Patent ID: 10243299

Abstract:
An artificial tree includes a base supporting a hollow trunk. The base includes plural legs connected to a central core. The base carries a housing containing an electrical controller for transforming, rectifying, and filtering electrical power received from a power receptacle. The housing includes a heat pump to dissipate heat from the electrical controller. A series of interconnected conduits comprises the tree trunk. A conduit has two identical electrical connectors that self-orient by magnetic repulsion to preserve electrical parity when connecting conduits together. Wiring harnesses run between the two electrical connectors in the conduit. The outside surface of the conduits carries hinge brackets to receive and pivotally hold artificial limbs. These limbs carry light strings and are pivotable between folded and deployed orientations. Wires from the wiring harness are pulled through holes in the sides of the conduits and connect to light strings on nearby limbs.