WO1997037572A1 - Christmas tree bag - Google Patents

Christmas tree bag Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997037572A1
WO1997037572A1 PCT/FI1997/000206 FI9700206W WO9737572A1 WO 1997037572 A1 WO1997037572 A1 WO 1997037572A1 FI 9700206 W FI9700206 W FI 9700206W WO 9737572 A1 WO9737572 A1 WO 9737572A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
bottom portion
fold
side walls
wrapped
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI1997/000206
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tuula Samuli
Original Assignee
Julina
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Julina filed Critical Julina
Priority to AU22952/97A priority Critical patent/AU2295297A/en
Publication of WO1997037572A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997037572A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
    • A47G33/04—Christmas trees 
    • A47G33/045—Underlays, i.e. mats for catching needles or to aid in disposing of Christmas trees

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a bag for a Christmas tree and the like.
  • the bag comprises a planar closed bottom portion and side walls tightly fitted thereto which can be wrapped or packed close to the bottom portion of the bag.
  • the bag can be used as a mat for a Christmas tree, and when the side walls are opened the bag can be used for packing and removal of a used Christmas tree.
  • Finnish Patent Application 911727 discloses a bag for packing and/or storing a Christmas tree or the like.
  • the bag comprises a planar bottom, side walls, and a bag mouth defined by the side walls.
  • the side walls can be folded or wrapped together, so that when the side walls are folded or wrapped the bag lies substantially planar under the Christmas tree and when the side walls are extended the bag is adapted to enclose the tree.
  • the bag is characterized in that the side walls comprise transverse fold lines for guiding the folding for example in a zigzag manner. In said Finnish application, however, the fold lines render the manufacturing of the bag complicated.
  • This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in such a way that a fold tightly surrounding the edges of the bottom portion of the bag is fitted to the bottom in such a way that the side walls of the bag remain between the bottom portion and fold of the bag, the fold being sufficiently wide, together with the edge portions of the bottom portion of the bag, to enclose the wrapped or packed side walls of the bag, and easily openable means are fitted in the region of the side portions of the bottom portion of the bag and in the fold for fixing the fold to the bottom portion of the bag.
  • the bottom portion, side walls, and fold of the bag are fitted together by sewing.
  • the fixing means are preferably disposed circumferentially in spaced-apart relationship and com ⁇ prise Velcro tapes.
  • means for closing the bag can be provided in the region of the upper portion of the side walls of the bag. These closing means may comprise a draw string, for example.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a bag of the invention, the side walls being both in wrapped and in unwrapped configuration. The wrapped configuration is shown with a continuous line and the unwrapped configuration with a broken line.
  • Figure 2 is a bottom view of the bag of the invention and Figure 3 a top view thereof, the side walls being in wrapped configuration.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the bag of the invention with the side walls opened.
  • Figure 1 shows a substantially circular bottom portion 1 of the bag, side walls 2 with a broken line, a fold 3, and Velcro tape fixing means 4.
  • the bag serves as a mat for a Christmas tree
  • its side walls are wrapped or packed between the fold 3 and the edge portions of the bottom portion and the fold is fixed with Velcro tapes to the bottom portion of the bag, and thus the wrapped side walls are retained in place in the "casing" formed by the fold and the edge portions of the bottom portion.
  • the bag then has a substantially flat configuration and is somewhat elevated at its edges.
  • the bag is placed under a Christmas tree in such a way that the side of the bottom portion of the bag containing the fold will lie against the floor, and thus only the bottom portion of the bag is visible and will give the impression of a mat.
  • Figure 2 is a bottom view of the bag of the invention with the side walls in wrapped configuration (the side walls are not shown in the figure).
  • Figure 2 shows a bottom portion 1 , a fold 3, and Velcro tapes 4.
  • the side walls of the bag are in wrapped configuration between the fold 3 and the edge portions of the bottom.
  • the Velcro tapes 4 are disposed at the edge of the fold and at a corresponding point in the bottom portion of the bag with suitable spacings to retain the wrapped side walls in the casing formed by the fold and the edges of the bottom portion of the bag.
  • Figure 3 shows a bag 1 in accordance with the invention in a substantially flat configuration, in which situation it serves as a mat for a Christmas tree.
  • the wrapped side walls are circumferentially located at the edges of the mat between the edges of the bottom portion of the bag and the fold (shown with a broken line) that will lie against the floor.
  • the portion remaining between the edges of the mat and the broken line is somewhat elevated from the floor.
  • FIG. 4 shows an unwrapped bag in which the used Christmas tree has been packed.
  • the figure shows a bottom portion 1, side walls 2, and a draw string 5 with which the bag can be closed.
  • the fold 3 (shown with a broken line) will remain within the bag. Packed in this way, the tree is ready to be removed, without needles being scattered in the apartment and outdoors.
  • the bag of the invention In its wrapped configuration, the bag of the invention, i.e. its flat bot- torn portion, serves as a "mat" for a Christmas tree, and thus needles dropping off the tree fall on the mat and are not scattered about in the apartment.
  • the needles can be easily swept from the mat.
  • the fact that the edges of the bottom portion of the bag, when containing the wrapped side walls, are somewhat elevated from the floor contributes to the needles remaining on the mat, and the needles are thus retained in the trough formed by the flat bottom portion.
  • the bottom portion of the bag preferably has a substantially circular shape, but it may also be of square or rectangular shape, for instance.
  • the dimensions of the bag are designed to be suitable for standard spruces that are generally used in households.
  • the diameter of the bottom portion may be of the order of 1.5-2 m and the height of the side walls of the bag 2-3 m.
  • the bag may also be dimensioned for larger trees as well.
  • the bag must be of a strong, thin material that has a smooth surface and can be easily wrapped and also easily opened, such as plastic.
  • the bottom portion of the bag must also preferably be of a water-resistant and/or water-retaining material.
  • the fold portion of the bag is usually made of the same material as the bottom portion.
  • the walls of the bag can be of a different material.
  • the material of the bottom portion may also be decorated with various Christmas motifs.
  • the wall portions are on view only when the tree is packed after use and removed, and thus the selection of the wall material is not as critical.
  • the Christmas tree bag in accordance with the invention may be disposable, but is preferably intended to be used several times, depending on the selection of the material.

Landscapes

  • Bag Frames (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a bag that can be used as a mat for a Christmas tree and for packing the tree, the bag comprising a closed, planar bottom portion (1) and side walls (2) tightly fitted to the bottom portion which can be wrapped or packed close to the bottom portion. The bag is characterized in that a fold (3) tightly surrounding the edges of the bottom portion of the bag is fitted to the bottom in such a way that the side walls of the bag remain between the bottom portion and fold of the bag, the fold being sufficiently wide, together with the edge portions of the bottom portion of the bag, to enclose the wrapped or packed side walls of the bag, and easily openable means (4) are fitted in the region of the edge portions of the bottom portion (1) of the bag and in the fold (3) for fixing the fold to the bottom portion (1) of the bag.

Description

CHRISTMAS TREE BAG
The invention relates to a bag for a Christmas tree and the like. The bag comprises a planar closed bottom portion and side walls tightly fitted thereto which can be wrapped or packed close to the bottom portion of the bag. When the side walls are in wrapped configuration the bag can be used as a mat for a Christmas tree, and when the side walls are opened the bag can be used for packing and removal of a used Christmas tree.
When a natural spruce is used as a Christmas tree, a known problem is the dropping of spruce needles. The needles fallen from the tree are easily carried about in the apartment. A still greater problem is the removal of a used, dried tree from the apartment without the needles being scattered into the apartment, staircase, and also outdoors. Attempts have been made to solve this problem for example in the way taught in U.S. Patent 4 384 604. This publication discloses a plastic bag intended for collecting dropped needles of a Christmas tree and for removal of the Christmas tree. The bag is open at both ends, and thus it is laid under the Christmas tree from beneath and is tightened at its lower portion about the trunk of the tree with a draw string or the like. The bag is allowed to fold under the tree as a heap of indefinite shape. The bag is provided with protruding decorative shapes for collecting dropped needles.
Also Finnish Patent Application 911727 discloses a bag for packing and/or storing a Christmas tree or the like. The bag comprises a planar bottom, side walls, and a bag mouth defined by the side walls. The side walls can be folded or wrapped together, so that when the side walls are folded or wrapped the bag lies substantially planar under the Christmas tree and when the side walls are extended the bag is adapted to enclose the tree. The bag is characterized in that the side walls comprise transverse fold lines for guiding the folding for example in a zigzag manner. In said Finnish application, however, the fold lines render the manufacturing of the bag complicated.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag for a Christ¬ mas tree, which can be wrapped and opened, in a considerably simpler manner. This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in such a way that a fold tightly surrounding the edges of the bottom portion of the bag is fitted to the bottom in such a way that the side walls of the bag remain between the bottom portion and fold of the bag, the fold being sufficiently wide, together with the edge portions of the bottom portion of the bag, to enclose the wrapped or packed side walls of the bag, and easily openable means are fitted in the region of the side portions of the bottom portion of the bag and in the fold for fixing the fold to the bottom portion of the bag.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom portion, side walls, and fold of the bag are fitted together by sewing. The fixing means are preferably disposed circumferentially in spaced-apart relationship and com¬ prise Velcro tapes. Furthermore, means for closing the bag can be provided in the region of the upper portion of the side walls of the bag. These closing means may comprise a draw string, for example.
In the following, the bag in accordance with the invention will be described by means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a side view of a bag of the invention, the side walls being both in wrapped and in unwrapped configuration. The wrapped configuration is shown with a continuous line and the unwrapped configuration with a broken line. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the bag of the invention and Figure 3 a top view thereof, the side walls being in wrapped configuration. Figure 4 is a side view of the bag of the invention with the side walls opened.
Figure 1 shows a substantially circular bottom portion 1 of the bag, side walls 2 with a broken line, a fold 3, and Velcro tape fixing means 4. When the bag serves as a mat for a Christmas tree, its side walls are wrapped or packed between the fold 3 and the edge portions of the bottom portion and the fold is fixed with Velcro tapes to the bottom portion of the bag, and thus the wrapped side walls are retained in place in the "casing" formed by the fold and the edge portions of the bottom portion. The bag then has a substantially flat configuration and is somewhat elevated at its edges. The bag is placed under a Christmas tree in such a way that the side of the bottom portion of the bag containing the fold will lie against the floor, and thus only the bottom portion of the bag is visible and will give the impression of a mat.
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the bag of the invention with the side walls in wrapped configuration (the side walls are not shown in the figure). Figure 2 shows a bottom portion 1 , a fold 3, and Velcro tapes 4. The side walls of the bag are in wrapped configuration between the fold 3 and the edge portions of the bottom. The Velcro tapes 4 are disposed at the edge of the fold and at a corresponding point in the bottom portion of the bag with suitable spacings to retain the wrapped side walls in the casing formed by the fold and the edges of the bottom portion of the bag. Figure 3 shows a bag 1 in accordance with the invention in a substantially flat configuration, in which situation it serves as a mat for a Christmas tree. The wrapped side walls are circumferentially located at the edges of the mat between the edges of the bottom portion of the bag and the fold (shown with a broken line) that will lie against the floor. The portion remaining between the edges of the mat and the broken line is somewhat elevated from the floor.
When after Christmas it is desired to remove the Christmas tree, the Velcro tapes 4 are opened and the side walls of the bag are opened about the used tree. Figure 4 shows an unwrapped bag in which the used Christmas tree has been packed. The figure shows a bottom portion 1, side walls 2, and a draw string 5 with which the bag can be closed. The fold 3 (shown with a broken line) will remain within the bag. Packed in this way, the tree is ready to be removed, without needles being scattered in the apartment and outdoors.
In its wrapped configuration, the bag of the invention, i.e. its flat bot- torn portion, serves as a "mat" for a Christmas tree, and thus needles dropping off the tree fall on the mat and are not scattered about in the apartment. The needles can be easily swept from the mat. The fact that the edges of the bottom portion of the bag, when containing the wrapped side walls, are somewhat elevated from the floor contributes to the needles remaining on the mat, and the needles are thus retained in the trough formed by the flat bottom portion.
The bottom portion of the bag preferably has a substantially circular shape, but it may also be of square or rectangular shape, for instance.
The dimensions of the bag are designed to be suitable for standard spruces that are generally used in households. The diameter of the bottom portion may be of the order of 1.5-2 m and the height of the side walls of the bag 2-3 m. The bag may also be dimensioned for larger trees as well.
The bag must be of a strong, thin material that has a smooth surface and can be easily wrapped and also easily opened, such as plastic. The bottom portion of the bag must also preferably be of a water-resistant and/or water-retaining material. The fold portion of the bag is usually made of the same material as the bottom portion. The walls of the bag, on the other hand, can be of a different material.
Since the bottom portion of the bag as a Christmas tree mat is prominently displayed during the entire Christmas season, aesthetic factors, such as colour, must also be taken into account in selecting the material. The material of the bottom portion may also be decorated with various Christmas motifs.
The wall portions, on the other hand, are on view only when the tree is packed after use and removed, and thus the selection of the wall material is not as critical.
The Christmas tree bag in accordance with the invention may be disposable, but is preferably intended to be used several times, depending on the selection of the material.
The bag in accordance with the invention has been described in the above by means of one exemplary embodiment only, and it is to be under¬ stood that modifications may be made thereto without, however, departing from the scope defined in the attached claims. For example, the means for fixing the fold to the bottom portion of the bag may be of different type.

Claims

Claims:
1. A bag that can be used as a mat for a Christmas tree and for packing it, the bag comprising a closed, planar bottom portion (1) and side walls (2) tightly fitted to the bottom portion which can be wrapped or packed close to the bottom portion, characterized in that the a fold (3) tightly surrounding the edges of the bottom portion of the bag is fitted to the bottom in such a way that the side walls of the bag remain between the bottom portion and fold of the bag, the fold being sufficiently wide, together with the edge portions of the bottom portion of the bag, to enclose the wrapped or packed side walls of the bag, and easily openable means (4) are fitted in the region of the side portions of the bottom portion (1) of the bag and in the fold (3) for fixing the fold to the bottom portion (1) of the bag.
2. A bag as claimed in Claim ^ characterized in that the fixing means (4) are disposed circumferentially in spaced-apart relationship.
3. A bag as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the fixing means (4) comprise Velcro tapes.
4. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (5) for closing the bag are provided in the region of the upper portion of the side walls (2) of the bag.
5. A bag as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that the closing means (5) for the bag comprise a draw string.
6. A bag as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom portion (1), side walls (2) and fold (3) of the bag are fitted together by sewing.
PCT/FI1997/000206 1996-04-04 1997-04-03 Christmas tree bag WO1997037572A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU22952/97A AU2295297A (en) 1996-04-04 1997-04-03 Christmas tree bag

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI960215U FI2503U1 (en) 1996-04-04 1996-04-04 Christmas tree bag
FIU960215 1996-04-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997037572A1 true WO1997037572A1 (en) 1997-10-16

Family

ID=8544904

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI1997/000206 WO1997037572A1 (en) 1996-04-04 1997-04-03 Christmas tree bag

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2295297A (en)
FI (1) FI2503U1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997037572A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20207701U1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-09-25 Gesell Lothar Packaging container, especially for transporting Christmas trees, comprises hose made from film and funnel shaped extension
GB2442219A (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Julia Elizabeth Harrington Christmas tree bag
WO2010068188A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-17 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree
US8062718B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2011-11-22 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree
US10638866B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2020-05-05 Balsam International Unlimited Company Invertible Christmas tree

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2781811A (en) * 1956-03-28 1957-02-19 Dilar Georgia Combined tree wrapper and ground sheet
US2868255A (en) * 1957-08-01 1959-01-13 Fancher Paul Joseph Combination cover and enclosure for christmas trees and other displays
US3872906A (en) * 1970-02-26 1975-03-25 Gerrit Martin Bolanz Christmas tree cover
US4206795A (en) * 1979-04-02 1980-06-10 Regan Michael E Stored collapsible bag for extension about a tree for disposal of the tree
DE4033244A1 (en) * 1989-11-24 1991-05-29 Jochen Rudolphsen Removal support for used Christmas trees - has base plate and pull up sleeve to ensure all pine needles are collected

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2781811A (en) * 1956-03-28 1957-02-19 Dilar Georgia Combined tree wrapper and ground sheet
US2868255A (en) * 1957-08-01 1959-01-13 Fancher Paul Joseph Combination cover and enclosure for christmas trees and other displays
US3872906A (en) * 1970-02-26 1975-03-25 Gerrit Martin Bolanz Christmas tree cover
US4206795A (en) * 1979-04-02 1980-06-10 Regan Michael E Stored collapsible bag for extension about a tree for disposal of the tree
DE4033244A1 (en) * 1989-11-24 1991-05-29 Jochen Rudolphsen Removal support for used Christmas trees - has base plate and pull up sleeve to ensure all pine needles are collected

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE20207701U1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-09-25 Gesell Lothar Packaging container, especially for transporting Christmas trees, comprises hose made from film and funnel shaped extension
GB2442219A (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Julia Elizabeth Harrington Christmas tree bag
WO2010068188A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-17 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree
US8062718B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2011-11-22 Schooley Bruce A Invertible christmas tree
US10638866B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2020-05-05 Balsam International Unlimited Company Invertible Christmas tree
US10682003B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2020-06-16 Balsam International Unlimited Company Collapsible artificial tree
US10925426B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2021-02-23 Balsam International Unlimited Company Invertible Christmas tree
US11730298B2 (en) 2008-12-10 2023-08-22 Balsam International Unlimited Company Invertible Christmas tree

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI2503U1 (en) 1996-07-19
FIU960215U0 (en) 1996-04-04
AU2295297A (en) 1997-10-29

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