Title of Invention: Modular lighted tree Abstract: 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. Detailed Description: Part general_description_paragraphs: Part RELATED APPLICATION: The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/240,668, filed Sep. 22, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/385,751 filed Sep. 23, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. Part FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention is generally directed to artificial trees with decorative lighting. More specifically, the present invention is directed to lighted artificial trees having separable, modular tree portions mechanically and electrically connectable between trunk portions. Part BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: 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 distributed about the exterior of the tree. Wires of the light string are clipped to branch structures, while plug ends dangle throughout 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 alternating 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 sections 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 connecting 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 current-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 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 artificial 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 “Artificial Tree”, describes a pre-lit tree made in sections 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 connection devices and methods that meet the needs of generally larger, heavier artificial trees with complex lighting systems with large numbers of lights. Part SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE: The present invention is directed to a modular lighted artificial 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 portion, 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 second trunk portion has a trunk body and a trunk connector, at least a portion of the trunk connector 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 the trunk connector of the second trunk portion. 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 at least one connector assembly for mechanically and electrically joining a trunk section to a base section. Alternatively, the connector assembly can join two trunk sections together. Each connector assembly can comprise a supporting connector, a plug and a socket. The supporting connector provides a gapless connection of the two trunk sections together as well as mechanical support to maintain the alignment of the trunk section and the base once connected. The supporting connector can also position the plug so as to align with plug with the socket. The supporting connector comprises an elongated body having a first end insertable into the base section and into a trunk section to join the base and a trunk section. The supporting connector further comprises a positioning portion for defining the relative positions of the base and the trunk section and can also position the plug relative to the socket. The positioning portion defines a shoulder on the elongated body for engaging a corresponding shoulder within the base section that is positioned such that a portion of the trunk section is received within the base section when connected by the elongated body. By receiving a portion of the trunk section within the base section presents an aesthetically appealing appearance of a continuous trunk without gaps between the base section. The positioning portion can further define a key protrusion adapted to align with a groove in the wall of the base section to prevent the supporting connector from rotating when aligning the trunk and base sections. The supporting connector can further define a lumen for receiving and positioning the plug. The corresponding socket is positioned within the base section such that the plug is engaged to the socket when supporting connector links the trunk section and base section together. The supporting connector can further define a groove in the wall of the lumen adapted to receive a corresponding key protrusion on the exterior of the plug preventing rotation of the plug independently from the supporting connector. The supporting connector can comprise a plastic material to provide a friction fitting between the supporting connector and the plug such that separating the tree section from the base section causes the plug to be separated from the socket. According to an embodiment, both the male and sockets each comprise a guard having at least one hole for receiving the electrical prong of the plug. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention can further comprise a top connector assembly for linking the top trunk section with the remained of the tree. Unlike other trunk sections, the trunk of the top trunk section can have a thinner diameter than the other trunk section to provide an aesthetically desirable appearance. Similar to the supporting connector assembly, the top connector assembly comprises a top connector, a plug and a socket. The top connector assembly comprises an elongated body having a first end insertable into an end of a trunk portion positionable beneath the tree top and a receiving port for receiving the end of the tree top. The top connector assembly can also define a positioning portion comprising a rim for engaging the end of the trunk section below the top trunk section to limit the extent to which the top connector assembly can be inserted into the trunk assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top connector can be visible while connecting the top trunk portions. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a lighted artificial tree that includes a first tree portion 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 has a first trunk wall defining a first trunk interior, 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 within the first trunk interior. The tree also includes a second tree portion including a second trunk portion, 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 form a 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 tree portion 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 portion, 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 connector is 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 the trunk connector of the second trunk portion, the electrical connection being 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 tree portion including a first trunk portion, a first plurality of branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string, the first trunk portion having a first trunk wall defining a first trunk interior, a first trunk connector and 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 connectable 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 interior, 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 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 aligning 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 connector 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 connection 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 trunk portion being mechanically and electrically connectable to the first trunk portion by coupling 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 trunk connector when the first trunk portion is coupled to the second trunk portion. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a modular lighted artificial tree that includes a first trunk portion 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 tree portion 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 connected 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 wiring harness and the first trunk connector; 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 connector is located in an interior of the trunk; inserting a portion 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 light string connector, such that the light string is electrically connected to the pair of bus wires. The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the 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. Part DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of modular lighted tree 100 of the present invention is depicted. Modular tree 100 includes base portion 102, first lighted tree portion 104, second 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 portion, 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. As 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-trunk 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 manner. Such alternate 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 receivers 128 extending outwardly and away from trunk portion 120. In some embodiments, branch receivers 128 define a channel for receiving a trunk end of a branch 122. Each branch 122 generally includes primary branch extension 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 embodiments 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. Trunk ends of branches 122 may be bent or otherwise formed to define a loop or circular opening such that trunk end 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 incandescent 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 connected, 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 opening 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 assemblies 142. In other embodiments, first lighted tree portion 104 may include first light strings 124 having a particular configuration 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 portion 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 parallel-connected individual or groupings of lighting element assemblies 142. Third lighted tree portion 108, adjacent to second lighted tree portion 106 includes third trunk portion 180, branches 122, and one or more third light strings 182. In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, a diameter of third trunk portion 180 may be somewhat smaller in diameter than a diameter of second lighted tree portion 108. As depicted, third trunk portion 180 comprises a relatively smaller diameter pipe-like body portion 184 including lower end 185, upper end 186, trunk wall 187, and defining top opening 188 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4). Also as depicted, in some embodiments, third trunk portion 180 may also not include branch-support rings 127, as branches 122 of third lighted tree portion 108 may be somewhat shorter in length than branches 122 of second lighted tree sections 106 and may be directly connected to body portion 184 of third trunk portion 180. Third light string 182 includes wiring 190 and multiple lighting element assemblies 142. Similar to first light strings 124, third light strings 182 may comprise any combination of series-connected or parallel-connected individual or groups of lighting element assemblies 142. In the embodiment depicted, third light string 182 emerges from top opening 188 such that a portion of third light string 182 is within an interior space defined by third trunk portion 180. Alternatively, third light string 182 may be connected via an electrical connector at opening 188. In other embodiments, third light string is mechanically connected to trunk portion via a connector at wall 186 of third trunk portion 180, or may be received in part by an opening (not depicted) in wall 186. In yet other embodiments, third light string 182 may be an extension of second light string 162. Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded, cross-sectional view of base portion 102, and trunk portions 120, 160, and 180 is depicted. In the embodiment depicted, base portion 102 includes an optional trunk-adapted power converter 192 which receives power from an external power source (not depicted) via power cord 194. Power converter 192 converts power from the external power source to a power appropriate for lighting strings 124, 162, and 182. In one embodiment, power converter 192 converts or transforms incoming alternating-current (AC) power to direct-current (DC) power. Such embodiments include converting from 120V AC to 9 VDC or 3 VDC for parallel or series-parallel construction and for use with, though not limited to, light elements 146 comprising LEDs. Power converter 192, when present in tree 100, may be generally cylindrical in shape and sized to fit within a portion of either trunk-support portion 112 or base-trunk portion 114, or both. Known DC-powered light sets and known fiber optic lighted trees often include a power converter, but such power converters typically comprise block-like structures that plug directly into a power source, such as a 120V AC wall outlet. Not only are such known power converters unattractive, but may easily become dislodged from their power receptacle or outlet due to the significant weight of the converter. Tree 100 with power converter 192 of the present invention avoids such problems by securely locating the power converter within base portion 102. In other embodiments, tree 100 may not include power converter 192, and light strings 124, 162, and 182 may utilize power from the external power source to energize lighting elements 146. In one such embodiment, all lighting elements 146 of tree 100 receive 120V AC power via a single power cord 194. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, base-trunk portion 114 includes first or lower end 196 and second or upper end 198. Lower end 196 may be sized to fit into trunk-support section 112. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, base support portion 102 is configured to easily and securely mechanically couple and electrically connect to first tree portion 104; first tree portion 104 is configured to mechanically couple and electrically connect to second tree portion 106; and second tree portion 106 is configured to mechanically couple and electrically connect to third tree portion 108. As discussed further below, such mechanical and electrical connections are accomplished in part through a series of trunk connectors and wiring harnesses inserted into base 102 and trunk portions 120, 160 and 180. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the embodiment depicted, base portion 102 houses trunk connector assembly 200 and base wiring harness 202. In one embodiment, such as the embodiment depicted, trunk connector assembly 200 is a female trunk connector configured to receive a male counterpart to form a coaxial-like electrical connection. Trunk connector assembly 200 is inserted into upper end 198 of base-trunk portion 114. Base wiring harness 202 when connected to trunk connector assembly 200 extends through a portion or all of the interior of base-trunk portion 114 and trunk support portion 112. As discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 5-7, trunk connector assembly 200 includes head assembly 204 coupled to electrical connector 206 via a length of wiring 208. Base wiring harness 202 includes electrical connector 206 and power cord 194. In embodiments that include power converter 192, such as the embodiment depicted, base wiring harness 202 may also include additional wiring 212 and power converter 192. Consequently, when assembled, trunk connector assembly 200 is electrically connected to a plug end of power cord 194 through base wiring harness 202 such that power is available at connector assembly 200 when tree 100 is plugged into a power source. First trunk portion 120 houses trunk connector assembly 212, another trunk connector 200 and first trunk wiring harness 214. In one embodiment, such as the embodiment depicted, trunk connector assembly 212 is a male trunk connector configured to be inserted into a female counterpart, such as connector assembly 204 to form a coaxial-like electrical connection. Trunk connector assembly 212 is inserted into lower end 123 of first trunk body 121. Trunk connector assembly 200 is inserted into upper end 125 of first trunk body 121. First trunk wiring harness 214 when connected to trunk connector assemblies 200 and 212 extends through a portion, or all, of the interior of first trunk portion 120. As discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 8-10, trunk connector assembly 212 includes head assembly 216 coupled to electrical connector 206 via a length of wiring 218. First trunk wiring harness 214 includes an electrical connector 210 coupled to connector assembly 200 at electrical connector 206, an electrical connector 210 coupled to connector assembly 212 at electrical connector 206, a plurality of optional wall mount connectors 220, and wiring 222. Embodiments of first trunk wiring harness 214 are described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 17. In one embodiment, wall mount connectors 220 mount to wall 126 through openings 166 such that a portion of connector 220 is inside first trunk body 121, and a portion outside first trunk body 121. Wall mount connectors 220 are configured to mechanically and electrically connect to first light strings 124. In one embodiment, each first light string 124 includes a connector 224 that mates with wall mount connector 220 to detachably fix light string 124 to first trunk body 161 and first trunk wiring harness 214. In one embodiment, connector pair 220 and 224 may be easily connected or disconnected to attach or detach light string 124 to trunk portion 120. Consequently, when assembled, trunk connector assembly 200 is electrically connected to connector assembly 212 and light strings 124 through wiring harness 214. In the depicted embodiment, second trunk portion 160 houses a pair of trunk connector assemblies 212 and second trunk wiring harness 230. A lower trunk connector assembly 212 is inserted into lower end 163 of second trunk body 161. An upper trunk connector assembly 212 is inserted into upper end 165 of second trunk body 161. Second trunk wiring harness 230 when connected to trunk connector assemblies 212 extends through a portion, or all, of the interior of first trunk portion 160. Second trunk wiring harness 230 may be generally similar to first trunk wiring harness 214, and includes an electrical connector 210 coupled to lower connector assembly 212 at electrical connector 206, an electrical connector 210 coupled to upper connector assembly 212 at electrical connector 206, a plurality of optional wall mount connectors 220, and wiring 232. In one embodiment, wall mount connectors 220 mount to wall 164 through openings 166 such that a portion of connector 220 is inside second trunk body 161, and a portion outside second trunk body 161. Wall mount connectors 220 are configured to mechanically and electrically connect to second light strings 162. In one embodiment, each second light string 162 includes a connector 224 that mates with wall mount connector 220 to detachably fix light string 162 to second trunk body 161 and second trunk wiring harness 214. In one embodiment, connector pair 220 and 224 may be easily connected or disconnected to attach or detach light string 162 to trunk portion 160. Consequently, when assembled, upper trunk connector assembly 212 is electrically connected to lower connector assembly 212 and light strings 162 through second trunk wiring harness 230. Third trunk portion 180 in the depicted embodiment includes, in addition to trunk body portion 184, large adapter 240, small adapter 242, and trunk-top connector 244. Bottom end 185 of trunk body portion 184 fits into an upper opening of small adapter 242. As described further below with respect to FIGS. 16a and 16b, when assembled, a top portion of trunk-top connector 244 is received by a lower opening of small adapter 242, while a bottom portion of top connector 244 is received by large adapter 240 to securely connect third trunk portion 180 to second trunk portion 160. As depicted, a bottom portion of trunk-top connector defines an electrical receiver for receiving a portion of trunk connector assembly 212 of second trunk portion 160. As such, third trunk portion 180 is in electrical connection with second trunk portion 160. Further, third light string 182 is electrically connected to trunk-top connector 244, thereby causing third light string 182 to be in electrical connection with second trunk wiring harness 230 and first trunk wiring harness 214, as well as in electrical connection to the various first and second light strings 124 and 162 via their respective wiring harnesses. Alternatively, third trunk portion 180 may include a separate third trunk wiring harness detachably connectable to one or more of third light strings 182. Details of the various embodiments of electrical circuits formed are described further below with respect to FIGS. 17-20. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, an embodiment of connector 204 is depicted. FIG. 5 depicts an assembled connector 200, configured as a female connector, coupled to, or connected to a portion of a trunk wiring harness, such as a trunk wiring harness 214; FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of connector 200 and a connector 210 of trunk wiring harness 214; and FIG. 7 depicts a top view of connector assembly 200. As described above, an embodiment of connector assembly 200 includes head assembly 204, wiring 208, and connector 206. As depicted, connector assembly 200 comprises a female-style electrical connector, though in other embodiments may comprise other multi-contact electrical connectors as described further below. Wiring 208 may include one or more wires comprising an insulated or uninsulated conductor. As depicted, wiring 208 of connector assembly 200 includes first wire 256 and second wire 258. In an embodiment, head assembly 204 includes contact set 250, insert 252, and trunk plug 254. Contact set 250 as depicted includes a first electrical contact 260 and a second contact 262 and defines receptacle 264. In the embodiment depicted, first electrical contact 260 comprises a portion of outside surface of contact set 250 and an inside surface of contact set 250 and forms an electrical connection with first wire 256. Second electrical contact 262 forms an electrical connection with second wire 258, and may be located generally at a center portion of receptacle 264, extending upward and away from a closed end of receptacle 264. Consequently, the depicted embodiment of contact set 250 comprises a coaxial electrical connector. However, it will be understood that contact set 250 may include other types of single-contact or multi-contact electrical connectors. Such embodiments include first electrical contact 260 and second electrical contact 262 comprising a pair of electrical contacts of substantially the same structure, such as a pair of blade connectors, spade connectors, or other such electrical terminals or contacts as known to those skilled in the art. When present, insert 252 may be comprised of a generally elongated, cylindrical structure having a body 264 defining an outside surface 266 and cavity 268, top end 270, bottom end 272, and flange 274 defining top surface 276. Cavity 268 may have a diameter appropriate for receiving contact set 250. In some embodiments, body 264 of insert 252 may be tapered. Although not intending to be limiting, insert 252 may comprise a plastic or similar non-conducting material. Plug 254 comprises a generally cylindrical shape sized to be inserted into one of trunk portions 120 or 160, or base 102, and for securely positioning contact set 250 within its respective trunk or base portion. Plug 254 in an embodiment includes a top end 278, second end 280, left side 282, right side 284, one or more ribs 286 and top surface 288. Plug 254 defines cavity 290. Plug 254 may be tapered such that a plug diameter at bottom end 280 is somewhat smaller than a plug diameter at top end 278. In some embodiments, plug 254 may comprise a non-conductive plastic material with elastic properties allowing sides 282 and 284, and to a certain extent, ribs 286 to bend or flex slightly. When assembled, contact set 250 is received into cavity 268 of insert 252, and insert 252 is received into cavity 290 of plug 254 such that flange 274 is adjacent top surface 288 of plug 254. For body-tapered embodiments of insert 252, as insert 252 is inserted into cavity 268, force is exerted onto contact set 250 such that plug 254, insert 252 and contact 250 are held together forming an interference fitment, thereby securing contact set 250 in head assembly 204. Wiring 208 connects head assembly 204 to connector 206. Connector 206 defines one or more wire-receiving cavities 292 for securely receiving first wire 256 and second wire 258. In one embodiment, connector 206 couples with connector 210 of a trunk wiring harness. In such an embodiment, connectors 206 and 210 bring wiring 208 into contact with wiring 222, such that a conductor of wire 256 is in electrical connection with a conductor of wire 294 and a conductor of wire 258 is in electrical connection with a conductor of wire 296. In some embodiments, connector 206 detachably locks to connector 210. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, an embodiment of connector 212 is depicted. FIG. 8 depicts an assembled connector 212, configured as a male connector, coupled to, or connected to a portion of a trunk wiring harness, such as a trunk wiring harness 214; FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of connector 212 and a connector 210 of trunk wiring harness 214; and FIG. 10 depicts a top view of connector assembly 212. As described above, an embodiment of connector assembly 212 includes head assembly 216, wiring 218, and connector 206. As depicted, connector assembly 212 comprises a male-style electrical connector, though in other embodiments may comprise other multi-contact electrical connectors as described further below. Wiring 218 may include one or more wires comprising an insulated or uninsulated conductor. As depicted, wiring 218 of connector assembly 212 includes first wire 298 and second wire 300. In an embodiment, head assembly 216 includes contact set 302, insert 304, and trunk plug 254. Contact set 302 as depicted includes a first electrical contact 306 and a second contact 308 and defines receptacle 310. In the embodiment depicted, first electrical contact 306 comprises a portion of outside surface of contact set 302 and forms an electrical connection with first wire 298. Second electrical contact 308 forms an electrical connection with second wire 300, and may be located generally at a center, bottom portion of receptacle 310. Consequently, the depicted embodiment of contact set 302 comprises a coaxial electrical connector. However, it will be understood that contact set 302 may include other types of single-contact or multi-contact electrical connectors. Such embodiments include first electrical contact 306 and second electrical contact 308 comprising a pair of electrical contacts of substantially the same structure, such as a pair of blade connectors, spade connectors, or other such electrical terminals, receivers, or contacts as known to those skilled in the art. When present, insert 304 may be comprised of a generally elongated, cylindrical structure having a body 312 defining an outside surface 314 and cavity 316, top end 318, bottom end 320, and flange 322 defining top surface 324. Cavity 316 may have a diameter appropriate for receiving contact set 302. In some embodiments, body 312 of insert 304 may be tapered. Although not intending to be limiting, insert 304 may comprise a plastic or similar non-conducting material. When assembled, contact set 302 is received into cavity 316 of insert 304, and insert 304 is received into cavity 290 of plug 254 such that flange 322 is adjacent top surface 288 of plug 254. For body-tapered embodiments of insert 304, as insert 304 is inserted into cavity 268, force is exerted onto contact set 302 such that plug 254, insert 304 and contact set 304 are held together forming an interference fitment, thereby securing contact set 304 in head assembly 216. Wiring 218 connects head assembly 216 to connector 206. Connector 206 defines one or more wire-receiving cavities 292 for securely receiving first wire 298 and second wire 300. In one embodiment, connector 206 couples with connector 210 of a trunk wiring harness. In such an embodiment, connectors 206 and 210 bring wiring 218 into contact with wiring 222, such that a conductor of wire 298 is in electrical connection with a conductor of wire 294 and a conductor of wire 300 is in electrical connection with a conductor of wire 296. In some embodiments, connector 206 detachably locks to connector 210. Referring to FIGS. 11-13, an embodiment of trunk-top connector 244 is depicted. FIG. 11 depicts trunk-top connector 244 as assembled; FIG. 12 depicts trunk-top connector in exploded view; and FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of assembled trunk-top connector 244. In the depicted embodiment, trunk-top connector 244 includes a body portion 330 and dual-wire contact set 250. Body portion 330 includes top portion 332 and bottom portion 334. Top portion 332 and bottom portion 334 together may comprise an integrated body portion 330, or may comprise separate and distinct pieces such that body portion 330 comprises an assembly. In one embodiment, bottom portion 334 is substantially the same as adapter 252. Although depicted as a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, body portion 330 may take other shapes adapted to couple with trunk body 184, such as square or rectangular, as needed. Top portion 330 may include a plurality of vertical ribs 336 distributed about a perimeter of top portion 330. A top portion of each rib 336 may be angled inward to aid in guiding top portion 330 into trunk body 184 during assembly. Bottom portion 334 includes flange 338 and defining cavity 340. In some embodiments, bottom portion 334 may be slightly tapered such that bottom portion 334 has an upper diameter somewhat larger than a lower diameter so as to assist in forming an interference fit with adapter 240 (refer also to FIG. 3). Flange 338 includes a bottom surface 342 and a top surface 344. Contact set 250 as described above in further detail is sized to fit into cavity 340 of bottom portion 334, and is in electrical connection with wires 344 and 346. Wires 344 and 346 may comprise a portion of light set 182, or may be part of a separate, and in some embodiments, detachably-connected, trunk-top wiring harness configured to electrically connect contact set 250 with light set 182. Referring primarily to FIGS. 14a and 14b, and secondarily to FIGS. 3 and 4, a coupling of base-trunk portion 114 of base portion 102 with trunk portion 120 is depicted. FIG. 14a depicts the portions coupled together along a common vertical axis A, while FIG. 14b depicts the portions coupled together, with cross-sectional views of base-trunk portion 114 and trunk body 121. Base portion 102 may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to trunk portion 120 by simply aligning upper end 198 of base-trunk portion 114 with lower end 123 of trunk body 121 along axis A and inserting upper end 198 into lower end 123. In the depicted embodiment, to form the mechanical coupling and electrical connection between base portion 102 and trunk portion 120, it is not necessary to rotate either portion about axis A. From a mechanical standpoint, as described above, upper end 198 of base-trunk portion 114 has an outside diameter that is slightly less than an inside diameter of lower end 123 of trunk body 121, such that upper end can be inserted into lower end 123, causing a trunk wall 126 to overlap with a trunk wall 350 of base-trunk portion such that a portion of the walls may be adjacent one another. When upper end 198 is inserted fully into lower end 123, or in other words, when lower end 123 is lowered fully onto upper end 198, lower end 123 seats firmly against base-trunk portion 114 at an angled region of transition 352 between upper end 198 and lower end 192 of base-trunk portion 114. At angled region of transition 352, an outside diameter of base-trunk portion 114 transitions from a relatively smaller outside diameter of upper portion 198 to a relatively larger outside diameter of lower end 192 In one embodiment, the larger outside diameter of lower end 192 is approximately the same outside diameter as lower end 123. When base-trunk portion 114 and first trunk body 121 are generally cylindrical with a circular cross section as depicted, region of transition 350 comprises a generally circular region about the perimeter of base-trunk portion 114. The angle formed by region of transition 350 relative to a horizontal plane perpendicular to base-trunk portion 114 may vary from 0 degrees to substantially 90 degrees, though as depicted, an angle of region of transition 350 may range from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. When seated, the weight of trunk portion 120 exerts a downward force onto base-trunk portion 114 creating an interference fit between lower end 123 and upper end 198, thereby mechanically coupling base portion 102 to first trunk portion 120 and first tree portion 104. Unlike typical lighted trees having multiple trunk sections, tree 100 of the present invention does not require that base or trunk portions be aligned in any particular matter, except along axis A. Known lighted trees having multiple tree or trunk portions generally require that after aligning the trunk portions along a vertical axis, a trunk portion must be rotated about the vertical axis to
{'bibliographic_information': "{'country': 'US', 'doc-number': '14599903', 'kind': 'B1', 'date': '20150119', 'invention_title': 'Modular lighted tree'}", 'source_file': './grant/2016/ipg161101.xml', 'source_data': 'USPTO-Grant'}