U.S. patent application number 11/257698 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-06 for method for applying a band about a sheet of material and a floral grouping.
Invention is credited to Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Donald E. Weder.
Application Number | 20060070350 11/257698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29741259 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060070350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder; Donald E. ; et
al. |
April 6, 2006 |
Method for applying a band about a sheet of material and a floral
grouping
Abstract
A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material
disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The
band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a
band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The
sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of
the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout
is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot
frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band
is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of
material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material
positioned about the pot.
Inventors: |
Weder; Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) ; Straeter; Joseph G.; (Highland, IL) ;
Straeter; William F.; (Breese, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
29741259 |
Appl. No.: |
11/257698 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11040369 |
Jan 21, 2005 |
6986235 |
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11257698 |
Oct 25, 2005 |
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10680926 |
Oct 8, 2003 |
6860085 |
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11040369 |
Jan 21, 2005 |
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09012907 |
Jan 23, 1998 |
6668521 |
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10680926 |
Oct 8, 2003 |
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08645369 |
May 13, 1996 |
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09012907 |
Jan 23, 1998 |
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|
08468492 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
5632131 |
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|
08645369 |
May 13, 1996 |
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|
08202313 |
Feb 25, 1994 |
5465553 |
|
|
08468492 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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07934832 |
Aug 24, 1992 |
5426914 |
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08202313 |
Feb 25, 1994 |
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07819311 |
Jan 9, 1992 |
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07934832 |
Aug 24, 1992 |
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07765416 |
Sep 26, 1991 |
5105599 |
|
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07819311 |
Jan 9, 1992 |
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07530491 |
May 29, 1990 |
|
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07765416 |
Sep 26, 1991 |
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07315169 |
Feb 24, 1989 |
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07530491 |
May 29, 1990 |
|
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|
07832096 |
Feb 6, 1992 |
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07934832 |
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07765416 |
Sep 26, 1991 |
5105599 |
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07832096 |
Feb 6, 1992 |
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|
07530491 |
May 29, 1990 |
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07765416 |
Sep 26, 1991 |
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07315169 |
Feb 24, 1989 |
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07530491 |
May 29, 1990 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/399 ;
53/585 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 11/08 20130101;
B65D 63/109 20130101; G11B 7/244 20130101; G11B 7/257 20130101;
A01G 5/04 20130101; A47G 7/085 20130101; B65B 25/02 20130101; B65B
67/08 20130101; B65B 51/08 20130101; B65D 85/505 20130101; B65B
25/026 20130101; B65D 85/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/399 ;
053/585 |
International
Class: |
B65B 13/02 20060101
B65B013/02 |
Claims
1. A method for placing a band about a decorative cover extending
about at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of a flower
pot, the method comprising the steps of: providing a flower pot
having an outer peripheral surface and an open upper end; providing
a sheet of material; forming the sheet of material about at least a
portion of the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to form a
decorative cover extending about at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the flower pot; providing a frame having an
opening adapted to receive the flower pot having the decorative
cover extending about at least a portion of the outer peripheral
surface thereof; moving the flower pot having the decorative cover
extending about at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface
of the flower pot into the opening in the frame; and positioning a
band about the decorative cover. While the flower pot having the
decorative cover extending about at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the flower pot is supported in the opening in
the frame.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the flower pot having the
decorative cover extending about at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the flower pot is automatically moved into
the opening in the frame.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the band is automatically
positioned about the decorative cover.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the band is positioned about the
decorative cover at a position above the open upper end of the
flower pot.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the band is positioned about the
decorative cover at a position below the open upper end of the
flower pot.
6. A method for placing a band about a decorative cover formed
about a pot, the method comprising the steps of: forming a
decorative cover from a sheet of material such that the decorative
cover extends about at least a portion of an outer peripheral
surface of the pot; providing a band holder having an opening
therein; moving the pot having the decorative cover extending about
at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot into
the opening in the band holder such that the pot having the
decorative cover extending about at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface thereof is in a banding position; and
positioning the band about the decorative cover for securing the
decorative cover about the pot.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the pot having the decorative
cover formed about at least a portion of the outer peripheral
surface of the pot is automatically moved to the banding
position.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the band is positioned about a
portion of the decorative cover disposed about the outer peripheral
surface of the pot.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the pot is provided with an upper
end and wherein the band is positioned about a portion of the
decorative cover extending above the upper end of the pot.
10. The method of claim 6 wherein the band is automatically
positioned about the decorative cover.
11. The method of claim 6 wherein the decorative cover is formed of
a polymeric film having a thickness from about 0.1 mil to about 30
mil.
Description
RELATED REFERENCES
[0001] This application is a continuation of application U.S. Ser.
No. 11/040,369, filed Jan. 21, 2005; which is a continuation of
application U.S. Ser. No. 10/680,926, filed Oct. 8, 2003, which is
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,085, issued on Mar. 1, 2005; which is a
continuation of application U.S. Ser. No. 09/012,907, filed Jan.
23, 1998, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,521, issued on ; which
is a continuation of application U.S. Ser. No. 08/645,369, filed
May 13, 1996, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.
No. 08/468,492, filed Jun. 6, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,131,
issued May 27, 1997; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
08/202,313, filed Feb. 25, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,553,
issued Nov. 14, 1995; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
07/934,832, filed Aug. 24, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,914,
issued Jun. 27,1995; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.
No. 07/819,311, filed Jan. 9, 1992, now abandoned; which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 07/765,416, filed Sep. 26, 1991, now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,599, issued Apr. 21, 1992; which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 07/530,491, filed May 29, 1990,now
abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 07/315,169,
filed Feb. 24, 1989, now abandoned.
[0002] Said application Ser. No. 07/934,832 is also a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 07/832,096, filed Feb. 6,
1992, now abandoned; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.
No. 07/765,416, filed Sep. 26, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,599,
issued Apr. 21, 1992; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
07/530,491, filed May 29, 1990, now abandoned; which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 07/315,169, filed Feb. 24, 1989, now
abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to decorative covers
for pots and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a
band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material for
cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot
to provide a decorative cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a band applicator
constructed in accordance with the present invention showing a
sheet of material disposed on a top support surface and a flower
pot disposed above the sheet of material.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the band applicator showing
the flower pot and the sheet of material disposed in a pot frame of
the band applicator prior to a band being disposed about the sheet
of material and about the flower pot.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the band applicator of
FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a modified band
applicator similar to the band applicators shown in FIGS. 1-3, but
having the sheets of material dispensed from a roll of material
where the sheets of material are cut from the roll of material.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a view of a modified band applicator with a
modified pot frame constructed such that the pot frame encompasses
substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower
pot.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a view of another modified band applicator with a
modified pot frame where the modified pot frame covers only a
relatively small portion of the flower pot near the lower end of
the flower pot.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a view of a flower pot covered with a sheet of
material with the band applied thereto.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the band
applied at a different position with respect to the sheet of
material and the flower pot.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the band
applied at a different position with respect to the sheet of
material and the flower pot.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a modified band applicator
with a modified pot frame and modified band holder showing a sheet
of material and flower pot disposed in the pot frame.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic, plan view of another modified
band applicator having a modified pot frame and a modified band
holder.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the modified band applicator
of FIG. 11.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a modified pot frame
and a modified band holder.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a top elevational view of the modified band
holder of FIG. 13.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the modified band holder of
FIG. 14.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a modified band applicator
showing a flower pot and a sheet of material disposed in the
modified band applicator.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a modified band
applicator.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the modified band
applicator of FIG. 17 showing the band applicator in a different
position as compared to that shown in FIG. 17.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view of another modified band
applicator.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view showing the band applicator
of FIG. 19 in another position.
[0024] FIG. 21 is an elevational view of yet another modified band
applicator.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic, schematic view of another
modified band applicator for automatically positioning the sheet of
material and the pot.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and designated therein by the
general reference numeral 10 is a band applicator constructed in
accordance with the present invention. The band applicator 10 is
configured for applying a band (a plurality of bands being shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 and designated therein by the reference numeral 12
with only one of the bands being designated in FIGS. 2 and 3 by a
specific reference numeral) about a sheet of material 14 disposed
about a flower pot 16. In general, the sheet of material 14 is
placed on the band applicator 10, the sheet of material 14 is
formed about the flower pot 16 and the band 12 is secured about the
sheet of material 14 for cooperating in holding the sheet of
material 14 in position about the flower pot 16 for providing a
decorative cover for the flower pot 16.
[0027] The band applicator 10 is described herein specifically as
being configured to dispose a band about a sheet of material
disposed about a flower pot. The present invention also is
contemplated for use in applying a band around a sheet of material
disposed about a floral grouping or other item. The term "floral
grouping" as used herein means cut fresh flowers, artificial
flowers, a single flower, 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. The methods described herein thus also equally
would be applicable for placing a band about a sheet of material
disposed about a floral grouping even though the invention
specifically is described herein with respect to a flower pot.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet of material 14 has an
upper surface 18 and a lower surface 20. The sheet of material 14
is constructed from any suitable flexible material that is capable
of being wrapped about the flower pot 16. Preferably, the sheet of
material 14 is constructed of a material selected from a group of
materials consisting of paper, metal foil, cloth (natural or
synthetic), denim, burlap or polymer film or combinations
thereof.
[0029] The term "polymer film" as used herein means any polymer
film. For example, but not by way of limitation, one polymer film
is a polypropylene film. Another example of a polymer film, but not
by way of limitation, is cellophane.
[0030] The sheet of material 14 has a thickness in a range from
about 0.1mils to about 30 mils. Preferably, the sheet of material
14 has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mils to about 5
mils.
[0031] The sheet of material 14 may be any shape. The sheet of
material 14 for example only may be square, rectangular, circular
or any other geometric shape such as heart shaped for example
only.
[0032] The sheet of material 14 may be constructed of a single
layer of material or a plurality of layers of the same or different
types of materials. Any thickness of the sheet of material 14 may
be utilized in accordance with the present invention as long as the
sheet of material 14 is wrappable about the flower pot 16, as
described herein. Additionally, an insulating material such as
bubble film, preferable as one of two or more layers, can be
utilized in order to provide additional protection for the item
wrapped therein. The layers of material comprising the sheet of
material 14 may be connected together or laminated or may be
separate layers.
[0033] A decorative pattern, such as a color and/or an embossed
pattern, and/or other decorative surface ornamentation may be
applied to the upper surface 18 and/or the lower surface 20 of the
sheet of material 14 or portions thereof including, but not limited
to printed design, coatings, colors, flocking or metallic finishes.
The sheet of material 14 also may be totally or partially clear or
tinted transparent material.
[0034] The sheet of material 14 also may be a cling wrap or cling
material.
[0035] "Cling Wrap or Cling Material" as used herein means any
material which is capable of connecting to the sheet of material
and/or itself upon contacting engagement during the wrapping
process and is wrappable about an item whereby portions of the
cling material contactingly engage and connect to other portions of
the wrapping material for generally securing the sheet of material
wrapped about at least a portion of the item. This connecting
engagement is preferably temporary in that the wrapping material
may be easily removed without tearing same, i.e., the cling
material "clings" to the wrapping material. A wrapping material
remains securely connected to and about the wrapped item until the
wrapping material is torn therefrom.
[0036] The cling material is constructed and treated if necessary,
from polyethylene such as Cling Wrap made by Glad.RTM., First
Brands Corporation, Danbury, Conn. The thickness of the cling
material will, in part, depend upon the thickness of the sheet of
material utilized, i.e., generally, the thicker and therefore
heavier sheet of material may require a thicker and therefore
stronger cling material. The cling material will range in thickness
from less than about 0.2 mils to about 10mils, and preferably less
than about 0.5 mils to about 2.5 mils and most preferably from less
than about 0.6 mils to about 2 mils. However, any thickness of
cling material may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention which permits the cling material to function as described
herein.
[0037] The flower pot 16 has an upper end 22, a lower end 24 and an
outer peripheral surface 26 which extends generally between the
upper and the lower ends 22 and 24. The flower pot 16 has a flower
opening 28 formed through the upper end 22 thereof with the flower
opening 28 extending a distance through the flower pot 16 and
forming a retaining space (not shown) within the flower pot 16.
Soil or holding materials such as a florist foam or the like
generally is disposed in the retaining space in the flower pot 16
and a plant or flower is grown or extends from the retaining space
outwardly a distance above the upper end 22 of the flower pot 16 (a
plant or flower being diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and
designated therein by the general reference numeral 30).
[0038] The band applicator 10 includes a base frame 32 having side
walls 34 and a top 36 with a substantially flat top support surface
38 formed thereon. The side walls 34 are interconnected to form a
generally rectangularly shaped base frame 32. The top 36 is
connected to an upper end of the side walls 34. The side walls 34
and the top 36 cooperate to substantially encompass a component
space 40. The base frame 32 is rollingly supported on wheels 42 so
that the band applicator 10 may be rollingly transported to various
locations.
[0039] A top opening 44 is formed through the top 36 with the top
opening 44 intersecting the top support surface 38 and the
component space 40. The top opening 44 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as
being basically circular shaped, although the top opening 44 could
be any geometric shape if desired in a particular application. The
top opening 44 has a diameter larger than the diameter formed by
the outer peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16, for reasons
which will be made more apparent below.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of access slots 46 and 48 are
formed through the top 36. The top 36 has a first end 50, a second
end 52, a first side 54 and a second side 56. The access slots 46
and 48 each intersect the second end 52 of the top 36 and each of
the access slots 46 and 48 extend a distance from the second end 52
toward the first end 50 of the top 36. The access slots 46 and 48
are disposed between the first and the second sides 54 and 56. The
access slot 46 is spaced a distance 58 from the access slot 48. The
access slot 46 sometimes is referred to herein as the first access
slot 46 and the access slot 48 sometimes is referred to herein as
the second access slot 48. The access slots 46 and 48 each
intersect the top opening 44 and cooperate to form a portion of the
top opening 44.
[0041] A pair of access slots 60 and 62 also are formed through one
of the side walls 34 with each of the access slots 60 and 62 being
aligned with one of the access slots 46 and 48, the access slot 60
intersecting the access slot 46 and the access slot 62 intersecting
the access slot 48. The access slots 46 and 60 cooperate to provide
a first arm opening and the access slots 48 and 62 cooperate to
provide a second arm opening for reasons which will be made more
apparent below.
[0042] The band applicator 10 includes a pot frame 64 having an
upper end 66 and a lower end 68. A pot opening 70 is formed through
the upper end 66 providing access to a pot receiving space 72. The
pot receiving space 72 forms an inner peripheral surface 74 in the
pot frame 64.
[0043] The upper end 66 of the pot frame 64 is generally circularly
shaped in the form of the outer peripheral surface 26 of the flower
pot 16 and the pot receiving space 72 also is configured in the
shape of the outer peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16. The
upper end 66 may be adapted to resiliently engage a portion of the
outer peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16 during the
operation of the band applicator 10 in a manner such as that
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,521, entitled, "Cover Forming
Apparatus", issued on Mar. 29,1988, which disclosure specifically
hereby is incorporated herein by reference. In the alternative, the
upper end 66 of the pot frame 64 may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid
metal or plastic frame.
[0044] The pot frame 64, as shown in FIGS. 1,2 and 3, is
constructed of a plurality of interconnected metal or plastic
elements 80. The elements 80 are interconnected to form the pot
frame 64 so that the pot frame 64 is not a solid, impervious
structure, but rather has openings formed therethrough, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In the alternative, the pot frame 64 could be
constructed of a plastic or metal or wood, solid frame with the pot
opening 70 and pot receiving space 72 formed therein in the manner
described above.
[0045] The pot frame 64 is supported on the base frame 32. The pot
frame 64 more particularly is supported on the base frame 32 so
that the upper end 66 of the pot frame 64 is disposed generally
within the top opening 44 with the upper end 66 of the pot frame 64
being disposed near or below the top support surface 38 of the top
36. The pot frame 64 may be supported on the base frame 32 so that
the pot frame 64 is disposed above the top support surface 38. In
this last mentioned embodiment, the base frame 32 no longer would
require the top opening 44 or the access slots 46, 48, 60 or 62 for
reasons which will become more apparent below.
[0046] The band applicator 10 also includes a band holder 82 which
is configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands 12. As shown
in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a plurality of bands 12 are disposed on the
band holder 82.
[0047] The band holder 82 has a first end 84 and a second end 86.
The bands 12 are disposed generally between the first and the
second ends 84 and 86 of the band holder 82. In one preferred form,
the first end 84 of the band holder 82 is connected to the lower
end 68 of the pot frame 64 and the second end 86 of the band holder
82 is removably connected to the top 36 of the base frame 32. In
this embodiment, the band holder 82 cooperates to support the pot
frame 64 on the base frame 32. The band holder 82 extends from the
top 36 downwardly a distance into the component space 40 for
supporting the band holder 82 and the pot frame 64 within the
component space 40 below the top 36. The band holder 82 could
extend a distance upwardly from the top support surface 38 for
supporting the band holder 82 above the top 36 if desired in a
particular application, as mentioned before.
[0048] The band holder 82, more particularly, comprises a first
band rod 88 and a second band rod 90. The first band rod 88 is
spaced a distance from the second band rod 90. The first ends of
the first and the second band rods 88 and 90 form the first end 84
of the band holder 82 and the second ends of the first and the
second band rods 88 and 90 form the second end 86 of the band
holder 82. An enlarged cap 92 is connected to or formed on the
first end of the first band rod 88 and an enlarged cap 94 is
connected to or formed on the first end of the second band rod 90.
A first key slot 96 is formed through the top 36. A second key slot
98 is formed through the top 36. The first key slot 96 is spaced a
distance from the second key slot 98. The first and the second key
slots 96 and 98 are disposed near the top opening 44 and spaced
generally between the first and the second access slots 46 and 48.
The first key slot 96 has an enlarged portion 100 and the second
key slot 98 has an enlarged portion 102.
[0049] In operation, the cap 92 is disposed through the enlarged
portion 100 and simultaneously the cap 94 is disposed through the
enlarged portion 102. Then, the first and the second band rods 88
and 90 are slidingly moved in a direction generally toward the top
opening 44 thereby sliding the first and the second band rods 88
and 90 within the first and the second key slots 96 and 98 to a
position wherein the caps 92 and 94 are disposed over and engage a
portion of the top 36 for preventing the band rods 88 and 90 from
dropping through the first and second key slots 96 and 98, and for
removably connecting the band holder 82 to the top 36 of the base
frame 32.
[0050] The band holder 82 is removed in a reverse manner by moving
the band rods 88 and 90 to a position wherein the caps 92 and 94
are disposed over the respective enlarged portions 100 and 102. In
this position, the band rods 88 and 90 are removable through the
enlarged portions 100 and 102 for disconnecting the band holder 82
from the top 36 of the base frame 32.
[0051] In operation, a plurality of the bands 12 are disposed on
the band holder 82 with each of the bands 12 extending about the
first and the second band rods 88 and 90, as diagrammatically
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The caps 92 and 94 then are disposed
through the enlarged portions 100 and 102, and the band rods 88 and
90 are slidingly moved in the respective first and second key slots
96 and 98 to connect the band holder 82 to the top 36 of the base
frame 32. In this position, the band holder 82 and the pot frame 64
each are supported within the component space 40 of the base frame
32.
[0052] The operator then places the sheet of material 14 on the top
support surface 38 and generally over the top opening 44. The sheet
of material 14 thus is positioned generally over the upper end 66
of the pot frame 64. In this position of the sheet of material 14,
the operator then positions the flower pot 16 generally over the
sheet of material 14 and generally over the upper end 66 of the pot
frame 64 thereby positioning the flower pot 16 generally above the
top opening 44 in the top 36 of the base frame 32.
[0053] The operator then lowers the flower pot downwardly to a
position wherein the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16 engages the
upper surface 18 of the sheet of material 14. The flower pot 16
then is further lowered pushing the sheet of material 14 and the
flower pot 16 through the upper end 66 of the pot frame 64 and into
the pot receiving space 72 of the pot frame 64. As the flower pot
16 is moved into the pot receiving space 72, the upper end 66 of
the pot frame 64 engages the sheet of material 14 and presses the
sheet of material 14 against the outer peripheral surface 26 of the
flower pot 16 thereby forming the sheet of material 14 generally
about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot 16.
[0054] The flower pot 16 is moved into the pot receiving space 72
until the flower pot 16 engages a portion of the pot frame 64
thereby positioning the flower pot 16 and the pot frame 64 in the
predetermined position shown in FIG. 2.
[0055] In this position, the upper surface 18 of the sheet of
material 14 extends about the outer peripheral surface 26 of the
flower pot 16 and a portion of the sheet of material 14 extends a
distance upwardly beyond the upper end 22 of the flower pot 16, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0056] In this position of the flower pot 16 and the sheet of
material 14, the operator extends the operator's arms through the
access slots 60 and 62 in the side walls 34 of the base frame 32,
as diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The operator
extends the operator's arms into the component space 40 to a
position wherein the operator grasps one of the bands 12 on the
band holder 82. The operator pulls the band 12 from the band holder
82 and extends the band 12 about the lower end 68 of the pot frame
64. The band 12 is extended about one side of the pot frame 64 due
to the connection between the first end 84 of the band holder 82
and the pot frame 64 and the operator stretches the band over the
lower end 68 and about a portion of the outer peripheral surface of
the pot frame 64. The operator then pulls the band 12 over the
outer peripheral surface to a position wherein the band is pulled
above the upper end 66 of the pot frame 64 thereby positioning the
band 12 about the sheet of material 14.
[0057] The band 12 elastically is stretched about the sheet of
material 14 and the flower pot 16 outer peripheral surface 26 for
engaging and holding the sheet of material 14 in position extending
about the outer peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16. The
operator then removes the flower pot 16 with the sheet of material
14 held thereabout by the band 12 from the pot frame 64. The band
applicator 10 then is conditioned to receive another sheet of
material and another flower pot.
[0058] As mentioned before, the pot frame 64 and band holder 82 may
be positioned and disposed above the top support surface 38. In
this embodiment, the operator will place the bands 12 about the
sheet of material 14 and flower pot 16 in a manner exactly like
that described before, except in this last-mentioned embodiment,
the operator does not have to extend the operator's hands into the
component space 40 since the pot frame 64 and the band holder 82
each are disposed above the top support surface 38.
[0059] The term "band" as used herein means any material which may
be secured about an object such as the flower pot 16, such bands
commonly being referred to as elastic bands or rubber bands and
also includes any other type of material such as a string or metal
or rubber or plastic or ribbon or cloth or stribbon which may be
secured about an object such as the flower pot 16. The band 12 also
may include a bow if desired in a particular application.
[0060] The pot frame may be constructed of metal or plastic or any
other suitable material. The upper end 66 of the pot frame 64
comprises a ring for engaging the sheet of material and forming the
sheet of material about the flower pot 16 as the sheet of material
14 and the flower pot 16 are moved into the pot receiving space 72.
The ring shaped upper end 66 may be a solid metal or plastic ring
which rigidly engages the sheet of material or the ring may
resiliently engage the sheet of material in any one of several ways
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,521, entitled Cover Forming
Apparatus, referred to before and specifically is incorporated
herein by reference. In addition, a ring 104 (FIG. 1) may be
positioned over the sheet of material 14 and the ring 104 initially
is movable to engage the sheet of material 14 and move at least a
portion of the sheet of material 14 into the pot receiving space
72. The ring 104 has a plurality of bracket legs for engaging the
sheet of material 14 and cooperating to form controlled pleats in
the sheet of material 14 as the sheet of material and the flower
pot 16 are moved into the pot receiving space 72. A bracket of the
type just described in connection with the ring 104 is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,817, entitled "Flat-Paneled Flower Pot or
Flower Pot Cover Die", issued to Weder, et al. Jul. 7, 1992, which
disclosure specifically hereby is incorporated herein by
reference.
Embodiment of FIG. 4
[0061] Shown in FIG. 4 is a modified band applicator 10a which is
constructed exactly like the band applicator 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2
and 3 and described in detail before, except the band applicator
10a also includes a sheet dispenser 110 for dispensing the sheets
of material 14. The band holder is not shown in FIG. 4, but it is
included with the band applicator 10a. The sheet dispenser 110
includes of a roll of material 112 journally supported on a rod 114
which is generally connected to one of the side walls 34 of the
base frame 32a. A pair of rollers 116 and 118 also are journally
supported on one of the side walls 34 of the base frame 32a. The
roller 118 cooperates with a roller 117. A cutter 120 is supported
on the base frame 32a.
[0062] In this embodiment, material is unrolled from the roll of
material 112 and extended about the rollers 116 and 118. The
material is unrolled from the roll of material 112 and extended
about the rollers 116 and 118 to a position wherein a portion of
the material extends over the top support surface 38 of the base
frame 32a and a portion of the material is disposed generally under
the cutter 120. In this position, the cutter 120 is actuated by the
operator and brought into engagement with the material thereunder
for cutting the portion of the material extended over the top
support surface 38 from the roll of material 112 thereby providing
the sheet of material 14 on the top of the support surface 38.
[0063] Rather than supplying a roll of material such as the roll of
material 112, the sheets of material 14 may be supplied in a pad
form. In this last-mentioned embodiment, a sheet of material is
removed from the pad of sheets of material 14 and applied about the
flower pot 16 in the manner described before in connection with
FIGS. 1-3.
Embodiment of FIG. 5
[0064] Shown in FIG. 5 is a band applicator 10b which is
constructed exactly like the band applicator 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2
and 3 and described in detail before, except the pot frame 64b is
shaped to engage the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16 at a
position wherein the upper end 22 of the flower pot 16 is disposed
near the upper end 66b of the pot frame 64b and the flower pot 16
is substantially disposed within the pot receiving space 72b. In
this embodiment, the band 12 is moved over the outer peripheral
surface of the pot frame 64b in the manner described before to a
position wherein the band 12 is extended above the upper end 66b of
the pot frame 64b and brought into engagement with the portion of
the sheet of material 14 extended above the upper end 22 of the
flower pot 16.
Embodiment of FIG. 6
[0065] Shown in FIG. 6 is a band applicator 10c which is
constructed exactly like the band applicator 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2
and 3 and described in detail before, except the pot frame 64c is
configured to engage the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16 at a
position wherein only a portion of the flower pot 16 near the lower
end 24 thereof is disposed within the pot receiving space 72c of
the pot frame 64c.
[0066] In this position, a substantial portion of the outer
peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16 extends upwardly above
the upper end 66c of the pot frame 64c. The band 12 is extended
about the pot frame 64c in the manner described before and the band
12 is extended above the upper end 66c of the pot frame 64c to
engage the sheet of material 14 at a position near the lower end 24
of the flower pot 16 thereby positioning the band 12 about the
sheet of material 14 and about the outer peripheral surface 26 of
the flower pot 16 at a position generally near and spaced a
distance above the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16.
Embodiment of FIG. 7
[0067] Shown in FIG. 7 is a flower pot 16 with a sheet of material
14 disposed thereabout and held in place with a band 12. The band
12 is positioned about the sheet of material 14 and about the outer
peripheral surface 26 of the flower pot 16 at a position near the
upper end 22 of the flower pot 16.
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates one position of the band 12 with respect
to the sheet of material 14 and the flower pot 16. As illustrated
and mentioned before, the configuration of the pot frame 64
determines the position of the upper end 66 of the pot frame 64
with respect to the upper and the lower ends 22 and 24 of the
flower pot 16 thereby determining to a large extent the position of
the band 12 with respect to the upper and the lower ends 22 and 24
of the flower pot 16.
Embodiment of FIG. 8
[0069] Shown in FIG. 8 is the flower pot 16 with the sheet of
material extended about the outer peripheral surface 26 of the
flower pot 16 and the band 12 disposed about the sheet of material
and positioned generally above the upper end 22 of the flower pot
16. The embodiment of the band applicator 10b shown in FIG. 5 is
adapted to position the band 12 above the upper end 22 of the
flower pot 16 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8.
Embodiment of FIG. 9
[0070] Shown in FIG. 9 is the sheet of material 14 wrapped about
the flower pot 16 with the band 12 extending diagonally across the
flower pot 16 with a portion of the band being disposed above the
upper end 22 of the flower pot 16 and another portion of the band
being disposed below the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16. The
embodiment shown in FIG. 9 further illustrates one other position
where the band 12 may be placed in accordance with the present
invention.
Embodiment of FIG. 10
[0071] Shown in FIG. 10 is another modified band applicator 10d
which includes a modified pot frame 64d and a modified band holder
82d. The band holder 82d consists of a cylindrically shaped tube
130 having an upper end 132 and a lower end 134. The tube 130 is
hollow and has an opening extending therethrough intersecting the
upper end 132 thereof. The tube 130 is secured to the base frame
32d.
[0072] The modified pot frame 64d is constructed exactly like the
pot frame 64 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and described in detail
before, except the lower end 68d of the pot frame 64d is tapered
inwardly and narrowed and fitted within the opening in the tube
130. The upper end 132 of the tube 130 is connected to the lower
end 68d of the pot frame 64d so that the band holder 82d cooperates
to support the pot frame 64d within the component space 40d of the
band applicator 10d.
[0073] The band applicator 10d will operate exactly like the band
applicator 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and described in detail
before, except, in this embodiment, the operator places the
operator's hands through the access slots (not shown) and into the
component space 40d. The operator then removes the top band from
the bands 12 disposed on the band holder 82d. The operator then
moves the band 12 upwardly along the outer peripheral surface of
the pot frame 64d to a position wherein the band 12 is moved over
the upper end 66d of the pot frame 64d and onto the sheet of
material 14. The flower pot 16 with a sheet of material 14 disposed
thereabout is positioned in the pot frame 64d in a manner exactly
like that described before with respect to the pot frame 64 shown
in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
Embodiment of FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15
[0074] Shown in FIGS. 11-13 is another modified band applicator
10e. The band applicator 10e includes a modified pot frame 64e and
a modified band holder 82e.
[0075] The pot frame 64e comprises four conveyors 200 with the
individual conveyors being designated in FIG. 11 with the
individual reference numerals 200a, 200b, 200c and 200d (only
certain components of the conveyors 200 being shown in FIG. 11).
Each of the conveyors 200 is rollingly supported by way of shafts
202 and 204 which are generally supported on the base frame 32e.
Each of the conveyors 200 is disposed in the component space 40e.
Each conveyor 200 has an upper end 206 and a lower end 208 (the
upper and the lower ends 206 and 208 being designated in FIG. 12
only with respect to one of the conveyors 200. Each of the
conveyors 200 is disposed in the component space 40e and extends
angularly upwardly toward the top 36e with the upper end 206 of
each of the conveyors 200 being disposed generally within the top
opening 44e of the base frame 32e.
[0076] Each of the conveyors 200 includes a pair of arms 210 and
212. One end of each of the arms 210 and 212 is secured to one of
the conveyors 200. The arms 210 and 212 are disposed on the
respective conveyors 200 and spaced about 180.degree. apart for
reasons which will become more apparent below.
[0077] The pot frame 64e also includes four secondary conveyors
214, only two of the secondary conveyors 214 being shown in FIGS.
12 and 13 and designated therein by the reference numerals 214a and
214c. Each of the secondary conveyors 214 is rollingly supported on
the shaft 204 and on a shaft 216. A hook 218 (FIGS. 12 and 13) is
connected to each of the secondary conveyors 214.
[0078] The modified band holder 82e, as shown more clearly in FIGS.
12, 14 and 15 basically comprises an outer tube 220 having an upper
end 222 and a lower end 224 with an opening 226 (FIG. 15) extending
through the outer tube 220 intersecting the upper end 222. An inner
tube 228 is disposed within the opening 226 of the outer tube 220
and the inner tube 228 is slidably disposed within the opening 226
of the outer tube 220. The diameter of the inner tube 228 is less
than the diameter formed by the inner peripheral surface of the
outer tube 220 so that a gap 230 (FIG. 15) exists between the outer
peripheral surface of the inner tube 228 and the inner peripheral
surface of the outer tube 220.
[0079] A sleeve 232 (FIG. 15) is disposed about the inner tube 228.
The sleeve 232 is slidingly disposed between the inner tube 228 and
the outer tube 220.
[0080] A spring 234 (FIG. 15) is disposed in the gap 230 between
the inner tube 228 and the outer tube 220. The spring 234 biases
the sleeve 232 in an upwardly direction 236 (FIG. 15). A plurality
of bands 12 are disposed in the gap 230 between the inner tube 228
and the outer tube 220. The sleeve 232 engages the bottom band 12
with the spring 234 biasing the sleeve 232 and the bands 12
disposed thereabove in the upwardly direction 236.
[0081] A cap 238 (FIG. 12, 13 and 15) is connected to the upper end
of the inner tube 228. The inner tube 228 is positioned in the
outer tube 220 and sized such that the cap 238 or, in other words,
the upper end of the inner tube 228 is disposed a distance above
the upper end 222 of the outer tube 220 thereby leaving a band
disposal gap 240 (FIG. 15) between the cap 238 and the upper end
222 of the outer tube 220. The band disposal gap 240 is sized to
accommodate a single band 12. A plurality of slots 242 (four slots
242 being shown in FIG. 14 with only one being designated with a
reference numeral) are formed in the cap 238 with a portion of each
of the slots 242 intersecting a portion of the upper end of the
inner tube 228 for reasons which will be made more apparent
below.
[0082] In operation, the conveyors 200 initially are positioned as
shown in FIG. 12. In this position, the arms 210 are disposed near
the upper end 206 of the conveyor 200 and each of the arms 210
extend radially inwardly into the pot receiving space 72e. The
sheet of material 14 is disposed on the top support surface 38e and
the flower pot 16 is positioned above the pot frame 64e and above
the sheet of material 14, as shown in FIG. 12. In this position,
the flower pot 16 is moved in the downwardly direction engaging the
sheet of material 14 and pushing the sheet of material 14
downwardly into the pot receiving space 72e of the pot frame 64e.
As the flower pot 16 is moved in the downwardly direction with the
sheet of material 14, a portion of the sheet of material 14 and a
portion of the lower end 24 of the flower pot 16 engages the arms
210. The movement of the flower pot 16 in the downwardly direction
causes the arms 210 to be moved in the downwardly direction thereby
rotating the conveyors 200.
[0083] As the conveyors 200 are rotated by the downward movement of
the flower pot 16, the secondary conveyors 214 also are rotated by
way of the rotational movement of the conveyors 200 and the
rotation of the common shaft 204. As the secondary conveyors 214
are rotated, the hooks 218 on the secondary conveyors 214 are moved
through the slots 242 to engage and pick up the top band 12 from
the band holder 82e. The further rotation of the secondary
conveyors 214 causes the hooks 218 to lift the band 12 from the
band holder 82e and move the band 12 in the upwardly direction
along the secondary conveyors 214.
[0084] When the band 12 reaches the conveyors 200, the band 12 is
transferred from the secondary conveyors 214 to the conveyors 200.
The movement of the conveyors 200 causes the band 12 to be moved in
the upwardly direction toward the upper end 206 of the conveyors
200. The conveyors 200 and the secondary conveyors 214 are sized
and positioned with respect to the size of the flower pot 16 such
that, when the flower pot 16 is moved in the downwardly direction
to a position engaging a portion of the conveyors 200 thereby
positioning the flower pot 16 in the proper position within the pot
receiving space 72e, the conveyors 200 will have moved the band 12
over the upper ends 206 of the conveyors 200 thereby automatically
dispensing the band 12 from the conveyors 200 and disposing the
band 12 about the sheet of material 14 for cooperating to hold the
sheet of material 14 in the position extending about the sheet of
material 14 in the manners described before.
[0085] It also should be noted that the arms 210 and 212 are
movably positioned on the conveyors 200 such that, when the flower
pot 16 with the sheet of material 14 positioned thereabout has been
positioned within the pot receiving space 72e of the pot frame 64e,
the arms 210 or 212 engage the flower pot 16 thereby causing the
arms 210 or 212 to be moved in the upwardly direction to a position
as shown in FIG. 13 so that the flower pot 16 may be properly
positioned in the pot receiving space 72e. In one form, the
positioning of the arms 210 and 212 may be controlled by a cam
connected to the arms 210 and 212 and operably connected to the
conveyors 200.
Embodiment of FIG. 16
[0086] Shown in FIG. 16 is a modified pot frame 64f adapted to be
utilized with the band holder 82e of FIG. 15 or any other similar
band holder. As shown in FIG. 16, the pot frame 64f comprises at
least two and preferably four arms with only two arms 250 and 252
being shown in FIG. 16. The lower end of each arm 250 and 252 is
pivotally connected to the base frame 32 or the band holder 82e by
way of pivot connections 254 and 256.
[0087] A plurality of planetary gears 258 are rotatingly connected
to the pivot arm 250 and a plurality of planetary gears 260 are
rotatingly connected to the arm 252. The planetary gears 258 and
260 are identical in construction and operation. The planetary
gears 258 and 260 are gearingly interconnected such that each of
the planetary gears 258 and 260 rotates in the same direction 262
or 264 respectively. A spring 266 is connected to the arms 250 and
252. The spring 266 biases the arms 250 and 252 in a direction
generally toward each other.
[0088] A rod 268 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the arm
250 and a rod 270 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the
arm 252.
[0089] The flower pot 16 and the sheet of material 14 are
positioned in the pot receiving space 72f formed by the rods 268
and 270 in a manner similar to that described before. The planetary
gears 258 and 260 are driven in the directions 262 and 264 by way
of a belt drive connected to a motor (not shown) or any other
desirable drive means. A hook 272 is connected to each of the
bottom planetary gears 258 and 260. As the planetary gears 258 and
260 are rotated the hooks 272 are moved through the slots 242 in
the band holder 82e and each of the hooks 272 hooks the top band 12
and moves the top band 12 along the outer peripheral surface of the
planetary gears 258 and 260. As the planetary gears 258 and 260 are
rotated, the band 12 is moved along the outer peripheral surface of
the planetary gears 258 and 260 and transferred from one gear to
the other causing the band 12 to be moved in the upwardly direction
toward the upper ends of the arms 250 and 252.
[0090] When the band 12 has been moved to and over the upper ends
of the arms 250 and 252, the band 12 is released onto the rods 268
and 270. The flower pot 16 is moved into the pot receiving space
72f causing the rods 268 and 270 to be pivoted thereby moving the
band 12 upwardly along the rods 268 and 270 to a position where the
band 12 is released over the upper ends of the rods 268 and 270 and
positioned about the sheet of material 14 for cooperating to hold
the sheet of material 14 about the flower pot 16 in the manners
described before.
[0091] When the flower pot 16 is positioned in the pot receiving
space 72f, the flower pot 16 engages the rods 268 and 270 causing
the rods to pivot in the manner described before and causing the
arms 250 and 252 to be moved outwardly in a direction generally
away from each other against the biasing force of the spring 266.
When the flower pot 16 is removed from the pot receiving space 27f,
the spring 266 biasingly moves the arms 250 and 252 back to the
initial or start position. When the band 12 is released in the
manner just described, a new band is picked up from the band holder
82e and moved along the planetary gears 258 and 260 and positioned
on the rods 268 and 270 thereby conditioning the pot frame 64f for
receiving another flower pot 16 and sheet of material 14.
[0092] The planetary gears 258 and 260 may be replaced by a
conveyor belt if desired in some applications or any other means
for picking up the band 12 from the band holder 82e or other band
holder and moving the band onto the rods 268 and 270.
Embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18
[0093] Shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is another modified pot frame 64f
which may be used with the band holder 82e or other equivalent band
holder. The pot frame 64f includes a plurality of triangularly
shaped rod structures 302 (only two rod structures 302 being shown
in FIGS. 17 and 18). The lower end of the rod structures 302 are
disposed near the upper end of the band holder 82e and a hook 304
is connected to a portion of the lower end of each of the rod
structures 302 and positioned for picking up the top band 12 from
the band holder 82e.
[0094] In the initial or start position shown in FIG. 17, a portion
of each of the rod structures 302 extends into the pot receiving
space 72f and the hooks 304 are positioned in the band holder 82e
for removing the top band 12 from the band holder 82e. When the pot
16 is lowered into the pot receiving space 72f, the pot 16 engages
a portion of the rod structures 302 causing the rod structures 302
to be pivotally moved outwardly thereby causing the hooks 304 to
hookingly engage and hookingly remove the top band 12 from the band
holder 82e. As the rod structures 302 are pivoted outwardly as a
result of the flower pot 16 being moved downwardly into the pot
receiving space 72f, the band 12 is caused to be moved along the
outer peripheral surface of the rod structures 302 and upwardly
along the rod structures 302 to a position wherein the band 12 is
moved over the upper ends of the rod structures 302 and dispenses
therefrom onto the sheet of material 14 and the flower pot 16
disposed in the pot receiving space 72f. When the flower pot 16 and
the sheet of material 14 with the band 12 disposed thereabout are
removed from the pot receiving space 72f, the rod structures 302
are pivotally moved back to the initial or start position shown in
FIG. 17 by way of springs 306 which are connected between the rod
structures 302 and the pot frame 64f for biasing the rod structures
302 to the initial or start position.
Embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20
[0095] Shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is a modified pot frame 64h. The
modified pot frame 64h comprises a plurality of arms 320 which are
pivotally supported on the base frame 32 for pivotal movement about
a pivot connection 322 (only two arms 320 are shown in FIGS. 19 and
20 for the purpose of illustration and it is understood that at
least two sets of arms 320 and preferably four sets of arms 320
actually comprise the modified pot frame 64h). A secondary arm 324
is secured to the arm 320 and a hook 326 is formed on one end of
the secondary arm 324. The arms 320 and the secondary arms 324 are
configured and positioned so that in the initial or start position,
the hooks 326 are disposed in the band holder 82e for hookingly
engaging the uppermost band 12 in the band holder 82e.
[0096] In operation, the flower pot 16 is moved into the pot
receiving space 72h and the pot engages the secondary arms 324
causing the secondary arms to be pivoted in the downwardly
direction so the hooks 326 hookingly engage and hookingly remove
the top band 12 in the band holder 82e. As the secondary arms 324
are pivoted in the downwardly direction, the arms 320 also are
pivoted in a direction generally toward the flower pot 16 as a
result of the pivotable movement of the secondary arms 324. This
causes the band 12 to be moved along the secondary arms 324 and
onto the arms 320 where the band 12 is moved up and over the upper
ends of the arms 320 as a result of the further pivotable movement
of the arms 320 in the direction toward the flower pot 16 for
dispensing the band 12 onto the sheet of material 14 in the manners
and for reasons described before.
Embodiment of FIG. 21
[0097] Shown in FIG. 21 is another modified pot frame 64g which may
be used in cooperation with a band holder like the band holder 82e
for example. The pot frame 64g comprises a plurality of arms 310
which are pivotally supported on the base frame 32 at a pivot
connection 312. Each of the arms 310 includes a pot engaging flange
314 disposed near the lower end of the respective arms 310. The
arms 310 cooperate to form the pot receiving space 72g. A hook 316
is formed on the lower end of each of the respective arms 310. Each
of the hooks 316 is positioned with respect to the band holder 82e
so that the hooks 316 removably engage the upper band in the band
12 holder 82e.
[0098] In operation, the flower pot 16 is moved into the pot
receiving space 72g to a position wherein the lower end 24 of the
flower pot 16 with the sheet of material 14 disposed thereabout
engages the respective pot engaging flanges 314 thereby pivotally
moving the arms 310 in directions 318. As the arms are moved in the
directions 318, the hooks 316 engage and remove the upper band 12
in the band holder 82e. As the arms 310 continue to move in the
direction 318, the band 12 is moved along the arms 310 and over the
upper ends of the arms 310 for positioning the band 12 about the
sheet of material 14 for cooperating to hold the sheet of material
14 on the flower pot 16 in any one of the manners described
before.
Embodiment of FIG. 22
[0099] Shown in FIG. 22 is a modified band applicator 10k for
securing the sheet of material 14 about the flower pot 16 in any
manners described before. The band applicator 10k includes a roll
of material 400 which is supported so that material may be unrolled
from the roll of material 400. The material in the roll of material
400 extends from the roll of material 400 through a pair of rollers
420 and over a portion of an upper surface 440 of a platform 460.
The platform 460 includes a flower pot opening 470. The upper
surface 440 corresponds to the top support surface 38, the platform
460 corresponds to the top 36 and the flower pot opening 470
corresponds to the top opening 44.
[0100] At least one of the rollers 420 is powered so that, by
rollingly actuating the rollers 420, the rollers 420 are rotated in
the respective directions 480 and 500 as indicated in FIG. 22 to
move the material in a general direction 520 to a position wherein
a predetermined amount of the material has been disposed generally
over the flower pot opening 470 in the platform 460. After a
predetermined amount of the material has been unrolled from the
roll of material 400 and positioned generally over the flower pot
opening 470, a knife 540 is actuated and moved in a downward
direction 560 to a position wherein the knife 540 cuttingly engages
the material thereby severing a sheet of material 14 from the roll
of material 400. The knife 540 is shown in FIG. 22 in the cutting
position.
[0101] The applicator 10k also includes a generally U-shaped fork
580 forming an opening 600 which is connected to one end of a bar
620. The opposite end of the bar 620 is movably connected to a post
640 so that the bar 620 may be moved in an upward direction 660 or
in a downward direction 680. The bar 620 also is pivotally
connected to the post 640 so that the bar 620 may be rotated in a
first direction 700 and in a second direction 720.
[0102] A first hydraulic cylinder 740 is connected to the bar 620
for moving the bar 620 in the upward or the downward direction 660
or 680. A second hydraulic cylinder 760 is connected to the bar 620
for moving the bar 620 in the direction 700 or 720.
[0103] In operation, the flower pot 16 is disposed in the opening
600 in the fork 580 and supported in the fork 580. The bar 620 is
moved by the hydraulic cylinders 740 and 760 to position the flower
pot 16 generally over the flower pot opening 470 and over the pot
frame 64. After the sheet of material 14 has been cut from the roll
of material 400, the second hydraulic cylinder 760 is actuated to
move the bar 620 and the flower pot 16 connected thereto in the
downward direction 680 thereby moving the flower pot 16 and the
sheet of material 14 through the flower pot opening 470 into the
pot frame 64. The band 12 is then applied to the sheet of material
14 in any one of the several manners described before.
[0104] After the band 12 has been applied to the sheet of material
14 and the flower pot 16, the second hydraulic cylinder 760 is
actuated to move the bar 620 and the flower pot 16 connected
thereto in the upward direction 660 to a position wherein the
flower pot 16 is positioned generally above the flower pot opening
470 and generally above the upper surface 440 of the platform 460.
The first hydraulic cylinder 740 then is actuated to pivotally move
the bar 620 and the flower pot 16 connected thereto in the
direction 720 so the flower pot 16 with the sheet of material 14
secured thereto by the band 12 can be removed from the fork 580 and
another flower pot can be disposed in the fork 580.
[0105] Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of
the various components, elements and assemblies of the band
applicators described herein and changes may be made 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.
* * * * *