Christmas tree and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel product characterized by the method for obtaining same and corresponding to an innovative Christmas tree, based on doum plant fibers (dwarf date or dwarf palm leaves, scientifically known as Chamaerops humilis) and alfa (esparto or alfa, scientifically known as Stipa tenacissima), reeds, wicker and natural materials. A novel Christmas tree design following a mechanism based on the sliding of rings along the main shaft of the tree, which gives it the properties of being fully removable and easy to assemble and of variable dimensions, colors and thickness. The Christmas trees obtained constitute an alternative to natural and artificial fir, entirely based on natural, non-polluting, recyclable and biodegradable, durable materials, and represent an excellent product for consumers concerned about reconciling festive traditions, environmental friendliness and practicality.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE MEMOIR

[0002] I. DESCRIPTION:

[0003] 1. Title: CHRISTMAS TREE AND ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESS.

[0004] 2. Technical field of the invention:

[0005] The present invention relates to a new product characterized by its manufacturing process and situated within the field of fine craftsmanship and sustainable and ecological design. It is a new Christmas tree with an ecological and sustainable design, made from plant fibers (doum and esparto grass), reed, willow, and natural dyes, available in various sizes, shapes, and colors, manufactured entirely from natural, sustainable, and biodegradable materials, and fully demountable.

[0006] The outputs of this product and its production process are Christmas trees which represent an aesthetic, economical and sustainable alternative to the natural and artificial Christmas tree.

[0007] 3. Prior art:

[0008] The holiday season is often synonymous with traditions and festive decorations, among which the Christmas tree holds a central place. However, choosing between a natural and an artificial tree can be a dilemma and raises several issues: environmental, economic, cultural, and social.

[0009] Natural Christmas trees, although often grown on dedicated farmland and not contributing to deforestation, nonetheless present several environmental challenges. Their cultivation requires considerable resources, such as water and chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Furthermore, their annual harvesting raises sustainability concerns. Transporting these trees generates a significant carbon footprint. At the end of the holiday season, despite the existence of recycling and composting programs, many of these trees end up in landfills, contributing to organic waste and rendering this product a single-use item.

[0010] The annual purchase of a natural Christmas tree, while supporting local farmers, represents a recurring cost for consumers. This can become a considerable expense in the long run. In contrast, artificial Christmas trees, commonly made from materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), and metal for the frame, and whose undisputed global leader in production is China (with an export value of approximately US$3.6 billion in 2020), are often less expensive initially, can be used for several years, and thus represent long-term savings. However, their production is energy-intensive and relies on non-renewable plastics. These trees are difficult to recycle and often end up as plastic waste, exacerbating a major environmental problem.

[0011] The Christmas tree tradition is deeply rooted in the cultural and social practices of many societies. Natural Christmas trees are often preferred for their authenticity, fragrance, and traditional aesthetic. However, artificial trees offer flexibility in terms of shape, size, and color, which can meet modern preferences and practical consumer needs. Nevertheless, it remains crucial to find a balance between respecting traditions and adapting to contemporary sustainability requirements in the context of the climate crisis.

[0012] Furthermore, the global Christmas tree market presents significant potential, with stable demand and increasing product diversification. Environmental trends and consumer preferences for sustainable and innovative solutions offer growth opportunities for alternatives to natural and artificial Christmas trees. The key to success lies in innovation, aligning with current trends, raising consumer awareness, and meeting expectations for sustainability and practicality.

[0013] In response to this issue, we offer a Christmas tree that represents an economical, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable alternative to current natural and artificial Christmas trees. This product aims to address current environmental, economic, and social challenges by reducing environmental impact through the use of natural, recyclable, and fully biodegradable materials.

[0014] A new concept in Christmas trees, with a long lifespan, recycling options at the end of its life and produced within the framework of the circular economy, thus promoting local production, reducing dependence on imports and generating new local jobs.

[0015] A new product, combining respect for cultural traditions and innovation for a more sustainable future. An alternative to natural and artificial Christmas trees, environmentally friendly, economically viable, socially beneficial, and creating new jobs, preserving the magic of the holidays while significantly contributing to the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable development.

[0016] 4. Brief description:

[0017] The present invention relates to a new product characterized by its manufacturing process and corresponding to an innovative Christmas tree, made from doum palm (dwarf date palm or dwarf palm leaves, scientifically known as Chamaerops humilis) and esparto grass (salt grass, scientifically known as Stipa tenacissima) plant fibers, reeds, willow, and other natural materials. It is fully demountable and easy to assemble, and comes in various sizes, colors, and thicknesses.

[0018] A new Christmas tree made of leaves crafted from plant fibers (doum and esparto grass), pre-dyed naturally, mounted in pairs around rings that interlock with each other by threading them along the central trunk (of the Christmas tree) made of reeds (Figure 1). The base of the tree consists of a plinth made from scraps of doum, esparto grass, and reed fibers, recycled from the Christmas tree's production, ground up, mixed with plaster, and then dried. This design allows the Christmas tree to be disassembled into a variable number of pieces, depending on the desired size and density, and is easy to assemble (Figure 2) by simply sliding the rings supporting the branches along the trunk and placing the bouquet on top. To keep the Christmas tree upright, the trunk is first secured to the plinth by simply inserting its base into the opening in the center of the plinth.

[0019] The resulting Christmas trees are an alternative to natural and artificial fir trees, made entirely from natural, non-polluting, recyclable and biodegradable materials, durable, and address the aforementioned problem, as a better choice for consumers concerned with reconciling festive traditions, respect for the environment and practicality.

[0020] 5. Detailed description of the invention:

[0021] This invention corresponds to a Christmas tree, produced according to a manufacturing process that follows the following eight steps:

[0022] • Step 1, Natural dyeing of doum and esparto grass leaves: Dyeing the doum and esparto grass fibers using traditional, natural plant fiber dyeing techniques. • Step 2, Cutting the reeds and rings according to the desired final height of the Christmas tree:

[0023] - Cut a reed to the desired length, which will serve as the central trunk of the Christmas tree. The base of the Christmas tree trunk d2 corresponds to the part of the reed with the largest diameter and the end dl to the part of the reed with the smallest diameter (see Figure 5).

[0024] - From the base of the trunk (d2), a doum palm rope (previously braided using traditional hand-braiding techniques called Khrite, which can be colored using natural plant fiber dyeing techniques (see Figure 5) or left with its natural color) is wound and then secured to a height of one-tenth of the Christmas tree's height (see Figure 5: h = H x 0.1). The base of the trunk section (h) can then be attached to the Christmas tree's stand by a removable interlocking mechanism in the opening in the center of the stand (d3, see Figure 5), while the end of the trunk section (h, see Figure 5) acts as a stop to prevent the rings from sliding along the trunk.

[0025] - A second reed (with a diameter at least half a centimeter larger than the trunk diameter) is cut into rings (the number and width of which vary depending on the desired density of the Christmas tree's foliage) that can be threaded onto or removed from the trunk. The doum leaf rope, braided using the traditional doum leaf braiding technique called Khrite (see Figure 3), is then wound around each ring.

[0026] • Step 3, Weaving the leaves: the leaves (see figure 6) are made by weaving doum leaves around one or more alfa fiber stems acting as a rib, using a macrame knot secured by a carpet knot, alternating once in front and once behind the leaf to be made.

[0027] • Step 4, Attaching the leaves to the rings for small Christmas trees:

[0028] - The said leaves, made of braided doum and alfa, are fixed in pairs of two of the same size on the reed rings, and placed on either side of the said rings on the same line (see Figure 4).

[0029] - The dimensions formed by the rings and its leaves of the same size, are decreasing from the base of the fir tree to its summit (see Figure 2).

[0030] • Step 5, Attaching the leaves to the wicker branches, then attaching the branches to the rings for large Christmas trees:

[0031] - Leaves of the same size (see Figure 6) are attached to a single willow branch, or to a willow branch with one or more offshoots (see Figure 7), depending on the desired final size and dimensions of the Christmas tree. The number of leaves attached to the branches and / or offshoots depends on the desired final foliage density of the Christmas tree: the greater the desired density, the more leaves are needed.

[0032] - The willow branches including the attached leaves are in turn attached to the rings in pairs of branches of the same size and placed on either side of the rings, on the same line or at an angle of inclination not exceeding thirty degrees: 0 30.

[0033] - The dimensions of the pairs of branches fixed to the rings decrease from the base of the fir tree to its top.

[0034] • Step 6, Making the base: The base (see Figure 5) is made by grinding the scraps of plant fibers (doum and alfa) and reeds resulting from the making of the Christmas tree.

[0035] The resulting pulp is mixed with powdered plaster and water. The resulting paste is placed in a mold, then an opening with a diameter d3 slightly larger than the diameter d2 of the trunk base is placed in its center (see Figure 5: d3 > d2 > dl) and placed in the open air to dry.

[0036] • Step 7, Making the bouquet: depending on the desired final size of the Christmas tree, the bouquet (see Figure 2, piece number 7) consists of one or more doum and alfa leaves (made as previously described) fixed to the top of a reed ring (whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter dl) on which a doum rope is previously wound (previously braided using traditional hand-braiding techniques of doum leaves called Khrite and which can be colored using artisanal techniques of natural dyeing of plant fibers or left with its natural color) and is positioned vertically, by removable interlocking of the bouquet ring, on the top of the trunk of the Christmas tree.

[0037] - Protection: achieved by applying a varnish based on beeswax and olive oil by brushing all parts of the fir tree, piece by piece.

[0038] - Assembling the Christmas tree follows these steps: removable interlocking of the trunk base into the opening of the base with diameter d3 (see Figure 5); sliding from top to bottom the rings carrying pairs of leaves (see Figure 5) or pairs of branches with or without branching (see Figure 8) all along the trunk (see Figure 2, part number 8); removable interlocking of the bouquet ring (see Figure 2, part al3) onto the top of the trunk.

[0039] - Disassembly of the Christmas tree follows these steps: removal of the bouquet ring (see Figure 2, part al3) from the top of the trunk; removal by sliding from bottom to top of the rings bearing pairs of leaves (see Figure 2) or pairs of branches with or without ramification (see Figure 8) all along the trunk (Figure 2, part number 8); disassembly of the base of the trunk from the opening of the base of diameter d3 (see Figure 5).

[0040] 5. Industrial application:

[0041] This technique allows for the creation of ecological and sustainable Christmas trees, in different shapes, sizes and colors, lightweight, washable with water, demountable, with great ease and convenience of use.

[0042] - Environmentally neutral and non-toxic, this process does not pollute groundwater, does not affect surrounding vegetation, and does not alter the pH of the soil.

[0043] - A product that remains partially or totally restorable, repairable and modifiable at any time.

[0044] IV. Drawings:

[0045] Figure 1: Drawing of a small Christmas tree.

[0046] Figure 2: Details of the parts composing the small Christmas tree. al, a2,.., al2: rings of the same size.

[0047] 1, 2,...,6: group of leaves of the same size.

[0048] 7: bouquet.

[0049] 8: trunk.

[0050] 9: base.

[0051] 10: basket.

[0052] Figure 3: Detailed drawing of the rings al. a2, ....al2.

[0053] Figure 4: detailed drawing of leaves 1, 2, ..., 6 mounted on rings.

[0054] Figure 5: Drawing of assembly and disassembly instructions for the Christmas tree. d1: diameter of the top of the trunk. d2: diameter of the base of the trunk. d3: diameter of the opening in the base of the trunk.

[0055] H: height of the trunk. h: height of the rope wrapping in doum palm around the trunk.

[0056] 51: direction of overlap of pairs of leaves on the trunk.

[0057] 52: direction of overlap of pairs of leaves on the trunk.

[0058] Figure 6: Detailed drawing of a small Christmas tree leaf.

[0059] F: Leaves made from doum vegetable fiber.

[0060] T: Upper made of Alfa vegetable fibers.

[0061] Figure 7: Detailed drawing of a branch with its leaves composing the small Christmas tree.

[0062] F: Leaves made of doum palm fiber and leaf figs made of esparto grass fiber. R: Willow branches

[0063] T: Willow stem.

[0064] Figure 8: Detailed drawing of branches of the same size with their leaves, making up a large Christmas tree. a: angle of inclination of the branches. 0 30 degrees

[0065] F: Leaves made of doum vegetable fiber and stems of leaves made of alfa vegetable fiber.

[0066] T: Willow stem and branches.

Claims

II. CLAIMS: Claim - new product corresponding to an ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, disassemblable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, composed of: • A main reed trunk, • Reed rings onto which are fixed, in pairs of two and along the same line: - Leaves for small Christmas trees, - Willow branches with or without offshoots, bearing leaves for large Christmas trees. • A base supporting the trunk onto which the rings are threaded, • • A bouquet made up (depending on the desired final size of the Christmas tree) of one or more leaves and placed at the top of the trunk and therefore of the Christmas tree. Characterized by the fact that: • The natural plant fibers composing the leaves are selected from doum and alfa plant fibers, and naturally dyed using natural pigments or ecological dye. • The sheets are obtained by hand braiding, following a mix of traditional macrame knot-making techniques and traditional carpet knot-making techniques. • A mechanism for assembling the Christmas tree quickly and easily, simply by: detaching the trunk onto the base; threading the rings that hold the branches and / or leaves along the trunk from top to bottom; and then placing the bouquet on top of the tree. • A mechanism for disassembling the Christmas tree quickly and easily, simply by successively removing: the bouquet from the top of the tree; the rings that hold the branches and / or leaves, by simply sliding them from bottom to top along the trunk; and then detaching the trunk from the base. Claim 2 - An ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, whose manufacturing process follows the following eight steps: • Step 1, Natural coloring of doum and alfa leaves: Coloring of doum and alfa fibers using traditional techniques for natural coloring of plant fibers. • Step 2, Cutting the reeds and rings according to the desired final height of the Christmas tree: - Cut a reed to the desired length, which will serve as the central trunk of the Christmas tree. The base of the Christmas tree trunk corresponds to the part of the reed with the largest diameter d2 and the tip to the part of the reed with the smallest diameter dl: d2 > dl. - From the base of the trunk (d2), a doum palm rope, previously braided using traditional hand-braiding techniques called Khrite, is wound and then secured. This rope can be dyed using natural plant fiber dyeing techniques or left in its natural color. The rope extends to a height (h) of one-tenth the height (H) of the Christmas tree trunk. The base of this section (h) can then be attached to the Christmas tree stand by a removable interlocking mechanism in the central opening (d3) of the stand. The upper part of this section (h) acts as a stop to prevent the rings from sliding along the trunk. A second reed (with a diameter at least half a centimeter larger than the trunk's diameter (d2)) is cut into rings (the number and width of which vary depending on the desired density of the Christmas tree's foliage). These rings can be threaded onto or removed from the trunk.On each ring is wound the rope made of braided doum leaves following the traditional technique of braiding doum leaves called Khrite. • Step 3, Leaf braiding: the leaves are made by braiding doum leaves around one or more alfa fiber stems acting as a rib, using a macrame knot secured by a carpet knot, alternating once in front and once behind the leaf to be made. 5 • Step 4, Attaching the leaves to the rings for small Christmas trees: - The said leaves, made of braided doum and esparto grass, are fixed in pairs of two of the same size on the reed rings, and placed on either side of the said rings on the same line. - The dimensions formed by the rings and its leaves of the same size, are decreasing from the base of the fir tree to its summit. • Step 5, Attaching the leaves to the wicker branches, then attaching the branches to the rings for large Christmas trees: - The leaves, all the same size, are attached to a single willow branch, or to a willow branch with one or more offshoots, depending on the desired final size and dimensions of the Christmas tree. The number of leaves attached to the branches and / or offshoots depends on the desired final density of the Christmas tree's foliage: the greater the desired density, the more leaves are needed. - The willow branches, including the attached leaves, are in turn fixed to the rings in pairs of branches of the same size, placed on either side of the rings, in a straight line and at an angle of inclination not exceeding thirty degrees. - The dimensions of the pairs of branches fixed to the rings decrease from the base of the fir tree to its top. • Step 6, Making the base: The base is made by grinding the leftover plant fibers (doum and esparto grass) and reeds from making the Christmas tree. The resulting pulp is mixed with powdered plaster and water. The paste is placed in a mold, and then an opening with a diameter d3, slightly larger than that d2 of the base of the trunk, is placed in the center and left to air dry: d3 > d2 > dl. • Step 7, Making the bouquet: depending on the desired final size of the Christmas tree, the bouquet consists of one or more doum and alfa leaves (made as previously described) fixed to the top of a reed ring (whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter dl) on which is previously wound a doum rope (previously braided using traditional hand-braiding techniques of doum leaves called Khrite and which can be colored using artisanal techniques of natural dyeing of plant fibers, or left with its natural color and is positioned vertically, by removable interlocking of the bouquet ring, on the top of the trunk of the Christmas tree. • Step 8, Protection, assembly, disassembly: - Protection: achieved by applying a natural, ecological and non-polluting varnish, such as varnish based on beeswax and olive oil, to all parts of the fir tree, piece by piece. - Assembling the Christmas tree follows these steps: removable interlocking of the base of the trunk into the opening of the base with diameter d3; sliding from top to bottom of the rings carrying pairs of leaves or pairs of branches with or without ramification all along the trunk; removable interlocking of the ring al3 of the bouquet on the top of the trunk. - Disassembly of the Christmas tree follows these steps: removal of the bouquet ring from the top of the trunk; removal by sliding from bottom to top of the rings carrying pairs of leaves or pairs of branches with or without ramification all along the trunk; disassembly of the base of the trunk from the opening of the base of diameter d3. Claim 3 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that its manufacturing process allows, for trees over seventy-five 6 centimeters high, to divide the trunk into three equal parts which fit together in an easily disassemblable way thanks to a joint corresponding to a reed ring. Claim 4 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, durable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, and 3, characterized in that its manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain, in addition to willow branches (with or without ramifications) of linear shapes, willow branches (with or without ramifications) of wavy shapes by steaming the willow following the traditional technique of steaming willow. Claim 5 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, durable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, characterized in that its manufacturing process allows for the creation of fixings by manual knots based on doum and alfa plant fibers. Claim 6 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, durable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, characterized in that its manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain trees of different designs, shapes, dimensions and colors. Claim 7 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, durable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 characterized in that its manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain a mechanism which, by simple sliding (from top to bottom or from bottom to top) of the rings carrying leaves and branches along the trunk, makes it easier to assemble or disassemble the Christmas tree. Claim 8 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that its manufacturing process allows for a new design and style of Christmas trees, made entirely from natural materials, products and substances, giving it the properties of being easily assembled and disassembled, lightweight, easily storable and durable. Claim 9 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that its manufacturing process makes it possible to obtain a new style of Christmas trees and whose manufacturing process can also be used in decoration for the manufacture of all types of decorative trees and plant walls or green walls. Claim 10 - a new product corresponding to an ecological, sustainable, biodegradable, restorable, demountable and water-cleanable Christmas tree, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, characterized in that its manufacturing and marketing process is part of a circular economy and contributes to local development by creating new green jobs, which benefit craft cooperatives, with particular attention to gender equality. 7

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