Patent Publication Number: US-2012027963-A1

Title: Simulated and modular three-dimensional tree and kit for manufacturing same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35USC§119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application 61/363,817 filed on Jul. 13, 2010, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The technical field relates to three-dimensional artificial trees formed of sheet material such as cardboard and to a kit for manufacturing same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Christmas trees are decorated evergreen coniferous trees, real or artificial and they are a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas. There is an on-going debate between environmentalists to determine whether real or artificial trees are more environmentally friendly. 
     Some think that artificial trees are more environmentally friendly because they are re-used every year and thus do not generate the waste of their real counterparts. However, artificial trees are typically made with polyvinyl chloride (or PVC, otherwise known as vinyl), a non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic. 
     One downside of real Christmas trees is that, because they are farmed as agricultural products, they often require repeated applications of pesticides over their typical eight-year lifecycles. Therefore, while they are growing—and then again once they are discarded—they may contribute to pollution of local watersheds. Beyond the run-off issue, the sheer number of trees that get discarded after every Christmas Holiday can be a big waste issue for municipalities that are generally not prepared to mulch them for compost. 
     Furthermore, both artificial and real Christmas trees must be either stored or discarded at the end of the Christmas period. 
     Since there is a need to reduce the impact on the environment, there is a need for a Christmas tree that is environmentally friendly, easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring a relative small storage space, and having a relatively affordable cost. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above mentioned issues. 
     According to a general aspect, there is provided a cardboard three-dimensional tree comprising: at least two primary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the primary sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, a first one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending downwardly from the apex and a second one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending upwardly from the base edge, about centrally thereof, and engageable in the downwardly extending primary slot defined in the first primary sheet, each one of the primary sheets having two secondary slots extending either upwardly from the base edge or downwardly from the side edges, each one of the secondary slots being located on a respective side of the primary slot and spaced-apart thereof; and at least four secondary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having a primary slot extending either downwardly from the apex or upwardly from the base edge and engageable in one of the secondary slots defined in the primary sheets, the primary and the secondary sheets positionable in interlocking intersecting relation at the slots and cooperating to form a self-standing generally substantially triangular three-dimensional structure generally in the form of a tree. 
     According to another general aspect, there is provided a cardboard three-dimensional tree kit comprising: at least two primary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the primary sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, a first one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending downwardly from the apex and a second one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending upwardly from the base edge, about centrally thereof, and engageable in the downwardly extending primary slot defined in the first primary sheet, each one of the primary sheets having two secondary slots extending either upwardly from the base edge or downwardly from the side edges, each one of the secondary slots being located on a respective side of the primary slot and spaced-apart thereof; and at least four secondary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having a primary slot extending either downwardly from the apex or upwardly from the base edge and engageable in one of the secondary slots defined in the primary sheets. 
     According to still another general aspect, there is provided a three-dimensional tree comprising: at least two primary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the primary sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, a first one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending downwardly from the apex and a second one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending upwardly from the base edge, about centrally thereof, and engageable with the downwardly extending primary slot defined in the first one of the primary sheets, each one of the primary sheets having two secondary slots, each one of the secondary slots being located on a respective side of the primary slot and spaced-apart thereof; and at least four secondary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having a primary slot, the secondary slots of the primary sheets extending one of upwardly from the base edge and downwardly from the side edges and the primary slot of the secondary sheets extending the other of upwardly from the base edge and downwardly from the apex and being engageable with one of the secondary slots defined in the primary sheets in an interlocking intersecting relation, the primary and the secondary sheets being engageable in an interlocking intersecting relation at the slots and cooperating to form a self-standing generally pyramidal three-dimensional structure generally in the form of an evergreen tree. 
     According to a further general aspect, there is provided a three-dimensional tree kit comprising: at least two primary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the primary sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, a first one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending downwardly from the apex and a second one of the primary sheets having a primary slot extending upwardly from the base edge, about centrally thereof, and engageable with the downwardly extending primary slot defined in the first one of the primary sheets, each one of the primary sheets having two secondary slots, each one of the secondary slots being located on a respective side of the primary slot and spaced-apart thereof; and at least four secondary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, and two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having a primary slot extending one of downwardly from the apex and upwardly from the base edge, the secondary slots of the primary sheets extending the other one of upwardly from the base edge and downwardly from the side edges and being engageable with one of the primary slots defined in the secondary sheets. 
     According to another general aspect, there is provided a three-dimensional tree comprising: at least one primary substantially triangular sheet having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, and a primary surface area; and four secondary substantially triangular sheets, each one of the secondary substantially triangular sheets having an apex, a base edge opposed to the apex, two side edges connecting the apex and the base edge, and a secondary surface area, the secondary surface area being smaller than the primary surface area, the secondary substantially triangular sheets being engageable in an interlocking intersecting relation wherein two first ones of the secondary sheets are substantially parallel to one another and spaced-apart from one another and two second ones of the secondary sheets are substantially parallel to one another, spaced-apart from one another, and substantially perpendicular to the two first ones of the secondary sheets; wherein the at least one primary sheet is engageable with the two first ones of the secondary sheets in an interlocking intersecting relation with the at least one primary sheet extending outwardly past and substantially perpendicularly to the two first ones of the secondary sheets, the at least one primary sheet extending substantially parallel to the two second ones of the secondary sheets, between the two second ones of the secondary sheets and spaced-apart therefrom. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  includes  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b ,  FIG. 1   a  is a front elevation view of a first primary substantially triangular sheet in accordance with an embodiment and  FIG. 1   b  is a front elevation view of a second primary substantially triangular sheet in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  includes  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ,  FIG. 2   a  is a front elevation view of a first secondary substantially triangular sheet in accordance with an embodiment and  FIG. 2   b  is a front elevation view of a second secondary substantially triangular sheet in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a tertiary substantially triangular sheet in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of two of the first secondary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 2   a  disposed in a parallel and spaced apart relationship; 
         FIG. 5  includes  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b ,  FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view showing one of the second secondary substantially triangular sheet shown in  FIG. 2   b  configured to engage one of the first secondary substantially triangular sheet shown in  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of two of the second secondary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 2   b  disposed in a parallel and spaced apart relationship and interconnected to the two first secondary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the first primary substantially triangular sheet shown in  FIG. 1   a  engaging the interconnected secondary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 5   b;    
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the second primary substantially triangular sheet shown in  FIG. 1   b  interconnected with the secondary substantially triangular sheets and the first primary substantially triangular sheet shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the tertiary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 3  engaging the interconnected primary and secondary substantially triangular sheets shown in  FIG. 7  to form a simulated Christmas tree; 
         FIG. 9  includes  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b ,  FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view showing three interconnected rectangular flat sheets in accordance with an embodiment, and  FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view showing four interconnected rectangular sheets to define a support base for the simulated Christmas tree in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a carrying box with four sheet cutouts including the parts shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing the simulated Christmas tree mounted on the support base shown in  FIG. 9   b  and including tree decorations in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, the various parts for simulating the appearance of simulated and modular three-dimensional (3D) trees and, more particularly, of evergreen trees such as fir trees used in connection with the observance of Christmas will be described. These trees are full bodied with short trunks and are of substantially pyramidal shape. The artificial tree illustrated in the drawings for simulating this appearance includes a plurality of flat sheets of various sizes. The flat sheets are mounted in an interlocking intersecting relationship to define the simulated and modular 3D tree, as it will be described in more details below. 
     In the embodiment shown, the simulated and modular 3D tree  20  includes three sizes of substantially triangular flat sheets. The flat sheets include several slots for interconnection of the sheets together. In the embodiment shown, the flat sheets are characterized as being substantially triangular, even if the side edges are not straight, as it will be described in more details below. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tree can include more or less than three sizes of flat sheets. 
       FIG. 1  shows two primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b  defining the central and highest sheets of the simulated and modular 3D tree  20 . Each sheet  22  has a peripheral outline which is substantially triangular. It includes an apex  24 , a base edge  26 , opposed to the apex  24 , and two side edges  28  extending downwardly and connecting the apex  24  to the base edge  26 . For the primary substantially triangular sheets  22 , the apex  24  corresponds to the summit of the simulated and modular 3D tree  20 . The side edges  28  include projections  30  forming the limb effect of an evergreen tree type silhouette. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b , can differ from the embodiment shown, for instance and without being limitative, the side edges  28  can be free of projections  30  or the number of projections can differ from the embodiment shown. 
     There are two embodiments of the primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b .  FIG. 1   a  shows a first embodiment of the primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a . The first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a  includes a primary and central slot  32   a  extending downwardly from the apex  24  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base edge  26 . The primary slot  32   a  is aligned with a central longitudinal axis A-A of the primary sheet  22  extending through the apex  24  and it is designed to engage with the second primary substantially triangular sheet  22   b  as it will be described in more details below. 
     The first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a  further includes two secondary slots  34   a  extending upwardly from the base edge  26 , each slot  34   a  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A and spaced-apart therefrom. The secondary slots  34   a  extend substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the central longitudinal axis A-A. In the embodiment shown, the secondary slot inner ends are spaced apart longitudinally from the primary slot inner end. 
     The first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a  further includes two tertiary slots  36   a  extending downwardly from the side edges  28 , each slot  36   a  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A and spaced-apart therefrom. The tertiary slots  36   a  extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A-A and are also spaced-apart from the secondary slots  34   a . The tertiary slots  36   a  are located outwardly of the secondary slots  34   a  with respect to the central longitudinal axis A-A. As the primary slot  32   a , the secondary and tertiary slots  34   a ,  36   a  extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base edge  26 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the secondary slots  34   a  are substantially equidistantly spaced apart from the primary slot  32   a  and their respective tertiary slots  36   a . Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the left side of the primary sheet  22 , with respect to the central longitudinal axis, is a mirror image of the right side. 
       FIG. 1   b  shows a second embodiment of the primary substantially triangular sheet  22   b . As the first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a , the second primary substantially triangular sheet  22   b  includes a primary and central slot  32   b , two secondary slots  34   b , and two tertiary slots  36   b . The configuration of the secondary slots  34   b  and two tertiary slots  36   b  of the second primary substantially triangular sheet  22   b  is similar to the one of the first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a . However, on the opposite of the first primary substantially triangular sheet  22   a , the primary and central slot  32   b  extends upwardly from the base edge  26  towards the apex  24 . The inner end of the primary and central slot  32   a  substantially corresponds to the inner end of the primary and central slot  32   b  for interconnection of the two primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b , as it will be described in more details below. Thus, the primary and central slot  32   a  is longer than the secondary slots  34   b.    
     The two primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b  further include two base slots  38 , extending upwardly from the base edge  26 , each slot  38  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A, between the central longitudinal axis A-A and the secondary slots  34 . The base slots  38  are shorter than the primary, secondary, and tertiary slots  32 ,  34 ,  36  and are designed to engage a support base  58  ( FIG. 9 ) of the simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , as it will be described in more details below. In the embodiment shown, both base slots  38  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the base slots  38  can be located on other sheets, that their position can change, that the simulated and modular 3D tree  20  can be free of base slots  38 , and that base slots can be provided on several sheets of different sizes. 
     In the embodiment shown, both secondary slots  34  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. Similarly, the tertiary slots  36  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. 
     The primary sheets  22   a ,  22   b  have substantially the same height and surface area. They are higher and have a larger surface area than the secondary and tertiary sheets  42 ,  44  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) as it will be described in more details below. 
     For building a simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , one sheet of each primary sheet embodiment is required. 
     As mentioned above, the primary slots  32  of the primary sheets  22  are designed to be interconnected together to interlock both primary sheets  22  in a substantially orthogonal orientation. The secondary slots  34  of the primary sheets  22  are designed to interconnect the primary sheets  22  with orthogonally disposed secondary sheets  42  while the tertiary slots  36  of the primary sheets  22  are designed to interconnect the primary sheets  22  with orthogonally disposed tertiary sheets  44 , as it will be described in more details below. 
     The lengths of each one of the primary slots  32 , the secondary slots  34 , and the tertiary slots  36  substantially correspond to half the length of the primary sheet  22  at the position of the slot. Thus, since the primary sheet  22  is longer at the apex  24 , the primary slots  32  are longer than the secondary tertiary slots  34 ,  36 . Similarly, the secondary slots  34  are larger than the tertiary slots  36 . 
       FIG. 2  shows two secondary substantially triangular sheets  42   a ,  42   b  defining the intermediate sheets of the simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , i.e. the one located between the primary and the tertiary sheets  22 ,  44 . Each sheet  42  has a peripheral outline which is substantially triangular. As the primary sheets  22 , each one of the secondary sheets  42  includes an apex  24 , a base edge  26 , opposed to the apex  24 , two side edges  28  extending downwardly and connecting the apex  24  to the base edge  26 , and a plurality of projections  30  extending from the side edges  28 . As for the primary sheets  22 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the secondary sheet  42  can differ from the embodiment shown. 
     As for the primary sheets  22 , there are two embodiments of the secondary sheets  42   a ,  42   b .  FIG. 2   a  shows a first embodiment of the secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a . The first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a  includes a primary and central slot  46   a  extending downwardly from the apex  24  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base edge  26 . The upper central slot  46   a  is aligned with the central longitudinal axis A-A of the substantially triangular sheet  42  and is designed to interconnect with one of the primary substantially triangular sheets  22  as it will be described in more details below. 
     The first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a  further includes two secondary slots  48   a , each extending downwardly from a respective one of the side edges  28 , each slot  48   a  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A and spaced-apart therefrom. The secondary slots  48   a  extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A-A. 
     The first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a  further includes two tertiary slots  50   a , each extending downwardly from a respective one of the side edges  28 , each slot  50   a  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A and spaced-apart therefrom. The tertiary slots  50   a  extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A-A and are spaced-apart from the secondary slots  48   a . The tertiary slots  50   a  are located outwardly of the secondary slots  48   a . As the primary slot  46   a , the secondary and tertiary slots  48   a ,  50   a  extend downwardly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base edge  26 . 
       FIG. 2   b  shows a second embodiment of the secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   b . As the first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a , the second secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   b  includes a primary and central slot  46   b , two secondary slots  48   b , and two tertiary slots  50   b . The configuration of the primary slot  46   b  and the two tertiary slots  50   b  of the second secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   b  is similar to the one of the first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a . However, on the opposite of the first secondary substantially triangular sheet  42   a , the secondary slots  48   b  extend upwardly from the base edge  26  towards the apex  24 . The inner ends of the secondary slots  48   a  substantially correspond to the inner ends of the secondary slot  48   b  for interconnection of two secondary sheets  42   a ,  42   b  together, as it will be described in more details below. 
     As for the primary sheets  22 , in the embodiment shown, the secondary slots  48  are substantially equidistantly spaced apart from the primary slot  46  and their respective tertiary slots  50 . Furthermore, the left side of the secondary sheet  42  with respect to the central longitudinal axis A-A is a mirror image of the right side. 
     The lengths of each one of the primary slot  46 , the secondary slots  48 , and the tertiary slots  50  substantially correspond to half the length of the secondary sheet  42  at the position of the slot. Thus, since the secondary sheet  42  is longer at the central longitudinal axis A-A, the primary slots  46  are longer than the secondary and tertiary slots  48 ,  50 . Similarly, the secondary slots  48  are longer than the tertiary slots  50 . 
     For building a simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , two sheets of each secondary sheet embodiment are required. The secondary sheets  42  are disposed in a substantially perpendicular relation with the intersecting secondary sheets  42 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the secondary slots  48  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. Similarly, the tertiary slots  50  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. 
     The secondary sheets  42   a ,  42   b  of both embodiments have substantially the same height and surface area. They are smaller and have a smaller surface area than the primary sheets  22 . However, they are higher and have a larger surface area than the tertiary sheets  44 . 
     As mentioned above, the primary slots  46  of the secondary sheets  42  are designed to be interconnected with the orthogonally disposed primary sheets  22 . The secondary slots  48  are designed to be interconnected together to interlock orthogonally disposed secondary sheets  42 . The tertiary slots  50  are designed to interconnect the secondary sheets  42  with orthogonally disposed tertiary sheets  44 , as it will be described in more details below. 
       FIG. 3  shows a tertiary sheet  44  defining one of the outer sheets of the simulated and modular 3D tree  20 . Each sheet  44  has a peripheral outline which is substantially triangular. As the primary and secondary sheets  22 ,  42 , each one of the tertiary sheet  44  includes an apex  24 , a base edge  26 , opposed to the apex  24 , two side edges  28  extending downwardly and connected to the apex  24  to the base edge  26 , and a plurality of projections  30  extending from the side edges  28 . On the opposite of the primary and secondary sheets  22 ,  42 , in the embodiment shown, there is only one embodiment of tertiary sheet  44 . As for the primary and secondary sheets  22 ,  42 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the tertiary sheet  44  can differ from the embodiment shown. 
     The tertiary substantially triangular sheet  42   a  includes a primary and central slot  52  extending upwardly from the base edge  26 , in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and towards the apex  24 . The primary slot  52  is aligned with the central longitudinal axis A-A of the tertiary sheet  44  and it is designed to engage with one of the primary substantially triangular sheet  22  that is orthogonally disposed as it will be described in more details below. The tertiary substantially triangular sheet  44  further includes two secondary slots  54 , each extending upwardly from the base edge  26 , each slot  54  being located on a respective side of the central longitudinal axis A-A and spaced-apart therefrom. The secondary slots  54  extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A-A. In the embodiment shown, both secondary slots  54  are located at the same distance from the central longitudinal axis A-A, on a respective side thereof. 
     The tertiary sheets  44  have substantially the same height and surface area. They are smaller and have a smaller surface area than the primary and secondary sheets  22 ,  42 . 
     The lengths of each one of the primary and secondary slots  52 ,  54  substantially correspond to half the length of the tertiary sheet  44  at the position of the slot. Thus, the primary slot  52  is longer than the secondary slots  54 . 
     As mentioned above, the primary slots  52  of the tertiary sheets  44  are designed to interconnect with one of the orthogonally disposed primary sheets  22 . The secondary slots  54  are designed to interconnect with one of the orthogonally disposed secondary sheets  42 , as it will be described in more details below. 
     For building a simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , four tertiary sheets  44  are required. In summary, for building a simulated and modular 3D tree  20 , two primary sheets  22  (one of each embodiment), four secondary sheets  42  (two of each embodiment), and four tertiary sheets  44  are required. 
     It is appreciated that the intersecting slots can change, i.e. the slots extending downwardly from either the side edges  28  or the apex  24  can extend upwardly from the base edge  26  and vice-versa. For instance and without being limitative, the secondary slots  34  of the primary sheets  22  can extend downwardly from the side edges  28  while the intersecting primary slots  46  of the secondary sheets  42  can extend upwardly from the base edge  26 . Similarly, the tertiary slots  36  of the primary sheets  22  can extend upwardly from the base edge  26  while the intersecting primary slots  50  of the tertiary sheets  44  can extend downwardly from the apex  24 . Furthermore, the tertiary slots  48  of the secondary sheets  42  can extend upwardly from the base edge  26  while the intersecting secondary slots  52  of the tertiary sheets  44  can extend downwardly from the side edges  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 to 8 , there will be illustrated a method for assembling a simulated and modular 3D tree with the substantially triangular sheets described above. It is appreciated that the method described below is exemplary only and that variants are possible. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , two first secondary sheets  42   a  are first provided and disposed in a substantially parallel and spaced-apart relationship wherein the slots  46   a ,  48   a ,  50   a  of the sheets  42   a  are in register, i.e. the primary slot  46  of a first sheet  42   a  is in register with the primary slot  46  of a second sheet  42   a , etc. 
     Then, the second secondary sheets  42   b  are interconnected with the first secondary sheets  42   a  in a perpendicular orientation as shown in  FIG. 5 . More particularly, the secondary slots  48   b  of the second secondary sheets  42   b  are inserted in the secondary slots  48   a  of the first secondary sheets  42   a . Thus, as the first secondary sheets  42   a , the second secondary sheets  42   b  are disposed in a substantially parallel and spaced-apart relationship wherein the slots  46   b ,  48   b ,  50   b  of the sheets  42   b  are in register. The first secondary sheets  42   a  are perpendicular to the second secondary sheets  42   b . The inner ends of the secondary slots  48   a  abut the inner ends of the secondary slots  48   b.    
     Then; the first primary sheet  22   a  is interconnected with the two of the four secondary sheets  42 . The first primary sheet  22   a  can be in a perpendicular orientation with either the first or the second secondary sheets  42   a ,  42   b . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the first primary sheet  22   a  is interconnected with the first secondary sheets  42   a , i.e. the first primary sheet  22   a  is substantially perpendicular to the first secondary sheets  42   a  and substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the second secondary sheets  42   b . The secondary slots  34   a  of the primary sheet  22   a  are inserted in the primary slots  46   a  of the secondary sheets  42   a . The inner ends of the secondary slots  34   a  abut the inner ends of the primary slots  46   a . The first primary sheet  22   a  extends between the two second secondary sheets  42   b  and is spaced-apart therefrom. 
     The second primary sheet  22   b  is then interconnected with the four secondary sheets  42  and the first primary sheet  22   a . The second primary sheet  22   b  is in a substantially perpendicular orientation with the first primary sheet  22   a  and the second secondary sheets  42   b  and in a substantially parallel orientation with the first secondary sheets  42   a , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The primary slot  32   b  of the second primary sheet  22   b  is inserted in the primary slot  32   a  of the first primary sheet  22   a . The inner end of the primary slot  32   a  abuts the inner end of the primary slot  32   b . The secondary slots  34   b  of the primary sheet  22   b  are inserted in the primary slots  46   b  of the secondary sheets  42   b . The inner ends of the secondary slots  34   b  abut the inner ends of the primary slots  46   b . The second primary sheet  22   b  extends between the two first secondary sheets  42   a  and is spaced-apart therefrom. 
     Finally, the tertiary sheets  44  are interconnected with the primary and secondary sheets  22 ,  42 , as shown in  FIG. 8  (only three of the four tertiary sheets  44  are shown). Each one of the tertiary sheets  44  is mounted to the simulated and modular 3D tree  20  in a substantially parallel relationship to a respective one of the secondary sheets  42 , spaced-apart therefrom. The primary slots  52  of the tertiary sheets  44  are inserted in a respective one of the tertiary slots  36  of the primary sheets  22 . The inner ends of the primary slot  52  abut the inner ends of the tertiary slots  36 . The secondary slots  54  of the tertiary sheets  44  are inserted in a respective one of the tertiary slots  50  of the secondary sheets  42 . The inner ends of the secondary slots  54  abut the inner ends of the tertiary slots  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a three-dimensional simulated and modular 3D tree  20  having a substantially pyramidal shape is built by interconnecting together a plurality of flat and substantially triangular sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44  of various sizes and designs. 
     Thus, the three-dimensional simulated and modular 3D tree  20  is defined by a structural system made from a criss-cross pattern of interlocking substantially triangular sheets. In an embodiment, the sheets are made of recyclable cardboard. 
     Each sheet is interconnected with at least two orthogonally disposed sheets of different sizes. The first primary sheet  22   a  is orthogonal to and interconnected with the second primary sheet  22   b , the first secondary sheets  42   a , and two tertiary sheets  44 . The second primary sheet  22   b  is thus orthogonal to and interconnected with the first primary sheet  22   a , the second secondary sheets  42   b , and the other two tertiary sheets  44 . Thus, the first primary sheet  22   a  and the second secondary sheets  42   b  extend substantially parallel to one another and in a spaced-apart relationship. Similarly, the second primary sheet  22   b  and the first secondary sheets  42   a  extend substantially parallel to one another and in a spaced-apart relationship. Each one of the primary sheets  22  and the secondary sheets  42  extend parallel to and in a spaced-apart relationship to two tertiary sheets. Each one of the secondary sheets  42  is orthogonal to and interconnected with two tertiary sheets  44 . 
     In the embodiment shown, each one of the engageable slots has the same length. For instance and without being limitative, the primary slots  32  of the primary sheets  22  have the same length, the secondary slots  34  of the primary sheets  32  have the same length than the primary slots  46  of the secondary sheets  42 , the tertiary slots  36  of the primary sheets  22  have the same length than the primary slots  52  of the tertiary sheets  44 , the secondary slots  48  of the secondary sheets  42  have the same length, and the tertiary slots  50  of the secondary sheets  42  have the same length than the secondary slots  54  of the tertiary sheets  44 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a support base  58  to represent the trunk of the tree  20  and support the simulated 3D tree  20  on a surface.  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show a first embodiment of a support base including four substantially rectangular flat sheets  60 . Each flat sheet  60  includes one short and central slot  62  extending downwardly from an upper edge  64  of the sheet  60  and two lateral slots  66 , each lateral slot  66  being located on a respective side of the sheet  60 . For two flat sheets  60 , the lateral slots  66  extend downwardly from the upper edge  64  of the sheet  60  and for the other two flat sheets  60 , the lateral slots  66  extend upwardly from a lower edge  67 . They are spaced apart from one another and are designed to engage corresponding lateral slot  66  of an orthogonally disposed sheet  60  interconnectable therewith. When interconnected together, the inner ends of the lateral slots  66  abut one another. The central slots  62  are designed to engage the base slots  38  (see  FIG. 1 ) for interconnecting and supporting the simulated 3D tree  20  as shown in  FIG. 11 . When the base slots  38  are inserted in the central slots  62 , the simulated 3D tree  20  is mounted on its support base  58 . 
     In the embodiment shown, for each one of the flat sheet  60 , the lateral slots  66  are symmetrically provided on a respective side of the central slot  62 . Furthermore, the length of the lateral slots  62  substantially corresponds to half the length of the flat sheet  60 . Thus, the lateral slots  62  extending upwardly from the lower edge  67  have substantially the same length than the lateral slots  62  that extend downwardly from the upper edge  64  of the sheet  60 . In the embodiment shown, the central slot  62  is shorter than the lateral slots  62 . 
       FIG. 10  shows that the 3D tree  20  can be provided as a kit, in an unassembled form. In an embodiment, the kit can be provided in a carrying box  80  with four or more sheet cutouts  82 . Each cutout  82  includes parts of the tree  20  described above. The components can be cut on a computer guided plotting machine and left in their sheet. These sheets are flat packed in the carrying box  80 . A manual for assembly can also be provided in the carrying box  80 . By leaving the parts in their sheet they are protected from shock damage during transport. The user assembles the tree  20  by pushing the parts from the sheets and then slides the parts together as described above. This ensures a rigid and very strong construction without the use of any glue. In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the tree parts can be already removed and separated from the sheets and placed unattached in the carrying box  80 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and shape of sheet cutouts can vary from the embodiment shown. 
       FIG. 11  shows a fully assembled 3D tree  20  mounted on the support base  58 . Ornaments  74  which reproduce Christmas balls and stars are mounted to the tree sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44 . The decorations  74  include a slot which is engaged with one of the sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44 . It is appreciated that the 3D tree  20  can be free of ornaments  74  or that the decorations can reproduce other elements. 
     Thus, the entire 3D tree  20 , including or excluding its support base  58 ,  59 , is made of slotted sheets interlocked in a criss-crossing pattern, like an eggcrate style structural system. 
     In an embodiment, the flat sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44  are made of cellulosic fibers such as cardboard or paperboard. In an embodiment, the flat sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44  are fabricated out of conventional cardboard box type material. In an embodiment, the tree parts are made of recycled cardboard or paperboard. In an embodiment, the recycled cardboard or paperboard is substantially free of virgin fibers. The fact that the simulated and modular 3D tree  20  is made from a single material and very easy to disassemble makes it perfect for recycling. 
     It is appreciated that the simulated and modular 3D tree  20  can be provided in various sizes and colors. For instance and without being limitative, they can be provided in sizes ranging from a few inches to 8 feet of height. They can also be provided in a Christmas card size and used as such. Furthermore, they can be provided in Kraft paper color (brown), white, with an infinite variety of patterns. Patterns can also be printed on the surface of the sheets  22 ,  42 ,  44 . For instance and without being limitative, printing can include glitter/metallic silk-screening on the ornaments or the tree itself, lamination with gloss, metallic glittering paper, and the like. 
     The flat sheets that are interconnected have one or several slots extending downwardly from either the apex or the side edges while the flat sheets that engage have one or several slots extending upwardly from the base edge. 
     In the embodiment shown and described above, the primary slots, the secondary slots, and the tertiary slots are equidistantly spaced-apart. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the distance between consecutive slots can vary. For instance and without being limitative, for the primary sheet, the distance between the secondary and the tertiary slots can be shorter than the distance between the primary and the secondary slots 
     It is appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the 3D tree  20  can include two sizes of flat sheets or any higher number. For instance and without being limitative, an embodiment of the 3D tree  20  can include solely primary sheets  22  and secondary sheets  42 . The number of slots varies in accordance with the number of sheets that will interconnect. 
     The simulated and modular 3D tree  20  is made up entirely of pre-cut sheets of cardboard which are slotted to slide together forming a central structural core forming a so-called egg crate divider type criss-crossing pattern. The 3D tree  20  described above is relatively inexpensive, eco-friendly, and lightweight. It can be made out of pre-cut sheets of cardboard and assembled without the use of special tools, fasteners, adhesives or the like. As such, the 3D tree  20  can be sold as a kit and hand assembled by merely compressively snapping the individual pieces together. Because of the use of cardboard panels in combination with an internal “egg crate divider” core, the resulting tree  20  is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable. 
     In a first direction, the egg crate divider structure of tree  20  involves a sequential set of five vertical sheets of cardboard, one corresponding to the primary sheet  22  of  FIG. 1 , two corresponding to the secondary sheets  42  of  FIG. 2 , and two corresponding to the tertiary sheets  44  of  FIG. 3 . Perpendicular to the first direction, there are five other vertical sheets of cardboard. These five sheets criss-cross with the sheets in the first direction. 
     The length and width of the slots are sufficient to allow the respective sheets to interlock with each other forming the egg crate divider type core structure of the tree  20 , i.e. with substantially square openings. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the tree or the tree kit includes lights which can be mounted to the assembled tree for lightening same and to illuminate. The lights can be mounted either inwardly or outwardly of the tree structure. If the tree includes lights, the tree parts can be made of non-flammable cardboard. 
     The above described tree proposes an alternative to artificial or natural conventional Christmas trees, with a nice design and various finishes and colors. 
     The 3D tree can be stored in a box to reduce the storage space. It can be rebuilt several times. 
     Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.