Patent ID: 8298633

Claim:
A locking artificial tree trunk, comprising: a first generally cylindrical, hollow trunk portion including an upper end, the upper end defining a notch; a second generally cylindrical trunk portion including a body portion, a lower end having an insertable portion, and an upper end; and a coupling mechanism including: a generally-cylindrical body portion defining a channel for receiving the insertable portion of the lower end of the second trunk portion and having a body portion outside diameter, and an upper portion adjacent and atop the body portion and forming an annular ring having an outside diameter greater than the body portion outside diameter and defining an opening to the channel, the upper portion including a first tab projecting downward and away from the upper portion; wherein the body portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted substantially into the upper end of the first trunk portion with the tab of the upper portion aligned with the notch, thereby preventing rotation of the coupling mechanism within the upper end of the first trunk portion.