Abstract:
A miniature model tree is provided that is random in appearance and durable in design. In embodiments disclosed herein, the miniature model tree comprises a plurality of twisted wires, spiraled together to simulate a trunk; a plurality of fibrous strands simulating branches wound within the twisted wire; a layer of paint over the branches; and fine particles layered over the layer of paint and attached to the branches by the layer of paint to simulate foliage. A hardening layer may be provided over the foliage. A method of making miniature model trees comprises placing a plurality of fibrous strands within a plurality of wires with the strands protruding substantially laterally outward from the plurality of wires; forming a trunk by twisting the plurality of wires together such that the fibrous strands become substantially dispersed within the wires; adhering a layer of paint to the branches; adhering a coating of fine particles to the branches while the paint is still wet; adding a hardening coating over the branches; and wrapping the bottom of the trunk in an adhesive tape.

Description:
RELATED INVENTIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/108,757, filed on Nov.17, 1998 and entitled Miniature Model Trees and Method of Manufacture. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to miniature model trees and their methods of manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved miniature model tree which is constructed to be highly life-like and durable. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     The hobby of modeling has been with us practically from the beginning of time. In ancient times, models were often constructed to reflect dwellings, transportation mediums such as boats, and military units. Modeling today is as diverse as our society. Particular favorites include model trains, airplanes, and automobiles. Modeling is also used extensively in industry. For instance, architects often use models in the designing of buildings and landscapes. 
     Hobbyists have a wide range of interests, and their desire for accuracy varies greatly as well. To some modelers, realism is highly important. Even demanding hobbyists must consider economics, however. Extremely lifelike models and accessories are of no avail of they cannot be manufactured and distributed affordably. Thus, modeling products are generally mass produced and distributed in bulk. A further goal of manufacturers of such products is, necessarily, durability of use and durability in shipping. 
     One common aspect of contemporary modeling is scenery. Scenery may be used in all aspects of modeling, but is possibly most prominent in model railroads. Scenery and accessories for model railroads is a thriving industry in the United States. The model railroad hobbyist enjoys a wide range of available products from which to select. 
     Nevertheless, scenery products, as with other modeling products, must balance realism with price and longevity. These tradeoffs show up in the manufacture of miniature model trees. Currently, miniature model trees are mass produced in a manner that leads to each model tree looking the same as all other model trees produced in a common batch. This leads to a lack of realism in scenery designs employing such trees. 
     Additionally, in the manufacture of such model trees, foliage is flocked on the trees, much in the same way as simulated snow is flocked onto Christmas trees. This flocking is limited in its realism, because the flocking tends to stick to itself, rather than just to the underlying simulated branches. Additionally, foliage applied in this manner is easily knocked free from the tree. Accordingly, such trees are not especially durable. 
     Conventional model trees produced in this manner must be packaged with great care, in order to avoid damage and excessive loss of foliage. Such packaging is generally quite expensive. 
     Accordingly, a need exists in the art of miniature model tree making for a miniature model tree and method of manufacture that produces a more realistic model tree, and specifically, model trees that are not identical and have a randomness to their appearance. A method of making model trees with more realistic foliage is also needed. A need also exists for more durable miniature model trees, such that shipping costs can be reduced. Methods of making such model trees relatively inexpensively are also needed. 
     OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available model trees. Thus, it is an overall objective of the present invention to provide a miniature model tree that overcomes many or all of the shortcomings existing in the art. 
     The apparatus of the present invention comprises a miniature model tree for use in creating and replicating scenery. In one embodiment, the miniature model tree comprises a plurality of twisted wires, spiraled together to simulate a trunk and a plurality of fibrous strands simulating branches, the fibrous strands wound within the twisted wire and extending outward from the twisted wire substantially perpendicular thereto. The miniature model tree also preferably comprises a layer of paint over the branches and a coating of fine particles over the layer of paint and attached to the branches by the layer of paint to simulate foliage. 
     The layer of paint may contains glue and may contain detergent. The fiber strands may comprise sisal strands preferably unwound from a rope. In certain embodiments, the miniature model tree may also comprise a hardening layer disposed over the fine particle layers. Preferably, the thickness of the branches and the dispersion of the branches are substantially arbitrarily selected. 
     A method of the present invention is used for making miniature model trees for use in creating and replicating scenery. In one embodiment, the method comprises suspending a plurality of wires substantially in tension, placing a plurality of fibrous strands within the plurality of wires with the strands protruding substantially laterally outward from the plurality of wires, and forming a trunk by twisting the plurality of wires together such that the wires form coils with the fibrous strands substantially dispersed within the coils, the edges of the fibrous strands extending outward from the coils to simulate branches. 
     Additionally, the method preferably comprises adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands and adhering a coating of fine particles to the branches while the paint is still wet. The fine particles may comprise model grass. The method may also comprise adhering a hardening layer over the coating of fine particles. 
     In certain embodiments, the method comprises adhering a layer of clear laquer to the branches prior to adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands. The method may also comprise mixing glue into the paint prior to adhering a layer of paint to the fibrous strands. 
     In certain embodiments, the wires are sufficiently long to form a plurality of model trees therefrom, and further comprising placing fibrous strands within the plurality of wires at a plurality of locations prior to the step of forming a trunk, so as to form a plurality of trees within the plurality of wires. 
     The method may also comprise placing the paint in the bottom of an elongated tube, and placing the plurality of wires within the elongated tube. The fine particles may likewise be contained within an elongated tube, and the step of adhering the coating of fine particles may be conducted with the plurality of wires extending through the center of the elongated tube. 
     The method also preferably comprises arbitrarily selecting the length of the fibrous strands and arbitrarily selecting the dispersion of the fibrous strands during the step of placing a plurality of fibrous strands within the wires and cutting a strand of hemp rope and unraveling the strand of hemp rope in order to provide the fibrous strands. 
     The layer of paint adhered to the branches may be substantially a brown shade and the fine particles may be substantially a green shade so as to give the miniature trees a random, two toned appearance. The method may also comprise wrapping a portion of the bottom of the trunk in an adhesive tape. 
     The method may also comprise providing a rotary power mill and clamping one end of the plurality of wires within the rotary power mill, the rotary power mill dynamically positioned so as to be able to move forward during the step of forming a trunk by twisting the plurality of wires together so as to maintain a substantially constant tension on the plurality of wires. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective side view illustrating a plurality of randomly formed and sized miniature model trees of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 a  is a partial perspective view illustrating a single fibrous strand of a miniature model tree of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a wire twisting stage of a method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 a  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a wire twisting stage of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a trimming operation of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 shows the results of the twisting stage of FIG.  2  and the trimming operation of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the wire twisting stage of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a paint application stage of a method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a foliage application stage of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the foliage application stage of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the foliage application stage of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a base and rollers of the foliage application stage of FIGS. 8 and 9. 
     FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a rotating eye bolt of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed to the fabrication and manufacture of miniature model trees. The miniature model trees are designed to be useful in replicating scenery, such as in architect&#39;s models and miniature train modeling. In one aspect, the present invention comprises a method of manufacturing the miniature model trees. The present invention is also directed to the unique qualities of the trees formed with the inventive method. One embodiment of the miniature model trees is shown in FIG.  1 . The method of manufacturing is shown in one embodiment in FIGS. 2 through 7. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the miniature model trees  10  are shown as comprising a wire core  12 . The wire core in one embodiment comprises two wires substantially twisted into coils that spiral around each other. Preferably the coils are uniform to form a continuous uniform spiral shape in each wire and such that the two wires together are substantially linear and generally uniform. Around the base of the wire core  12  is wrapped an adhesive tape  14  such as florist&#39;s tape. The florist&#39;s tape is preferably brown in color to resemble a tree trunk. 
     Emanating from the wire core  12  are fibrous strands  16 . The fibrous strands  16  are preferably strands of sisal or hemp, and more preferably, are separate strands of sisal or hemp rope. In one embodiment, the strands are unwound from a rope prior to being incorporated into the miniature model trees  10 . 
     The centers of each of the fibrous strands  16  are intertwined within the coils of the wire core  12 . The two ends of the fibrous strands  16  each preferably extend substantially outward from the wire core in different directions. The fibrous strands  16  may extend outward at any angle, but it is preferred that the fibrous strands  16  extend outward substantially perpendicular to the wire core, and preferably at random angles. Additionally, the fibrous strands  16  may be angled slightly upward to simulate trees such as Conifers. 
     The cumulative effect of the fibrous strands  16  is to form a generally cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the fibrous strands  16  may be trimmed to form a conical shape, as seen in FIG.  1 . Of course, the fibrous strands  16  could also be trimmed into other shapes to simulate any different type of tree or other foliage. Preferably, the fibrous strands are of a substantially uniform diameter, and of a substantially uniform length at any point on the wire core  12 . 
     Nevertheless, one advantage of the depicted embodiment of the miniature model trees  10  of the present invention is that the miniature model trees  10  are not perfectly uniform. The fibrous strands  16  simulating branches do not all extend straight outward from the wire core  12 , and instead, extend outward at many different angles. The fibrous strands  16  are also probably not uniform in thickness, with some areas on the miniature model trees  10  thicker than others. The lengths of the fibrous strands  16  are also preferably not perfectly uniform, varying somewhat, even over the same radial cross-section of the miniature model trees  10 . 
     A layer of paint  18  covers the fibrous strands  16 . In one preferred embodiment, the layer of paint  18  is brown to further simulate branches. Mixed in with the layer of paint  18  may be glue to secure foliage materials  20  to the fibrous strands  16 . Also mixed in may be detergent to assure permeation of the paint and glue and proper adherence of the layer of paint  18  and of the foliage materials  20 . Of course, it is not necessary that the fibrous strands  16  are painted. For instance, the fibrous strands  16  could be flocked. Nevertheless, it is preferred that the fibrous strands  16  be painted. 
     A layer of material  20  simulating foliage is shown covering the fibrous strands  16 . In one embodiment, the layer of material  20  comprises fine particles  20 . Preferably, the fine particles  20  are layered over the layer of paint  18  and are independent of the layer of paint  18  for a more realistic effect. 
     As discussed, the fine particles or other foliage materials  20  are preferably bonded to the fibrous strands  16  with the layer of paint  18 . The fine particles  20  are, in one embodiment, model grass, such as 785-49 Green Blend fine blended turf available from Woodland Scenics Corporation of Whitby, Ontario, Canada. The Green Blend fine blended turf comprises a finely ground foam of a light green color. Of course, any other types of materials could also be used to suitably simulate foliage. 
     In an additional embodiment, shown in FIG. 1 a  , a hardening layer  21  may be applied over the fine particles  20 . Under this embodiment, the hardening layer  21  may comprise a mixture of glue and water. The mixture may be, for example, one half glue and one half water. In one example, the glue comprises Elmer&#39;s Glue, as is currently available in most stores. FIG. 1 a  shows a single fibrous strand  16  wound within the wire core  12 . The fibrous strand  16  is coated with a layer of paint  18  in which may be disposed detergent and glue. a layer of fine particles  20  is adhered to the layer of paint  18 . A hardening layer  21  is coated over the fine particles  20  and the fibrous strand  16 . 
     Only a single embodiment is described herein by way of example, and one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that different types of foliage materials could also be used, and that the foliage materials could be of a different fineness or color. 
     It is preferred that the length, density, and angle of protrusion from the wire core  12  of the fibrous strands  16  is arbitrarily selected. Thus, the size and shape of the miniature model trees  10  is arbitrary. This promotes the nonuniformity of the miniature model tree  10  and lends it a more realistic effect than existing miniature model trees  10 . 
     One method of manufacture of the miniature model trees  10  will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 7. Referring now to FIG. 2, an initial step in the method is shown in which the fibrous strands  16  are twisted within the wire core  12  at a wire twisting stage  30 . The wire twisting stage  30  comprises a base  32  for supporting a support member  34 . The base  32  could be the ground, or a raised surface. Also shown within the wire twisting stage  30  is a rotary turning device such as a motor  36 . The motor  36  is adapted for holding therein the ends of two or more wires  40 . In the depicted embodiment, this is accomplished with a chuck  38 . 
     The wires  40  are unspooled from spools  41  and pass through the hole  35  in the support brace  34  and are extended in co-unison into the chuck  38 . A clamp  42  clamped on the exterior side of the support brace  34  retains the wires  40  within the support brace  34 . Once within the clamp  42 , the wires  40  may be cut from the spools  41 . 
     The wires  40  are pulled taut prior to applying the clamp  42 , so as to maintain a degree of tension within the wires  40 , and keeping the wires  40  close together. The clamp  42  can be any suitable device providing the function of securing the ends of the wires  40  and maintaining a tension on the wires  40 . In one embodiment, the clamp  42  is a pair of mechanical locking pliers. The support brace  34  could also be initially placed on its side and subsequently raised to tighten the wires  40  after applying the clamp  42 . 
     With the wires  40  held taut between the motor  36  and the support brace  34 , fibrous strands  44  are placed between the wires  40 . The fibrous strands  44  are generally laid out parallel to each other and protruding substantially out at two sides from the wires  40 . The distance for which the fibrous strands  44  are laid is dependent on the desired height of the finished miniature model tree  10  being formed. Likewise, the lengths of the fibrous strands  44  generally correspond to the desired width of the base of the miniature model tree  10 , and the number of fibrous strands  44  corresponds to the density of the simulated branches of the miniature model tree  10 . 
     The fibrous strands  16  can be placed within the wires  40  in an automated manner, but it is presently preferred that the fibrous strands  16  be placed manually. It is also preferred that the fibrous strands  16  be sized and arranged manually to achieve the randomness discussed above. The relatively random size, density, and placement of the fibrous strands  16  lends a more realistic appearance to the miniature model trees  10 . 
     As discussed above, the fibrous strands  16  preferably comprise sisal or hemp. More preferably, the fibrous strands  16  comprise commonly available sisal rope, which may be two ply rope. One such brand is two-ply sisal rope available from Phoenix Rope Company of Chicago, Ill. The fibrous strands  16  are of a thickness selected to simulate branches. In one embodiment, the sisal rope is cut into segments corresponding to the desired maximum widths of the miniature model trees  10  to be produced. 
     The sisal rope is then untwisted to yield the individual fibrous strands  16  of which it is formed. These individual fibrous strands  16  are then placed within the wires  40 , as discussed above. Providing fibrous strands  16  from unwound rope gives the fibrous strands different bends, angles, and a general nonuniformity. 
     Once the fibrous strands  16  are arranged between the wires  40 , clamps  46  are placed on the wires  40  to keep the fibrous strands  16  in place, and to define the simulated trunks of the miniature model trees  10 . The clamps  46  are placed at least at either end of the fibrous strands  16 , as shown. Additional clamps  46  may also be placed in the trunk region that is devoid of fibrous strands  16 . In one embodiment, the clamps  46  comprise alligator clips. 
     FIG. 2 a  depicts a further contemplated embodiment of the wire twisting stage  30  of the present invention. In FIG. 2, ends of multiple sets of wires  40  are each held within a separate adjacent rotary turning devices such as the motor  36 . Opposite the rotary turning devices are a plurality of support braces (not shown) and clamps  42  holding the other ends of the wires  40 . The sets of wires  40  are arranged parallel to each other and are separated by distances corresponding to the desired width of the resulting miniature model trees  10 . The fibrous strands are cut into appropriate lengths to span the cumulative sets of wires  40  with the edges thereof protruding. 
     Cuts are then made in the fibrous strands at approximately the positions shown by the dashed lines of FIG. 2 a . In this manner, several lines of wires  40  can be loaded with fibrous strands  16  at any one time in order to manufacture the miniature model trees  10  in greater volumes. 
     Once the clamps  46  are in place, the fibrous strands  16  are trimmed to simulate the shape of a tree. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, the fibrous strands  44  are shown trimmed into a triangular shape to simulate a pine tree. At this point in the method, the fibrous strands are arranged in a substantially planar arrangement, rendering the task of trimming and shaping the fibrous strands  44  easier. 
     Once the fibrous strands  16  are trimmed into the desired shape, a clear laminate such as laquer is applied over the wires  40  and the fibrous strands  16 . The laminate keeps the wires  40  together and helps retain the fibrous strands  16  within the wires  40 . The clear laminate may also comprise a glue and water mixture. In one embodiment, a mixture of one half Elmer&#39;s Glue and one half water is used. In other embodiments, the clear laminate may not be applied until foliage is applied, as will be discussed. 
     In a further step, the wires  40  are twisted into a mutually spiraling arrangement in which the wires spiral around each other. To do so, the motor  36  is engaged. The chuck  38 , which may be attached to a central shaft of the motor  36  spins, causing the wires  40  to spiral around each other. In order to keep the wires  40  from snapping under excess tension, the motor  36  is dynamically mounted to the base  32 . Thus, as the wires  40  spiral and shorten, they pull the motor  36  forward. The motor  36  is mounted with an amount of resistance selected to keep the wires  40  taut. 
     In the depicted embodiment, the motor  36  rides within slots  48  on either side of the base  32 . Spurs  50  in a stand  35  of the motor  36  protrude into the grooves  48  providing the proper linear direction of travel of the motor  36 . The friction between the spurs  50  and the grooves  48  is preferably adjustable to exert the proper amount of resistance to the forward motion of the motor to keep the wires  40  taut. 
     A further embodiment of a rotary turning device is shown in FIG.  5 . Seen therein is a rotary power mill such as a hand drill  52 . The hand drill  52  is comprised of a body  56  and a handle  54 . A trigger  53  protrudes outward from the handle  53 . The hand drill  52  may be merely lain on the base  32  and engaged, allowing the drill  52  to move forward freely as it twists and winds the wires  40 . The weight of the drill  52  provides the proper amount of resistance to keep the wires  40  taut. A clamp  55  is shown holding the trigger  53  in the engaged position. The trigger  53  may also be engaged manually. 
     As the wires  40  twist, the fibrous strands  16  become entwined between the coils of the wires  40 . The fibrous strands  16  are also distributed throughout the coils automatically by their original random placement discussed above. Accordingly, as the wires  40  twist into a spiral arrangement, the fibrous strands  16  begin to protrude substantially radially outward from the twisted wires  40  in a 360 degree range. Thus, the originally planar fibrous strands  16  become, through the twisting of the wires  40 , substantially conical in shape, more accurately simulating the branches of a tree. The twisting of the wires  40  forms the wires  40  into a single wire core shown at  45  in FIG. 3, seen at  12  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 shows a paint application stage  60 . Seen therein is a base  62  upon which the components of the paint application stage  60  rest. Once again, the base  62  could be the ground or a raised surface. Support braces  64  and  66  are used to support the wire core  45  within holes  68  therein. The second support base  66  could be omitted. A rotary turning device is again provided, such as a motor  70 . The depicted motor  70  is shown provided with a chuck  72  as one example of a device for retaining an end of the wire core  45 . 
     The motor  70  is supported above the base  62  with a stand  74 . Between the support braces  64 ,  66  is shown an elongated tubular tank  76 . The tank  76  is split into two sections, a well  78  and a lid  80 . The well  78  and lid  80  are connected by hinges  82  and are fastenable together to form a substantially sealed enclosure therein with latches  84 . The tank  76  is held above the base  62  with stands  86 . Within the well  78  is a pool of paint  88 . 
     After the formation of the wire core  45  at the wire twisting stage  30 , the wire core  45  with attendant conical groups of trimmed fibrous strands  16  is removed from the wire twisting stage and held above the tank  76 . With the lid  80  open, the wire core  45  is lowered into the well  78  to submerge the wire core  45  and fibrous strands  44  in the paint  18 . The wire core  45  and fibrous strands  44  may be spun around slowly while in contact with the paint  18 . 
     The wire core  45  with the fibrous strands  44  thereon is subsequently removed from the paint  18  and the excess paint spun off. In one embodiment, this comprises merely raising the wire core  45  and fibrous strands  44  within the tank  76  and spinning the wire core  45 . 
     Alternatively, the ends of the wire core  45  are passed through the support braces  64 ,  66 . A clamp is applied at one end of the wire core  45  and the other end is placed within the chuck  72  in much the same manner as described above for the wire twisting stage  30 . The lid  80  is then closed and latched, enclosing the wire core  45  and fibrous strands  44  within the interior of the tank  76 . 
     The motor  70  or other rotary turning device is then engaged, spinning the wire core  45  and fibrous strands  44 . The spinning is conducted at a sufficiently high RPM to create a centrifugal force that spins the excess paint  88  from the fibrous strands  44 . In one embodiment, the spinning is conducted at about 1500 RPM for a time period of about two seconds. 
     Once the excess paint has been removed, the wire core  45  is removed from the paint application stage  60  and moved to a foliage application stage. 
     FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a foliage application stage  90 . Within the foliage application stage  90  is seen a base  92  upon which the components of the foliage application stage  90  rest. Once again, the base  92  could be the ground or a raised surface. 
     A rotary turning device such as a motor  100  is also provided. The depicted motor  100  is supported upon the base  92  with a stand  102 . A drive shaft  104  is driven by the motor  100  and is connected to a foliage application tank  112 . Support rests  106 ,  110  are provided with bearings  108  for supporting the distal ends of the tank  112 . The tank  112  is allowed to turn within the bearings  108  upon application of rotational force by the motor  100  through the drive shaft  104 . 
     Shown in FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of an application stage  130 . In embodiment of  130 , the foliage application tank  112  rides upon a support base  134 . The support base  134  has a stand  136  supported upon the base  92 . Within the support stand  134  are mounted a pair of skateboard wheels  138  as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The foliage application tank  112  rides upon the skateboard wheels  138  as shown in FIG.  9  and may be turned by hand or using a rotary turning device such as the motor  100  of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10 is a top view of the support base  134  and skateboard wheels  138 . FIG. 11 shows a rotating eye bolt  142  which may be used in any of the above stages to fasten one end of the wire thereto. In the further embodiment, the chucks  72 ,  38  of FIGS. 2 and 6 may be provided with an eye bolt fixed therein for quickly fastening the wires  40  thereto. 
     Referring again to FIG. 7, the tank  112  is provided with a well  114  and a lid  116 . The lid  116  is connected to the well  114 , with a plurality of hinges  118 . A plurality of latches  120  allow the lid  116  to secure to the well  114 , defining a substantially enclosed interior therein. Clips  94  are provided within the lid  116  or the well  114  for connecting to the ends of the wire core  45  to suspend the wire core  45  within the interior of the tank  112 . 
     Within the well  114  and the lid  116  are arranged elongated fins  124 . The elongated are in one embodiment about an inch high, about a half inch wide, and about eight inches to a foot long. The fins  124  are distributed throughout the well  114  and the lid  116 . 
     A quantity of fine particles  122 , such as the fine particles  20  discussed above, is placed within the well  114 . The fine particles  122  are distributed across the bottom of the well  114 , in a sufficient amount to fully coat all of the fibrous strands  44  on the wire core  45 , once applied thereto. 
     The wire core  45  is positioned between the well  114  and the lid  116 , with the ends of the wire core  45  passed through the holes  98  of the support stands  94 ,  96 . Clamps such as the clamp  42  of FIG. 2 are then clamped to the ends of the wire core  45  to retain the wire core between the support stands  94 ,  96  and between the well  114  and the lid  116 . The lid  116  is then closed, enclosing the wire core  45  and attached fibrous strands  44  within the tank  112 . The motor  100  is then engaged, causing the tank  112  to spin. The spinning of the tank  112  causes the fine particles  122  to be dispersed and tumbled within the tank  112 . The wire core  45  with the fibrous strands  44  may be stationary or may spin with the tank  112 . Under this arrangement, the fine particles  122  come to coat the fibrous strands  44 . 
     Once the fibrous strands  44  are substantially coated with the fine particles  122 , the wire core  45  and attendant fibrous strands  44  are removed from the foliage application stage  90  and allowed to partially dry. The paint  88  together with the glue and detergent therein adheres the fine particles  122  to the fibrous strands  44 . 
     In a further step, a hardening layer  21  is preferably applied over the fibrous strands  44  to further adhere the fine particles  122  thereto and to assist the trees  10  in maintaining their shape. The hardening layer  21  may be applied while the paint is partially or fully dry. The hardening layer  21  may comprise laquer. In a presently preferred embodiment, the hardening layer  21  comprises a mixture of glue and water. Under this embodiment, the glue comprises Elmer&#39;s Glue, and is mixed in a 1:1 ratio with water. 
     Once the paint is dry and the hardening layer has been applied, the wire core  45  is cut into individual tree segments, such that a plurality of miniature model trees such as the miniature model trees  10  of FIG. 1 are formed. The miniature model trees  10  may be trimmed again at this point. 
     In one embodiment, the trunk portions of the wire cores  12  of each of the resulting miniature model trees  10  are wrapped in an adhesive tape such as the adhesive tape  14  of FIG.  1 . Preferably, as discussed above, the adhesive tape comprises brown florist&#39;s tape. One brand of Florist&#39;s Tape is Floratape, available from Floral Products Co. of Neenah, Wis. 
     After the adhesive tape  14  is applied, the thusly formed miniature model trees  10  are packaged for distribution. Due to the protective hardening layer  21 , the model trees  10  may be packaged within a common open box without significantly damaging the model trees  10 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.