Abstract:
A device for installing and removing light bulbs. The device preferably comprises a tubular or frustoconical body with a detachable ring positioned proximately to one of the terminal ends. The ring includes a flexible mesh material positioned in covering relation to the opening at the terminal end for frictionally engaging a light bulb of various sizes and shapes. The device can further incorporate an extension attachment for changing light bulbs positioned in elevated locations or means for convenient storage and transportation.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of gripping devices, and, more specifically, to a gripping device used to install and remove light bulbs. 
         [0003]    2. Background of Art 
         [0004]    Every day millions of light bulbs are sold around the world. The typical U.S. house, for example, has roughly fifty light bulb sockets, and that number is on the rise. These light bulbs are available in an exceptionally wide variety of shapes and sizes. With so many light bulbs there is a constant need to remove and replace bulbs that are no longer functional. 
         [0005]    Removing a light bulb can be challenging. Some bulbs are located in hard to reach locations, including recessed floodlights, spotlights, and track lighting, among others. Other bulbs are too firmly engaged in the socket to remove by hand. Still others are cracked or otherwise damaged such that removing the bulb without assistance becomes impossible. Additionally, light bulbs that were actively in use when their useful life ended can be too hot to be removed without the assistance of a removal device. 
         [0006]    Existing devices use a variety of means to effect removal and replacement of a light bulb. Some devices, for example, engage the surface of the bulb and mechanically create a vacuum to allow the user to twist the bulb. This method is typically limited to light bulbs of a certain size and/or shape, and requires batteries or electricity as a power source to create the vacuum. Other devices use suction cups to engage the surface of the bulb. These devices are also limited to light bulbs of a certain size and/or shape and require the use of force to activate the suction. Still other devices involve one or more steps to tighten components of the complex device around the bulb before it can be removed or replaced. 
         [0007]    Consequently, there is a need for a simple removal device that does not require an external power source such as batteries or electricity. Additionally, there is a need for a simple removal device capable of interacting with light bulbs of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a simple device to remove and install light bulbs. 
         [0009]    It is an additional object and advantage of the present invention to provide a device capable of removing and installing light bulbs of different shapes and sizes. 
         [0010]    It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a simple human-powered device capable of removing and installing light bulbs without the use of an external power source. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter. 
         [0012]    The present invention comprises a light bulb changer having a body formed from a tube. At either or both ends of the tube is a removeable ring containing a flexible mesh for frictionally engaging a light bulb. A user may remove or install a light bulb by engaging the bulb with the flexible mesh and then rotating the tube in the appropriate direction. 
         [0013]    The device may further incorporate an attachment to one end of a pole for changing light bulbs positioned in elevated locations, or a harness for convenient storage and transportation of the device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4B  is a shaded cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of the large ring and large mesh screen of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  is a front view of the small ring and small mesh screen of a preferred embodiment of the device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in  FIG. 1  a light bulb removal and installation device  10 . Device  10  comprises a tubular body  12  that is preferably frustoconical, although it may be any geometric shape capable of effectuating the structural requirements for removing or installing a light bulb. The exterior of the body can also be textured, ribbed, or otherwise adapted to promote a tighter grip on the surface by the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0024]    Device  10  further comprises a small ring  14  is removeably attached to the narrow end  16  of tubular body  12 , and large ring  18  is removeably attached to a wide end  20  of tubular body  12 . To effect removeable attachment to the ends of the tube, rings  14  and  18  can be snapped into place, screwed onto threads located on the ends, or affixed through any other known mechanism of removeable attachment. 
         [0025]    Removeable rings  14  and  18  provides a number of different benefits. For example, once ring  14  or  18  is removed a wide variety of tools can be affixed to the end of tubular body  12 . Device  10  may be placed on an extension pole and used to remove and install light bulbs that are otherwise difficult to reach. Alternatively, a basket mechanism can be affixed to one end of tubular body  12  and used to catch the light bulb, broken glass, or other debris as a light bulb is installed or removed. Rings  14  or  18  can also be permanently affixed to tubular body  12  by any means of permanent fixation, including being manufactured together with the tube in a single mold, gluing, or other types of mechanical fixation. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of device  10  with large ring  18  attached to the wide end of tubular body  12 . The interior of large ring  18  comprises a flexible material  22  to engage the surface of a light bulb. Flexible material  22  may comprise a mesh or woven matrix made from a flexible or elastic polymer, such as a Contact Brand® cushioned shelf liner available from Kittrich Corporation of La Mirada, Calif. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, device  10  functions by applying force to tube  12  such that flexible material  22  frictionally engages the surface of the light bulb. When a sufficient amount of force is applied through the tube, flexible material  12  deforms and wraps around the surface of the light bulb to create a tight grip for twisting the light bulb in either direction. If the target light bulb is broken, flexible material  22  can still frictionally engage any remaining surfaces on the light bulb to allow for removal. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of device  10  with small ring  14  attached to the narrow end of tubular body  12 . The interior of small ring  14  also comprises a flexible material  24  to engage the surface of a light bulb. In a preferred embodiment this end of the device is used to remove or install light bulbs of smaller size or shape. Flexible material  24  can be any of the materials used for flexible material  22 . In another embodiment of the present invention, tubular body  12  can incorporate flexible material  22  and  24  directly into the ends of the tube rather than into the rings. In that embodiment, tubular body  12  lacks rings  14  and  18 . 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are cross-sectional views of device  10 . In a preferred embodiment, tube  12  defines an interior cavity  26  which is hollow. Alternatively, the interior can be modified to meet the needs of the user. For example, the interior can be filled with a solid material or contain means for catching or abating hazardous chemicals or substances released by damaged light bulbs. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of affixing small ring  14  and large ring  18  to tubular body  12  where ridges  28  and  30  extend circumferentially around the exterior surface of tubular body  12 . Each ring  14  and  18  snap engages with ridges  28  and  30 , respectively, so that the ring is tightly but removeably attached to body  12 . This mechanism of attachment will prevent the ring from turning or rotating around the body as the device is used to install or remove a light bulb. In another embodiment the small and large rings can also be permanently affixed to the body. All three components can also form a single, continuous device instead of three separate but interlocking components. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the device, with small ring  14 , large ring  18 , and tubular body  12 . The body defines cavity  26  and comprises a narrow end and a wide end. The narrow end comprises ridge  30  for engagement with the small ring, and the wide end of the body comprises ridge  28  for engagement with the large ring. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of large ring  22  and flexible material  22 , and  FIG. 6B  is a front view of small ring  14  and flexible material  24  of the device. In a preferred embodiment, flexible material  22  and  24  is an elastic mesh with a pattern of spaced holes. Alternatively, the material can be anything that provides elasticity while simultaneously providing sufficient strength to prevent rips or tears in the material. The material can also be textured to enhance the frictional engagement between the material and a light bulb. To promote brand recognition or customer personalization, the material can be colored or printed with a logo. 
         [0033]    Device  10  can be further adapted for consumer needs. The device may comprise a pole-like extension or attachment that removeably engages one end of the frustoconical body to allow the user to change light bulbs positioned in elevated locations. To removeably engage the body, the consumer can remove small ring  14  or large ring  18  and affix the attachment with the same means used to affix the rings, including engagement with ridge  28  or ridge  30 . When the extension is no longer needed, the user can disengage the attachment and reengage the ring. Alternatively, either end of tubular body  12  can comprise other permanent means for the rapid attachment and removal of accessories. 
         [0034]    The device may further comprise means for convenient storage and transportation. Tubular body  12  can, for example, define a protrusion or hole to allow attachment of a rope, strap, or harness. Although the present invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it should be understood that modifications, alterations, and additions can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.