Conformal power adapter for lighted artificial tree

An artificial tree, comprising:

• a first trunk portion having a first end and defining a cavity defining an inside diameter;
• a tree base including a trunk support portion, the trunk support portion coupled to the first trunk portion;
• a power adapter for converting an electrical input power received from an external power source to an electrical output power providing energy to lighting elements of a lighted artificial tree, the power adapter including:
• a housing including an elongated body, a first end, and a second end, the housing defining an outside diameter;
• a printed circuit board assembly including power-converting circuitry for converting the electrical input power to the electrical output, the printed circuit board assembly located substantially within the elongated body of the housing;
• a power cord secured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connection with the power converting electronics, the power cord transmitting power from the external power source to the power-converting circuitry;
• an output power connection adjacent the second end of the elongated housing and in electrical connection with the power-converting circuitry, the output power connection for supplying output power to the lighting elements of the lighted artificial tree;
• wherein the housing of the power adapter is located substantially within the cavity of the first trunk portion or the trunk support portion or a combination thereof.

A power adapter for converting power received from an external power source to a power usable by lighting elements of a lighted artificial tree, comprising:

• an elongated cylindrical housing for insertion into a trunk of a lighted artificial tree, the housing including a bottom portion connectable to a top portion and defining a central axis extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing;
• an elongated printed circuit board assembly including a printed circuit board and power-converting circuitry for converting an alternating current (AC) input electrical power to a direct current (DC) output electrical power, the printed circuit board assembly secured to the bottom portion of the cylindrical housing and generally aligned along the central axis, the printed circuit board presenting a length and a width, the length being greater than the width;
• and
• a power cord secured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connection with the power-converting electronics, the power cord including a power plug in electrical connection with a pair of transmission wires, the power cord for transmitting power from an external power source to the power-converting circuitry.

A method of assembling an artificial tree, comprising:

• providing a tree base defining a hollow portion and configured to receive a generally cylindrical power adapter and an end of a trunk portion of an artificial tree;
• providing the generally cylindrical power adapter, the power adapter including an elongated housing portion enclosing power-converting electronics, a power plug, and power plug wiring, the power plug wiring electrically connecting the power-converting electronics to the power plug;
• and
• inserting at least a portion of the elongated housing portion into the hollow portion of the tree base, while the power plug and a portion of the power plug wiring remain external to the tree base.

A power adapter for converting power received from an external power source to a power usable by lighting elements of a lighted artificial tree and for selectively controlling the lighting elements, the power adapter comprising:

• an elongated cylindrical housing for insertion into a trunk of a lighted artificial tree;
• an elongated printed circuit board assembly including a printed circuit board, power-converting circuitry for converting an alternating current (AC) input electrical power to a direct current (DC) output electrical power, and control circuitry in communication with the power-converting circuitry and for controlling the distribution of the output electrical power, the printed circuit board assembly secured to the housing and generally aligned along the central axis, the printed circuit board presenting a length and a width, the length being greater than the width;
• and
• a power cord secured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connection with the power-converting electronics, the power cord including a power plug in electrical connection with a pair of transmission wires, the power cord for transmitting power from an external power source to the power-converting circuitry.