CA1322846C

CA1322846C - Cover forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA1322846C
Application number: CA000556281A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Donald E. Weder; Erwin H. Weder; Herbert A. Weder; Franklin J. Craig
Original assignee: Highland Supply Corp
Current assignee: Southpac Trust International Inc, New Zealand
Priority date: 1986-05-20
Filing date: 1988-01-12
Publication date: 1993-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2010-10-12

Abstract

Abstract of Disclosure A cover forming apparatus for forming a sheet of material about an object to produce a decorative cover for the object. The cover forming apparatus includes a cover former having an object opening formed through a portion thereof which is adapted to receive the object. The cover former includes portions forming resilient contactors which are adapted to resiliently engage portions of the sheet of material for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the object when the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening. The cover forming apparatus particularly is useful for forming the sheet of material about flower pots to form a decorative flower pot cover.

Description

The present invention generally relates to a cover forming apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material about an object to produce a cover for the object and, more particularly, to a cover forming apparatus and method for producing a cover for a flower pot type of object.
Summarv of the Invention The invention provides a method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like ob~ect having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer perlpheral surface, to produce a decorative cover extendlng generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said me~hod comprlsing the ~teps o~, providing a shee~ of material; and pressing portions of the ~heet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the ob~ect and adhesively connectlng the shee~ of material to the outer peripheral surface of the object with the ~heet of material extending generally about the outer perlpheral surface o~ the objeat.
The present invention in another aspect pxovides a cover forming apparatus for forming a ~heet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end and an outer peripheral surface to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, comprising5 a cover former having an object opening formed through a portion thereof adapted to receive a portion of the object, the object opening being shaped generally in ~he ~hape of the outer peripheral surface of the object, the cover former having portions forming contactors, the contactors being engagable with portions of the shee~ of material and adapted for pressing the engaged portions of the .

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~heet of ma~erial agalns~ the outer peripheral surface o~ the objact when the object and the sheet of material are passed khrough the object opening.
~rief Description of the Drawlngs Flgure 1 is a plan view of a cover former which is con~truated in accordance with the pre~ent invent.ion.

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13~28~6 Figure 2 is a slde elevational, partial sectional view of a cover forming apparatus ~hich includes the cover former of Figure 1 connecte.~ to a cover ~orming s~lpport assembly an~
showing a sheet o~ mat~rial and a f:lower pot (object) in a position for ~orming the sheet o material about the Elower pot (objec~) to pro~luce a decoLative ~lo~/er ~ot cover.
Figure 3 is a vie~ similaL to Figure 2, but showing the flower pot (object) and the sheet of material disposed in a portion o the cover forming apparatus during the use of the cover forming apparatus.
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a flower pot (object) with a decorative cover disposed thereahout formed utilizing the cover forming apparatus shown in Figures 1 2, and 3.
lS Figure 5 is a plan view of a modified cover forming apparatus.
Figure 6 is a side elevational, partial sectional view showing the modifled cover forming apparatus of Figure 5 in a position for forming a sheet of material about a flower pot (object).
Figure 7 is a plan view, partial sectional view of another modified cover forming apparatus.
Figure B is a plan view, partial sectional view of yet another modified cover forming apparatus.
Figure 9 is a plan view of a modified cover forming apparatus.

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` ~3228ll6 Figure lO is a side elevational, partially sectional view showing the modi~ie~ cover forming apparatus of Figure 9 and showing a sheet of material and a flower pot (object) in a positi~n for formin~3 the sheet o~ ~aterial about the flo~ler pot (object).
Figul-e ll is a vie~ similar to Figure ln, hut xhowing the Elower ~ot (o~)ject) ,Ind the sheet o~ material dispose~l in a portion of the cover Eormlng appclratus during the use o~ the cover ~orming apparatus~
Brief Description of the Preerred Embodiment . . . _ .
In the florist and nursery industries, it is common to cover flower pots containing potted plants with sheets of material made of foil, paper, plastic films, and the like.
Flower pot covers not only decorate the potted plant, but also serve several useful purposes. For example, covers made of waterproof materials such as plastics and foil prevent leakage from the bottom of the pot. Also, light reElective materials insulate the soil within the pot against temperature increases from overexposure to sunlight. Pot covers also serve to protect the soil and, to some extent, the foliage, from cold air drafts and sudden temperature changes. Further, pot covers may serve as padding during shipment (especially useful with fragile clay pots) and as a means for carrying the pots.
The cover forming apparatus of the present invention is useful at all levels of the florist and nursery industry. The : , . :

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apparat~s may be used by retail florists to apply the cover at the time of sale to the ultimate consumer. By maintaining an inventory of several types of cover materials, the retail ~lorist can select the choice of cover material, accordi~g to each custome~'s individ-lal choice.
The t~holesa]ers arld gro~ers also will find the present inventioll usef-ul ~o~ wra~ping potted plailts durinq storage and shipment to supermarkets, variety stores and other retail outlets.
With regard to use of the present invention by t~holesalers and growers, it should be noted that the apparatus of the present invention easily may be adapted for use for mass production with other devices in a pac.~aging line, such as conveyors, turntables, holding and ~eeding jigs and cartoning equipment.
Shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is a cover forming apparatus 10 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention.
The cover forming apparatus 10 is constructed and adapted to form a sheet of material 12 about an object 14 to produce a cover 15 (shown in Figure 4) for the object 14. A sheet of material 12 and the object 14 in the form of a flower pot are shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 and a decorative cover 15 produced utilizing the cover forming apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 4 operatively associated with the flower pot (object) 14.
In one pieferred embodiment, the cover forming apparatuS
10 provides a relatively non-complex structure which may be utilized to form the decorative cover 15 in a relatively simple, economical and efficient manner. When utilized in this manner, a ' ' `' " " ' " ' ~ ' ' ' '' ` ~
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plurality of sheets o~ material 12, or a roll of material from which sheets can be cut, may be stored a~ the point o~ use and the decorative cover 15 may be ~ormed one at a tlme upon request.
Thls eliminates the need to sto~e l~cge number~ o~ p~e-formed decorative covers IS which are more dlfEicult to st.ore and occupy more space than clo sheet:s or rolls of material. This provides an ecollol~ic advant.age as ~ell, as pre-Eorllled decoratlve covers are more expensive c~ue to labor costs.
The sheet of materlal 12 contemplated by the present invention is constructed, or is of a construction, such that the sheet of material 12 is formable about the object 14 to produce the decorative cover 15 for the ob~ect 14. Materials suitable for use with the apparatus of the present invention include foils, such as aluminum foil, plastic films, cellophanes, papers (waxed and unwaxed) and laminations of combinations of these.
In one embodiment, portions of the sheet of material 12 are brought into contacting engagement with the object 14 by the cover forming apparatus 10 and the sheet of material 12 is of a construction such that the portions of the sheet of material 12 so brought into contact with the object 14 are adhered to the object 14, thereby forming a decorative cover 15 having portions thereof adhesively connected to the object 1~.
In one other embodiment, the sheet of material 12 is formable into shapes and the sheet of material 12 substantiallY
is settable (has sufficient strength to stand upright on its own) so the sheet of material 12 substantially retains the shape so ... . . ...
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formed and, in this embodiment, portions of the sheet of material 12 may o~ may not be adhesivel~ connected to portions of the object l~ depending on the clesires of a particular user, the cover Eorming a~paratlls lO ~lulctioninq to set the s~eet: o~
material 12 in a predetermined orm About the object 1~l. It shoukl be noted that the ~or:mable and settabLe materials contemplated by tht? preserlt invelltion are described as being substantially settable since such materials can be deformed from the formed shape or, in other words, such materials are not permanently set in a particular form.
The sheet of material 12 of the type contemplated by the present invention, where portions of the sheet of material 12 are adhesively connected co the object 14 when the sheet of material 12 is formed into the decorative cover 15, preferably is selected from the group of materials consisting of plastic films, foils, papers, ce~lophanes and combinations thereof. In this instance, one side of the sheet of material 12 is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive of a type adapted to adhesively connect portions of the sheet of material 12 to the object 14 when such portions of the sheet of material 12 are brought into contact with the object 14 under sufficient pressure to effect the adhesive connection at room temperatures.
In an alternate embodiment, the adhesive may be of the type adapted to effect the adhesive connection when brought into contact with the object 14 at elevated temperatures, the cover forming apparatus 10 including means for applying heat (not .

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shown) and press~lre to the portions of the sheet of material 12 to be adhesively connecte(l to the object in this last-mentioned instance. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the ob~ect 1~ or to the shee~ o~ mat~?ri~ nd the ohject 1~.
In still other embodl~ rlts, the adhesive is applied only to jo~tions o~ the 3h~et ol material 1~ or the object 1~.
I~ shouLd be llo~e(1 that various types of adhesives may be used. Suitable adhesives include those that adhere only to similarly coated surfaces or to sur~aces coated with a substance rece~tive to acceptance o~ the bond. In one embodiment, the sheet of material 12 is coated witll a self-sticking adhesive. In this instance, the sheet of material 12 is formed into a shape-sustain-~ ing decorative cover 15 by the adherence o~ the inner surfaces of ; the folds created during use of the cover forming apparatus. A
cover formed in this manner easily could be removed from theflower pot (ob~ect) 14 without losing its shape. Although contact adhesives are particularly desirable, other types of adhesives also may be used. For example, adhesive may be applied, such as by spraying, brushing and the like, to the sheet of material 12, or to the object 14, or to both, immediately prior to use of the apparatus 10.
The sheet of material 12 of the type contemplated by the present invention, which is formable in predetermined shapes and which is substantially settable so the formed sheet of material 12 substantially retains the shape so formed ~o form the decorative cover 15, preferably is a material selected from the : ~, . ~ , , , . - , ;. : , ,: - , : I -. - :.: : :. `
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group oE materials consisting of aluminum foil, waxed paper, foil, plastic film, and combinations thereof. ~s mentioned be~ore, in one embodiment, this formable sheet of material 12 inclucles a coatin~ o~ a pressure sensitive adhesive a~plied to one side o~ the sheet o~ material 12 and, in this ins~ance, the ~ortlons o~ the sheet oE ma~erial 12 which are brouyht into con~ac~ with ~he objecl~ l by the cover forming apparatus 10 are aclhesively connec~ed to the ohject 1~. As mentioned beEore, the adhesive may be of the type adapted to effect the adhesive connection at room temperatures or at elevated temperatures whichever may be desirable in a particular application.
Various types or constructions of sheets of material 12 are suitable for forming decorative covers 15 of the type contemplat.ed hy the present invention are well known in the art and various adhesives suitable for use with such sheets of material 12 in the manner described before also are well known in the art.
The cover forming apparatus 10 includes a cover former 16 which, in one preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, is constructed of a strip of material connected end-to-end to form a continuous strip of material having a generally circular shapeO The strip of material is relatively thin having a thic~ness 17 (shown in Figure 1) and the strip of material has a relatively small width 19 (shown in Figure 2).
The cover former 16 or strip of material has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart contactors 18 formed thereon _g_ -, ::- . - . :.
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(only two of the contactors 1~ being designated in the drawings by reference nume~al). The contactors 18 are positioned, shaped and adapted to contact the sheet of material 12 and to bring the contacted portions o~ the sheet o~ material 12 into engagement ~ith the object 1~, each contactor 18 applylng a pressure to ~ress the contacted portions Oe tlle sheeL~ of material 12 into pressing engacjer~ t with wi~h o~ject 1~ during tne ~orming of the decorative cover 15.
As shown more clearl.y in Figure 1, the cover former 16 more particularly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart arc-shaped portions 20 with each arc-shaped portion 20 having an outermost end 22 (only two of the arc-shaped portions 20 and only two of the outermost ends 22 being designated by reference numerals in the drawings). The portions o each arc-shaped portion 20 generally near the outermost end 22 cooperate to form the contactors 18, the contactors 18 being the portions of the arc-shaped portions 20 which contactingly engage and press portions o~ the sheet of material 12 against the object 14 during the forming of the decorative cover 15.
A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recessed areas 24 are formed in the cover former 16 (only two of the recessed areas 24 are designated by reference numerals in the drawings). Each recessed area 24 is disposed generally between two adjacent arc-shaped portions 20 or contactors 18 and each recessed area 24 is shaped and adapted to accommodate a portion of the sheet of material 12 during the forming of the decorative , - .

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cover 15, the portions of the sheet of rnaterial 12 disposed in the recessed areas 24 being spaced a distance away from the object 1~ durin~ the forming of the deco~ative cover 15 for reasons to be made more apparent below.
The outermost ends 22 o~ the arc-shaped ~rtLons ~0 cooperate to define a ~enerally ci~cularly shapecl object opening ~6 (sho~n in Figule 1) ~ormed throuc3h a central por~ion of the cover Eormer 16. 'rhe object opening 26 is shaped and adapted to receive ~he sheet of material 12 operativel~ associated with the object 14 during the forming of the decorative cover 15, the object o~ening 26 being shown in dashed-iines in Figure 1 for the purpose of illustrating the object opening 26 and the positioning of the outer end 22 portions. The outermost end 22 portions are positioned and adapted to engage the sheet of material 12 and press the sheet of material 12 into contact and against the object 14 as the object 14 and the sheet of material 12 are passed through the object opening 26 during the forming of the decorative cover 15.
The strip of material forming the cover former 16 is constructed of a resilient material with relatively high elasticity and, particularly, the contactors 18 of the cover former 16 are resilient, the contactors 18 per se each coopera~ing to impart a resilient contacting action. Thus, the contactors 18 are constructed and adapted so the outermost end 22 portions or, more particularly, the contactors 18 resiliently ~.

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contact the sheet of material 12 and press the sheet o m~terial 12 against the object 14 during the forming of the decorative cover 15 the contactors 18 having the ability to be deormed to some extent as the object 14 is passed throu~h tile object openina 26 for accommodating an object 1~1 having a varying diameter and for resilientl.~ applying a Eorce to forcibly bring the sheet of material ].2 int:o contact ~ith t:he objecl: 1~1 and yet resil.ientl~
return substantially ~o ~he same shape aEter the object 1~ has been removed Eron~ the object opening 26.
It should be noted that the cover former 16 could be constructed of a plurality oE circumferentially spaced apart arc-shaped portions 20 connected to a cover forming support assembly 28 (shown in Figures 2 and 3), if desired in a particular application. In this embodiment, the cover former 16 is not constructed of a continuous strip of material; however, each o the recessed areas 24 still are disposed between adjacent pairs of contactors 18.
The cover forming apparatus 10 includes the cover forming support assembly 28 tshown in Figures 1 and 2). The cover forming support assembly 28 may be constructed of two spaced apart elements forming an opening 29 therebetween or the cover forming support assembly 28 may be formed of a single, unitar~ element with the opening 29 formed through a portion thereof.
The cover former 16 is disposed ia the opening 29 in the cover forming support assembly 28 with the object opening 26 in .... ~ . . ~ ................ . ~ .

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the cover former 16 being ali~ned ~ith the opening 29 in the cover forming support assembly ~, the opening 29 being shaped and adapted to accommodate the sheet of material 12 operatively associated with the ohject l4 durin~ tlle forming o~ the decorative cover lS. The cover Eormin~ support assembly 28 inclu~es a support surface 31 clnd the cover Eormer 16 is disposed generally adjacent the support sur~ace 31. The cover Eorming SUppoLt assembly 28 supports the cover ~ormer 16 in a position wherein the object opening 26 is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane.
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the object 14 more particularly is a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface 30, an upper end 32 and a lower end 34, a rim 36 portion being formed at the upper end 32 portion. The diameter of the flower pot object 14 is larger at the upper end 32 portion generally below the rim 36, as compared to the smaller diameter of the flower pot object 14 generally at the lower end 34, thereby forming a generally frusto-conically shaped object 14. The central portion of the flower pot object 14 is opened for accommodating soil and a portion of a plant in a well known manner.
In one preferred form the sheet of material 12 generally has a square shape. J~owever, it is to be understood that various -shapes of sheets of material may be employedO For example, attractive covers may be formed using round and scalloped shaped ' . : ':, :' . '; ' : ' ' , : ' ;

~3228~L~

sheets. Further, the shape of the outer borders of the sheet of material 12 may be altere(~ be~ore or after the cover is Eormed.
The sheet o~ materlal 12 initially is disposed generally over the object opening ~6 wi~h the ob~ect open1ng 26 being positioned generally under a cen~ral portion o the sheet of ma~erial :1.2, the sheet o~ màterial 12 b~ing supporte;l in this pOSitiOIl gcllerall~ Oll the suoport surface 31 of the cover Eorming support asselnbly 23 with the cover former 16 also cooperating to support the sheet of material 12. With the sheet of material 12 in this position (shown in Figure 2), the flower pot object 14 is positioned generall~v above the sheet of material 12 and generally over the object opening 26 in the cover former 16, the lower end 34 of the flower pot object 15 being disposed generally near and above the sheet of material 12.
The flower pot object 14 manually is moved in a downward direction 38 to a position wherein the lower end 34 of the flower pot object 14 engages the sheet of material 12 and then the flower pot object 14 further is moved in the downward direction 38 through the object opening 26, the flower pot object 14 pushing the sheet of material 12 through the object opening 26 as the flower pot object 14 is moved in the downward direction 38 through the object opening 26 (the flower pot object 14 with the sheet of material 12 being shown in Figure 3 particularly disposed through the object opening 26 in the cover former 16).
As the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 are moved in the downward direction 38 through ~he object opening 26, .. . -:
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the outermost ends 22 of the arc-shapecl portions 20 (the contactors 18) contact the sheet o~ material 12 and press the sheet of material 12 against the outer peripheral surface 30 while simultaneousl~ portlons of the sheet of material 12 are disposed wit)lin and passed tllrough the recessed areas 24, the portions o~ the sheet o~ material 12 dispose~ within the recessed areas 24 being sp~ce~ a distance frorn the outer peripheral surface 30 o ~he ~lower pot object 12 so that these portions of the sheet of material 12 are not brought into contacting engagement with the outer peripheral surface 30 o the flower pot object 12 as the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 are passed in the downward direction 38 through the object opening 26 during the forming of the decorative cover 15. The sheet of material 12 along with the flower pot object 14 are passed in the do~nward direction 38 through the object opening 26 in the cover for~er 16 until the rim 36, or the upper end 32 of the object is at about the same level as the upper end of the cover former 16. In objects having rims, the rim 36 may serve to limit the movement of the flower pot object 14 in the downward direction 38 through the object opening 26. In those instances where the flower pot object 14 either does not include a rim 36, .
or where the rim does not limit the downward movement of the flower pot object 14, the object 14 is moved in the downward direction 38 until the upper end 32 of the flower pot object 14 is disposed generally near the cover former 1~6.

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Ne~t the flower pot object 14 with the forined sheet o~
material 12 is re!~oved from the cover ~or~er 16. The flower rot object 1~l with the ~ormed sheet o~ material 12 may be removed manually by withdrawing the covered object by moVin~J it in an 5 ~pwarc] dlrection lO bac~ out through the upper end of the object openlng 26 in the cover ~ormer :16. ~lternatively, the covered object may be pus!led completely throug~l the object opening 26 ancl removed Erorn tlle bottom o the cover former 16.
With respect to the sheet of material 12 which is adapted to be adhesively connected to the flower pot object 14, the contactors 18 press portions of the sheet of material 12 into contact with the flower pot object 14 as the flower pot object 14 and the sheet o~ material 12 are passed through the object opening 26, thereby causing those portions of the sheet of material 12 to ~e adhesively connected to the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14, while the portions of the sheet of material 12 which are disposed in the recessed areas 24 as the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 are spaced a distance from the outer peripheral surface 30 o the flower pot object 14 and thus not adhesively connected to the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14. As shown in Figure 4, the decorative cover 15, which is formed in this mannert includes portions 42 of the sheet of material 12 which are adhesively connected to the flower pot object 14 and such adhered portions 42 extend axially up the outer peripheral surface 30 and generally between the upper and the lower ends 32 :

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material 12 which were disposed wi~hin the recessed areas 24 as the sheet o material 12 and the 10wer pot object 1~ were ~asse~l througll the object o~ening 2~ in the cover ~ormer ].6, e~tend outwardly from the outer peripheral sllrace 30 o~ the Elower pot object 1~ and e~tel~(l ln an a~ial direcl:ioll generall~ between the upper and the lo~ler ends of the flower pot object 14 forming decorative arcs of mater.ial 44, such arcs of material 44 ln extending upwardly and outwardly from the upper end 32 of the -flower pot object 14. The adhered portions 42 and the arcs of material 44 each are shaped circumferentially about the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14 with an adhered portion 42 being disposed generally between adjacent pairs of arcs of material 44. In the embodiment of the decorative cover 15 shown in Figure 4, the sheet of material 12 is sized large enough so the decorative aover 15 includes portions extending generally upwardly and outwardly from the upper end 32 of the -flower pot object 14 and circumferentially about the flower pot object 15, such portions presenting a somewhat irregular pattern since the original shape of the sheet of material 12 is square.
With respect to the sheet of material 12 which is adapted to be formed and substantially settable in the formed . shape, the decorative cover l5 formed utilizing the cover forming apparatus 10 also will appear:in the form shown in Figure 4, except the adhered portions 42 are not adhesively connected to ~: . . : , -. . : -, - , . . : ., ..

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th~ outer peripheral surface 30 o~ the 1Ower pot object 14, such portions ~2 being merely disposed generally adjacent the outer peripheral surface 30 of the ~lower pot object 14 when the decorative cover 15 is disposed about tne flower pot object 14.
Even wLth res~ect ~o the sh~et of material 12 which is formable and substantially settable, the portions ~2 will be adhesivel~
connected to the outer periphe~al surf.ace 30 of the flower pot o~)ject 14 when olle side o~ such sheet of ~aterial 12 is coated with a contact adhesive in the manner described before, which may be desirable in some applications.
As the flower pot object 14 with the sheet of material 12 are passed downwardly through the object opening 26 in the cover former 16, the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14 presses against the outermost ends 22 of the arc-shaped portions 20, thereby tending to deform or flatten such arc-shaped portions 20, alt~ough not actually flattening such arc-shaped portions 20. As the larger diameter portions of the flower pot object 14 pass through the object opening 26 in the cover former 16 such flattening of the arc-shaped portions ~
20 increases, thereby tending to further de~orm such arc-shaped -portions. As mentioned before, the contactors 18 (the portions of the arc-shaped portions 20 which contactingly engage the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14) are resilient, so the arc-shaped portions 20 return to their original shape when the flower pot object 14 is removed from the object opening 26 in the cover former.

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~2~6 It should be noted that the edges of the contactors 1~
preferably are s~ooth so that the contactors 18 will not tear the sheet of material 12 as the sheet o~ material 12 along with the object 14 are p~ssed through tne object opening 26 in the cover former 16. In one form, the strip of material comprisinq the cover Eormer lG, mcly be coated ~1tll a ma~erial for decreasing the resistance betweell tlle contac:tors 18 and the sheet of material 12 to prevent the tearing of the sheet Oe material 12 during the forming o the decorative cover 15. -10Embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 Shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a modified cover former 16a which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart modified contactors 18a.
Each o~ the contactors 18a, more particularly, comprises a roller 50 which is journally connected to a roller support assembly 52. Each roller support assembly 52 is constructed and . adapted to rotatingly support one o the rollers 50 so.that each ; roller rollingly engages the sheet of material 12 and presses the sheet of material 12 against the object 14 during the forming o~
the decorative cover 15. Each roller support assembly 52 journally or rotatingly supports the roller 50 connected thereto and each roller support assembly 52 has one portion connected to the cover forming support assembly 28, each roller support assembly 52 supporting the roller 50 connected there~o so that an outermost end 56 of each of the rollers 50 forms the object ~ opening 26a through the cover former 16a with the spaces between :' :

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~ 322~6 each of the circumEerentially spaced rollers 50 formlng recessed areas similar to the recessed areas 24 described in detail before in connection with the cover former 16 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
In one form, as sho~n in Figures 5 and 6, each roller su~?port assembl~ 52 more partic-l.l.arl.~ inclucles a pair o~ spaced apart arms 58 an~l 6~ ith one o~ the rollers 50 being rotatingly or journally connected to one end Oe each of the arms 58 and 60, the roller 50 being rotatingly sup2orte~ generally between the arms 58 and 60. The end of the arm 58r opposite the end connected to the roller 50 is telescopingly connected to a tube portion 62 and a spring 64 is disposed within the tube 62, the spring 64 engaging one end oE the arm 58 and one end of the tube portion 62 for biasing the arm 58 in a direction genèrally toward the object opening 26a. The end of the arm 60, opposite the end connected to the roller 50 is telescopingly connected to a tube 66 and a spring 68 is disposed within the tube.portion 66r the spring 68 engaging one end of the arm 60 and one end of the tube portion 66 for biasing the arm 60 in a direction generally toward the object opening 26a. Thus, the springs 64 and 68 cooperate to bias the roller toward the object opening 26a while permitting the roller 50 to be moved in a direction generally away from the object opening 26a toward the cover ~orming support assembly 28 during the forming of the decorative cover 15. Each of the tubes 62 and 66 cooperate with the respective arms s8:and 60 to limit the movement of the arms 58 and 60 in ~he direction toward the . .

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object opening 26a or, in other words, to retain the arms 5~ and 60 gener~lly disposed within the respective tubes 62 and 66.
During the forming oE the decorative cover 15 utilizing the cover former 16a, the sheet o~ material 12 is placed on the upper support sur~ace 31 o the cover forming support assembly 28 in a mallner like that describecl beEore with respect to the cover Eormer 16 an(l the flower pot object 1~ then is placed generally over the object opening 26a with the lower end 34 of the flower pot object 1~ being disposed generally above the object opening 26a ancl generally above the sheet of materlal 12. In this position, the flower pot object 14 is moved in the downward direction 38 to a position wherein the lower end 34 of the flower pot object 14 engages the portion of the sheet of material 12 disposed generally over the object opening 26a and then the 10wer pot object 14 manually is further moved in the downward direction 38 thereby moving the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 through the object opening 26a in a manner like that described before with respect to the cover former 16, the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 being shown in Figure 6 partially disposed within the object opening 26a. As the object 14 along with the sheet of material 12 is moved through the object opening 26a, each of the rollers 50 contactingly engages the sheet of material 12 and presses the sheet of material 12 into engagement with the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14. The flower pot object 14 along with the sheet of material 12 is moved through the object . .
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opening 26a to a position wherein the rim 36 of the flower pot object 1~ is disposed generally adjacent t~le cover former 16a and, in this position, the rollers have operated to press the sheet of material 12 against the out*r peripheral surEace 30 of the Elower pot olbject 1L~ gerlerally ~rom the lo~ler end 34 to a posltion ~ener~lly near the upper ~nd 32 ~rom below the rim 36 of the ~lower po~ object 1~l in a manner like tha~ descrihe~3 before with respect to ~he con~actors 18 and the cover former 16. Then, the ~lower pot object 14 along with the ormed decorative cover 15 is moved in the upward direction 14 to remove the flower pot object 14 and the decorative cover 15 rom the object opening 26a of the cover former 16a.
The cover former 16a will function to adhesively connect portions of the sheet of material 12 to the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14, or to form the decorative cover 15 without an adhesive connection between portions of the sheet of material 12 in the upper peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14, in the manner described before with respect to the cover former 16 and the various types of sheets of material 12 with or without an adhesive.
Embodiment of Figure 7 Shown in Figure 7 is a cover former 16b which is constructed and will operate similar to the cover formers 16 and 16a described in detail before. The cover former 16b includes a circularly shaped base 70 which is constructed o~ a relatively rigid material such as a metal or plastic material, for example, : ~ ~

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and which, if desired in a particular application, ma~ also be resilient in a manner like that described be~ore with respect to the strip o~ mater;al forming th~ cover former 16 shown in Figures 1, 2 al)d 3. ~'~ resilient material 7? i.S secured about the base 70 and ~he resilierlt mat~rial 72 e~tends circum~erentially about tlle base 70. ~he resilient material 72 has a thickness 74.
The re~siliellt material may be a sponge-like material, for e~ample, which is relatlvely easily compressed upon engagement.
The thickness 74 of the resilient material 72 is sufficient to accommodate objects of varrying diameters such as the varrying diameter of the flower pot ohject 14. The resilient material has an inner peripheral outermost end 78 which extends circumferen-tially about the cover former 16 and forms the object opening 26b.
During the operation! the sheet of material 12 is placed above the object opening 26b and the flower pot object 14 is placed above the sheet of material. Then the flower pot object is pushed in the downward direction pushing the sheet of material 12 along with the flower pot object 14 through the object opening 26b in the cover former 16b.
As the sheet of material 12 and the flower pot object 14 are pushed through the object opening 26a, the inner peripheral outermost end 78 of the resilient material 72 contactingly engages the ~hee~ of material 12 and presses the sheet of material 12 against the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14 to form the sheet of material 12 about the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flo~er pot object 14 to form a modified decorative cover (not shown).

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Where the sheet of material 12 has been fully coated with adhesive, the modified decorative cover formed by the cot~er former 16b ~ill be like the decorative cover 15, e~cept the modified decorative cover will not include arcs o~ material and recessed areas like those described before Wit}l resL~ect to the decorative cover l5 since che cover ~ormer 16b does not include arc-s~aped por~ions an-l recess area~s like tlle arc-shaped portions and the recess are~s 21 of the cover former 16. On the other hand, a cover havinc3 such arc-shaped portions and recessed areas may be formed using this embodiment o the present invention by only partially coating the sheet of material 12 with adhesive.
The entire inner peripheral outermost end surface 76 which extends circumferentially about the cover former 16b forms the contactors 18b which, in this instance, constitute a continuous circularly shaped contacting surface.
The cover former 16b may be utilized to adhesively connect a portion of the sheet of material 12 to the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14 or the cover former 16b may be utili~ed to form the sheet of material 12 about the outer peripheral surface 30 of the flower pot object 14 in a manner like that described before with respect to the cover formers 16 and 16a.
Embodiment of Figure 8 Shown in Figure 8 is another modified cover ormer 16c.
The modified cover former 16c includes a base 80 which is shaped exactly like the strip of material forming the cover former 16 . . , . -:
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(sho~n in Figures l, 2 and 3). A resilient material 82 is disposed about and extends circumferentially about the base 80, the resilient material 82 having a thickness 8~.
The cover ~ormer 16c will operate to form a decorative cover ~hich substantially is the same as the decorative cover 15.
Durillg the formillg oE the decorative cover 15 utilizing the cover ~ormer 16c, th~a por~ions of the resilient material 82 on the base 80 forming the contactors 18c will engage and press portions of the sheet of material 12 against the outer peripheral surEace 30 of the flower pot object 14 in a manner exactly like that descrihed before with respect to the contactors 18 on the cover former 16 (shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3), except as the contactor 18c portions of the resilient material 82 engage the sheet of material and the flower pot object 1~, the contactor 18c portions of the resilient material 82 will compress in a manner like that described before with respect to the resilient material 72 on the base 70 ~shown in Figure 7). Thus, the base 80 does not have to be constructed of a resilient material in a manner like that described before with respect to the cover former 16.
Emhodiment of Figures 9, 10 ànd 11 Shown in Figures 9j 10 and 11 is a modified cover former I6d which includes a plurality o~ circumferentially spaced apart modified contac~ors 18d. More particularly, each of the contactors 18d comprises a bar 90 rotatably connected to a bar support assembly 92. ~ach bar support assembly 92 is constructed and adapted to rotatingly support one of the bars 90 so that each ,, : : ~
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bar slidingly enqages the sheet of material 12 and presses the sheet of material 12 a~ainst the object 14 during the forming of the decorative cover 15.
Eacll bar support assembly 92 rotatingly supports the bar 90 connected the~eto and has one portion connected to the cover ~orming support asselllbly 2n. The bar support assemblies 92 are connected to the cover Eormlllg support assembly 28 so that the outerrnost ends 9~ oE the bars 90 ~orm the object opening 26d through the cover former 16d. Accordingly, the spaces between the bars 90 form recessed areas ~similar to the recessed areas 24 described above in connection with the cover former 16 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
As shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, each bar support assembly 92 comprises a pair of spaced apart arms 96 and 98 supporting a spindle 100 therebetween on which the bar 90 is rotatably mounted. Thus, when pressure in a downward direction 102 is applied to the outermost end 94 of the bar 90, the bar rotates, or pivots, in a direction such that the longitudinal axis of the bar 90 approaches perpendicularity with the longitudinal axis of the arms 96 and 98.
During the forming of the decorative cover lS utilizing the cover former 16d, the sheet of material 12 is placed on the upper support surface 31 of the cover forming support assembly 28, as described above in connection with the cover former 16.
The object 14 next is placed over the object opening 26d, also as desc~ibed above. When the object 14 is moved in a downward :: ' ,, '~ ' ' ~ '-228~
direction 102, each of the rotating bars 90 slidably engages the sheet o material 12 and presses the sheet of material 12 against the outer peripheral surface 30 of the object l~. In other respects, the embodiment oE Fi~ures 9, lO and ll functions S similarly to the other embodiments of the present invention, described in de~a.il above.
Changes may be made in the various parts, elements alld assemblies described herein without departing from the spirit and scope oE the invention as deEined in the following claims.

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Claims

1. A cover forming apparatus for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end and an outer peripheral surface to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, comprising:
a cover former having an object opening formed through a portion thereof adapted to receive a portion of the object, the object opening being shaped generally in the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the object, the cover former having portions forming contactors, the contactors being engagable with portions of the sheet of material and adapted for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object when the object and the sheet of material are passed through the object opening.

2. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the contactors are defined further as at least two spaced apart contactors, a recessed area being disposed generally between each pair of adjacent contactors, each recessed area providing a space between adjacent contactors in a direction generally away from the object when the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening, each space being adapted to accommodate some of the sheet of material as the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening for spacing such material a distance from the object while the contactors engage portions of the sheet of material and press such engaged portions generally against the outer peripheral surface of the object, thereby forming elongated arced portions of material in the cover with each arced portion of material in the cover formed by the contactors, each arced portion of material extending a distance in an axial direction along the cover generally in the direction the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening.

3. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the contactors are defined further as being positioned to form a generally circularly shaped object opening, the contactors and the recessed areas each being spaced generally circumferentially about the object opening.

4. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 3, wherein the cover former is defined further as being constructed of a strip of material having a plurality of generally arc-shaped portions formed therein, the innermost surface of each arc-shaped portion being engagable with a portion of the sheet of material and thereby forming one of the contactors, the arc-shaped portions being deformed as the sheet of material and the object are passed through object opening and substantially returnable to the original non-deformed shape when the sheet of material and the object are removed from the object opening.

5. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 4, wherein the strip of material forming the cover former is shaped in a generally circular shape.

6. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the cover former is defined further to include a plurality of recessed areas.

7. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 6, wherein the object is defined further as having a generally circularly shaped outer peripheral surface.

8. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is defined further as being adapted to adhesively adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the object when the sheet of material is brought into contacting engagement with the object by the contactors.

9. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is defined further as being formable into shapes and as being settable so the sheet of material substantially retains the shape formed by the cover former as the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening.

10. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the sheet of material is defined further as including an adhesive material at least on the side of the sheet of material to be engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the object so that portions of the sheet of material are brought into contacting engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the object as the sheet of material and the object are passed through the object opening.

11. The cover forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further including a cover forming support assembly connected to at least portions of the cover former for supporting the cover former in a generally stationary position.

12. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 11, wherein the cover forming support assembly is defined further as supporting the cover former in a position wherein the object opening is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane.

13. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 11, wherein the cover forming support assembly includes a support surface and an opening extending through the support surface, the cover former being supported generally within the opening in the cover forming assembly with the object opening in the cover former being substantially aligned with the opening in the cover forming support assembly.

14. The cover forming apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the object is a flower pot,

15. The cover forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the contactors comprise rollers for rollingly engaging the sheet of material; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a roller support assembly for rotatingly supporting each roller so each roller rollingly engages the sheet of material as the sheet of material and object are passed through the object opening; and wherein the cover forming apparatus further includes a cover forming support assembly connected to each roller support assembly for supporting the roller support assemblies and the rollers connected thereto, the rollers being spaced about and forming the object opening.

16. The cover forming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the contactors comprise bars capable of slidably engaging the sheet of material as the object and the sheet of material are passed through the object opening, and wherein the apparatus further comprises: a bar support connected to each bar and adapted to rotatingly support the bar; and a cover forming support assembly connected to each of the bar support assemblies and adapted for supporting the bar support assemblies and the bars connected thereto.

17. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a decorative cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material having adhesive on one side thereof; and pressing portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object with the adhesive side of the sheet facing the outer surface of the object for adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the object, the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object.

18. The method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said pressing step comprises:
pressing selected portions of the sheet of material against substantially vertical segments of the outer peripheral surface of the object, such that the selected portions of the sheet are adhesively adhered to the object and alternate with adjacent portions of the sheet which are spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the object.

19. The method as claimed in Claim 18, wherein said pressing step comprises:
forming arced portions of material in the sheet with each arced portion of material in the sheet being spaced between the portions of the sheet adhesively adhered to the object, each arced portion of material extending a distance in an axial direction of the object.

20. The method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said providing step comprises:
providing a the sheet of material selected to be of the type which substantially retains its shape after being deformed.

21. The method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material comprising a plastic film.

22. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a decorative cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and pressing portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object and adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the outer peripheral surface of the object with the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object.

23. The method as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said pressing step comprises:
pressing selected portions of the sheet of material against substantially vertical segments of the outer peripheral surface of the object, such that the selected portions of the sheet are adhesively adhered to the object and alternate with adjacent portions of the sheet which are spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the object.

24. The method as claimed in Claim 23, wherein said pressing step comprises:
forming arced portions of material in the sheet with each arced portion of material in the sheet being spaced between the portions of the sheet adhesively adhered to the object, each arced portion of material extending a distance in an axial direction of the object.

25. The method as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material selected to be of the type which substantially retains its shape after being deformed.

26. The method as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material comprising a plastic film.

27. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the object and adheringly connecting the sheet of material to the outer peripheral surface of the object with the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object.

28. The method as claimed in Claim 27, wherein said forming step comprises:
pressing selected portions of the sheet of material against substantially vertical segments of the outer peripheral surface of the object, such that the selected portions of the sheet are 33a bondingly adhered to the object and alternate with adjacent portions of the sheet which are spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the object.

29. The method as claimed in Claim 28, wherein said forming step comprises:
forming elongated arced portions of material in the sheet with each arced portion of material in the sheet being spaced between the portions of the sheet bondingly adhered to the object, each arced portion of material extending a distance in an axial direction of the object.

30. The method as claimed in Claim 27, wherein said providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material selected to be of the type which substantially retains its shape after being deformed.

31. The method as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material comprising a plastic film.

32. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a decorative cover extending generally about the other peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material having adhesive on one side thereof; and pressing portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the pot with the adhesive side of the sheet facing the outer surface of the pot for adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the pot, the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said pressing step comprising:
providing a cover-forming device having an object opening therein for receiving a portion of the object, the cover-forming device having portions engageable with portions of the sheet of material and adapted for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object when the object with the sheet of material disposed adjacent the object are passed through the object opening;
disposing the sheet of material generally over the object opening in the cover-forming device;
positioning the object generally above the portion of the sheet of material disposed generally over the object opening;
moving the object to a position engaging the sheet of material and then continuing to move the object through the object opening, the object generally engaging the sheet of material and moving the engaged portion of the sheet of material through the object opening along with the object as the object is moved through the object opening, thereby forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the object for adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the object.

33. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and pressing portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object and adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the outer peripheral surface of the object with the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said pressing step comprising:
providing a cover-forming device having an object opening therein for receiving a portion of the object, the cover-forming device having portions engageable with portions of the sheet of material and adapted for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object when the object with the sheet of material disposed adjacent the object are passed through the object opening;
disposing the sheet of material generally over the object opening in the cover-forming device;
positioning the pot generally above the portion of the sheet of material disposed generally over the object opening;
moving the object to a position engaging the sheet of material and then continuing to move the object through the object opening, the object generally engaging the sheet of material and moving the engaged portion of the sheet of material and at least a portion of the remaining portion of the sheet of material through the object opening along with the object as the object is moved through the object opening, thereby forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the object for adhesively connecting the sheet of material to the object.

34. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the object and bondingly connecting the sheet of material to the outer peripheral surface of the object with the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said forming step comprising:
providing a cover-forming device having an object opening therein for receiving a portion of the object, the cover-forming device having portions engageable with portions of the sheet of material and adapted for pressing the engaged portions of the sheet of material against the outer peripheral surface of the object when the object with the sheet of material disposed adjacent the object are passed through the object opening;

disposing the sheet of material generally over the object opening in the cover-forming device;
positioning the object generally above the portion of the sheet of material disposed generally over the object opening;
moving the object to a position engaging the sheet of material and then continuing to move the object through the object opening, the object generally engaging the sheet of material and moving the engaged portion of the sheet of material and at least a portion of the remaining portion of the sheet of material through the object opening along with the object as the object is moved through the object opening, thereby forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the object for bondingly connecting the sheet of material to the object.

35. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot-like object having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and pressing portions of the sheet of material and adheringly connecting the adjacent portions of the sheet of material whereby the sheet of material is formed in a shape extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the object.

36. A method for forming a sheet of material about a pot form having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral

37 surface, to produce a cover extending generally about the outer peripheral surface of the pot form, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material; and forming the sheet of material about the outer peripheral surface of the pot form and adheringly connecting the sheet of material to the outer peripheral surface of the pot form with the sheet of material extending generally about the outer peripheral 37a surface of the pot form.

37. The method as claimed in Claim 36, wherein said forming step comprises:
pressing selected portions of the sheet of material against substantially vertical segments of the outer peripheral surface of the pot form, such that the selected portions of the sheet are bondingly adhered to the pot form and alternate with adjacent portions of the sheet which are spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the pot form.

38. The method as claimed in Claim 37, wherein said forming step comprises:
forming elongated arced portions of material in the sheet with each arced portion of material in the sheet being spaced between the portions of the sheet bondingly adhered to the pot form, each arced portion of material extending a distance in an axial direction of the pot form.

39. The method as claimed in Claim 36, wherein said providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material selected to be of the type which substantially retains its shape after being deformed.

40. The method as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the providing step comprises:
providing the sheet of material comprising a plastic film.