Abstract:
A solar-powered, light-emitting tool and method of use. The tool includes a tool body, one or more light emitting diodes carried by the tool body to illuminate an object associated with the tool, one or more rechargeable batteries carried by the tool body to power the one or more light emitting diodes, and one or more solar cells carried by the tool body to convert solar energy into stored power in the one or more rechargeable batteries. The method includes exposing the solar-powered, light-emitting tool to light to charge the one or more rechargeable batteries and illuminating an object associated with the tool with the one or more light-emitting diodes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part application of pending prior application Ser. No. 09/846,503, filed on Apr. 30, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of pending prior application Ser. No. 09/778,251, filed on Feb. 6, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is in the field of lighting devices for illuminating the work area for a tool.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    It is often desirable to use a tool such as a screwdriver inside a cabinet, attic, or other tight location where inadequate lighting exists. A flash light or drop light may be used to provide lighting in some circumstances, but in tight spots, neither of these lights will work, if an extra hand is not available, a flashlight may not work, and if an AC power source is not available, a drop light will not work.  
           [0004]    Also, use of a flashlight in one hand while operating a hand tool with another, particularly when the hand tool is normally operated with two hands, e.g., a power drill, may be dangerous. Further, as is frequently done, when a flashlight is balanced on a shelf or other support surface not intended to support a flashlight and the flashlight tips over or shifts positions, the tool user&#39;s lighted view can be suddenly terminated as the flashlight moves away, creating an inherently dangerous situation where the user is now using a potentially dangerous hand or power tool in inadequate lighting conditions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a solar-powered, light-emitting tool. The method includes providing a solar-powered, light-emitting tool including a tool body, one or more light emitting diodes carried by the tool body to illuminate an object associated with the tool, one or more rechargeable batteries carried by the tool body to power the one or more light emitting diodes, and one or more solar cells carried by the tool body to convert solar energy into stored power in the one or more rechargeable batteries; exposing the solar-powered, light-emitting tool to light to charge the one or more rechargeable batteries; and illuminating an object associated with the tool with the one or more light-emitting diodes.  
           [0006]    Another aspect of the invention involves a solar-powered, light-emitting tool. The solar-powered, light-emitting tool includes a tool body, one or more light emitting diodes carried by the tool body to illuminate an object associated with the tool, one or more rechargeable batteries carried by the tool body to power the one or more light emitting diodes, and one or more solar cells carried by the tool body to convert solar energy into stored power in the one or more rechargeable batteries.  
           [0007]    A still further aspect of the invention involves a solar-powered, light-emitting screwdriver including a handle with an interior, an exterior surface, a proximal end and a distal end, and a shaft with a distal tip extending from the distal end of the handle; one or more light emitting diodes integrated with the distal end of the handle to illuminate an object associated with the screwdriver; one or more rechargeable batteries located within the interior of the handle of the screwdriver to power the one or more light emitting diodes; and one or more solar cells located on the exterior surface of the handle to convert solar energy into stored power in the one or more rechargeable batteries.  
           [0008]    Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a review of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a tool light mounted to a shaft of a screwdriver.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is an end view of the tool light illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is an end view of a tool light constructed in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a side-elevational view of another embodiment of a tool light mounted to a screwdriver.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a side-elevational view of a further embodiment of a tool light mounted to a screwdriver.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is an end view of the tool light illustrated in FIG. 5.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a side-elevational view of a still further embodiment of a tool light that may be mounted to a screwdriver.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a light housing of a tool light that may be used with a variety of different mounting mechanisms.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the light housing illustrated in FIG. 8.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a mounting mechanism constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool light including the light housing of FIG. 8 and the mounting mechanism of FIG. 10 mounted to an arm of a pair of pliers.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tool light including the light housing of FIG. 8 and another embodiment of a mounting mechanism mounted to a shaft of a screwdriver.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tool light including the light housing of FIG. 8 and an additional embodiment of a mounting mechanism mounted to a shaft of a screwdriver.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 is a side-elevational view of the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a mounting mechanism similar to the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 14, except the mounting mechanism includes an embodiment of a rotatable light housing support.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 16 and 17 are side-elevational views of an embodiment of a mounting mechanism similar to the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 15, except the mounting mechanism includes an alternative embodiment of a mounting member.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 18 is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a mounting mechanism similar to the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 15, except the mounting mechanism includes a further embodiment of a mounting member.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 19 is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a mounting mechanism similar to the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, except the mounting mechanism further includes a strap to assist in mounting the mounting mechanism to a support surface.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 20 is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a mounting mechanism similar to the mounting mechanism illustrated in FIG. 18, except the mounting mechanism further includes a strap to assist in mounting the mounting mechanism to a support surface.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 21 is a side-elevational view of an additional embodiment of a tool light, where the tool light may be worn on a user&#39;s head and is powered through an AC outlet.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 22 is a side-elevational view of another embodiment of a tool light, where the tool light is mountable to a tool, is powered through an AC outlet, and includes an adapter for receiving a plug of an electrically powered tool.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 23 is an enlarged side-elevational view of the tool light illustrated in FIG. 22.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 24 is an enlarged side-elevational view of a further embodiment of a tool light.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 25 is an enlarged side-elevational view of an additional embodiment of a tool light.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a tool light incorporated into a body of a screwdriver.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the tool light illustrated in FIG. 26.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a tool light.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0036]    With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tool light  100  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will now be described. The tool light  100  includes a light housing  102  carried by a mounting mechanism  104 . The mounting mechanism  104  is used to mount the tool light  100  to a shaft  108  of a tool such as a screwdriver  112 . Although the shaft  108  is shown as an elongated, circular shaft, the shaft  108  may have other lengths and configurations. For example, but not by way of limitation, the shaft  108  may have a square cross-section.  
         [0037]    The screwdriver  112  includes a handle  116  at one end  118  of the shaft  108  and a head  120  at an operative or working end  122  of the shaft  108 . In the embodiment shown, the screwdriver  112  is a cross-headed tip (e.g., Phillips) screwdriver. The screw driver  112  may be used to screw a screw  126  into a surface  130 . Although the illustrated tool is a cross-headed tip screwdriver  112 , the tool light  100  may be applied to shafts of tools other than the cross-headed tip screwdriver such as, but not by way of limitation, a flat-tip screwdriver, a square-headed tip screwdriver, other types of screwdrivers, a power drill, a chisel, a caulking gun, a soldering torch, a soldering gun, a cutting torch, a welding torch, and a voltage tester.  
         [0038]    The light housing  102  is preferably cylindrical and houses a light source  134  and a power source  138 . The light source  134  is preferably one or more wide-angle (i.e., 40 degrees or greater), white LEDs; however other light sources, e.g., incandescent light bulbs, other angle LEDs, other types of LEDs, e.g., flat, pointed, and other color LEDs may be used. In the embodiment shown, the power source  138  is preferably a single AA, AAA, or AAAA battery. In alternative embodiments, power sources other than batteries, e.g., miniature fuel cells, different types of batteries, e.g., rechargeable batteries, flat watch batteries such as alkaline 625 cells and NiCd batteries, and different numbers of batteries, e.g., two or more may be used.  
         [0039]    A contact spring  142  may be located in a proximal portion  146  of the housing  102  for contacting the negative terminal of the battery  138 . A first electrical coupling  150  may connect the contact spring  142  to the LED  134 . A second electrical coupling  154  may connect a positive terminal contact  158  to an electrical on/off switch  162 . A third electrical coupling  166  may connect the switch  162  to the LED  134 . In an alternative embodiment, the electrical circuitry may include a motion sensor mechanism to activate the LED  134  when motion is detected and deactivate the LED  134  when no motion occurs for a prolonged period of time. The electrical circuitry may also include a dimmer mechanism, e.g., variable resistor, for controlling the intensity of the emitted light from the LED  134 .  
         [0040]    The mounting mechanism  104  may include a dual-collar member  170 . The member  170  may include a first collar  174  that carries the light housing  102  at a predetermined or adjustable angle. The light housing  102  may be connected within the first collar  174  by a pair of spot welds  178  or by another connecting means. A second collar  182  receives the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . The second collar  182  may come in a variety of different sizes for accommodating different-sized shafts, tools. The second collar  182  includes an open end  186 . The dual-collar member  170  includes an intermediate section  190 . The intermediate section  190  may include a tightening mechanism  194  for increasing the holding force of the second collar  182  on the shaft  108  in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2. The tightening mechanism  194  may include a threaded fastener  198  that is threadingly engaged within holes in the intermediate section  190 .  
         [0041]    The tool light  100  will now be described in use. The tool light  100  is mounted or applied to the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112  by inserting the head  120  of the screwdriver  112  through the second collar  182  and sliding the tool light  100  forward or rearward on the shaft  108  to a position where the working end  122  of the screwdriver  112  and/or the working area is optimally lit by the light source  134 , i.e., the light is optimally focused. Alternatively, the second collar  182  may be clamped onto the shaft  108  by snapping the collar  182  onto the shaft  108  through the open end  186  of the second collar  182 . The light source  134  is activated by moving the switch  162  to an “on” position and deactivated by moving the switch  162  to an “off” position. The tool light  100  may be slid forward or rearward on the shaft  108  to a position where the working end  122  of the screwdriver  112  and/or the working area is optimally lit by the light source  134 . When the tool light  100  is located in a desired position, the tightening mechanism  194  may be actuated to secure the tool light  100  to the shaft  108  by rotating and tightening the threaded fastener  198  in a clockwise direction. The tool light  100  may be removed from the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112  by rotating and loosening the threaded fastener  198  in a counterclockwise direction. The tool light  100  may then be mounted to a different tool in the same manner as that described above or stored for later use.  
         [0042]    With reference to FIG. 3, a tool light  300  constructed in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention will now be described. Elements similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 are identified with like reference numerals, but with an “a” suffix. The tool light  300  is similar to the tool light  100  described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, except the light housing  102   a  is rotatably attached to the mounting mechanism  104   a.  The first collar  174   a  may include a support  304  that rotatably receives a rotating pin  308 . The rotating pin  308  supports the light housing  102   a  for general rotation of the light housing  102   a  with the pin  308  in a horizontal plane H.  
         [0043]    Use of the tool light  300  is similar to that described above for the tool light  100 , except the light housing  102   a  may be additionally rotated in a horizontal plane for adjusting the orientation of the light source  134   a  to an optimal condition for lighting the work area.  
         [0044]    With reference to FIG. 4, a tool light  400  constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention will now be described. Elements similar to those described above with respect to FIGS.  1 - 3  are identified with like reference numerals, but with a “b” suffix. The tool light  400  is similar to the tool light  300  described above with respect to FIG. 3, except a rotating support  404  is rotatably mounted to the mounting mechanism  104   b  by rotating pin  308   b  for general rotation of the light housing  102   b  in horizontal plane H. The light housing  102   b  is pivotally mounted to the support 404  through a pin  408  for pivotal movement of the light housing  102   b  in a vertical plane in the direction shown by the arrows.  
         [0045]    Use of the tool light  400  is similar to that described above for the tool light  300 , except the light housing  102   b  may be additionally rotated in a vertical plane in the direction of the arrows for adjusting the orientation of the light source  134   b.  In this embodiment (and the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2), the mounting mechanism  104   b  may be attached to the shaft  108  so that the light housing  102   b  is below the screwdriver  112 . The mounting mechanism  104   b  may be loosely attached to the shaft  108  so that the tool light  400  hangs from the shaft  108 , but does not rotate therewith during rotation of the screwdriver  112 . The collar  182   b  may include bearings or a similar mechanism that allow the tool light  400  to hang from the screwdriver  112  to illuminate the working end  120  and/or working area while the shaft  108  freely rotates within the collar  182   b,  without the tool light  400  rotating with rotation of the shaft  108 .  
         [0046]    With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a tool light  500  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention will be described. The tool light  500  includes a ring-shaped light housing  504  that houses one or more light sources  508  and one or more power sources  512 . In the embodiment shown, the one or more light sources  508  include a pair of LEDs oriented 180 degrees apart from each other and the one or more power sources  512  include a pair of watch batteries oriented 180 degrees apart from each other. The power sources  512  are offset 90 degrees from the light sources  508 . The LEDs  508  may be angled inwardly, towards the center of the tool light  500 . Electrical circuitry (not shown) connects the power sources  512  to the light sources  508  for powering the light sources  508 . The electrical circuitry may include an on/off switch  514  for turning the light sources  508  on or off. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical circuitry of the tool light  500  may include a motion sensor mechanism to activate the light sources  508  when motion is detected and deactivate the light sources  508  when no motion occurs for a prolonged period of time. The electrical circuitry may also include a dimmer mechanism, e.g., variable resistor, for controlling the intensity of the emitted light from the light source(s)  508 . A mounting mechanism  516  is located in a central portion of the tool light  500 . In the embodiment shown, the mounting mechanism  516  is a flexible rubber grommet  518 .  
         [0047]    The tool light  500  will now be described in use. The shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112  is slidably inserted through the rubber grommet  518  of the tool light  500  until the tool light  500  is located at a desired longitudinal position on the shaft  108 . If the LEDs  508  are angled inwardly, adjusting the longitudinal position of the tool light  500  changes the light focus on the working area. As a result, the tool light  500  may be used on a variety of different length tool shafts simply by adjusting the longitudinal position of the tool light  500  on the shaft for optimal light focusing. The rubber grommet  518  is flexible enough to accommodate different diameter and/or shaped shafts  108 , while providing sufficient frictional resistance to hold the tool light  500  to the shaft  108 . In alternative embodiments, replaceable rubber grommets  518  or different tool lights  500  having different inner diameters may accommodate different diameter and/or shaped shafts  108 . The tool light  500  is activated and deactivated through the on/off switch  514  and/or through the motion detection mechanism. The tool light  500  preferably rotates with rotation of the shaft  108 . In an alternative embodiment, an annular bearing mechanism may be located between the rubber grommet  508  and the inner central surface of the annular housing  504  so that the rubber grommet  508 , but not the tool light  500 , rotates with rotation of the shaft  108 .  
         [0048]    With reference to FIG. 7, a tool light  600  constructed in accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention will be described. The tool light  600  includes a cylindrical plastic or rubber sleeve  604 . The sleeve  604  includes a proximal end  608 , a distal end  612 , and an elongated, ring-shaped wall  616 . The wall  616  include an inner surface  620 . The proximal end  608  may house one or more power sources  624  such as, but not limited to, one or more watch batteries. The distal end  612  may carry one or more retractable light sources  628 , e.g. LED(s), in recessed areas  630 . Each retractable light source  628  may be pivotally connected to the wall for pivotal movement between an outwardly pivoted or “on” position and a retracted or “off” position. Electrical circuitry (not shown) connects the power source  624  to the light sources  628  for powering the light sources  628 . The electrical circuitry may include an on/off switch  632  for turning the light sources  628  on or off. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical circuitry of the tool light  600  may include a motion sensor mechanism to activate the light sources  628  when motion is detected and deactivate the light sources  628  when no motion occurs for a prolonged period of time. The electrical circuitry may also include a dimmer mechanism, e.g., variable resistor, for controlling the intensity of the emitted light from the light source(s)  628 . Further, pivoting the light sources  628  to the outward position may automatically activate the light sources  628  and retracting the light sources  628  may automatically deactivate the light sources  628 .  
         [0049]    In use, the cylindrical sleeve  604  of the tool light  600  is slid over the handle  116  of the screwdriver  112 , and the light sources  628  are actuated by pivoting them to the outward position, switching the on/off switch  632 , and/or by automatic motion detection. When the light sources  628  are not in use, they may be pivoted to a retracted or “off” position so that the light sources  628  are flush with the wall  604 . During use, the tool light  600  rotates with rotation of the screwdriver  112 .  
         [0050]    In further embodiments, the features described above with respect to FIG. 7 may be incorporated into the handle  116  of the screwdriver or the light sources  628  may be fixed relative to the sleeve  604  or handle  116  (if incorporated into the handle  116 ).  
         [0051]    With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an embodiment of a light housing  700  of a tool light that may be used with a variety of different mounting mechanisms will now be described. The light housing  700  is preferably cylindrical and houses at least one light source  704  and at least one power source  708 .  
         [0052]    The light source  704  is preferably one or more wide-angle (i.e., 40 degrees or greater), white LEDs; however, other light sources, e.g., incandescent light bulbs, other angle LEDs, other types of LEDs, e.g., flat, pointed, and/or other color LEDs may be used. The light source  704  is carried within a lens mirror dish  712 .  
         [0053]    In the embodiment shown, the one or more power sources  708  are three stacked watch or flat-type batteries. In alternative embodiments, power sources other than batteries (e.g., miniature fuel cells), different types of batteries (e.g., a rechargeable battery, an AA battery, an AAA battery, an AAAA battery), and/or different numbers of batteries (e.g., one, two, four, etc.), may be used.  
         [0054]    A contact  716  of the light source  704  may electrically contact a positive terminal  720  of one of the batteries  708 . At an opposite end of the housing  700 , a contact spring  724  may contact a negative terminal of one of the batteries  708 . The housing  700  includes a cylindrical body  728  and an adjustable light head  732 . The adjustable light head  732  preferably includes a lens  734  and may be threadably attached to the body  728  for adjusting the focus of light emitted from light source  704 . A switch  736  may be used to turn the light source  704  on and off.  
         [0055]    With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an embodiment of a mounting mechanism  750  that may carry the light housing  700  will now be described. The mounting mechanism  750  is one of numerous mounting mechanisms that the light housing  700  may be used with. Exemplary embodiments of only a few of such mounting mechanisms are shown and described herein. Together, the light housing  700  and the mounting mechanism  750  form a tool light that is readily mountable to a variety of different tool support surfaces and/or other support surfaces in the vicinity of the work area for lighting a working area while using a tool.  
         [0056]    The mounting mechanism  750  has a dual-collar construction. A penannular first collar or light housing support  754  is shaped to carry the cylindrical light housing  700 . An adjustable penannular second collar or mounting member  758  is adapted to be attached to a shaft, handle, or other support structure of a tool and/or a support structure in the vicinity of the work area. An intermediate section  762  of the mounting mechanism  750  includes a threaded fastener mechanism (e.g., bolt, washer, wing nut)  764  for adjusting a pair of arms  766  of the second collar  758 .  
         [0057]    With reference specifically to FIG. 11, in use, the mounting mechanism  750  is mounted to a tool support surface or other support surface in the vicinity of the work area such as, but not by way of limitation, an arm  770  of a pair of pliers  774 . This is accomplished by either sliding the second collar  758  longitudinally with respect to the arm  770 , over the arm  770 , or sliding the second collar  758  laterally with respect to the arm  770 , over the arm  770 . The threaded fastener mechanism  764  is then tightened, causing the arms  766  of the second collar  758  to clamp against the arm  770  of the pliers  774  and hold the mounting mechanism  750  in place. After, during, or before the mounting mechanism  750  is mounted to the arm  770 , the light housing  700  may be slid or snapped into the first collar  754 . The light source  704  is activated or deactivated using the light switch  736 .  
         [0058]    With reference to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a tool light  800  will be described. The tool light  800  includes the light housing  700  illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and another embodiment of a mounting mechanism  804 , which is mountable to the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . The mounting mechanism  804  is a flexible, wheel-shaped rubber grommet  808  including a shaft-receiving hole  812  and a housing-receiving hole  816 . In an alternative embodiment, the grommet  808  may have other shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, elliptical) and/or may be mounted to support surfaces other than the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . Both holes  812 ,  816  preferably have diameters less than the diameters of the screwdriver shaft  108  and the light housing  700 , respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft-receiving hole  812  may have a diameter larger than the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 , allowing the shaft  108  to rotate without rotating the mounting mechanism  804 . Although both holes  812 ,  816  are shown off-center, in an alternative embodiment, one of the holes  812 ,  816 , preferably the shaft-receiving hole  812 , may be located near the center of the grommet  808 .  
         [0059]    In use, the mounting mechanism  804  is mounted to the screwdriver  112  by inserting the shaft  108  through the shaft-receiving hole  812  and the light housing  800  is inserted through the housing-receiving hole  816 , but not necessarily in that order. The light source  704  is actuated using the light switch  736 . During use of the screwdriver  112 , the light housing  108  may rotate with rotation of the shaft  108  to illuminate the work area distal of the screwdriver tip. In the alternative embodiment described above, where the shaft-receiving hole  812  has a larger diameter than the diameter of the shaft  108 , the shaft  108  may be rotated without causing the mounting mechanism  804  to rotate.  
         [0060]    With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, an additional embodiment of a tool light  850  will be described. The tool light  850  includes the light housing  700  illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, and another embodiment of a mounting mechanism  854 , which may be mounted to a support surface such as the shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . The mounting mechanism  854  includes a dual-collar construction. A penannular first collar or light-housing support surface  858  is shaped to carry the cylindrical light housing  700 . A penannular second collar or mounting member  862  is a magnet (or includes a magnetic portion) that attaches to a magnetically attractable curved support surface such as, but not by way of limitation, the steel shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . An intermediate arm section  866  connects the collars  858 ,  862 .  
         [0061]    In use, the mounting mechanism  854  is mounted to the steel shaft  108  of the screwdriver  112 . This is accomplished by placing a magnetic inner surface of the second collar  862  against a surface of the shaft  108  and sliding the mounting mechanism  854  longitudinally to a desired location along the shaft  108 . After, during, or before the mounting mechanism  854  is mounted to the shaft  108 , the light housing  700  may be slid or snapped into the first collar  858 . The light source  704  is activated or deactivated using the light switch  736 .  
         [0062]    With reference to FIGS.  15 - 20 , a number of alternative embodiments of a mounting mechanism of a tool light, which are similar to the mounting mechanism  854  described with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14, will now be described  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 15 is a side-elevational view of another embodiment of a mounting mechanism  870  of a tool light. The mounting mechanism  870  is similar to the mounting mechanism  854  illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, except a first collar or light-housing support  874  is rotatably coupled to a magnetic second collar or mounting member  878  through a rotational shaft  882  for rotation of the light housing  700  in a horizontal plane. Further, the first collar  874  carries a pin  876  for pivotally connecting the light housing  700  to the first collar  874  for pivotal movement of the light housing  700  in a vertical plane.  
         [0064]    In use, the magnetic second collar  878  is connected to a magnetically attractable support surface such as, but not by way of limitation, the steel screwdriver shaft  108  described above with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14. The light source  704  is activated or deactivated through the switch  736 . Further, the light housing  700  may be pivoted relative to the first collar  874  of the mounting mechanism  870  for vertical adjustment of the light housing  700  and/or rotated relative to the second collar  878  for horizontal adjustment of the light housing  700  to orient the light housing  700  for optimal illumination of a work area.  
         [0065]    With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a further embodiment of a mounting mechanism  900  will be described. The mounting mechanism  900  is similar to the mounting mechanism described above with respect to FIG. 15, except the second collar of FIG. 15 is replaced with a generally flat magnetic base member or mounting member  904 . Further, a rotational shaft  908  extending from a first collar or light-housing support  912  terminates at one end in a ball  916  of a ball-and-socket joint  920 . A socket  924  receives the ball  916  of the shaft  908 . Use of the mounting mechanism  900  is similar to use of the mounting mechanism  870  described with respect to FIG. 15, except the magnetic base member  904  includes a flat magnetic inner surface that is attached to a flat magnetically attractable support surface and the ball-and-socket joint  920  allows the light housing to be pivoted to any of a wide variety of positions (See FIG. 17).  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting mechanism  930  similar to the mounting mechanism  900  described with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17, except the flat magnetic base member  904  is replaced with a slightly curved magnetic base member  934  for magnetically mounting the mounting mechanism  930  to a slightly curved support surface. Although not shown, other magnetic base members having configurations other than those shown herein may be used for mounting the mounting mechanism of the tool light to a variety of different magnetically attractable support surfaces.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting mechanism  935  similar to the mounting mechanism  900  illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, except the mounting mechanism  935  further includes a strap  936  to assist in mounting the mounting mechanism  935  to a support surface. The mounting mechanism  935  includes a generally flat magnetic base member  938  with first and second strap holders  942 ,  946 , respectively. The strap  936  is attached at a first end  950  to the first strap holder  942  and looped though the second strap holder  946 . Opposite hook fasteners  960  and loop fasteners  966  may be provided on opposing surfaces of the strap  936  for adjusting the tightness or length of the strap  936 . In an alternative embodiment, the base member  938  may not be magnetic. Use of the mounting mechanism  935  is similar to that described for the mounting mechanism  900  illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, except the strap  936  may be adjusted to a desired length and tightness to secure the mounting mechanism  900  to the support surface.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a mounting mechanism  970  similar to the mounting mechanism  930  illustrated in FIG. 19, except the flat base member  938  is replaced with a slightly curved magnetic base member  974  for mounting the mounting mechanism  970  to a slightly curved support surface. Use of the mounting mechanism  970  is similar to that described for the mounting mechanism  935  illustrated in FIG. 19, except a strap  978  may be adjusted to a desired length and tightness to secure the mounting mechanism  970  to the support surface.  
         [0069]    With reference to FIG. 21, a tool light  1000  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention will now be described. The tool light  1000  includes a light housing  1010  that may be similar to the light housing  700  described above. The light housing  1010  is attached to a head band  1020 . The head band  1020  serves as a mounting mechanism for mounting the light housing  1010  to a forehead  1030  of a user  1040 . A connection wire  1050  may connect the light housing  1010  to an adapter  1060 . The adapter  1060  preferably plugs into an AC wall outlet  1070 . The adapter  1060  preferably includes an AC/DC converter. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter  1060  may receive a plug of an electrical power tool  1080  or other electrical instrument for connecting the plug to the AC wall outlet  1070 . In a further embodiment, the connection wire  1050  and adapter  1060  may be replaced with a power source housing the houses at least one power source (e.g., disposable battery, rechargeable battery, fuel cell, solar cell). In use, the light source(s) of the tool light  1000  may be illuminated when the adapter  1060  is plugged into the outlet  1070  or through an on/off switch associated with the tool light  1000 . Positioning the light source(s) on the user&#39;s forehead  1030  ensures that whatever the user  1040  focuses on during tool use is illuminated. Of course, the light  1000  may be used for illuminating an area or object other than a work area for tool use or tool-related object.  
         [0070]    With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, a tool light  1100  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention will now be described. The tool light  1100  includes a light housing  1110  that may be similar to the light housing  700  described above and a mounting mechanism  1120  that may be generally similar to the mounting mechanisms described above with respect to FIGS.  13 - 20 . In an alternative embodiment, the light housing  1120  may be the same as or integrated with a housing  1130  of the tool  1080  and the mounting mechanism  1120  may not exist. A connection wire  1140  may connect the light housing  1110  to an adapter  1150 . The adapter  1150  plugs into the AC wall outlet  1070 . The adapter  1150  may receive a plug  1160  of the electrical power tool  1080  or other electrical instrument for connecting the plug  1160  to the AC wall outlet  1070 . In an alternative embodiment, the adapter  1150  may not receive the plug  1160 . In use, the light source(s) of the tool light  1100  may be illuminated when the adapter  1150  is plugged into the outlet  1070  or through an on/off switch associated with the tool light  1100 . The plug  1160  of the electrical power tool  1080  or other electrical instrument may be plugged into the adapter  1150  for powering the tool  1080  while the tool light  1100  is being powered.  
         [0071]    With reference to FIG. 24, a tool light  1200  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention will now be described. The tool light  1200  includes a light housing  1210  that may be similar to the light housing  700  described above and a mounting mechanism  1220  that may be generally similar to the mounting mechanisms described above with respect to FIGS.  13 - 20 . In an alternative embodiment, the light housing  1220  may be the same as or integrated with the housing  1130  of the tool  1080  and the mounting mechanism  1220  may not exist. The light housing  1220  may house one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown). A connection wire  1230  may connect the light housing  1210  to one or more solar cells  1240  for charging the one or more rechargeable batteries. The one or more solar cells  1240  may be attached to the tool housing  1130  by glue, magnet, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), or other well-known attachment means. In alternative embodiments, the tool light  1200  may not have one or more rechargeable batteries, i.e., the one or more solar cells  1240  may directly power the light source(s) of the tool light  1200 , the tool light  1200  may be integrated with the tool  1080 , and/or the one or more rechargeable batteries that power the tool light  1200  may also power the tool  1080  (e.g., see FIG. 25, attachable rechargeable battery pack  1250  powering tool light  1300  and tool  1080 ).  
         [0072]    With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a tool light  1400  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention will be described. The tool light  1400  is shown integrated with a handle body  1410  of a screwdriver  1420 . In alternative embodiments, the tool light  1400  may be integrated with the body of other tools. The tool light  1400  includes one or more light sources (e.g., white LED(s))  1430 , one or more solar cells  1440 , one or more rechargeable batteries  1450 , and connector  1460 . The connector  1460  connects the solar cell(s)  1440  with the light source(s)  1430  and the battery  1450 . The battery  1450  includes a negative terminal (−) that electrically communicates with a contact  1470  and a positive terminal (+) that electrically communicates with a contact  1480 . The battery  1450  is located within a cylindrical cavity  1490  of the body  1410 . Although the tool light  1400  is described as including at least one rechargeable battery  1450 , at least one other power source (e.g., fuel cell, disposable battery) may be used. An end cap  1500  includes a spring  1510 . The end cap  1500  screws onto the body  1410  so that when the end cap  1500  is fully engaged with the body  1410 , the spring  1510  urges the contact  1480  against the positive terminal (+) of the battery  1450 . The light source(s)  1430  may be turned on or off by screwing the cap  1500  towards or away from the body  1410 . In an alternative embodiment, an on/off switch may be used.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative way to connect the battery  1450  to the connector  1460 . The contact  1480  illustrated in FIG. 27 may be replaced by electrically conductive spring  1520  and conductive element  1530 . When the end cap  1500  is screwed onto the body  1410 , the electrically conductive spring  1520  contacts the positive terminal (+) of the battery  1450 . When the cap  1500  is fully engaged with the body  1410 , the conductive spring  1520  is in electrical communication with the connector  1460  through the conductive element  1530 .  
         [0074]    It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that still further changes and modifications in the actual concepts described herein can readily be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.