Every year millions of traditional Christmas trees are sold around the world. At the point of sale, the trees are often sold wrapped in netting which is placed around the trees by a netting machine. This ensures that the branches of the trees are kept compact during transportation into the owner's home. The net also assists, to a degree, in keeping the needles on the branches. The trees are further often sprayed with a substance which reduces the likelihood that the tree will shed its needles whilst in the home.

Once the net is removed from around the tree, the tree will widen considerably, more often than not to proportions greater than those of a conventional door.

Inevitably, the tree will shed its needles throughout its duration in the home. Indeed, by the end of the Christmas period the needles will invariably come off at the slightest provocation. This is problematic since any handling by the owner will tend to displace the needles, this being particularly prevalent when the owner tries to remove the tree from the home, the tree's proportions meaning that its branches will readily come into contact with items such as door frames.

The nature of the needles means they can become easily caught in fabrics such as carpets and soft furnishings. They can moreover cause injury if they pierce the skin, for example when handled or if trodden on, and can be an irritant to

certain skin types. In addition and potentially more seriously, they can be caught in the soft tissue in the throat if ingested by, or example, pets or young children.

Their characteristics make them very difficult to collect easily, for example by brushing or vacuum cleaning, and often they can be found months later attached to items.

Further, when transporting live plants, they often are damaged due to entanglement of their leaves/branches with the surrounding environment, e. g. car doors, shopping trolleys, or with the leaves/branches of adjacent plants.

Yet further, when transporting an object it is often necessary to easily place packaging around the object, in order not to disturb the characteristics of the object.

An object of the present invention is to provide a bag which seeks to alleviate such problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a tubular bag for the transport and protection of objects, the bag being formed from puncture resistant material and comprising two open ends each defining an aperture, the bag further comprising means for contracting each of the open ends.

Such a bag can be used for the transportation of objects. The objects will be generally elongate in order that they fit within the tubular bags, for example, works of art, machinery, Christmas trees and other plants. When being used for a plant the contracting means can be used to ensure that any debris, e. g. spines, needles, soil, dead leaves, from the plant can be held within the bag. It should be understood that the term

"plants used herein is intended to apply to any plant, alive or dead. In addition, the contracting means allows the bag to easily placed over or under the object before the contracting means is contracted and the object is secured therewithin. The contracting means can be secured around any part of the object, thus allowing, for example, roots or stems to protrude so that plants can be watered while they are being transported.

At least one of the contracting means may be an elasticated member. The contracting means allows an open end of the bag to be either secured around part of an object, the remainder of which extends inside the bag, or secured underneath the object so that the entire object is inside the bag. The elasticated member should be sufficiently resilient so that the aperture can be opened far enough to allow at least a part of the object to be inserted within the bag.

Conveniently at least one of the contracting means is a drawstring.

In preferred embodiments the bag further comprises a means for securing the bag along its longitudinal dimension. The securing means can be used to secure an object within the bag and also can allow the volume of the bag to be reduced if the object in the bag can be folded or reduced in size in some other way. For example, if the object is a Christmas tree, then securing means could be used to urge its branches towards the trunk of the tree, thus reducing the size of the entire package and making it easier to transport.

Preferably the securing means is attached to one end of the bag.

The securing means can then be secured around the bag with the object therein from the bottom to the top in, for example, a generally helical pattern such that the entire object will be secured within the bag.

Conveniently the securing means comprises a compression strap or lashing. In preferred embodiments the strap/lashing is substantially longer than the length of the bag such that it can be wound around the bag from bottom to top.

Preferably when at least one of the contracting means is a drawstring, the free ends of the drawstring further being suitable for use as the securing means. The size of the drawstring should be such that when the open end is fully contracted the drawstring should be at least the length of the bag. In this connection, instead of tying the drawstring together at the end of the bag the drawstring can be tied around the object in a helical pattern to contract the size of the bag. The use of the drawstring as the securing means reduces the number of attachments on the bag and therefore the amount of material used.

In preferred embodiments the contracting means and/or the securing means is a rachet tie produced from plastics material. The rachet tie can be placed around the bag with the object encased therein at any point thereby allowing the ends of the bag and the body of the bag to be secured at the most convenient place.

Conveniently an inner edge of at least one open end of the bag is provided with a lip, the lip extending inwardly towards the centre of the aperture of the open end. If a Christmas tree is placed inside the bag then the lip can, for example, be

used to catch any needles falling from the tree.

Preferably the inside surface of the bag is provided with a non-stick coating. The non-stick surface or coating, for example Teflon (Trade Mark) will aid the user inserting and removing objects into and out of the bag.

In preferred embodiments the puncture resistant material is a recyclable plastic. In this connection, if the bag becomes unusable it can be recycled into another bag or another plastic item. Alternatively, a biodegradable plastic such as a starch polymer could be used. In this connection, if the object, such as a Christmas tree, is being disposed of it will biodegrade relatively quickly. The bag can be formed of material that will burn safely without giving off dangerous fumes, so as to facilitate the disposal thereof.

Alternatively, the puncture resistant material is flame resistant and/or tear resistant.

In preferred embodiments the object is a plant, for example a Christmas tree.

Preferably the bag is 3 to 8ft in length (0.9144 to 2.4384m).

In preferred embodiments the bag is 5ft (1. 524m) or 8ft (2.4384m) in length.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plant bag, the bag being formed from puncture resistant material and comprising a closed end and an open end defining an aperture, the bag further comprising a portion tapering towards the closed end and a means for contracting

the aperture of the open end.

Such a bag can be used for the transportation of Christmas trees and other plants. The tapered end allows the bag to fit neatly over the plant inside. The contracting means can be used to ensure that any debris, e. g. pines, soil, dead leaves, from the plant can be held within the bag. It should be understood that the term plant can apply to any plant, alive or dead.

Conveniently, the bag further comprises a means for securing the bag along its longitudinal dimension around the plant therein. The securing means can be used to secure the plant within the bag and also will allow the volume of the bag to be reduced if the plant in the bag can be folded or reduced in size in some other way. For example, if the plant is a Christmas tree, then securing means could be used to urge its branches towards the trunk of the tree, thus reducing the size of the entire package and making it easier to transport.

Preferably, the securing means is attached to the closed end of the bag.

The securing means can then be secured around the bag with the plant therein from the top to the bottom in, for example, a generally helical pattern such that the entire plant will be secured within the bag.

In preferred embodiments, the securing means comprises a lashing. Conveniently, the lashing is longer than the length of the bag such that it can be wound around the bag from top to bottom.

Preferably, the bag is tapered along substantially the entire length of the bag. In this respect, instead of or in addition to a securing means being required to reduce the volume of the plant, the tapered sides of the bag can promote a reduction reduce the size of the plant as the bag is applied thereover and will hold the plant tightly in place.

Preferably, the plant is a Christmas tree.

Conveniently, the bag has a generally triangular cross- section. The cross-section of the outline of Christmas trees and most plants is generally triangular. Accordingly, a bag that has a corresponding shape will fit around the Christmas tree or plant without having too much excess space within the bag. This will assist in preventing the plant moving too much within the bag. In addition such a bag is environmentally friendly because there is less material in the bag.

In a preferred embodiment, the contracting means is a drawstring. The contracting means allows the open end of the bag to be secured around part of the plant, e. g. the trunk, inside the bag or underneath the plant so that the entire plant is inside the bag.

Conveniently, a lip may be provided on the inner edge of the open end, the lip projecting inwardly towards the centre of the aperture of the open end. If a Christmas tree is placed inside the bag then the lip can for example be used to catch any pines falling from the tree.

Preferably, the bag is provided with a non-stick surface or coating on its inside surface. The non-stick surface or coating, for example Teflon (Trade Mark) will aid the user

inserting and removing plants into and out of the bag.

In preferred embodiments, the puncture resistant material is biodegradable and/or tear resistant. In this connection, the plant, such as a Christmas tree, can be placed in the bag and then it can be disposed of in a rubbish dump. The plant and the bag will then biodegrade relatively quickly. As an alternative the plant and/or the bag could be burnt.

Preferably, the bag is 3 to 8 ft in length (0.9144 to 2.4384m). More particularly, the bag is 5ft (1.524m) or 8ft (2.4384m) in length. In each case, a suitable taper for the bag has been found to be between 25 and 45° from the longitudinal axis of the bag, and preferably of the order of 35°.

The invention will now be described, by way of illustration only, with reference to the following examples and the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows a front plan view of a bag of the present invention ; Figure 2 shows a front plan view of a further bag of the present invention; Figures 3A to 3D shows the bag of Figure 1 in use; Figures 4A to 4D shows the bag of Figure 2 in use; Figure 5; Figure 6; and Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a tubular bag 1 produced from a recyclable plastics material, lightweight and puncture resistant.

Alternative materials may be used to suit the particular

application. For example the bag may be formed of a strengthened paper such as Kraft paper or cotton with a plastics lining (for added puncture and tear resistance) or the plastics material may be produced from starch polymers and be biodegradable.

In the present embodiment, the bag 1 is intended to be between substantially 3 to 8ft (0.9144 to 243.84m) long and 2 to 5ft (0.6096 to 1.524m) wide. The bag has two open ends 2 and 3.

A seam 4 and 5 is provided along the edge of the open ends 2 and 3, respectively. In each seam 4 and 5 there is provided a cord or tie 6 and 7 respectively, which protrudes through apertures 8 and 9, respectively. The cords or ties 6 and 7 may be tightened to contract the size of the open ends.

On the outside of the bag 1 at the end 3 there is provided an elongate securing means 10. The securing means 10 takes the form of a compression strap and is substantially longer than the length of the bag 1. The securing means 10 could be produced from the same material as the bag or another material which is sufficiently strong.

As shown in Figure 3A, in use, the bag 1 is placed under the base of Christmas tree 11. The drawstring or cord 7 is pulled tight so that the end 3 contracts into engagement with the trunk of the Christmas tree 11 to keep the bag in place and to catch any debris from the tree. The end 2 of the bag 1 is then pulled up to the top of the Christmas tree extending the bag over and around the tree (Fig 3B). The bag 1 is then secured above the top of the Christmas tree by pulling on drawstring or cord 6. The cord 6 is then tied to prevent the aperture from reopening. In this connection, the entire Christmas tree is now secured within the bag 1 (Fig 3C). Cord

6 and 7 could be untied at a later occasion, if an object that had been placed in the bag had to be removed.

In any event, the securing means 10 can then be wound around the outside of the bag, from bottom to top-thereby urging the branches of the tree towards the trunk to reduce the volume of the bag (Fig 3D).

The Christmas tree can then be easily removed from its current position without needles dropping from the branches onto the surrounding area. The bag and the tree can then be disposed of.

Figure 2 shows an alternative bag 20 which can be made from a similar material to bag 1. Bag 20 has two open ends 21 and 22. Seams 23 and 24 are, respectively, provided adjacent to each of the open ends. Within seam 23 there is provided a cord 25, which is substantially longer than the length of the bag 20. Within seam 24 there is provided a resilient material. The resilient material pulls the edges of the open end together effectively it, although it can be stretched open.

As shown in Figure 4A, in use, the bag 20 is placed beneath plant 26, which is potted in plant pot 27. The resilient material within seam 24 is then stretched in order that the bag can be moved over the plant pot 27 (Fig 4B). After the end of the bag 22 is in place at the bottom of the stem of the plant the bag can be pulled over the plant until the plant is encased within the bag (Fig 4C). The resilient material within seam 24 secures the bag to the stem of the plant and stops it moving. The drawstring cord 25 is then pulled to close the open end 21. The drawstring 25 can then be wound loosely

around the bag and tied adjacent open end 22 thus drawing in the leaves of the plants and reducing the volume of the bag (Fig 4D).

During transportation, the plant can be watered without the bag around the plant having to be untied. In this connection, in order to stop any soil escaping from the plant pot 27 the open end 22 could be positioned beneath the plant pot or around the plant pot. Before watering the open end 22 could be easily moved to adjacent the top of the soil by stretching the open end 22 and placing it where required. After watering the open end 22 could then be replaced in its original position.

It will be understood that the embodiments illustrated show applications of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

Instead of the cord being tied to close the end of the bag, a toggle could be provided on the cord. The toggle could then be moved along the cord to open or close the end of the bag.

A bag provided, at least at one end, with a resilient member is useful if it is intended that the bag will be used on one or more occasion because it is easier to pull open the open ends than to untie the cord. In addition, over time any knots in the cords may become difficult to disentangle and therefore the cord would have to be cut, reducing the usefulness of the bag.

Instead of providing each contracting means and/or the

securing means as an integral part of the bag, the bag could be sold with one or more rachet ties produced, for example, from plastics material. The rachet tie (s) can then be placed around any part of the bag with the object encased therein and tightened as required.

The object to be moved in the bag could be any suitably shaped object, such as a work of art, machinery or a plant. The plant to be moved in the bag could be any suitable plant, living or dead.

If the bag was used for moving a particularly delicate object then the inside of the bag could be provided with padding, for example bubble-wrap, to protect the object.

The securing means could be elasticated in order to aid the compression of the bag with the object that is to be moved.

The object could be removed from the bag after it has been moved and the bag could be reused. The bag could be produced from any suitable material which can be tailored to the object which it is to contain. For example, Christmas tree bags for sawn trees should be puncture resistant and biodegradable so that once the bag and tree have been disposed of they will naturally breakdown, whereas bags for living plants could, for example, allow the plant to breathe and/or photosynthesize.

The inside of the bag could be provided with a non-stick surface or coating to aid the insertion and removal of the plant from the bag.

A lip could be provided on the inside of the edge of at least one open end. The lip could extend around the entire edge or

only a part thereof and could serve to catch any debris, foliage or needles falling off a plant within the bag.

A tag may be attached to the bag listing usage instructions and environmental information.

At the point of sale or storage, the bag may be flat packed in a simple wallet type outer, taking up minimal storage space. The bag could be rolled to fit a simple cardboard box for point of sale purposes.

The exterior of the bag may be decorated or may be made from a intrinsically decorative material.

The bag is envisaged to come in two sizes, one for objects up to 5 ft (1.524m) and the other for objects up to 8 ft (2. 438m).

In use, the bag may be provided oversize, such that it can be readily applied to the object. For example, if an oversized bag is used when disposing of a Christmas tree the branches thereof will undergo minimal disturbance, thereby reducing the likelihood of needles being dislodged. Once the bag has been carefully placed over the tree, the drawstrings can be pulled to close the open ends tightly around the tree's trunk, whereafter the lashings can be used to tighten the bag around the tree along its length. Hence, only after the tree has been contained withing the bag are the branches disturbed thus minimising the likelihood of pines needles being dislodged and undesirably.

It should be understood that the term"tubular"is intended to cover bags of non-cylindrical shape, for example of square

cross-section or bags which for example taper slightly towards one or more ends.

Figure 5 shows a generally elongate bag 31 produced from a biodegradable plastics material, which is lightweight and puncture resistant. Alternative materials may be used to suit the particular application. For example the bag may be formed of a strengthened paper such as Kraft paper or cotton with a plastics lining (for added puncture and tear resistance).

In the present embodiment, the bag 31 is intended to be between substantially 3 to 8ft (0.9144 to 243.84m) long and 2 to 5ft (0.6096 to 1.524m) wide at the widest point. The bag is substantially bell or triangular-shaped with the tapered end 42 being closed. This produces a conical 3- dimensional shape. The remote end 33 of the bag 31 from the tapered end 32 is open, defining an aperture (not shown). A seam 34 is provided along the edge of the open end 33. In the seam 34 there is provided a cord 35 which protrudes from the seam through an aperture 36. A toggle 37 is provided on the cord 35. The cord 35 may be tightened to contract the size of the opening.

On the outside of the bag 31 at the tapered end 32 there is provided an elongate securing means 38. The securing means 38 is substantially longer than the length of the bag 31. The securing means 38 could be produced from the same material as the bag or another material which is sufficiently strong.

As shown in Figure 6, in use, the bag 31 is placed over a Christmas tree 40. Thereafter the open end 33 is secured around the trunk 39 of the Christmas tree by pulling on cord 35 and moving toggle 37 towards the trunk of the tree. Toggle

37 should be moved until it is adjacent the trunk of the tree.

In this connection, the Christmas tree branches will be secured within the bag 31 while a section of the trunk will be left protruding from the bag.

The securing means 38 can then be wound around the outside of the bag with the Christmas tree secured inside to reduce the volume of the bag.

The Christmas tree can then be easily removed from its current position without needles dropping from the branches onto the surrounding area. The bag and the tree can then be disposed of by, for example, placing them on a fire.

It will be understood that the embodiment illustrated shows one application of the invention only for the purposes of illustration. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

For example, the bag can have a substantially rectangular cross-section with a tapered end portion or a triangular cross-section throughout.

A toggle need not be provided on the cord 35, rather the cord could be tied at an appropriate place to keep the cord in place.

The plant to be moved in the bag could be any suitable plant, living or dead.

If the bag was used for moving a particularly delicate plant then the inside of the bag could be provided with padding, for

example bubble-wrap, to protect the plant.

The securing means could be elasticated in order to aid the compression of the bag with the plant that is to be moved.

The plant could be removed from the bag after it has been moved and the bag could be reused. The bag could be produced from any suitable material which can be tailored to the plant which it is to contain. For example, Christmas tree bags for sawn trees should be puncture resistant and biodegradable so that once the bag and tree have been disposed of they will naturally breakdown, whereas bags for living plants could, for example, allow the plant to breathe and/or photosynthesize.

As shown in Figure 7, the bag may be configured with an intermediate section 50 that is tapered.

The inside of the bag could be provided with a non-stick surface or coating to aid the insertion and removal of the plant from the bag.

A lip could be provided on the inside of the edge of the open end. The lip could extend around the entire edge or only a part thereof and could serve to catch any debris, foliage, needles falling of the plant within the bag.

A tag may be attached to the bag listing usage instructions and environmental information.

At the point of sale or storage, the bag may be flat packed in a simple wallet type outer, taking up minimal storage space. The bag could be rolled to fit a simple cardboard box for point of sale purposes.

The exterior of the bag may be decorated or may be made from a intrinsically decorative material.

The bag is envisaged to come in two sizes, one for plants up to 5 ft (1.524m) and the other for plants up to 8 ft (2.438m).

Whilst in the embodiment shown the bag has a triangular cross- section, the bag may be configured such that the tapered section extends only along a part of the longitudinal extent of the bag.

In use of the bag, it may be provided oversize, such that it can be readily applied to a Christmas tree with minimal disturbance of the branches thereof, thereby reducing the likelihood of pines being dislodged. Once the bag has been carefully placed over the tree, the drawstring can be pulled to close the open end tightly around the tree's trunk, where after the lashings can be used to tighten the bag around the tree along its length. Hence, only after the tree has been contained withing the bag are the branches disturbed thus minimising the likelihood of pines being dislodged.