Abstract:
A Christmas tree decorative enhancing system provides a lighting display that is choreographed to an audio file and respective output. Each of a series of light strands are in signal communication with a respective output port on a controller. The controller integrates a storage device reader, a digital audio decoding integrated circuit, an operational controller data file decoding circuit, an output controller circuit, and a power regulation circuit. An audio data file is merged with an operational controller data file and stored in a portable digital data storage device. The controller decodes the merged file, generates an audio output signal, and drives the output controller circuit to illuminate one or more light strands in a choreographed manner in concert with the audio output. Two or more systems can be in wireless, signal communication to operate in tandem. The system can be provided using the light strands to form a tree-shape, or the lights can be placed into an existing tree.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This Non-Provisional Utility application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/206,085, filed on Jan. 27, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for a enhancing a Christmas tree display. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a Christmas tree display having a plurality of lights, the lights being sequenced and choreographed to an audio output. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Christmas displays have been a customary pastime for centuries. The center of Christmas displays are Christmas trees and a Nativity scene. 
     According to Christian lore, the Christmas tree is associated with St Boniface and the German town of Geismar. Sometime in St Boniface&#39;s lifetime (c. 672-754) he cut down the tree of Thor in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local German tribe. St. Boniface saw a fir tree growing in the roots of the old oak. Taking this as a sign of the Christian faith, he said “ . . . let Christ be at the center of your households . . . ” using the fir tree as a symbol of Christianity. 
     The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be historically traced to 16th century Northern Germany and their settlements in the Baltic region. According to the first documented uses of a Christmas tree in Estonia, in 1441, 1442, and 1514 the Blackheads erected a tree for the holidays in their brotherhood house in Reval (now Tallinn). At the last night of the celebrations leading up to the holidays, the tree was taken to the Town Hall Square where the members of the brotherhood danced around it. In 1584, the pastor and chronicler Balthasar Russow wrote of an established tradition of setting up a decorated spruce at the market square where the young men “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame”. In that period, the guilds started erecting Christmas trees in front of their guildhalls: Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann (Marburg professor of European ethnology) found a Bremen guild chronicle of 1570 which reports how a small tree was decorated with “apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers” and erected in the guild-house, for the benefit of the guild members&#39; children, who collected the dainties on Christmas Day. 
     Christmas tree displays have become significant traditions and major events at many locations, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City and the large Christmas tree at Victoria Square in Adelaide. During most of the 1970s and 1980s, the largest Christmas tree in the world was put up every year on the property of The National Enquirer in Lantana, Fla. This tradition grew into one of the most spectacular and celebrated events in the history of Southern Florida, but was discontinued on the death of the paper&#39;s founder in the late 1980s. 
     Norway also annually gifts a Christmas tree to Washington D.C. as a symbol of friendship between Norway and the US and as an expression of gratitude from Norway for the help received from the US during World War II. The United States&#39; National Christmas Tree is lit each year on the South Lawn of the White House. Today, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree is part of what has become a major holiday event at the White House. 
     Christmas trees were originally decorated with natural objects. Over time, the decorations have evolved into trinkets or other ornaments, lights, bows, garland, a tree topper, and the like. The larger, more articulated displays, such as those presented above, strive for uniqueness to continue to attract visitors. 
     The challenge continues to conceive and develop more desirable Christmas tree decorations and displays to provide a memorable experience, and at larger commercial displays, attracting more visitors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The basic inventive concept provides an embellished Christmas tree decoration, the decoration comprising a series of light strands choreographed to a sound file wherein the operative code for the light sequencing is merged within the sound file into a single file. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a Christmas tree decoration comprising: 
     a controller integrating the following circuits:
         an interface providing signal communication between the controller and a portable storage device,   a digital audio decoding integrated circuit providing an audio output signal, an output controller circuit for controlling an electrical signal to an series of controller electrical connections, and   a power regulation circuit;       

     an audio output device for producing a sound pressure wave; and 
     a series of light strands having an electrical connector which mates with the controller electrical connections. 
     A second aspect of the present invention further integrates the controller into a tree top subassembly. 
     In another aspect, the controller electrical connections are provided within the tree top subassembly. 
     In yet another aspect, the Christmas tree decoration further comprises a column support, wherein the column support is a series of interlocking poles. 
     In yet another aspect, the Christmas tree decoration further comprises a stand or base, wherein the column support is supported by the base. 
     In yet another aspect, a series of base arm subassemblies are attached to the base. 
     In yet another aspect, the series of base arm subassemblies are pivotally attached to the base, allowing the user to rotate the arm subassemblies into a storage configuration. Each light strand spans between the tree top subassembly and a distal end of each base arm subassembly. 
     In yet another aspect, each light strand spans between the tree top subassembly and a stake provided into the ground. 
     In yet another aspect, the tree controller operational file comprises a sequence file and an audio file merged into a single tree operational controller data file. 
     In yet another aspect, the Christmas tree decoration is operably controlled via a wireless remote control. 
     In yet another aspect, a first Christmas tree decoration and a second Christmas tree decoration are synchronized via a wireless communication. 
     In yet another aspect, the controller includes a signal interface 
     A method aspect of the present invention provides a Christmas tree display, the method comprising the steps of: 
     orienting a series of lights in at least one of in a form factor representative of a Christmas tree and onto a Christmas tree; 
     providing signal communication between the series of lights and a system controller; 
     decoding a tree operational controller data file into an audio file and a sequence controller file; 
     providing an audio output in accordance with the audio file; and 
     operating the series of lights in accordance with a sequence controller file. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a side elevation view of an exemplary tree top subassembly for use in conjunction with a light formed Christmas tree; 
         FIG. 2  presents a bottom isometric view of the tree top subassembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  presents a sectional side elevation view of the tree top subassembly of  FIG. 1 , the section take along a vertical centerline; 
         FIG. 4  presents a top isometric view of the tree top subassembly of  FIG. 1 , shown in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 5  presents a side elevation view of an exemplary tree base subassembly for use in conjunction with a first exemplary embodiment of a light formed Christmas tree; 
         FIG. 6  presents a top isometric view of the tree base subassembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  presents an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a base arm subassembly; 
         FIG. 8  presents a side elevation view of the base arm subassembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  presents a magnified side elevation view of a ball connection end of the base arm assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  presents a top isometric view detailing the assembly interface between the base arm subassembly of  FIG. 7  and the tree base subassembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  presents a top isometric view illustrating the complete base assembly; 
         FIG. 12  presents a pivotal assembly provided between the base arm subassembly and the tree base subassembly; 
         FIG. 13  presents a side elevation view of an exemplary light formed Christmas tree frame assembly, comprising the tree top subassembly of  FIG. 1 , the tree base subassembly of  FIG. 5 , and a support column subassembly; 
         FIG. 14  presents a top isometric view of an exemplary light formed Christmas tree frame assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  presents a top planar view combining a silk screen layer and a solder mask opening layer of an exemplary printed circuit board 
         FIG. 16  presents a bottom planar view combining a silk screen layer and a solder mask opening layer of the exemplary printed circuit board of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  presents an isometric view of a exemplary light formed Christmas tree integrating lights into the frame assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 18  presents a side elevation view of an exemplary tree base subassembly for use in conjunction with a second exemplary embodiment of a light formed Christmas tree; 
         FIG. 19  presents a top isometric view of the tree base subassembly of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  presents a side elevation view of an exemplary light formed Christmas tree frame assembly, comprising the tree top subassembly of  FIG. 1 , the tree base subassembly of  FIG. 18 , and a support column subassembly; 
         FIG. 21  presents a top isometric view of an exemplary light formed Christmas tree frame assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  presents an isometric view of a second exemplary light formed Christmas tree integrating lights into the frame assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  presents a flow diagram representative of an audio-light controlling data file; 
         FIG. 24  presents an exemplary block diagram of an audio and light controller; 
         FIG. 25  presents an elevation view of the exemplary light formed Christmas tree defining an exemplary light segmentation; and 
         FIG. 26  presents an elevation view of the present invention installed on a natural or artificial Christmas tree. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A first exemplary light formed Christmas tree  100  is presented throughout the illustrations of  FIGS. 1 through 17 . The light formed Christmas tree  100  provides a Christmas tree lighting system having an audio output, wherein the lights are choreographed to an audio signal. The light formed Christmas tree  100  integrates several subassemblies to create a Christmas tree frame, including a tree top subassembly  110 , a base subassembly  150  in combination with a series of base arm subassemblies  170  to form a complete base assembly  165 , and a support column subassembly  190 . 
     The tree top subassembly  110  is detailed in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . The tree top subassembly  110  is fabricated having a top enclosure  114  sealed by a top cover  112 . It is understood that any releasably engaging interface can be used to removably attach the top cover  112  to the top enclosure  114  to provide access to the interior of the tree top subassembly  110 . The top enclosure  114  is preferably provided extending upwards from a perimeter of a top assembly bottom surface  116 . A support column receptacle  118  is provided within the top assembly bottom surface  116  providing a means for removably assembling the support column subassembly  190  to the tree top subassembly  110 . At least one speaker port  120  is provided through the top enclosure  114 , or other reasonable location, for emitting an audio pressure wave. A speaker receptacle  122  is provided on an interior of the tree top subassembly  110  for mounting a speaker (not shown, but well understood) and projecting the audio pressure waves through the speaker port  120 . A controller printed circuit board  180  is mounted within the tree top subassembly  110 , providing electronic controls for signal outputs, such as the audio output, light operation, and the like. A portable memory card interface  124  is provided through a wall of the top enclosure  114  and in signal communication with the controller printed circuit board  180 . It is preferred that the tree top subassembly  110  be fabricated of injection molded plastic. 
     The tree top subassembly  110  can include optional features to aid in the assembly of the Christmas tree arrangement. A series of light string ports  131 - 140  can be provided through any structure of the tree top subassembly  110 , such as the top assembly bottom surface  116  as illustrated. Each of the light string ports  131 - 140  can include a light string reference  130  to aid the installer in the assembly of the Christmas tree arrangement. The ports can be of any form factor and reasonable function. One such function can be an electro-mechanical connection. A second such function can be a pull out roll, storing the string of lights. A third function can be an aperture providing access to an electrical connector located within the tree top subassembly  110 . The exemplary embodiment presents a series of ten (10) light string ports identified as follows: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Light Port References 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Light Port No. 
                 Element Ref. No. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1 
                 131 
                 First Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 132 
                 Second Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 133 
                 Third Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 134 
                 Fourth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 135 
                 Fifth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 136 
                 Sixth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 137 
                 Seventh Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 138 
                 Eighth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 139 
                 Ninth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 140 
                 Tenth Light String Port 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The base subassembly  150  is detailed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The base subassembly  150  comprises a central base section  158  is provided, preferably centered to a base ring  152  via a base support framing  156 . A support column interface  154  extends upwards from a central base section  158  for receiving a lower end of the support column subassembly  190 . The first exemplary embodiment provides a series of base arm subassemblies  170  assembled about a perimeter of the base ring  152 . A plurality of pivotal arm receptacle  160  is spatially provided about the perimeter of the base ring  152  for receiving the base arm subassemblies  170 . The base subassembly  150  can be fabricated of molded plastic, formed metal, shaped plastic or metal, molded composites, and the like. 
     The base arm subassembly  170  is detailed in  FIGS. 7 through 9 , with the assembly of the base arm subassembly  170  into the base subassembly  150  being detailed in  FIGS. 10 through 12 . The base arm subassembly  170  includes a ball joint  174  located at a proximal end of a base arm  172 . A ball joint mount  176  positions the ball joint  174  at a distance from the end of the base arm  172  providing clearance for rotation after assembly. The base arm  172  can be of any cross-sectional shape, including a modified “+” as illustrated, a tube, a rectangular tube, a round tube, round bar, rectangular bar, triangular, and the like. The base arm subassembly  170  can be fabricated of any reasonable material, including metal, plastic, composites, and the like. The ball joint  174  is inserted into the pivotal arm receptacle  160 . An optional cover plate (not shown, but well understood) can be assembled to the surface of the base ring  152  ensuring the ball joint  174  remains engaged with the pivotal arm receptacle  160 . The pivotal arm receptacle  160  to ball joint  174  interface allows the base arm subassembly  170  to pivot for storage, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The optional cover plate can rotate to lock the base arm subassemblies  170  from pivoting into the storage configuration. The complete series of base arm subassemblies  170  are shown installed in  FIG. 11 . A first end of a string of lights is attached to the distal end of each of the base arm subassembly  170 , with a second end being attached to the tree top subassembly  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
     The assembled light formed Christmas tree  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , further adding the lights as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . A support column subassembly  190  comprises an upper support column member  192  being assembled to a lower support column member  196  via a support column-coupling interface  195 . The support column coupling interface  195  is provided via a upper coupling member  194  and a lower coupling member  198 , wherein the upper coupling member  194  and lower coupling member  198  are removably engaging with one another for repeated assembly and disassembly of the support column subassembly  190 . The upper coupling member  194  is provided at a lower end of the upper support column member  192 . The lower coupling member  198  is provided at an upper end of the lower support column member  196 . It is understood the upper support column member  192  and lower support column member  196  can be slideably assembled or telescoping, allowing for height adjustment and ease of storage. It is understood that the support column-coupling interface  195  can further comprise a height adjusting mechanism. An upper end of the upper support column member  192  is inserted into the support column receptacle  118  of the tree top subassembly  110 . A lower end of the lower support column member  196  is inserted into the support column interface  154  of the base subassembly  150 . It is recognized that a plurality of support column coupling interfaces  195  can be utilized to vary the height of the light formed Christmas tree  100 . A series of light strands  185  are disposed about the supporting frame assembly. The light strands  185  can be any commonly available strand of Christmas lights, including incandescent bulbs, LED&#39;s, single color, multi-colored, color changing LED&#39;s, ribbon lighting, and the like. A power end of the each light strand  185  is in electro-mechanical communication with the tree top subassembly  110 . A distal end of the each light strand  185  is secured to a distal end of the base arm subassembly  170 . The series of light strands  185  forms a conical shape being representative of a Christmas tree. 
     The controller printed circuit board  180  provides the functional utility of the light formed Christmas tree  100 . An assembly illustration of the topside of the controller printed circuit board  180  is presented in  FIG. 15 . An assembly illustration of the bottomside of the controller printed circuit board  180  is presented in  FIG. 16 . Functionality of the controller printed circuit board  180  will be presented in the description associated with  FIG. 24 . 
     A second exemplary embodiment is presented as a light formed Christmas tree  200  illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The light formed Christmas tree  200  eliminates the need for the base arm subassemblies  170 ; therefore the light formed Christmas tree  200  can utilize a more cost conscience base assembly  250 . The base subassembly  250  comprises a plurality of base supporting legs  252  assembled to a support column interface  254 . The lower end of the support column subassembly  190  is assembled to the support column interface  254 . It is understood that any reasonably sized and shaped base subassembly  250  can be used for supporting the light formed Christmas tree  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The balance of the assembly is consistent with the light formed Christmas tree  100  described via  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Similar to the first embodiment, a series of light strands  185  are disposed about the supporting frame assembly. A power end of the each light strand  185  is in electro-mechanical communication with the tree top subassembly  110 . A distal end of the each light strand  185  is secured to the ground via a stake  210 . It is understood the stakes  210  can be of any common form factor. It would be desirable that each light strand  185  comprises a loop at the distal end for aiding in engagement with the stake  210 . The series of light strands  185  are arranged to form a conical shape being representative of a Christmas tree. 
     The light formed Christmas tree  100 ,  200  operate utilizing a tree operational controller data file  366 , wherein the tree operational controller data file  366  is generated in accordance with a tree operational file generating flow diagram  360  presented in  FIG. 23 . The tree operational controller data file  366  is created by integrating a sequence file  362  with an audio file  364 . The sequence file  362  contains light intensity level across a plurality of channels. The number of channels can be programmed by the user. The preferred embodiment stores the intensity levels in 50 millisecond time slots. Once the tree operational controller data file  366  is generated, the file is stored on a portable memory card  350 , such as an SD card. 
     An audio and light controller  300  is presented in  FIG. 24 . The audio and light controller  300  comprises a circuit, including an electro-mechanical interface for reading and writing between the circuit and the base subassembly  250 . The circuit includes a digital audio decoder integrated circuit  312 , which interprets the file and generates and audio output signal. The audio output signal is distributed through any audio distribution means, including a speaker amplifier output  320 , a FM transmit output  322 , and a line output  324 . The speaker amplifier output  320  amplifies the signal to drive a speaker arrangement. The FM transmit output  322  provides a wireless signal to a remote receiving device (not shown, but well understood in the art). The line output  324  provides a signal output to low powered speakers, an amplifier, and the like. The circuit further comprises an input/output controller  314 . The sequence file  362  can be interpreted via the digital audio decoder integrated circuit  312 , an input/output controller  314 , or another device provided within the circuit. The information respective to the sequence file  362 , decoded from the tree operational controller data file  366 , is then used to generate a signal to drive a series of output ports  331 - 340  in accordance with the encoded choreographed sequence. A strand or plurality of strands of lights  185  ( FIGS. 17 and 22 ) is connected to each of the series of output ports  331 - 340 . Power is provided to the audio and light controller  300  via a power source  370 . It is understood that a power management circuit can be incorporated into the audio and light controller circuitry  310  to manage and distribute power. Power can be provided to the series of output ports  331 - 340  to power each individual series of lights as programmed. It is understood the each of the output ports  331 - 340  are associated with a respective light string port  131 - 140 . The following details the light string ports  131 - 140 : 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Output Port References 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Output Port No. 
                 Element Ref. No. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 331 
                 First Output Port 
               
               
                 2 
                 332 
                 Second Output Port 
               
               
                 3 
                 333 
                 Third Output Port 
               
               
                 4 
                 334 
                 Fourth Output Port 
               
               
                 5 
                 335 
                 Fifth Output Port 
               
               
                 6 
                 336 
                 Sixth Output Port 
               
               
                 7 
                 337 
                 Seventh Output Port 
               
               
                 8 
                 338 
                 Eighth Output Port 
               
               
                 9 
                 339 
                 Ninth Output Port 
               
               
                 10 
                 340 
                 Tenth Output Port 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     An exemplary arrangement of lights is presented in  FIG. 25 , utilising the light formed Christmas tree  200  as a base. A plurality of strands of lights  431 - 439  are installed onto a Christmas tree, hung from the light formed Christmas tree  200 , and the like. The strands of lights  431 - 438  are arranged in accordance with a desired differentiation, such as layers as illustrated. The presented exemplary embodiment separates the light formed Christmas tree  200  into horizontal layers  411 - 418 . Each strand is connected to a specific port on the audio and light controller  300 . The audio and light controller  300  can be provided in a controller box (not shown) to support a configuration for a natural Christmas tree, or within the tree top subassembly  110  as presented. An alternate light strand  439  can be provided having a different color and installed in a configuration that differs from the installation of the strands of lights  431 - 438 . One exemplary installation provides colored lights for the strands of lights  431 - 438  and a white strand of lights for the alternate light strand  439 . A tree topper  440 , such as a star, angel, and the like can be provided and connected to another unused port on the audio and light controller  300 . The strands of lights  431 - 438  would be numbered to correspond with the respective output port to aid in the assembly of the light formed Christmas tree  100 ,  200 . 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Light Configuration 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Layer 
                 Layer Ref. 
                 Light Strand Ref. 
                 Color 
                 Connection Port 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 411 
                 431 First  
                 Colored 
                 331 First  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 2 
                 412 
                 432 Second  
                 Colored 
                 332 Second  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 3 
                 413 
                 433 Third  
                 Colored 
                 333 Third  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 4 
                 414 
                 434 Fourth  
                 Colored 
                 334 Fourth  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 5 
                 415 
                 435 Fifth  
                 Colored 
                 335 Fifth  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 6 
                 416 
                 436 Sixth  
                 Colored 
                 336 Sixth  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 7 
                 417 
                 437 Seventh  
                 Colored 
                 337 Seventh  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 8 
                 418 
                 438 Eighth  
                 Colored 
                 338 Eighth  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 9 
                 419 
                 439 Ninth  
                 White 
                 339 Ninth  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Light Strand 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                 10 
                 Tree  
                 440 Tree  
                 Any 
                 340 Tenth  
               
               
                   
                 Topper 
                 Topper 
                   
                 Output Port 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The above teaches a decorative apparatus providing a series of lights forming a shape resembling a Christmas tree. The present invention can be adapted to provide a tree decorating apparatus  500  to be installed onto a natural Christmas tree or an artificial Christmas tree, both being represented by Christmas tree  510 . The Christmas tree  510  is placed in to a tree stand  550 . The series of lights  431 - 438  would be either pre-installed onto the artificial tree or manually installed onto either the natural tree or artificial tree. A portable controller subassembly  520  is provided, having functional features similar to the controller of the tree top subassembly  110 , while being housed in a controller housing  522  having a form factor which can be placed under the tree  500 . The portable controller subassembly  520  includes a series of light string ports  524  that are similar to the light string ports  131 - 140  in signal communication with a controller printed circuit board  180  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ). Each of the light strings  131 - 140  are provided in electrical communication with a respective light string port  524  of the portable controller subassembly  520 . The illustration includes a representative connection of exemplary light string  438  in electrical communication with one of the series of light string ports  524 . The balance of the connections are well understood, but not shown for clarity. The lighting arrangement and characteristics can be configured and operated as described in the embodiment detailed in  FIG. 25 . The lights are preferably preinstalled onto the artificial version of the Christmas tree  510 . Each light strand  431 - 439  would include a numbered plug associated with a specific light string port  524 . This provides the end user with a simple, quick, and repeatable assembly process. The artificial tree can include hinged limbs allowing the Christmas tree  510  to collapse for easy conversion to a storage configuration. Alternately, the user can install the lights onto a natural Christmas tree  510  in accordance with an instruction manual and respective labeling of the strings  431 - 439 . A tree topper  440  can be coupled to the controller subassembly  520  into a specific port identified for use in conjunction with the tree topper  440 . Although the light strings  431 - 439  are shown in a specific arrangement, the user can install the light strings in any desired configuration while taking some considerations to the controller output. 
     The light formed Christmas tree  100 ,  200  can be operably controlled via a remote control. The system can include various modes of operation, including a constant on (referred to as a steady burn mode), clear lights only (such as ninth light strand  439 ), colored lights only (such as the first through the eighth light strands  431 - 438 ), animated in lights only, animated with music, and animated at various speeds. Additionally, a plurality of light formed Christmas tree  100 ,  200  can be synchronized via a wired or wireless communication between control units. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.