초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention

An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for fastening a cover about a flower pot having an open upper end, a lower end and an outer peripheral surface such that the open upper end of the flower pot remains substantially uncovered by the cover, comprising:providing a platform having a support surface fo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for fastening a cover about a flower pot having an open upper end, a lower end and an outer peripheral surface such that the open upper end of the flower pot remains substantially uncovered by the cover, comprising:providing a platform having a support surface formed thereon and an opening extending through the support surface, the opening sized such that the flower pot can be disposed through the opening;placing a sheet of material in a cover forming position on the support surface of the platform such that a portion of the sheet of material is disposed over the opening;moving the flower pot via the lower end thereof into engagement with the sheet of material and continuing movement of the flower pot and sheet of material through the opening in the platform whereby the sheet of material is pressed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to form a cover about the flower pot while the open upper end of the flower pot remains substantially uncovered by the cover;automatically applying a fastener about a portion of the cover extending above the open upper end of the flower pot for fastening the cover about the flower pot such that a substantial portion of the open upper end of the flower pot remains uncovered; andremoving the covered flower pot from the opening in the platform.