Sleeve having a upper detachable portion

Abstract

A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion and an upper portion which are connected along a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and has a tapered portion. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface, and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and wherein the sleeve is openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, and the sleeve having a gusset in the lower end thereof, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    opening the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve; and    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot; and    wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element and thereby forming the non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         6 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, and the sleeve having excess material in the lower end thereof for forming a closed bottom, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve tapered;    separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element and thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve;    opening the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve; and    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the closed bottom of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         10 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end,    an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface; providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, and the sleeve having excess material in the lower end thereof for forming a closed bottom, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    opening the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve;    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the closed bottom of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot; and    wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming the non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10  wherein, in the step of providing a, sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         15 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, and the sleeve having a gusset in the lower end thereof, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve;    opening the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve; and    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         17 . (New) The method of  claim 15  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve is positioned near the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         18 . (New) The method of  claim 15  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         19 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, and the sleeve having a closed lower end, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    opening the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve;    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot; and    wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming the non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         24 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve;    opening the lower portion of the sleeve into the opened position thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve and providing a lower portion tapered for fitting the pot; and    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         28 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an opened position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion of the sleeve is tapered;    opening the sleeve into the opened position, thereby exposing the inner retaining space of the sleeve;    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot; and    wherein the lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.    
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the method further comprises the step of separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element, thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.  
     
     
         33 . A method of wrapping a potted plant, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping disposed in the pot, the pot having a lower end, an upper rim and an outer peripheral surface;    providing a sleeve having an upper end, a lower end, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, the sleeve initially having a flattened state and openable from the flattened state to an ope position wherein the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space, an opening being formed through the upper end of the sleeve in communication with the inner retaining space, the sleeve comprising an upper portion and a lower portion which are demarcated by a non-linear detaching element, wherein at least a portion of the lower portion is tapered;    separating the lower portion of the sleeve from the upper portion by tearing along the non-linear detaching element and thereby forming a non-linear upper peripheral edge on the lower portion of the sleeve; and    disposing the potted plant in the inner retaining space of the sleeve in the ope position with the lower end of the pot positioned upon the lower end of the sleeve whereby the lower portion of the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the method further comprises the step of bondingly connecting the lower portion of the sleeve to the outer peripheral surface of the pot.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33  wherein at least a portion of the non-linear upper peripheral edge of the lower portion of the sleeve extends beyond the upper rim of the pot.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33  wherein, in the step of providing a sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve comprises a base portion and a skirt portion.