Flat Interlocking Artificial Tree Design for Space-Efficient Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial and live Christmas trees are bulky, difficult to set up and store, pose safety hazards, require significant space, and are challenging to decorate, with risks of injury, fire, and environmental impact from materials.
Innovation Solution
A flat, interlocking artificial tree constructed of wood, metal, or plastic pegboard-type material, using perforated square steel tubes and inner steel tube union inserts, secured with fasteners, and adorned with metal-core vinyl pine-needle garland, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and space-saving storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional artificial or live Christmas trees are used, then a traditional holiday decoration is achieved, but the tree occupies large space and is difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional three-dimensional volumetric tree into a two-dimensional flat panel structure. The tree sections are constructed as flat assemblies with garland attached to a planar framework, reducing the volume from cubic feet to square feet for storage. Multiple flat sections can be stacked vertically or horizontally, optimizing storage space while maintaining the ability to assemble into a full-size decorative tree when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree is divided into multiple detachable flat sections that can be stored separately. Each section contains a portion of the garland and structural framework, allowing modular storage and assembly. This segmentation enables the tree to be broken down into manageable flat panels that fit in smaller storage spaces compared to storing a complete assembled tree.
2Ease of operation
If conventional artificial trees are used, then decorative coverage is achieved, but the tree is heavy and bulky making it difficult to transport and install
Solution Approach 1:
The tree is segmented into multiple lightweight flat sections that can be easily carried and transported. Each section contains a manageable amount of garland and structural material, distributing the total weight across multiple smaller units. This makes the tree easier to move up stairs, through doorways, and into storage locations compared to a single bulky conventional tree.
Solution Approach 2:
By flattening the tree structure into two-dimensional panels, the moment of inertia and bulk are reduced, making each section lighter and easier to handle during transport and installation. The flat sections can be leaned against walls for carrying or placed in flat storage containers, reducing the physical effort required compared to maneuvering bulky three-dimensional tree sections.
3Reliability
If conventional live trees are used, then natural appearance is achieved, but daily maintenance is required to prevent drying and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses artificial garland material that mimics the appearance of natural pine needles but does not require water or maintenance. The garland is made from durable synthetic materials that can be reused year after year without drying out or becoming a fire hazard, eliminating the daily maintenance requirements of live trees while maintaining the desired aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree combines structural framework materials (wood, metal, or plastic) with artificial garland material to create a composite structure that achieves the natural appearance of live trees while incorporating fire-resistant and maintenance-free properties. The garland is attached to a rigid or semi-rigid framework that maintains the tree shape without requiring water support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional artificial trees are used, then decorative coverage is achieved, but the tree requires large boxes and spaces for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tree sections are constructed as flat panels that can be stored vertically against walls, horizontally in shallow containers, or stacked in various configurations. This two-dimensional storage approach utilizes wall space and flat surfaces that would otherwise be unused, dramatically reducing the volumetric storage requirements compared to conventional trees that must be stored in their bulky three-dimensional form.
Solution Approach 2:
The tree is divided into multiple flat sections that can be stored separately in thin storage containers, behind furniture, or in closets. Each section occupies minimal storage volume and can be reconfigured during assembly, providing flexible storage options that adapt to various living spaces and storage available.
5Productivity
If conventional trees are used, then traditional decoration is achieved, but setup and decoration require significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The garland is pre-attached to the flat tree sections during manufacturing, eliminating the time-consuming step of wrapping and securing garland around each branch. The sections are pre-assembled with structural components and decorative elements in their correct positions, so users only need to connect the sections together during setup, significantly reducing the labor and time required compared to assembling a conventional tree from separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural framework and decorative garland are merged into a single integrated flat section assembly. Rather than requiring separate steps for assembling the tree structure and then separately attaching the garland, both elements are combined in one pre-assembled unit, streamlining the setup process and reducing the number of operations required by the user.
6Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional trees are used, then full-size decoration is achieved, but the tree poses safety hazards to pets and children
Solution Approach 1:
By constructing the tree as a flat panel rather than a tall three-dimensional structure, the vertical height is reduced to a manageable two-dimensional depth. The full decorative effect is achieved across the width and height of the panel without requiring the tree to extend far into the room, keeping it out of reach of pets and children while maintaining visual prominence on the wall or standing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazardous elements of conventional trees (loose branches, unstable base, accessible ornaments) are extracted and replaced with a rigid flat panel construction that cannot be easily knocked over or accessed by pets and children. The decorative garland is securely attached to the rigid structure, eliminating loose elements that could pose choking hazards or be ingested by curious pets.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat, interlocking artificial tree comprising of one or more pegboard-type material pieces cut into a trapezoid or triangular, shape, one or more perforated square tubes vertically fastened to the pegboard sections, one or more inner tube union inserts vertically fastened inside the perforated square tubes affixed to the pegboard sections on one end or both ends of the square tubes that extend the height of the perforated square tubes and vertically connect one square tube to another secured by way of pin to create the overall shape and/or height of the tree, one or more plastic, metal-core, artificial pine or plastic polymer garland strands secured through the holes of the pegboard. The tip of a garland is passed through a hole of the pegboard, then twisted and/or glued or fastened to the opposite side of the pegboard to secure the garland.