Abstract:
A light bulb holster (10) is provided in which pockets (18,36) are used to hold a plurality of tubular bulbs (22). A flap (28) is operable to cover the top ends of the bulbs (22) during transport and to secure the holster (10) to a ladder brace at the work site.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains in general to an electric lamp holder, and more particularly to a flexible holster for aiding the process of changing fluorescent light bulbs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     During installation of fluorescent light bulbs, it is often necessary to employ a stepladder in order to reach the fluorescent lamp fixture. Since both hands are normally necessary to remove or install a fluorescent lamp from the fixture, it is necessary to utilize some aid in transferring the fluorescent light bulbs to and from the fixture. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,042 to Aeschliman discloses one such device. The Aeschliman comprises a plurality of tapered, rigid tubes of different lengths, integrally jointed together, such that a plurality of lamps can be held by the tubes at selected heights. The tubes may be clamped to one end of a stepladder using a vise-like mechanism. 
     The Aeschliman device has several deficiencies. First, only a small portion of one end of the fluorescent light bulb is contained in the tubes, thereby exposing a large length of the fluorescent light bulb. Thus, the entire bulb is not protected from external forces. The Aeschliman device is rigidly attached to the ladder, and a force imparted to the bulbs would result in their breakage or dislodging. Furthermore, the Aeschliman device is not suitable for holding bulbs in a non-vertical position. As a result, the Aeschliman device cannot be used to aid in transporting the bulbs, and therefore has only limited application. 
     Therefore, a need has arisen in the industry for a holster for holding light bulbs, which is easily transportable, and which offers maximum protection to the bulbs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a light bulb holster is provided which substantially eliminates or prevents the disadvantages and problems associated with prior light bulb holding devices. 
     The light holster of the present invention comprises a flexible bag including a plurality of pockets for holding long light bulbs. Cushions are provided at the bottom of each pocket to protect the ends of the bulb. A loop is provided on the back of the bag for carrying the holster, or for attaching the bag to the user&#39;s belt. A top flap may be secured to the front of the bag, thereby securing the light bulbs within the pockets, or to the back of the bag to provide a attachment to the brace of a ladder. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the light holster of the present invention, having a cutaway view showing the cushioning at the bottom of the holster&#39;s pockets; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of the light holster of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, operable to hold an increased number of bulbs. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-2 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective front and back views, respectively, of the present invention. The light holster 10 comprises a bag formed of front and back pieces of material 12 and 14, respectively. Outside seams 16 secure the edges of the front and back material 12 and 14 together, creating an enclosure therebetween. Interior seams 18 create pockets 20 for holding fluorescent light bulbs 22, or other tubular light bulbs. FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway view of the bottom of a pocket 20. A pad 24 is disposed at the bottom of the pockets 20 to protect the ends of the bulbs 22. If desired, the interior sides of the front and back material may be padded to protect the bulbs 22 from damage by exterior forces. 
     The back material 14 includes an extended portion providing a flap 28. A front snap 30 is provided on the front material 12 for securing the flap 28 in a position covering the bulbs 22. In this position, the front snap 30 engages a corresponding snap (not shown) on the interior side of the flap 28. 
     Back snaps 32 are provided on the flap 28 and the exterior of the back material 14. The flap 28 may be folded towards the back of the holster 10 and engaged using the back snaps, in order form a channel 33 within the flap 28. A strap 34 is provided for carrying the holster 10. 
     In operation, the holster 10 may be used by a workman to carry a plurality of bulbs 22 in a protective container. With the flap 28 engaged with the front snap 30, the bulbs are protected on all surfaces and held within the pockets 20. 
     At the work site, the flap 28 may be disposed about one of the braces disposed on the sides of a ladder and engaged using the back snaps 32. Thus, the holster 10 may be attached to the brace of a ladder may be enclosed in the channel 33 while the workman is installing the light bulbs 22, such that the light bulbs are readily available without descending the ladder to obtain more bulbs 22. Hence, the present invention provides a more efficient light changing procedure and increases safety by reducing movement on the ladder. 
     Since the holster 10 is free to pivot about the brace to which it is attached, the light bulbs are protected from exterior forces on the bulbs 22. 
     It should be noted that the flap 28 may be disposed about other substantially horizontal support structures in lieu of a ladder brace, if a ladder brace is not available. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the front and back material 12 and 14 of the holster 10 is a nylon material; however, other flexible materials may also be used. Furthermore, the snaps 30 and 32 could be replaced by other securing means, such as a hook and loop fastening material (as is sold under the mark &#34;Velcro&#34;) or by using zippers. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention wherein additional pockets 20 are provided. Pockets 36 are formed by sewing an additional piece of material 38 onto the front material 12 and forming the pockets 36 by creating interior seams 40. Preferably, the additional pockets 36 are offset with the pockets 20, such that the bulbs placed in the additional pockets 36 lie between the bulbs placed in the pockets 18. 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.