower portion 140 may have a non-linear decorative edge 148 when the upper sleeve portion 138 is removed therefrom. Alternatively, however, the lower portion 140 may have a linear edge (not shown). In another alternative, the lower portion may, rather than having a non-linear decorative edge 148, or a linear edge (not shown), have a skirt 150 formed integrally therewith when the upper sleeve portion 138 is removed from the lower portion 140 (Figures 36-39).

It will be appreciated that when the pot sleeve 136 is disposed on the flower pot 40i, the pot sleeve 136 extends substantially over the outer peripheral surface 46i of the flower pot 40i. Alternatively, however, the pot sleeve 136 may extend over a flower pot 40i already covered by a preformed flower pot cover or pot wrapper, the pot sleeve 136, or, as described herein, a portion thereof, often being torn away from the preformed flower pot cover or pot wrapper after shipment and/or delivery (not shown). In this embodiment, it will be understood that the portion remaining will have a decorative pop-up attachment lOi (not shown). The pot sleeve 136 may have a bonding material disposed thereon such that a portion of the pot sleeve 136 will connect to the flower pot 40i, or any decorative cover covering the pot 40i (not shown). Alternatively, a bonding material may be disposed upon the outer peripheral surface 46i of the flower pot 40i (not shown). In a further alternative, a bonding material may be disposed on both the pot 40i and the pot sleeve 136 (not shown).

The pot sleeve 136 has an upper end 152, a lower end 154 and an outer surface 158. An opening 160 intersects the upper end 152 and, often, the lower end 154 as well, forming an inner surface 162 and a pot retaining space 164. In some embodiments (not shown), the lower end 154 is closed, or is formed as a closed lower end. In other embodiments, the upper end 152 is closed, often after a pot, or a pot having a floral grouping therein, is disposed therein (not shown).

The upper sleeve portion 138 has an upper end 166 and a lower end 168, the lower end 168 being defined by the non-linear circumferential detaching elements 146. The lower portion

140 also has an upper end 170 which begins at the non- linear circumferential detaching elements 146 and a lower end 172. A base 174 is defined between the upper end 170 and the lower end 172 of the lower portion 140. The upper sleeve portion 138 is removed via the vertical detaching elements 144 and the non-linear circumferential detaching elements 146, as illustrated in Figures 33-35. When the upper sleeve portion 138 is completely removed from the lower portion 140, the lower portion 140 is left with a non-linear decorative edge 148, and the lower portion 140 forms the decorative cover 142 about the pot 40i, as shown in Figure 35, and, as shown in this embodiment, the decorative cover 142 is left with the decorative popup attachment lOi formed integrally therewith, and extending a distance therefrom.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figures 36-39, the non-linear circumferential detaching elements 146 are formed in the pot sleeve 136 such that, when the upper sleeve portion 138 is removed, the lower portion 140 is left with a skirt 150 connected thereto, the skirt 150 extending a distance from the upper end 170 of the lower portion 140, such detachment again permitting the lower portion 140 to form the decorative cover 142 having a skirt 150 (Figure 39). In this embodiment having a skirt 150, it will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOi may be formed integrally with the skirt 150, or be connectable to the skirt 150 (not shown).

The decorative pop-up attachment lOi may be formed integrally with the lower portion 140 of the pot sleeve 136 (not shown). In this embodiment, the decorative pop-up attachment lOi is disconnected from the upper sleeve portion 138, or, alternatively, is readily disconnectable from the upper sleeve portion 138 (not shown). Alternatively, the decorative pop-up attachment lOi may be formed integrally with both the upper sleeve portion 138 and the lower portion 140 (Figures 32-39). In this alternative, the decorative pop-up attachment lOi may be formed into the upper sleeve portion 138 of the pot sleeve 136, may be contiguous with the lower portion 140, and may be detached via the vertical detaching elements 144 and or the non- linear circumferential detaching elements 146 (Figures 37-39), or by any other means and/or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art.

In a further alternative (not shown), the decorative pop-up attachment lOi is formed integrally with the upper sleeve portion 138 and is detachable from the upper sleeve portion 138 via any means and/or method disclosed and/or shown herein, or known in the art. The decorative pop-up attachment lOi, in this embodiment, will have the ability to connect to the lower portion 140, or, alternatively, may be connected to lower portion 140, or, in a further alternative, have the ability to connect to, or be connected to, the pot 40i (not shown). In all of the above-referenced alternatives, however, it will be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOi will extend a distance from the lower portion 140/decorative cover 142.

It will be appreciated that the method of disposing a flower pot 40i into the pot sleeve 136 is generally substantially similar to the method described above for disposing a floral grouping into a floral sleeve wrapper. It will be understood that the flattened pot sleeve 136

(not shown) will be opened by an operator and held in an opened position, thereby opening the pot retaining space 164 a sufficient amount to receive a pot 40i, the pot 40i usually disposed with the lower end 44i, with the pot 40i first being disposed in the opening 130 of the pot sleeve 136, the outer peripheral surface 46i of the pot 40i disposed adjacent the lower end 140 of the pot sleeve 136, in the pot retaining space 164. The pot 40i often has a floral grouping

55i disposed therein, and the floral grouping 55i, after insertion of the pot 40i in the pot sleeve 136, is retained in the pot 40i, the floral grouping 55i disposed adjacent the upper sleeve portion 138 of the pot sleeve 136.

When the pot 40i alone, or a pot 40i having a floral grouping 55i disposed therein is inserted into the pot sleeve 136 by any method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art, the upper sleeve portion 138 of the pot sleeve 136 substantially suπounds and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping 55i. When the upper sleeve portion 138 is removed, it will be understood that the lower portion 140 substantially suπounds the pot 40i, forming, in this embodiment, the both the decorative pop-up attachment lOi and the decorative cover 142 having a skirt 150.

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 40-49 As illustrated in Figures 40-49, the pot sleeve 136j, which is substantially similar to the pot sleeve 136 shown and described herein previously, may be provided with a separate decorative pop-up attachment lOj, which is, or may be, connected to the pot sleeve 136j, but which is formed separately, and not integrally formed with the pot sleeve 136j. It will be understood that the pot sleeve 136j has substantially similar attributes and characteristics as those described previously herein for the pot sleeve 136 and the floral sleeve -wrapper.

As illustrated in Figures 40-44, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj is disposed adjacent the inner surface 162j of the pot sleeve 136j. The decorative pop-up attachment lOj is positioned upon the inner surface 162j of the pot sleeve 136j, and is then connected to the inner surface 162j (Figures 43-44) via a bonding material 33j, or, alternatively, via a frictional engagement (not shown) between the inner surface 162j of the pot sleeve 136j, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj and the flower pot 40j, or in another alternative, by any means and or method known in the art. When connected to the pot sleeve 136j in this manner, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj extends a distance from the decorative cover 142j once the upper sleeve portion 138j has been removed (Figures 41-44). It will be understood, as shown in Figures 45-49, that the decorative pop-up attachment lOj could be disposed adjacent to the outer surface 158j of the pot sleeve 136j (Figure 46), and positioned thereon and connected thereto via the bonding material 33j, or by any other means or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. In this instance as well, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj extends a distance from the decorative cover 142j once the upper sleeve portion 138j has been removed (Figure 49). Specifically, in both alternatives stated above, the decorative end 30j extends a distance from the decorative cover formed from the pot sleeve 136j (Figures 43-44 and 49).

The decorative pop-up attachment lOj may be connected to the lower portion 140j of the pot sleeve 136j (Figures 43-44 and 49). In this embodiment, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj is not attached to the upper sleeve portion 138j, or, alternatively, if connected to the upper sleeve portion 138j, is readily disconnectable from the upper sleeve portion 138j (not shown). It will be appreciated that when the upper sleeve portion 138j is disconnected from the lower portion 140j, the decorative pop-up attachment lOj will be connected to the lower portion 140j which forms the decorative cover 142j, and the decorative pop-up attachment lOj will extend a distance from the decorative cover 142j. It will also be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOj may be connected to any portion or area of the decorative cover 142j, including the skirt 150j (not shown).

It will be appreciated that the method of disposing a flower pot 40j into the pot sleeve 136j is generally substantially similar to the method described previously herein. Any of the methods shown and/or described herein, or known in the art, may be utilized to place the flower pot 40j in the pot sleeve 136j, so long as the decorative pop-up attachment lOj is left adjacent the decorative cover 142j. It will also be appreciated that the decorative pop-up attachment lOj may be disposed upon, positioned upon and connected to the pot wrapping 86j via any means or method shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. It will be understood that when the upper sleeve portion 138j is removed, the decorative pop-up attachment will connect to, or remain connected to, the decorative cover 142j.

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 50-53

As illustrated in Figures 50-53, a decorative pop-up attachment 10k, which is substantially similar to the decorative pop-up attachment 10 shown and described herein previously, may be provided to connect to a floral holding material 180. The floral holding material 180 (Figures 52-53) has an upper end 182, a lower end 184, and an outer peripheral surface 186. The floral holding material 180 has a soft inner surface, which permits the insertion of the stem portion 57k of a floral grouping 55k and/or a root portion (not shown) of a floral grouping 55k, as well as the insertion of a decorative pop-up attachment 10k. The floral holding material 180 shown in Figures 52-53 is frusto-conically shaped, although it will be appreciated that the floral holding material 180 may be any shape desired in any particular embodiment and/or application. The floral holding material 180 is constructed of a material capable of receiving at least a portion of a floral grouping 55k and holding or supporting the floral grouping 55k with or without a pot 40k.

Floral holding material, and methods of using floral holding material, are disclosed, illustrated and described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,410,856, entitled, "Decorative Assembly

For A Floral Grouping", issued to Weder et al. May 2, 1995, and U.S. Patent No. 5,402,599, entitled, "Floral Container Having A Water-Impermeable External Layer", issued to Weder et al. April 4, 1995, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

"Floral grouping" as used herein also includes, in addition to its earlier definition herein, a botanical item, and/or a propagule, and may include other secondary plants and/or natural or synthetic ornamental materials which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral grouping.

The term "botanical item" as 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 a bouquet or floral grouping.

The term "propagule" as 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 floral holding material 180 may be the type of material commonly refeπed to in the art as floral foam or Oasis™ or may be soil or artificial soil or other earth composition or any combination thereof so long as the material is capable of holding a shape and capable of receiving and supporting the floral grouping 55k, with or without a pot 40k. The floral holding material 180 may also be capable of receiving and holding water and/or an irrigant for supplying water and/or nutrients to the floral grouping 55k.

The term "irrigant" means any aqueous solution used to irrigate any part of the floral grouping 55k disposed within the floral holding material 180. The irπgant may be tap water or may further comprise water having fertilizers, salts, nutrients, hormones and/or other substances dissolved or suspended therein. In a method of use, the floral grouping 55k is disposed in the floral holding material

180 such that the majority of the root portion (not shown), if any, is disposed in and retained within the floral holding material 180, and at least a portion of the stem portion 57k of the floral grouping 55k is at least partially extended into and disposed into the soft inner material of the floral holding material 180. The flower portion 56k of the floral grouping 55k generally extends a distance above the floral holding material 180.

The decorative pop-up attachment 10k is connected to the floral holding material 180 via the second side 22k, which is the end opposite the decorative end 30k, although it will be appreciated that any portion, i.e., any side, of the decorative pop-up attachment 10k may be inserted into the floral holding material 180. The second side 22k may be formed in a blunted manner, as shown in Figure 50, or may be formed as having at least a portion of a point (not shown), to facilitate disposing the decorative pop-up attachment 10k in the floral holding material 180. A portion of the decorative pop-up attachment 10k, as described above, is pushed into the floral holding material 180 and is held within the floral holding material 180 by a frictional engagement therebetween (Figure 52). The decorative pop-up attachment 10k may also have a bonding material 33k disposed thereon, as shown in Figure 53, so that the decorative pop-up attachment 10k may be bondingly connected to the inner peripheral surface 50k of the pot 40k either before or after the addition of the floral holding material 180 to the pot 40k. Alternatively, however, the decorative pop-up attachment 10k may be frictionally held in place between the inner peripheral surface 50k of the pot 40k and the floral holding material 180 (not shown).

The Embodiments and Methods of Figures 54-56 As illustrated in Figures 54-55, a decorative pop-up attachment 10m, which is substantially similar to the decorative pop-up attachment 10 shown and described herein previously, may be provided to connect to a floral holding material 180m, which is identical to the floral holding material 180 described previously herein. In this instance, however, the decorative pop-up attachment 10m has a drawing, or a picture, of a bow 190 on the decorative end 30m which forms the design indicia 32m on the decorative pop-up attachment 10m.

The decorative pop-up attachment 10m is connected to the floral holding material 180m as described previously. As noted above, the decorative end 30m comprises design indicia

32m which comprises a photograph, or, alternatively, a drawing, of a bow 190. The decorative pop-up attachment 10m is connected to the floral holding material 180m in any manner shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. Alternatively, as described above, the decorative pop-up attachment 10m may have a bonding material 33m thereon, and may be connected to the inner peripheral surface 50m of the pot 40m via the bonding material 33m, or via a frictional engagement between the inner peripheral surface 50m of the pot 40m and the floral holding material 180m.

In another alternative, an actual bow may be attached to the decorative end 30m of the decorative pop-up attachment 10m (Figure 56). Further, the decorative pop-up attachment 10m may also have a first bow attached to one surface, such as the upper surface 14m of the decorative end 30m of the decorative pop-up attachment 10m and a second bow attached to the opposite surface, such as the lower surface 16m of the decorative end 30m of the decorative pop-up attachment 10m (not shown). The decorative end 30m may follow the outline, generally, of the contours of the first bow (Figure 56) and or the second bow (not shown). Alternatively, however, the decorative end 30m of the decorative pop-up attachment

10m may form any geometric, non-geometric and/or asymmetric shape, which may not necessarily coincide with the outer contours of a bow, or a first bow and/or a second bow (not shown).

Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the various components, elements and assemblies described herein or in the steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

C l a im s :

1. A decorative pop-up attachment for connecting to an item, comprising: a decorative pop-up attachment, including a sheet of material having an outer periphery and having a decorative end having design indicia thereon, the sheet of material sized smaller than the outer diameter of an item; wherein the decorative pop-up attachment is disposed and positioned on the item such that the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment extends a distance away from the item for displaying design indicia on the decorative end when the decorative popup attachment is connected to the item, the decorative pop-up attachment extending about only a portion of the item.

2. A decorative pop-up attachment for connecting to an item, comprising: a decorative pop-up attachment, including a sheet of material having an outer periphery and having a decorative end having design indicia thereon, the sheet of material sized smaller than the outer diameter of an item, the sheet of material formed integrally with the item; wherein the decorative pop-up attachment is positioned on the item such that the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment extends a distance away from the item for displaying design indicia on the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment, the decorative pop-up attachment extending about only a portion of a diameter of the item.

3. The decorative pop-up attachment of claims 1 or 2 wherein the decorative pop-up attachment further comprises a bonding material.

4. The decorative pop-up attachment of any one of the preceding claim wherein the item is a pot. is a pot wrapping, is a sleeve wrapping, is a sheet wrapping, is a pre-formed flower pot cover, is a floral grouping, is a pot sleeve wrapper, is a floral sleeve wrapper, or is a floral holding material.

5. The decorative pop-up attachment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sheet of material is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized film, fabric, fiber, burlap, and any combination thereof.

6. The decorative pop-up attachment of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sheet of material has a thickness in a range of about 1.0 mils to about 30 mils.

7. The decorative pop-up attachment of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the outer penphery adjacent the decorative end follows an outline of the design indicia such that the decorative end is complementary in shape to the design indicia thereon

8 A method for using a decorative pop-up attachment with an item, comp╧Çsmg the steps of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, compnsing a sheet of mate╧Çal having an outer penphery and having a decorative end having design indicia thereon, the sheet of mate╧Çal sized smaller than an outer diameter of an item, disposing the decorative pop-up attachment on the item, and positioning the decorative pop-up attachment on the item whereby the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment extends a distance away from the item for displaying design indicia on the decorative end

9 A method for using a decorative pop-up attachment with an item, compnsing the steps of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, comp╧Çsmg a sheet of mate╧Çal having an outer penphery and having a decorative end having design indicia thereon, the sheet of mate╧Çal sized smaller than an outer diameter of an item, the sheet formed integrally with an item, and positioning the decorative pop-up attachment on the item whereby the decorative end of the decorative pop-up attachment extends a distance away from the item for displaying design indicia on the decorative end

10 The method of claims 8 or 9 wheiein in the step of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, the decorative pop-up attachment further comp╧Çses a bonding mate╧Çal

11 The method of any one of claims 8 - 10 wherein in the step of disposing the decorative pop-up attachment on the item, the item is further defined as a pot, as a pot wrapping, as a sleeve wrapping, as a sheet wrapping, as a pre-formed flower pot cover, as a floral grouping, as a pot sleeve wrapper, as a floral sleeve wrapper, or as a floral holding mate╧Çal

12 The method of any one of claims 8 - 11 wherein in the step of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, the sheet of mate╧Çal is constructed from a mate╧Çal selected from the group consisting of paper, cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized film, fab╧Çc, fiber, burlap, and any combination thereof

13 The method of any one of claims 8 - 12 wherein m the step of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, the sheet of mate╧Çal has a thickness a range of about 1 0 mils to about

14. The method of any one of claims 8 - 13 wherein in the step of providing a decorative pop-up attachment, at least a portion of the outer periphery adjacent the decorative end follows an outline of the design indicia such that the decorative end is complementary in shape to the design indicia thereon.