Patent Publication Number: US-9894949-B1

Title: Lighted artificial tree with improved electrical connections

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/909,904 filed Nov. 27, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to lighted artificial trees. More specifically, the present invention is directed to lighted artificial trees having enhanced safety and convenience features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lighted artificial trees may be configured to operate on alternating-current (AC) voltage or direct-current (DC) voltage to power the decorative light strings of the tree. AC power is often used to power decorative light strings having traditional incandescent bulbs, while DC power is often to power decorative light strings having light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It is generally accepted that DC power presents less of a safety hazard than AC power, particularly in the field of decorative lighting. 
     To address the electrical safety hazards associated with operating AC decorative light strings, decorative light strings typically include a fuse located in the power plug of the decorative light string. 
     However, with the advent of larger trees with more and more lights, and trees that electrically connect between trunk sections, a simple fuse in a light string is no longer adequate to address the safety considerations associated with AC power. 
     SUMMARY 
     Lighted artificial trees of the claimed invention address shortcomings of the prior art by including a number of safety features that reduce the possibility of electrical shock, shorting, arcing, and so on. Such features include isolated electrical terminals that make and break electrical connection at substantially the same time so as to prevent unwanted electrical arcing between terminals, fused connections between tree sections to prevent over-current situations, tree-top accessory power with fused connectors for powering tree-top ornaments, easy-to-use mechanical trunk connectors configured to interlock with only matching trunk sections so as to avoid accidental coupling of trees of different electrical configurations, and more. 
     An embodiment of a lighted artificial tree of the invention includes a first tree section including a trunk, wiring assembly, trunk electrical connector, and a light string, the trunk electrical connector including a fuse located in series between the wiring assembly and the light string. The tree also includes a second tree section including a trunk, wiring assembly, and trunk electrical connector. The first tree section is configured to couple to the second tree section to as to make an electrical connection between the first trunk section and the second trunk section. 
     In another embodiment, a lighted artificial tree, comprises: a first tree section including a trunk, wiring assembly and trunk electrical connector; a second tree section including a trunk, wiring assembly and trunk electrical connector; wherein the trunk electrical connector is configured to couple to the second trunk electrical connector such that a first polarity electrical terminal of the first trunk electrical connector makes initial electrical connection with a first polarity electrical terminal of the trunk electrical connector of the second tree section when a second polarity electrical terminal of the first trunk electrical connector makes initial electrical connection with a second polarity electrical terminal of the second trunk electrical connector of the second tree section. 
     In another embodiment, a tree coupling system for a set of lighted artificial trees comprises: a first lighted artificial tree having a first pair of trunk connectors coupling a first tree section to a second tree section; a second lighted artificial tree having a second pair of trunk connectors coupling a first tree section to a second tree section; wherein the either of the first pair of trunk connectors cannot fully couple with either of the second pair of trunk connectors such that a first tree section of a first tree cannot be coupled to a second tree section of the second tree. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention can be understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a lighted artificial tree with improved electrical connections, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a wiring system of the tree of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic of a first tree section of the tree of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic of a second tree section of the tree of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical schematic of a third tree section of the tree of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of an assembled female trunk electrical connector, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 , with a housing and cap depicted in cross-section; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 , when assembled; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a first electrical terminal of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a left-side, perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the terminal of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view the terminal of  FIG. 12  and associated connecting wires, prior to connection; 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view the terminal of  FIG. 12  and associated connecting wires, after connection; 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a second electrical terminal of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 6 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a left-side, perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the terminal of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 18  and associated connecting wires, prior to connection; 
         FIG. 22  is a is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 18  and associated connecting wires, after connection; 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of a male trunk electrical connector of the tree of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 , with a housing and cap depicted in cross section; 
         FIG. 27  is an assembled view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 , with the housing and cap in cross section; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of a first electrical terminal of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of the first electrical terminal of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a left-side, perspective view of the first electrical terminal of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of the first electrical terminal of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 29  and associated connecting wires, prior to connection; 
         FIG. 34  is a is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 29  and associated connecting wires, after connection; 
         FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of a second electrical terminal of the trunk electrical connector of  FIG. 23 , according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a left-side, perspective view of the second electrical terminal of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a top view of the second electrical terminal of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 35  and associated connecting wires, prior to connection; 
         FIG. 39  is a is a front perspective view of the terminal of  FIG. 35  and associated connecting wires, after connection; 
         FIGS. 40A and 40B  depict an initial electrical connection between pairs of electrical terminals, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
         FIG. 41  depicts an initial electrical connection between four electrical terminals of a first trunk electrical connector and four electrical terminals of a second trunk electrical connector. 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of a housing of a female trunk electrical connector and a housing of a male trunk electrical connector, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; and 
         FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of a housing and electrical terminal pair of a female trunk electrical connector and a housing and electrical terminal pair of a male trunk electrical connector, according to an embodiment of the claimed invention; 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of an improved lighted artificial tree  100  having improved electrical connections is depicted. In an embodiment, and as depicted, tree  100  includes base  102  and a plurality of tree sections, including first tree section  104 , second tree section  106 , and third tree section  108 . Although tree  100  as depicted includes three tree sections, it will be understood that tree  100  may include more or fewer tree sections. 
     As will be described further in greater detail, tree  100  is configured to receive power from an external power supply, with power being distributed through trunks of each tree section to power lights distributed about the tree. Embodiments of tree  100 , though improved, are similar to embodiments of lighted trees described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,434,186 issued Jun. 4, 2013 and entitled Modular Lighted Tree, and US Pub. No. 2013/0163231, published Jun. 27, 2013 and entitled Modular Lighted Artificial Tree, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     Tree section  104  includes trunk portion  110 , a plurality of branches  112 , wiring assembly  114 , and a plurality of decorative light strings  116 . Decorative light strings  116  may be distributed about branches  112 , such as being draped onto an outside portion of branches  112 . In an embodiment, light strings  116  may be secured to branches  112  simply by wrapping wiring from the light strings about the branches; in another embodiment, light strings  116  are affixed to branches  112  with clips, or otherwise attached to branches  112 . 
     In an embodiment, trunk portion  110  defines a generally cylindrical body having proximal or bottom end  118  and distal or top end  120 . Bottom end  118  is configured to be received by base  102 , thereby securing tree section  104  in a generally vertical orientation along Axis A. Top end  120  is configured to receive a portion of tree section  106 , as will be described further below. Trunk portion  110  may define a generally hollow body, or alternatively, may be partially hollow, defining trunk cavity  122 . In an embodiment, cavity  116  extends from bottom end  112  to top end  114 . 
     Branches  112  are coupled to trunk portion  110 , and extend outwardly and away from trunk portion  110 . Branches  112  may be coupled to trunk portion  110  via branch rings  124  in a configuration that allows pivoting of branches  112  about rings  124 . 
     Wiring assembly  114 , in an embodiment, includes power cord portion  126 . Power cord  126 , in an embodiment, includes first conductor  128 , second conductor  130 , and power plug  132 . Power plug  132 , in an embodiment, includes first electrical terminal  134 , second electrical terminal  136 , electrical fuse  138  and housing  139 . First electrical terminal  134  is electrically connected to first conductor  128  through fuse  138  which is electrically in series with first conductor  128  and first electrical terminal  134 ; second electrical terminal  136  is electrically connected to second conductor  130 . While power plug  132  is depicted with a single fuse, which may be a primary fuse, it will be understood that power plug  132  may include multiple fuses, including a second fuse  138  electrically connected in series between second electrical terminal  136  and second conductor  130 . In another embodiment, power plug  132  includes only a single fuse connected to terminal  136 . In an embodiment in which tree  100  receives alternating-current (AC) power, first conductor  128  conducts a “line”, “hot”, or positive electrical signal, while second conductor  130  conducts a neutral or ground electrical signal. 
     It will be understood that the term “fuse” refers to an electrical fuse designed to open or break an electrical connection when an electrical current flowing through the fuse exceeds a predetermined value, or another parameter indicative of electrical current, exceeds a predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, a fuse  138  includes a conductive strip that melts when a current flowing through the fuse exceeds a predetermined approximate value. 
     As described further below, wiring assembly  114  also includes a wiring portion located within trunk cavity  122  and may also include light-string wiring assembly portions  140  extending outside trunk portion  110 . In an embodiment, and as depicted, wiring assembly portions  140  each include a first wire  142  and a second wire  144 . In an embodiment, first wire  142  is in electrical communication with first power cord wire  128  and second wire  144  is in electrical communication with second power cord wire  130 . 
     Wiring portions  140  in an embodiment also include a pair of electrical connectors  146  and  148  electrically connected to first and second wires  142  and  144 , respectively. As depicted, connectors  146  and  148  comprise lamp sockets that couple with a light string  116 , such that connectors  146  and  148  may each include a lamp of light string  116 . In an embodiment, portions of wiring portions  140  extend from trunk cavity  122  to the outside via an opening in trunk portion  110 . In another embodiment, wiring portions  140  do not extend outside trunk portion  110 . In such an embodiment, light strings  116  may connect to a light string connector that is located at a surface of trunk portion  110 , and configured to connect to an end connector of a light string  116 . Embodiments of light string connectors and end connectors of light strings are depicted and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,454,186, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In other embodiments, electrical connectors  146  may comprise other electrical connectors, and may be integrated together to form a single electrical connector. In the depicted configuration of two separate connectors, tree  100  may be configured to include series-connected decorative light strings  116 , or series-parallel connected light strings, as described further below. 
     Light strings  116  are in electrical connection or communication with wiring assembly portions  140 . In an embodiment, wiring assembly portions  240  form a portion of light string  116 . In other embodiments, light strings  116  may be detachably coupled to wiring assembly portions  140  via one or more connectors. 
     Light strings  116  generally include light string wiring  150 , sockets  152  and lighting elements  154 . Light string wiring  150  is in electrical connection with wires  146  and  148 , and thereby is in electrical communication with power cord  126 . 
     Lighting elements  154  may include any of a variety of lights or lamps, including incandescent bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and so on. 
     Lighting elements  154  may be electrically connected in series, as depicted, such that light string  116  comprises a series-connected light string, such as light string  116   a . Lighting elements  154  may also be configured in a series-parallel configuration, such that a first group of lighting elements  154  are electrically configured in series, a second group of lighting elements  154  are electrically connected in series, and the first group and the second group are electrically connected in parallel. In another embodiment, lighting elements  154  are electrically connected in parallel. In another embodiment, groups of lighting elements  154  are electrically connected in parallel, and the groups are electrically connected in series, to form a parallel-series connected light string  116   b.    
     As will be described further below with respect to  FIG. 2 , tree section  104  also includes a trunk electrical connector for electrically connecting tree section  104  to tree section  106 . 
     Tree section  106  is substantially similar to tree section  104 , though tree section  106  generally does not include power cord  126 , and includes a first trunk electrical connector and a second trunk electrical connector, as described below with respect to  FIG. 2 , to electrically connect tree section  106  to tree sections  104  and  108 . 
     As such, tree section  106  includes trunk portion  160 , branches  112 , wiring assembly  162 , and light strings  116 . Similar to tree section  104 , and its wiring assembly  114 , portions of wiring assembly  162  may extend from inside trunk portion  160  to outside trunk portion  160  so as to electrically connect to light strings  116 . 
     Trunk portion  160  includes first or bottom end  164 , second or top end  166 , and defines trunk cavity  168 . In an embodiment, bottom end  164  may be tapered, or otherwise configured to fit into top end  120  of trunk portion  110  so as to couple trunk portion  110  to trunk portion  160 . In other embodiments, top portion  120  may be tapered to fit into bottom portion  164 . In other embodiments, other mechanical trunk coupling configurations may be used, including a coupling device that joins the two trunk portions. Other embodiments for coupling the trunk portions may also be used. 
     Tree section  108 , in an embodiment and as depicted may not include a trunk portion similar to trunk portions of tree sections  104  and  106 , but rather, may include a trunk connector  170  and a mast  172 , as well as wiring assembly  174  and lights  116 . In an alternate embodiment, tree section  108  may be similar to tree section  106 , and include a trunk portion similar to trunk portion  160 , rather than connector  170  and mast  172 . 
     In an embodiment, trunk connector  170  mechanically and electrically connects tree section  108  to tree section  106 , and is configured to be inserted into top end  166  of tree section  106 . 
     In an embodiment, mast  172  is coupled to connector  170  and supports branches  172 . In an embodiment, mast  172  comprises a plastic material. Mast  172  may generally comprise an outside diameter that is smaller than an outside diameter of trunk portions  110  and  160 , and in an embodiment, may be configured to be received at a top end by an optional electrified tree-top ornament  175 . 
     Wiring assembly  174 , in addition to wiring and connectors for light strings  116 , may also include an accessory power connector  180  for supplying power to tree-top ornament  175 . Accessory power connector  180 , in an embodiment includes first wire  182 , second wire  184 , and receptacle  186 . First and second wires  182  and  184  are in electrical connection with power cord  114  to receive power from an external source, which may provide power not only to light strings  116 , but also to tree-top ornament  175 , or other accessories added to tree  100 . Power receptacle  186  includes a pair electrical terminals electrically connected to wires  182  and  184 , and which are configured to make contact with the electrical terminals of a power plug of tree-top  174 , or another electrified accessory. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of wiring assemblies of tree  100 , comprising tree wiring system  190 , are depicted. Tree wiring system  190  includes first wire assembly  114 , second wire assembly  162 , and third wire assembly  174 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 3 , depicting an electrical schematic of wire assembly  114 , wire assembly  114  includes wiring having primary power wires  128  and  130  (of power cord  126 ), multiple sets of light string wiring portions  140 , each with a first wire  142  and a second wire  144 , and trunk electrical connector  200 . Generally, power is transmitted from an external power source through primary power wires  128  and  130  to trunk electrical connector  200 , then distributed to light strings  116  and light string wiring portions  140  via pairs of wires  142  and  144 . 
     Electrical connector  200 , as described further below, also includes electrical terminals  202  and  204  configured to electrically connect to wiring assembly  162 , as well as one or more tree-section fuses  206 . Tree-section fuse  206  is electrically connected to primary power wire  126 , which is generally a live or hot conductor and in an embodiment, to each of light strings  116  via conductors or wires  142 , such that current to light strings  116  of first tree section  104  passes through one or more tree-section fuses  206 . In an embodiment, a second tree-section fuse  206  may be connected in line with primary conductor  128  such that wiring assembly  114  includes two fuses  206 . In another embodiment, only one fuse  206  is present, and is connected to line  128 . 
     Fuse  206  may be housed or located within trunk electrical connector  200  (and  210  as described below), or in another embodiment, may be outside of trunk electrical  200 . In an embodiment, fuse  206  is not within trunk electrical connector  200 , but is still within trunk cavity  122 . In one such embodiment, fuse  206  is housed in a dedicated fuse housing; in another embodiment, fuse  206  is housed in, or at least attached to, a light string connector or clip that is attached to a trunk wall of trunk portion  110 . In another embodiment wherein fuse  206  comprises part of a light string connector, the light string connector is outside of trunk cavity  122 . 
     Further, although as depicted, wiring assembly  114  includes a single fuse  206  electrically connected to all of the light strings  116  of tree section  104 , in other embodiments, wiring assembly  114  may include multiple fuses  206  electrically connected to the multiple light strings  116 . In one such embodiment, two fuses  206  are used, a first fuse  206  electrically connected to some of, such as half of, the multiple light strings  116 , and a second fuse  206  electrically connected to the other multiple light strings  116 . It will be understood that a single fuse  206  may therefore be connected to one, two, or more light strings  116 . 
     As depicted, one or more wires  142  are electrically connected to conductor  126  through fuse  206 . Such electrical connection may be accomplished as described below with respect to  FIGS. 6-39 . In other embodiments, fuse  206  may be electrically connected to conductor  126  and/or terminal  202  by other means, such as by other types of electrical conductors, including flexible conductors such as solid or stranded wire conductors. 
     Primary fuse  138  protects against excessive current draw occurring in any portion of tree  100 . Such excessive current draw could be the result of shorting of primary power wires, defective or malfunctioning light strings and so on. 
     Tree-section fuse  206  provides an additional degree of over-current protection for tree  100  by protecting against excessive current draw in light strings  116  of first tree section  104 . In an embodiment, tree-section fuse  206  has a lower current rating as compared to primary fuse  138  because only a portion of the overall current of tree  100  flows through tree-section fuse  206 . In an embodiment, fuse  206  has the same rating as fuse  138 . 
     In traditional lighted artificial trees, a number of decorative lights strings, each having a fused plug, may be distributed about the tree. While this provides a degree of protection for any individual light string, tree  100 , such a configuration would not be ideal for a tree having a wiring system  190  with common power wires traversing the tree trunk, such as tree  100 . The multi-fuse configuration of tree  100  provides over-current protection for the entire tree, as well as individual tree sections. As will be discussed further below, an additional accessory fuse adds another element of overcurrent protection. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , second wiring assembly  162  is substantially similar to first wiring assembly  114 , with the exception of an additional trunk electrical connector, rather than a power plug. 
     In an embodiment, second wiring assembly  162  includes power, main, or bus wires  212  and  214 , light-string wiring portions  140 , trunk electrical connector  210  and trunk electrical connector  200 . 
     As will be described further below, trunk electrical connector  210  is electrically similar to trunk electrical connector  200 . Trunk electrical connector  210  includes a tree-section fuse  206 , and a pair of conductive electrical terminals  213  and  215  configured to electrically connect to terminals  202  and  204 , respectively, so as to make electrical connection between tree sections  104  and  106 , such that power is transmitted from primary power wires  128  and  130  to power wires  212  and  214 , respectively. The mechanical features of trunk electrical connector  210  will be described further below. 
     In an embodiment, power wire  212  is electrically connected to primary power wire  126  and power wire  214  is electrically connected to primary power wire  128  when wiring assembly  162  is connected wiring assembly  114  via connectors  200  and  210 . As such, power is conducted from connector  210  to connector  200  (of second wiring assembly  162 ). Wiring portions  140  are in electrical connection with power wires  212  and  214  through one of electrical connector  210  or electrical connector  200 , such that light strings  116  receive power when tree  100  is assembled. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , wiring assembly  174  includes power wires  182  and  184 , which in an embodiment, are live, hot, or positive, and neutral, ground, or negative, thereby providing power from terminals  216  and  218  to power-plug receptacle  180 . Wiring assembly  174  includes fuse  206 , power-plug receptacle  180  and light-string wiring  140 . 
     Consequently, when tree sections  104 ,  106 , and  108  are coupled together, wiring assemblies  114 ,  162 , and  174  are in electrical connection, and power is transmitted from power cord  126  throughout tree  100 , providing power to light strings  116  and to accessory power-plug receptacle  180 . 
     Further, in an embodiment, electrical current flowing to each tree section  104 ,  106 , and  108  flows through at least one tree-section-dedicated fuse, thereby preventing potentially dangerous over-current situations in any particular tree section. This arrangement also makes fuse replacement more convenient as compared to removing a light string from a tree to find and replace an individual light string fuse. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-11 , an embodiment of trunk electrical connector  200  is depicted. Trunk electrical connector  200  functions as an electrical hub connector, securing wiring inside a trunk cavity, making multiple electrical connections to light strings, and providing connection to adjacent tree sections. 
     Herein, trunk electrical connector  200  may be referred to as a “female” electrical connector, but it will be understood that embodiments of trunk electrical connector  200  are not intended to be limited to connectors having only “female” electrical terminals or other “female” mechanical features. 
     The depicted wiring assembly will be referenced as wiring assembly  114 , though it will be understood that multiple trunk electrical connectors  200  may be used in a single tree  100 , such that a connector  200  may be connected to other wiring assemblies other than wiring assembly  114 . 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted, trunk electrical connector  200  includes first polarity electrical terminal  202 , second polarity electrical terminal  204 , fuse  206 , housing  220 , wire retainer  222  and end cap  224 . 
     Housing  220  in an embodiment comprises a generally cylindrically shape defining a generally circular cross-sectional shape, such that housing  220  may be inserted into a trunk body  121  or  161  receiving cavity. In other embodiments, housing  220  may comprise other shapes adapted to fit into trunk body  121  or  161 . 
     In an embodiment, housing  220  comprises a generally non-conductive material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and so on. 
     Housing  220  includes proximal end  310  and distal end  226  and defines wire-retainer cavity  228  and first terminal cavity  230 . As depicted, distal end  224  includes projecting wall  232 , a plurality of tooth-like projections  234  circumferentially distributed about, and upon, surface  236 . In an embodiment, projections or teeth  234  are equidistantly spaced so as to facilitate universal coupling with projections of an associated connector. As will be explained further below, when coupled with connector  210  having similar tooth-like projections, connectors  200  and  210  will generally be rotationally locked relative to one another. 
     Housing  220  may also define one or more locating bores  231  used to pin or secure a rotational and axial position of connector  200  to a trunk portion. In an embodiment, an inward projecting “dent” or protrusion in a wall of a trunk portion is received by a bore  231  to secure housing  220  and connector  200 . In another embodiment, a fastener is inserted through a wall of a trunk portion and through a bore  231  to secure housing  220  relative to a trunk portion. 
     Wire retainer  222  in an embodiment comprises a generally non-conductive or insulating material, and includes distal end  240  and proximal end  242 . Wire retainer  222 , in an embodiment, comprises a generally disc-like shape. As depicted, wire retainer  222  includes a plurality, or as depicted, six wire-set-receiving recesses  244 , two adapted to receive inner-trunk power wires comprising first polarity wire  126  and second polarity wire  128 , two to receive two light-string power wires  142  of a first polarity, and two to receive two light-string power wires  144  of a second polarity. Wire retainer  222  may also include cylindrical projection  245  which separates and isolates electrical terminals  202  and  204 . 
     Each wire-set-receiving recess  244  includes a pair of wire recesses  246  and  248  separated by wire-separating block  250 . Wire recesses  246  and  248  are sized to receive a wire of wiring  142  or  144 . 
     Wire retainer  222  is configured to be received by housing  220  in cavity  228 . 
     End cap  224  comprises a generally non-conductive material, includes base portion  252  and a plurality of upwardly projecting extensions  254 , and defines wire aperture  256 . End cap  224  is configured to couple to housing  220  and in an embodiment to wire retainer  222 . In an embodiment end cap  224  fits via a snap fit into housing  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , an embodiment of first electrical polarity terminal  202  is depicted. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 12 , an exploded view of terminal  202  with fuse  206  is depicted. In an embodiment, electrical terminal  202  comprises two portions, first terminal portion  260  and second terminal portion  262 . First terminal portion  260  is generally configured to make electrical connection with a primary power wire, such as primary power wire  126 , which may comprise a first polarity. Second terminal portion  262  is configured to make electrical connection first terminal portion  260  via fuse  206 , and therefore primary power wire  126 , and to make electrical connection with light-string power wires  142 . Further details regarding connection of terminal  202  to power wires is depicted and described below with respect to  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-15 , first terminal portion  260  comprises a generally conductive material and includes base portion  264 , conducting arm  266  with wire-insulation-piercing, or wire-connection tip  268 , fuse bracket  270 , and trunk-connection portion  272 . 
     Conducting arm  266  projects outwardly and away from base  264 , and in an embodiment, forms a U-shaped portion  274  configured to seat in wire retainer  222  so as to secure first terminal portion to wire retainer  222 . Wire-insulation-piercing tip  268  is located at an end of arm  266  and in an embodiment, forms a triangular shape, with the tip being configured to pierce insulation of a wire, such as wire  126 . Wire-insulation-piercing tip  268  may comprise other shapes suitable for piercing wire insulation, such as a pin shape, conical shape, frusto-conical shape, and other shapes suitable for piercing wire insulation. 
     In other embodiments, conducting arms  266  may not be wire-piercing, but rather may otherwise join multiple wires electrically, or connect to one or more wires electrically by other means. In one such embodiment, rather than piercing an insulation of a wire to electrically connect to a single wire having two portions extending away from arm  266 , arm  266  may otherwise connect to one or more end portions of separate wires or wire portions  126 . In one such embodiment, wires are soldered to wire portions  126 , or connected by an electrical connector. The same may be true of other arms of the various terminals described herein. 
     Fuse bracket  270 , in an embodiment comprises a pair of bracket arms  276  configured to grip or hold a conductive end of fuse  206 , thereby creating an electrical connection between first terminal portion  260  and fuse  206 . 
     Trunk-connection portion  272 , in an embodiment, generally comprises a vertical structure projecting upward and away from base  264 . Trunk connection portion  272  is generally configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal of another trunk electrical connector, such as trunk electrical connector  210 . 
     In an embodiment, trunk-connection portion  272  includes plate  280  with ears  282  and upper portion  284 . Ears  282  are configured to be received by wire retainer  222  or in some embodiments by housing  220 , thereby contributing to securement of first terminal portion  260  to wire terminal  222 . 
     In an embodiment, upper portion  284  comprises a cylindrical shape formed by wall  286  having inside surface  288  and outside surface  290  and defining terminal-receiving cavity  292 . When connector  202  is coupled to connector  210 , terminal-receiving cavity  292  receives a portion of terminal  213 , which contacts inside surface  288 , thereby making an electrical connection between terminal  202  of connector  200  and terminal  213  of connector  210 . 
     In an embodiment, upper portion  284  includes a pair of tabs  294  projecting outwardly from wall  286 . When first terminal portion  260  is inserted into wire-retainer  222 , tabs  294  contact an inside surface of projection portion  245  of wire retainer  222 , thereby assisting in securing and stabilizing first terminal portion  260  within wire retainer  222 , and stabilizing upper portion  280  to minimize movement when receiving a portion of terminal  210  of connector  210 . 
     In other embodiments, upper portion  284  may comprise other shapes, rather than a cylindrical or tubular shape. In such embodiments, upper portion  284  may comprise a blade, spade, pin, ring, or other such known electrical terminals or electrical connectors, configured to couple to a corresponding electrical terminal  213  of trunk electrical connector  210 . 
     Second terminal portion  262  also comprises a conductive material, and is configured to couple to a second conductive end of fuse  206 . Second terminal portion  262 , in an embodiment, comprises base portion  300 , first conducting arm  302 , second conducting arm  304 , securing projection  306 , and fuse bracket  308 . 
     Each of first and second conducting arms  302  and  304  include wire-insulation-piercing tips  310 . Wire-insulation-piercing tips  310  may be substantially similar to wire-insulation-piercing tips  268  of first terminal portion  260 . In an embodiment, wire-insulation-piercing tips  310  may be smaller in size as compared to tips  268  since the wires and wire insulation pierced by tips  310 , such as light string power supply wires  142 , may be a smaller gauge wire as compared to a larger gauge wire of a primary power supply wire, such as wire  126 . In other embodiments, tips  268  and  310  are substantially the same size. 
     Securing projection  306  projects upward and away from base  300 , and is received by wire retainer  222 , thereby securing second terminal portion  262  within wire retainer  222 . Fuse bracket  308  is connected to base  300 , and in an embodiment, includes bracket arms  276 . Fuse bracket  308  detachably or releasably grips or holds a second end or portion of fuse  206 , similar to fuse bracket  270  of first terminal portion  260 . 
       FIGS. 13-15  depict front perspective, right-side perspective, and top views of first terminal portion  260  coupled to fuse  206  coupled to second terminal portion  262 . When assembled and connected to first polarity power wire  126 , first polarity voltage is available at all portions of first and second terminal portions  260  and  262 . In an overcurrent situation, fuse  206  breaks electrical connection between first terminal portion  260  and second terminal portion  262 , thereby stopping flow of current to light strings  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , portions of wire assembly  114  are depicted interacting with first and second terminal portions  260  and  270 . In an embodiment, first polarity power supply wire  126  is pierced by tip  268  of first terminal portion  260  such that tip  268  is in electrical connection with a conductor portion of wire  126 . First polarity light string power supply wires  142  are pierced by wire-insulation-piercing tips  310  of second terminal portion  262  such that tips  310  cut through the insulation of wires  142  to make electrical connection with a conductor portion of wires  144 , thereby making an electrical connection between wire  126  and wires  142  via first terminal portion  260 , fuse  206 , and second terminal portion  262 . 
     In this embodiment, each conductive arm  302  or  304  is in electrical connection with two wires  142 , which may be considered wire segments as each incoming wire is looped, bent, or doubled such that a wire portion on each side of the contact point of a tip  310  supplies a light string  116 . It will be understood that wires  142  may be contiguous as depicted, which is suitable for the wire-piercing embodiment described above, but wires  142  may also comprise non-contiguous, separate wires, wire segments, or conductors, that are electrically connected through the conductive terminal or a portion thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , second terminal  204  is depicted in a front perspective, right side perspective, and top view. Second terminal  204 , in an embodiment comprises a unitary, conductive structure, though in other embodiments, second terminal  204  may comprises an assembly of separate portions. As depicted in this embodiment, second terminal  204  includes upper portion  320 , base portion  322 , and a plurality of conductive arms, including first arm  324 , second arm  326 , and third arm  328 . 
     Upper portion  320 , in an embodiment comprises a cylindrical or tubular shape, though in other embodiments, may comprise other shapes, similar to those described above with respect to  284 . Upper portion  320 , in an embodiment, comprises wall  330  which defines cavity  332 . In an embodiment, top portion  334  of upper portion  320  has a tapered or beveled edge or lip  336 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 9-11 , upper portion  320  is configured to receive projection  245  of wire retainer  222 . In an embodiment, and as depicted, an assembled height of upper portion  320  is less than a height of upper portion  284  of first terminal  202 ; in another embodiment, the heights may be approximately the same, or upper portion  320  have a height lower than portion  284 . The differences in relative height after assembly reduces the probability of arcing between first terminal  202  and second terminal  204 , as does the imposition of portion  245  between portions  284  and  320 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 18-20 , upper portion  320  projects upwardly and away from base  322 , which in an embodiment, forms a ring, such as an annular ring. 
     Conductive arms  324 ,  326 , and  326  include wire-insulation-piercing tips  268 ,  310 , and  310 , respectively. In an embodiment, conductive arms are spaced about base  322 , and project outwardly from base  322 , then downwardly, forming an L shape, with tips  268  and  310  projecting in a plane generally parallel to base  322  and portions of arms projecting outwardly from base  322 . 
     In an embodiment, arm  324  may be larger than arms  326  and  328  as arm  324  connects to a larger primary power wire  128  as compared to the smaller light string power supply wires  144 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , electrical terminal  204  is depicted connected to portions of wiring assembly  114 , namely second polarity primary power supply wire  128  and light string power supply wires  144 . 
     When assembled, second polarity primary power wire  128  is pierced by tip  268  of terminal  204  such that terminal  204  is in electrical connection with wire  128 . Second polarity light string wires  144  are pierced by tips  310  such that wires  144  are in electrical connection with terminal  204  and with wire  128 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-28 , an embodiment of trunk electrical connector  210  is depicted. In an embodiment, trunk electrical connector  210  may be considered a “male” connector, having a portion received by a “female” counterpart of a trunk electrical connector  200 . 
     In an embodiment, trunk electrical connector  210  comprises first polarity electrical terminal  213 , second polarity electrical terminal  215 , housing  340 , wire retainer  342  and end cap  344 . 
     In an embodiment, housing  340  is substantially the same as housing  220 , with at least the exception of some structural differences at a top portion of housing  340 . 
     Housing  340  in an embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical shape defining a generally circular cross-sectional shape, such that housing  340  may be inserted into a trunk body  121  or  161  receiving cavity. In other embodiments, housing  340  may comprise other shapes adapted to fit into trunk body  121  or  161 . 
     In an embodiment, housing  340  comprises a non-conductive material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and so on. 
     Housing  340  includes proximal end  350  and distal end  352  and defines wire-retainer cavity  354  and first terminal cavity  356 . As depicted, distal end  352  includes projecting wall  358 , a plurality of tooth-like projections  360  circumferentially distributed about, and upon, surface  362 . As will be explained further below, when coupled with connector  200  having similar tooth-like projections, connectors  200  and  210  will generally be rotationally locked relative to one another. 
     Housing  340  may also define one or more locating bores  231  used to pin or secure a rotational and axial position of connector  210  relative to a trunk portion. 
     Wire retainer  342  in an embodiment is similar to wire retainer  222 , but may not, as depicted, include projecting portion  245 , and may include different structure for receiving and supporting terminals  213  and  215 . 
     In an embodiment, wire retainer  342  comprises a non-conductive or insulating material. Wire retainer  342 , in an embodiment, comprises a generally disc-like or barrel-like shape. As depicted, wire retainer  342  includes a plurality, or as depicted, six wire-set-receiving recesses  244 , two adapted to receive inner-trunk power wires comprising first polarity wire  212  and second polarity wire  214 , two to receive two light-string power wires  142  of a first polarity, and two to receive two light-string power wires  144  of a second polarity. The number of recesses  244  may vary depending on the number of wires used. 
     Wire retainer  342  is configured to be received by housing  340  in cavity  354 . 
     End cap  344  comprises a generally non-conductive material, includes base portion  370  and a plurality of upwardly projecting extensions  372 , and defines wire aperture  374 . End cap  224  is configured to couple to housing  340  and in an embodiment to wire retainer  222 . In an embodiment end cap  344  fits via a snap fit into housing  340 . Projections  372 , in an embodiment, may be configured to fit into slots in housing  340 , or otherwise couple to an interior surface of housing  340 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29-32 , electrical terminal  213  is depicted. In general, electrical terminal  213  is similar to electrical terminal  202  of trunk electrical connector  200 , though terminal  213  comprises a somewhat different geometry, and rather than a female or open cylindrical upper portion  284 , terminal  213  includes a male, probe, or pin-like upper portion. 
     In an embodiment, first polarity electrical terminal  213  includes first electrical terminal portion  380  joined to second electrical terminal portion  382  by fuse  206 . First terminal portion  380  is generally configured to make electrical connection with a primary power wire, such as primary power wire  212 . Second terminal portion  382  is configured to make electrical connection to first terminal portion  380  via fuse  206 , and therefore primary power wire  212 , and to make electrical connection with light-string power wires  142 . Further details regarding connection of terminal  202  to power wires is depicted and described below with respect to  FIGS. 33 and 34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 29-32 , first terminal portion  380  comprises a generally conductive material and includes base portion  384 , conducting arm  386  with wire-insulation-piercing tip  268 , fuse bracket  390 , and trunk-connection portion  392 , which as depicted, includes a pin, which may extend axially along Axis A (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Conducting arm  386  projects outwardly and away from base  384 . Wire-insulation-piercing tip  268  is located at an end of arm  386  and in an embodiment, forms a triangular shape, with the tip being configured to pierce insulation of a wire, such as wire  212 . Wire-insulation-piercing tip  268  may comprise other shapes suitable for piercing wire insulation, such as a pin shape, conical shape, frustoconical shape, and other shapes suitable for piercing wire insulation. 
     In other embodiments, conducting arm  386  may not be wire-piercing, but rather may otherwise join multiple wires electrically, or connect to one or more wires electrically by other means. In one such embodiment, rather than piercing an insulation of a wire to electrically connect to a single wire having two portions extending away from arm  386 , arm  386  may otherwise connect to one or more end portions of separate wires or wire portions  212 . In one such embodiment, wires are soldered to wire portions  212 , or connected by an electrical connector. The same may be true of other arms of the various terminals described herein. 
     Fuse bracket  390 , in an embodiment comprises a pair of bracket arms  276  configured to grip or hold a conductive end of fuse  206 , thereby creating an electrical connection between first terminal portion  380  and fuse  206 . 
     Trunk-connection portion  272 , in an embodiment, generally comprises a vertical structure projecting upward and away from base  264 . Trunk connection portion  272  is generally configured to electrically connect to an electrical terminal of another trunk electrical connector, such as trunk electrical connector  210 . 
     Second electrical terminal portion  382  comprises base portion  300 , first conducting arm  402 , second conducting arm  404 , securing projection  406 , and fuse bracket  408 . In an embodiment, second electrical terminal portion  382  is substantially the same as second terminal portion  262 , with the exception that the fuse bracket is located on a left side rather than a right side of the conducting arms. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , electrical terminal  213  is depicted firstly detached from wires  212  and  142 , then in electrical connection with wires  212  and  142 . Similar to the connection of terminal  202 , conducting arm  386  pierces and makes electrical connection with first polarity wire  212 , and conducting arms  402  and  404  make electrical connection with first polarity light string wires  142 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 35-37 , second polarity electrical terminal  215  is depicted. In this embodiment, electrical terminal  215  is similar to electrical terminal  204 , and includes upper portion  440 , base  442 , primary conducting arm  444 , and light string conducting arms  446  and  448 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , second polarity electrical terminal  315  is depicted with second polarity primary power wire  214  and second polarity light string wires  144 . Conducting arm  444  pierces wire  214 ; conducting arm  446  pierces a wire  144 ; and conducting arm  448  pierces another wire  144 . When connected, terminal  315  is in electrical connection with wires  214  and  144  via conducting arms  444 ,  446 , and  448 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 40A and 40B , the electrical terminals of an embodiment of a male trunk electrical connector  210  making initial electrical connection with an embodiment of a female trunk electrical connector  200  is depicted. The lighted artificial tree electrical connection system of tree  100  provides a number of safety features that reduce or eliminate the possibility of electrical arcing between trunk connections, or between foreign objects and individual trunk connectors. 
     These features include, but are not limited to: electrical terminals that connect at different “heights” or positions along Axis A so as to reduce accidental arcing between terminals of opposite polarity; pairs of electrical terminals that make or break electrical connection at substantially the same time when trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  are coupled, again, thereby eliminating the possibility of accidental arcing; and isolation and separation of individual electrical terminals by non-conductive structural features of the trunk electrical connectors. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 40A , first polarity electrical terminal  202  of trunk electrical connector  200 , which in an embodiment is a line or positive polarity as described above, makes initial electrical connection with first polarity electrical terminal  213  of trunk electrical connector  210 . When in this initial contact position, trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  may not be fully coupled or seated to one another, but may only be partially coupled. At this initial contact position, second polarity electrical terminal  204 , which in an embodiment comprises a neutral or negative polarity, also makes initial electrical connection with corresponding second polarity electrical terminal  215  of trunk electrical connector  210 . 
     As such, the pair of first polarity electrical terminals  202  and  213  make electrical connection at an initial contact area CA 1  at approximately the same moment of time during assembly, as do the pair of second polarity electrical terminals  204  and  215 , which make electrical connection at an initial contact area CA 2 . Such simultaneous connection prevents situations such as a neutral connection being made first by terminals  204  and  215 , which may result in arcing between terminals  202  and  213  as they are brought close to one another. Similarly, the pairs of electrical terminals will “break” at approximately the same time when trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  are decoupled or separated. Consequently, the above description referring to connectors “making” is generally applicable to the terminals or connectors “breaking” or disconnecting. 
     In an embodiment, contact area CA 1  is displaced axially from contact area CA 2 , such that the electrical connection between terminals  202 // 213  occurs at a location displaced axially from the electrical connection between terminals  204 / 215 , thereby reducing the possibility of arcing between pairs of terminals not intended to be in electrical connection. 
     As depicted, male electrical terminal  213  is aligned, or extends axially, along Axis A, while terminals  202 ,  204 , and  215  are cylindrical terminals concentric about Axis A. However, in other embodiments, electrical terminals  202 ,  204 ,  213 , and  215  may comprise other structures and be positioned differently relative to Axis A, while still maintaining the anti-arcing feature wherein pairs of same-polarity terminals make at the same time, and wherein those terminals may also make at the same time at different axial positions along Axis A. 
     In one such alternate embodiment, terminal  202  comprises an open-ended cylindrical terminal, such that all electrical terminals are generally cylindrical; in another embodiment, electrical terminal  202  and  213  are not aligned along central Axis A, such as the case where electrical terminal  202  comprises a pin-like terminal positioned along an axis other than Axis A, and electrical terminal  213  comprises an annular, disc, or doughnut shape. Other embodiments of electrical terminals with varying structures, but making simultaneous electrical connection, and in embodiments, at different axial positions or horizontal planes, comprise embodiments of the claimed invention. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 40B , electrical terminal pair  202  with  204  and pair  213  with  215  are depicted in a radially offset position for the sake of illustration. In this depiction, if the two pairs were aligned along Axis A, rather than being radially offset, the pairs of terminals would be at the initial point of electrical connection as depicted in  FIG. 40A . 
     At the initial point of contact, terminals  202  and  213  make electrical contact at contact area CA 1  in horizontal plane XY 1 , while terminals  204  and  215  make electrical contact at contact area CA 2  in horizontal plane XY 2 . Horizontal planes XY 2  and XY 1  are separated or displaced axially by a distance D. Distance D may vary from embodiment to embodiment, with larger distances D resulting in lower chances of unwanted arcing between electrical terminals, such as unwanted arcing between terminals  213  and  204  or between terminals  202  and  215 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 41 , other embodiments of trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  may include more than two electrical terminals, each. In an embodiment, trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  may each include three, four, or more electrical terminals. In an embodiment, each trunk electrical terminal  200  and  210  includes four electrical terminals. In one such embodiment, each trunk electrical connector includes two electrical terminals of a first polarity, such as terminals  202  and  205  of connector  200  and terminals  213  and  217  of connector  210 ; and two electrical terminals of a second polarity, such as terminals  204  and  207  and terminals  215  and  219 . In such an embodiment, a first pair of electrical terminals of a first and a second polarity, such as  202 / 213  and  204 / 215 , may supply a tree-top accessory ornament, or a first group of light strings (perhaps of a first color), while a second pair of electrical terminals of a first and a second polarity, such as  205 / 217  and  207 / 219 , may supply all light strings on tree  100 , or a second group of light strings  116  on tree  100 . In another embodiment, only one electrical connector is of a first or second polarity, and the others are of an opposite polarity. 
     Trunk electrical connectors having more than two electrical terminals each are depicted and described in US2013/0301246, entitled MODULAR TREE WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference, insofar as it does not contradict the Detailed Description herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , portions of trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  are depicted in cross-section to illustrate the additional feature of isolation of electrical terminals  202 ,  204 ,  213 , and  215  from one another with non-conductive structures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 42 , non-conductive portions of trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  are depicted. More specifically, portions of housing  220  and wire retainer  222  of trunk electrical connector  200 , and housing  340  and wire retainer  342  of trunk electrical connector  210  are depicted. 
     Wire retainer  222  is seated in housing  220  such that projection  245  of wire retainer  222  is received by cavity  230  of housing  220 , creating and defining terminal-receiving sub-cavity  500 . Sub-cavity  500  may be generally annular in cross-section, or as viewed along Axis A. Consequently, when wire retainer  222  is seated in housing  220 , trunk electrical connector  200  comprises two separate cavities or volumetric spaces, sub-cavity  500  and cavity  502  of wire retainer  222 . The two cavities  500  and  502  are separated by a wall of non-conducting projection portion  245 . 
     When wire retainer  342  is inserted into housing  340 , trunk electrical connector forms two terminal-receiving cavities, cavity  356  and cavity  504  of wire retainer  342 . As depicted, cavity  504  is formed of a projecting portion  506  of wire retainer  342 , which in an embodiment, projects only partially into cavity  356 , thereby displacing only a portion of cavity  356 , and thereby forming another smaller cavity  508  which is a sub-cavity of cavity  356 . 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted, an outside surface of a wall forming projection  506  is in contact with an inside surface of projecting wall  358  and cavity  356 . Consequently, cavity  504  is displaced axially from cavity  508 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , electrical terminals  202 ,  204 ,  213 , and  215  are shown together with housings  240  and  340  and wire retainers  242  and  342 . Terminal  213  projects along Axis A inside cavity  508  to approximately to an end portion of projecting wall  358  at plane XY 1 . Terminal  215  projects along an inside surface of projecting wall  358  to a horizontal plane XY 2 , which is axially displaced from the end of projecting wall  358  and horizontal plan XY 1  by distance D (refer also to  FIG. 40B ). 
     Terminal  202  is received into cavity  502  adjacent an inside surface of projection  245 , while terminal  204  is received into cavity  500  and is adjacent an outside surface of projection  245 . As such, terminals  202  and  204  are separated by non-conductive material of projection  245  of wire retainer  222 . 
     Terminal  202  projects axially toward an open end of projection  245  to a horizontal plane XY 4 , while terminal  204  projects axially toward an open end of projection  245  to a horizontal plane XY 3 , separated by a distance D. When connectors  200  and  210  are initially coupled such that terminal  202  make initial electrical connection with terminal  213  and terminal  204  makes electrical connection with terminal  215 , plane XY 1  is coplanar with XY 4  and XY 2  is coplanar with XY 3 . 
     When trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  are fully coupled, the projection of projecting wall  358  and terminal  215  is received by cavity  500 , and terminal  213  is received by cavity  502 . Electrical connection is made between terminals  202  and  213  in cavity  502  in isolation from terminals  204  and  215 , with non-conductive material between the pairs of connecting terminals. 
     Not only does such a configuration greatly reduces the possibility of arcing between terminals, but reduces the possibility of a foreign object, such as a user&#39;s finger or other object, from being in contact with any, or particularly any pair of, the electrical terminals  202 ,  204 ,  213 , and  215 . 
     While the above description refers generally to AC powered trees  100 , it will be understood that trees  100  and described connectors may be configured for DC power, or a combination of AC and DC power. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 6 and 23 , further convenience and safety features of the trunk electrical connection system of the claimed invention are explained and depicted. 
     Trunk electrical connector  200  comprises a plurality of projections or teeth  234  projecting upwardly and away from surface  236  of housing  220 , and adjacent projecting wall  258 . Similarly, trunk electrical connector  210  comprises a plurality of projections or teeth  534  projecting upwardly and away from surface  362  of housing  340 , and adjacent projecting wall  358 . 
     In general, when housing  220  is coupled to housing  340 , teeth  234  are next to, and adjacent, teeth  354 , fitting into the gaps formed between teeth  354 , and trunk electrical connector  200  and its electrical terminals are in electrical connection with trunk electrical connector  210  and its respective electrical terminals. However, when housings  220  and  340  are initially meeting during the coupling of a pair of tree sections, such as tree section  104  and  106 , housing  220  and housing  340  may not be precisely rotationally aligned such that teeth align with gaps. 
     In an embodiment, teeth  234  and teeth  354  may be configured such that when they are moved toward one another axially and make contact, one or both of housing  220  and  340  will rotate, along with its respective tree section. Such rotation will be the result, in an embodiment, a tip of a tooth, such as tooth  234 , contacting a portion of a corresponding tooth  354 , such that the axial force is distributed to a rotational force as the two teeth slide against one another, causing teeth to fit into gaps. 
     In an embodiment, teeth  354  have a different profile from teeth  234 , forming a sharper or more pointed tip, as compared to the relatively rounded tip of teeth  234 . The more pointed tips of teeth  354  and their resulting lower area of surface contact, decrease the possibility of teeth  234  and teeth  354  not rotating relative to one another, and increase the likelihood that the two sets of teeth or projections rotate relative to one another, seating teeth into gaps. 
     Having different profiles or shapes of teeth or projections on the two different trunk electrical connectors thereby aids a user in assembling a pair of trunk sections properly and fully, such that the electrical terminals of each of electrical connectors  200  and  210  make proper electrical connection with one another. 
     In another embodiment, the number and/or shape of teeth  234  or  354  may vary from tree size to tree size, or tree type to tree type, such that tree sections may not be mismatched. 
     In an embodiment, a tree section coupling system of the claimed invention comprises a set of trees  100 . Each tree  100  comprises a particular specification, and its individual tree sections, such as  104 ,  106 , and  108 , are not intended to be interchanged with tree sections of trees  100  having different specifications. In one such embodiment, a first tree  100  may be an AC powered tree, while a second tree  100  may be a DC powered tree. In another embodiment, a first tree  100  may comprise a large number of light strings and lights, such as  1600  lighting elements, while a second tree  100  may comprise fewer lights strings and lights, such as  600  lighting elements. 
     To prevent tree sections from trees having different electrical or even mechanical specification from being intermingled or interchanged, the number of teeth  234  and  354  on trunk electrical connectors  200  and  210  may vary from tree to tree. In an embodiment, first tree  100  includes eight teeth  234  and eight teeth  254 , spaced equidistantly, respectively, such as the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 23 . Another tree having a different specification, which may be a different electrical specification, may have more or fewer than eight teeth per connector, thereby making it difficult or impossible to fully couple a tree section from a first tree to a tree section of a second tree. 
     In another embodiment, the number of teeth may be the same from tree to tree, but the shape of the tree teeth may vary from tree to tree, again making it difficult or impossible to swap and join, electrically and/or mechanically, tree sections of trees having different specifications. 
     The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. In addition, although aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.