U.S. patent application number 10/811286 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-29 for containment system for a dendritic object.
Invention is credited to Holzhaus, Ralph L. II.
Application Number | 20050211589 10/811286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34988493 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050211589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holzhaus, Ralph L. II |
September 29, 2005 |
Containment system for a dendritic object
Abstract
A containment system (20) for the storage, transport, and/or
disposal of a dendritic object (22) is provided. This system (20)
is made up of a containment tube (32) formed of a flexible material
(40) and configured to furl and enshroud the dendritic object (22).
Enshroudment is completed through the use of closure devices (36)
at the ends (34) of the containment tube (32). The closure devices
(36) serve to constrict and close the ends (34) of the containment
tube (32). End pieces (56) may be used to strengthen and aid in the
closure of the ends (34) of the containment tube (32).
Inventors: |
Holzhaus, Ralph L. II;
(Phoenix, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jordan M. Meschkow
Meschkow & Gresham, PLC
Suite 409
5727 North Seventh Street
Phoenix
AZ
85014
US
|
Family ID: |
34988493 |
Appl. No.: |
10/811286 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/52 20130101;
A47G 33/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/423 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/50 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A containment system for a dendritic object, said system
comprising: a substantially cylindrical containment tube formed of
a flexible material, configured to contain said dendritic object,
and having a first tube end and a second tube end; a first closure
device coupled to said containment tube proximate said first tube
end and configured to releasably constrict said containment tube at
said first tube end; and a second closure device coupled to said
containment tube proximate said second tube end and configured to
releasably constrict said containment tube at said second tube
end.
2. A containment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flexible
material is a sheet formed substantially of one of a fabric, a
polymeric film, and a paper.
3. A containment system as claimed in claim 2 wherein, when said
sheet is formed substantially of said paper, said paper is coated
so as to render said sheet resistant to moisture.
4. A containment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said
containment tube has a hem of said flexible material formed
substantially around a circumference of said first tube end,
wherein said hem has a first opening thereinto and a second opening
thereinto proximate said first opening; and said first closure
device is a drawstring configured to enter said hem through said
first opening, pass around a portion of said circumference within
said hem, and exit said hem through said second opening.
5. A containment system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said
drawstring is configured to constrict and substantially close said
first tube end.
6. A containment system as claimed in claim 4 additionally
comprising an end piece configured to cover an end of said
dendritic object when said drawstring constricts said first tube
end.
7. A containment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said end
piece is affixed to said containment tube proximate said first tube
end.
8. A containment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein said end
piece is formed of said flexible material.
9. A containment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said
flexible material is a first flexible material; and said end piece
is formed of a second flexible material.
10. A containment system as claimed in claim 1 additionally
comprising a handle affixed to an outer surface of said containment
tube.
11. A containment system for a dendritic object, said system
comprising: a containment tube configured to enshroud said
dendritic object, formed of a flexible material, and having a tube
end; an end piece proximate said tube end; and a closure device
coupled to one of said end piece and said containment tube
proximate said tube end and configured to substantially close said
tube end.
12. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein: said
containment tube is substantially cylindrical; and said end piece
is substantially circular.
13. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said
flexible material is a first flexible material, and wherein said
end piece is formed of a second flexible material.
14. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said end
piece is formed of a substantially inflexible material.
15. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said end
piece is affixed to said containment tube proximate said tube
end.
16. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said
closure device is a zipper having a first portion coupled to said
containment tube proximate said tube end and a second portion
coupled to one of said containment tube and said end piece.
17. A containment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said
closure device is a hook-and-loop fastener.
18. A containment system as claimed in claim 17 wherein a first
portion of said hook-and-loop fastener is coupled to said
containment tube proximate said tube end and a second portion of
said hook-and-loop fastener is coupled to said end piece.
19. A containment system comprising: an object having a dendritic
portion; and a containment tube configured to enshroud said
dendritic portion, said containment tube being formed of a flexible
material, having a first open tube end, and having a second open
tube end.
20. A containment system as claimed in claim 19 additionally
comprising: a first closure device coupled to said containment tube
proximate said first open tube end and configured to substantially
close said containment tube at said first open tube end; and a
second closure device coupled to said containment tube proximate
said second open tube end, and configured to substantially close
said containment tube at said second open tube end.
21. A containment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein: said
object has a non-dendritic portion; and said first closure device
is configured to substantially close said containment tube about
said non-dendritic portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of covers for
dendritic objects, such as plants. More specifically, the present
invention relates to the field of storage, transport, and disposal
covers for natural and artificial plants, specifically Christmas
trees.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The storage, transportation, and/or disposal of dendritic
objects, such as natural or artificial plants (e.g., Christmas
trees) and/or decorations made from natural or artificial plants
(e.g., wreaths), often pose a problem unique to such dendritic
objects.
[0003] With natural dendritic objects, transportation often poses a
problem of contamination of the transporting vehicle. For example,
a Christmas tree may be transported on the roof of a car. Sap and
pitch from the Christmas tree may be deposited upon the roof of the
car and damage the finish thereof.
[0004] Also, natural dendritic objects are often fragile and may
suffer damage during transport. For example, a tree or shrub
transported in an open truck may suffer wind damage when the truck
is travelling at speed.
[0005] Many natural and artificial dendritic objects are
excessively bulky. The transport, storage, or disposal of such
bulky objects may require an excessive amount of volume. For
example, a fresh Christmas tree may be cut in the wild. This tree
would then need to be transported to the desired location. If the
tree were of any size, it would typically be too bulky for easy
transport. The volume of the tree must therefore be reduced. This
may be done by furling the tree, i.e., by gathering the branches to
the trunk. This furling process is itself awkward and messy. This
is especially the case where the persons doing the furling are not
professionals, e.g., a family obtaining a once-a-year Christmas
tree. Since dendritic objects tend to be fragile, e.g., the smaller
branches may easily be broken. It is desirable that the method used
to furl the tree not damage the tree.
[0006] In a related situation, dendritic objects furled for
transport or storage must be unfurled prior to use. This unfurling
process can also be awkward and messy. As is often the case with
commercially cut Christmas trees, the tree is furled by a
professional at the lot, typically be tying the branches up with
twine. This pre-furled tree is then transported home by the
purchaser and unfurled by simply cutting the twine. While this may
seem a simple process, it can be awkward, destructive, and
dangerous if not properly done.
[0007] Natural dendritic objects harvested in the wild, such as
Christmas trees, are often infested with parasites and other
vermin. It desirable that these vermin be destroyed prior to
bringing the object into a home or other place where live vermin
would pose esthetic and health problems.
[0008] Artificial dendritic objects are often stored for long
periods of time in out-of-the-way places (e.g., an artificial
Christmas tree may be stored in a garage or attic for nearly a
year) serve as nesting places for spiders, silverfish, mice, and
other undesirable pests and/or vermin. It is desirable that a
curtailment of such nesting places during storage.
[0009] Natural dendritic objects used for temporary or limited
purposes are typically harvested objects. The harvesting process
kills the object. These dead objects tend to dry out during use.
This is especially true of Christmas trees, wreaths, etc. Such
objects must be disposed of after use. The dead objects are often
brittle and prone to shed needles, twigs, and/or other foliage.
This makes transport and disposal of such objects awkward and
messy. Enshrouding the dead objects prior to transport and disposal
adds its own handling problems and may add significantly to the
cost of disposal.
[0010] There are numerous devices in the prior art designed to
address combinations of the problems discussed hereinbefore. None
of the prior art devices addresses all of these problems in a
cost-effective and easily produced manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention
that a containment system for a dendritic object is provided.
[0012] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that protects a transport vehicle
from contamination by a dendritic object.
[0013] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that protects a dendritic object
during transport.
[0014] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that aids in the furling of a
dendritic object without damage.
[0015] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that aids in the unfurling of a
dendritic object without damage.
[0016] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that allows the ready destruction of
parasites and other vermin.
[0017] It is another advantage of the present invention that a
containment system is provided that allows easy and inexpensive
disposal of a dendritic object.
[0018] The above and other advantages of the present invention are
carried out in one form by a containment system for a dendritic
object. This system incorporates a substantially cylindrical
containment tube formed of a flexible material and configured to
enshroud the dendritic object, a first closure device coupled to
the containment tube proximate a first end thereof and configured
to releasably constrict the containment tube at the first end, and
a second closure device coupled to the containment tube proximate a
second end thereof and configured to releasably constrict the
containment tube at the second end.
[0019] The above and other advantages of the present invention are
carried out in another form by a containment system for a dendritic
object. The system incorporates a containment tube configured to
enshroud the dendritic object, formed of a flexible material, and
having a tube end. The system also incorporates an end piece
proximate the tube end, and a closure device coupled to the end
piece or the containment tube proximate the tube end and configured
to substantially close the tube end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference
numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a containment system for a
dendritic object in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of a containment system
enshrouding a dendritic object in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system with an open tube end and with drawstrings as closure
devices in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of an end of the containment
system of FIG. 3 with a closed tube end in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system enshrouding a dendritic object with an open tube end and
with a non-dendritic portion of the dendritic object protruding
from the tube end in accordance with an preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 shows an oblique view of an end the containment
system of FIG. 5 with a closed tube end in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system with an open tube end and with drawstrings as closure
devices in conjunction with an end piece in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 shows an oblique view of an end of the containment
system of FIG. 7 with a closed tube end in conjunction with an end
piece in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system with an open tube end and with a zipper as a closure device
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows an oblique view of an end of the containment
system of FIG. 9 with a closed tube end in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system with an open tube end and with a zipper as a closure device
in conjunction with an end piece in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 shows an oblique view of an end of the containment
system of FIG. 11 with a closed tube end in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 shows an oblique view of an end of a containment
system with an open tube end and with a hook-and-loop fastener as a
closure device in conjunction with end piece in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 14 shows an oblique view of an end of the containment
system of FIG. 13 with a closed tube end in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a containment system 20 for
a dendritic object, and FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of containment
system 20 enshrouding a dendritic object 22 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Containment system 20 is intended to enshroud and thereby
contain dendritic object 22 for transport, storage, and/or
disposal. Dendritic object 22 may be arboriform (e.g., a Christmas
tree) and have a dendritic portion 24 (e.g., branches 26) and a
non-dendritic portion 28 (e.g., a trunk 30), or may have an
arboriform element (e.g., a wreath). Typical dendritic objects 22
may be natural or artificial trees, shrubs, bushes, vines, wreaths,
sprays, bouquets, flowers, or other plants or plant-like
objects.
[0037] Containment system 20 is made up of a containment tube 32
formed of a flexible material and configured to contain and
enshroud dendritic object 22. Containment tube 32 has two opposing
tube ends 34, with each tube end 34 having a closure device 36.
When containment system 20 is not in use, tube ends 34 are normally
open. When containment system 20 enshrouds enshrouding dendritic
object 22, tube ends 34 are normally closed to complete the
enshroudment. Closure devices 36 are used to effect the closure of
tube ends 34.
[0038] Desirably, both closure devices 36 are substantially
identical. This is exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is extended by
analogy to the remaining Figures (discussed hereinafter). However,
this is not a requirement of the present invention. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that each closure device 36 may differ
as required to suit specific intended uses for containment system
20.
[0039] Containment tube 32 is substantially a sheet 38 formed of a
flexible material 40. Depending upon the specific use for which
containment system 20 is intended, sheet 38 may be more or less
durable. For example, if containment system 20 is intended for
repetitive use to store dendritic object 22 (e.g., an artificial
Christmas tree), then sheet 38 may be canvas or other strong fabric
or thick polymeric film. On the other hand, if containment system
20 is intended for a one-time use for disposal of dendritic object
22 (e.g., a dead Christmas tree), then sheet 38 may be thin
polymeric film or paper.
[0040] In one preferred embodiment, containment system 20 would be
intended for two-time use where dendritic object 22 is a natural
Christmas tree. In a first use, system 20 would be used before
Christmas for the transport of the tree from a lot or cutting place
to a home. In a second use, system 20 would be used for the
transport of the same tree from the home to a disposal site, and
for the disposal of the tree thereat. For such two-time use, sheet
38 would desirably be formed of coated paper, i.e., paper coated
with a thin film of plastic or other material. Such coated paper is
substantially moisture resistant, relatively durable, and
inexpensive. By being moisture resistant the coated-paper
containment system 20 is capable of protecting the transport
vehicle from contamination by sap or pitch from the "live" tree
during the first use. By being relatively durable, containment
system 20 is able to withstand handling, aid in the furling and
unfurling of the tree (discussed hereinafter), and resist tears by
branches 26 of the tree, thereby confining the debris of the "dead"
tree during the second use. By being inexpensive as well as
practical, containment system 20 warrants such a casual use by an
average homeowner.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, containment tube 32 is a
substantially cylindrical tube having a tube diameter 42. This
shape allows for easy enshroudment of a typical dendritic object
22, such as a tree. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
the shape of containment tube is not a requirement of the present
invention. Shapes other than cylindrical may be utilized to meet
special circumstances without departing from the spirit of the
present invention.
[0042] A typical dendritic object 22 (e.g., the tree depicted in
FIG. 2) has trunk 30 and branches 26. When dendritic object 22 is
spread out and bushy (i.e., unfurled), it is difficult to handle
and transport. By furling dendritic object 22 (i.e., by gathering
branches 26 together about trunk 30), dendritic object 22 is made
more compact. This renders dendritic object 22 more easily handled
and less prone to damage.
[0043] Ideally, tube diameter 42 is smaller than an object diameter
44 (i.e., a "diameter" of dendritic object 22) when dendritic
object is unfurled. This will allow containment system 20 to be
used to furl dendritic object 22. One end of a typical dendritic
object 22 is a base 46, where branches 26 naturally tend to deflect
away from base 46 towards trunk 30. By inserting base 46 into a
tube end 34 of containment system 20, then pulling containment
system 20 over branches 26, branches 26 are deflected upwards
towards trunk 30. This action furls dendritic object 22 into the
desired more compact shape. Since this action has placed dendritic
object 22 inside containment tube 32, containment tube 32 enshrouds
dendritic object 22. This enshroudment is completed by closing tube
ends 34 (discussed hereinafter).
[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is not a
requirement of the present invention that tube diameter 42 be less
than object diameter 44. In some preferred embodiments, it may be
desired that containment tube 32 fit loosely over dendritic object
22. This is especially true where dendritic object 22 cannot be
furled without a significant risk of damage. It will be
appreciated, therefore, that containment system 20 may be formed
with any desired tube diameter 42 without departing from the spirit
of the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 3 and 4 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20, with open and closed tube ends 34, respectively, and
with drawstrings 48 as closure devices 36, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following
discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4.
[0046] Closure device 36 may be a simple drawstring 48. In this
preferred embodiment, flexible material 40 of containment tube 32
is folded over and seamed to form a hem 50 substantially around a
circumference of containment tube 32 at tube end 34. Proximate
openings 52 are formed into hem 50. This may be done by forming a
slit, or a pair of proximate slits, in flexible material 40 within
hem 50. Drawstring 48 enters hem 50 through first opening 52,
passes around a portion of circumference 54 within hem 50, and
exits hem 50 through second opening 52.
[0047] Drawstring 48 may formed as a cord, a ribbon, a wire, or
another string-like device, and may be formed of a fabric, a
plastic, a metal, or another material, as desired. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of a
particular device and/or material for drawstring 48 does not depart
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0048] Once dendritic object 22 is contained within containment
tube 32, drawing drawstring 48 will constrict and substantially
close tube end 34. Drawstring 48 may then be secured by a knot, a
cinch, or any of a plurality of other devices well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0049] By undoing the knot, cinch, or other restraining device,
tube end 34 may be expanded for the non-destructive removal of
dendritic object 22. Drawstring 48 therefore releasably constricts
tube end 34. This allows containment system 20 to used a plurality
of time, as desired.
[0050] FIGS. 5 and 6 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20 enshrouding dendritic object 22, with open and closed
tube ends 34, respectively, and with non-dendritic portion 28
protruding from tube end 34, in accordance with an preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion
refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6.
[0051] It may be desirable that containment system 20 not fully
enshroud dendritic object 22. That is, it may be desirable that
containment system 20 enshroud only a portion of dendritic object
22. This may be the case where dendritic object 22 is a Christmas
tree having a substantial trunk 30 (as in FIGS. 5 and 6). This may
also be desirable where dendritic object 22 is a living tree not
suitable for furling. In such a case, it may be desirable to
enshroud only the head or dendritic portion 24 of the tree (e.g.,
for shipment at speed, where the head may suffer damage if
exposed).
[0052] The preferred embodiment of containment system 20 utilizing
drawstrings 48 as closure devices 36 is also suitable for partial
enshroudment of dendritic object 22. Containment tube 32 is placed
over dendritic portion 24 of dendritic object 22 as disclosed
hereinbefore, leaving non-dendritic portion 28 protruding.
[0053] At the tube end 34 not proximate non-dendritic portion 28,
drawstring 48 is drawn to constrict and close tube end 34 as
discussed hereinbefore. At the tube end 34 proximate non-dendritic
portion 28, drawstring 48 is drawn to constrict tube end 34 and
close tube end 34 about non-dendritic portion 28.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations on
the basic drawstring methodology discussed hereinbefore may be used
to suit variant circumstances, sizes, and intended uses of
containment system 20. For example, the variant depicted in FIGS.
1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 demonstrated two drawstrings 48, hence four
openings arranged as substantially opposing pairs, at each tube end
34. This variation is desirable for larger containment systems 20.
The use of this and/or other variations does not depart from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0055] FIGS. 7 and 8 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20, with open and closed tube ends 34, respectively, and
with drawstrings 48 as closure devices 36 in conjunction with an
end piece 56, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2,
6, and 7.
[0056] Where dendritic object 22 is large, especially messy, and/or
prone to poke through containment system 20 at either end, it is
desirable that end piece 56 be incorporated into containment system
20. End piece 56 is configured to cover an end of dendritic object
22 when closure device 36 closes tube end 34, i.e., as depicted in
FIGS. 7 and 8) before drawstring 48 constricts tube end 34.
[0057] End piece 56 may be loose, or (as demonstrated in FIG. 7)
may be affixed to containment tube 32 proximate tube end 34. The
use of either a loose or an affixed end piece 56 does not depart
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0058] End piece 56 has a shape suitable for use at tube end 34.
That is, if containment tube 32 is substantially cylindrical, then
end piece 56 would desirably be substantially circular to most
easily fit within tube end 34.
[0059] End piece 56 is also desirably smaller than tube end 34.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact size of end
piece 56 relative to tube end 34 is dependent upon the intended use
of containment system 20 and the nature of dendritic object 22. The
use of variant sizes for end piece 56 does not depart from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0060] For most preferred embodiments of containment system 20, end
piece 56 is desirably formed of a flexible material 58. Flexible
material 58 for end piece 56 may be the same as flexible material
40 for containment tube 32. This is not a requirement of the
present invention, however, and end-piece 56 may be formed of a
different flexible material 58 where desirable for the intended use
of containment system 20 and the nature of dendritic object 22. For
example, it may be desirable to form end piece 56 of a stronger
flexible material 58 than containment tube 32 to reduce the chance
of poke-through when dendritic object 22 has a substantially axial
stiff center. The use of alternative flexible materials for end
piece 56 does not depart from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0061] For some preferred embodiments of containment system 20, it
is desirable that end piece 56 be formed of a substantially
inflexible material 60. This is especially useful where there is a
desire to inhibit crushing of dendritic object 22. This is
discussed in more detail hereinafter in conjunction with FIGS. 11
and 12.
[0062] In FIGS. 7 and 8, closure device 36 is shown as a drawstring
48. Once dendritic object 22 is contained within containment tube
32, end piece 56 is inserted or folded inward to cover the end of
dendritic object 22. Drawstring 48 is then drawn to constrict tube
end 34. This action entraps end piece 56 within containment tube 32
and, if formed of flexible material 58, wraps end piece 56 over the
end of dendritic object 22. This substantially closes tube end 34.
Drawstring 48 is secured as discussed hereinbefore.
[0063] FIGS. 9 and 10 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20, with open and closed tube ends 34, respectively, and
with a zipper 62 as closure device 36, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following
discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10.
[0064] In an alternative preferred embodiment, closure device may
be zipper 62 alone, i.e., with end piece 56 omitted. Zipper 62 is
shown affixed to circumference 54 of tube end 34. From a beginning,
a first portion 64 of zipper 62 progresses clockwise around
circumference 54, and a second portion 64 progresses
counterclockwise. When zipped, zipper 62 causes tube end 34 to
constrict in a line, thereby closing tube end 34.
[0065] FIGS. 11 and 12 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20, with open and closed tube ends 34, respectively, and
with zipper 62 as closure device 36 in conjunction with end piece
56, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 11, and
12.
[0066] In another alternative preferred embodiment, closure device
may be zipper 62 used in conjunction with end piece 56. Zipper 62
is shown affixed to both tube end 34 and end piece 56. A first
portion 64 of zipper 62 progresses around circumference 54 of tube
end 34. A second portion 64 of zipper 62 progresses around a
circumference 66 of end piece 56. When zipped, zipper 62 causes
tube end 34 to constrict in a line, thereby closing tube end
34.
[0067] Since first and second portions 64 of zipper 62 must be
substantially equal for zipper 62 to work properly, end piece 56 is
substantially the same size as tube end 34. Because of this, this
preferred embodiment lends itself well for use in circumstances
where it is desirable that end piece 56 be formed of substantially
inflexible material 60. That is, this closure methodology closes
end tube 34 without constriction, and is therefore suitable where
there is a desire to avoid crushing dendritic object 22.
[0068] FIGS. 13 and 14 show oblique views of an end of containment
system 20, with open and closed tube ends 34, respectively, and
with a hook-and-loop fastener 68 as closure device 36 in
conjunction with end piece 56, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion
refers to FIGS. 1, 2, 13, and 14.
[0069] In another alternative preferred embodiment, closure device
36 is hook-and-loop fastener 68. Hook-and-loop fastener 68 is
formed of two fastener portions 70 and 72, one of which is a hook
portion and the other of which is a loop portion. A hook portion
and a loop portion are mutually mating to effect fastening.
[0070] As depicted, one fastener portion 70 is affixed to an outer
surface 74 of containment tube 32 in each of four places
substantially equally spaced around circumference 54. A mating
fastener portion 72 is affixed to end piece 56 for each of the
portions 70 affixed to containment tube 32.
[0071] Containment tube 32 can be constricted and closed by
attaching the fastener portions 72 affixed to end piece 56 to the
fastener portions 70 affixed to containment tube 32. Desirably,
portions 72 are affixed to end piece 56 only proximate a center
thereof. This allows for a sizable "edge," around end piece 56.
This edge can be tucked into containment tube 32 during the
constriction and closing thereof.
[0072] The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0073] In an alternative preferred embodiment, containment system
20 may be used to partially enshroud and isolate dendritic object
22. An example of such a use would be in a nursery where a
plurality of dendritic objects 22 are in close proximity. One such
dendritic object 22 may be isolated from proximate dendritic
objects 22 to independently administer specialized treatment (e.g.,
misting, medicating, etc.), or to prevent the administration of a
generalized treatment.
[0074] In this embodiment, dendritic object would be enclosed
within containment tube 32, but closure devices 36 would not be
used to close one or both tube ends 34. Therefore, closure devices
36 may be eliminated from containment system 20 at one or both tube
ends 34. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
elimination of closure devices 36 from one or both tube ends 34
does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.
[0075] The following discussion refers to FIGS. 1 through 14.
[0076] Dendritic object 22 may be infested with vermin, pests,
and/or parasites. Desirably, dendritic object 22 should be purged
of such vermin, pests, and/or parasites prior to use.
[0077] Once dendritic object 22 has been completely enshrouded by
containment system 20, regardless of the form of closure device 36
and/or the presence of end piece 56, dendritic object 22 may be
purged of vermin, pests, and/or parasites by introducing a gaseous,
liquid, or powdered toxic agent into containment system 20 through
a small opening. Such a small opening need be no more than a crack
between folds of containment tube 32. This methodology is
especially effective with natural dendritic objects 22, such as
cut-in-the-wild Christmas trees.
[0078] Alternatively, a liquid, powdered, or solid toxic agent may
be enshrouded within containment system 20 along with dendritic
object 22. This methodology is especially effective with artificial
dendritic objects 22, such as artificial Christmas trees and
wreaths, with are stored for long periods between uses. By
enshrouding a toxic agent (e.g., mothballs or an activated flea
collar) into containment system 20 along with dendritic object 22,
an infestation of spiders, silverfish, mice, and/or other vermin
may be curtailed.
[0079] Once dendritic object 22 has been completely enshrouded by
containment system 20 (i.e., placed within containment tube 32 with
both tube ends 34 closed), then dendritic object 22 is ready for
transport, storage, and/or disposal. Depending upon the size and
weight of dendritic object 22, an optional handle 76 (FIG. 1) may
be affixed to outer surface 74 of containment tube 32.
[0080] In summary, the present invention teaches a containment
system 20 for a dendritic object 22. During transport and handling,
containment system 20 protects a transport vehicle from
contamination by dendritic object 22, and protects dendritic object
22 from damage. Containment system 20 aids in the furling and
unfurling of dendritic object 20 without damage. Containment system
20 allows the ready destruction of parasites and other vermin
harbored by dendritic object 22. Containment system 20 allows easy
and inexpensive disposal of dendritic object 22.
[0081] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may
be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention
or from the scope of the appended claims.
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