1 P/00/009A Section 29 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION Invention Title: A DECORATIVE ARRANGEMENT Applicant: Archeve Building Enterprises Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 7019 2 A DECORATIVE ARRANGEMENT Introduction The present invention relates generally to a decorative arrangement. The invention has particular application in the context of a Christmas decorative arrangement, and 5 will hereinafter generally be described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention may be configured for use in other applications. Background A Christmas tree, typically in the form of a conifer such as a pine or fir, is a decorated 10 tree, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. The tradition of Christmas trees has been in existence for several centuries. Christmas trees are provided in many households celebrating Christmas. They also provided in public areas, such as offices, shopping centres, malls, city and town 15 squares, building foyers and hospitals. Current day Christmas trees typically are in one of two different forms, these being natural trees and artificial trees. Natural trees may be potted and sold as living trees, or may be harvested and then fitted with a base allowing them to stand upright. 20 Artificial trees may be manufactured from a variety of materials. Most commonly, they are manufactured from plastic such as PVC. Natural Christmas trees are desirable for several reasons, including the attractive appearance of natural conifers, and the pleasant scent given off by conifers. 25 Undesirably, however, living Christmas trees can be difficult to keep in pots, especially so in warmer environments. Harvested trees also present inherent problems, including the relatively rapid discoloration and loss of leaves, and the fact that they must be discarded at the end of each Christmas. From an environmental point of view, the short life of a harvested Christmas tree is less than ideal, as it 30 necessitates a new tree being harvested each year. Natural Christmas trees also tend to attract insects and rodents, which is undesirable. C owrd\SPEC-959055.doex 3 Artificial trees address many of the limitations referred to above associated with natural trees. If they are suitably designed, they can be re-used over a number of years. They tend not to discolour, and do not attract insects or rodents to the same extent as a natural tree. Nevertheless, artificial trees have their own inherent 5 limitations. Artificial trees are often manufactured in a number of separate components or sections, which are later assembled (and disassembled) by the purchaser. This provides for the prospect of lost or broken tree components that may render the tree useless. Some consumers also find the assembly and disassembly of artificial trees unnecessarily time consuming. Artificial trees are also often not as 10 attractive as natural trees, which is undesirable. Both natural and artificial trees require the availability of space. Obviously, the larger the tree desired, the larger the space required. Space limitations in modern households often permit only relatively small Christmas trees when larger trees may 15 be preferred. This may be especially so in small flats and apartments, which can have very limited living space. Further, natural and artificial trees can be serious fire hazards, given their combustible construction and the fact that they are often used in conjunction with tree-lights, which 20 can overheat. Many parents and guardians are also concerned with the relatively easy access of babies, toddlers and small children to existing floor-mounted Christmas trees and the potential for the tree to be knocked or pulled over potentially causing injury to those 25 concerned, damage to the tree and surrounding objects. It would therefore be desirable to at least partially address one or more of the above referred disadvantages of existing Christmas trees. 30 Summary of the Invention According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decorative arrangement generally representing a Christmas tree. The arrangement includes a frame having an outline representing a foliage portion of the tree. The frame has a generally planar rear side. The rear side includes a mount for mounting the C:ofXword\SPEC-959055 docx 4 arrangement to an upstanding surface. The arrangement also includes a polymeric material provided on a front side of the frame. The polymeric material includes a backing layer and a plurality of polymeric fibres connected to and extending from the backing layer. The polymeric fibres represent artificial grass fibres. The arrangement 5 further includes a decorative trunk portion mounted to the frame. The decorative arrangement may take have generally planar front surface, such that the arrangement is a 2-dimensional representation of a Christmas tree. The applicant considers such a configuration to be desirable alternative to existing real or artificial 10 Christmas trees. The unique and attractive appearance of the arrangement provides an alternative to conventional Christmas trees, whether real or artificial. The arrangement may provide a useful alternative to conventional trees particularly where a lack of space prevents or at least deters a conventional Christmas tree being used. This is because the arrangement does not encroach on limited room space because 15 (1) it is substantially planar; and (2) it can be mounted on a wall, rather than on the floor or ground. Being wall-mounted is also useful in the context of infants and young children, who can damage conventional trees and injure themselves by toppling over conventional Christmas trees. 20 The applicant refers to their arrangement as the '1 MINUTE CHRISTMAS TREETM, Another embodiment is also contemplated in front surface is provided with a three dimensional aspect such that, when mounted to a wall (or other suitable surface), the arrangement extends outwardly therefrom. The provision of a three-dimensional front 25 surface may be provided in some applications to further enhance the visual appearance of the arrangement. One potential advantage of such an arrangement is that each of the tiers on the tree can be configured to overlap the tier immediately below, thereby providing a more three-dimensional appearance to the tree. The tiers may be separate components and may hook together to assemble this sort of tree. 30 The polymeric fibres may adopt any suitable colour(s). In this regard, one particularly suitable colour is green to approximate the colour of the needle-like leaves of a pine, fir or other conifer (or CAPof\word\SPEC-959055.docx 5 other) tree species of tree being replicated. The fibres may be provided in two (or more) different tones or shades of green to provide an enhanced visual effect. The frame may include an upper sub-frame portion and a lower sub-frame portion, 5 with the sub-frame portions being hingedly connected together. Such an arrangement may provide particular advantages, particularly in the context of storing and transporting the arrangement. In this regard, the frame may be provided in at least two configurations, including a collapsed configuration in which one of the upper and lower sub-frame portions substantially overlays the other of the upper and lower sub 10 frame portions (for use when storing and transporting the arrangement); and a display, erected or in-use configuration, wherein the sub-frame portions are provided in a generally common plane. If the arrangement does includes upper and lower sub-frame portions then, 15 preferably, each portion includes a covering of polymeric material on a front surface of each sub-frame. The polymeric material provided on the front side of the frame (or frame portions) may extend about the side edge of the frame, as this has been found to provide an 20 enhanced appearance of the arrangement. The decorative trunk portion may be in the form of a two-dimensional representation of a tree-trunk. The trunk portion may be releasably connectable to the frame. Removal of the trunk portion potentially provides a more compact arrangement for 25 storage and transport. Any suitable arrangement may be provided for releasably connecting the trunk portion to the frame, including a threaded fastener, a snap-fit arrangement, and a hook-and-loop fastener. The arrangement may be provided with a string of decorative lights and/or 30 decorations (such as bead garland) already attached. These may be permanently or releasably connected to the polymeric material, the frame or both. If lights are provided then they may include a battery housing electrically connected thereto, such that mounting of the arrangement in a desired location is not dependent on ready C %Onwnor=SPEC-959055.doCx 6 access to a mains power supply. The battery housing is preferably mounted on a rear side of the arrangement, and therefore out of sight. So far, the invention has been generally described in the context of a decorative 5 arrangement. However, the invention also relates to the unique method of erecting the arrangement. In this regard, there is provided a method of erecting a Christmas tree of the type having a body including an upper body portion and a lower-body portion, with the upper body portion and lower body portion being hingedly connected together, and having a polymeric material covering provided over a front surface of 10 the arrangement, and with the polymeric material including a backing layer and a plurality of polymeric fibres connected to and extending from the backing layer. The polymeric fibres represent artificial grass fibres. The method includes the steps of unfolding the body portions about the hinged connection from a collapsed configuration to a display configuration; and then mounting the decorative 15 arrangement to a fixture provided on an upstanding surface by way of a mount provided on a rear side of the upper body portion. The method also preferably includes attaching a trunk portion to the frame. 20 Further, the method also preferably includes attaching a star, angel or other decorative feature to the top of the arrangement by way of, for example, a hook and loop fastener. It is to be appreciated that the above referred sequence of method steps may be 25 generally reversed to collapse the arrangement for storage when its use is no longer necessary. Brief Description of the Drawings It will now be convenient to hereinafter describe preferred embodiments of the 30 invention with reference to the accompanying Figures. The particularity of the Figures is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention. Figure 1 is a front view of a decorative arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear view of the decorative arrangement shown in Figure 1. C PoAword\SPEC-959055.oocx 7 Figure 3 is a front view of the frame of the decorative arrangement shown in Figure 1, with the other components of the arrangement removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the frame shown in Figure 3, but with the frame shown in a collapsed configuration. 5 Figure 5 is a magnified front view of a portion of the frame shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a magnified front view of another portion of the frame shown in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a magnified rear view of a portion of the arrangement as shown in Figure 2. 10 Figure 8 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1, but with the arrangement shown in a collapsed configuration. Figure 9 is a front view of the arrangement, with the arrangement shown in a collapsed configuration. Figure 10 is a front view of a decorative arrangement according to a second 15 embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a front view of a portion of the decorative arrangement shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a front view of a decorative arrangement according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 20 Figure 13 is another front view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12, but with the lights turned on. Figure 14 is a front view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12, but in a collapsed configuration. Figure 15 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12. 25 Figure 16 is a rear view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12, but in a collapsed configuration. Figure 17 is a perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 12. Detailed Description of the Drawings 30 Referring to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown a decorative arrangement 10 in the two dimensional form of a Christmas tree. The arrangement 10 includes a steel wire frame 12. As best illustrated in Figure 3, the frame 12 defines the outline shape of the foliage portion of the tree. The frame 12 is C \pof\wordSPEC-959055 docx 8 shown in the form of a steel wire frame, which provides advantageously provides the required stiffness and is light weight. That said, any other suitable frame arrangement may be used, including a solid MDF, fibre glass or plastic board frame 5 The frame 12 has a generally planar rear side 14. This is desirable, because it allows the arrangement 10 to be mounted to a wall W (or other upstanding surface) in a substantially flush configuration. It is to be appreciated that in Figure 1 the arrangement 10 is simply leaning against the wall W. While the arrangement could be used in this manner, it is intended that the arrangement 10 would be mounted to the 10 wall W, such that the arrangement is clear of the floor F. The rear side 14 of the frame 12 includes a mount in the form of an eyelet 16 provided in plate 18. The plate 18 is welded in position towards the upper end 20 of the frame 12. The eyelet 16 is provided for receiving a hook, fastener head (ie. a nail 15 or screw head) or other suitable arrangement extending outwardly from the surface of the wall W for mounting the arrangement to an upstanding surface. A polymeric material 22 covers a substantially planar front side 25 of the frame 12. The polymeric material 22 is provided in the form of a synthetic grass including a 20 backing layer 24 and a plurality of polymeric fibres or pile (indicated generally as '26'). The fibres 26 are connected (ie. woven) to and extend from the backing layer 24. The fibres 26 may adopt any suitable colour(s). In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 the fibres 26 are provided in two different shades of green. That is, 25 some of the fibres 26 are one shade of green, while the remaining fibres 26 are another shade of green. The shades of green in the illustrated embodiment have been selected specifically by the applicant because they provide a particularly pleasing visual effect, in that their combination approximates the colour of the needle like leaves of a conifer tree. The applicant refers to the two shades of green selected 30 as 'Hawaii Green' and 'Paradise Green'. The fibres 26 may extend in any desired direction from the backing layer 24. That said, it is preferred that some of the fibres 26 preferably extend upwardly from the backing layer 24, while the remaining fibres 26 extend downwardly from the backing C pof\wo\SPEC-959055.docx 9 layer 24, since this has been found to provide a particularly aesthetically pleasing arrangement 10. One preferred specification of the polymeric material 22 is as provided below. 5 However, it is to be clearly understood that modification of this specification still falls within the scope of the protection sought in this application. Product: Synthetic Grass 10 ITEM DESCRIPTION TOLERANCE Grass Content PE/12800D Grass Height 30mm±2mm ±5% Lawn Height 33mm±2mm ±5% Machine Gauge 3/8 Inch 15 Stitch Rate per cm 18 stiches/10cm ±5% No. of Pile per sqm 18900 piles/sqm ±5% Grass Weight 1701g/sqm ±5% Primary Backing Strengthened woven PP + non-woven PET Secondary Backing Water resistant glue, 20 Glue content: Carboxylated styrene butadiene Lawn Weight (total weight) 2300g/sqm ±10% Environmental protection Does not contain heavy metal or Material causing allergies Wear Resistance Wear Rate <10% under 3000 rotational speed 25 U.V. Protection U.V. Protected/Tensile Strength >80% after 6000hrs Colour Fastness to Light Blue Light Testing>7, and grey light testing = 4 Water Permeability >180mm/hr 30 Colour Hawaii Green and Paradise Green Width per Roll 4.00m/2.00m ±5% Length per Roll 1Om/RL, 15m/RL ±5% Infill Materials No need for latex or quartz sands C ofiword\SPEC-959055.dox 10 It can be seen in Figures 2 and 7 that the polymeric material 22 not only covers the front side 25 of the frame 12, but also extends about the side edge 30 of the frame 12 and partially onto the rear side 14 of the frame, wherein the edge region 32 of the material 22 is connected to a connecting rail 34, which is integrally provided on the 5 frame 12. The edge region 22 may be connected to the rail 34 (or directly to the material 22 extending across the front side of the frame 12) in any suitable manner, such as by using tie wire, cable ties, clips, staples, stitching or any other suitable arrangement. It is envisaged that the material 22 would be permanently secured to the frame 12, but may be removable, if desired. 10 The frame 12 includes an upper sub-frame portion 36 and a lower sub-frame portion 38, with the sub-frame portions 36, 38 being hingedly connected together by way of hinges 40, 42. The provision of hingedly connected sub-frame portions 36, 38 is advantageous because it readily allows the arrangement 10 to be moved between an 15 erected, in-use configuration (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) and a collapsed configuration for storage and/or transport (as shown in Figures 8 and 9). In the erected configuration the sub-frame portions 36, 38 are provided in a substantially common plane. It can be seen in Figure 4 that the sub-frame portion 36 overlays the portion 38 (or vice-versa) in the collapsed configuration, thereby providing a much 20 smaller overall shape to store and/or transport. If desired, the arrangement may include a retainer (not shown) for releasably retaining the arrangement 10 in the erected configuration. Likewise, a retainer may be provided for releasably retaining the arrangement in the collapsed configuration. Figures 3 and 25 4 are provided to show the relative movement of the sub-frame portions 36, 38 between the erected configuration (Figure 3) and the collapsed configuration (Figure 4). Although not clearly evident, the polymeric material 22 is provided in two separate 30 portions 50, 52. Portion 50 is provided on sub-frame portion 36; while portion 52 is provided on sub-frame portion 38. The provision of two separate portions 50, 52 allows the sub-frames to move in a substantially unrestricted manner between the erected and collapsed configurations. C Npofnword.SPEC-959055.docx 11 The arrangement 10 also includes a decorative trunk portion 54. The trunk portion is releasably connectable to the frame 12 by way of a screw 56, as shown in Figure 2. The decorative trunk portion 54 is manufactured from MDF, and is air-brushed with an artificial wood grain finish. Of course, trunk portion may be manufactured in any 5 suitable form. For example, it may be manufactured from real timber or plastic. Plastic may be desirable in some circumstances, is it can be manufactured in a relatively light weight form when compared to some other materials. The releasable connection between the frame 12 and the trunk portion 54 is desirable, because it potentially provides a more compact arrangement for storage and transport. It is to be 10 appreciated that any other suitable arrangement may be used to releasably connect the trunk portion 54 to the frame 12, including a snap-fit arrangement, and a hook and-loop fastener. The arrangement 10 is provided with a string of LED decorative lights (some of which 15 are indicated in Figure 1 with the item number 60). The lights 60 and associated electrical wiring 62 are mounted to the frame 12 behind the polymeric material 22 and extend through apertures provided in the backing layer 24. As shown in Figure 2, the wiring 62 is provided in the form of two separate loops 64, 66. Loop 64 extends along the left-hand side of the tree, as viewed in Figure 2; while the loop 66 extends down 20 the right-hand side. Each of the loops 64, 64 is provided with a battery housing 68 mounted on the rear side of the arrangement 10. The housings 68 are configured for receiving AA or AAA-sized batteries. The provision of battery operated lights 60 is desirable because it avoids the need for connection to an external power source, such as mains power. Thus the aesthetic appeal of the arrangement 10 isn't 25 compromised by an electrical lead extending from the rear of the arrangement to a power point, nor does it necessitate ready access to a power point. It also potentially provided a safe arrangement for use in the presence of baby, infants and young children. It is intended that the lights 60, loops 64, 66 and battery housing 68 would be permanently secured in place to the frame and/or backing layer 24, thereby 30 enabling the arrangement 10 to be relatively quickly and easily erected and mounted in position, without the need to then separately arrange the associated lights. C:pof\wOrd\SPEC-959055.docx 12 The arrangement 10 is generally described in the context of indoor use, but could also be used outdoors. If use is intended outdoors, then the lights 60, loops 64, 66 and housing 68 are preferably waterproof. 5 The lights may also/instead be powered by a solar panel (not shown). The solar panel may be attached to the top of the trunk portion 54 in any suitable manner, which may include use of a hook and loop fastener. The solar panel may be configured to operate the lights only in at least partial darkness (for example at night-time or in a darkened room). 10 The arrangement 10 may include a remote control (not shown) for remotely operating the lights, rather than potentially having the remove the arrangement 10 from its mounted position every time the lights need to be turned ON or OFF. 15 The applicant also contemplates connecting two identical arrangements 10 in a back to-back arrangement for a free-standing or free-hanging application. Such an arrangement could be used in, for example, a shop or house window, and would provide a visual effect when looking at the arrangement from any angle. The two identical arrangements may be connected together in any suitable manner. 20 Alternatively, the arrangement 10 could be manufactured such that the polymeric material 22 covers both the front and rear surfaces of the frame 12. If this configuration is adopted then one option may be to include lights that are seen through the polymeric material 22 on the rear side of the frame 12, as well as on the 25 front side of the frame 12. The arrangement is also adorned with decorations in the form of bead garland 70. It is intended that the bead garland would be permanently connected to the frame 12, the backing layer 24 or both. 30 A removable star 72 is provided at the top of the arrangement. The star may be removably held in place using any suitable arrangement, including a hook and loop fastening system. The star 72 may adopt any suitable form, and may, if desired, be replaced with another decoration, such as an angel. C Npo~ord\SPEC-959055 docx 13 Typically, a customer would purchase the arrangement 10 in a form generally shown in Figures 8 and 9, but with the lights turned OFF, and the trunk portion 54 and star 72 removed. Each of the components would typically sold in a packaged form, such 5 as in a cardboard box. The design simplicity of the arrangement 10 can be appreciated by the fact that, once the components have been removed from the packaging, the frame and associated polymeric material can be quickly and easily re configured from the collapsed configuration to the erected configuration. The trunk portion 54 and the star 72 can then be attached/connected. Once this has been done, 10 the arrangement 10 can be hung (by the eyelet 16) to a hook, nail or the like provided in a wall or other upstanding surface. This sequence can then be generally reversed to store the arrangement when its use is no longer necessary. It can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 that the tree shown is a five-tier tree 80, 82, 84, 86, 15 88. The particular size and shape of the tree may be selected as desired. By way of example, a four-tiered tree 110 having tiers 180, 182, 184, 186 is shown in Figures 10 and 11; and a three-tiered tree 210 having tiers 280, 282, 284 is shown in Figures 12 to 17. 20 The arrangement 10 may be provided with an authentic Christmas tree scent. The scent may be already somehow incorporated into or applied to the arrangement 10. Alternatively, the arrangement 10 may be sold with a scent provided in, for example, a liquid form in a bottle or other suitable container for later application to the arrangement 10. 25 Although not shown, the arrangement may be provided with a stand that allows the arrangement 10 to be free-standing rather than wall mounted. This may necessitate a releasable locking arrangement being provided to prevent the Christmas tree sub frame portions 36, 38 from collapsing when in the free-standing mode. 30 In another possible embodiment, the LED light bulbs may be replaced with, or used in conjunction with, globe-like devices manufactured from a phosphorescent material (or other suitable material) to provide glow in the dark bulbs. This alternative arrangement would provide a potentially unique appearance in sufficiently dark C.Apofword\SPEC-959055 docx 14 conditions. Further, it would not require battery power, since phosphorescent materials emit previously absorbed radiation. Further, the phosphorescent material need not be confined to globe-like devices. It may be provided on other elements of the arrangement. It may, for example, be sprayed over the foliage portion of the tree. 5 The applicant considers such a configuration to be desirable alternative to existing real or artificial Christmas trees. Indeed, the arrangement itself is a form of decoration. The unique and attractive appearance of the arrangement provides an alternative to conventional Christmas trees, whether natural or artificial. It may be 10 provided in a variety of shape, sizes and designs. Also, the invention does not require any maintenance or particular care, such as that required for natural Christmas trees. It also provides the advantage of being re-used for Christmas celebrations over a number of years. 15 Unlike natural Christmas trees, the invention does not attract insects or rodents, which is another advantage of the present invention. The arrangement is substantially provided in a one-piece and relatively durable construction, including integrated garland and lights, which makes the task of erecting 20 the arrangement 10 relatively easy. It also limits the likelihood of any component parts being lost. Being re-usable, the invention is a potentially more environmental option when compared to conventional harvested Christmas trees, which require annual 25 replacement. One of the particular advantages of the present invention is that the arrangement 10 requires only a minimum of space, as a number of the preferred embodiments of the invention a substantially two-dimensional, and because the invention is intended to be 30 wall mounted. Thus, substantially no floor space is lost when use arrangement 10 is erected. Also, the arrangement requires relatively minimal space for storage and transport. C:pOf~woN\SPEC-959055.doc 15 As the invention includes battery powered LED lights, it provides a relatively low fire risk when compared to existing Christmas trees and lights. Also, as the invention is intended to be wall mounted it can be placed out of reach of 5 babies, toddlers and small children, which is desirable. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which 10 fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit 15 the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions. C:\pof\word\SPEC-959055.docx