Method of attaching a tubular sleeve to a pot

#This invention generally relates to packaging materials, and, more particularly, packaging materials used to wrap flower pots containing floral groupings and/or mediums containing floral groupings, and methods of using same.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plant package constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a sleeve having both vertical and circumferential perforations therein, the circumferential perforations dividing the sleeve into an upper portion and a lower portion.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pot having a growing medium therein, a floral grouping being disposed in the growing medium within the pot.

#FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plant package similar to FIG. 1, showing the sleeve having a bonding material connected to an inner surface of the sleeve, and a pot contained within the sleeve, the bonding material connecting the pot to the inner surface of the sleeve.

#The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 1-10

#Shown in FIG. 1 and designated therein by the general reference numeral 10 is a plant package. The plant package 10 comprises a sleeve 12 which is generally tubular in shape. The sleeve 12 has a first end 14, a second end 16, an outer periphery or outer surface 18 and an opening 22, intersecting both the first end 14 and the second end 16, forming an inner surface or inner periphery 24 providing a retaining space 27 therein. In some embodiments (shown in FIGS. 13-18, and discussed in detail below), the second end 16 is closed, forming a closed base, and the opening 22 only intersects the first end 14 of the sleeve 12. Equipment and devices for forming sleeves are commercially available, and well known in the art.

#The plant package 10 may also contain a pot 30 (FIG. 2). The pot has an upper rim 32, a lower end 34, and an outer periphery or outer surface 38. An opening 40 intersects the upper rim 32, forming an inner surface or inner periphery 42. The lower end 34 of the pot 30 is closed; therefore, a pot retaining space 45 is formed and is defined by the inner surface 42 and closed lower end 34. The term “pot” refers to any type of container used for holding a floral grouping or a potted plant. Examples of pots used in accordance with the present invention include, but not by way of limitation, clay pots, wooden pots, plastic pots, and the like. The pot 30 is adapted to receive a floral grouping 46 in the pot retaining space 45.