Patent ID: 8904680

Claim:
A method for forming a useful article from a wooden tree log, the article having a length substantially equal to that of the longitudinal axis of the wooden tree log, and, the article having a width substantially circular in cross section, the method comprising: separating the wooden tree log radially about its longitudinal axis into a plurality of segments each having: a width substantially equal to the radius of the circular cross section of the wooden tree log; and a length substantially equal to the length of the wood tree log; forming a plurality of modified segments by removing from each said segment a portion thereof that had been proximal to the longitudinal axis of the wooden tree log; and forming, from the modified segments, a modified wooden tree log having: substantially the same length and width as the wooden tree log; a substantially cylindrical hollow interior; adjacent said modified segments attached by a fastener; and a spacer separating each of a plurality of the adjacent said modified segments sufficient size to permit light to pass around each of spacer.