USOO8863416B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Leung et a].
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`Applicant: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI),
`Tortola (VG)
`
`Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Chai Wan (HK);
`Ricky Tong, Kowloon Bay (HK); Chi
`Kin Samuel Kwok, Shenzhen (CN);
`Chang-Jun He, ShenZhen (CN)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,656,148 A
`2,188,529 A
`2,932,811 A *
`
`1/1928 Harris
`1/1940 Corina
`4/1960 Abraham et a1. ........... .. 439/148
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI),
`Tortola (VG)
`
`CN
`DE
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Appl. N0.: 13/659,737
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 24, 2012
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2013/0108808 A1
`
`May 2,2013
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 61/552,944, ?led on Oct.
`28, 2011.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2011.01)
`
`Int. C1.
`A4 7G 33/06
`H01R 24/38
`US. Cl.
`CPC .............. .. A47G 33/06 (2013.01); H01R 24/38
`(2013.01)
`USPC ............................................. .. 40/442; 428/20
`Field of Classi?cation Search
`USPC ............ .. 362/123; 403/373; 439/620.21, 675;
`428/17420; 279/157, 9.1
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`1205
`
`705
`
`710, 715
`
`720
`
`2332290 Y
`8/1999
`843632 C
`7/1952
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Search Report issued by th Intellectual Property Of?ce dated Jan. 7,
`2013 for related British Patent Application No. GB1219319.9.
`
`Primary Examiner * Charles A Fox
`Assistant Examiner * Shin Kim
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * Troutman Sanders LLP;
`Ryan A. Schneider; Benjamin C. Wiles
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical
`power between tree trunk sections of an arti?cial tree is dis
`closed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable
`neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected
`without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
`Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the
`trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can com
`prise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can
`have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs
`can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power
`distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In
`some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that
`the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage
`the voids of another power distribution sub system without the
`need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
`
`10 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`7100
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 1
`
`

`

`US 8,863,416 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`US PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1/1964 Hellrich
`3,118,617 A
`7/1970 Tolegian
`3521216 A
`5/1972 Gerlat ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,, 439/143
`3,663,924 A *
`2/1973 Lloyd et a1. ................. .. 439/675
`3,715,708 A *
`7/1976 Smith
`3,970,834 A
`7/1976 Rohrssen .................... .. 439/102
`3,971,619 A *
`3,985,924 A 10/1976 Pritza
`4,516,193 A
`5/1985 Murphy
`4753 600 A
`6/1988 Williams
`4’772’215 A
`9/1988 Falk
`43775392 A 10/1988 Engel
`5,149,282 A
`9/1992 Donato et 31‘
`5 517 390 A
`57996 Zing
`536392157 A
`@997 Yeh
`5,695,279 A 12/1997 Sonnleitner et al‘
`5,776,559 A
`7/1998 Woolford
`5,776,599 A
`7/ 1998 Haluska et a1.
`6,458,435 B1* 10/2002 Lai ................................ .. 428/20
`6,869,316 B2* 3/2005 Hinkle et a1. ............... .. 439/675
`7,029,145 B2
`4/2006 Frederick
`7,052,156 B2* 5/2006 Primeau ...................... .. 362/123
`7,108,514 B2* 9/2006 Chen et a1.
`439/63
`7,132,139 B2* 11/2006 Yang ............................. .. 428/17
`
`12/2006 Estes et a1.
`7,144,610 B1
`7,192,303 B2* 3/2007 Kohen ........................ .. 439/537
`7,318,744 B2* 1/2008 K110
`439/489
`7,527,508 B1* 5/2009 Lee et a1. .................... .. 439/137
`7,585,187 B2* 9/2009 Dailyetal. ............ .. 439/620.02
`7,652,210 B2* 1/2010 White . . . . . .
`. . . . .. 174/67
`8,053,042 131* 11/2011 LOOIIliS ~
`~~ 4255/20
`8,298,633 131* 10/2012 Chen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 428/20
`8,454,186 B2
`6/2013 Chen
`8,454,187 132*
`6/2013 Chen
`8,469,734 B2
`6/2013 Chen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 439/353
`2004/0002266 A1* 1/2004 H1nkle etal.
`439/675
`2006/0048397 A1* 3/2006 King et a1. ................. .. 30/296.1
`2007/0230174 A1 10/2007 Hicks etal.
`2009/0023315 A1* 1/2009 Pfeiffer ....................... .. 439/133
`2011/0256750 A1* 10/2011 Chen ...... ..
`439/345
`2013/0108808 A1* 5/2013 Leung et al. .................. .. 428/18
`2013/0120971 A1
`5/2013 Chen
`2013/0309908 A1* 11/2013 Sandoval et a1. ...... .. 439/620.21
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`GB
`WO
`
`2533374
`2112281
`9626661
`
`12/2012
`7/1983
`9/1996
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 2
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`1 0Q
`
`Fig. 3b
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 3c
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 5 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 4b
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`4102la2f..cO
`
`Sheet 6 of 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 7 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 5
`
`10044+>
`////
`
`///51O
`¢//305
`
`515 '/
`
`zwf‘//205
`
`100H
`
`‘// 205
`
`‘\\305
`
`1
`
`v \\510
`
`525
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 8 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 6
`
`100M
`
`515
`
`1 00 _’
`
`51 5
`5/120
`
`51 5
`
`1 00 “ inqiiwg
`\ 520
`
`W w"
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 9 0f 18
`Sheet 9 of 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`710, 715
`710, 715
`
`“x,
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 10 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`820
`
`825
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 11 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 9
`
`805
`y/
`
`905
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 12 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 10
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 13 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 11
`
`1 000
`
`1005/
`
`1015
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 14 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`100—>
`
`*100
`
`REY!!!)
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 15 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`5 O 0 1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 16 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 18
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 17 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`3 4 1 m F
`
`Fig. 14b
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 19
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0a. 21, 2014
`
`Sheet 18 0f 18
`
`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`Fig. 15
`
`1500
`'/
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 20
`
`

`

`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`1
`P()W’l<1REl)'l‘RI<1l<I(?()\lS'l‘RU(?'l‘l()N
`
`CROSS-REF 4R ANCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION A\ID PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`lhis application claims tie benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §l 19
`(e), of U.S. Provisional Pa e11t Application No. 61/552,944,
`filed 28 Oct. 2011, entitled “Powered Tree Construction,” the
`entire contents and sub stance ofwhich is incorporated herein
`by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.
`FIEID OF THE INVENTION
`
`Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
`power transfer systems, a11d, more particularly, to power
`transfer systems for use with artificial trees. such as artificial
`Christmas trees.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`As part of the celebration of the Christmas season, many
`people traditionally bring a pine or evergreen tree into their
`home and decorate it with ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel,
`and the like. Natural trees, however, can be quite expensive
`and are recognized by some as a waste of environmental
`resources. In addition, natural trees can be messy, leaving
`both sap and needles behind after removal, and requiring
`water to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Each
`time a natural tree is obtained it must be decorated, and at the ,
`end of the Christmas
`season the decorations must be
`removed. Because the needles have likely dried and may be
`quite sharp by this time, removal of the decorations can be a
`painful process. In addition, natural trees are often disposed
`in la11dfills, further polluting these overflowing envirormients.
`lo overcome the disadvantages of a natural Christmas tree,
`yet still incorporate a tree into the holiday celebration, a great
`variety of artificial Christmas trees are available. For the most
`part, these artificial trees must be assembled for use and
`disassembled after use. Artificial trees have the advantage of
`being usable over a period of years and thereby eliminate the
`annual expense of purchasing live trees for the short holiday
`season. further, they help reduce the chopping down of trees
`for a temporary decoration, and the subsequent disposal, typi-
`cally in a landfill, of same.
`Generally, artificial Christmas trees comprise a 1nultiplic-
`ity of branches each formed of a plurality of plastic needles
`held together by twisting a pair of wires about them. In other
`instances, the branches are formed by twisting a pair ofwires
`about an elongated sheet of plastic material having a large ,
`multiplicity of transverse slits. In still other artificial Christ-
`mas trees, the branches are formed by injection molding of
`plastic.
`Irrespective of the fonn of the branch, the most common
`form ofartificial Christmas tree comprises a plurality oftrunk
`sections connectable to one another. For example, in many
`designs, a first and second trtmk section each comprise an
`elongate body. A first end of the body includes a receiving
`portion (e.g., a female end) and a second end of the body
`includes an extending portion (e.g., a male end). Typically,
`the body is a cylinder. Near the second end the body tapers
`slightly to reduce the diameter ofthe body. In other words, the
`diameter of the first end, i.e., the receiving portio11, is larger
`than the diameter of the second end, i.e., the extending por-
`tion. To connect the trunk sections, the first end ofa first trunk 65
`sections receives the second end of a second trunk sections.
`For example, the tapered end of the first trunk section is
`
`2
`inserted into the non—tapered end of the second trunk section.
`In this maimer, a plurality of trunk sections ca11 be comiected
`and a tree assembled.
`One difficulty encountered during assembly, however, is
`the rotational alignment of the trunk sections.
`In some
`designs, the trunk sections comprise electrical systems. The
`electrical systems allow electricity to flow through the trunk
`ofthe tree and into accessories that can be plugged into outlets
`disposed on the trunk. To comiect neighboring trtmk sections,
`i however, electrical prongs of one trunk section must be rota-
`tionally aligned with, and inserted into, electrical slots in
`another trunk section. This alignment process can be frustrat-
`ing because it can be difficult for a user to judge whether the
`prongs will engage the slots when trunk sections are joined
`together. It may therefore take several attempts before a user
`can electrically comiect two trunk sections.
`What is needed, therefore, is a power transfer system for an
`artificial tree that allows a user to connect neighboring tree
`trunk sections without the need to rotationally alight the trunk
`sections. Embodiments of the present invention address this
`need as well as other needs that will become apparent upon
`reading the description below in conjunction with the draw-
`mgs.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`
`Brielly described, embodiments of the present invention
`comprise a power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of
`electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial
`tree. The power transfer system can advantageously enable
`neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected
`without the need to rotationally align the tree tru11k sections
`(hiring assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can
`therefore facilitate assembly of a11 artificial tree, reducing
`user frustration during the assembly process.
`In some embodiments, the power transfer system can com-
`prise a first power distribution subsystem disposed within a
`first tru11k section of an artificial tree. The power transfer
`system can further comprise a second power distribution sub-
`system disposed within a second trunk section of an artificial
`tree. The first power distribution subsystem can comprise a
`male end with electrical prongs and the second power distri-
`bution subsystem can comprise a female end with electrical
`voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to conduct
`electricity between the power distribution subsystems, and,
`therefore, between the trunk sections of the tree.
`To enable neighboring tree trL1nk sections to be electrically
`comiected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk
`sections, the male end can comprise a central prong and a
`channel prong. Likewise, the female end can comprise a
`central void and a channel void. The central void can be
`located proximate the center of the female end, and the chan-
`nel void can be a circular void disposed around the central
`void. When the trunk sections are joined, the central prong
`can be inserted into the central void. Similarly, the channel
`prong can be inserted into the channel void. However,
`because the channel void is circular, the channel prong can be
`inserted into the channel void in a variety of locations around
`the channel void. Accordingly, the male end can engage the
`female end in a variety ofrotational configurations, and each
`configuration can provide a different rotational alignment
`between the first trunk section and the second trunk section.
`More specifically, the first trunk section can electrically
`engage the second trunk section regardless of the rotational
`relationship between the two sections.
`Embodiments of the present invention can comprise an
`artificial tree comprising a plurality oftree trunk sections. The
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 21
`
`

`

`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`3
`trunk sections can form a trunk o I‘ the artificial tree. A first
`power distribution subsystem can be disposed within an inner
`void of a first trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk
`sections, and the first power distribution subsystem can com-
`prise a male having a central prong and a charmel prong. A
`second power distribution sub system can be disposed within
`an inner void of a second trunk section ofthe plurality oftree
`trunk sections, and the second power distribution subsystem
`can comprise a female end having a central void and a channel
`void. In some embodiments, the central prong ofthe male end
`can be configured to engage the central void ofthe female end
`and the channel prong of the male end can be configured to
`engage the charmel void of the female end to conduct elec-
`tricity between the first power distribution sub system and the
`second power distribution subsystem.
`In some embodiments, the channel prong of the male end
`can be configured to engage the channel void of the female
`end at a plurality of locations. In some embodiments, the
`chamiel prong ofthe male end ca11be configured to engage the
`channel void ofthe female end iii a plurality ofconfigurations,
`and each configuration can provide a different rotational
`alignment between tl1e first trunk section a11d the second trunk
`section.
`In some embodiments, the channel void of the female end
`can be substantially circular. The central void of the female
`end can be disposed proximate the center ofthe substantially
`circular channel void.
`In some embodiments, a safety cover can obstruct access to
`the channel void.
`In some embodiments, the central prong of the male end ,
`can engage a central contact device, and the central contact
`device can comprise one or more flexible contact sections that
`abut the central prong.
`In some embodiments, an outlet can be disposed 011 a trunk
`section, a11d the outlet ca11 be configured to provide electrical
`power to a strand of lights.
`In some embodiments. aligmnent mechanisms can prevent
`the first trunk section from rotating witl1 respect to the second
`trunk section.
`In some embodiments, the first trunk section can comprise
`an inner sleeve proximate an end oftlie first trunk section, and
`the second trunk section can comprise an outer sleeve proxi-
`mate an end of the second trunk section. The inner sleeve can
`be configured to engage the outer sleeve. In some embodi-
`ments, two or more pivot areas ca11 be between the inner
`sleeve and the outer sleeve to substantially prevent the first
`trunk section fron1 rocking with respect to the second trunk
`section.
`In some embodiments, a power cord can be configured to
`engage a wall outlet and provide power to the first power ,
`distribution subsystem and the second power distribution
`sub system.
`Hmbodiments of the present invention can further com-
`prise a system for connecting tree trunk sections of an artifi-
`cial tree. The system can comprise a first power distribution
`subsystem having a male end, and the male end can have one
`or more electrical prongs. The system can further comprise a
`second power distribution subsystem having a female end,
`and the female end can have one or more electrical voids. In
`some embodiments, the one or more electrical prongs of the
`first power distribution subsystem can engage one or more
`electrical voids ofthe second power distribution sub system to
`conduct electricity between the first power distribution sub-
`system and the second power distribution subsystem. In some
`embodiments, the one or more electrical prongs of the first
`power distribution sub system can engage one or more elec-
`trical voids of the second power distribution subsystem in a
`
`4
`plurality o 1‘ configurations, and each configuration can pro-
`vide a different rotational alignment between the first power
`distribution subsystem and the second power distribution
`subsystem.
`In some embodiments, a first electrical void of the female
`end can be a circular channel void.
`In some embodiments, a second electrical void of the
`female end can be a central void located proximate the center
`of the female end.
`In some embodiments, an electrical prong of the male end
`can engage the circular channel void at a plurality oflocations
`around the circular channel void.
`Embodiments of the present invention can further com-
`prise a connector system for electrically connecting a ph1ral—
`ity of power distribution subsystems of a plurality of tree
`trunk sections that form an artificial tree. The connector sys-
`tem can comprise a male end disposed on a11 end ofa first tree
`trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk sections, and the
`male end ca11 have a central prong and a charmel prong. The
`connector system can fiirther comprise a female end disposed
`on an opposite end of the first tree trunk section. The female
`end can have a central receiving void that can be located
`proximate the center of the female end and a charmel receiv-
`ing that can be substantially round and disposed axially
`around the central receiving void.
`In some embodiments, a safety cover can obstruct access to
`the channel void. In some embodiments, the safety cover can
`be depressed to enable access to the channel void.
`In some embodiments, the male end and the female end can
`comprise one or n1ore clutch elements, and the one or n1ore
`clutch elements can be configured to prevent the male end
`from rotating with respect to the female end.
`In some embodiments, the central receiving void can coin-
`prise a central contact device, and the central contact device
`can l1ave one or more flexible contact sections that can be
`configured to abut an electrical prong.
`The foregoing summarizes only a few aspects of the
`present invention and is 11ot intended to be reflective ofthe full
`scope ofthe present invention. Additional features a11d advan-
`tages of the present invention are set forth in the following
`detailed description and drawings, may be apparent from the
`detailed description and drawings, or may be learned by prac-
`ticing the present invention. Moreover, botl1 the foregoing
`summary and following detailed description are exemplary
`and explanatory and are intended to provide further explana-
`tion of the presently disclosed invention as claimed.
`BRIEF I)F,SCRIPTI(’)N OF THE DRAVVINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate multiple
`embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and
`serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed
`subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the
`scope ofthe presently disclosed subject matter in any maimer.
`FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a female end of a tree
`trunk section, in accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a n1ale end of a tree
`trunk section, in accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 3a depicts a perspective view of a female end of a tree
`trunk section in proximity to a male end of a tree trunk
`section, i11 accordance with some embodiments ofthe present
`invention.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 22
`
`

`

`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`5
`FIGS. 3/7-0 depict cross-sectional views o fa female end of
`a tree trunk section being joined with a male end of a tree
`trunk section, in accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 4a depicts a perspective view of a female end of a tree
`trunk section in proximity to a male end of a tree trunk
`section, i11 accordance with some embodiments ofthe present
`invention.
`FIGS. 4b-c depict cross-sectional Views of a female end of
`a tree trunk section being joined with a male end of a tree
`trunk section, in accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional View showing power dis-
`tribution subsystems of an assembled tree trunk, in accor-
`dance with some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an assembled tree trunk, in
`accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a female end of a tree
`trunk section, i11 accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 8 depicts a perspective, cross-sectional view of a
`female end of a tree trunk section, in accordance with some
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 depicts a central contact device with contact sec-
`tions, in accordance with sorrre embodiments of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a male end of a tree
`trunk section, i11 accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 11 depicts a perspective, cross-sectional View of a -
`nrale end of a tree trunk section, in accordance with some
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 12a-d depict cross-sectional views of a female end
`ofa tree trunk section being joined with a male end ofa tree
`trunk section, in accordance with some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 13 depicts a perspective, cross-sectional View of a
`female end of a tree trunk section joined with a male end of a
`tree trunk section, i11 accordance with some embodiments of
`the present invention.
`FIG. 14a depicts a perspective view of a male end of a tree
`trunk section with clutch elements, ir1 accordance with some
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 14b depicts a perspective view of a female end of a
`tree trunk section with clutch elements, i11 accordance with
`some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 15 depicts an assembled artificial Christmas tree. in
`accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
`I)F.TAII ,F,I) I)F,SCRIPTI(’)N
`
`40
`
`6
`Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, temiinol—
`ogy will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. It is intended that
`each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood
`by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equiva-
`lents which operate in a similar marmer to accomplish a
`similar purpose.
`Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or
`“approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/’
`or to "about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another
`' particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exem-
`plary embodiments include from the one particular value
`and/or to the other particular value.
`Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “includ-
`ing,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have
`the same meaning as tenns such as “comprising” or “corn-
`prises” and not preclude the presence ofother structure, mate-
`rial, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can”
`or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that
`structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use
`such temrs is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or
`acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts
`are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as
`such.
`It is also to be tmderstood that the mention of one or more
`method steps does not preclude the presence of additional
`method steps or intervening method steps between those
`steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term
`“step” may be used herein to cormote different aspects of
`methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as
`implying any particular order among orbetween various steps
`herein disclosed unless and except when the order of indi-
`vidual steps is explicitly required.
`The components described hereinafter as making up vari-
`ous elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative
`and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would
`perform the same or similar functions as the components
`described herein are intended to be embraced within the
`scope ofthe invention. Such other components not described
`herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar
`components that are developed after development ofthe pres-
`ently disclosed subject matter.
`To facilitate an understanding ofthe principles and features
`of the invention, various
`illustrative embodiments are
`explained below. In particular, the presently diselo sed subj ec
`matter is described in the context of being an artificial tree
`power system. The present invention, however, is not so lirr1—
`ited, and can be applicable i11 other contexts. For example anc
`not limitation, some embodiments of the present invention
`may improve other power systems, such as light poles, lamps,
`extension cord systems, power cord connection systems, anc
`the like. These embodiments are contemplated within the
`scope o f the present invention. Accordingly, when the presen
`invention is described in the context of a power transfer sys-
`tem for an artificial Christmas tree, it will be understood tha
`other embodiments can take the place of those referred to.
`When assembling an artificial tree, decorators commonly
`desire to illuminate the tree with one or more light strings, i.e.,
`strands oflights. The light strings require electrical power £i]J(
`are conventionally connected in series. In many designs, a
`least one of the light strings is connected to a wall outlet to
`provide power to all of the light strings. When decorating a
`tree, the decorator can walk around the tree, placing the ligh
`strings 011 Various locations on the branches of the tree. In
`order to provide power to all ofthe light strings, typical ligh
`strings come with a first end in the fonn of a male end and a
`second end in the form of a female end.
`
`Although preferred embodiments of the invention are
`explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodi-
`ments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that
`the invention is limited in its scope to the details of co11struc-
`tion andarrangementofcomponents set forth in the following
`description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
`capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or car-
`ried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred
`embodiments, specific temrinology will be resorted to for the
`sake of clarity.
`It should also be noted that, a s used in the specification and
`the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the”
`include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
`otherwise. References to a composition containing “a" con-
`stituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to
`the one rranred.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1011 - 23
`
`

`

`US 8,863,416 B2
`
`7
`To provide power to more than one light string, the deco-
`rator can insert the male end ofone light string into the female
`end of another light string. In doing so, the light string that is
`electrically connected to a wall outlet (or other power outlet)
`transfers electrical energy from the outlet to subsequent light
`strings. I11 some conventional systems, the lights strings can
`have multiple points of electrical connectivity, providing for
`parallel or serial connectivity. Even so, the flow of power is
`usually from one light string cormected to the power outlet to
`one or more downstream light strings.
`The act of providing power from the outlet to one or more
`light strings can be cumbersome and frustrating for a deco-
`rator. In order to attach multiple light strings together, the
`decorator will either need to attach the light strings prior to
`their placement or1 the tree or attach the ligl1t strings after they
`have been placed on the tree. If the decorator attaches mul-
`tiple light strings together, in order to “wrap” the tree with the
`light strings, the decorator often must walk around the tree,
`carrying the multiple strings. Ifthc decorator waits until after
`the light strings are placed on the tree, the decorator will need
`to reach through the tree branches and electrically connect the
`light strings. The decorator would also likely need to manipu-
`late the light strings i11 order to connect the strings together.
`This process can be difiicult and can take an extended amount
`of time.
`To alleviate issues associated with providing power to light
`strings in conventional artilicial trees, and to provide further
`advantages. the present invention comprises a power transfer
`system for an artificial tree. In an exemplary embodiment, an
`artificial
`tree trunk comprises tree trunk sections that are ,
`engaged with one another to form the trunk of an artificia
`tree. At least some of the tree tru11k sections can have hollow
`voids. Within the hollow voids can be power distribution
`subsystems. In some embodiments, power distribution sub-
`system can comprise a female end, a male end, or both locatec
`proximate the ends of the tree trunk sections. In some
`embodiments, when one tree trunk section is engaged with
`another tree trunk section, the male end of one power distri-
`bution subsystem engages with and is electrically connectec
`to the female end of a neighboring power distribution sub-
`system. Thus, by electrically connecting a power distribution
`subsystem ofa tree trunk section to a power outlet, electrica
`power flows from the outlet to tha tree trunk section, anc
`from that tree trunk section to other tree trunk sections.
`A variety of systems exist to facilitate joining the male anc
`female ends ofpower distribution su Jsystems. Although con-
`ventional plug and outlet systems car1 be used, such as those
`manufactured in accordance with NEMA standards. in some
`cases, it can be difficult in conventional designs to align the
`male prongs ofone tree trunk section with the female holes of 7
`another tree trtmk section. In order to engage the male end
`with the female end, the assembler of the tree often must
`vertically align the tree trunk sections so that the male prongs
`of the male end are not angled to the female end in a manner
`that prevents insertion of the male prongs. The assembler
`must also rotationally align the two tree trunk sections to
`allow the prongs to line up with the female holes. Even if the
`tree trunk sections are perfectly vertical, in conventional sys-
`tems, the male prongs can only engage the female holes if the
`male prongs are rotationally aligned with the female holes. If
`11ot, the male prongs abut the area around the female holes,
`which prevents insertion of the male prongs. Attempting to
`align the male prongs and the female holes can therefore take
`significant time, and can be a frustrating experience for a user.
`To alleviate this problem, in one embodiment, the present
`invention comprises a female end having a central void for
`receiving a first male prong oftl1e male end and a cl1ar1r1el void
`
`8
`disposed around the central