Tree Cover Pouch Structure for Upward Removal and Needle Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree cover systems are inefficient in preventing needle shedding during transportation and storage, and often require undesirable downward forces that can damage trees or dislodge decorations, especially when removing the cover system.

Innovation Solution

A disposable or reusable tree cover system with a pouch attached to the tree trunk, extending up and around the tree to form a shed-proof enclosure, using fabric or plastic materials, and featuring handles and circumferential straps for easy handling and volume reduction, with designs that facilitate upward removal to minimize force application on the tree.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tree cover system is removed by applying downward forces on the branches, then the cover can be removed from the tree, but this causes large-scale shedding, damage to the tree, and tearing of the cover system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cover removalVSAvoidtree damage and needle shedding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional removal approach by designing the cover system to be removed upward rather than downward. The cover is configured with a bottom portion that can be detached from the trunk and an upward延伸 portion that extends upward from the bottom portion, allowing the cover to be pulled off in the upward direction, opposite to the conventional downward force application on tree branches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Volume of moving object

If downward forces are applied to reduce tree volume for storage, then the tree volume is reduced, but this causes branch breakage, dislodgement of decorations, and damage to the storage system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree volume reductionVSAvoidbranch integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies counterbalancing forces by using upward force on the branches to reduce tree volume instead of downward forces. The cover system is designed to receive and transmit upward forces from the bottom portion through the trunk to the branches, creating a counterweight effect that compresses the tree upward rather than downward, thereby preserving branch integrity while achieving volume reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a cover system is designed to prevent needle shedding during transport, then needle containment is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires sturdier materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle shedding preventionVSAvoidcover system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cover system into distinct functional portions: a bottom portion that attaches to the trunk, an upward延伸 portion that provides the main enclosure, and optional circumferential straps for cinching. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover system utilizes flexible material that can be formed into a shell-like structure enclosing the tree. The flexible nature of the material allows it to conform to the tree shape while providing containment, and the system can be made of sturdy enough material for reuse without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If the cover system is made disposable to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the system cannot be reused for storage of artificial trees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidreusability for artificial trees

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the cover system with universal applicability by creating a generic tree-shaped cover that can accommodate both live trees and artificial trees. The cover system includes features like circumferential straps and handles that make it suitable for both temporary coverage during transport and long-term storage, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions and user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7775360B2Tree cover system

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 TREEKEEPER

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems.