Dual purpose christmas tree bag

Abstract

The invention provides a Christmas tree bag comprising a sheet having mating closure means on opposing sides thereof such that when the closure means are mated, the sheet forms a bag, open on each end, of a size to accommodate a Christmas tree therein. Drawstrings along each opposing end of the sheet are operable to substantially close each open end of the bag. The bag may be used as a tree skirt, thereby catching fallen needles, or easily removed from the tree after installation in the tree stand and replaced for disposal. The bag is reusable, durable and washable.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is being claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A Christmas tree bag comprising: 
 a sheet having a top end, a bottom end, and mating closure means on opposing sides thereof such that when said closure means are fully mated, said sheet forms a bag, open on each end, of a size to accommodate a Christmas tree therein, and that when said closure means are partially mated, said sheet forms a tree skirt;    an upper drawstring along the top end of said sheet operable to substantially close said open top end of said bag; and    a lower drawstring along the bottom end of said sheet operable to substantially close said open bottom end.    
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said mating closure means comprises a zipper fastener.  
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said mating closure means comprises a hook and loop fastener.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprising a handle attached to the exterior of said bag.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprising two handles attached to the exterior of said bag.  
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said bag is substantially cylindrical.  
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein said bag is substantially tapered to follow the shape of the tree.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sheet is made from nylon.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sheet is made from cotton.  
     
     
         10 . A method for collecting fallen needles from a Christmas tree having a trunk, said Christmas tree and trunk being supported by a tree stand, the method comprising: 
 providing a sheet having a top end, a bottom end, and mating closure means on opposing sides thereof such that when said closure means are fully mated, said sheet forms a bag, open on each end, of a size to accommodate a Christmas tree therein, and that when said closure means are partially mated, said sheet forms a tree skirt;    providing an upper drawstring along the top end of said sheet operable to substantially close said open top end of said bag;    providing a lower drawstring along the bottom end of said sheet operable to substantially close said open bottom end;    placing said sheet around the Christmas tree;    partially mating said closure means thereby forming the sheet into a tree skirt;    covering said tree stand with the partially mated bag;    drawing the lower drawstring to substantially close around the trunk of the Christmas tree;    collecting any fallen needles in the tree skirt;    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising the steps of: 
 raising the top end up over the tree;  
 fully mating said closure means thereby forming the sheet into a tree bag;  
 drawing the upper drawstring substantially closed,  
 wherein the Christmas tree and any fallen needles are enclosed in the bag.  
 
     
     
         12 . A Christmas tree bag comprising: 
 a sheet having mating closure means on opposing sides thereof such that when said closure means are mated, said sheet forms a bag, open on each end, of a size to accommodate a Christmas tree therein; and    a drawstring along each opposing end of said sheet operable to substantially close each said open end of said bag.    
     
     
         13 . The invention of  claim 12  wherein said mating closure means comprises a zipper fastener.  
     
     
         14 . The invention of  claim 12  wherein said mating closure means comprises a hook and loop fastener.  
     
     
         15 . The invention of  claim 12  further comprising a handle attached to the exterior of said bag.  
     
     
         16 . The invention of  claim 12  further comprising two handles attached to the exterior of said bag.  
     
     
         17 . The invention of  claim 12  wherein said bag is substantially cylindrical.  
     
     
         18 . The invention of  claim 12  wherein said bag is substantially tapered to follow the shape of the tree.