Flattened decorative bag or sleeve having gussets convertible to a decorative bag for holding a basket and methods

Abstract

A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A flattened decorative bag in combination with a basket, the flattened decorative bag comprising: 
 a decorative bag having an upper end, a closed lower end, an outer surface, and an opening in the upper end sized to receive the basket, the decorative bag having a bonding material positioned on the decorative bag about the opening thereof such that upon placement of the basket in the decorative bag, the opening of the decorative bag can be sealed by bonding engagement of the bonding material with adjacently disposed portions of the decorative bag.    
     
     
         2 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag has a plurality of gussets disposed between the upper end and the closed lower end of the decorative bag.  
     
     
         3 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 2  wherein the bonding material comprises an adhesive bonding material.  
     
     
         4 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 2  wherein the bonding material comprises a cohesive bonding material.  
     
     
         5 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of material selected from the group consisting of paper, cellophane, foil, plastic film, metallized film, fabric, fiber, burlap, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag has characteristics selected from the group consisting of decorations, colorings, coatings, embossings, flockings, metallic finishes, pearlescent finishes, translucent finishes, transparent finishes, iridescent finishes, neon finishes, holographic finishes, holographic designs, opaque finishes, clear finishes, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mils to about 10 mils.  
     
     
         8 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a range of about 1.0 mils to about 8 mils.  
     
     
         9 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the decorative bag is constructed from a sheet of material having a thickness in a range of about 1.0 mils to about 5 mils.  
     
     
         10 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein when the bag is opened and a basket is placed therein, the bag is closed about the basket via a multi-loop bow.  
     
     
         11 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein when the bag is opened and a basket is placed therein, the bag is closed above the level of a handle on the basket.  
     
     
         12 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of gussets comprise an excess of material comprising pleats.  
     
     
         13 . The flattened decorative bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag further comprises at least one gusset in the closed lower end of the bag.