Tree sash

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative sash for attaching to a Christmas tree or other tree or tree-like object. The sash is proportionally designed and constructed to spirally attach to and wrap around the tree in an ascending, or alternatively descending, and decorative manner. The sash is intended to be used primarily on its own to replace conventional Christmas tree ornaments and decorations such as balls, bells, tinsel, ribbons, and garland, but can in alternative embodiments be used in conjunction with such conventional ornaments and decorations. The sash fills a need for a convenient, time-saving tree decoration with a personal touch. The sash provides a convenient and decorative means to quickly and conveniently decorate a Christmas tree.

1 . A sash for spirally attaching to a tree or tree-like object, the sash comprising:
 an outside facing surface and an inside facing surface, the sash having three or more edges, wherein the edges comprise at least one lateral or semi-lateral starting edge, at least one top longitudinal edge, and at least one bottom longitudinal edge,   wherein the at least one top longitudinal edge and the at least one bottom longitudinal edge define the longitudinal width of the sash,   and wherein (i) the longitudinal width of the sash decreases from the lateral or semi-lateral starting edge to define a lateral or semi-lateral terminal edge, or (ii) the longitudinal width of the sash decreases from the lateral or semi-lateral starting edge to define a terminal apex.   
     
     
         2 . The sash according to  claim 1 , having one or more layers. 
     
     
         3 . The sash according to  claim 2  wherein the longitudinal width of the sash decreases monotonically or non-monotonically from at least one lateral or semi-lateral starting edge. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal width of the sash decreases at least about 1 percent to 100 percent compared to the length of the sash. 
     
     
         6 .- 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The sash according to  claim 1  comprising at least one attachment means in close proximity to the lateral or semi-lateral starting edge and at least one attachment means in close proximity to the longitudinal or semi-longitudinal terminal edge or the terminal apex. 
     
     
         10 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the edges are all straight or essentially straight. 
     
     
         11 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein one or more of the edges are curved. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the sash comprises or defines a substantially flat elongated element prior to being spirally attached to a tree or tree-like object, such as when the sash is laid flat against a surface or extended into a single plane. 
     
     
         16 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the sash defines a spiral, curved, or inverted J-shaped object when attached and wrapped around a tree or tree-like object. 
     
     
         19 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the sash defines a right-handed spiral or left-handed spiral when attached and wrapped around a tree or treelike object. 
     
     
         20 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the sash comprises a plurality of segments that are detachably connected to each other to form a complete sash; the complete sash comprising:
 a) a starting segment comprising a starting edge; 
 b) a terminal segment comprising a terminal apex; and 
 c) one or more intermediate segments that can be detachably connected to each other and inserted between and detachably connected to the starting segment and the terminal segment. 
 
     
     
         21 .- 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . The sash according to  claim 1  further comprising one or more means for attaching the sash to the tree or tree-like object. 
     
     
         24 . The sash according to  claim 23  wherein the means for attaching the sash to the tree or tree-like object is selected from hooks, loops, buckles, clamps, ribbon bows, and clasps. 
     
     
         25 . The sash according to  claim 1 , wherein the sash is selected from the following materials: satin, silk, burlap, denim, corduroy, cotton, linen, wool, polyester, dacron, nylon, bamboo-based nylon, polypropylene, canvas, neoprene, suede, leather, velvet, recycled materials including polyester, plastic, hemp, Tencel, metallic fibers such as lame, yarns and blends thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The sash according to  claim 25 , wherein the sash is flame resistant or fire retardant. 
     
     
         27 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the sash further comprises a reinforcing or stiffening means selected from the group consisting of wire, plastic, or cardboard. 
     
     
         28 . The sash according to  claim 1  further comprising a lighting means. 
     
     
         29 . The sash according to  claim 1  further comprising additional ornamentation. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The sash according to  claim 1  wherein the tree or tree-like object is a Christmas tree. 
     
     
         32 .- 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A tree or tree-like object comprising the sash according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         35 .- 36  (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A method for decorating a tree or tree-like object comprising spirally wrapping in an ascending or descending manner a sash according to  1  around the tree or tree-like object. 
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the sash is spirally wrapped in a right-handed or left-handed ascending manner or is spirally wrapped in a right-handed or left-handed descending manner. 
     
     
         39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the tree or tree-like object is a Christmas tree. 
     
     
         41 . A kit comprising the sash according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         42 . A kit according to  claim 41  further comprising a storage box. 
     
     
         43 .- 44 . (canceled)