NZ555921A - A method of processing monocotyledon leaves and a product there from - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf, characterised by the steps of: a) generating the pattern in digital form; b) programming an automated cutting device to reproduce the digitised pattern; c) using the automated cutting device to remove plant material from the leaf to form the pattern.

Description

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 555921 Dated: 18 November 2007 A METHOD OF PROCESSING A LEAF AND A PRODUCT THERE FROM l/WE Charmaine Karen Anaru, and David Donald Te Rangi Robin, both New Zealand citizens, both of 68 Hyde Road, Richmond, Taupo 3330 hereby declare the invention for which lA/Ve pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: & Wells Ref: 130097/62 A METHOD OF PROCESSING A LEAF AND A PRODUCT THERE FROM TECHNICAL FIELD The present Invention relates to a method of processing a leaf and a product there from. In particular the invention relates to a method of processing a monocotyledon leaf.

BACKGROUND ART Forming a design or pattern on the stem of a plant, for example the bark or wood 10 of a tree, or a bamboo stem, is well known. In contrast, patterns applied to a leaf of a plant are much less well known even though leaves are commonly used for decoration, as in floral arrangements.

It can be difficult to modify a leaf from its natural appearance due in part to the lack of rigidity, for example in comparison with a wooden stem, and its fragility, making 15 it difficult to hold the leaf while working on it. Furthermore, leaves generally lose moisture following removal from the plant. As they dry they can curl up, making it difficult to achieve a fiat surface to work on.

A further problem is that, without further processing a leaf will generally deteriorate and decompose within a short time, certainly with respect to wood or bark, so that 20 any pattern formed on a leaf would be of relatively short duration.

With some leaves it is possible to apply pressure to "bruise" the leaf and thus leave an image. For example, Brachyglottis repanda, known as Rangiora in Maori, is a native plant of New Zealand having large leaves which are dull green on the upper surface and white and felted on the lower side (the side that faces away from the 25 sun). The underside of the Rangiora leaf can be marked by applying pressure 2 James & Wells Ref: 130097/62 555921 against the felted surface. However this method lacks precision, as the resulting mark does not have a sharp edge. This method is therefore suitable only for large, simple and temporary designs where appearance is not important. Furthermore, the bruising only takes effect on recently harvested leaves and therefore 5 deteriorates as the leaf decomposes with time.

However some plants, including many monocotyledons, do have mechanically strong leaves which can in some circumstances behave in a similar manner to stem material. Many monocotyledons have long, thin, sword-shaped leaves. The main vascular fibre bundles of monocotyledons are in the leaves where they 10 essentially run the length of the leaf parallel to a central rib (the keel of the leaf). The rigidity of these leaves is largely due to the shape of the leaf supported by the mechanical strength and rigidity of these longitudinally oriented vascular fibre bundles.

A particularly important and versatile monocotyledon is New Zealand flax, of which 15 there are two species. One species, Phormium tenax, is known to New Zealand Maori as harakeke and was used extensively by them in many facets of their lives. Another species, Phormium cookianum, which is commonly called mountain flax, is known to Maori as wharariki.

New Zealand flax is quite distinct from the plant known elsewhere as flax (Linum 20 usitatissimum),and indeed is not the same species as flax. In order to reinforce this and to avoid confusion, we will refer to New Zealand flax as Phormium spp throughout this specification.

Phormium spp. leaves can grow up to three metres in length and up to 125 mm in width. Size and characteristics of the leaf vary according to variety. Approximately 25 60 different varieties have been identified and catalogued. The quality of the leaves vary, so that particular varieties are chosen for different purposes. 3 & Weils Ref: 130097/62 Another important monocotyledon, having leaves of similar form to Phormium spp. is Cordyline Australis, also known as cabbage tree and to Maori as Ti rakau or Ti kouka. Cordyline Australis is native to New Zealand and is still found commonly throughout the country. Apart from Cordyline Australis, three other species are 5 found in New Zealand. We will refer to the species as Cordyline spp. throughout the specification.

The use of New Zealand flax and cabbage tree leaves to produce items for every day use and for decoration is ubiquitous in traditional Maori life. The leaves were typically woven to form functional objects, such as mats, baskets (kete) and other 10 containers, including containers for cooking food, traditional fishing traps ropes and cords, as well as more ceremonial items (such as wall panels (tuku tuku) and ceremonial kete There is therefore a very strong association between products made from flax or cabbage tree leaves and New Zealand culture.

The primary use of these monocotyledon leaves typically involves cutting them into 15 strips longitudinally, removing the central rib or keel, and weaving the strips into products of a desired shape or size.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of processing leaves, and particularly monocotyledon leaves, that will enhance the appearance of the leaves and thus add value to the leaves and products, traditional and modern, 20 which are formed with the leaves.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of processing monocotyledon leaves and to thereby provide a new product suitable for use in a number of applications, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 25 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their 4 & Wells Ref: 130097/62 authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common 5 general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or 10 steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 15 forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf, characterised by the steps of: a) producing a substantially flat surface portion of the leaf; and b) using a tool to remove plant material from the substantially flat surface of the leaf to form the pattern.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a leaf wherein at least a portion of the leaf includes a pattern produced by removal of plant material from the surface of the leaf. steBteis & Wells Ref: 130097/62 Reference to a leaf throughout this specification should be understood to refer to the whole leaf as well as portions of a leaf, for example a strip cut out of the whole leaf.

In a preferred embodiment the leaf is a monocotyledon leaf.

A key advantage of using a monocotyledon leaf is that, unlike dicotyledonous leaves, the monocotyledon leaf has strong fibre bundles that extend in a spaced apart array along the length of the leaf, providing substantial rigidity to the leaf. Most monocotyledonous leaves are long (up to 3 m), relatively thin forms having a relatively firm outer surface. The leaves are relatively rigid and structurally strong 10 (in comparison with most dicotyledonous leaves) and therefore find many uses in weaving objects such as containers and mats or wall coverings. They are also used in floral arrangements for their striking appearance and because their structural strength enables them to be placed as part of a composition without concern that they will wilt and lose form.

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method of the present invention may be applied to a dicotyledonous leaf, and that reference to monocotyledonous leaves only throughout this specification should not be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Phormium spp.

In a preferred embodiment the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Phormium tenax.

Phormium tenax is preferred because of its traditional association with Maori and New Zealand culture. It is also readily available and those skilled in the art have a wealth of knowledge in harvesting, processing and using the leaves of Phormium tenax.

In another preferred embodiment the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Cordyline spp. 6 gaSfiSfc & Wells Ref: 130097/62 Cordyline spp. leaves, like those of Phormium spp., are found extensively throughout New Zealand and have been used traditionally for much the same purposes. Which species is preferred may depend on availability or, for special uses, particular features of one or the other species. Generally, Cordyline spp. 5 leaves are considered to be stronger than Phormium spp. leaves, although this may depend on particular varieties.

Reference will be made throughout the specification to the use of the present invention with leaves of Phormium spp. However, unless the reference is specific to Phormium spp. it should be understood that the reference may also relate to a 10 leaf of Cordyline spp.

A Phormium spp. leaf contains a large fibre bundle running lengthwise along the centre of leaf, forming a central rib or keel. Following harvest of a leaf the keel is typically removed by forming a cut down each side of the keel, thus leaving two strips of leaf. These strips may have relatively flat surfaces if the leaf has just 15 been harvested, but these may curt laterally with natural drying after a day or so.

In order to form a pattern on the leaf of the precision sought by the present invention, a substantially flat working surface is required. It is well known by those skilled in the art that it is easier to cut a precise pattern on a flat surface than it is on a curved one.

A flat surface may be achieved in a wide variety of ways, including (without limitation) holding the leaf against a flat substrate by gluing, strapping, placing a weight over part of the leaf, or by suction.

In a preferred embodiment the substantially flat surface portion of the leaf is produced by placing the leaf between two substantially flat jaws of a clamping 25 device. 7 & Wells Ref; 130097/62 Reference to a clamping device throughout this specification should be understood to mean any device configured to hold an object between opposing jaws.

In a preferred embodiment the clamping device includes at least one aperture configured to expose a surface of an object placed between the jaws of the 5 clamping device.

Inclusion of an aperture in the clamping device allows access to the surface of at least a portion of the leaf when it is in the clamping device. This is generally required to allow access of a tool used to remove the surface plant material from the leaf to form the pattern.

In a preferred embodiment the clamping device is a pair of flat plates.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one of the flat plates is formed from a transparent material.

The ability to observe the leaf between the plates may be important to ensure that the leaf is not inadvertently creased or damaged by the plates.

Preferably the plates are formed from Perspex. The use of Perspex plates provides a number of advantages, being relatively inexpensive, readily available and transparent. It is also relatively easy to form an aperture in at least one of the Perspex plates to provide access to a portion of the leaf held between the plates.

In alternative embodiments the flat plates may be formed from glass, plastic or 20 indeed any material that can be formed into flat plates.

Preferably the plates forming the jaws of the clamping device are oriented horizontally (in use) so that the leaf is held in place by the weight of the upper plate. This is preferable to use of other applied forces as, by choosing the weight 8 3SM9i & Wells Ref: 130097/62 of the upper plate appropriately, the leaf may be held in place with little or no damage to the leaf structure.

In other embodiments the plates may be spaced apart, the gap between the plates being sufficient to insert a leaf into the gap, but small enough to hold the leaf 5 substantially flat.

In preferred embodiments the clamping device is configured to hold two of more leaves at the same time.

A clamping device may be set up with two or more apertures in the top plate so that at least two leaves may be held at the same time. This may save a significant 10 amount of time as two or more leaves can be held in a single clamping device and a pattern formed on each leaf, allowing a degree of mass production.

A pattern may be formed on a recently harvested green leaf with the present invention, where the green leaf is held flat between the jaws of a clamping device. However such leaves may curl as they dry when removed from the clamping 15 device, and this may be undesirable for some uses.

In another preferred embodiment the substantially flat surface portion of the leaf is produced by drying the leaf under pressure.

Reference to drying a leaf under pressure should be understood to mean that a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is applied to the leaf during the drying 20 process.

The process of drying a leaf under pressure is well known. However, it is not common for leaves of Phormium spp. to be dried. This is because dried leaves are relatively brittle and therefore do not have the flexibility required for the common uses of Phormium spp. leaves which involve bending and creasing the leaf (as in 25 weaving). 9 9§SS§fc & Weils Ref: 130097/82 However, the applicants have found that it is preferable to dry the Phormium spp. leaf prior to inserting it between the plates of the clamping device, as this tends to speed up the overall process. The leaf, once dried flat, tends to maintain its flat shape which makes it easier to work with and the leaf remains substantially flat 5 following formation of the pattern.

Further, use of a flat dry leaf reduces the requirements placed on the clamping device to form a flat surface, particularly for the important portion of the leaf exposed under the aperture in the upper plate. This exposed portion, being the portion that the pattern is formed on, needs to be flat for accuracy in cutting away 10 the surface plant material. It may also be that plant material may be more easily and precisely removed from the surface of a dried leaf.

In alternate embodiments the leaf may be dried after formation of a pattern on its surface.

In a preferred embodiment the tool is an automated cutting device.

With the leaf held securely between the plates it may be possible to use a conventional tool to cut or score away the surface plant material from the exposed surface of the leaf. However, this is likely to be a slow and relatively inaccurate procedure.

In comparison there are now automated cutting devices which are computer 20 controlled, combining high speed with high precision. Furthermore, any 2D pattern that can be digitised and entered into the computer may be recreated. There are many ways that a pattern can be digitised, as are well known to those skilled in the art. These include, without limitation, using the digital output from a digital scanner or digital camera image of the pattern, or using any one of the numerous 25 commercially available computer graphics software programmes to generate the desired pattern in digital form. 48B99S a Weils Ref: 130097/62 Reference throughout this specification to an automated cutting device should be understood to refer to any computer controlled machine including a tool or device configured to remove material from an object on which it operates. A computer controlled machine may include any machine which may be programmed to 5 execute a sequence of actions. A tool or device configured to remove material from an object may also include (without limitation) a drill, blade, water jet, or stream of particles eg sand blasting, or for high precision a plasma jet or stream of atomic or sub atomic particles, among others.

In a preferred embodiment the automated cutting device includes a laser.

Automated cutting devices including a laser configured to cut away material from an object on which it is focused are now commonly available and relatively inexpensive. A cutting device may include a laser beam which can be precisely focused thus enabling high precision cutting.

Further, the power of the laser may be adjusted to control the amount of material 15 removed from the surface of the object on which it is focussed. This may be used to advantage when forming a pattern on a monocotyledon leaf by adjusting the speed and power of the laser. At low power the pattern may be formed in the surface layer of the leaf, while at higher power it may remove sufficient surface plant material to expose the underlying vascular fibre bundles. Exposing the 20 underlying vascular fibre bundles may provide additional structure within the pattern, and may result in a "lace-like" appearance to the pattern.

In a preferred embodiment the leaf is dyed prior to drying.

Dying of Phormium spp. leaves is well known and was used traditionally to produce patterns when weaving etc. Leaves that are dyed may also be used for decoration, 25 such as in floral arrangements. 11 & Wells Ref: 130097/82 In a preferred embodiment the leaf is dyed in a process involving at least two stages in which each stage involves the use of a different colour dye.

The applicants have found that some special effects can be achieved by dying a leaf in a multi-stage process. The leaf may be initially placed in a container of 5 heated base colour dye. When at the desired colour the leaf may be placed into another container of heated dye of a darker colour, or conversely, a different dye can be added to the first container to produce a darker colour. This process may be repeated as many times as desired.

In most traditional uses of Phormium spp. it is only the outer surface of the leaf that 10 is seen and therefore there is little value in a multi-stage dying process - only the final colour is important and this can be achieved by preparing a mix of dyes prior to the (single- stage) dying process.

However, in the present invention the outer surface plant material is removed to form the pattern. The applicants have found that interesting and pleasing colour 15 effects can be achieved in leaves that have been through the above multi-stage process as the exposed internal structure of the Phormium spp. leaf may have a different colour (or at least a colour of a lighter hue) to that of the surface leaf material. This colour difference may provide further contrast between the surface of the leaf and the pattern formed by cutting away the surface material, making the 20 appearance of the pattern more effective.

It should be noted that the steps of dying, drying and formation of the pattern are essentially independent and may be carried out in any desired order. Dying before drying to form a flat section of leaf, before forming a pattern on the flat section is a convenient order for processing the leaf, especially as drying a leaf flat under 25 pressure can assist with forming a flat surface on which to form a pattern. 12 Mims & Wells Ref: 130097/62 However, in general dying and drying are optional steps in the method and can be carried out in any order with respect to formation of a pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing 5 description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the method according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 shows schematic representations of a leaf including various patterns 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 shows schematic representations of a leaf including various patterns according to one embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the first step of the process of the present invention a Phormium tenax leaf is 15 harvested. This generally involves use of extensive traditional knowledge as to the variety of Phormium tenax that provides the best leaves for the intended purpose, as well as the best way to cut the leaf from the plant and the best time to do it.

Following harvest the central rib or keel of the leaf is removed to provide two or more strips.

The strips of Phormium tenax leaves are dyed in a multi-stage dying process in which the leaf is placed in a sequence of heated dye solutions, each stage involving the use of a different colour (or darker hue). The uptake of the dye depends on the nature of the dye and the strength of the dye solution, its S5fi8M> & Wells Ref: 130097/62 temperature and the amount of time the leaf spends in the heated dye solution, as is well known by those skilled in the art.

The strips are dried under pressure by placing them between substantially flat, perforated sheets of hardboard, commonly known as peg board, in a drying 5 cabinet. The perforations in the pegwood sheets are such as to allow air to flow through the sheets and past the strip of leaf.

Around 300 leaves are dried simultaneously be placing around 30 leaves in single layers between two such perforated sheets, and when each layer is complete adding a further layer to form a stack of around 10 layered sheets.

Pressure is applied by placing a 45 kg weight on top of the uppermost piece of pegwood in the stack.

A dehumidifier is used to remove moisture from the heated air prior to it entering into the drying cabinet.

The amount of drying depends on the time spent in the cabinet, the temperature of 15 the air and the flow rate. Generally, the leaves require at least three hours drying time using heated air at around 50 °C.

Preferably after around 2 hours the heating is reduced and a dehumidifier used for around another hour to remove further moisture.

A monocotyledon leaf dried between flat plates under pressure is substantially flat 20 and is not likely to curl up after removal from the drying cabinet. In contrast, a non-dried leaf will naturally curl within a day or so of harvest.

In step a) of the method a dyed and dried strip of Phormium tenax 1 is placed into a clamping device, generally indicated by arrow 2 in Figure 1 (a). 14 33683* & Wells Ref: 130097/62 The clamping device 2 includes a substantially flat Perspex plate 3 on which the strip of leaf 1 is placed. A second Perspex plate 4 is placed over the leaf so as to sandwich it in a flat position between the two plates.

The second plate 4 includes an aperture 5. The leaf 1 is located between the 5 Perspex plates 3 and 4 so that the aperture 5 is located directly above a portion of the leaf 1.

In practise a number of leaves (preferably around 6) are placed into the clamping device 2 at the same time, each leaf being arranged so that an aperture 5 exposes a section of the leaf.

In step b) the clamping device 2, including at least one strip of leaf 1, is placed in working relationship with an automated cutting device 6. The automated cutting device 6 includes a laser (not shown separately in Figure 1 (b)). The clamping device 2 is orientated with respect to the automated cutting device 6 such that the laser passes through the aperture 5 in the upper Perspex sheet 4 and is focussed 15 directly onto the enclosed strip of leaf 1. The clamping device 2 and automated cutting device 6 are located relative to one another such that the laser can be moved over each aperture 5 in the clamping device 2 so that a pattern can be formed sequentially on a number of leaves before removal of the clamping device 2.

A pattern is pre-programmed into the automated cutting device 6 in digital form. For example a series of letters, numbers or symbols (as are commonly stored on a computer) are input through a computer keyboard. Standard commercial software programmes are used to create graphical designs which are programmed into the automated cutting device 6. 53m$ & Weils Ref: 130097/62 Alternatively, a design is programmed into the automated cutting device 6 in digital form from a scanner, hard drive of a digital camera, or from other digital devices using methods well known to those skilled in the art.

The automated cutting device 6 is thus programmed to focus the laser onto the 5 surface of the leaf 1 in such a manner as to remove plant material from the substantially flat portion of the leaf exposed under the aperture 5 to reproduce a programmed pattern. The output power of the laser and the speed of cutting are adjusted to control the amount of surface material removed from the leaf. This can vary from surface marking (a small amount of material removed) to removal of all 10 the surface material to expose the internal fibre matrix thus creating a "lace-like" appearance.

The amount of colour contrast between the surface material of the un-patterned leaf and the patterned portion of the leaf is determined by the initial multi-stage dying process.

Following the cutting of a pattern in a dyed and dried strip of Phormium tenax the leaf is removed from the clamping device 2 and used as desired. In some cases this involves introducing moisture to the dried leaf so that it can be formed into a curved shape. For example, a moistened (previously dried) leaf can be formed into a helical form by holding the leaf against a round rod and dragging the rod along a 20 length of the leaf in a similar motion to that used to coil ribbon.

In some instances the patterned leaf is trimmed and shaped as desired following removal from the clamping device 2.

In some alternative embodiments the steps of dying and /or drying the leaf may be omitted. In these embodiments a pattern may be formed on a green leaf. The 25 patterned leaf may be preserved by encasing it in resinous material, or holding it 16 93SBS6 & Wells Ref: 130097/62 between two sheets of glass for example. These methods can, of course, also be used to good effect with dyed and/or dried patterned leaves as well.

Figure 2 shows a range of patterns, in the form of text letters, formed in a portion of a Phormium tenax leaf. Clearly the pattern may be formed in any shape and 5 using any combination of letters and symbols that can be created within a computer or captured by camera, scanner or other suitable digitising device.

Similarly, figure 3 shows a traditional Maori kowhaiwhai pattern formed on a Phormium tenax. leaf, where the kowhaiwhai pattern has been hand drawn and scanned to provide a digital image for loading into the automated cutting device 6.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 17 ■K. 555921 James & Wells Ref: 130097/62

Claims (19)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf, characterised by the steps of: a) generating the pattern in digital form b) programming an automated cutting device to reproduce the digitised pattern c) using the automated cutting device to remove plant material from the leaf to form the pattern :

2. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 1 wherein the leaf is a monocotyledon leaf.

3. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 2 wherein the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Phormium spp.

4. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 2 wherein the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Phormium tenax.

5. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 2 wherein the monocotyledon leaf is a leaf of Cordyline spp.

6. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the portion is a substantially flat surface portion of the leaf. ' James & Wells Ref: 130097/62 555921

7. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 6 wherein the substantially flat surface portion of the leaf is produced by placing the leaf between two substantially flat jaws of a clamping device.

8. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 7 wherein the clamping device includes at least one aperture configured to expose the substantially flat surface portion of the leaf when placed between the jaws of the clamping device.

9. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in any one either one of claims 7 or 8 wherein the clamping device is a pair of substantially flat plates.

10. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 9 wherein at least one of the substantially flat plates is formed from a transparent material.

11. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 6 wherein the substantially flat surface portion of the leaf is produced by drying the leaf under pressure.

12. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the automated cutting device includes a laser.

13. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the leaf is dyed.

14. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf as claimed in claim 13 wherein the leaf is dyed in a process involving at least two stages in which each stage involves the use of a dye of a different colour. 19 ' James & Wells Ref; 130097/62 555921

15. A leaf wherein at least a portion of the leaf includes a pattern produced by removal of plant material from the surface of the leaf using an automated cutting device.

16. A leaf as claimed in claim 15 wherein the leaf is a leaf of Phormium spp.

17. A leaf as claimed in claim 15 wherein the leaf is a leaf of Cordyline spp.

18. A method of forming a pattern on at least a portion of a leaf substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying description and drawings,

19. A leaf wherein at least a portion of the leaf includes a pattern produced by removal of plant material from the surface of the leaf substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying description and drawings. CHARMAINE KAREN ANARU AND DAVID DONALD TE RANGI ROBIN by their authorised agents JAMES & WELLS