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 ).

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.