Decorative light assembly with tree collar

#The present invention relates to display light sets for decorating Christmas trees or the like and means to assist evenly dispersing the lights.

#In decorating Christmas trees, it is difficult to arrange the lights in a relatively evenly dispersed manner on and between the tree limbs, even if all of the lights are in one continuous string, as is possible in three-wire systems such as those in which groups of series-connected low-voltage lights are connected in parallel, as disclosed in my co-pending application, Ser. No. 664,153, filed Oct. 24, 1984, or in two-wire systems using a transformer for reduction from the line voltage or using 110-120 volt bulbs.

#The aim of the present invention is to provide a light mounting system of simple and economical construction whereby a string of lights can be more easily arranged on a Christmas tree or the like.

#In the accompanying drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display light set (collar and light string) according to the present invention applied to a Christmas tree;

#FIG. 2 is a top schematic view showing the light set as arranged on the tree;

#Referring to the drawings, it is seen that a mounting collar 10 is provided for use with a light string 11 which may be a single uninterrupted string of lights or may be formed by a series of light sets connected end-for-end into a continuous string. The bulbs 11a in the string may be of the plug-in or screw-in type mounted in sockets 11b and preferably are "miniature style," low-voltage lights of 12 volts or less. The wires electrically connecting the light sockets 11b may be independent insulated conductors or separated by insulation in a single cord. A suitable light string is disclosed in my co-pending application Ser. No. 664,153, filed Oct. 24, 1984, which is a three-wire set in which the wires (conductors) are in a single cord and connect the lights in a series-parallel arrangement, i.e., groups of lights in series are connected in parallel. Another suitable string is one or more of the type having, for example, 100 lights per set connected in a series-parallel arrangement with three insulated conductors twisted together and having an attachment plug at one end and an end connector at the other end so that two or more of the sets can be connected end-for-end. In such a string, normally one of the three conductors deadends within the attachment plug and another one of them deadends within the end connector. Long two-wire light sets are also suitable for the practice of this invention if the bulbs have a 110-120 volt rating or a transformer is utilized in conjunction with the power supply to the set.

#In view of the foregoing, for purposes of this description and accompanying claims, the word "string" includes two or more sets connected end-for-end, as well as a single set, and the word "cord" means insulated wires which may be twisted together, as well as meaning more than one conductor encased in a single insulating shield.

#The mounting collar 10 preferably takes the form of a ring-shaped container 12 having a lid 14. The container 12 has a flat annular bottom wall 12a, a circular inner wall 12b, and curved outer sidewall elements 12c separated by vertical slots 15. These slots 15 extend for the full height of the container 12 from the upper rim thereof through the periphery of the bottom wall 12a.