阅读说明：本技术 用于人造电力树的电气和机械耦接系统以及相关方法 (Electrical and mechanical coupling system for artificial power trees and related method ) 是由 维克多·雨果·奥西格达·盖拉戈 凯文·张 池·因·艾伦·里昂 玫·控·王 桑尼·邱 于 2020-01-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种连接系统,其用于促进人造树的树干部分之间的机械耦接和电力传输。连接系统可包括机械耦接系统,该机械耦接系统具有在第一树干部分上的引导表面和引导槽以及设置在第二树干部分内的引导突出部。第一树干部分插入到第二树干部分中,并且因此引导突出部抵靠引导表面的接触可使第一树干部分相对于第二树干部分旋转,直到达到预定的旋转对准,以对准第一电连接器的电触点和第二电连接器的电触点,第一电连接器和第二电连接器中的每一个电连接器附接至相应的树干部分的外壁。第一电连接器的电触点和第二电连接器的电触点可以在第一电连接器和第二电连接器之间建立电连通,并且因此在第一树干部分和第二树干部分之间建立电连通。(A connection system is disclosed for facilitating mechanical coupling and power transfer between trunk portions of an artificial tree. The connection system may include a mechanical coupling system having a guide surface and a guide slot on the first trunk portion and a guide protrusion disposed within the second trunk portion. The first trunk portion is inserted into the second trunk portion, and thus contact of the guide projection against the guide surface may rotate the first trunk portion relative to the second trunk portion until a predetermined rotational alignment is reached to align the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector and the electrical contacts of the second electrical connector, each of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector being attached to the outer wall of the respective trunk portion. The electrical contacts of the first electrical connector and the electrical contacts of the second electrical connector may establish electrical communication between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, and thus between the first trunk portion and the second trunk portion.)

1. An artificial tree system comprising:

a first stem portion having an elongated body, the first stem portion comprising:

a first electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the first trunk portion, the first electrical connector including a first plurality of electrical contacts;

a first mechanical coupler system disposed at least partially within the elongated body of the first trunk portion;

a second stem portion having an elongated body, the second stem portion comprising:

a second end;

a receiving portion extending axially from the second end, the receiving portion having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of at least a portion of the elongated body of the first trunk portion such that the receiving portion receives at least a portion of a first insert;

a second electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the second trunk portion, the second electrical connector including a second plurality of electrical contacts;

a second mechanical coupler system disposed at least partially within the second end of the second trunk portion,

wherein the first trunk portion is configured to engage the second trunk portion such that when the first mechanical coupler system engages the second mechanical coupler system, the first mechanical coupler system is rotatable relative to the first mechanical coupler system to rotate the first trunk portion to a final rotational alignment position such that each of the first plurality of electrical contacts is aligned with a respective one of the second plurality of electrical contacts.

2. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein the first trunk portion further comprises a handle.

3. The artificial tree system of claim 3, wherein the handle is rotatable relative to the first trunk portion.

4. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein the first mechanical coupler system comprises a first insert disposed at least partially within the end of the first trunk portion, the first insert having an outer diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of the extension, the first insert comprising:

a guide groove is arranged on the upper surface of the guide groove,

a guide surface inclined toward the guide groove, an

A tip having a recess.

5. The artificial tree system of claim 4, wherein the tip of the first insert protrudes outward from the first insert.

6. The artificial tree system of claim 4, wherein the first electrical connector is disposed at a distance from the first end of the first trunk portion such that an extension of the first trunk portion is defined between at least a portion of the first electrical connector and the first end, the extension having an outer diameter and including a slot extending axially from the first end, and wherein the guide slot is aligned with the slot of the extension of the first trunk portion to form a guide channel.

7. The artificial tree system of claim 6, wherein the second mechanical coupler system comprises a second insert comprising a protrusion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the recess of the first insert such that the protrusion is configured to extend at least partially into the recess.

8. The artificial tree system of claim 7, wherein the second mechanical coupler system further comprises a guide tab disposed within the receiving portion and extending radially inward from an inner side of the wall of the second trunk portion, the guide tab configured to align with and be at least partially inserted into the guide channel such that each of the first plurality of electrical contacts aligns with a respective one of the second plurality of electrical contacts when the guide tab is aligned with the guide channel and each of the first plurality of electrical contacts makes an electrical connection with a respective one of the second plurality of electrical contacts when the receiving portion at least partially receives the insert and/or the extension.

9. The artificial tree system of claim 7, wherein the second insert further comprises a plurality of legs, the legs configured to bend and provide pressure in a radially outward direction against an inner wall of the second trunk portion upon insertion of the second insert into the second trunk portion to maintain the second insert at a predetermined position within the second trunk portion.

10. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of electrical contacts is in electrical communication with one or more first electrical wires and each of the second plurality of electrical contacts is in electrical communication with one or more second electrical wires.

11. The artificial tree system of claim 10, wherein the one or more first wires are at least partially disposed within the first tree portion and the one or more second wires are at least partially disposed within the second tree portion.

12. The artificial tree system of claim 8, wherein the guide projection has a projection portion and a base portion, and the second stem portion includes a hole in a wall of the second stem portion, the base portion of the guide projection abutting the outer surface of the second stem portion, and the projection portion of the guide projection extending through the hole, wherein the second electrical connector is attached to the second stem portion such that at least a portion of the second electrical connector abuts at least a portion of the base portion of the guide projection such that the projection portion of the guide projection is retained in the hole.

13. A method of electrically and mechanically coupling a first stem portion of a light emitting artificial tree to a second stem portion of the light emitting artificial tree, the method comprising:

vertically positioning a first trunk portion along a vertical axis, the first trunk portion having:

a receiving portion having a first diameter;

a first electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the first trunk portion, the first electrical connector including a first plurality of electrical contacts; and

a first mechanical coupler system;

aligning a second trunk portion with the first trunk portion and along the vertical axis, the second trunk portion having:

a second electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the second trunk portion, the second electrical connector including a second plurality of electrical contacts; and

a second mechanical coupler system;

moving the second stem portion axially such that the first end of the first stem portion receives the second end of the second stem portion and the first stem wall of the first stem portion engages the second stem wall of the second stem portion;

causing the second mechanical coupler system to initially contact the first mechanical coupler system at a first rotational alignment of the second trunk portion relative to the first trunk portion; and

causing the second mechanical coupler system to rotate relative to the first mechanical coupler system to rotate the second trunk portion to a second rotational alignment position and a final rotational alignment position such that each of the second plurality of electrical contacts is aligned with a respective one of the first plurality of electrical contacts.

14. The method of claim 14, wherein the first mechanical coupler system comprises: (i) a guide projection disposed within the receiving portion and extending radially inward from an inner surface of the first trunk portion; and (ii) an insert disposed within the first tree portion, the insert having a protrusion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second mechanical coupler system comprises: (i) a guide slot aligned with a slot of the extension portion to form a guide channel, and (ii) an alignment mechanism having a ramped engagement portion that ramps toward the guide channel, the alignment mechanism including a recess configured to at least partially receive the protrusion of the insert of the first mechanical coupler system.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein at a distance from the second end of the second trunk portion such that an extension of the second trunk portion is defined between at least a portion of the second electrical connector and the second end, the extension (i) having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter such that the extension is at least partially insertable into the receiving portion, and (ii) comprising a slot extending axially from the second end.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein initially contacting the second mechanical coupler system with the first mechanical coupler system comprises: initially contacting the angled engagement portion of the alignment mechanism of the second mechanical coupler system with the guide projection of the first mechanical coupler system at a first rotational alignment of the second trunk portion relative to the first trunk portion.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after each of the second plurality of electrical contacts is aligned with a respective one of the first plurality of electrical contacts, causing (i) a protrusion of an insert of the first mechanical coupler to be inserted into a recess of an alignment mechanism of the second mechanical coupler, and (ii) the guide protrusion to traverse at least a portion of the guide channel to insert a second end of the second trunk portion into the first end of the first trunk portion such that the first trunk portion and the second trunk portion are mechanically coupled and the first plurality of electrical contacts and the second plurality of electrical contacts are electrically connected.

19. An electrical and mechanical coupling system for a trunk portion of an artificial tree, the system comprising:

a first electrical connector configured to be disposed about a first artificial tree trunk portion, the first electrical connector comprising:

a first housing, and

a first plurality of electrical contacts disposed at least partially within the first housing;

a first mechanical coupler system configured to be at least partially disposed within the first tree portion;

a second electrical connector configured to be disposed about a second artificial trunk portion, the second electrical connector comprising:

a second housing, and

a second plurality of electrical contacts disposed at least partially within the second housing;

a second mechanical coupler system configured to be at least partially disposed within the second artificial tree portion,

wherein the first mechanical coupler system is configured to engage the second mechanical coupler system such that the first mechanical coupler system is rotatable relative to the first mechanical coupler system to rotate the first electrical connector to a final rotational alignment position such that each electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts is aligned with and in contact with a respective electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts.

20. The electrical and mechanical coupling system of claim 19, wherein the first mechanical coupler system comprises a sloped surface and the second mechanical coupler system comprises a protrusion.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to power transmission systems and, more particularly, to power transmission systems for artificial trees (e.g., artificial christmas trees).

Background

As part of celebrating christmas, many people traditionally bring pine or evergreen trees into their homes and decorate them with decorations, lights, wreaths, wires, and the like. However, natural trees can be very expensive and are considered by some to be a waste of environmental resources. In addition, natural trees can become messy, leaving juices and pine needles behind after removal, and requiring water to prevent drying and becoming a fire hazard. The natural tree must be decorated and the decorations must be removed at the end of the christmas day. Because the pine needles may have dried and may be very sharp at this point, removing the decoration can be a painful process. Furthermore, natural trees are often disposed of in landfills, further contaminating these overburdened environments.

To overcome the disadvantages of natural christmas trees and still incorporate trees in the festival celebration, a variety of artificial christmas trees are offered for purchase. In most cases, these artificial trees must be assembled for use and disassembled after use. Artificial trees have the advantage of being usable within a few years, thereby eliminating the annual expenditure of purchasing live trees for a brief holiday. Furthermore, they help to reduce the cutting of trees for temporary decoration and the subsequent disposal of these trees (usually in landfills).

In general, an artificial christmas tree includes a plurality of branches, each formed from a plurality of plastic pins that are held together by twisting a pair of wires around them. In other cases, the branches are formed by twisting a pair of wires around an elongate sheet of plastics material having a large number of transverse slits. In still other artificial christmas trees, the branches are formed by injection molding of plastic.

Regardless of the form of the branches, many existing artificial christmas tree designs include a plurality of trunk sections that are connectable to one another. For example, in many designs, the first and second trunk portions each include an elongated body. The first end of the body includes an extension portion (e.g., a male end) and the second end of the body includes a receiving portion (e.g., a female end). Typically, the body is a cylinder. Near the first end, the body is slightly tapered to reduce the diameter of the body. In other words, the diameter of the second end (i.e., the receiving portion) is larger than the diameter of the first end (i.e., the extending portion). To mechanically connect the trunk portions, the second end of the second trunk portion receives the first end of the first trunk portion. For example, the tapered end of the first trunk portion is inserted into the non-tapered end of the second trunk portion. Some existing designs include electrical connectors that each have electrical contacts. For example, referring to the previous examples, some designs include an electrical connector having electrical prongs located on or in an extension of a first end, and an electrical connector having electrical contacts located in a receiving portion of a second end, such that the two electrical connectors mate to form an electrical connection between the first and second stem portions. In this way, a plurality of trunk sections may be connected to assemble the tree.

However, a difficulty that is often encountered during assembly is the rotational alignment of the trunk portion to properly align the electrical connectors. In some designs, the electrical prongs of a trunk portion must be rotationally aligned with and inserted into an electrical socket (e.g., female electrical contact) in another trunk portion, and typically can engage the electrical socket only when the trunk portion is in a particular rotational alignment. This alignment process can be frustrating because it can be difficult for an assembler to determine whether the pins will engage the slots when the trunk portions are connected together. Thus, multiple attempts may be required before the assembler electrically connects the two trunk portions. In other prior designs, the electrical prongs of one trunk portion may engage the electrical contacts of an adjacent trunk portion in multiple rotational alignments. For example, in some designs, the first trunk portion may freely rotate relative to the second trunk portion when the first and second trunk portions are electrically connected. In some designs, the first trunk portion is free to rotate fully rotationally relative to the second trunk portion, and in some designs, the first trunk portion is free to rotate partially rotationally relative to the second trunk portion (i.e., less than 360 °). Partial or full rotation may not be desirable, however, because free rotation of adjacent trunk portions may allow for misalignment of ornaments and/or other ornaments. Such misalignment may be exacerbated if the tree is inserted into and rotated by a rotating base or similar device.

Furthermore, it is difficult to manufacture such trunk parts: which has tolerances that allow easy assembly and disassembly without allowing the trunk section to swing relative to the adjacent tree sections. That is, if the extension of the first trunk portion has an outer diameter that is too close to the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the second trunk portion, it may be difficult for an assembler to assemble and/or disassemble the tree. Alternatively, if the extension of the first trunk portion has an outer diameter that is too small relative to the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the second trunk portion, the first trunk portion may be allowed to swing or displace relative to the second trunk portion. Thus, any collision of a tree may cause one or more parts of the tree to shift, which may cause a tree ornament or other decoration to be struck from the tree. This can result in damaged tree decorations or other ornamentation, loss of the tree itself, or injury to assembly personnel and/or decorators.

Accordingly, there is a need for an artificial tree that allows a user to connect adjacent trunk sections without the need to rotationally align the trunk sections, but that also provides a secure mechanical coupling of the adjacent trunk sections so that the adjacent trunk sections cannot rotate once assembled. Embodiments of the present disclosure address these needs and others, which will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly, embodiments of the present disclosure include a trunk connection system power supply to facilitate secure mechanical coupling of adjacent trunk portions of an artificial tree and power transfer between adjacent trunk portions. The trunk connection system may advantageously enable adjacent trunk portions to be electrically and mechanically coupled without requiring rotational alignment of the trunk portions during assembly, and may also provide a secure connection between adjacent trunk portions in a single rotational alignment. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate assembly of artificial trees, thereby reducing user frustration during the assembly process.

The disclosed power transfer system may include: a first power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a first trunk portion of the artificial tree. The power transmission system may further include: a second power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a second trunk portion of the artificial tree. The first power distribution subsystem may include a male end having a first electrical contact, and the second power distribution subsystem may include a female end having a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact may contact the second electrical contact to conduct electricity between the power distribution subsystems and, thus, between the trunk portions of the tree.

To enable mechanical coupling of adjacent trunk portions without the need to rotationally align the trunk portions, the male end may include an extension portion and a male mechanical coupler, which may include one or more of a beveled guide surface, a guide channel, and a tip. The female end may include a receiving portion and a female mechanical coupler, which may include a guiding protrusion and an insert. The insert may be configured to receive at least a portion of a tip of the male mechanical coupler, and the insert may include a wire channel configured to retain at least a portion of one or more wires of the female electrical connector attached to the female end.

One of the guiding surfaces of the male mechanical coupler may contact the guiding protrusion of the female mechanical coupler when the male mechanical coupler and the extension of the male end are inserted into the receiving portion of the female end. The angled arrangement of the guide surfaces may guide the guide projection into the guide channel of the male mechanical coupler such that the male end rotates relative to the female end. When the guide projection and guide channel are aligned, gravity or other force may cause the guide projection to traverse the guide channel, thereby mechanically coupling the male end and the female end.

The male end may comprise a male end electrical connector and the female end may comprise a female end electrical connector. When the guide tabs and guide channels become aligned, the electrical contacts of the male terminal electrical connector may become aligned with the electrical contacts of the female terminal electrical connector, and when the male and female terminals are mechanically coupled, the male terminal electrical connector may establish electrical communication with the female terminal electrical connector such that electricity may be transferred between the male and female terminals.

The present disclosure includes an artificial tree including a plurality of trunk portions. The trunk portion may form a trunk of the artificial tree. The first power distribution system may be partially disposed within a first trunk portion of the plurality of trunk portions, or the first power distribution system may be attached along the first trunk portion. The first power distribution subsystem may include a male terminal having a male mechanical coupler and a male terminal electrical connector. The second power distribution system may be partially disposed within a second trunk portion of the plurality of trunk portions, or the second power distribution system may be attached along the second trunk portion. The second power distribution subsystem may include a female mechanical coupler and a female end electrical connector. The male coupling element may be configured to engage with the female coupling element such that the first trunk portion is rotated relative to the second trunk portion until the electrical contacts of the male end electrical connector are aligned with the corresponding electrical contacts of the female end electrical connector. Once aligned, the male and female mechanical couplers may mechanically couple (i.e., removably attach) the first and second trunk portions while causing the electrical contacts of the male terminal electrical connector to engage the electrical contacts of the female terminal electrical connector, thereby establishing electrical communication between the first and second power distribution subsystems.

In this manner, the male and female electrical connectors may receive at least a portion of the first and/or second power distribution subsystems from outside the trunk portion (e.g., such that the first and/or second power distribution subsystems are not completely disposed within the trunk portion), which may make it easier to access or replace wiring and other components of the first and second power distribution subsystems without affecting the aesthetics of the artificial tree. Additionally, the male and female mechanical couplers may provide an artificial tree in which adjacent trunk portions may be coupled or attached without rotationally aligning the trunk portions, and the male and female mechanical couplers may also bring the trunk portions into a predetermined rotational alignment so that the male terminal electrical connector and the female terminal electrical connector may establish electrical communication between the first and second power distribution subsystems. The artificial tree may include a socket that may be disposed on one or more trunk portions, and the socket may be configured to provide power to a strand of lights. Further, the artificial tree may include a power cord that may be configured to engage a wall outlet and provide power to the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem.

The present disclosure also includes a system for connecting trunk portions of an artificial tree. The system may include a first trunk portion having a male end and including a male mechanical coupler, and a first power distribution subsystem including a male end electrical connector. The system may also include a second trunk portion having a female end and including a female mechanical coupler, and a second power distribution subsystem having a female end electrical connector. The one or more electrical contacts of the first power distribution subsystem may engage the one or more electrical contacts of the second power distribution subsystem to conduct electricity between the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem. The one or more electrical contacts of the first power distribution subsystem may be configured to engage the one or more electrical contacts of the second power distribution subsystem in a single configuration, where the single configuration corresponds to a single rotational alignment between the first trunk portion and the second trunk portion.

The present disclosure also includes a mechanical coupler system for removably attaching and rotationally aligning adjacent trunk portions of an artificial tree. The coupling system may include a male component disposed on an end of the first trunk portion, and the male component may include an angled guide surface and a guide channel. The coupling system may further comprise a female component disposed on an opposite end of the first trunk portion and/or an end of the second trunk portion. The female component may include a guide protrusion configured to extend from an inner wall of the respective trunk portion, and the guide protrusion is sized to freely traverse the guide channel. The female component may include an insert having a receiving portion for receiving the tip of the male component. The inserts may be configured to be secured within the respective trunk portion. The insert may include a wire channel for retaining at least a portion of the one or more wires within the trunk portion such that the one or more wires are disposed at a predetermined location within the trunk portion.

The foregoing merely summarizes several aspects of the disclosure and is not intended to reflect the full scope of the disclosure. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the detailed description and figures which follow, and in part will be obvious from the detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. Furthermore, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed technology as claimed.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any way.

Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of an assembled trunk portion having a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A depicts a perspective view of a male end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B depicts a bottom perspective view of the male end of the trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2C depicts a bottom perspective view of the male end of the trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2D depicts an enlarged perspective view of the male external electrical connector mounted on the male end of the trunk portion, particularly region a shown in fig. 2C, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2E depicts a bottom perspective view of the male end of the trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2F depicts a side bottom perspective view of the male end of the trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A depicts a perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3B depicts a bottom perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 3C depicts a top perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3D depicts a perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion (where portions of the concave end are transparent for clarity), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 3E depicts a top perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3F depicts a top perspective view of a concave end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3G depicts an exploded view of the concave end of the trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3H depicts a cross-sectional view of a concave end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4A depicts a perspective view of an insert of a mechanical coupler for a female end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4B depicts a top view of an insert of a mechanical coupler of a female end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4C depicts a side view of an insert of a mechanical coupler for a female end of a trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4D depicts a top view of an insert of a mechanical coupler of a female end of a trunk portion (which is inserted into the female end of the trunk portion) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4E depicts a top view of an insert of a mechanical coupler of a female end of a trunk portion (which is inserted into the female end of the trunk portion) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 5A depicts the assembly of a male end of a trunk portion with a female end of an adjacent trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 5B depicts the assembly of a male end of a trunk portion with a female end of an adjacent trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 6A depicts a perspective view of an unassembled trunk portion having a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6B depicts a bottom exploded view of the male end of the trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6C depicts a bottom perspective view of the male end of the trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6D depicts a side view of a concave end of a trunk portion, where the trunk portion is shown as transparent for clarity, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 6E depicts an exploded view of the concave end of the trunk portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 7A depicts a top perspective view of an unassembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 7B depicts a bottom perspective view of an unassembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7C depicts a perspective view of an electrical contact sub-assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 7D depicts a perspective view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8A depicts a perspective view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8B depicts a perspective view of a partially disassembled first electrical connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8C depicts a perspective view of a second electrical connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 8D depicts a perspective view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem (with the body and wires of the first vertically oriented electrical connector removed for clarity), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 9A depicts assembly of a trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 9B depicts a first trunk portion having a mating electronic system and a first electrical connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 9C depicts a second trunk portion having a mating electronic system and a second electrical connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 10A depicts a trunk portion including a handle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 10B depicts a trunk portion including a handle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 10C depicts a trunk portion including a handle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 10D depicts a trunk portion including a handle according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 depicts a cross-sectional side view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 depicts an assembled artificial christmas tree according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to artificial trees, such as artificial christmas trees and the like. While preferred embodiments of the disclosed technology have been explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the scope of the disclosed technology to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to a combination comprising "a" or "an" ingredient is intended to include the other ingredient in addition to the ingredient recited.

Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term take into account the broadest meaning understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" (about) or "approximately" (approximately) or "substantially" (substentially) one particular value, and/or to "about" or "approximately" or "substantially" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

The use of terms such as "having," "including," or "including," and the like, herein is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as "comprising" or "including," and does not exclude the presence of other structures, materials, or acts. Similarly, although the use of terms such as "can" or "may" is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that their structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

It should also be understood that reference to one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional or intermediate method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term "step" may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required.

The components described hereinafter that make up the various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Many suitable components that will perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the presently disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein may include, but are not limited to: for example, similar components developed after the development of the presently disclosed subject matter.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the disclosed technology, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. In particular, the disclosed technology is described in the context of being an artificial tree power system. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology are disclosed in the context of a mechanical and/or electrical connector for use as an artificial tree power system. However, the present disclosure is not so limited and may be applicable to other contexts. Such as but not limited to: the present disclosure may improve upon other power systems, such as light poles, light fixtures, extension cord systems, power cord connection systems, and the like. Such embodiments are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, while the present disclosure is described in the context of a power transmission system for an artificial christmas tree, it should be understood that other embodiments may be substituted for those mentioned.

When assembling an artificial tree, decorators typically wish to illuminate the tree with one or more strings (i.e., strands). The light strings require power and are typically connected in series. In many designs, at least one of the strings of lights is connected to a wall outlet to provide power to all of the strings of lights. When decorating a tree, the decorator can walk around the tree, placing the light string at different locations on the branches. To provide power to all of the light strings, a typical light string has a first end in the form of a male end and a second end in the form of a female end.

To provide power to more than one string of lights, the decorator may insert the male end of one string of lights into the female end of another string of lights. In doing so, a string of lights electrically connected to a wall outlet (or other power source) transfers power from the power source to subsequent strings of lights. In some conventional systems, the light string may have multiple electrical connection points, providing either parallel or series connection. Even so, current is typically streamed from one lamp connected to a power supply to one or more downstream strings of lights.

The act of providing power from a power source to one or more light strings can be cumbersome and frustrating to decorators. To attach multiple strings of lights together, the decorator either needs to attach the strings of lights before placing them on the tree or after placing them on the tree. If a decorator attaches multiple strings of lights together, in order to "wrap" the tree with the strings of lights, the decorator must typically walk around the tree carrying the multiple strings. If the decorator waits until after the string of lights is placed on the tree, the decorator will need to thread through the branches to electrically connect the strings of lights. The decorator may also need to operate the string of lights to connect the strings of lights together. This process can be difficult and can take a long time.

To alleviate the problems associated with providing power to strings of lights in a conventional artificial tree and to provide further advantages, the present disclosure includes a power delivery system for an artificial tree. The present disclosure includes an artificial trunk including trunk portions joined to one another to form the trunk of an artificial tree. At least some of the trunk portions may be hollow, and the power distribution subsystem may be partially disposed within one or more of the trunk portions. The power distribution subsystem may include a female end or a male end located near either end of the trunk portion. The one or more trunk portions may include both a female end and a male end. When one tree section is engaged with another tree section, the male end of one power distribution subsystem engages the female end of an adjacent power distribution subsystem and is electrically and mechanically connected. The engaged male and female ends may be connected via a coupling, and the coupling may house at least a portion of the power distribution subsystem outside of the trunk portion, which may provide easier access or easier replacement of wiring and other components of the power distribution subsystem without affecting the aesthetics of the artificial tree. One or more power subsystems may be in electrical communication with an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and configured to provide power to a connected power distribution subsystem. Thus, by electrically connecting the power distribution subsystem of the trunk portion with an external power source, power flows from the power source to the trunk portion and from the trunk portion to the other trunk portion through the coupling.

Various systems exist for facilitating the connection of male and female terminals of a power distribution subsystem. Although conventional plug and socket systems may be used, such as those manufactured according to the NEMA standard, in some cases it may be difficult to align the male pins of one trunk section with the female receptacles of another trunk section in conventional designs. In order to engage the male end with the female end, the tree assembler typically needs to vertically align the trunk sections while additionally rotationally aligning the two trunk sections to allow the male prongs to align with the female receptacles. Even if the trunk portion is perfectly vertical, in conventional systems, the male prongs can only engage the female receptacles when the male prongs are rotationally aligned with the female receptacles. If the male prongs are not rotationally aligned with the female receptacles, the male prongs may abut the area around the female receptacles rather than being inserted into the female receptacles and no electrical connection will be made. Thus, attempting to align male pins and female receptacles can take a significant amount of time and can be a frustrating experience for the user. Further difficulty and frustration may result if the male pins become bent such that one or more of the male pins are not properly aligned with a corresponding female receptacle.

Some existing systems may include male and female connectors that are configured to connect in multiple rotational alignments. For example, some existing systems may include male and female coaxial electrical connectors. However, as explained above, such a design may allow the first trunk portion to rotate freely with respect to the adjacent second trunk portion, while the first and second trunk portions are electrically connected. In some such designs, the first trunk portion may be entirely free to rotate relative to the second trunk portion, and in some designs, the first trunk portion may be partially (i.e., less than 360 °) free to rotate relative to the second trunk portion. In any event, any free rotation of the first trunk portion relative to the first trunk portion may allow the first trunk portion to be misaligned with the second trunk portion such that ornaments or other ornaments located on the first and second trunk portions may be located in undesirable positions or arrangements. This may undesirably alter the decorative display that has been laid out by the assembler and/or decorator of the tree.

Furthermore, existing systems that include male and female connectors configured to rotate freely when connected typically require: the extension of the first trunk portion has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the second trunk portion, but not so small that the first trunk portion can swing or shift relative to the second trunk portion. This may require high precision to consistently manufacture a trunk portion having a protruding portion and a receiving portion (both maintaining a suitable diameter difference) to simultaneously allow easy assembly and prevent wobbling or shifting of the trunk portion upon assembly.

To alleviate these and other problems, the disclosed technology includes: the male end of the first trunk portion having a first electrical connector located external to the first trunk portion and a first mechanical coupler comprising an extension, an inclined guide surface and a substantially vertical (i.e., axially extending) guide slot. The disclosed technique further includes the female end of the second trunk portion including a second electrical connector located outside the respective trunk portion and a second mechanical coupler including a receiving portion and a guide tab disposed at least partially within the second trunk portion. As will be discussed more fully below, the receiving portion of the female end may be configured to receive the extending portion of the male end such that if the guide tab of the female end is aligned with the guide slot of the male end when the extending portion is inserted into the receiving portion, the guide tab may traverse the guide slot until the extending portion is fully inserted into the receiving portion, mechanically coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion, and the first and second electrical connectors are in electrical communication. If the guide projection is not aligned with the guide slot, the guide projection may contact at least one guide surface of the male end when the extension portion is inserted into the receiving portion, and when gravity or other force further guides the extension portion into the receiving portion, the sloped nature of the guide surface guides or guides the guide projection to the guide slot, thereby causing the first stem portion to rotate relative to the second stem portion and ultimately vertically align the first electrical connector with the second electrical connector. Once the guide tab is aligned with the guide slot (and the first electrical connector is aligned with the second electrical connector), the guide tab can traverse the guide slot until the extension is fully inserted into the receiving portion, mechanically coupling the first trunk portion with the second trunk portion, and the first and second electrical connectors are in electrical communication. When the mechanical coupler removably attaches the first and second trunk portions together, the first and second electrical connectors become aligned and electrically connected.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used in a variety of systems. For example, the present disclosure may be used in low voltage systems (e.g., 5V systems for powering LEDs or small electronic devices) and/or may be used in high voltage systems (e.g., 120V or 240V systems that may originate from wall outlets).

The present disclosure may be used with a variety of devices or systems, including artificial tree power distribution systems (or subsystems). The artificial tree may comprise two, three, four, five or six trunk sections (or more, depending on the desired tree height and the height of each trunk section). These trunk portions may be vertically stacked or otherwise attached to each other on top to form a trunk. Multiple branches may be attached to the trunk (or already attached, and foldable) to conform to the appearance and structure of a natural tree. The artificial tree may be pre-illuminated so that a power cord extending from the tree may be plugged into a wall outlet to provide power to a light string pre-arranged around the branches of the artificial tree. Pre-illuminating artificial trees may be advantageous over other artificial trees because they speed up and simplify the assembly and disassembly of the tree. The present disclosure may further expedite and simplify the assembly of pre-illuminated artificial trees by: once initially attached, rotational alignment of adjacent trunk portions is not required, while once the mechanically coupling of adjacent trunk portions is completed, the trunk portions are guided or directed into a single, predetermined alignment.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail.

Fig. 1 depicts an example portion of an assembled trunk 100. The trunk 100 may include a plurality of trunk portions (e.g., a first trunk portion 110 and a second trunk portion 120). As shown, the male end of the first trunk portion 110 can be removably attached to the female end of the second trunk portion 120. As will be more fully described, the male end may include a first external electrical connector 112, while the female end may include a second external electrical connector 122. When the first trunk portion 110 and the second trunk portion 120 are attached, the first electrical connector 112 may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector 122.

Referring to fig. 2A-2F, the first trunk portion 110 may include an extension 202 and a first mechanical coupler 204. The first mechanical coupler 204 may be separate and distinct from the first electrical connector 112 and from the first electrical connector 112. The first mechanical coupler 204 may include an insert that may be inserted into and attached to the male end of the first trunk portion 110. The first mechanical coupler 204 may be held by the first trunk portion 110 by friction between the inner wall of the first trunk portion 110 and the outer wall of the first mechanical coupler 204. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall of the first mechanical coupler 204 and the inner wall of the first trunk portion 110 may be threaded such that the mechanical coupler 204 may be screwed into the first trunk portion 110, or the first mechanical coupler 204 may be attached to the first trunk portion 110 by crimping, welding, or soldering or an adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies (e.g., a protrusion extending from the first mechanical coupler 204 or the first trunk portion 110, and a retaining object including a notch, hole, depression, lip, or any other feature configured to retain the protrusion, such as the detent 201 shown in fig. 2C, etc.), or any other known attachment mechanism or method.

The first mechanical coupler 204 may include one or more guide surfaces 206. The guide surface 206 may be circumferentially disposed on the first mechanical coupler 204 and may slope from a rearmost and lowermost point to a forwardmost and uppermost point, and the axially extending guide slot may be located at the forwardmost and uppermost point. The guide slot 208 may include a slot disposed in the first mechanical coupler 204, as well as a slot cut or otherwise formed into the extension 202 of the first trunk portion 110. In other words, the slot of the first trunk portion and the slot of the first mechanical coupler 204 may align and combine to form the guide slot 208. The guide slot 208 may include an axial channel or recess 212 in the first mechanical coupler 204 and an axially extending cut-out 214 in the wall of the first trunk portion 110. The cutout 214 of the first trunk portion 110 may have a width substantially similar to a width of the channel 212 of the first mechanical coupler 204. The channel 212 may extend the entire length of the cutout 214 or may extend only a portion of the cutout 214. As shown in fig. 2F, the channel 212 may terminate at an end wall 216. Thus, if the first mechanical coupler 204 comprises an end wall 216, the end wall 216 may abut against a top surface of the guiding protrusion of the second mechanical coupler 304 when the first trunk portion 110 and the second trunk portion 120 are mechanically coupled. If the first mechanical coupler 204 does not include the end wall 216, the top portion of the cutout 214 (or the end of the cutout) may abut against the top surface of the guide tab of the second mechanical coupler 304 (as shown in fig. 3A-3H) when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled. The cut-out 214 and/or the channel 212 have a length such that: when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled, a top surface of the guide projection of the second mechanical coupler 304 (i.e., when the first and second trunk portions are mechanically coupled, there may be a space or void between the top surface of the guide projection and the end wall 216 and/or a top portion of the cutout 214). The end wall 216 may include a lip configured to abut and/or cover a top portion of the cutout 214.

The first mechanical coupler 204 may include a tip 210 to facilitate easier insertion of the extension 202 into the second trunk portion 120. The tip 210 may be rounded (as shown in fig. 2A), may have a three-dimensional polygonal shape (as shown in fig. 2B), or may have a cylindrical shape (as shown in fig. 2C and 2E). The tip 210 may have a cross-section having the shape of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon or any other shape. The tip 210 may include an extension, such as that shown in fig. 2F, and as will be discussed more fully below, the extension of the tip 210 may be configured to couple or mate with an internal insert of the second mechanical coupler 304.

As mentioned above, the first trunk portion 110 may include a first external electrical connector 112 (referred to herein as the first electrical connector 112). The first electrical connector 112 may include a housing 220, and the housing 220 may include an aperture covered by a cover 222. The first electrical connector 112 may include a collar 224, and the collar 224 may be attached or secured to an outer surface of the first trunk. For example, the collar 224 may be attached into the first trunk portion 110 by crimping, welding or brazing or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The housing 220 may include electrical contacts, such as electrical pins 226, and the like. The first electrical connector 112 may include two, three, four, or more electrical pins 226. Each pin 226 may be in electrical communication with an electrical wire 228, and the electrical wire 228 may be routed through an interior portion of the first trunk portion 110 or may be routed outside alongside the first trunk portion 110. If the electrical wires 228 are routed internally through the first trunk portion 110, the electrical wires 228 may extend into the interior portion of the first trunk portion 110 through a rear aperture or hole 230 in the housing 220 and an aperture or hole 232 in the wall of the first trunk portion 110.

Referring to fig. 3A-3H, the second trunk portion 120 may include a receiving portion 302 and a second mechanical coupler 304 (which includes a guide tab 306). The receiving portion 302 may comprise a hollow portion of the second trunk portion 120. The guide tab 306 (i.e., as best shown in fig. 3B, 3C, 3F, and 3H) may comprise an insert that extends through a hole or aperture in the wall of the second trunk portion 120. Alternatively, the guide tab 306 may comprise an insert (attached or secured to an inner wall of the second trunk portion 120), a screw or bolt (extending through a wall of the second trunk portion 120), a crimped or stamped portion of a wall of the second trunk portion 120 (e.g., as shown in fig. 3C), or any other feature that extends to the receiving portion 302 and that is sized to freely traverse the guide slot 208 of the first mechanical coupler 204. As discussed more fully below and as shown in fig. 3G, the guide tab 306 may include a tab portion 306a and a base portion 306 b. The protruding portion 306a may be inserted into an aperture or hole (such as hole 338, discussed more fully below) in the wall of the second trunk portion 120 such that the base portion is positioned outside of the second trunk portion 120, and the second electrical connector 122 may be attached or secured to the second trunk portion 120 such that the base portion 306b of the guiding protruding portion 306 is sandwiched between the second electrical connector 122 and the wall of the second trunk portion 120. As shown most clearly in fig. 3B, the guide tab 306 may include a rounded (or alternatively sloped) uppermost surface, which may help facilitate easy sliding and lateral movement of the guide tab along the guide surface 206 and guide slot 208 of the first mechanical coupler 204. The guide projection 306 may be positioned at any circumferential location within the second trunk portion 120, provided that: if the guide slot 208 and the guide surface 206 are similarly positioned such that the electrical contacts of the first and second stem portions 120 are aligned when the first and second stem portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled. The guide tab 306 may be attached or secured.

The second trunk portion 120 may include a second external electrical connector 122 (referred to herein as a second electrical connector 122), which may include a housing 320, the housing 320 may include an aperture covered by a cover 322. The second electrical connector 122 may include a collar 324, and the collar 324 may be attached or secured to an outer surface of the first trunk portion 120. For example, the collar 324 may be attached to the first trunk portion 120 by crimping, welding or brazing or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The housing 320 may include an equal number of electrical contacts as the number of electrical pins 226. For example, the second electrical connector 122 may include two (as shown in fig. 3G), three, four (as shown in fig. 3A-3F), or more electrical contacts. The electrical contacts may include or be in electrical communication with receptacle connector 326, and receptacle connector 326 may include a receptacle corresponding to each pin 226. Each receptacle may be in electrical communication with an electrical wire 228, and the electrical wire 228 may pass through internal wiring of the second trunk portion 120, such as shown in fig. 3G. Alternatively, the wires 228 may be routed externally along the second trunk portion 120. If the electrical wires 228 are routed internally through the first trunk portion 110, the electrical wires 228 may extend into an interior portion of the second trunk portion 120 through a rear aperture or hole 330 in the housing 220 and an aperture or hole 332 in the wall of the second trunk portion 120. Although not shown in the figures, the wires connected to the first electrical connector 112 may be similarly routed into an interior portion of the first trunk portion 110. As shown in fig. 3G, the wires 228 may be connected to the receptacle connector 326 using a quick connect and/or quick disconnect electrical connector.

The second electrical connector 122 may include a top surface 334, the top surface 334 being configured to abut a bottom surface of the collar 224 of the first electrical connector 112 when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are connected. The top surface 334 may extend to and be flush with the end of the second trunk portion. Alternatively, the top surface 334 may extend beyond the end of the second trunk portion 120, or the end of the second trunk portion 120 may extend beyond the top surface 334. Alternatively, the second electrical connector 122 may include a lip 336 such that the top surface 334 extends beyond the end of the trunk portion 120 and the lip 336 covers the end of the second trunk portion 120, as best shown in fig. 3H. The lip 336 may define an aperture having a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the end of the second trunk portion 120.

Fig. 3G depicts a method of attaching the guide tab 306 and the second electrical connector 122 to the second trunk portion 120. The receptacle connector 326 may be inserted into the housing 320 of the second electrical connector 122. The electrical wires 228 may pass through the holes 332 of the second trunk portion 120 and may be connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the receptacle connector 326. As described above, the guide protrusion 306 may include a protrusion portion 306a and a base portion 306 b. The second trunk portion 120 may include a hole or aperture 338, and the hole 338 may have substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the protruding portion 306a of the guide protrusion 306. The guide protrusion 306 may be inserted into the hole 338 such that the protrusion portion 306a extends through the wall of the second stem portion 120 and into the hollow portion (e.g., the receiving portion 302) of the second stem portion 120, and the base portion 306b is positioned outside of the wall of the second stem portion 120. The second electrical connector 122 may be placed on an end of the second trunk portion 120, and in so doing, the second electrical connector 122 (e.g., the housing 320, the collar 324) may hold the guide tab 306 in an inserted configuration relative to the aperture 338. When the second electrical connector 122 is mounted on the second trunk portion 120, the electrical wire 228 may extend through the aperture 330 of the second electrical connector 122 in addition to the aperture 332 extending through the second trunk portion 120. As shown more clearly in fig. 3H, the second electrical connector 122 may be screwed or otherwise adhered to the guide tab 306, which may hold both the guide tab 306 and the second electrical connector 122 in their respective positions. That is, the second electrical connector 122 may prevent the guide tab 306 from moving radially outward from the second stem portion 120 (i.e., falling out of the hole 338), and the tab 306a (which abuts the edge of the hole 338) may prevent the second electrical connector 122 from moving axially relative to the second stem portion 120 (i.e., falling out of the end of the second stem portion 120). Alternatively or additionally, the second electrical connector 122 may be directly attached to the second trunk portion 120 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The cover 322 may be attached to the second electrical connector 122, the guide tab 306, and/or the second trunk portion 120 such that access to the electrical wires 228 and/or access to the connection (temporary or permanent) between the electrical wires 228 and the receptacle connector 326 is restricted. The cover 322 may be attached (removably or permanently) to the second electrical connector 122, the guide tab 306, and/or the second trunk portion 120 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. For example, the cap 322 may be screwed into the guide protrusion 306. It will be appreciated that the assembly of the first electrical connector 122 and/or the guide tabs 306 described above may be accomplished using fewer or additional steps, and may be accomplished by completing the various steps in a different order than explicitly provided herein.

The second mechanical coupler 304 may include an insert 402. The insert 402 may be configured to receive a portion of the first mechanical coupler 204 (e.g., the tip 210), which may increase stability when the first stem portion 110 and the second stem portion 120 are mechanically coupled. For example, as shown in fig. 4A-4E, the insert 402 may include a receiving portion 404 configured to receive at least a portion of the tip 210 of the first mechanical coupler 204. As an example, the receiving portion 404 of the insert 402 may be configured to receive an extension of the tip 210 of the first mechanical coupler 204 depicted in fig. 2F. The insert 402 may include a wire channel 406, which may be configured to at least partially contain or constrain the wire 228. The wire channel 406 may maintain the wire 228 in position within the second trunk portion 120 such that the tip 210 and the insert 402 may be mechanically coupled without interference from the wire 228. The insert 402 may include one or more attachment portions 408, which may be configured to receive a screw, bolt, rivet, or another attachment device, such that the insert 402 may be attached to the wall of the second trunk portion 120. Alternatively or additionally, the insert may be attached to the two trunk portions 120 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), retaining clips, detent and notch assemblies, or any other known attachment mechanism or method.

An example method of assembling adjacent trunk portions 110, 120 is depicted in fig. 5A and 5B. Referring to fig. 5A, the receiving portion 302 of the second stem portion 120 may receive the extension 202 and the mechanical coupler 204 of the first stem portion 110. If the guide tab 306 of the second stem portion 120 is aligned with the guide slot 208 of the first stem portion 110 when the first mechanical coupler 204 is inserted into the receiving portion 302, the guide tab 306 may traverse the guide slot 208 until the extension portion 202 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 302, mechanically coupling the first stem portion 110 to the second stem portion 120. When the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled, the respective electrical contacts (e.g., the electrical pins 226 of the first trunk portion 110 and the electrical contacts included in the receptacle connector 326 of the second trunk portion 120) may be in electrical communication.

If, when the guide protrusion 306 of the second trunk portion 120 is not aligned with the guide slot 208 of the first trunk portion 110 when the first mechanical coupler 204 is inserted into the receiving portion 302, the guide protrusion 306 may contact the guide surface 206 of the first mechanical coupler 204, and when gravity or other forces further guide the extension portion 202 into the receiving portion 302, the angled nature of the guide surface 206 may guide or guide the guide protrusion 306 to the guide slot 208, thereby causing the first trunk portion 110 to rotate relative to the second trunk portion 120 and ultimately the first electrical connector 112 to be vertically aligned with the second electrical connector 122. Once the guide tabs 306 are aligned with the guide slots 208 (and the first electrical connector 112 is aligned with the second electrical connector 122), the guide tabs 306 may traverse the guide slots 208 until the extension portion 202 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 302, mechanically coupling the first trunk portion 112 to the second trunk portion 122. When the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled, the respective electrical contacts (e.g., the electrical pins 226 of the first trunk portion 110, and the electrical contacts included in the receptacle connector 326 of the second trunk portion 120) may be in electrical communication. When the extension portion 202 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 302, the bottom surface of the collar 224 of the first electrical connector 112 may contact or abut the top surface 334 of the second electrical connector 122 and/or the end of the second trunk portion 120. To decouple the first and second mechanical couplers 204, 304 and/or disconnect the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122, the first trunk portion 110 may be lifted in an upward axial direction from the second trunk portion 120.

Referring to fig. 6A-6C, the tip 210 of the first mechanical coupler 204 includes a recess 602 at a distal end of the tip 210. When the first mechanical coupler 204 is inserted into or otherwise connected to the first trunk portion 110, the recess 602 may extend back into the tip 210 toward the first trunk portion 110. The recess 602 may be located at the center such that the recess 602 shares a central axis with the first trunk portion 110.

Referring to fig. 6D-6E, the second mechanical coupler may include an insert 604 having a base 606 and a protrusion 608. The projection 608 may be centrally located such that the projection 608 shares a central axis with the second trunk portion 120. The protrusion 608 may have an outer diameter that is equal to or less than an inner diameter of the recess 602, such that the recess 602 can at least partially receive the protrusion 608 when the first stem portion 110 and the second stem portion 120 are mechanically coupled.

The insert 604 may include a wire channel 610 to allow the wire 228 from the second electrical connector 122 to pass through the insert 604 and extend into the central portion of the second trunk portion 120. As shown in fig. 6E, the wire channel 610 may be a cut-out or notch in the base 606 of the insert 604.

The insert 604 has a diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the second trunk portion 120, such that the insert 604 may be attached to the second trunk portion 120 by friction. The insert 604 may have a diameter that is substantially equal to or less than the inner diameter of the second trunk portion 120. Regardless, the insert 604 may be attached to the second trunk portion 120 by crimping, swaging, or welding or with an adhesive (e.g., glue, epoxy), a screw, a bolt, one or more rivets, a retaining clip, a pawl and notch assembly (e.g., a protrusion extending from the insert 604 or the second trunk portion 120 and the remaining components, including notches, holes, recesses, lips, or any other feature configured to retain the protrusion, such as the pawl 201 shown in fig. 2C, etc.), or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The insert 604 may include one or more legs 612 that extend deeper into the second trunk portion 120 than the base 606 of the insert 604. The legs 612 may be biased such that the legs form an outer diameter that is the same as or greater than the outer diameter of the base 606 and/or the inner diameter of the second trunk portion 120. If the legs 612 form an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the second trunk portion 120, the legs 612 may be configured to bend slightly when inserted into the trunk portion 120. Thus, the legs 612 may be configured to provide a radially outward force against the inner wall of the second trunk portion 120 and provide a friction fit with the second trunk portion 120 to hold the insert 604 in a predetermined position.

The first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 may comprise different types of electrical connectors. For example and as shown in fig. 7A-7D, the first electrical connector 112 may include a first mating surface 702, the first mating surface 702 having first electrical contacts 704. The first electrical connector 112 may include two, three, four, or more first electrical contacts 704. The second electrical connector 122 may include a second mating surface 712, the second mating surface 712 having second electrical contacts 714. The second electrical connector 122 may include the same number of second electrical contacts 714 as the first electrical contacts 704 included in the first electrical connector 112. Both the first and second mating surfaces 702, 712 may be sloped surfaces or curved surfaces such that: upon insertion of the extension portion 202 of the first trunk portion 110 into the receiving portion 302 of the second trunk portion 120, the first mating surface 702 may traverse the second mating surface 712, thereby causing the first trunk portion 110 to rotate relative to the second trunk portion until the first electrical contact 704 of the first electrical connector 112 establishes electrical communication with the second electrical contact 714 of the second electrical connector 122. The angle or curve of the first mating surface 702 may be substantially similar to the angle or curve of the second mating surface 712. When the first and second electrical contacts 704, 714 are in electrical communication, the first trunk portion 110 is in only a predetermined rotational alignment relative to the second trunk portion 120. Referring particularly to fig. 7C, second electrical contacts 714 may be included in the electrical contact subassembly 710. One, some, or all of the second electrical contacts 714 may include a spring 716. The spring 716 may help provide secure electrical communication between the first and second electrical contacts 704, 714. The various components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupler system (i.e., the first mechanical coupler 204 and the second mechanical coupler 304) may be incorporated into or combined with a man-made tree that includes the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 depicted in fig. 7A-7D.

Fig. 8A-8C depict the first electrical connector 112 and the second electrical connector 122 in an assembled configuration. The first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 may be connected by one or more magnets 802. Referring particularly to fig. 8B and 8C, for clarity, fig. 8B and 8C each omit portions of the first electrical connector 112, and the first electrical connector 112 may include first electrical contacts 804. Each first electrical contact 804 may include an attachment flange configured to connect to and establish electrical communication with an electrical wire. The attachment flange may be in electrical communication with a contact portion of the first electrical contact 804, and the contact portion of the first electrical contact 804 may be configured to contact and establish electrical communication with the second electrical contact 814. As shown most clearly in fig. 8D, the first electrical connector 112 may include one or more magnets 802.

Referring to fig. 8C, the second electrical connector 122 may include one or more magnets 802. It is to be appreciated that both the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 can include a magnet, or either of the first or second electrical connectors 112, 122 can include a magnet, while the remaining electrical connectors include a piece of ferromagnetic material to which the magnet can adhere and/or establish a magnetic connection with. As depicted in fig. 8A-8D, both the first and second connectors 112, 122 include two magnets 802, although any number of magnets 802 may be used, such as one, three, four, five, six, or more magnets 802. As depicted, the connectors 112, 122 include magnets 802 located on the left and magnets 802 located on the right of the respective electrical connectors 112, 122. Alternatively, the first electrical connector 112 may include a first magnet 802 on the left side, the second electrical connector 122 may include a piece of ferromagnetic material aligned with the first magnet 802, while the second electrical connector 122 may include a second magnet 802 on the right side, and the first electrical connector 112 may include a piece of ferromagnetic material aligned with the second magnet 802 (or vice versa). The various components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupler system (i.e., the first mechanical coupler 204 and the second mechanical coupler 304) may be incorporated into or combined with a man-made tree that includes the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 depicted in fig. 8A-8D.

The first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 have been discussed herein as relating to contact or connection between the electrical contacts of the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 in an axial direction. In contrast, fig. 9A-9C depict first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 that include electrical contacts 904, 914, the electrical contacts 904, 914 being configured to contact or connect in a lateral and/or tangential direction. As shown in fig. 9A, the first stem portion 110 may be axially aligned with the second stem portion, and the extension portion 202 of the first stem portion 110 may be inserted into the receiving portion 302 of the second stem portion 120. Fully inserted into the extension portion 202 of the receiving portion 302 may simultaneously align each first electrical contact 904 with a respective second electrical contact 914. The first trunk portion 110 may then be rotated relative to the second trunk portion 120 to establish contact and/or electrical communication between each pair of aligned first and second electrical contacts 904, 914.

The first electrical connector 112 may include an empty void space between the housing 220 and the extension 202 of the first trunk portion 110, which may allow the wall of the second trunk portion 120 and the collar 324 of the second electrical connector 122 to pass between the housing 220 and the extension 202 such that the extension may extend into the receiving portion 302 of the second trunk portion 120. When the extension portion 202 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 302, the first mating surface 902 of the first electrical connector 112 (e.g., the bottom surface of the collar 224) may abut the second mating surface of the second electrical connector 122 (e.g., the top surface of the second electrical connector 122), thereby preventing further insertion of the extension portion 202 into the receiving portion 302. At the same time, when fully inserted, each pair of first and second electrical contacts 904, 914 are aligned such that rotation of the first trunk portion 110 relative to the second trunk portion 120 causes each first electrical contact 904 to connect or form an electrical connection with a corresponding second electrical contact 914. One or both of the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 may include one or more magnets 802 to hold the first and second electrical connectors in an attached configuration.

Referring particularly to fig. 9C, second electrical contact 914 can be included in electrical contact subassembly 910. The electrical contact sub-assembly may also include one or more magnets 802 and/or one or more springs 716. The spring 716 may urge the electrical contact sub-assembly 910 in a direction away from the first electrical connector 112. Thus, when the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 are attached, the magnet 802 overcomes the resistance of the spring 716, causing the spring 716 to be compressed. The various components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupler system (i.e., the first mechanical coupler 204 and the second mechanical coupler 304) may be incorporated into or combined with a man-made tree that includes the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 depicted in fig. 9A-9C. To facilitate incorporation of the components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupler system, the guide surface 206 and/or the guide groove 208 may form a guide channel that may follow a path around the first mechanical coupler 204-similar to a spiral (e.g., a helical channel). The rotational direction of the guide channel may facilitate mechanical coupling of the first mechanical coupler 204 with the second mechanical coupler 304 (via the guide protrusion 306 and the guide channel) during simultaneous alignment of the first and second electrical contacts 904, 914 for establishing electrical communication between the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122.

As shown in fig. 10A-10D, the first trunk portion 110 may include a handle 1002. In addition, a hand guard 1004 may be provided above or around the handle 1002. The hand guard may protect the user's hand from branches, lights, or other objects that may cause injury or discomfort to the user's hand when the user assembles adjacent tree portions. The handle 1002 may be rotatably mounted to the first trunk portion 110. This may allow the first trunk portion to rotate freely while the handle 1002 remains in a single rotatable position. Thus, when the first stem portion 110 includes both the handle 1002 and the first mechanical coupler 204, the first stem portion 110 may be allowed to rotate freely relative to the second stem portion 120 without requiring the assembler to adjust his or her grip on the first stem portion 110.

Fig. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary assembled trunk 100. As shown, the male end of the first trunk portion 110 may be configured to be mechanically attached to the female end of the second trunk portion 120 via a first pair of first and second mechanical couplers. When the first trunk portion 110 is mechanically attached to the second trunk portion 120, the male end of the first trunk portion 110 may be configured to establish electrical communication with the female end of the second trunk portion 120 via a first pair of first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 (shown as connected connector 130). The second trunk portion 120 may further comprise a male end opposite the female end, and the male end of the second trunk portion 120 may be configured to be mechanically attached to the female end of the third trunk portion 140 via a second pair of first and second mechanical couplers. When the second trunk portion 120 is mechanically attached to the third trunk portion 140, the male end of the second trunk portion 120 may be configured to establish electrical communication with the female end of the third trunk portion 140 via a second pair of first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 (shown as connected connector 130). Additional trunk portions (e.g., fourth, fifth, etc.) may similarly be mechanically attached or coupled and similarly establish electrical communication with adjacent trunk portions, as there may be any number of trunk portions to create a tree of any size. In this configuration, the power distribution subsystems provided in the different trunk portions 110, 120, 140, etc. of the trunk 100 may be electrically connected. The first trunk portion 110 may have an electrical wire 228 disposed therein, and the electrical wire 228 may be connected to the electrical contacts of the corresponding first and/or second electrical connectors 112, 122. The electrical contacts of one electrical connector 112, 122 may be configured to transmit electrical current from the electrical wire 228 to the electrical contacts of an adjacent electrical connector 112, 122, where the electrical wire 228 may be partially disposed within the respective tree portion. Electrical current may similarly be transmitted between other pairs of electrical connectors 112, 122. The electrical wires 228 may be configured to transmit electrical current to one or more electrical outlets or receptacles 150, and may be connected to additional electrical wires 228. Adjacent the lowest trunk portion (when in the upright, assembled configuration-as shown), the third trunk portion 140 may include a power cord 160 extending from the trunk 100 and connectable to an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet). Thus, the wires 228, which are part of the power distribution subsystem, may enable power to flow from the power source through the tree and to certain pluggable accessories, such as one or more lights or light strands. Thus, when power is provided to the tree via power cord 160, the lights or light strands may be illuminated.

One or more power outlets or receptacles 150, which may be disposed along the length of the assembled trunk 100, may be configured to receive power from the electrical wires 228 to provide a user with the ability to plug in devices, such as tree lights or other electrical components. By providing a convenient location for inserting the light, the power outlet or socket 150 may minimize the amount of work required to decorate the tree. More specifically, the user may plug the light strands directly into the power outlet 150 on the trunk portion 100 (or electrically couple the light strands to the power outlet 150) rather than having to connect a series of strands together, which may be cumbersome and frustrating for the user.

The present disclosure may further include a light strand integrally integrated with the power transmission system. Thus, the lamp may be connected to the cord 228 without the need for the power outlet or socket 150, although the power outlet or socket 150 is optionally included. For example, for trees that have lights in front of the string (e.g., lighted artificial tree designs), such a design may be desirable.

As described above, one or more portions of the trunk 100 may include a power cord 160 for receiving power from an external power source (such as a wall outlet, etc.). The power cord 160 may be configured to engage a power source and transmit power to the rest of the tree. More specifically, power may flow from a wall outlet, through the power cord 160, through one or more power distribution subsystems disposed within the trunk 100, and to accessories on the tree, such as lights or light strands. For reasons of convenience and appearance, the power cord 160 may be located in the lower trunk portion of the tree, i.e., the power cord 160 is near a wall outlet and exits the tree in a location that is not directly visible.

The present disclosure may also include a bottom 144 of one or more trunk portions (e.g., a bottommost trunk portion) of the trunk 100. As shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the bottommost trunk portion (e.g., third trunk portion 140) has a concave end near its top end, and a bottom portion at its bottom end instead of a convex end. The base 144 may be substantially conical in shape and may be configured to engage a tree support (not shown). Accordingly, the base 144 may be inserted into a cradle that may support the tree, typically in a substantially vertical position. Accordingly, the highest trunk portion (e.g., the first trunk portion 110) of the trunk 100 may have a convex end near its bottom end, and may not have a concave end near its top end. Instead of having a concave end, the top end of the uppermost trunk portion may be configured or attachably receive a canopy similar to the upper portion of the tree.

Advantageously, the lowest trunk portion of the trunk 100 (i.e., trunk portion 140) includes the concave end of the power distribution subsystem. During assembly, the male end of the power distribution subsystem of the adjacent trunk portion 120 may be connected with the female end of the lowermost trunk portion. This may improve safety during assembly, as the exposed male prongs are not energized, i.e., no current flows through them until they are inserted into the female ends. Conversely, if the lowest tree portion includes a convex end, the powered prongs may be exposed and may cause an accidental shock. Ideally, the power cord 160 may not be plugged into a wall outlet until the tree is fully assembled, but the present disclosure is designed to minimize the risk of injury when the tree is inserted prematurely.

Additionally, all of the trunk sections may be configured such that the male end may be proximate the bottom end of each trunk section, while the female end is the top end. In this manner, if the power cord 160 is inserted during assembly, the risk of injury is minimized because the energized male prongs are not exposed. Furthermore, during assembly, the male end of each trunk section may be more easily stacked into the female end of the lower trunk section. Alternatively, however, the male end may be proximate the top end of each trunk portion and the female end may be proximate the bottom end of each trunk portion.

Fig. 12 illustrates an assembly tree 1200 in accordance with some features of the present disclosure. The tree 1200 may be assembled by mechanically coupling various portions of the trunk 100 as described herein such that the various portions are removably attached and also electrically connected such that electricity may be transmitted between adjacent trunk portions. The tree 1200 may be decorated with electronic and non-electronic decorations, as desired. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that: the assembled trunk portion of the trunk 100 may be positioned near a central vertical axis of the tree 1200, a plurality of branches may be attached to the trunk portion of the trunk 100 to resemble a natural tree, and lights may be strung on or inside (or otherwise attached to) the branches to decorate the tree 1200.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a number of exemplary aspects, it should be understood that as illustrated in the various figures and described above: other similar aspects may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspects of the present disclosure, methods and combinations are described in accordance with aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, other equivalent methods or combinations of these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.