Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Three dimension imitation or 'treated' natural product – Flora
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-16
2001-05-08
Thomas, Alexander S. (Department: 1772)
Stock material or miscellaneous articles
Three dimension imitation or 'treated' natural product
Flora
C427S180000, C427S202000, C427S206000, C140S149000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06228443
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to miniature model trees and their methods of manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved miniature model tree which is constructed to be highly life-like and durable.
2. The Relevant Technology
The hobby of modeling has been with us practically from the beginning of time. In ancient times, models were often constructed to reflect dwellings, transportation mediums such as boats, and military units. Modeling today is as diverse as our society. Particular favorites include model trains, airplanes, and automobiles. Modeling is also used extensively in industry. For instance, architects often use models in the designing of buildings and landscapes.
Hobbyists have a wide range of interests, and their desire for accuracy varies greatly as well. To some modelers, realism is highly important. Even demanding hobbyists must consider economics, however. Extremely lifelike models and accessories are of no avail of they cannot be manufactured and distributed affordably. Thus, modeling products are generally mass produced and distributed in bulk. A further goal of manufacturers of such products is, necessarily, durability of use and durability in shipping.
One common aspect of contemporary modeling is scenery. Scenery may be used in all aspects of modeling, but is possibly most prominent in model railroads. Scenery and accessories for model railroads is a thriving industry in the United States. The model railroad hobbyist enjoys a wide range of available products from which to select.
Nevertheless, scenery products, as with other modeling products, must balance realism with price and longevity. These tradeoffs show up in the manufacture of miniature model trees. Currently, miniature model trees are mass produced in a manner that leads to each model tree looking the same as all other model trees produced in a common batch. This leads to a lack of realism in scenery designs employing such trees.
Additionally, in the manufacture of such model trees, foliage is flocked on the trees, much in the same way as simulated snow is flocked onto Christmas trees. This flocking is limited in its realism, because the flocking tends to stick to itself, rather than just to the underlying simulated branches. Additionally, foliage applied in this manner is easily knocked free from the tree. Accordingly, such trees are not especially durable.
Conventional model trees produced in this manner must be packaged with great care, in order to avoid damage and excessive loss of foliage. Such packaging is generally quite expensive.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art of miniature model tree making for a miniature model tree and method of manufacture that produces a more realistic model tree, and specifically, model trees that are not identical and have a randomness to their appearance. A method of making model trees with more realistic foliage is also needed. A need also exists for more durable miniature model trees, such that shipping costs can be reduced. Methods of making such model trees relatively inexpensively are also needed.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available model trees. Thus, it is an overall objective of the present invention to provide a miniature model tree that overcomes many or all of the shortcomings existing in the art.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a miniature model tree for use in creating and replicating scenery. In one embodiment, the miniature model tree comprises a plurality of twisted wires, spiraled together to simulate a trunk and a plurality of fibrous strands simulating branches, the fibrous strands wound within the twisted wire and extending outward from the twisted wire substantially perpendicular thereto. The miniature model tree also preferably comprises a layer of paint over the branches and a coating of fine particles over the layer of paint and attached to the branches by the layer of paint to simulate foliage.
The layer of paint may contains glue and may contain detergent. The fiber strands may comprise sisal strands preferably unwound from a rope. In certain embodiments, the miniature model tree may also comprise a hardening layer disposed over the fine particle layers. Preferably, the thickness of the branches and the dispersion of the branches are substantially arbitrarily selected.
A method of the present invention is used for making miniature model trees for use in creating and replicating scenery. In one embodiment, the method comprises suspending a plurality of wires substantially in tension, placing a plurality of fibrous strands within the plurality of wires with the strands protruding substantially laterally outward from the plurality of wires, and forming a trunk by twisting the plurality of wires together such that the wires form coils with the fibrous strands substantially dispersed within the coils, the edges of the fibrous strands extending outward from the coils to simulate branches.
Additionally, the method preferably comprises adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands and adhering a coating of fine particles to the branches while the paint is still wet. The fine particles may comprise model grass. The method may also comprise adhering a hardening layer over the coating of fine particles.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises adhering a layer of clear laquer to the branches prior to adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands. The method may also comprise mixing glue into the paint prior to adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands.
In certain embodiments, the wires are sufficiently long to form a plurality of model trees therefrom, and further comprising placing fibrous strands within the plurality of wires at a plurality of locations prior to the step of forming a trunk, so as to form a plurality of trees within the plurality of wires.
The method may also comprise placing the paint in the bottom of an elongated tube, and placing the plurality of wires within the elongated tube. The fine particles may likewise be contained within an elongated tube, and the step of adhering the coating of fine particles may be conducted with the plurality of wires extending through the center of the elongated tube.
The method also preferably comprises arbitrarily selecting the length of the fibrous strands and arbitrarily selecting the dispersion of the fibrous strands during the step of placing a plurality of fibrous strands within the wires and cutting a strand of hemp rope and unraveling the strand of hemp rope in order to provide the fibrous strands.
The layer of paint adhered to the branches may be substantially a brown shade and the fine particles may be substantially a green shade so as to give the miniature trees a random, two toned appearance. The method may also comprise wrapping a portion of the bottom of the trunk in an adhesive tape.
The method may also comprise providing a rotary power mill and clamping one end of the plurality of wires within the rotary power mill, the rotary power mill dynamically positioned so as to be able to move forward during the step of forming a trunk by twisting the plurality of wires together so as to maintain a substantially constant tension on the plurality of wires.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2216440 (1940-10-01), Houle
Buhecker Joseph P.
Ditto Andrew A.
King Chris M.
Minix Kevin R.
Grand Central Gems
Pate & Pierce & Baird
Thomas Alexander S.
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