Globe Manipulator Patents (Class 81/53.11)
  • Patent number: 11749521
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lamp manipulation tool (LMT) having a bellows engaged within a container and fluidly connected to a vacuum source disposed in the container, the vacuum source being configured to apply a suction such that the bellows is releasably coupled to a lamp when the lamp occludes an aperture of the bellows. In an illustrative example, the bellows may have a first aperture into the bellows and a second aperture within the bellows. The first aperture may, for example, be larger than the second aperture. The vacuum source may, for example, be operated by a remote switch. The container may, for example, be coupled to a handle. Various embodiments may advantageously provide a single LMT that allows a user to manipulate a variety of lamps beyond the user's normal reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: 2ULES, LLC
    Inventor: Barry F. Petty
  • Patent number: 11646192
    Abstract: A light bulb changer including an elongated pole having a first configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof, a support structure engaged with the elongated pole near a second end of the elongated pole, and a bulb holder extending from a second end of the support structure. A pair of cog belt pullies and a belt positioned therebetween transfer the rotation of the elongated pole about tis longitudinal axis to rotation of the bulb holder about a central axis thereof that is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the elongate pole. The bulb changer enabling removal and replacement of light bulbs of overhead light fixtures with a user safely positioned on a floor under the light fixture with a clear line of sight of the bulb and without the need for ladders or other elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: William Boroughf
  • Patent number: 11559880
    Abstract: An adjustment tool for adjusting a height of an upper bar of a gymnastics uneven bars apparatus. The adjustment tool is comprised of a shaft having a handle at one end and a horizontally-facing hook at an opposed end. In another embodiment, the hook faces upwards. The hook is sized and shaped to receive the upper bar, and is formed with a pair of outwardly flaring lips to allow the hook to be guided onto the bar without causing damage thereto. The handle is typically formed into a hook resembling that of a cane. A shaft length in an adjustable embodiment is comprised of two or more telescoping members mating with one another to establish and maintain desired shaft length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: David C Sedgwick
  • Patent number: 10818487
    Abstract: A light bulb changing device with expandable fingers is extendable to allow a person to install and remove light bulbs from an elevated ceiling without need for climbing a ladder. The device includes a tube, with the fingers attached thereto. A horn is slidably disposed on the top, movement of the horn adjusts the movement of the fingers. A compression spring and pulley housing with pulleys therein actuate movement of a tension member allowing for opening of the fingers and closing the fingers around a light bulb with limited torque to avoid breaking the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Holms Group
    Inventors: Michael Lester O'Banion, Lowell Dean Leuking, Todd James Huston, Hugh Miskel, Yandong Shen
  • Patent number: 10676959
    Abstract: A netting post cap 11 is provided for fitting over the top of a post. Posts are often used for fences to protect animals and agriculture. In certain cases, netting is used for additional protection from animals and agriculture. Wires can be strung between posts on the top of the netting post caps. Netting can be supported over the wires and netting post caps 11. The netting post cap 11 generally has a domed head 12 and a stem 14. The stem 14 may connect the dome 12 with struts 13 for structural support and aid in tying off wire ends. Holes 15 in the dome 12 are used to thread wire through and tie off wire ends. Protrusions 17 rising from the dome 12 secure the netting into position and protect the netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Mark Phillip Stager
  • Patent number: 9550280
    Abstract: This invention provides a tool for tightening and loosening lenses with respect to camera bodies. The tool includes a body that defines a cavity that is slightly larger in diameter than the sidewalls of the lens adjacent the lens face. Within the cavity is a thin, high-friction, elastomeric material that resides between the edges of the lens when the cavity is pressurably engaged over the lens face. The material frictionally couples the tool body to the lens face and adjacent side walls, thereby allowing a predetermined level of torque to be applied to tighten or loosen the lens. The tool can be adapted for attachment to a handle, such as a torque wrench or can include a handle specifically adapted/contoured for grasping by a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mishler, Robert Gainer, Laurens Nunnink
  • Patent number: 9278025
    Abstract: A handheld contact applicator system comprising a handheld contact applicator assembly having a handle body having a proximate end, a distal end, an aperture, and a length, an inserter/remover assembly having a shaft, a release button, and a contact engager; wherein the handheld contact applicator system comprises the handheld contact applicator assembly. The handheld contact applicator assembly comprises the handle body and the inserter/remover assembly in cooperative and functional combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Serna
  • Patent number: 9070544
    Abstract: An installation and removal tool for light bulbs and similar items comprising modular and interchangeable attachment heads, a pole, an articulating joint, and an extraction head. Attachment heads comprise a gripping unit and a handle and are each configured to cooperate with one or more light bulb shapes and/or sizes and further comprises an adhesive system. Several embodiments of the gripping unit comprise a bulb cavity with an engagement surface and a release lip and an adhesive system mounted on the engagement surface such that an air channel is created surrounding the adhesive system. The adhesive system comprises pressure sensitive adhesive and preferably defines an opening in fluid communication with a bore defined by the handle to accommodate extended and oddly shaped bulbs. A protective liner that cooperates with the adhesive component to preserve the functionality of the adhesive when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Shaps, Murray Neal
  • Publication number: 20150059530
    Abstract: An extendable light bulb remover/installer for use on energy saving bulbs comprising: a handle; three sections extending from the handle, where each section includes a channel and a series of holes parallel to the channel; a spring loaded lever placed on a first section and a second section, where the lever enables the adjustment of the remover/installer; a pair of holes at a top end of the top section; and an attachment that engages the top end. The attachment includes an engagement end. The engagement end includes one of the following shapes: a Y-shape, a triangular shape, a square shape or a Z-shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Rulon Spencer, Wendy Spencer
  • Patent number: 8875600
    Abstract: A spiral light bulb changing device includes an elongated member that has a handle connection portion and a bulb engagement portion. The bulb engagement portion has a pair of extension sections forming a slot adapted for receiving a spiral light bulb. Each of the extension sections has an upper surface. The upper surface of each of the extension sections has a plurality of wells therein. The wells are aligned with each other along a line traversing and orientated perpendicular to the slot. A pair of spacing prongs is provided. Each of the spacing prongs is removably positioned in one of the wells such that the slot is positioned between the spacing prongs. The spacing prongs each have a length such that the spacing prongs are adapted to abut a base of the light bulb when the slot receives the straight distal section of the spiral light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Paul M. Ely
  • Patent number: 8806984
    Abstract: Devices for changing a light bulb (e.g., a compact fluorescent lamp or CFL), especially for those installed in high places, are disclosed. The device has a cylindrical tubular structure with one end opening to accommodate a light bulb. In one embodiment, at least one flexible thin arm with one end shaped to form a hook is pivotably affixed to the tubular structure. In another embodiment, a shaped insert is disposed in the tubular structure to provide necessary friction force to hold the light bulb in place during the changing process. The present invention is suitable for changing various types of CFLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Bell
  • Patent number: 8646362
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling spiral-type fluorescent light bulbs particularly for removing and installing different size spiral fluorescent light bulbs in a light fixture. The device is comprised of a main body made of a durable and flexible material and having a front and a rear surface, side surfaces and features; a means to secure a main body to a pole adapter; and a pole adapter for the securement of the main body to an extension pole or similar device. An alternative embodiment anticipates reinforcement strips internal to the main body to provide additional strength, especially when the device is twisted and in torsion. Another alternative embodiment provides an external containment means to enable various modes of containment features and permit different marketing themes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Eugene Schildmeier
  • Patent number: 8555749
    Abstract: An apparatus including an extendable (e.g., telescoping) pole with a handle at a first end and a light-bulb gripping unit at a second end. The gripping unit may include an adhesive member including a series of removal, disposable adhesive sheets having a “tacky” surface for controlling a light bulb during removal and installation. Different gripping units are configured for different light bulb types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Frank P. Gatski
  • Publication number: 20130247723
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: WAGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Patent number: 8539863
    Abstract: An apparatus including an extendable (e.g., telescoping) pole with a handle at a first end and a light-bulb gripping unit at a second end. The gripping unit may include an adhesive member including a series of removal, disposable adhesive sheets having a “tacky” surface for controlling a light bulb during removal and installation. Different gripping units are configured for different light bulb types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Frank P. Gatski
  • Publication number: 20130213186
    Abstract: An apparatus including an extendable (e.g., telescoping) pole with a handle at a first end and a light-bulb gripping unit at a second end. The gripping unit may include an adhesive member including a series of removal, disposable adhesive sheets having a “tacky” surface for controlling a light bulb during removal and installation. Different gripping units are configured for different light bulb types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Frank P. Gatski
  • Publication number: 20130213187
    Abstract: An apparatus including an extendable (e.g., telescoping) pole with a handle at a first end and a light-bulb gripping unit at a second end. The gripping unit may include an adhesive member including a series of removal, disposable adhesive sheets having a “tacky” surface for controlling a light bulb during removal and installation. Different gripping units are configured for different light bulb types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Frank P. Gatski
  • Patent number: 8281470
    Abstract: An installation tool for installing an escutcheon on a sprinkler assembly includes an extension member and a body portion. The body portion may be disposed on an end of the extension member. The body portion may include a sleeve adjustably engaging a base. The body portion may also include a recess adapted to releasably receive an escutcheon. The installation tool is adapted to remotely install the escutcheon to a sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn G. Orr
  • Publication number: 20120222521
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing a light bulb that is out of reach for a person even with the use of a six foot ladder includes a substantially hollow elongated member and an extendable member which is disposed within the substantially hollow elongated member. A locking member is engageable with the hollow member and the extendable member for adjusting the length of the apparatus. A replaceable vacuum cup having a predetermined shape is disposed on a first end of the extendable member for attachment to such light bulb. A vacuum pump is disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the hollow elongated member, such pump is engageable with the cup for creating a vacuum in the cup for securing such light bulb therein. A vacuum release assembly is disposed on the pump for releasing such vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: John Becker
  • Patent number: 8256329
    Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing a light bulb includes a long handle rod, a chuck at an upper end of the handle rod, and an operating mechanism at a lower end of the handle rod for actuating the chuck. The chuck includes an arm holder, bearing brackets, chuck arms pivotally supported by the bearing brackets, tension springs for closing the chuck arms, a seat pad for receiving and supporting a top surface of the glass sphere of the light bulb, guide bars for opening the chuck arms, and a movable bar-holder-block connected to the operation mechanism for supporting the guide bars. When the movable bar-holder-block is pulled downward by the operating mechanism, the upper end portions of the chuck arms are operatively opened away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ota Kosan Corporation
    Inventor: Kinjirou Ota
  • Publication number: 20120000321
    Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing a light bulb includes a long handle rod, a chuck at an upper end of the handle rod, and an operating mechanism at a lower end of the handle rod for actuating the chuck. The chuck includes an arm holder, bearing brackets, chuck arms pivotally supported by the bearing brackets, tension springs for closing the chuck arms, a seat pad for receiving and supporting a top surface of the glass sphere of the light bulb, guide bars for opening the chuck arms, and a movable bar-holder-block connected to the operation mechanism for supporting the guide bars. When the movable bar-holder-block is pulled downward by the operating mechanism, the upper end portions of the chuck arms are operatively opened away from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: OTA KOSAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kinjirou Ota
  • Publication number: 20110247462
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling spiral-type fluorescent light bulbs particularly for removing and installing different size spiral fluorescent light bulbs in a light fixture. The device is comprised of a main body made of a durable and flexible material and having a front and a rear surface, side surfaces and features; a means to secure a main body to a pole adapter; and a pole adapter for the securement of the main body to an extension pole or similar device. An alternative embodiment anticipates reinforcement strips internal to the main body to provide additional strength, especially when the device is twisted and in torsion. Another alternative embodiment provides an external containment means to enable various modes of containment features and permit different marketing themes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene Schildmeier
  • Publication number: 20110072939
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: WAGIC, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Publication number: 20100050816
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: WAGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Publication number: 20100024606
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing a light bulb that is out of reach for a person even with the use of a six foot ladder. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow elongated rod member having a predetermined shape, size and length and formed of a first predetermined material. An extendable member is disposed within the substantially hollow elongated rod member, the extendable member having a second predetermined length and is formed of a second predetermined material. A locking means is engageable with the rod member and the extendable member for adjusting the length of the apparatus. A replaceable vacuum cup having a predetermined shape is disposed on a first end of the extendable member for attachment to such light bulb. A vacuum pump is disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the rod member, such pump is engageable with the cup for creating a vacuum in the cup for securing such light bulb therein. A vacuum release button is disposed on the pump for releasing such vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN BECKER
  • Patent number: 7334503
    Abstract: A light bulb changing tool is adapted for use with a conventional vacuum cleaner whose suction nozzle is of an indeterminate diameter. In some embodiments, the light bulb changing tool includes a rotational slip joint that enables the tool to be rotated while the vacuum cleaner is stationary. In some cases, the tool includes a torque-limiting coupling that allows the tool to exert greater loosening torque than tightening torque, thereby avoiding over tightening of the bulb and ensuring that the bulb can later be removed without breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick M. Newman
  • Patent number: 7270031
    Abstract: A light bulb tool is describe having a resilient conical bowl with an inwardly depending lip sized for frictionally engaging a globe end of a typical light bulb; a cylindrical element coaxially positioned penetrating through forming an apex of the resilient conical bowl having a proximal end extending exterior the bowl presenting a central socket for connecting with a male driver handle for rotating the tool coaxially relative to light bulb fixture sockets, and a distal end extending into the conical volume of the bowl presenting outwardly flaring reaming teeth diametrically sized for engaging interior annular wall surfaces of bases of broken light bulbs, spaced sufficiently below the lip of the cup for allowing the depending lip of the bowl to frictionally engage a larger diameter globe end of an intact light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Donald W. Huls
  • Patent number: 7234743
    Abstract: A vacuum driven light bulb changer. The device has a power source that energizes an electrical circuitry so that when the power switch is activated it energizes a motor that activates a vacuum pump. The activation of the vacuum pump draws air into the intake head on the vacuum cup. When the vacuum cup is place firmly against the outside surface of a light bulb, the vacuum creates a depressurized zone against the outside surface of the light bulb and the inside bottom surface of the vacuum cup allowing the turning of the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Jonnie D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7131352
    Abstract: A light bulb catch is disclosed that comprises a catcher and an attachment mechanism. The catcher may be rotatably or slideably connected to a pole through a rotatable connection and connector. A distal end of the catcher may also be biased away from a proximal end of the catcher or the catcher may be deformable, in order to increase maneuverability and allow the catcher to be moveable between an extended and retracted position. A work product end of the pole, which is contained in the catcher and connects to the attachment mechanism, may telescope and may also be biased towards a forward position, moveable to a rearward position, allowing the user to apply pressure to the light bulb changing device without damaging the bulb. The catch may have many purposes besides simply changing light bulbs as will be realized by those in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: LaMoine Saunders
  • Patent number: 7066511
    Abstract: An extension pole suitable for use in light bulb changing operations. The extension pole comprises first, second, and third telescopically intercoupled sections. A first locking assembly selectively locks the first and second sections to one another, and a second locking assembly selectively locks the second and third section to one another. The extension pole is made entirely of non-conductive materials to thereby reduce the risk of electrical shock to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6983675
    Abstract: A device for the extraction of the base of a broken light bulb from the socket without further breakage of any remaining glass or deformation of the bulb base member or the socket. A hollow elongated conical cylinder with a series of slots or slits at the apex of the cone is inserted into a light bulb base. A threaded cylindrical rod is screwed into threads inside the conical cylinder, causing the apex of the cone to expand and engage the inside of the light bulb base. When securely engaged, the entire device is turned to cause the light bulb base to be come disengaged from the light socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas R. Scearce
  • Patent number: 6976407
    Abstract: A broken bulb remover with no moving parts comprising a rod serving as a handle with a central chamber open from the end of the rod to enclose the stem of a broken bulb. A lateral slot bifurcates part of the chamber for receiving the paddle-shaped part of the stem, which is used to unscrew the broken bulb. A tapered surface on the end of the rod contacts the inside wall of the broken glass envelope and stabilizes and centers the rod while it is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Alden Corporation
    Inventor: Yvon J. Desaulniers
  • Patent number: 6928901
    Abstract: A device for removing a hollow base of a broken light bulb utilizing a member terminating in an end surface which is capable of extending into the hollow base of a bulb. The member also includes a portion capable of receiving an applied torsional force. An adhesive band is fixed to the outer surface of the member. The adhesive band bonds with the hollow base of the broken light bulb to permit removal of the same via the torsional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Edgar A. Rainin, Judith W. Rainin
  • Patent number: 6904830
    Abstract: Broken bulb remover for removing a broken light bulb by twisting the glass stem protruding from the remnants of the broken bulb. A pair of longitudinal members of non-conductive material with handles on one end and semi-cylindrical engagement sections on the other end is connected together for pivoting about a fulcrum pin and socket. The engagement sections have silicone tabs for centering and stabilizing the tool when the handle sections are squeezed. Internal radial ribs on the engagement sections enclose and twist the glass stem to remove the broken bulb. A transparent non-conductive shield is mounted around the fulcrum sections to protect against electrical shock and broken glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alden Corporation
    Inventor: Yvon J. Desaulniers
  • Patent number: 6883400
    Abstract: A device for changing a light bulb comprising an outer tube and an inner tube positioned inside the outer tube, wherein the tubes are adjustable along a longitudinal axis. The inner tube having a rotating member which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by a grip attached to the inner tube. The device comprising a flexible arm with a flex cable running through the arm, wherein the arm is connected to the outer tube. The flex cable in the flexible arm rotates in agreement with the rotating member by means of a transferring mechanism and drives a clasping mechanism comprising a plurality of spring urged fingers. The spring urged fingers are adjustable to clasp different sized light bulbs by an sliding collar coupled to the clasping mechanism. The device also comprises a locking mechanism for allowing or preventing the outer tube and the inner tube from sliding relative to each other at any position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Norio Sugano
  • Patent number: 6870114
    Abstract: A tool for use in removing and replacing a bulb of a push-button type actuatable switch comprises a tool body having a first end defining a bulb-accepting opening. A plurality of tines surround at least a portion of the opening. When the tines are in a first position, the opening is sufficiently large to accept a bulb. When pressed inwardly, the tines reduce the size of the opening and engage a bulb located therein. Movement of a sleeve over the outside of the body presses the tines inwardly. In one embodiment, a flexible sleeve is located in the opening for gripping and protecting a bulb. A stop extends into the insert, limiting the extent to which a bulb may be pressed into the tool. An opposing end of the tool may include a prong or blade for engaging and removing a lens cover over a bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cole, Oliver C. Mou
  • Patent number: 6826983
    Abstract: A light bulb changer method and apparatus that contains components that allows for instantly detecting a burned out light, automatically removing the burned out light, and automatically replacing the burned out light with a replacement bulb. The changer operates without human intervention, and can be assembled from a kit having a light fixture, detecting sensor, removing and replacement hardware. The kit can allow a consumer to assemble the changer for use as a novelty item, and/or also to be used as a working light fixture, such as a table lamp, and the like. The changer can also be used as a retrofit for existing light fixtures so that the existing light fixtures can be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Magdi
  • Publication number: 20040216562
    Abstract: A tool having first and second levers pivotably mounted in the manner of pliers with handle ends and opposite jaw ends. At the jaw ends the levers' jaws face one another and have complementary structures that can grasp a bulb therebetween. Each jaw has a shoulder at one lateral jaw side and a lip at the end of the lever. The lips of the facing jaws are adjacent one another, and the shoulder of one lever is on the opposite lateral side of the tool as the shoulder of the other lever. This creates a central jaw cavity on each jaw, and the facing cavities form a chamber in the jaw into which the bulb fits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel T. Ireland
  • Patent number: 6739219
    Abstract: A damaged light bulb base extractor has a generally cylindrical, resilient, expandable base-engaging member mounted on a handle member. With the base-engaging member sandwiched between compression plates, relative movement of the compression plates toward each other compresses and expands the base-engaging member diametrically to engage and grip the interior sidewall of a light bulb base for extraction from a socket. Relative movement of the compression plates away from each other permits the base-engaging member to return to its initial unexpanded state for removal from a light bulb base. Extendable ribs on the external sidewall surface of an expandable base-engaging member can be used as a sole means of expanding the diameter of a base-engaging member or in conjunction with the compression plates to expand the diameter of the base-engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Cuevas
  • Publication number: 20040025641
    Abstract: A device for changing a light bulb comprising an outer tube and an inner tube positioned inside the outer tube, wherein the tubes are adjustable along a longitudinal axis. The inner tube having a rotating member which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by a grip attached to the inner tube. The device comprising a flexible arm with a flex cable running through the arm, wherein the arm is connected to the outer tube. The flex cable in the flexible arm rotates in agreement with the rotating member by means of a transferring mechanism and drives a clasping mechanism comprising a plurality of spring urged fingers. The spring urged fingers are adjustable to clasp different sized light bulbs by an sliding collar coupled to the clasping mechanism. The device also comprises a locking mechanism for allowing or preventing the outer tube and the inner tube from sliding relative to each other at any position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Norio Sugano
  • Publication number: 20030222466
    Abstract: A device including adjustably opposing jaws for grasping a lighting tube for insertion into or removal from a lighting fixture. The device includes a handle having a head bracket attached to or formed at a first end of the handle. The head bracket supports adjustably opposing jaws including a first jaw pivotally attached to the head bracket and a second jaw hingedley attached to the first jaw and thereby pivotably attached to the head bracket. A control rod is connected to the first and second jaws and may be used for rotation or pivotal movement of the opposing jaws relative to the head bracket by pushing or pulling the control rod, and adjustment of the distance between the faces of the opposing first and second jaws by rotation of the control rod about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Gene H. Schulte
  • Patent number: 6553872
    Abstract: This is a device for screwing in and out light bulbs located at elevated positions from floor level comprising a pole or telescoping tubes which interconnect, having at one end a suction attachment or clamping attachment to affix to the electrical lamp and thereby screw it in or out, with a canopy set on the pole or telescoping tube which can catch the light bulb in the event the suction or clamping attachment releases the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: David T. Tse, Jeffrey David Tse
  • Patent number: 6453777
    Abstract: An extendable light bulb changing apparatus comprising first, second, and third telescoping sections and a bulb-gripping device coupled to the third section. At least one of the sections is composed of a non-metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Judson C. Cole, Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6260442
    Abstract: A tool for removing a broken light bulb base from a socket includes a body member for supporting a tubular resiliently deformable bulb base gripping head member operable to engage a broken bulb base including the glass bulb base portion, if remaining intact with the bulb base, whereby axial and rotational forces exerted by the tool body member effects substantial elastic deformation of the head member into frictional gripping engagement with the base to permit rotation of the base and removal from a socket. The body member includes a rigid tubular support part for engaging one end of the resilient head member but the rigid support part does not engage or enter the bulb base. The tool may be provided with a second resilient head member and supporting body member nestable in the first mentioned body member and usable for smaller diameter broken bulb bases. An adapter part is provided for mounting the tool on the end of an elongated pole for reaching otherwise inaccessible bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bijan Bayat
  • Patent number: 6257095
    Abstract: A tool is provided to install and remove light bulbs, the tool including a base and at least one shaft-like finger fixedly attached to the base. The finger has a tip with a resilient gripping surface to transmit rotational movement of the finger to a base of a light bulb, preferably a spiral light bulb, with the surface abutting the base of the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Yukness
  • Patent number: 6223628
    Abstract: A light bulb remover for removing and replacing light bulbs of various sizes. The light bulb remover includes a pole portion and a claw portion. The pole portion has a first end and a second end. The claw portion includes a base plate. The base plate has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The base plate is removably securable to the second end of the pole portion. A plurality of finger portions is coupled to the base plate. Each of the finger portions is elongate and has a distal portion and a proximal portion. Each of the distal portions is coupled to the peripheral wall of the base plate such that each of the fingers extends upwardly above the top side. The finger portions are spaced from each other. A first of the finger portions has a break therein. The break is between the distal and proximal portions. The distal portion of the first finger portion is hingedly coupled to the proximal portion of the first finger portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Jesse O. Barron