CN210052945U - Artificial tree system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an artificial tree system having a connection system for mechanical coupling and power transmission. 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. Inserting said first trunk portion into said second trunk portion, whereby contact of said guide projection with said guide surface rotates said first trunk portion relative to said second trunk portion until a predetermined rotational alignment is reached, aligning electrical contacts of said first and second electrical connectors, each electrical connector attached to an outer wall of a respective trunk portion. The electrical contacts of the first and second electrical connectors may establish electrical communication between the first and second electrical connectors, and thereby between the first and second trunk portions.

Description

Artificial tree system

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 sap 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 the overburdened environment.

To overcome the disadvantages of natural christmas trees and still incorporate a tree 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 cost of purchasing live trees for a brief holiday. In addition, they help to reduce the cutting of trees for temporary decoration and the subsequent disposal of these trees (typically in landfills).

In general, an artificial christmas tree includes a plurality of branches, each formed from a plurality of plastic needles 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 comprising a plurality 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. A first end of the body includes an extension portion (e.g., a male end) and a 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 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, a second end of a second trunk portion receives a first end of a 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 include an electrical contact. For example, referring to the previous examples, some designs include one electrical connector having electrical prongs on or in the extended portion of the first end and one electrical connector having electrical contacts in the receiving portion of the 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 can be connected to assemble a tree.

However, one 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 one trunk portion must be rotationally aligned with and inserted into electrical sockets (e.g., female electrical contacts) in the other trunk portion, and typically can only engage the electrical sockets when the trunk portions are in one particular rotational alignment. This alignment process is frustrating because it may be difficult for an assembler to determine whether the pins will engage the slots when the trunk portions are connected together. Thus, the assembler may need to make multiple attempts to electrically connect the two trunk portions. In other prior designs, the electrical prongs of one trunk section may engage the electrical contacts of an adjacent trunk section in multiple rotational alignments. For example, in some designs, the first trunk portion may be freely rotatable 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 (i.e., less than 360 °) relative to the second trunk portion. 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: easy assembly and disassembly is possible without the tolerance of the trunk section to wobble relative to an adjacent tree section. That is, if the outer diameter of an extension of a first trunk portion is too close to the inner diameter of a receiver of a second trunk portion, it may be difficult for an assembler to assemble and/or disassemble the tree. Alternatively, if the outer diameter of an extension of a first trunk portion is too small relative to the inner diameter of a receiving portion of a second trunk portion, wobbling or displacement of the first trunk portion relative to the second trunk portion may occur. Thus, any collision of the tree may cause one or more portions of the tree to shift, which may cause tree ornaments or other ornaments to be struck on the tree. This can result in damage to the tree dressing or other ornamentation, wear on the tree itself, or injury to the assembler and/or decorator.

Thus, there is a need for an artificial tree that enables a user to connect adjacent trunk sections without the need to rotationally align the trunk sections, but that also provides a secure mechanical connection 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 safe mechanical coupling of adjacent trunk portions of an artificial tree and power transfer between the adjacent trunk portions. The trunk connection system may facilitate enabling electrical and mechanical coupling of the adjacent trunk portions without requiring rotational alignment of the trunk portions during assembly, and may also provide secure connection between the adjacent trunk portions in a single rotational alignment. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate assembly of an artificial tree, thereby reducing user frustration during assembly.

The disclosed power transfer system may include: a first power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a first trunk portion of a man-made tree. The power transmission system may further include: a second power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a second trunk portion of an artificial tree. The first power distribution subsystem may include a male terminal (having a first electrical contact) and the second power distribution subsystem may include a female terminal (having a second electrical contact). The first electrical contact may be in contact with the second electrical contact to conduct electricity between the power distribution subsystems and thereby between the trunk portions of the tree.

To enable mechanical coupling of the adjacent trunk portions without the need to rotationally align the trunk portions, the male end may include an extension and a male mechanical coupler (which may include one or more angled guide surfaces, a guide channel, and a tip). The female end may include a receiving portion and a female mechanical coupler (which may include a guide projection and an insert). The insert may be configured to receive at least a portion of the 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 a 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 portion of the male end are inserted into the receiving portion of the female end. The inclined arrangement of the guide surface may guide the guide protrusion towards the guide channel of the male mechanical coupler such that the male end rotates relative to the female end. Once the guide protrusion and the guide channel are aligned, gravity or other force may cause the guide protrusion 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 projections and the 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 terminal and the female terminal 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 terminal and the female terminal.

The present disclosure includes an artificial tree constructed from a plurality of trunk portions. The trunk portion may form a trunk of the artificial tree. A first power distribution subsystem may be partially disposed within a first trunk portion of the plurality of trunk portions, or the first power distribution subsystem 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). A 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 coupler may be configured to engage the female coupler such that the first trunk portion is rotated relative to the second trunk portion until the electrical contacts of the male terminal electrical connector are aligned with the corresponding electrical contacts of the female terminal electrical connector. Once aligned, the male and female mechanical couplers may mechanically couple (i.e., removably connect) the first and second trunk portions while engaging the electrical contacts of the male terminal electrical connector with the electrical contacts of the female terminal electrical connector to establish 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 disposed entirely 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 detracting from the aesthetics of the artificial tree. Additionally, adjacent trunk portions of the artificial tree may be coupled or affixed without rotationally aligning the trunk portions by the male and female mechanical couplers, and the male and female mechanical couplers may also bring the trunk portions into a predetermined rotational alignment so that the male and female terminal electrical connectors 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 bundle of lights. Additionally, 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 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 including a female end electrical connector. One or more electrical contacts of the first power distribution subsystem may engage 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, wherein 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 coupling system for removably attaching and rotationally aligning adjacent trunk portions of an artificial tree. The coupler system may include a male member disposed on an end of a first trunk portion, and the male member may include an angled guide surface and a guide channel. The coupler system may further comprise a female member (provided on an opposite end of the first trunk portion and/or an end of the second trunk portion). The female component may comprise a guide protrusion configured to extend from the inner wall of the respective trunk portion, and the guide protrusion may be dimensioned to freely traverse the guide channel. The female component may include an insert having a receiving portion for receiving a 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 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.

Figure 1 depicts one perspective view of an assembled trunk portion having a power distribution subsystem, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

Figure 2E depicts a bottom perspective view on a convex end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

Figure 3D depicts a perspective view on 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 on a concave end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Figure 3G depicts an exploded view on a concave end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Figure 4A depicts a perspective view of an insert for a mechanical coupling on a concave 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 coupling on a concave end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4C depicts a side view of an insert for a mechanical coupling on a concave end of a trunk portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4D depicts a top view of a mechanically coupled insert on a concave end of a trunk portion (which is inserted onto a concave end of a trunk portion) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 4E depicts a top view of a mechanically coupled insert on a concave end of a trunk portion (which is inserted onto a concave end of a 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.

Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of an unassembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

Fig. 6E illustrates 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 having 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 one perspective view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 8A depicts one 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 one 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 power distribution subsystem and a first electrical connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 9C depicts a second trunk portion having a mating electrical 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.

Fig. 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 one cross-sectional side view of an assembled trunk portion with a power distribution subsystem, in accordance with 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. 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.

Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term includes its broadest meaning as 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" or "approximately" or "substantially" 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" or "including" herein is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning as terms such as "comprising" and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, 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 structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

It should also be understood that the mention of 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 present disclosure 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 present disclosure. Such other components not described herein may include, but are not limited to: for example, similar components after 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 presently disclosed technology is described in the context of a power system as an artificial tree. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology are disclosed in the context of a mechanical coupling 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 environments. Such as but not limited to: the present disclosure may be retrofitted to other power systems, such as light poles, lights, extension cord systems, power cord connection systems, and the like. Such embodiments are considered 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 light string is connected to a wall outlet to provide power to all of the light strings. 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 includes a first end (male end form) and a second end (female end form).

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 include 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 light strings.

The act of providing power from a power source to one or more light strings can be cumbersome and frustrating to the decorator. To connect multiple strings of lights together, the decorator attaches the strings of lights either before placing them on the tree or after placing them on the tree. If a decorator attaches multiple strings of lights together, the decorator must typically walk around the tree with the strings in order to "wrap" the tree with the 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 tamper with 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 (trunks joined to one another to form 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. 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 is engaged with the female end of an adjacent power distribution subsystem and is electrically and mechanically connected. The engaged male and female ends may be connected by a coupling, and the coupling may house at least a portion of the power distribution subsystem external to the trunk portion, which may make it easier to accept or replace other components of the wiring of the power distribution subsystem without detracting from 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 a power distribution subsystem of one trunk section to an external power source, power flows from the power source to the trunk section and from the trunk section via coupling to the other trunk sections.

There are various systems that facilitate connecting the male and female ends 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 assembler of the tree typically needs to vertically align the trunk sections while additionally rotationally aligning the two trunk sections to allow the male pins to align with the female receptacles. Even if the trunk portion is perfectly vertical, in conventional systems, the male prongs may only engage the female receptacles when the male prongs are rotationally aligned with the female receptacles. If the male pins are not rotationally aligned with the female receptacles, the male pins may abut an area around the female receptacles rather than being inserted into the female receptacles and no electrical connection may be made. Thus, attempting to align the male pins and female receptacles can take a significant amount of time and can be a frustrating experience for a user. Further difficulty and frustration may result if the male pins become bent such that one or more male pins are not properly aligned with the corresponding female receptacles.

Some existing systems may include male and female connectors (configured to connect in multiple rotational alignments). For example, some existing systems may include male and female coaxial electrical connectors. However, as mentioned above, this design may allow a first trunk portion to freely rotate relative to an 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 result in the first trunk portion being misaligned with the second trunk portion, which may result in an undesirable location or arrangement of ornaments or other ornaments located on the first and second trunk portions. This may lead to unwanted changes to the decorative display already arranged 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 outer diameter of the extension of the first trunk portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving portion of the second trunk portion, but must not be so small that the first trunk portion can swing or displace relative to the second trunk portion. This may require high precision in order 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 after assembly.

To alleviate these and other problems, the disclosed technology includes: a male end of the first trunk portion includes a first electrical connector and a first mechanical coupler external to the first trunk portion including an extension, angled guide surfaces, and a substantially vertical (i.e., axially extending) guide slot. The disclosed technique also includes a female end of a second trunk portion including a second electrical connector and a second mechanical coupler external to the respective trunk portion including a receiving portion and a guide projection 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 protrusion of the female end is aligned with the guide slot of the male end as the extending portion is inserted into the receiving portion, the guide protrusion 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 guide slot, 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 the first electrical connector to be vertically aligned with the second electrical connector. Once the guide protrusion is aligned with the guide slot (and the first electrical connector is aligned with the second electrical connector), the guide protrusion may 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 coupling detachably 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 stacked upon one another 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 such that a power cord extending from the tree may be plugged into a wall outlet to provide power to a light string pre-positioned around the branches of the artificial tree. The pre-illuminated artificial trees may be advantageous over other artificial trees because they speed up and simplify the assembly and disassembly of the trees. The present disclosure may further expedite and simplify the assembly of pre-illuminated artificial trees by: upon initial attachment, rotational alignment of adjacent trunk portions is not required, while upon completion of mechanically coupling the adjacent trunk portions, 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 in the figures, a male end of the first trunk portion 110 is detachably connectable to a female end of the second trunk portion 120. As will be described more fully, 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 is separable and distinct from the first electrical connector 112. The first mechanical coupler 204 may include an insert that may be inserted into and attached to a 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 an inner wall of the first trunk portion 110 and an 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 mechanical coupler 204 may be attached into the first trunk portion 110 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, a retaining clip, a pawl and a notch assembly (e.g., a protrusion extending from the first mechanical coupler 204 or the first trunk portion 110, and retaining objects including a notch, hole, depression, mouth or any other item configured to retain the protrusion, such as the pawl 201 shown in fig. 2C), 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 arranged on the first mechanical coupler 204 and may be inclined from a rearmost and lowermost point to a forwardmost and uppermost point, and an axially extending guide slot may be located at the forwardmost and uppermost point. The guide slot 208 may include one slot disposed in the first mechanical coupler 204 and one 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 be aligned and combined to form the guide slot 208. The guide slot 208 may include an axial channel or a recess 212 in the first mechanical coupler 204 and an axially extending cut-out 214 in the wall of the first tree section 110. The width of the cutout 214 of the first trunk portion 110 may be substantially similar to the 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 the end wall 216. Thus, if the first mechanical coupler 204 comprises an end wall 216, the end wall 216 may abut the top surface of the guiding protrusion of the second mechanical coupler 304 when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled. If the first mechanical coupler 204 does not include an end wall 216, the top portion of the cutout 214 (or the end of the cutout) may abut the top surface of the guide projection of the second mechanical coupler 304 when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled (as shown in fig. 3A-3H). The cut-out 214 and/or the channel 212 may have a length such that: when the first and second trunk portions 110, 120 are mechanically coupled, the top surface of the guiding protrusion of the second mechanical coupler 304 does not abut the top of the cutout (or the end of the cutout) (i.e., there may be a space or gap between the top surface of the guiding protrusion and the end wall 216 and/or the top of the cutout 214 when the first and second trunk portions are mechanically coupled). The end wall 216 may include a port configured to abut and/or cover the tip 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, as 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 described above, the first trunk portion 110 may include the 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 the outer surface of the first trunk, for example, the collar 224 may be attached into the first trunk portion 110 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), screws, bolts, one or more rivets, a retaining clip, a detent and notch assembly, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The housing 220 may include electrical contacts, such as electrical pins 226. 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 projection 306). The receiving portion 302 may comprise a hollow portion of the second trunk portion 120. The guide projection 306, as best shown in fig. 3B, 3C, 3F and 3H, may include an insert that extends through an aperture or aperture in the wall of the second trunk portion 120. Alternatively, the guide projection 306 may comprise an insert (attached or secured to the inner wall of the second trunk portion 120), a screw or bolt (extending through the wall of the second trunk portion 120), a crimped or stamped portion of the wall of the second trunk portion 120 (e.g., as shown in fig. 3C), or any other object extending into the receiving portion 302 (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 projection 306 may include a projection 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 in detail below) in the wall of the second trunk portion 120 such that the base portion is disposed 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 guide protrusion 306 is sandwiched between the second electrical connector 122 and the wall of the second trunk portion 120. As best shown in fig. 3B, the guide projection 306 may include a rounded (or sloped) uppermost surface, which may help facilitate easy sliding and lateral movement of the guide projection along the guide surface 206 and guide slot 208 of the first mechanical coupler 204. The guide protrusion 306 may be positioned at any circumferential location within the second trunk portion 120, provided that: if the guide slot 208 and 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 connected. The guide protrusions 306 may be attached or fixed.

The second trunk portion 120 may include a second external electrical connector 122 (referred to herein as the second electrical connector 122), which may include a housing 320, and 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 the 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, a retaining clip, a detent and notch assembly, 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 one receptacle connector 326, and the receptacle connector 326 may include one receptacle corresponding to each plug 226. Each receptacle may be in electrical communication with one electrical wire 228, and the electrical wire 228 may be routed through the interior of the second trunk portion 120, as shown in fig. 3G. Alternatively, the electrical wires 228 may be routed externally along the second trunk portion 120. If the electrical wires 228 are routed internally through the first stem portion 110, the electrical wires 228 may extend into the interior portion of the second stem 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 stem portion 120. Although not shown in the figures, the wires connected to the first electrical connector 112 may be similarly routed into the interior 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 trunk portion 110 and the second trunk portion 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 port 336 such that the top surface 334 extends beyond the end of the trunk portion 120 and the port 336 covers the end of the second trunk portion 120, as shown most clearly in fig. 3H, the port 336 may define the bore-the diameter of the bore is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the end of the second trunk portion 120.

Figure 3G depicts one method of attaching the guide projection 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 projection 306 may include a projection portion 306a and a base portion 306 b. The second trunk portion 120 may include an aperture or hole 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 projection 306 may be inserted into the aperture 338 such that the projection 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 disposed 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 retain the guide projection 306 in the 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 an 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 protrusion 306, which may maintain both the guide protrusion 306 and the second electrical connector 122 in their respective positions. That is, the second electrical connector 122 may prevent the guide protrusion 306 from moving radially outward from the second stem portion 120 (i.e., falling out of the hole 338), and the protrusion 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, a retaining clip, a detent and notch assembly, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. The cover 322 may be attached to the second electrical connector 122, the guide projection 306, and/or the second trunk portion 120 such that access to the electrical wires 228 and/or the connection (temporary or permanent) between the electrical wires 228 and the receptacle connector 326 is restricted. The cap 322 may be attached (removably or permanently) to the second electrical connector 122, the guide projection 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, a retaining clip, a detent and notch assembly, or any other known attachment mechanism or method. For example, the cap 322 may be screwed into the guide projection 306. It will be appreciated that the assembly of the first electrical connector 122 and/or the guide projections 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. By way of example, the receiving portion 404 of the insert 402 may be configured to receive the extension of the tip 210 of the first mechanical coupler 204 shown in fig. 2F. The insert 402 may include a wire channel 406, which may be configured to at least partially contain or constrain the electrical wire 228. The wire channel 406 may retain the wire 228 in a 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 means 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 stem portions 120 by crimping, welding or soldering or adhesives (e.g., glue, epoxy), a retaining clip, a detent and notch assembly, or any other known attachment mechanism or method.

One example method of assembling adjacent trunk portions 110, 120 is illustrated in fig. 5A and 5B. Referring to fig. 5A, the receiving portion 302 of the second trunk portion 120 may receive the extension 202 and the mechanical coupler 204 of the first trunk portion 110. If the guide protrusion 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 protrusion 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 stem portion 120 is not 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 protrusion 306 may contact one guide surface 206 of the first mechanical coupler 204; and when gravity or other force further guides the extension portion 202 into the receiving portion 302, the inclined nature of the guide surface 206 may guide or guide the guide protrusion 306 to the guide slot 208, thereby causing the first stem portion 110 to rotate relative to the second stem portion 120 and ultimately the first electrical connector 112 to be vertically aligned with the second electrical connector 122. Once the guide protrusions 306 are aligned with the guide slots 208 (and the first electrical connector 112 becomes aligned with the second electrical connector 122), the guide protrusions 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 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. In order 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. The recess 602 may extend back toward the first trunk portion 110 to the tip 210 when the first mechanical coupler 204 is inserted or otherwise connected to the first trunk portion 110. The recess 602 may be centrally located 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 outer diameter of the protrusion 608 may be equal to or less than the inner diameter of the recess 602, such that the recess 602 may at least partially receive the protrusion 608 when the first and second stem portions 110, 120 are mechanically connected.

The insert 604 may have a wire passage 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 frictionally connected to the second trunk portion 120. The diameter of the insert 604 may be 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 rest of the object, including a notch, hole, depression, flange, or any other feature configured to retain the protrusion, such as the pawl 201 shown in fig. 2C), or any other known connection structure or method. The insert 604 may include one or more legs 612 that may extend deeper into the second trunk portion 120 than the base 606 of the insert 604. The legs 612 may be biased such that they 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 (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 (having second electrical contacts 714). The second electrical connector 122 may include as many second electrical contacts 714 as the first electrical connector 112 may include first electrical contacts 704. The first and second mating surfaces 702, 712 may each be a sloped surface or a curved surface 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 the only predetermined rotational alignment relative to the second trunk portion 120. Referring specifically to fig. 7C, the second electrical contact 714 may be included in an 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 coupling system (i.e., the first mechanical coupler 204 and the second mechanical coupler 304) may be incorporated into or combined with an artificial tree, including the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 shown in fig. 7A-7D.

Fig. 8A-8C depict a first electrical connector 112 and a 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 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 will be appreciated that both the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 may include a magnet, or either of the first or second electrical connectors 112, 122 may include while the other electrical connector includes a ferromagnetic material to which the magnet may adhere and/or to which a magnetic connection may be established. As shown in fig. 8A-8D, the first and second connectors 112, 122 each 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 one magnet 802 on the left side and one magnet 802 on the right side of the respective electrical connector 112, 122. Alternatively, the first electrical connector 112 may include one first magnet 802 on the left side, the second electrical connector 122 may include ferromagnetic material aligned with the first magnet 802, while the second electrical connector 122 may include one second magnet 802 on the right side, the first electrical connector 112 may include ferromagnetic material aligned with the second magnet 802 (or vice versa). The various components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupling system (i.e., the first and second mechanical couplers 204, 304) may be incorporated into or combined with an artificial tree, including the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 shown 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 the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 including 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 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 corresponding 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, a first mating surface 902 of the first electrical connector 112 (e.g., a bottom surface of the collar 224) may abut a second mating surface of the second electrical connector 122 (e.g., a 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 connects or forms an electrical connection of each of the first electrical contacts 904 with the 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 specifically to fig. 9C, the second electrical contact 914 can be included in an 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 connection subassembly 910 in a direction away from the first electrical connector 112. Thus, when the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 are connected, 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 coupling system (i.e., the first mechanical coupler 204 and the second mechanical coupler 304) may be incorporated into or combined with an artificial tree, including the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 shown in fig. 9A-9C. To facilitate incorporation of the components, aspects, and functions of the mechanical coupling 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). While aligning the first and second electrical contacts 904, 914, the rotational direction of the guide channel may facilitate mechanical coupling of the first mechanical coupler 204 with the second mechanical coupler 304 (through the guide protrusion 306 and the guide channel) 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 can protect the hands of a user from being injured by branches, lights or other objects. When a user assembles adjacent tree portions, injury or discomfort may be caused to the user's hand. 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 handles 1002 remain in a single rotatable position. Thus, when the first stem portion 110 includes the handle 1002 and the first mechanical coupler 204, the first stem portion 110 may be allowed to freely rotate 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 in the figures, 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 the 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 the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 (shown as connected connector 130). The second stem portion 120 may further comprise a male end opposite the female end, and the male end of the second stem portion 120 may be configured to be mechanically attached to a female end of the third stem portion 140 via a second pair of the 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 the first and second electrical connectors 112, 122 (shown as connected connector 130). Other 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 include an electrical wire 228 disposed therein, the electrical wire 228 being connectable 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 carry electrical current from the electrical wire 228 to the electrical contacts of an adjacent electrical connector 112, 122, wherein the electrical wire 228 may be partially disposed within the respective trunk 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 an upright, assembled configuration-as shown in the figures), 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 strings of lights. Thus, when power is supplied to the tree through the power cord 160, a light or string of lights may be illuminated.

The 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 functionality to a user 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 can minimize the amount of work required to decorate the tree. More specifically, a user may plug a string of lights directly into an electrical outlet 150 on a trunk portion 100 (or electrically connect the string of lights to an electrical outlet 150) rather than having to connect a series of wires together, which may be cumbersome and frustrating to the user.

The present disclosure may further include a light string integrally integrated with the power delivery system. Thus, the lamp may be connected to the cord 228 without the need for a power outlet or receptacle 150, although a power outlet or receptacle 150 may alternatively be included. For example, for trees that have illumination 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 the power cord 160 for receiving power from an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet). The power cord 160 may be configured to engage a power source and deliver power to the rest of the tree. More specifically, power may flow from the wall outlet, through the power cord 160, through one or more power distribution subsystems disposed within the trunk 100, and onto accessories on the tree, such as lights or light strings. For reasons of convenience and appearance, the power cord 160 may be located in a lower trunk portion of the tree, i.e., the power cord 160 is near the wall outlet and exits the tree at a location that is not immediately visible.

The present application may also include a bottom 144 of one or more trunk portions (e.g., the lowest trunk portion) of the trunk 100. As shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the lowest trunk portion (e.g., third trunk portion 140) includes a concave end near its top end and includes the bottom portion at its bottom end instead of a convex end. The base 144 may be generally conical in shape and may be configured to engage a support (not shown) of the tree. Accordingly, the base 144 may be inserted into the cradle, which may support the tree, generally in a substantially vertical position. Accordingly, the highest trunk portion (e.g., the first trunk portion 110) of the trunk 100 may include one convex end near its bottom end and may not include one concave end near its top end. The top end of the uppermost trunk portion may be configured to resemble an upper part of a tree or may attachably receive a canopy resembling an upper part of a tree, without including a concave end.

Advantageously, a lowermost trunk portion (i.e., trunk portion 140) of a trunk 100 includes a concave end of a power distribution subsystem. During assembly, a male end of a power distribution subsystem of an adjacent trunk portion 120 may be connected with the female end of the lowermost trunk portion. This may improve safety during assembly, since the exposed male pins are not energized, i.e. no current flows through them before they are inserted into the female ends. Conversely, if the lowermost stem portion includes a convex end, the energized 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 portions may be configured such that the male end may be proximate a bottom end of each trunk portion, while the female end is at a 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 a lower trunk section. Alternatively, however, the male end may be proximate a top end of each trunk portion and the female end may be proximate a bottom end of each trunk portion.

Fig. 12 illustrates an assembled tree 1200 in accordance with some features of the present disclosure. The tree 1200 may be assembled by mechanically coupling various sections of the trunk 100 as described herein such that the various sections are removably attached and also electrically connected such that electricity may be passed between adjacent trunk sections. 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 the central vertical axis of the tree 1200, a plurality of branches may be attached to the trunk portion of the trunk 100 to mimic 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.

Claims (8)

1. An artificial tree system comprising:

a first trunk portion including an elongated body, said first trunk portion comprising:

a first electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of the first trunk portion and spaced a distance from a 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 the first electrical connector comprising:

a first housing; and

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

a first mechanical coupler system disposed near one end of the first trunk portion, the first mechanical coupler system including 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 slot aligned with said slot of said extension of said first trunk portion to form a guide channel;

a guide surface inclined toward the guide channel; and

a tip having a recess; and

a second trunk portion having an elongated body, the second trunk 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 the extension portion such that the receiving portion can at least partially receive the first insert and/or the extension portion;

a second electrical connector disposed on an outer surface of said second trunk portion proximate said second end of said second trunk portion, said second electrical connector comprising:

a second housing; and

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

a second mechanical coupler system disposed proximate to said second end of said second trunk portion, said second mechanical coupler system comprising:

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;

a guide projection disposed within the receiving portion and extending radially inward from an inner side of a wall of the second trunk portion, the guide projection configured to align with the guide channel and be at least partially inserted into the guide channel such that when the guide projection is aligned with the guide channel, each electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts is aligned with a respective electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts, and when the receiving portion at least partially receives the insert and/or the extension, each electrical contact of the first plurality of electrical contacts forms an electrical connection with the respective electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts.

2. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein a tip of the first insert protrudes outward from the first insert.

3. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein the second insert further comprises a plurality of legs configured to bend, and wherein the legs provide pressure in a radially outward direction against an inner wall of the second trunk portion to maintain the second insert in a predetermined position within the second trunk portion when the second insert is inserted into the second trunk portion.

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

5. The artificial tree system of claim 4, wherein the one or more first wires are disposed at least partially within the first tree portion and the one or more second wires are disposed at least partially within the second tree portion.

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

7. The artificial tree system of claim 6, wherein the handle is rotatable relative to the first trunk portion.

8. The artificial tree system of claim 1, wherein the guide projection comprises a projection and a base portion, and the second stem portion comprises an aperture in the 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 of the guide projection extending through the aperture, 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 of the guide projection is retained in the aperture.

Images