(12) United States Patent
`Chen
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,454,186 B2
`*Jun. 4, 2013
`
`US008454.186B2
`
`(54) MODULAR LIGHTED TREE WITH TRUNK
`ELECTICAL CONNECTORS
`
`-
`- -
`(75) Inventor: Johnny Chen, Sindian (TW)
`(73) Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd., Taipei (TW)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is º * adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
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`-
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`-
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`(21) Appl. No.: 13/112,650
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`(22) Filed:
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`May 20, 2011
`
`(65)
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`- -
`-
`e
`Prior Publication Data
`|US 2012/0076957 A1
`Mar. 29, 2012
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/385,751, filed on Sep.
`23, 2010.
`(51) Int. Cl.
`F2IS 6/0?)
`A47G 33/04
`(52) U.S. Cl
`362/123: 362/122; 428/8
`Usio e
`58) Field foi - - - - - ificat- - - - - -s - - - - h
`s
`s
`(58) * 01 UIaSSIIIcal IOIl searc
`h hist
`§. lication file f
`let
`ee application IIIe Ior complete searcn n1story.
`References Cited
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
`
`|U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,656,148 A
`1/1928 Harris
`2,969,456 A
`1/1961 Raymaley
`3,118,617 A
`1/1964 Hellrich
`3,214.579 A 10/1965 Pacini
`3,571,586 A
`3/1971 Duckworth
`
`
`
`3 - x* ~ *
`
`armore
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`3,970,834 A
`7/1976 Smith
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`2/1978 DeVicaris
`4,140,823 A * 2/1979 Weskamp ......................... 428/9
`4,493,523 A
`1/1985 Leong et al.
`4,516,193 A
`5/1985 Murphy
`4,631,650 A 12/1986 Ahroni
`†: % * g |.. i.
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`2/1989 Ahroni
`4,855,880 A
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`2/1990 Wºm
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`7/1991 Sarian et al.
`5,104,608 A
`4/1992 Pickering
`5,109,324 A
`4/1992 Ahroni
`5,121,310 A
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`6/1993 Takahashi
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`8/1996 Carroll
`5,586,905 A 12/1996 Marshall et al.
`5,776,559 A
`7/1998 Woolford
`(Continued)
`º º - º D º, Fonder PA
`ttorney, Agent, or Firm — StenSen FOnder P.A.
`ey, Ag
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including
`&l first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk
`portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a
`trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first
`trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first
`light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of
`the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion.
`The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion,
`second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk
`portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring
`assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically con
`nectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector.
`The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and
`electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially
`coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.
`
`28 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`Willis Exhibit 1007 - 1
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`

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`US 8,454,186 B2
`Page 2
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`|U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5.820,248 A 10/1998 Ferguson
`5,829,865 A 11/1998 Ahroni
`5,921,806 A
`7/1999 Shuey
`6,030,670 A
`2.2000 Chang
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`6/2000 Ahroni
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`º | º º
`6.533.437 Bi
`3/2003 ‘....?
`3 - - - 5
`/2003 Radliff
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`4
`l
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`72003 Tang
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`82003 Ahroni.
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`
`7/2003 Ahroni
`2003/0142494 A1
`2003/0.198048 A1 10/2003 Frederick
`2003/0206412 A1 1 1/2003 Gordon
`2004/0004435 A1
`1/2004 Hsu
`2004/001295.0 A1
`1/2004 Pan
`2004/0090770 A1
`5/2004 Primeau
`2004/0096596 A1
`5/2004 Palmer, III et al.
`2007/0092664 A1
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`2007/0177402 A1
`8/2007 Wu
`2007/0230.174 A1 10/2007 Hicks et al.
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`2008/0007951 A1
`1/2008 Chan
`2008/0186731 A1
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`2008/0205020 A1
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`2009/0059.578 A1
`3/2009 Lau
`
`§ #" §: º -- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362/123
`
`42005 sº
`6883951 B3
`/2005 W.
`3 - x-z-z 3
`º: #: º S.
`7053.156 B2
`52006 Pºem
`3 * ~ 2–3
`/2006 W
`7,055,980 B2 .
`|UI
`º, #: º; §.
`ang
`3 * ~ 2–3
`7,585,552 B2
`9/2009 Meseke
`7,695.298 B2
`4.2010 Arndt et al.
`8,053,042 B1 11/2011 Loomis
`8,062,718 B2 * 11/2011 Schooley ...................... 362/123
`2002/0097.573 A1
`7/2002 Shen
`
`2009/0289560 A1 1 1/2009 Oliva
`
`1/2010 Cheng et al.
`2010/0000065 A1
`3/2010 Boggs
`2010/0053991 A1
`8/2010 Wasem
`2010/0195332 A1
`8/2010 Shooley
`2010/0196628 A1
`3/2011 Altamura
`2011/0062875 A1
`3/2011 Cheng et al.
`2011/0076425 A1
`9/2011 Chen
`2011/0215368 A1
`2011/0286223 A1 1 1/2011 Chen
`2011/0303939 A1 12/2011 Chen
`2011/0305022 A1 12/2011 Chen
`2012/0009360 A1
`1/2012 Fu et al.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Willis Exhibit 1007 - 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`1
`MODULAR LIGHTED TREE WITH TRUNK
`ELECTICAL CONNECTORS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 61/385,751 filed on Sep. 23, 2010 and
`entitled ARTIFICIAL PRE-LIT TREE WITH MODULAR
`DIRECT-CURRENT LIGHTING SYSTEM, which is herein
`incorporated by reference in its entirety.
`
`10
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is generally directed to artificial trees
`with decorative lighting. More specifically, the present inven
`tion is directed to lighted artificial trees having separable,
`modular tree portions mechanically and electrically connect
`able between trunk portions.
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`20
`
`For the sake of convenience and safety, consumers often
`substitute artificial trees constructed of metal and plastic for
`natural evergreen trees when decorating homes, offices, and
`other spaces, especially during the holidays. Such artificial
`trees generally include multiple tree sections joined at the
`trunk and held erect by a floor-based tree stand. Traditionally,
`consumers wrap strings of lights about the artificial tree to
`enhance the decorative quality of the tree display. As more
`and more decorative light strings are draped around the tree,
`it becomes more and more difficult to provide power to the
`various light strings distributed throughout the tree.
`To ease this burden to the consumer, manufacturers have
`created “pre-lit” artificial trees. Typical pre-lit trees include
`an artificial tree with multiple standard light strings distrib
`uted about the exterior of the tree. Wires of the light string are
`clipped to branch structures, while plug ends dangle through
`out the branches. Generally, multi-purpose decorative light
`strings are used in pre-lit trees, often limited to 50 or 100 bulb
`assemblies, with a bladed power plug for insertion into the
`back outlet of another light string, or insertion into an alter
`nating current (AC) power source.
`As the popularity of such pre-lit trees has grown, so to have
`the bulk and complexity of pre-lit trees. Along with an
`increase in the number and density of branches of a typical
`pre-lit tree comes an increase in the number of lights and light
`strings on the pre-lit tree. This increased number of branches
`and lights can significantly increase the weight of the pre-lit
`tree making it difficult to lift and align individual trunk sec
`tions when assembling the tree. Further, the increased number
`of lights per tree, often as high as 1,000 or 1,500 lights,
`drastically increases the complexity of interconnecting and
`powering the numerous light strings.
`It can be difficult to find and then properly connect the
`necessary plugs in order to power all of the light strings on the
`tree. Light strings may be connected to one another within a
`given tree section, or sometimes between sections, by con
`necting the strings end to end. Consumers need to be careful
`to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and not plug too
`many light strings together end-to-end and surpass the cur
`rent-carrying capacity of the light string wiring. Due to such
`limitations, power plugs of the light strings may include
`receptacles for receiving other power plugs such that the
`power plugs may be “stacked” together, plugging one into the
`other. Short extension cords may be strung along the outside
`of the trunk to carry power to the various interconnected light
`strings. The result is a complex web of lighting that often
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`US 8,454,186 B2
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`requires a consumer to not only interconnect the plugs and
`receptacles of individual light strings together, but to stack
`and plug multiple light strings and cords into multiple power
`outlets.
`Some known inventions have attempted to make pre-lit
`trees more convenient to put together and power. For
`example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,656,148 to Harris filed Apr. 5, 1926
`and entitled “Artificial Christmas Tree” teaches a simple arti
`ficial tree with one embodiment having multiple tree sections
`that join together. The tree includes single bulbs at each end of
`a branch, with bulb wiring extending from inside a trunk
`through hollow branches. A bayonet fitting is used to adjoin
`the sections, a top section having a projecting pin, and a
`bottom section having an L-shaped bayonet slot. The two
`sections are coupled by aligning the projection pin with the
`bayonet slot and rotating to interlock the sections, thereby
`bringing a pair of spring contacts into alignment with a pair of
`terminals to make an electrical connection.
`Another known artificial tree as described in U.S. Pat. No.
`3,970,834 to Smith, filed Dec. 16, 1974 and entitled “Artifi
`cial Tree”, describes a pre-lit tree made insections which may
`be folded for easy storage. The individual tree sections
`include a threaded male end and a threaded female socket
`end. The male end of a tree section is screwed into the female
`end of another section. Wiring for the lights passes from the
`trunk through holes in branches and connects with individual
`lights at an interior of the branch. When the tree is screwed
`together, an electrical connection is made.
`However, such known trees still require significant
`manipulation and handling of the tree sections to securely
`align and couple the sections together. Further, such known
`trees fail to disclose mechanical coupling and electrical con
`nection devices and methods that meet the needs of generally
`larger, heavier artificial trees with complex lighting systems
`with large numbers of lights.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`The present invention is directed to a modular lighted arti
`ficial tree that includes a first tree portion that may be
`mechanically coupled and electrically connected to a second
`tree portion. The first tree portion includes a first trunk por
`tion, multiple branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a
`first light string affixed to some of the branches. The first trunk
`portion has a first trunk body and a trunk connector, and at
`least a portion of the trunk connector is housed within the first
`trunk body and electrically connected to the first light string.
`The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion,
`multiple branches joined to the second trunk portion, and a
`second light string affixed to some of the branches. The sec
`ond trunk portion has a trunk body and a trunk connector, at
`least a portion of the trunk connector housed within the sec
`ond trunk portion and electrically connected to the second
`light string. The second tree portion is mechanically and
`electrically connectable to the first tree portion by coupling a
`lower end of the second trunk body to an upper end of the first
`trunk body along a common vertical axis, thereby causing the
`trunk connector of the first trunkportion to make an electrical
`connection with the trunk connector of the second trunk por
`tion. The electrical connection is made independent of any
`rotational orientation of the first trunk portion relative the
`second trunk portion about the common vertical axis.
`In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
`lighted artificial tree that includes a first treeportion including
`a first trunk portion, a first plurality of branches joined to the
`first trunkportion, and a first light string affixed to a portion of
`the first plurality of branches. The first trunk portion has a first
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`Willis Exhibit 1007 - 17
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`

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`3
`trunk wall defining a first trunk interior, a trunk connectorand
`a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly
`is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk
`connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is
`located within the first trunk interior. The tree also includes a
`second treeportion including a second trunkportion, a second
`plurality of branches joined to the second trunk portion, and a
`second light string affixed to a portion of the second plurality
`of branches. The second trunk portion has a second trunk wall
`defining a second trunk interior, a trunk connector and a
`second trunk wiring assembly, and the second trunk wiring
`assembly is electrically connectable to the second lighting
`string and the trunk connector. At least a portion of the second
`wiring assembly is located within the second trunk interior.
`Further, the second tree portion is mechanically coupleable to
`the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk wall
`to the second trunk wall to forma circumferential interference
`fit between the first trunk wall and the second trunk wall, and
`the second tree portion is electrically connectable to the first
`tree portion such that a portion of the trunk connector of the
`first trunk portion contacts a portion of the trunk connector of
`the second trunk portion upon the coaxial coupling of the first
`trunk wall and the second trunk wall, thereby creating an
`electrical connection between the first wiring assembly and
`the second wiring assembly.
`In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
`lighted artificial tree that includes a first treeportion including
`a first trunk portion, a first plurality of branches joined to the
`first trunk portion, and a first light string affixed to a portion of
`the first plurality of branches, the first trunk portion having a
`first trunk body and a trunk connector, and at least a portion of
`the trunk connector is housed within the first trunk body and
`electrically connected to the first light string. The tree also
`includes a second tree portion including a second trunk por
`tion, a second plurality of branches joined to the second trunk
`portion, and a second light string affixed to a portion of the
`first plurality of branches, the second trunk portion having a
`trunk body and a trunk connector, and at least a portion of the
`trunk connectoris housed within the second trunk portion and
`electrically connected to the second light string. The second
`tree portion is mechanically and electrically connectable to
`the first tree portion by coupling a lower end of the second
`trunk body to an upper end of the first trunk body along a
`common vertical axis, thereby causing the trunk connector of
`the first trunk portion to make an electrical connection with
`45
`the trunk connector of the second trunk portion, the electrical
`connection being made independent of any rotational orien
`tation of the first trunk portion relative the second trunk
`portion about the common vertical axis.
`In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
`lighted artificial tree that includes a first treeportion including
`a first trunk portion, a first plurality of branches joined to the
`first trunk portion, and a first light string, the first trunk por
`tion having a first trunk wall defining a first trunk interior, a
`first trunk connectorand a first trunk wiring assembly, the first
`trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the first
`light string and the first trunk connector, and at least a portion
`of the first wiring assembly and a portion of the first trunk
`connector are located within the first trunk interior. The
`lighted artificial tree also includes a second tree portion con
`nectable to the first tree portion and including a second trunk
`portion, a second plurality of branches joined to the second
`trunk portion, and a second light string, the second trunk
`portion has a second trunk wall defining a second trunk inte
`rior, a second trunk connector and a second trunk wiring
`assembly. The second trunk wiring assembly is electrically
`connectable to the second lighting string and the second trunk
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`connector, at least a portion of the second wiring assembly
`and a portion of the second trunk connector located within the
`second trunk interior. The second tree portion is mechanically
`and electrically connectable to the first tree portion by align
`ing the second trunk portion with the first portion along a
`common axis such that a portion of the first trunk wall is
`coupled to a portion of the second trunk wall for form a first
`mechanical connection, and a first portion of the first connec
`tor is received by the second connector, thereby forming a
`second mechanical connection between the first trunk portion
`and the second trunk portion and forming an electrical con
`nection between the first wiring assembly.
`In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
`lighted artificial tree that includes a first trunk portion having
`a first end, a second end, and a first trunk connector; a second
`trunk portion having a first end, a second end, and a second
`trunk connector, the second trunkportion being mechanically
`and electrically connectable to the first trunk portion by cou
`pling the first end of the second trunk portion to the second
`end of the first trunk portion and the first trunk connector to
`the second trunk connector. The tree also includes a light
`string that has a first portion having a first plurality of lighting
`elements electrically connected in series, a second portion
`having a second plurality of lighting elements electrically
`connected in series, the first plurality of lighting elements
`electrically connected in series to the second plurality of
`lighting elements through the first trunk connector and the
`second trunkconnector when the first trunkportion is coupled
`to the second trunk portion.
`In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
`modular lighted artificial tree that includes a first trunk por
`tion including a first end, a second end, a first trunk wiring
`harness and a first trunk connector, the first trunk wiring
`harness electrically connected to the first trunk connector; a
`second trunk portion including a first end, a second end, a
`second wiring harness having a light string clip and a second
`trunk connector, the second trunk portion being electrically
`connectable to the first treeportion by coupling the first end of
`the second trunk portion to the second end of the first trunk
`portion such that the first trunk connector is electrically con
`nected to the second trunk connector. The modular lighted
`artificial tree also includes a first plurality of branches
`attached to the second trunk portion and a first light string
`including a plurality of lighting elements, light string wiring,
`and an end clip, the plurality of lighting elements connected
`electrically by the light string wiring, a portion of the light
`string wiring affixed to the first plurality of branches, and the
`end clip electrically connected to the light string wiring. The
`end clip of the first light string is detachably connected to the
`light string clip such that the first light string is electrically
`connected to the first wiring harness and the second wiring
`harness.
`In another embodiment, the present invention includes a
`method of manufacturing a modular, lighted artificial tree.
`The method includes assembling a first trunk wiring harness,
`including attaching first and second end connectors, to a pair
`of bus wires and attaching a light string connector to the pair
`of bus wires; connecting the first end connector to a first trunk
`connector assembly to form an electrical connection between
`the first wiringharness and the first trunkconnector; attaching
`the light string connector to a trunk portion of the tree at an
`opening in a wall of a trunk of the tree such that at least a
`portion of the light string connectoris located in an interior of
`the trunk; insertingaportion of the first wiring harness and the
`first trunk connector assembly into the trunk of the tree; and
`connecting an end of a pre-assembled light string to the first
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`Willis Exhibit 1007 - 18
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`light string connector, such that the light string is electrically
`connected to the pair of bus wires.
`The above summary of tlie various representative embodi-
`ments of the invention is not intended to describe each illus-
`trated embodiment or every implementation ofthe invention.
`Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that
`others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the
`principles and practices of the invention. The figures in the
`detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify
`these embodiments.
`
`BRI *F D * SCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`35
`
`The invention can be understood in consideration of the
`following detailed description ofvarious embodiments of the
`invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
`which:
`is a front perspective view of a modular, lighted
`FIG. I
`artificial tree, according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a front view of a base and trunk assembly of the
`tree of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the base and trunk
`assembly of FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view ofa base and trtmk portions
`with trunk connectors of the tree of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is a right side View o Ila trunk connector assembly
`connected to a portion of a trunk wiring harness, according to
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 is an exploded View ofthe trunk connector assembly .
`and wiring assembly connector as depicted in FIG. 5;
`FIG. 7 is a top view of the trunk connector assembly of
`FIGS. 5 and 6;
`FIG. 8 is a right side view of another trunk cormector
`assembly comiected to a portion of a trunk wiring hamess,
`according to an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 9 is an exploded view ofthe trunk connector assembly
`and wiring assembly connector as depicted in FIG. 8;
`FIG. 10 is a top View of the trunk connector assembly of
`FIGS. 8 and 9;
`FIG. 11 is a right side view ofan embodiment of a trunk—top
`connector assembly;
`FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the trunk-top cormector
`assembly of FIG. 11;
`FIG. 13 is a top view of the trunk-top cormector assembly
`ofFIGS.11 and 12;
`FIG. 14a is a front perspective view ofa base portionj oined
`to a lower trunk portion of the tree of FIG. 1 and the trunk of
`FIG. 2;
`FIG. 1417 is a cross—sec
`ional view of the base portion .
`joined to the lower trunk portion of FIG. 14a;
`FIG. 15a is a front perspective view of a lower trunk por-
`tion joined to a middle trun portion of the trunk o 1‘ FIG. 2;
`FIG. 15b is a cross-sectional view of the lower trunk por-
`tion joined to a middle trun< portion of FIG. 15a;
`FIG. 16:; is a front perspective View of a middle trunk
`portionj oined to an upper trunk portion ofthe trtmk ofFIG. 2;
`FIG. 16!) is a cross-sectional view of the middle trunk
`portion joined to the upper runk portion of FIG. 1611;
`FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a modular tree lighting
`system, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;
`FIG. 18 is an electrical circuit diagram of the modular
`lighting system depicted in 71G. 17, with light strings having
`parallel-cormected lighting elements,
`according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 19 is an electrical circuit diagram of the modular
`lighting system depicted in TIG. 17, with light strings having
`
`6
`series—connected lighting elements, according to an embodi-
`ment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 20 is an electrical circuit diagrzun of the modular
`lighting system depicted in FIG. 17, with light strings having
`groups of parallel-connected lighting elements comiected in
`series, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
`While the invention is amenable to various modifications
`and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by
`7 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 modi-
`fications, equivalents, and altematives falling within the spirit
`and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment ofmodular lighted tree
`100 of the present invention is depicted. Modular tree 100
`includes base portion 102, first lighted tree portion 104, sec-
`ond lighted tree portion 106, and third lighted tree portion
`108. In some embodiments, modular tree 100 may include
`more lighted tree portions, such as a fourth lighted tree por-
`tion, or may include fewer lighted tree portions. When tree
`100 is assembled, as depicted, lighted tree portions 104, 106,
`and 108 are aligned along a common vertical axis A and held
`in a generally vertical orientation by base portion 102.
`Base portion 102 as depicted includes multiple legs 110
`connected to a central trunk—support portion 112./\s depicted,
`trunk support portion 112 may be generally cylindrical to
`receive and support first tree portion 104. Base portion 102
`may include an optional base—trun1< portion 114 extending
`upwardly from trunk support portion 112 to form a portion of
`a trunk of tree 100. In other embodiments, base portion 102
`may comprise other configurations capable of supporting and
`aligning tree portions 104, 106, and 108 in a steady, upright
`mamier. Such altemate embodiments include a base portion
`having more or fewer legs 110, an integrated structure with an
`opening for receiving first lighted tree portion 104, and other
`such embodiments.
`Referring also to FIG. 2, modular tree 100 is depicted in an
`assembled configuration, with multiple branches and light
`strings removed for illustrative purposes.
`As depicted, first lighted tree portion 104 includes first
`trunk portion 120, multiple branches 122, and one or more
`first light strings 124.
`First trunk portion 120 as depicted comprises a generally
`cylindrical, hollow structure including trunk portion body
`121 having a lower end 123, an upper end 125, outside wall
`126, and one or more branch-support rings 127. First trunk
`portion 120 also defines multiple openings 166 in wall 126.
`Branch—support rings 127 include multiple branch receiv-
`ers 128 extending outwardly and away from trunk portion
`120. In some embodiments, branch receivers 128 define a
`channel for receiving a trunk end ofa branch 122.
`Each branch 122 generally includes primary branch exten-
`sion 130 and may also include multiple secondary branch
`extensions 132 extending away from branch extension 130.
`Branch 122 is connected to trunk portion 120 at a branch
`receiver 128 at trunk-end 134. In some embodiments, as
`depicted, branches 122 include strands 136 simulating the
`needles found on natural pine or coniferous trees. Strands 136
`are attached to branch frame 135, which in some embodi-
`ments comprises a solid—core frame, such as a metal rod, wire,
`multiple twisted wires or rods, or similar such materials. In
`other embodiments, frame 135 may be hollow.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1007 - 19
`
`

`
`7
`Trunk ends of branches 122 may be bent or otherwise
`formed to define a loop or circular opening such that trunkend
`134 of branch 122 may be secured to branch receiver 128 by
`way of a pin (not depicted) extending through branch receiver
`128 and the loop formed at trunk end 134 of branch 122. In
`this way, a branch 122 may be allowed to pivot about the pin
`and branch receiver 128, allowing tree portion 104 to collapse
`to a smaller envelope size for convenient storage.
`First light string 124 includes light string wiring 140 and a
`plurality of lighting element assemblies 142. Each lighting
`assembly element 142 includes housing 144 and lighting
`element 146. Lighting elements 146 may comprise incandes
`cent bulbs, light-emitting diodes, a combination thereof, or
`any of other known types of light-emitting elements.
`Lighting elements 146 may be electrically connected in
`parallel, series, or a combination of series and parallel, as
`discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 18–20, to form
`a parallel-connected, series-connected, parallel-series con
`nected, or series-parallel connected first light string 124.
`First light string 124 is affixed to one or more branches 122
`of lighted tree portion 104 via multiple clips 150. A proximal
`end 152 of light string 124 may be connected to outside wall
`126 of first trunk portion 120 by a connector or clip as
`described further below, or may be inserted through an open
`ing 166 in wall 126 into an interior space defined by first trunk
`portion 120.
`In one embodiment, first lighted tree portion 104 includes
`a plurality of first light strings 124. Such first light strings 124
`may be substantially the same, for example, a series-parallel
`connected light string having 100 lighting element assem
`blies 142. In other embodiments, first lighted tree portion 104
`may include first light strings 124 having a particular con
`figuration and other first light strings 124 having another,
`different configuration. For example, first light strings 124
`located closer to base portion 102 may be longer in length
`with more light emitting assemblies 142, while first light
`strings 124 further from base portion 102 may be relatively
`shorter in length, with fewer light emitting assemblies 142. In
`other embodiments, first lighted tree portion 104 may include
`only a single light string 124.
`Second lighted tree portion 106, adjacent first lighted tree
`portion 104, is similar to lighted tree portion 104 and includes
`second trunk portion 160, multiple branches 122 and one or
`more second light strings 162.
`Second trunk portion 160 as depicted also comprises a
`generally cylindrical, hollow structure including trunk por
`tion body 161 having a lower end 163, an upper end 165,
`outside wall 164, and one or more branch-support rings 127.
`First trunk portion 120 also defines multiple openings 166 in
`wall 164.
`In one embodiment, trunk portion 160 may have a trunk
`diameter that is substantially equal to a trunk diameter of first
`trunk portion 120, while in other embodiments, may have a
`trunk diameter that is different from that of the first trunk
`portion. In one such embodiment, a trunk diameter of second
`trunk portion 160 is slightly less than a trunk diameter of first
`trunk portion 120 such that that trunk 116 has a somewhat
`tapered look.
`Similar to first light strings 124, second light strings 162
`may comprise any combination of series-connected or paral