Container with flexible helical member

Abstract

The invention relates to a container particularly for use with a non-linear planar object. The container comprises a helical member for at least partially surrounding the object.

1 . A container for a linear non-planar object, comprising a flexible helical member for partially or substantially surrounding the object, the helical member having at least one connection means at least one of its ends. 
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the helical member is able to flex between a first position and at least one other position, but is biased towards the first position. 
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the flexibility of the helical member varies along its length. 
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the turns of the helical members are substantially, circular, oval, square or rectangular in shape. 
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the turns of the helical member vary in size along the length of the helical member. 
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 5 , wherein the turns of the helical member are smaller at one or both ends of the container to close the end or ends. 
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 1 , wherein the connection means is a ring or loop. 
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the connection means is a sucker. 
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the helical member is textured. 
     
     
         10 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the helical member is provided with at least one brush, bristle or fin. 
     
     
         11 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the cross section of the helical member is circular, rectangular, oval, cross shaped or heart shaped. 
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the cross section of the helical member is the same shape along the length of the helical member. 
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 1 , in which the helical member is hollow. 
     
     
         14 . A container according to  claim 1 , further comprising an item, contained within the container. 
     
     
         15 . A method of containing an item, comprising flexing the helical member according to  claim 1  to increase a gap between two adjacent turns of the helical member and placing the item through the gap so that the item is partially or substantially surrounded by the helical member.