Light Bulb Changing Tool

Abstract

A light bulb carrying device is provided for transporting light bulbs to a fixture for installation. Locations for attachment of light bulbs allow the bulbs to be worn on the user's body for access to a light fixture without the need for occupying the user's hands in carrying the light bulbs during transportation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/341,759, filed Jan. 27, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/648,034, filed Jan. 28, 2005, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for assisting a user in changing a light bulb. When changing a light bulb, the person must take a new bulb to the fixture and then open the fixture, remove the old bulb, insert the new bulb and close the fixture. When done on ceiling fixtures, the process of climbing up and down the ladder is often repeated three times or a second person is necessary to assist the person changing the bulb. Light bulbs are typically round and roll off the top of ladders. The bulbs can be expensive and when dropped on a hard surface, they can break into many small pieces.

Safety is always a major concern when climbing to reach light fixtures. Some light fixtures may require tall ladders to reach them. Injuries to workers can cause large damages to company profits. During climbing, it would be safer to have the installer's hands free to hold the ladder or other objects. When carrying a light bulb to the fixture, there is increased danger in the task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a portable light bulb holder that may be worn on the user's body. It can allow storage of new and old bulbs during the installation and transportation to the light fixture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention being worn on a user's wrist.

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of an embodiment of the invention having two bulb holders.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention having two bulb holders.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention having two bulb holders.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention being worn on a user's waist.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention being worn on a user's chest.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention being worn on a user's thigh.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of an alternate embodiment for fluorescent light bulbs worn on a user's back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment shown in the figures is a simple version that has proven to be efficient and effective. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, a vinyl body 1 of approximately six inches in length is shown attached to the user's wrist and hand with elastic straps 3. On the opposite surface of the vinyl body 1, the device provides two light bulb holders 2. The prototype embodiment utilizes metal strapping material to form spring loaded clips to hold a typical incandescent light bulb for home usage. A preferred model would utilize a plastic material to hold the light bulb or light bulbs.

The embodiment shown in the figures could be made using readily available materials that cost very little. A model manufactured in large quantities using plastic construction would cost only pennies.

The device would provide at least one light bulb holder, typically two, but many holders would be helpful, especially for fixtures with many bulbs such as a chandelier. The two bulb unit would allow the user to start the installation with one holder empty and one holder loaded with a new light bulb. The user would go to the fixture, possibly by climbing a ladder, and have both hands free to open the fixture, if necessary. The process would then allow the user to remove the old light bulb and place it into the empty holder on the unit. The user would then retrieve the new light bulb from the device and install it. The user would then be able to close the fixture, if necessary, and complete the installation. For users changing large numbers of bulbs, a bandolier of light bulbs could be provided to be worn around the body.

The bulb holder shown is a metal clip to hold the threads of an incandescent bulb by a compression fitting. Many types of bulb holders are known, including mounting light fixture sockets to the device for threading bulbs into the device. This may require additional effort to screw the bulbs into the device, so other compression fittings could be provided where the bulbs could be pushed into the holder and pulled out. This may be by prongs that hold the threaded end, or the bulb end, or by simple sockets with retaining devices or rings.

Ideally, the device could be suited for placement on a flat surface for loading and removing bulbs, or for holding the device on a ladder or work surface. Additional accessories may be provided to attach the device to a ladder or work surface during installation and transporting.

Other embodiments may include models worn around the user's neck. This would provide quick access to both hands. To eliminate undesirable swinging of the unit, the device could be worn around the user's chest or waist, clipped to a shirt or jacket, worn around the body as a sash, as a belt, or belt clip, or wrapped around the user's shoulders, similar to a backpack worn in the front. Other models may be strapped to the user's forearm, upper arm, thigh, head, or other parts of the body.

Various models could be designed to fit a variety of bulbs as needed. The typical unit would be for standard incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs for home and office fixtures. Fluorescent tubes could be accommodated, as well as larger bulbs for street lights, industrial lighting, halogen, mercury vapor, or any other light bulb product. Different sizes of the light bulb holders 2 could be provided to accommodate different light bulb sizes and types.

As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, it may be preferable to the user to attach the device to the user's waist, chest, or leg, depending on the circumstances, and the light bulb needed. Other embodiments may be desirable. An embodiment could similarly be attached to the user's belt. Buckles may also be provided to allow quick attachment and removal of the device.

As shown in FIG. 8, the device may be larger to accommodate larger light bulbs. Fluorescent bulb tubes are common in office buildings at around four feet in length and can be found to be eight feet in length or even longer. The attachment straps 3 may be made to wrap around larger parts of the user's body. To allow for fluorescent bulb tubes and other light bulbs, the light bulb holders 2 may be provided with a gripping material, such as a rubber material, to prevent slippage, or sliding of the light bulb.

Because of the low cost of manufacturing the device, it may be possible to give them away as promotional items for companies. The body of the device has areas that would be capable of displaying company promotional material.

The device may also incorporate storage areas for holding tools or parts. Commonly, light fixtures include small screws for attachment of light covers. The device may provide a pouch, a storage area, or a magnetic attachment for holding these screws. Additionally, screwdrivers or other tools may be used, and the device may incorporate a clip or device to hold the tools during installation.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art, that the present invention is susceptible to broad utility and application in changing light bulbs. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention, other than those described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.

While the foregoing description illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction and design disclosed herein. The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the true invention.

Claims

1. A light bulb holder comprising:

a main body;

attachment straps for attaching the main body to a user;

a first generally c-shaped retaining member attached to the main body for contacting and securely engaging, in a carrying position, a first light bulb to be installed in a light fixture; and

a second generally c-shaped retaining member placed next to the first generally c-shaped retaining member and attached to the main body for contacting and securely engaging, in a carrying position, a second light bulb currently installed in the light fixture and to be replaced by the first light bulb,

wherein the user wears the light bulb holder during transportation for replacing the second light bulb with the first light bulb in the light fixture, without having to use either hand to carry either the first light bulb or the second light bulb during transportation.

2. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, further comprising storage areas for holding one or more of tools and parts for replacing the second light bulb with the first light bulb.

3. The light bulb holder according to claim 2, wherein the storage areas include a pouch for storing screws.

4. The light bulb holder according to claim 2, wherein the storage areas include a magnetic attachment for holding screws.

5. The light bulb holder according to claim 2, wherein the storage areas include a clip to hold screwdrivers during installation.

6. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the first light bulb is a replacement light bulb, and the second light bulb is a used light bulb to be replaced by the new light bulb, and wherein when the light fixture needs a replacement light bulb, the second generally c-shaped retaining member is left empty to receive the used light bulb.

7. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the first light bulb and the second light bulb are incandescent bulbs, and the light bulb holder further comprising a metal clip that holds threads of the incandescent bulbs by a compression fitting.

8. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, further comprising sockets for threading the first light bulb and the second light bulb into the main body.

9. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the first and second generally c-shaped retaining members securely engage the first light bulb and the second bulb using compression fittings.

10. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, further comprising accessories to attach the main body to a ladder or work surface during installation and transportation.

11. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment straps enable the main body to be worn around one or more of the user's neck, chest, waist, and body.

12. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment straps enable the main body to be clipped to a shirt or a jacket.

13. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment straps enable the main body to be wrapped around the user's shoulders like a backpack.

14. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the attachment straps enable the main body to be strapped to one or more of the user's forearm, upper arm, thigh, head, and other parts of the body.

15. The light bulb holder according to claim 1, wherein the wherein the first and second generally c-shaped retaining members are large enough to accommodate large light bulbs in office buildings at more than four feet in length.

16. A light bulb holder comprising:

attachment straps for attaching a main body to a user; and

at least two generally c-shaped retaining members attached to the main body for biasing against and securely engaging, in a carrying position, at least one light bulb, wherein the at least two generally c-shaped retaining members comprises a first generally c-shaped retaining member for engaging a first light bulb to be installed in a light fixture and a second generally c-shaped retaining member placed next to the bulb holder for engaging a second light bulb already installed in the light fixture and to be replaced by the first light bulb, wherein the at least two generally c-shaped retaining members each further comprises first and second retaining arms, wherein the first and second retaining arms are fixedly attached to the main body and extend away from the main body,

wherein the user wears the light bulb holder during transportation for replacing the second light bulb with the first light bulb in the light fixture, without having to use either hand to carry either the first light bulb or the second light bulb during transportation.

17. The light bulb holder according to claim 16, wherein the first and second retaining arms comprise a first section fixedly connected to the main body and arcing in a generally c-shape and a second section curving back generally parallel with the first section toward the main body, such that the arc of the second section forms an opening for biasing against and securely engaging the at least one light bulb.

18. The light bulb holder according to claim 16, further comprising storage areas for holding one or more of tools and parts for replacing the second light bulb with the first light bulb.

19. The light bulb holder according to claim 16, further comprising accessories to attach the main body to a ladder or work surface during installation and transportation.

20. A light bulb holder comprising:

a main body;

attachment straps for attaching the main body to a user;

at least two generally c-shaped retaining members attached to the main body for biasing against and securely engaging, in a carrying position, at least one light bulb, the at least two generally c-shaped retaining members comprising a first generally c-shaped retaining member for engaging a first light bulb to be installed in a light fixture and a second generally c-shaped retaining member placed next to the first generally c-shaped retaining member for engaging a second light bulb currently installed in the light fixture and to be replaced by the first light bulb, the at least two generally c-shaped retaining members each further comprising first and second retaining arms, wherein the first and second retaining arms are fixedly attached to the main body and extend away from the main body; and

accessories to attach the main body to a ladder or work surface during installation and transportation,

wherein the user wears the light bulb holder during transportation for replacing the second light bulb with the first light bulb in the light fixture, without having to use either hand to carry either the first light bulb or the second light bulb during transportation.