Powered tree construction

A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be partially disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have channels, and the prongs and channels may be positioned outside of the trunk sections. The prongs can be inserted into the channels to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. The prongs and channels may be configured to engage one another without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to power transfer systems, and, more particularly, to power transfer systems for use with artificial trees, such as artificial Christmas trees.

BACKGROUND

As part of the celebration of the Christmas season, many people traditionally bring a pine or evergreen tree into their home and decorate it with ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel, and the like. Natural trees, however, can be quite expensive and are recognized by some as a waste of environmental resources. In addition, natural trees can be messy, leaving both sap and needles behind after removal, and requiring water to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Each time a natural tree is obtained it must be decorated, and at the end of the Christmas season the decorations must be removed. Because the needles have likely dried and may be quite sharp by this time, removal of the decorations can be a painful process. In addition, natural trees are often disposed in landfills, further polluting these overflowing environments.

To overcome the disadvantages of a natural Christmas tree, yet still incorporate a tree into the holiday celebration, a great variety of artificial Christmas trees are available. For the most part, these artificial trees must be assembled for use and disassembled after use. Artificial trees have the advantage of being usable over a period of years and thereby eliminate the annual expense of purchasing live trees for the short holiday season. Further, they help reduce the chopping down of trees for a temporary decoration, and the subsequent disposal, typically in a landfill, of same.

Generally, artificial Christmas trees comprise a multiplicity of branches each formed of a plurality of plastic needles held together by twisting a pair of wires about them. In other instances, the branches are formed by twisting a pair of wires about an elongated sheet of plastic material having a large multiplicity of transverse slits. In still other artificial Christmas trees, the branches are formed by injection molding of plastic.

Irrespective of the form of the branch, the most common form of artificial Christmas tree comprises a plurality of trunk sections connectable to one another. For example, in many designs, a first and second trunk section each comprise an elongate body. A first end of the body includes an extending 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 tapers slightly 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 connect the trunk sections, the second end of a second trunk section receives the first end of a first trunk section. For example, the tapered end of the first trunk section is inserted into the non-tapered end of the second trunk section. In this manner, a plurality of trunk sections can be connected and a tree assembled.

One difficulty encountered during assembly, however, is the rotational alignment of the trunk sections. In some designs, the trunk sections comprise electrical systems. The electrical systems allow electricity to flow through the trunk of the tree and into accessories that can be plugged into outlets disposed on the trunk. To connect neighboring trunk sections, however, electrical prongs of one trunk section must be rotationally aligned with, and inserted into, electrical slots in another trunk section. This alignment process can be frustrating because it can be difficult for a user to judge whether the prongs will engage the slots when trunk sections are joined together. It may therefore take several attempts before a user can electrically connect two trunk sections.

What is needed, therefore, is a power transfer system for an artificial tree that allows a user to connect neighboring tree trunk sections without the need to rotationally align the trunk sections. Embodiments of the present disclosure address this need as well as other needs that will become apparent upon reading the description below in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections during assembly. Embodiments of the present disclosure can therefore facilitate assembly of an artificial tree, reducing user frustration during the assembly process.

In some embodiments, the power transfer system can comprise a first power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a first trunk section of an artificial tree. The power transfer system can further comprise a second power distribution subsystem disposed within or attached along a second trunk section of an artificial tree. The first power distribution subsystem can comprise a male end with electrical prongs and the second power distribution subsystem can comprise a female end with electrical channels. The prongs can be inserted into the channels to conduct electricity between the power distribution subsystems, and, therefore, between the trunk sections of the tree.

To enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections, the male end can comprise an inner prong and an outer prong. Likewise, the female end can comprise an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner and outer channels may house inner and outer contact rings, respectively. When the trunk sections are joined, the inner and outer prongs may be positioned to contact the inner and outer contact rings, respectively, regardless of the rotational alignment of the tree trunk sections relative to one another about the vertical axis. Accordingly, the male end can electrically engage the female end in a variety of rotational configurations, and each configuration can provide a different rotational alignment between the first trunk section and the second trunk section.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise an artificial tree comprising a plurality of tree trunk sections. The trunk sections can form a trunk of the artificial tree. A first power distribution subsystem can be disposed partially within a first trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk sections or the first power distribution system can be attached along the first tree trunk section. The first power distribution subsystem can comprise a male end having an inner prong and an outer prong. A second power distribution subsystem can be disposed partially within a second trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk sections, or the second power distribution system can be attached along the second tree trunk section. The second power distribution subsystem can comprise a female end having an inner channel and an outer channel. In some embodiments, the inner prong of the male end can be configured to engage the inner channel of the female end and the outer prong of the male end can be configured to engage the outer channel of the female end to form a coupling and conduct electricity between the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem. In this manner, the coupling may house at least a portion of the first and/or second power distribution subsystems externally from the tree trunk sections (e.g., such that the first and/or second power distribution subsystems are not entirely disposed within the tree trunk sections), which may provide easier access to or make it easier to replace wiring and other components of the first and second power distribution subsystems without distracting from the aesthetics of the artificial tree.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer channels of the female end can house substantially circular contact rings. The inner and outer channels may have a larger diameter than the tree trunk section, and may be aligned perpendicular to a height (in the vertical axis when the tree trunk is aligned upright) of the tree trunk. In this configuration, the inner channel may surround a lateral cross-section of the tree trunk, and the outer channel may surround the inner channel. Positioning the inner and outer channels around the tree trunk rather than inside of the tree trunk may provide easier access to or make it easier to replace the inner and outer contact rings and their related wiring and other components without distracting from the aesthetics of the artificial tree. Correspondingly, the inner and outer prongs of the male end of a neighboring tree trunk section may be positioned around the tree trunk rather than inside of the tree trunk to provide easier access to or make it easier to replace inner and outer prongs and their related wiring and other components without distracting from the aesthetics of the artificial tree.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer channels may be disposed proximate the same horizontal plane. Correspondingly, the inner and outer prongs may have the same height, such that they are configured to simultaneously contact the inner and outer channels when the male and female ends of the trunk sections mate. In other embodiments, the inner and outer channels may be disposed on different horizontal planes. The inner and outer prongs may have differing heights, such that they are configured to simultaneously contact the inner and outer channels when the male and female ends of the trunk sections mate. Further, one or more of the inner and outer prongs may be spring-loaded or otherwise vertically adjustable so that both the inner and outer prongs can maintain contact with the inner and outer channels regardless of the configuration of the inner and outer channels.

In some embodiments, an outlet can be disposed on one or more trunk sections, and the outlet can be configured to provide electrical power to a strand of lights. Additionally, some embodiments may include alignment mechanisms that can prevent the first trunk section from rotating with respect to the second trunk section after the tree trunk sections are assembled. Further, according to some embodiments, a power cord can be configured to engage a wall outlet and provide power to the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can further comprise a system for connecting tree trunk sections of an artificial tree. The system can comprise a first power distribution subsystem having a male end, and the male end can have one or more electrical prongs. The system can further comprise a second power distribution subsystem having a female end, and the female end can have one or more electrical channels. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical prongs of the first power distribution subsystem can engage one or more electrical channels of the second power distribution subsystem to conduct electricity between the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical prongs of the first power distribution subsystem can engage one or more electrical channels of the second power distribution subsystem in a plurality of configurations, and each configuration can provide a different rotational alignment between the first power distribution subsystem and the second power distribution subsystem.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can further comprise a connector system for electrically connecting a plurality of power distribution subsystems of a plurality of tree trunk sections that form an artificial tree. The connector system can comprise a male component disposed on an end of a first tree trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk sections, and the male component can have an inner prong and an outer prong. The connector system can further comprise a female component disposed on an opposite end of the first tree trunk section. The female component can have an inner channel and an outer channel, each housing a substantially circular contact ring. The outer channel may have a larger diameter than the inner channel, and the inner and outer channels may each have a larger diameter than the tree trunk section.

The foregoing summarizes only a few aspects of the present disclosure and is not intended to be reflective of the full scope of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following detailed description and drawings, may be apparent from the detailed description and drawings, or may be learned by practicing the present disclosure. Moreover, both the foregoing summary and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the presently disclosed invention as claimed

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to artificial Christmas trees. Although preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or 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 references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

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.

It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening 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 as making up various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being an artificial tree power system. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable in other contexts. For example and not limitation, some embodiments of the present disclosure may improve other power systems, such as light poles, lamps, extension cord systems, power cord connection systems, and the like. These embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of a power transfer system for an artificial Christmas tree, it will be understood that other embodiments can take the place of those referred to.

When assembling an artificial tree, decorators commonly desire to illuminate the tree with one or more light strings, i.e., strands of lights. The light strings require electrical power and are conventionally connected in series. In many designs, at least one of the light strings 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 strings on various locations on the branches of the tree. In order to provide power to all of the light strings, typical light strings come with 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 light string, the decorator can insert the male end of one light string into the female end of another light string. In doing so, the light string that is electrically connected to a wall outlet (or other power source) transfers electrical energy from the source to subsequent light strings. In some conventional systems, the lights strings can have multiple points of electrical connectivity, providing for parallel or serial connectivity. Even so, the flow of power is usually from one light string connected to the power source to one or more downstream light strings.

The act of providing power from the power source to one or more light strings can be cumbersome and frustrating for a decorator. In order to attach multiple light strings together, the decorator will either need to attach the light strings prior to their placement on the tree or attach the light strings after they have been placed on the tree. If the decorator attaches multiple light strings together, in order to “wrap” the tree with the light strings, the decorator often must walk around the tree, carrying the multiple strings. If the decorator waits until after the light strings are placed on the tree, the decorator will need to reach through the tree branches and electrically connect the light strings. The decorator would also likely need to manipulate the light strings in order to connect the strings together. This process can be difficult and can take an extended amount of time.

To alleviate issues associated with providing power to light strings in conventional artificial trees, and to provide further advantages, the present disclosure comprises a power transfer system for an artificial tree. In an exemplary embodiment, an artificial tree trunk comprises tree trunk sections that are engaged with one another to form the trunk of an artificial tree. At least some of the tree trunk sections may be hollow, and power distribution subsystems may be partially disposed within one or more tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, power distribution subsystems can comprise a female end, a male end, or both located proximate the ends of the tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, when one tree trunk section is engaged with another tree trunk section, the male end of one power distribution subsystem engages with and is electrically connected to the female end of a neighboring power distribution subsystem. The engaged male and female ends may be joined via a coupling, and the coupling may house at least a portion of the power distribution subsystems externally to the tree trunk sections, which may provide easier access to or make it easier to replace wiring and other components of the power distribution subsystems without distracting from the aesthetics of the artificial tree. One or more of the power subsystems may be in electrical communication with an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet), and configured to provide electricity to joined power distribution subsystems. Thus, by electrically connecting a power distribution subsystem of a tree trunk section to an external power source, electrical power flows from the source to that tree trunk section, and from that tree trunk section through the coupling and on to other tree trunk sections.

A variety of systems exist to facilitate joining the male and female ends of power distribution subsystems. Although conventional plug and outlet systems can be used, such as those manufactured in accordance with NEMA standards, in some cases, it can be difficult in conventional designs to align the male prongs of one tree trunk section with the female holes of another tree trunk section. In order to engage the male end with the female end, the assembler of the tree often must vertically align the tree trunk sections and additionally rotationally align the two tree trunk sections to allow the male prongs to line up with the female holes. Even if the tree trunk sections are perfectly vertical, in conventional systems, the male prongs can only engage the female holes if the male prongs are rotationally aligned with the female holes. If the male prongs are not rotationally aligned with the female holes, the male prongs may abut the area around the female holes rather than being inserted into the female holes, and an electrical connection will not be made. Attempting to align the male prongs and the female holes can therefore take significant time, and can be a frustrating experience for a user.

To alleviate this problem, in one embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a female end having an inner channel for receiving an inner male prong of the male end and an outer channel disposed around the inner channel for receiving an outer male prong. In this configuration, the assembler of the tree trunk sections can be less concerned with the rotational alignment of the two tree trunk sections, as the channel provides for engagement with the male end at various rotational alignments. In exemplary embodiments, the inner and outer channels may be substantially circular so that, regardless of the rotational alignment between the tree trunk sections, the male prongs can engage the female channels. This can make the assembly process much easier and more enjoyable for a user.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used in a variety of systems. For example, some embodiments can be used in low voltage systems (e.g., 5V systems for powering LEDs or small electronics), and other embodiments can be used in high voltage systems (e.g., 120V or 240V systems that may originate from a wall outlet).

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with a variety of devices or systems, including a power distribution system (or subsystem) of an artificial tree. In some embodiments, an artificial tree may include 3-6 tree trunk sections (or more, depending on the desired tree height and the height of each tree trunk section). These tree trunk sections may be vertically stacked or otherwise attached on top of one another to form the tree trunk. A plurality of branches may be attachable to the tree trunk (or already attached, and foldable) to follow the appearance and structure of a natural tree. In some embodiments, the artificial tree may be pre-lit, such that a power cord extending from the tree can be plugged into a wall outlet to power a string of lights that is pre-arranged around the branches of the artificial tree. Pre-lit artificial trees may be advantageous over other artificial trees because they expedite and simplify assembly and disassembly of the tree. Embodiments of the present disclosure further expedite and simplify assembly and disassembly of the pre-lit artificial tree by not requiring rotational alignment of the tree trunk sections relative to one another.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the views, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail.

FIG. 1depicts an exemplary embodiment of a portion of an assembled tree trunk100. Tree trunk100may include a plurality of tree trunk sections (e.g., a first tree trunk section110and a second tree trunk section120). As shown, a male end112of the first tree trunk section110may be attachable to a female end122of the second tree trunk section120via a coupling130. In some embodiments, the coupling130may be formed by a female component200, which is attachable to the female end122of the second tree trunk section120, and a male component300, which is attachable to the male end112of the first tree trunk section110. The female component200may be configured receive the male component300to facilitate electrical communication between power distribution subsystems of the first and second tree trunk sections110,120.

Shown in further detail inFIGS. 2A-F, the female component200may include a channel housing210, an outer contact ring220, an inner contact ring230, and a lower cover240. The outer and inner contacts rings220,230may reside within inner and outer channels formed on an upper surface of the channel housing210. The lower cover240may be attachable to the bottom surface of the channel housing210to contain and shield electronic components disposed within the female component200from the external environment.

The channel housing210may include an inner wall212, a middle wall214, and an outer wall216that collectively form inner and outer channels for housing the outer and inner contact rings220,230, respectively. One of the outer and inner contact rings220,230may provide a “positive” or “hot” flow path for electricity while the other contact ring provides a “negative” or “return” flow path for electricity. The walls212,214,216may be sized and shaped to accommodate the outer and inner contact rings220,230. For example, in some embodiments, the walls212,214, and216may be substantially circular. The inner wall212may have a larger diameter than the second tree trunk section120, and the middle wall214and the outer wall216may have progressively larger diameters. In this manner, each subsequent outer wall may surround a neighboring inner wall. In some embodiments, the walls212,214, and216may have the same height and thickness. In other embodiments, the walls212,214, and216may have differing heights and/or thicknesses to match the size of mating features of the male component300. In other embodiments, the tops of the walls212,214,216may be tapered. In some embodiments, the channel housing210may also include a bottom lip218. The bottom lip218may outwardly extend from the outer wall216of the channel housing210, and provide a contact surface that defines a stop point when the female component200mates with the male component300. It is contemplated that the channel housing210may be formed as a single part or be composed of several attachable parts. The channel housing210may be constructed of a sufficiently rigid material, such as a suitable plastic, to maintain the shape of the outer and inner contact rings220,230and to support connected tree trunk sections.

Opposite the defined channels, the bottom surface of the channel housing may include a support wall215having one or more notches217, and one or more lower fasteners219. The support wall215may extend along and snugly fit around a portion of the second tree trunk section210in the vertical axis. In this manner, the support wall215may stabilize the position and orientation of the channel housing210on the female end122of the second tree trunk section120. As shown inFIGS. 2D and 2F, the notches217may form a small cutout of the support wall215that can receive and direct wiring within the female component200. In some embodiments, each notch217may be rectangular and size to receive two or more wires. In other embodiments, multiple notches217may be sized and positioned to receive a single wire. Positioned between the support wall215and the bottom lip218, the one or more fasteners219may protrude from the bottom surface of the channel housing210, as shown inFIGS. 2D and 2E, and allow an assembler to selectively attach the lower cover240to the channel housing210. In some embodiments, the fasteners219may be formed with the channel housing210as an integral part. In other embodiments, the fasteners219may include separate components that are attachable to the bottom surface of the channel housing210. The fasteners219may take on a variety of shapes as appropriate to facilitate the mating of the lower cover240and the bottom surface of the channel housing210. For example, in some embodiments, the fasteners219may form a female component, as shown inFIG. 2F, that can selectively receive a male component. In other embodiments, the fasteners219may form a male component configured to selectively mate with a female component.

Insertable within the channel housing210, the outer contact ring220may include a substantially circular flat surface222, which may be continuous or separated into segments, and one or more tabs224extending away from the flat surface222. In some embodiments, the tabs224may downwardly extend from the flat surface222through one or more apertures in the bottom surface of the channel housing210. The tabs224may include one or more apertures, as shown inFIGS. 2C and 2F, for receiving wires associated with a power distribution subsystem. The tabs224may be located at any position along the outer contact ring220. In some embodiments, four tabs224may downwardly extend from the flat surface222and protrude beyond the bottom surface of the channel housing210as shown inFIG. 2D. The four tabs224may be evenly spaced apart (e.g., about 90° apart) and each downwardly extend proximate the same horizontal plane. The tabs224may be configured to face a different direction than the neighboring tabs224. For example, as shown inFIG. 2D, each sequential tab224may rotate 90° from the previous tab224so that it extends radially. In some embodiments, the outer contact ring220may include conductive material configured to conduct electricity from at least a portion of the flat surface222to one or more of the tabs224.

The inner contact ring230may include a substantially circular flat surface232, which may be continuous or separated into segments, and one or more tabs234extending away from the flat surface232. In some embodiments, the tabs234may downwardly extend from the flat surface232through one or more apertures in the bottom surface of the channel housing210. The tabs234may include one or more apertures, as shown inFIGS. 2C and 2F, for receiving wires associated with a power distribution subsystem. The tabs234may be located at any position along the inner contact ring230. In some embodiments, four tabs234may downwardly extend from the flat surface232and protrude beyond the bottom surface of the channel housing210as shown inFIG. 2D. The four tabs234may be evenly spaced apart (e.g., about 90° apart) and each downwardly extend proximate the same horizontal plane. The tabs234may be configured to face a different direction than the neighboring tabs234. For example, as shown inFIG. 2D, each sequential tab234may rotate 90° from the previous tab234so that it extends radially. In some embodiments, the inner contact ring230may include conductive material configured to conduct electricity from at least a portion of the flat surface232to one or more of the tabs234.

Opposite the outer and inner contact rings220,230, the lower cover240may be attachable to the bottom surface of the channel housing210. In the some embodiments, the lower cover240may include an outer wall242configured to abut the bottom surface of the channel housing and one or more fasteners244configured to mate with or otherwise attach to one or more of the lower fasteners219on the channel housing210. The lower cover240may also include one or more notches246, as shown inFIGS. 2F and 5, to allow wiring associated with the female component200to exit the lower cover240. The one or more notches246may form a small cutout of the outer wall242that can receive and direct wiring out of the female component200.

Along with the female component200, the female end122of the second tree trunk section120may also house an attachable safety cover400and wiring500. As shown inFIG. 2B, safety cover400may be configured to cover the otherwise exposed contact rings220,230disposed within the channel housing210when the female component200is not engaged with the male component300. The safety cover400can therefore prevent a person from inadvertently touching the contact rings220,230, which could lead to electric shock. The safety cover400can also prevent various items from entering the channels of the channel housing210and causing damage to or blocking access to the contact rings220,230. In some embodiments, the safety cover may include a substantially circular top ridge412, an outer wall414, a substantially circular bottom ridge416, a connecting arm420, and an attachment member430. The top ridge412may be configured for insertion within one or more of the inner and outer channels defined by the channel housing210, while the bottom ridge416may be configured to cover both the inner and outer channels of the channel housing210. The outer wall414may include one or more ridges configured to abut the sidewalls of the inner and outer channels and help maintain the position of the safety cover over the channels. The connecting arm420may be flexible and configured to allow the bottom ridge416to cover the inner and outer channels of the channel housing210while the attachment member430remains attached to the second tree trunk section120. In some embodiments, the connecting arm420may have a fixed length. In other embodiments, the connecting arm420may have an adjustable length. The attachment member430may have a fixed or adjustable diameter, and be configured to snugly fit around the outer diameter of the second tree trunk section120.

The wiring500may include two or more electrical wires. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, the wiring500may include a first wire510and a second wire520, which each extend away from the lower cover240and into the second tree trunk section120via a cushion530, as shown inFIG. 5. The first and second wires510,520may connect to the tabs224,234extending down from the channel housing210, as shown inFIG. 2F(with the lower cover240partially removed). For example, in one embodiment the first wire510may connect to the tab224of the outer contact ring220(e.g., to carry a positive charge), and the second wire520may connect to the tab234of the inner contact ring230(e.g., to carry a negative charge). In some embodiments, the first and second wires510,520may pass through an aperture in one or more of the tabs224,234to connect the wires510,520to the outer and inner contact rings220,230. To strengthen the connection, the wires510,520may be wrapped through the apertures and around a portion of the tabs224,234or soldered to the tabs224,234.

In practice, electrical current may flow from an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet or battery) into a wire extending from a tree trunk section at the base of the tree (e.g., into wiring500disposed within and extending from the second tree trunk section120). The wires510,520may extend out of the second tree trunk section120below the coupling130, as shown inFIG. 2C, and enter the female component200and connect to one or more of the tabs224,234of the outer and inner contact rings220,230. In this manner, electrical current may flow through the wires510,520as they extend out of the second tree trunk section120and through the outer and inner contact rings220,230. In other embodiments, the wires510,520may exit the second tree trunk section120directly into the female component200, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. Regardless of the path of the wires510,520before they connect to the outer and inner contact rings220,230, when the female and male components200,300of the coupling130are engaged, the outer and inner contact rings220,230may be configured to pass the electrical current to the power distribution subsystem of the first tree trunk section110. The wiring500may also be in electrical communication with one or more electrical power outlets150positioned along the second tree trunk section120, such that the wiring500could provide power to a string of lights plugged into an electrical power outlet150on the second tree trunk section120.

In some embodiments, the female end122of the second tree trunk section120may include several features to better control mating with the first end112of the first tree trunk section110. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2B and 2C, proximate a top surface of the female end122, the second tree trunk section120may include one or more notches128. The notches128may be configured to slidably receive one or more protrusions221extending inwardly from an inner surface of the channel housing210to maintain a position and/or a rotational alignment of the channel housing210relative to the second tree trunk section120. In some embodiments, the female end122may include two notches128configured to slidably receive a pair of protrusions221. Each notch128and protrusion221may be evenly spaced apart from one another along a diameter of the second tree trunk section120and channel housing210, respectively.

Away from the upper surface of the female end122, the second tree trunk section120may include one or more inwardly extending dimples124(see, e.g.,FIGS. 2B and 2C) configured to prevent the male end112of the first tree trunk section110from downwardly passing beyond the dimples124. The dimples124may be equally spaced along a horizontal cross-section of the second tree trunk section120(e.g., four dimples124spaced about 90° apart from one another). In some embodiments, the dimples124may inwardly extend at least the wall thickness of the male end112of the first tree trunk section110. As will be appreciated, such features may provide increased control in mating the female end122of the second tree trunk section120to the male end112of the first tree trunk section110.

The second tree trunk section120may also include one or more apertures126configured to allow the wiring500to pass through the side of the second tree trunk section120. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2B, the aperture126may be configured to receive the cushion530with the first and second wires510,520.

Configured to mate with the female component200, the male component300may be positioned proximate the male end112of the first tree trunk section110. Shown in further detail inFIGS. 3A-E, the male component300may include an upper cover310, a prong housing320, two or more prongs (e.g., an inner prong330I and an outer prong330O), one or more prong connectors340, one or more electrical connectors350, and one or more screws360. The inner and outer prongs330I,330O may partially reside within the prong housing320, and downwardly extend from the prong housing320to selectively engage the inner and outer channels, respectively, of the female component200. The upper cover310may be attachable to the top surface of the prong housing320to contain and shield electronic components disposed within the male component300from the external environment.

The upper cover310may include an outer wall312having a plurality of grooves314to provide an enhanced grip for an assembler. The grooves314may form a repeating geometric pattern along an entire side surface of the outer wall312. On its underside, the upper cover310may include one or more fasteners316, as shown inFIG. 3D, that are configured to selectively attach the upper cover to the prong housing320. In some embodiments, a pair of fasteners316may be positioned on opposing sides on the underside of the upper cover310.

The prong housing320may include two or more prong cavities (e.g., inner and outer prong cavities322I,322O) with connectors324for holding the prongs330O,330I in place, an outer wall326, one or more fasteners328for connecting the prong housing320to the upper cover310, a support wall327that upwardly extends from the prong housing320proximate the first tree trunk section110, and one or more notches329in the support wall327.

The inner prong cavity322I may be configured to line up with the inner contact ring230of the female component200, and the outer prong cavity322O may be configured to line up with the outer contact ring220of the female component. In some embodiments, the prong cavities322I,322O may be equally spread out along the prong housing320(e.g., about 180° apart). In some embodiments, the outer wall326of the prong housing320may include a plurality of grooves or other grippable shapes, which may align with and extend from the grooves314of the upper cover310when the upper cover310and prong housing320are connected, to facilitate easier rotation of the prong housing320relative to other components of the coupling130.

Positioned between the support wall327and the outer wall326, the one or more fasteners328may protrude from the upper surface of the prong housing320, as shown inFIG. 3B, and allow an assembler to selectively attach the upper cover310to the prong housing320. In some embodiments, the fasteners328may be formed with the prong housing320as an integral part. In other embodiments, the fasteners328may include separate components that are attachable to the upper surface of the prong housing320. The fasteners328may take on a variety of shapes as appropriate to facilitate the mating of the prong housing320and the bottom surface of the upper cover310. For example, in some embodiments, the fasteners328may form a female component, as shown inFIG. 3B, that can selectively receive a male component (e.g., of the fasteners316of the upper cover310as shown inFIG. 3D). In other embodiments, the fasteners328may form a male component configured to selectively mate with a female component.

The support wall327may extend along a portion of the first tree trunk section110and have a diameter slightly larger than that of the first tree trunk section110. In this configuration, the support wall327may stabilize the alignment and/or position of the prong housing320relative to the first tree trunk section110. As shown inFIG. 3B, the one or more notches329may form a small cutout of the support wall327that can receive and direct wiring within the male component300. In some embodiments, each notch329may be rectangular and size to receive two or more wires. In other embodiments, multiple notches329may be sized and positioned to receive a single wire. In further embodiments, each notch329may be substantially U-shaped with curved inner edges.

Disposed partially within the prong housing320, the inner and outer prongs330I,330O may include a threaded section332and a smooth section334. In some embodiments, as shown more clearly inFIG. 3C, the threaded section332of the inner and outer prongs330I,330O may have a larger portion disposed within their respective prong housings320O and320I than not, while the smooth section334substantially protrudes from bottom surface of the prong housing320(also shown inFIG. 3D). The threaded section332may be configured to maintain a position of the inner and outer prongs330I,330O within the prong housing320. The smooth section334may be configured to smoothly glide along the surface of the outer and inner contact rings220,230such that the male component300maintains electrical communication with the female component200regardless of their rotational alignment.

Some embodiments may incorporate one or more springs370to load both the inner and outer prongs330I,330O as shown in, for example,FIG. 6A. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the springs370can compress, thus allowing the prongs330I,330O to move further into the male component300. Upon connecting the male and female components300,200, if either prong330I,330O becomes pressed against the associated contact ring230,220, the associated spring370may compress. As will be appreciated, while not necessary, such embodiments can provide improved mechanical connection between the male and female components300,200, improved electrical connection between the inner prong330I and the inner contact ring230, improved electrical connection between the outer prong330O and the outer contact rings220, increased durability of the prongs, increased durability of the contact rings230,220, and increased durability of the coupling130.

As shown inFIGS. 3C-3E, the inner prong330I may be positioned closer to the center of the prong housing320than the outer prong330O, such that the inner prong330I is configured to contact the inner contact ring230and the outer prong330O is configured to contact the outer contact ring220when the female and male components200,300mate. One of the inner and outer prongs330I,330O may provide a “positive” flow path for electricity while the other provides a “negative” flow path for electricity.

Similar to the second tree trunk section120, the first tree trunk section110may have several features to help assist between the mating of the male and female components200,300. For example, as shown inFIG. 3B, the first tree trunk section110may include a ridge114that separates the tapered portion (proximate the male end112) from the non-tapered portion of the first tree trunk section110. When the first and second tree trunk sections110,120mate (e.g., when the tapered portion of the male end112is inserted into the female end122), the ridge114may abut the one or more dimples124of the second tree trunk section120.

The first tree trunk section110may also include one or more apertures116configured to allow wiring600to enter or exit the side of the first tree trunk section110.FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow the top of the prong housing320without and with wiring600, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments. The wiring600may include two or more electrical wires. In some embodiments, the wiring600may include a first wire610and a second wire620, which each may be disposed within the first tree trunk section110, emerge through the first tree trunk section110and the notch329of the support wall327, partially circle around the top surface of the prong housing320, and connect with the electrical connectors350. That is, one of the first and second wires610,620may provide a “positive” flow path for electricity while the other provides a “negative” flow path for electricity to the inner and outer prongs330I,330O. As shown inFIG. 4B, the first wire610may have an exposed tip612that extends through an aperture in the electrical connector350associated with the inner prong330I. The exposed tip612and the electrical connector350may be soldered or otherwise affixed to one another, such that the first wire610and electrical connector350may pass electricity to the inner prong330I. The second wire620may have an exposed tip622that extends through an aperture in the electrical connector350associated with the outer prong330O. The exposed tip622and the electrical connector350may be soldered or otherwise affixed to one another, such that the second wire620and electrical connector350may pass electricity to the outer prong330O.

In practice, electrical current may flow from an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet or battery) through the wiring500of the second tree trunk section120to the outer and inner contact rings220,230and to the inner and outer prongs330I,330O. As shown in more detail inFIG. 4B, the wiring600of the first tree trunk section110may receive electrical current from the inner and outer prongs330I,330O and pass it on to one or more electrical power outlets150disposed along the length of the first tree trunk section110and/or to another set of inner and outer contact rings associated with another female component (proximate the female end of the first tree trunk section110, not shown). The wires610,620may enter the first tree trunk section110through the aperture116without exiting the coupling130, as shown inFIG. 6C, in some embodiments such that the wiring600is contained within the male component300and the first tree trunk section110collectively to protect the wiring600from the external environment. In other embodiments, the wires610,620may enter the first tree trunk section110above the male component300. Regardless of the path of the wires610,620extending away from the inner and outer prongs330I,330O, when the female and male components200,300of the coupling130are engaged, the outer and inner contact rings220,230may be configured to pass the electrical current to the inner and outer prongs330I,330O and on to the wiring600disposed within the first tree trunk section110. The wiring600may also be in electrical communication with one or more electrical power outlets150positioned along the first tree trunk section110, such that the wiring600could provide power to a string of lights plugged into an electrical power outlet150on the first tree trunk section110.

The female and male components200,300may be configured to mate to form the coupling130, as shown in different cross-section views inFIGS. 6A-6C. The tapered section of the male end112of the first tree trunk section110may be insertable into the female end122of the second tree trunk section120and abut the dimples124. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the tabs234of the inner contact ring230downwardly extend from the channel housing210. At different cross-section views, the tabs224of the outer contact ring220may also visibly extend from the channel housing210, as shown inFIG. 2D. The inner prong330I may be configured to contact the inner contact ring230, and the outer prong330O may be configured to contact the outer contact ring220in the outer channel, regardless of the rotational alignment of the first and second tree trunk sections110,120in the vertical axis, such that the male end112of a power distribution subsystem disposed in the first tree trunk section110may receive power from, or distribute power to, the female end122of a power distribution subsystem disposed in the second tree trunk section120. In this manner, the tree trunk sections can be coupled via the couplings130to provide electrical current to electrical power outlets150positioned along the tree trunk sections, and thus, strings of lights may be plugged into the electrical power outlets150and powered. The tree trunk sections may be connected to one another regardless of their rotational alignment relative to one another. That is, regardless of how the first tree trunk section110is rotated in the vertical axis relative to the second tree trunk section120, the inner and outer prongs330I,330O may remain in contact (and thus, in electrical communication) with the inner and outer contact channels230,220and the first and second tree trunk sections110,120remain in electrical communication.

The lower cover240, the prong housing320, and the upper cover310may collectively form the external wall of the joined female and male components200,300, thereby protecting the exposed electronics from the external environment. The prong housing320and the channel housing210may abut the lower cover240, which may help prevent the channel housing210from “floating” within the coupling130rather than maintaining its position relative to, and electrical communication with, the prong housing320.

WhileFIGS. 6A and 6Bshow opposing views of the inner and outer prongs330I,330O contacting the outer and inner contact rings220,230,FIG. 6Cshows more detail of the mechanical connection between the upper cover310and the prong housing320, and the lower cover240and the channel housing210. For example, the fasteners316extending from the bottom surface of the upper cover310may be configured to mate with the fasteners328extending from the upper surface of the prong housing320(exploded view shown inFIG. 3B). Similarly, the fasteners219extending from the bottom surface of the channel housing210may be configured to mate with the fasteners244upwardly extending from the lower cover240.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 6A, 6C, and 6D, the first tree trunk section110may include one or more support apertures117that allow a support bolt119to pass through. In this configuration, the support bolt119may help maintain a rotational alignment of the prong housing320with the first tree trunk section110. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 6D, the support wall327of the prong housing320may have one or more ridges configured to abut the support bolt119. In other embodiments, the support wall327may include one or more support apertures (not shown), such that the support bolt119may extend through the support apertures and the support apertures117of the first tree trunk section110. In some embodiments, a pair of support bolts119may be used (as shown inFIG. 6C). In other embodiments, a single support bolt119may be used (as shown inFIGS. 6D and 7A).

In another embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the outer wall242of the lower cover240may be steeper such that the height H′ of the coupling130is greater than the height H of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6Bto provide additional clearance for the wiring500,600or other components of the coupling130. With each embodiment of the coupling130, it is contemplated that the wiring500,600may remain within the coupling130to pass directly back into the tree trunk100. For example, the female end122of the second tree trunk section may include an aperture121configured to allow the wiring500to pass from the tabs224,234directly into the second tree trunk section120without being exposed to the external environment. When inserted, the tapered section of the male end112ends above the aperture121in the female end122of the second tree trunk section. The female end122of the second tree trunk section may also include dimples such that the male end112may not be inserted past the dimples. The male end112may include a ridge114such that the male end112may not be inserted farther than the ridge114would mechanically allow. A non-tapered portion111of the male end112of the first tree trunk section110may still include the aperture116configured to allow the wiring600to pass directly from the electrical connectors350and the inner and outer prongs330I,330O into the first tree trunk section110without being exposed to the external environment.

FIG. 8Adepicts a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled tree trunk100. As shown, the male end112of the first tree trunk section110may be configured to mate with the female end122of the second tree trunk section120via the coupling130. The second tree trunk section120may also include a male end129opposite the female end122, and the male end129may be configured to mate with a female end142of a third tree trunk section140via another coupling130(and so on, as there may be any number of tree trunk sections to create a tree of any size). In this configuration, power distribution subsystems disposed in different tree trunk sections110,120,140, etc. of the tree trunk100may be electrically connected. The first tree trunk section110may have wires610and620disposed within, which may be connected to inner and outer prongs330I,330O of the male component300of the coupling130. The outer and inner contact rings220,230proximal to the female end122of the second tree trunk section may be configured to pass a flow of electricity from the wires510and520to the inner and outer prongs330I,330O proximal to the male end112of the first tree trunk section where the wires510and520are partially disposed within the second tree trunk section120. Likewise the outer and inner contact rings220,230proximal to the female end142of the third tree trunk section may be configured to pass a flow of electricity from the wires510and520to the inner and outer prongs330I,330O proximal to the male end129of the of the second tree trunk section where the wires510and520are partially disposed within the third tree trunk section140. Extending away from the coupling130, the wires510and520may be configured to pass a flow of electricity to one or more electrical power outlets150, and be connected to additional wires610and620. Proximate the lowest tree trunk section (as shown, the third tree trunk section140), a power cord160may extend from the tree trunk100and be connectable to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet). Thus, the wires510,520,610, and620, as part of the power distribution subsystems, may enable power to flow from a power source through the tree and to certain pluggable accessories, such as a one or more lights or strands of lights. The lights or strands of lights can therefore be illuminated when power is supplied to the tree via the power cord160.

The one or more electrical power outlets150, which may be provided along the length of the assembled tree trunk100, may be configured to receive power from wires510,520,610, or620to provide a user with the ability to plug in devices, such as tree lights or other electrical components. By providing a convenient location to plug in lights, electrical power outlets150can minimize the amount of effort required to decorate a tree. More specifically, a user can plug a strand of lights directly into an electrical power outlet150on a trunk section100, instead of having to connect a series of strands together, which can be cumbersome and frustrating for a user.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can further comprise strands of lights that are unitarily integrated with the power transfer system. Thus, the lights can be connected to the wires510,520,610, or620without the need for electrical power outlets150, although the electrical power outlets150can be optionally included. Such embodiments can be desirable for trees that come pre-strung with lights, for example.

In some embodiments, one or more sections of the tree trunk100can include the power cord160for receiving power from an outside power source, such as a wall outlet. The power cord160may be configured to engage a power source and distribute power to the rest of the tree. More specifically, power can flow from the wall outlet, through the power cord160, through the one or more power distribution subsystems disposed within the tree trunk100, and to accessories on the tree, such as lights or strands of lights. In some embodiments, the power cord160can be located on a lower trunk section100of the tree for reasons of convenience and appearance, i.e., the power cord160is close to the wall outlets and exits the tree at a location that is not immediately visible.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can also comprise a bottom section144of one or more trunk sections (e.g., the bottommost tree trunk section) of the tree trunk100. As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the bottommost tree trunk section (e.g., the third tree trunk section140) has a female end142proximate its top end, and the bottom section144in lieu of a male end at its bottom end. The bottom section144can be substantially conical in shape, and can be configured to engage a stand for the tree (not shown). Accordingly, the bottom section144can be inserted into the stand, and the stand can support the tree, usually in a substantially vertical position. Correspondingly, the uppermost tree trunk section of the tree trunk100(e.g., the first tree trunk section110) may have a male end112proximate its bottom end and may not have a female end proximate its top end. Instead of having a female end, the top end of an uppermost tree trunk section may be configured to resemble an upper portion of a tree or attachably receive a top cover that resembles an upper portion of a tree.

In some embodiments, it can be advantageous for a lowest trunk section140of a tree trunk100to comprise a female end142of a power distribution subsystem. During assembly, a male end129of a power distribution subsystem of a neighboring trunk section120can be joined with the female end142of the lowest trunk section140. This can improve safety during assembly because the exposed male prongs are not energized, i.e., they do not have electricity flowing through them until they are inserted into the female end142. To the contrary, if the lowest trunk section comprises a male end, energized prongs can be exposed, and accidental electrical shock can result. Ideally, the power cord160may not be plugged into a wall outlet until the tree is fully assembled, but embodiments of the present disclosure are designed to minimize the risk of injury if the tree is plugged in prematurely.

In addition, in some embodiments, all of the trunk sections can be configured so that the male end112,129may be proximate a bottom end of each trunk section, and the female end122,142is the top end. In this manner, if the power cord160is plugged in during assembly, the risk of injury is minimized because energized male prongs are not exposed. Further, it may be easier to stack the male end112,129of each trunk section into the female end122,142of the lower tree trunk section during assembly. In alternate embodiments, however, the male end112,129may be proximate a top end of each trunk section, and the female end122,142may be proximate a bottom end of each trunk section.

FIG. 8Bis an external, side view of an assembled tree trunk according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Three tree trunk sections110,120,140are assembled and physically connected to one another to support the tree. As discussed previously, it can be desirable to use a sleeve system to secure one tree trunk section100to another tree trunk section100, with the tapered section of each male end112,129inserting into a larger diameter female end122,142of the neighboring tree trunk section. The electrical power outlets150and the power cord160are also shown.

FIG. 9shows an assembled tree700in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The tree700may have been assembled by electrically connecting various sections of the tree trunk100as described herein, and can be been decorated as desired with electronic and non-electronic decorations. A person having skill in the art would understand that the assembled tree trunk sections100may be positioned proximate the central vertical axis of the tree700, that a plurality of branches may attach to the tree trunk sections100to resemble a natural tree, and that lights may be strung on or in (or otherwise attached to) the branches to decorate the tree700.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used or modifications and additions can 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 disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, other equivalent methods or composition to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.