A combustion-resistant branch assembly for an artificial tree, the branch assembly including a first branch portion including a first rod having a main portion intermediate a first end portion and a second end portion; a first group of sub-branches attached to the first branch portion, each sub-branch of the first group of sub-branches including a member having a first end portion; and a first winding, including a combustion-resistant strand, wrapped about the first end portion of the first rod of the first branch portion and the first end portion of each sub-branch of the first group of sub-branches, thereby attaching the first group of sub-branches to the first branch portion.

Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a collapsible tree system having limbs which automatically pivot from a low-profile position while the tree is in a collapsed state to an in-use position when the tree is in an extended state. In an illustrative example, the system may include limb supports movably disposed along a central support. Movement of the limb supports closer together and further apart may cause the limbs to pivot to and from positions. For example, due to limb contact with an adjacent limb support, the limbs may be caused to pivot to the low-profile position. When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position. In an illustrative example, each limb support may include a nesting cup for receiving a proximal end of the limbs while in the stowed position.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to apparatus and methods for distributing a plurality of lighting control signals to a plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements coupled to an artificial tree. A subset of the plurality of lighting control signals are transmitted to each of the plurality of branch segments. Both operating power and these subsets of lighting control signals are transmitted to the independently-controllable lighting elements via two-conductor wires that engage each of the branch segments.

Translucent artificial foliage and methods of manufacturing the same. Exemplary translucent artificial foliage includes an artificial foliage material. An exemplary translucent artificial foliage material includes a polymer, an anti-UV additive component, and a phosphorus fire-retardant additive component. Exemplary translucent artificial foliage includes lighting elements internal to the artificial foliage material. An exemplary method of manufacturing the artificial foliage material includes mixing a translucent artificial foliage material by combining a polymer with an anti-UV additive component and a phosphorus fire-retardant additive. The exemplary method includes inserting a wire into a mold, heating the translucent artificial foliage material, adding the translucent artificial foliage material to the mold, and cooling the mold.

In methods and apparatuses that disclose a combination solar and wind electricity generating apparatus; an apparatus for the mounting and distribution of components, consisting of several or more sizes and shapes of connectors which allow tubes of scaling sizes to be connected at specific angles relative to each other, and which allow those components to be installed where the tubes terminate, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a 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 connectable 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.

An artificial tree that includes a first trunk body having a first elongated projection that extends axially from a first end toward a second end and forms a first keyway; a first electrical connector anchored within the first end of the first trunk body; a second trunk body, including a second elongated projection that extends axially, the second elongated projection forming a second keyway, the second elongated projection configured to be received by the first keyway; and a second electrical connector anchored within a first end of the second trunk body. The second elongated projection is received by the first keyway, and first and second electrical terminals of the first electrical connector make electrical connection with first and second electrical terminals of the second electrical connector, when the first end of the first trunk body is coupled to the first end of the second trunk body.

Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a collapsible tree system having limbs which automatically pivot from a low-profile position while the tree is in a collapsed state to an in-use position when the tree is in an extended state. In an illustrative example, the system may include limb supports movably disposed along a central support. Movement of the limb supports closer together and further apart may cause the limbs to pivot to and from positions. For example, due to limb contact with an adjacent limb support, the limbs may be caused to pivot to the low-profile position. When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position. In an illustrative example, each limb support may include a nesting cup for receiving a proximal end of the limbs while in the stowed position.

A connector system facilitates the connection of a first tree trunk to a second tree trunk of an artificial tree system. The connector system can prohibit rotation of the first tree trunk relative to the second tree trunk.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to apparatus and methods for distributing a plurality of lighting control signals to a plurality of independently-controllable lighting elements coupled to an artificial tree. A subset of the plurality of lighting control signals are transmitted to each of the plurality of branch segments. Both operating power and these subsets of lighting control signals are transmitted to the independently-controllable lighting elements via two-conductor wires that engage each of the branch segments.