CUSTOMIZABLE DECORATIVE TREE
20250331587 ยท 2025-10-30
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
Disclosed is a customizable decorative tree, a customizable decorative tree is provided, which includes a trunk, a base, and a top section. The trunk is formed from a plurality of individual tree sections that are designed for selective sectional assembly and disassembly. Adjacent tree sections are connected using a shared mechanical connector and a corresponding electrical connector. This integrated system facilitates both robust structural connection and the simultaneous transmission of electrical power through the assembled trunk and base. The tree sections may have varying heights and diameters, allowing a user to customize the trunk to achieve a natural appearance or a unique style. By integrating the electrical power transmission within the structure of the trunk, the design eliminates the need for external wiring, thereby enhancing safety and aesthetics.
Claims
1. A customizable decorative tree, comprising: a trunk including a plurality of tree sections, the tree sections being selectively connectable for sectional assembly and disassembly; a shared connector configured to selectively connect adjacent tree sections of the plurality of tree sections; the tree sections having varying heights and diameters to provide a natural appearance or unique styling for the trunk; a base configured to support the trunk and selectively connectable to the trunk; an electrical connector configured to selectively connect adjacent tree sections of the plurality of tree sections; and a top section disposed at an upper end of the trunk and selectively connectable to the trunk; wherein the plurality of tree sections and the base are configured for electrical power transmission via the electrical connectors.
2. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector comprises a threaded section on one end of a first tree section and a threaded groove at the corresponding end of a second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section via threaded engagement.
3. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector comprises a conical section on one end of a first tree section and a corresponding conical groove at the corresponding end of a second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section via frictional conical engagement.
4. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector is a snap-fit connector comprising a plurality of resilient latching tabs resiliently disposed on an outer circumferential wall of one connecting end of a first tree section and a corresponding latching groove extending through a corresponding inner side of a second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section by the latching tabs resiliently engaging within the latching groove.
5. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector comprises a protruding first magnetic pole on an end surface of a first tree section and a recessed second magnetic pole on a corresponding end surface of a second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section by the mutual attraction of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole.
6. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector comprises a ball detent disposed within an inner wall of a first tree section at one end thereof and a corresponding limiting groove at a corresponding end of an adjacent second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section by the ball detent being popped into engagement with the limiting groove.
7. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the shared connector comprises an alignment protrusion disposed on the outer side of one end of a first tree section and a corresponding shoulder disposed on the inner side of a corresponding end of a second tree section, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section by the mutual engagement of the alignment protrusion and the shoulder.
8. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises a male electrode protruding from an end surface of a first tree section and a female electrode recessed in a corresponding end surface of a second tree section, the male electrode and the female electrode being circular, and the first tree section is selectively connected to the second tree section to enable rotatable engagement and mutual contact between the electrodes for maintaining electrical power transmission.
9. The customizable decorative tree of claim 2, wherein the electrical connector comprises an electrical contact disposed on an end surface of the threaded section and an circular electrode disposed on a corresponding end surface of the threaded groove, and the circular electrode contacts the electrical contact selectively to make electrical power transmission when the first tree section is connected to the second tree section via the threaded engagement.
10. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises a plurality of resilient contact pins disposed on an end surface of a first tree section and a plurality of corresponding recesses disposed on a corresponding end surface of an adjacent second tree section, and the resilient contact pins and the recesses are configured to mutually contact to selectively make electrical power transmission when the first tree section is connected to the second tree section.
11. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises an elongated conductor disposed on an end surface of a first tree section and a guide groove disposed on a corresponding end surface of an adjacent second tree section, the guide groove having an electric brush slidably disposed therein, and the electric brush is configured to engage to the elongated conductor slidably selectively make electrical power transmission when the first tree section is connected to the second tree section.
12. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises a transmitter disposed on an end surface of a first tree section and a receiver disposed on a corresponding end surface of a second tree section, and the transmitter and the receiver are configured to selectively make electrical power transmission via inductive coupling when the first tree section is connected to the second tree section.
13. The customizable decorative tree of claim 5, wherein the electrical connector comprises a positive terminal disposed on an end surface of the first magnetic pole and a negative terminal disposed on a corresponding end surface of the second magnetic pole, the positive terminal and the negative terminal are configured to selectively make electrical power transmission when the adjacent tree sections are connected.
14. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises external threads on an outer peripheral surface of a first tree section having contacts at its end surface and an internal threaded groove corresponding to the external threads on an inner peripheral surface of an adjacent second tree section having circular electrodes at its bottom corresponding to the contacts, the contacts being in contact with the circular electrodes for supplying power.
15. The customizable decorative tree of claim 1, wherein the tree sections are configured with integrated lighting.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
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REFERENCE NUMBER
[0039] 100tree section; 200sharedconnector; 201threadedsection; 202threadedgroove; 203conicalsection; 204conicalgroove; 205firstmagneticpole; 206secondmagneticpole; 207latchingtab; 208latchinggroove; 209maleconnector; 210balldetent; 211limitinggroove; 212alignmentprotrusion; 213shoulder; 214femaleconnector; 215firstthrough-hole; 216secondthrough-hole; 217positioningpin; 300electricalconnector; 301maleelectrode; 302femaleelectrode; 303resilientcontactpin; 304recess; 305conductor; 306electricbrush; 307guidegroove; 308internalthreadedgroove; 309annularelectrode; 310externalthreads; 311electricalcontact; 312transmitter; 313receiver; 314positiveterminal; 315negativeterminal; 400base; 500topsection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings. A preferred embodiment is described in the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments are only explanations of the present disclosure, and the embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the present disclosure.
[0041] The present disclosure will be described in more details below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments. The examples are provided for better illustration of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In practice, technicians skilled in the art might make small modifications and/or variations of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, features described in part of one embodiment may be used in another to create a new embodiment. It is therefore desirable that the present disclosure encompass such modifications and/or variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0042] In the description of the present disclosure, terms like longitudinal, transverse, up, down, front, back, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom denote orientation or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings and are intended for ease of description only, which in no way entails that the present disclosure must be constructed and operated in a particular orientation and therefore cannot be construed as limiting to the present disclosure. Terms like joint, attach and set used in the present disclosure should be understood in a broad sense, for example, may indicate a direct connection or indirect connection through intermediate components; and it may be a wired electrical connection, a radio connection, or a wireless communication signal connection. The exact meanings of the above terms may slightly differ and should be derived from the actual situation by technicians skilled in the art accordingly.
[0043] As shown in
[0044] The trunk is formed by a plurality of independent tree sections 100 connected in series. The design of these tree sections 100 draws inspiration from the natural growth patterns and morphological features of real trees. Accordingly, the tree sections 100 can be composed of sections with varying heights and diameters. For example, tree sections closer to the base typically have a larger diameter and greater wall thickness to provide better structural stability, while the diameter of the tree sections gradually decreases towards the top, culminating in a slender top section. This tapered design not only provides the decorative tree with a more natural and realistic visual appearance, avoiding the abrupt transitions of conventional artificial trees but also offers significant flexibility for creating special artistic shapes or abstract designs. A user can mix and match tree sections of different sizes, textures, or colors according to their aesthetic preferences and can even create non-traditional, sculptural art installations.
[0045] Each tree section 100 is typically manufactured from lightweight yet high-strength materials, such as engineering plastics (e.g., high-strength ABS, PC, or nylon), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass-reinforced plastic), or lightweight alloys. The choice of these materials ensures sufficient structural strength to support the entire weight of the tree section while also considering the product's portability and ease of assembly. The interior of a trunk is generally designed to be hollow, accommodating and protecting internal power lines, LED beads, control circuit boards, and other electronic components. The external surface of the tree section 100 can be treated in various ways, for example, with a realistic simulated bark texture, a smooth modern matte or high-gloss finish, or sprayed with various colors and patterns to suit different decorative styles and themes. This modular design also allows for easy replacement of a single tree section 100 if it becomes damaged, enhancing the product's maintainability and service life.
[0046] The primary function of the base 400 is to provide stable and reliable support for the entire trunk, ensuring the decorative tree remains upright and stable in various environments. Concurrently, the base 400 serves as the access point for external power, responsible for transmitting electrical power to the entire trunk system. The base 400 is selectively connectable to the lowermost tree section 100. This detachability allows users to replace the base with different styles, sizes, or functionalities as needed. For example, a user could choose a traditional round, square, or polygonal base or select a smart base with integrated additional functions, such as a built-in Bluetooth speaker, ambient light sensor, aromatherapy diffuser, or a small projector. The interior of the base 400 typically houses a power adapter, a main control circuit board, and the electrical connector for connecting to the lowermost tree section 100, ensuring effective power management and transmission. The design of the base 400 should also account for weight distribution to ensure stability even when the top of the trunk is heavily loaded (e.g., with a large top ornament).
[0047] The top section 500, disposed at the highest point of the trunk, serves a primarily decorative function. The top section 500 also features a detachable design and connects to the uppermost tree section 100 via a shared connector and an electrical connector. This design grants the user great freedom to change top ornaments according to different holiday themes, seasonal changes, or personal preferences. Examples include traditional five-pointed stars, spheres, angel figures, or more modern elements like LED light modules, small display screens, or even a smart ornament integrated with a weather sensor. The top section 500 can be more than just a simple ornament; it can be a smart component integrating special lighting effects, a sound player, or a wireless communication module. Its detachability allows the user to conveniently store it or remove it when not in use, extending its lifespan.
[0048] Shared connectors 200 are disposed between the various tree sections 100. These connectors are designed to provide diverse, reliable, and user-friendly mechanical connection solutions that meet the requirements of various application scenarios, including connection strength, convenience, stability, and anti-rotation characteristics. Each connector type is carefully designed to ensure that the tree sections can be securely joined and to provide precise physical alignment for the subsequent electrical connection.
[0049] Referring to
[0050] The advantages of a threaded connection are significant. First, it provides extremely high connection strength and reliability. The engagement mechanism of the threads ensures strong axial and radial retention forces, effectively resisting external tension, compression, bending, or torsion and preventing the tree sections 100 from loosening or detaching due to accidental impacts, vibrations, or prolonged use. Second, the threaded connection offers precise positioning capability; the thread-guiding mechanism enables the tree sections 100 to align accurately, which is particularly important for electrical connectors that require precise contact alignment. Third, the threaded connection has excellent reusability, allowing the user to assemble and disassemble it multiple times without significantly affecting connection performance. For disassembly, a simple reverse rotation is all that is required. To enhance operational convenience, the pitch of the threaded section 201 and the threaded groove 202 can be optimized based on the size of the tree sections 100 and the expected connection strength, for example, by using coarse threads to expedite assembly. To extend the service life of the threads during frequent assembly and disassembly and to reduce wear, wear-resistant materials such as high-strength alloys are selected, or the thread surfaces are specially treated, such as with anodizing, nickel plating, or a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, to reduce the coefficient of friction and improve corrosion resistance. Furthermore, a stop structure can be designed at the end of the threaded connection to prevent over-tightening or to provide a physical stop.
[0051] The shared connector 200 can also be designed as a frictional conical engagement. As shown in
[0052] The conical engagement has a significant self-centering characteristic. This means that during insertion, the conical surfaces automatically guide the two tree sections 100 into precise alignment without the need for tedious manual calibration by the user, which is very beneficial for quick assembly and ensuring precise contact of internal electrical connectors. This connection method is simple and fast to operate, requiring no rotational action, and can typically be completed with a simple push-in operation. For disassembly, only a certain axial pulling force is required, sometimes assisted by a slight twist or tap, to easily separate the sections. Another advantage of the conical engagement is the clean and smooth appearance of the joint, with no obvious protrusions, which helps maintain the overall aesthetic and streamlined look of the trunk, making it particularly suitable for products with high aesthetic requirements. The taper angle and surface roughness are key factors affecting the magnitude of the frictional force, and these parameters are optimized to adjust the tightness of the connection and the ease of disassembly. However, it should be noted that the conical engagement relies mainly on friction for fixation; therefore, under certain extreme conditions, such as significant torsional forces or prolonged vibration, there is a possibility of relative rotation. To enhance anti-rotation capability, an anti-slip texture is added to the conical surfaces, or it is combined with other anti-rotation mechanisms such as pins or keyways.
[0053] In some embodiments, the shared connector 200 can be a snap-fit connector. Referring to
[0054] During installation, the user inserts the connecting end of the tree section 100 with the latching tabs 207 into the inner side of the adjacent tree section 100. As it is inserted, the latching tabs 207 are compressed and retracted inward. When the latching tabs 207 reach the position of the latching groove 208, they automatically spring outward due to their inherent elasticity or the action of a spring, securely engaging within the latching groove 208. This is often accompanied by a distinct click sound, providing the user with intuitive feedback that the connection is successful. The advantage of this connection method is that assembly and disassembly are extremely fast and convenient, requiring no tools and only simple push-pull operations. Its intuitive feedback (sound and feel) also enhances the user experience. For disassembly, the user typically needs to manually push the latching tabs 207 inward (e.g., by pressing a protruding part on the outside of the tab or a specific release button) before the tree section 100 is separated. The shape, number, and material of the latching tabs 207 are designed according to the required connection strength, durability, and operational convenience. For example, multiple small tabs are used to distribute stress and improve service life, or a single large tab can be designed to enhance strength.
[0055] In another embodiment, the shared connector 200 can be magnetic. Referring to
[0056] The advantages of a magnetic connector include extreme convenience and excellent self-alignment capability. The user does not need to precisely align or apply significant force; the magnetic force automatically guides the two parts into the correct connection, greatly simplifying the assembly process, especially in low-light conditions or with limited operating space. At the same time, since there are no parts subject to mechanical wear, the magnetic connector's durability is excellent, being able to withstand frequent connection and disconnection cycles. For disassembly, the user simply needs to apply a sufficient separation force to pull the two parts apart. Magnetic connectors are particularly suitable for scenarios that require frequent assembly and disassembly or for applications with high demands on connection speed. Additionally, the magnetic force is used to ensure good contact pressure for internal electrical contacts, improving the reliability of electrical conduction. To enhance connection stability, the magnetic elements can also be designed in a ring shape or a multi-point array, providing a more uniform magnetic field distribution and a greater attraction force.
[0057] In another embodiment, the shared connector 200 can utilize a ball detent mechanism. Referring to
[0058] During assembly, the user pushes the connecting end of the tree section 100 with the ball detent 210 into the other tree section 100. During insertion, the ball detent 210 is compressed by contact with the inner wall of the other section and temporarily retracts into its housing. When the ball detent 210 aligns perfectly with the limiting groove 211, it immediately pops out due to the spring action and engages with the limiting groove 211, thereby achieving a secure connection between the two tree sections 100. This connection method provides clear locking feedback, often accompanied by an audible click, and effectively prevents the accidental separation of the tree sections. For disassembly, it is usually necessary to manually push the ball detent 210 back in (e.g., by pressing a small external button or using a special tool), after which the tree section 100 is withdrawn. The ball detent mechanism is characterized by its reliable anti-disengagement feature and relatively simple operation while providing good axial positioning. The number and arrangement of the ball detents are adjusted according to the required locking strength and anti-rotation capability.
[0059] The shared connector 200 can also achieve connection through the engagement of an alignment protrusion and a shoulder. Referring to
[0060] During assembly, the user inserts the tree section 100 with the protrusion 212 into the tree section 100 with the shoulder 213. When the alignment protrusion 212 contacts the shoulder 213, a physical stop is formed, preventing over-insertion of the tree section 100 by relying on the frictional force between the two tree sections 100 to secure the connection. This connection method has the advantages of a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and good axial positioning. The strength of the connection primarily depends on the coefficient of friction of the materials, the tightness of the fit, and the area of contact. To enhance the stability of the connection, materials with a higher coefficient of friction are selected, or the contact surfaces are roughened. If a stronger fixation is required, this connection method is combined with other locking mechanisms (such as screws or adhesives). Additionally, the shape of the alignment protrusion 212 and the shoulder 213 can be non-circular, providing additional anti-rotation capability.
[0061] The shared connector 200 can also utilize a connection between a male connector 209 and a female connector 214. As shown in
[0062] When the male connector 209 is circular (as shown in
[0063] When the male connector 209 is quadrilateral (as shown in
[0064] Furthermore, other custom-shaped male connectors 209 and female connectors 214 can be used to provide a unique appearance or more complex anti-rotation mechanisms, such as a custom shape with a keyway or anti-slip teeth.
[0065] During installation, the user simply inserts the connecting end of the tree section 100 with the male connector 209 into the female connector 214. This connection method is quick and convenient, often relying on a tight fit to provide sufficient frictional force for fixation. To enhance the strength and security of the connection, especially for larger or heavier tree sections 100, other locking mechanisms can be added at the junction of the male connector 209 and the female connector 214, such as an additional snap-fit structure (not shown), locking screws, or locking pins.
[0066] In another embodiment, the shared connector 200 can achieve connection through the engagement of a through-hole and a positioning pin. As shown in
[0067] During assembly, the user inserts the connecting end of the tree section 100 with the first through-holes 215 into the other tree section 100 and rotates or adjusts it until the first through-holes 215 are precisely aligned with the second through-holes 216. Then, a positioning pin 217 is inserted through the aligned holes, thereby achieving a firm connection between the two tree sections 100. The positioning pin 217 can be a simple smooth pin secured by a tight fit or friction. More preferably, the positioning pin 217 is threaded. In this case, the first through-hole 215 and the second through-hole 216 should also be correspondingly threaded to allow the threaded positioning pin 217 to be screwed in, providing extremely strong fastening force, making the connection between the two tree sections 100 more secure and reliable, and effectively preventing relative axial and radial movement. This connection method provides exceptional structural stability and precise positioning, making it particularly suitable for decorative tree sections that must support large loads or require high connection accuracy.
[0068] In another embodiment, as shown in
[0069] The electrical connector 300 can be designed in a coaxial or central electrode form. Referring to
[0070] When two tree sections 100 are connected via their mechanical shared connector, the male electrode 301 and the female electrode 302 automatically align and come into close contact, thereby achieving reliable power transmission. This design is highly integrated and easy to operate; the user only needs to complete the mechanical connection to simultaneously achieve the electrical connection, eliminating the need for additional plugging or unplugging operations. The male electrode 301 is often designed as a resilient contact point (such as a spring-loaded contact) or a cylindrical structure of a certain height to ensure continuous and reliable contact pressure with the female electrode 302. The female electrode 302 can be a simple conductive ring or a conductive groove. The advantage of this electrical connection method is its stable connection, high current transmission efficiency, and resistance to external environmental factors (such as dust and moisture), making it suitable for applications that require high current stability and reliability.
[0071] In some embodiments, the electrical connector 300 is integrated with a threaded mechanical connector. Referring to
[0072] During assembly, the user rotates and screws the tree section 100 with the external threads 310 and electrical contacts 311 into the tree section 100, which has an internal threaded groove 308 and an circular electrode 309. As the threads are tightened, the electrical contacts 311 come into close contact with the circular electrode 309, thereby ensuring reliable power transmission between the tree sections 100. This design cleverly combines the high mechanical strength of a threaded connection with reliable electrical contact, making it particularly suitable for scenarios that require higher current transmission or maintaining a specific orientation after connection (by tightening the threads to a specific position). The electrical contacts 311 are often designed with a certain elasticity or as a retractable structure, such as spring-loaded contacts, to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and ensure continuous contact pressure, maintaining good conductivity even under long-term use or slight vibration. The circular electrode 309 provides a large contact area, further enhancing the reliability of the connection.
[0073] The electrical connector 300 can also utilize a connection of resilient contact pins (e.g., Pogo Pins) and recesses. Referring to
[0074] During assembly, when the connecting end of the tree section 100 with the resilient contact pins 303 is inserted into the tree section 100 with the recesses 304, the resilient contact pins 303 retract slightly under pressure and make firm contact with the recesses 304, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical power. The advantages of resilient contact pins include their excellent tolerance compensation capability and reliable contact performance. Due to the action of their internal springs, they can ensure good conductivity even with some degree of connection misalignment or surface unevenness, thus improving the fault tolerance of the assembly. They typically have a long service life, are capable of withstanding tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of mating cycles, and have good vibration resistance, making them an ideal choice for frequently mated connections. The recesses 304 can be a gold-plated, nickel-plated, or silver-plated conductive layer to improve conductivity and oxidation resistance, ensuring long-term reliability.
[0075] The electrical connector 300 can also comprise an elongated conductor 305 on the end surface of a tree section 100, as well as a corresponding electric brush 306 and a guide groove 307 on the end surface of another tree section 100. Referring to
[0076] During connection and subsequent use, the electric brush 306 maintains continuous contact with the conductor 305, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical power. This design allows the tree section 100 to have limited or specific angles of relative rotation after connection while maintaining the continuity of the electrical connection. This is very useful in applications where adjusting the shape or orientation is required. For example, a user can rotate a tree section 100 by 180 degrees to change the orientation of branches or decorations without worrying about power interruption or reconnection. The choice of materials for the electric brush 306 and the conductor 305 is crucial; materials with good conductivity, low friction coefficient, and high wear resistance, such as carbon brushes, gold-plated contacts, or alloy brushes, are typically selected to ensure low contact resistance, long service life, and high current transmission efficiency.
[0077] In another embodiment, the electrical connector 300 can utilize a wireless power transmission method, such as inductive coupling. Referring to
[0078] The advantages of wireless power transmission are that it can transmit power without any physical contact, greatly improving the reliability, safety, and waterproof/dustproof capabilities of the connection and avoiding problems that traditional metal contacts might face, such as wear, oxidation, corrosion, or short circuits. This makes the assembly process simpler and more intuitive; the user can even achieve power supply without precise alignment (within the range of the magnetic field) while significantly extending the product's service life. This technology is particularly suitable for applications requiring high integration, rapid assembly, and waterproof/dustproof features or in situations where frequent plugging and unplugging are necessary, but physical wear is to be minimized.
[0079] The electrical connector 300 can also combine a magnetic mechanical connection with a contact-based power supply. Referring again to
[0080] Through magnetic positioning and attraction, when two tree sections 100 approach each other and connect via magnetic force, the attraction between the first magnetic pole 205 and the second magnetic pole 206 not only ensures mechanical fixation but also causes the positive terminal 314 and the negative terminal 315 to make physical contact, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical power. This design cleverly combines mechanical fixation (via magnetic force) with electrical connection (via electrode contact), further simplifying the interface design and user operation and achieving a convenient connect-on-contact, power-on-contact experience. It inherits the convenience and self-aligning features of the magnetic connector and builds upon them to achieve seamless power transmission, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user experience. To ensure reliable electrical contact, the surfaces of the positive terminal 314 and the negative terminal 315 can be made of highly conductive and corrosion-resistant materials, such as gold-plated or nickel-plated alloys, to guarantee long-term conductive stability and oxidation resistance.
[0081] In this embodiment, the decorative tree is not just a simple physical structure. Through its integrated electrical connector, it can achieve rich lighting effects and support smart control, thereby greatly expanding its functionality and user experience, making it an interactive, smart decorative piece.
[0082] For example, some tree sections 100 are configured with integrated lighting. This design enables users to freely select and combine them according to their personal aesthetics and usage scenarios. For instance, a user can select some tree sections with built-in LED beads to create illuminated areas while choosing other non-illuminated tree sections to create shadows or non-luminous areas, thereby forming a unique lighting layout and brightness gradient that creates a more layered visual effect.
[0083] For tree sections with integrated lighting, in some embodiments, the sections may offer multiple light color options. Users can choose according to the desired atmosphere: warm and soft white light for creating a cozy and comfortable environment; cool and bright white light suitable for modern, minimalist settings or situations requiring high brightness; and vibrant and festive colored light (e.g., RGB mode), where users can generate millions of colors by combining red, green, and blue, achieving rich color variations. Additionally, specific single colors are customized to meet special brand displays, themed events, or personal preferences.
[0084] In terms of lighting effects, the present application provides at least the following dynamic modes:
[0085] Steady On: The most basic mode, providing stable and continuous illumination.
[0086] Flashing: The lights turn on and off regularly or irregularly, creating a lively or warning atmosphere with adjustable flashing frequency.
[0087] Breathing: The light brightness smoothly fades between its brightest and dimmest levels, pulsating like a breath, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere with adjustable speed.
[0088] Fading: The light color or brightness smoothly transitions between different preset values, creating a flow of colors or dynamic changes in brightness.
[0089] Chasing: The lights illuminate sequentially along a specific path or order, creating a dynamic chasing effect.
[0090] Flowing: Simulates the effect of flowing water or twinkling stars, with dynamic changes in color and brightness.
[0091] All these lighting effects can be precisely programmed and switched through the microcontroller and driver circuits integrated within the tree sections 100.
[0092] Regarding the type of light beads, this embodiment preferably uses LED beads due to their high energy efficiency, long lifespan, rich colors, fast response speed, and ease of control. The brightness level can also be precisely adjusted through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or other dimming technologies, allowing for a range from subtle ambient light to bright primary lighting, thereby adapting to different lighting environments and mood requirements.
[0093] To provide a more convenient and interactive user experience, in some embodiments, the decorative tree can also integrate WiFi and/or Bluetooth modules. These wireless communication modules allow users to remotely control and personalize the decorative tree through smart devices or a dedicated remote control.
[0094] In some embodiments, the base 400 can be available in various styles, sizes, and material options to accommodate different interior design styles and functional needs. For example, there can be a small and lightweight desktop base, a stable and heavy floor-standing base, or a base with hidden storage space. Its material can be metal, wood, plastic, or composite materials, and the surface treatment can also be varied.
[0095] In some embodiments, the base 400 can integrate various additional functions, for example:
[0096] Integrated sound system: A built-in Bluetooth speaker, giving the decorative tree an entertainment function.
[0097] Integrated wireless charging pad: An integrated wireless charging area is located on top of the base, providing convenience for users to charge their phones and other devices.
[0098] Integrated environmental sensors: Integrated temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors that display or transmit data to an app.
[0099] Integrated small projector: Projects patterns or videos onto a wall or ceiling, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
[0100] Integrated aromatherapy diffuser: This can be combined with lighting to create a multi-sensory experience.
[0101] In this embodiment, the base 400 is connected to the lowermost tree section 100 through the aforementioned shared connector 200 and electrical connector 300, ensuring ease of installation and reliable power transmission. The power input terminal is located in a concealed position on the base 400.
[0102] The top section 500, as the top ornament of the decorative tree, also has a very diverse design. Users can not only choose traditional ornaments (such as a five-pointed star, a sphere, or an angel figure) but can also choose top ornaments with integrated high-tech functions. The top section 500 can be, for example:
[0103] A light-up sphere or a module with special lighting effects to achieve more complex dynamic light shows.
[0104] A small projector that can project snowflakes, starry skies, or other patterns onto the ceiling.
[0105] A Bluetooth speaker or an ambient microphone for sound interaction or ambient sound playback.
[0106] A small display screen that can show time, weather, or custom messages.
[0107] A camera is used for home monitoring or for recording holiday videos.
[0108] In this embodiment, the top section 500 is also connected to the uppermost tree section 100 using the shared connector 200 and electrical connector 300. This allows the top section 500 not only to be securely fixed but also to receive power and communicate with the main control system, enabling more complex interactive functions. This design significantly expands the functionality and personalization options of the top of the decorative tree, making it not only a visual focal point but also a hub for functional expansion.
[0109] In this embodiment, the trunk is composed of tree sections 100 having varying heights and diameters, which gives the trunk a more natural appearance or unique styling.
[0110] The embodiments described above are merely examples of the present disclosure, and should not be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which may have various modifications and variations made by specialists in the field. Any modification, equivalent replacement or improvement made within the spirits and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.