Method of forming a cover

#The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using a sheet of material to wrap a pot or potted plant, particularly a frusto-conically shaped pot wherein the sheet is delivered to the pot in a vertical or semi-vertical orientation.

#FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 2B is a top plan view of an enlargement of an unrolled portion of the roll of material after the cutting step.

#The present invention contemplates a method of wrapping a sheet of material about a pot having an outer peripheral surface and a bottom surface, the pot typically having a plant disposed therein. The sheet preferably has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a lower edge and an upper edge. The method includes the steps of (1) disposing the pot upon a rotatable support surface, i.e., turntable (2) automatically advancing the leading edge of the sheet of material toward the pot until a portion of the sheet of material is engaged in a vertical or semi-vertical wrapping position near the pot, and (3) rotating the rotatable support surface and the pot thereon through at least about one rotation drawing the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the pot until the leading edge of the sheet engages a bonding material on another portion of the sheet of material thereby connecting the leading edge to the other portion of the sheet wherein the sheet of material circumferentially encompasses at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.

#The step of automatically advancing the sheet of material may further comprise providing a roll of material and severing a portion of the roll of material to form the sheet of material. In the step of automatically advancing the sheet, the sheet may further comprise a pot bonding material thereon which engages the pot and bondingly connects a portion of the sheet to the pot. The step of rotating the rotatable surface may be preceded by applying the bonding material to a portion of the sheet of material.

#In the advancing step, the sheet of material may be engaged by an engaging assembly for holding the portion of the sheet of material in a position adjacent the pot. The engaging assembly may further comprise a clamping device for clamping a portion of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the pot or against the turntable. Alternatively, the engaging assembly may further comprise a device in the turntable for exerting a suction force upon a portion of the sheet.