Abstract:
A light bulb changing tool comprising a motorized clasping mechanism configured to engage a light bulb, the motorized clasping mechanism configured along an axis, the motorized clasping mechanism configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction; and a electronic drive unit configured to remotely communicate with the motorized clasping mechanism, wherein the electronic drive unit sends control signals to drive the motorized clasping mechanism to selectively move in the first direction and the direction. The tool further comprising an arm member for positioning the motorized clasping mechanism in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the motorized clasping mechanism. The motorized clasping mechanism further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the motorized clasping mechanism in the first direction about the axis.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a remote access tool. More specifically, the present invention relates to a motorized device designed to remove and replace light bulbs which are held at a variety of angles and heights and are otherwise inaccessible from ground level. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Numerous light bulb removal tools have been patented which alleviate the problems associated with replacing light bulbs from remote locations. One such problem is accessibility. Overhead lights are purposefully positioned out of reach to minimize risks associated with heat burns and unintentional contact which could result in-globe glass breakage. Another problem stems from the variety of angles from which bulbs must be extracted and replaced from these remote locations, such as from chandeliers and hanging light arrangements. Another problem is the adjustability of the handle to reach light bulbs at varying distances. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,514,814 to Allen, discloses an electric bulb holder which has bulb gripping arms that are pivotally connected to a slidable member which causes the bulb gripping arms to spread around the light bulb and then collapse to grip the light bulb. Once the user has a grip of the light bulb, she must rotate the whole bulb holder to screw or unscrew the light bulb. Further, the handle in this patent does not have a flexible arm for reaching light bulbs that are at an angle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,983,541 to Maki discloses a device for removing or placing light bulbs in sockets. Specifically, the device taught by Maki consists of a fixed rod with a bendable arm for reaching light bulbs at different angles. The patent discloses using a helicoidal operating member inside the bendable arm which is bendable and rotatable. However, the device taught by Maki, by having a fixed rod, does not allow the user to adjust the rod to different heights. Also, the user must use an air bulb to create suction in an engaging cup to engage the light bulb. This is disadvantageous to the user, because the cup is not adjustable to engage different sized light bulbs. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,616,743 to Negley discloses a light bulb changer having a rigid handle and a bendable arm attached to the handle. Although this light bulb changer allows the user to bend the arm to engage light bulbs at different angles, the light bulb changer does not allow the user to adjust the handle to different heights. Further, the light bulb changer taught by Negley does not allow the user to adjust the mechanism to fit differently sized light bulbs. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,202,432 and 1,201,506 to Rozelle et al., both disclose an adjustable device for placing and removing electric light bulbs. Specifically, the device taught in these patents utilizes a rod which has a pivoting section about a clamp screw for reaching light bulbs at different angles. However, the pivoting section is locked by tightening the clamp screw, which is burdensome on the user, because the user must use a screw driver, or some other external tool, to lock the pivoting shaft. Further, the rods taught in this patent are also adjustable to reach light bulbs at different heights, but the mechanism to lock the rods at a desired height is limiting. The mechanism to prevent the sliding of the rods consists of pins positioned along the rod which are configured to slide into a bayonet slot cut into the outer surface of the rod. Therefore, the user can only adjust the rod at certain heights, which is burdensome if the light bulb is at a height that does not correspond to any of the positions available on the rod. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention is a tool for selectively tightening and loosening a light bulb. The tool comprises means for clasping the light bulb. The clasping means is configured to have an adjustable dimension that is for clasping a correspondingly sized light bulb. The tool includes means for activating the clasping means. The activating means is configured for remote communication with the clasping means, wherein the activating means sends control communications to move the clasping means in a first direction and a second direction. The tool further comprises means for setting the clasping means in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb. The setting means is coupled to the clasping means. The setting means further comprises a means for varying the adjustable dimension. The varying means is coupled to the activating means. The control communications are preferably sent wirelessly from the activating means to the clasping means. In an alternative embodiment, the clasping means and the activating means are coupled to one another by a cable. The clasping means and the activating means are preferably coupled to a tubular member. The tool further comprises means for securing the wire to the tubular member, wherein the overall length of the tubular member is able to be selectively adjusted. The means for activating is preferably powered by a DC voltage source and alternately by an AC voltage source. 
     In another aspect of the invention is a light bulb changing tool that comprises a motorized clasping mechanism that is configured to engage a light bulb. The motorized clasping mechanism is configured along an axis and to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The tool includes an electronic drive unit that is configured for remote communication with the motorized clasping mechanism. The electronic drive unit sends control communications to drive the motorized clasping mechanism to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction. The tool further comprises an arm member that positions the motorized clasping mechanism in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb. The arm member is coupled to the motorized clasping mechanism. The motorized clasping mechanism further comprises a rotator mechanism that is configured to rotate the motorized clasping mechanism in the first direction about the axis. The motorized clasping mechanism further comprises a plurality of spring urged fingers. The tool further comprises an adjusting mechanism that is configured to actuate the motorized clasping mechanism in the second direction. The control communications are sent wirelessly from the electronic drive unit to the motorized clasping mechanism. The motorized clasping mechanism and the electronic drive unit are alternatively coupled to one another by a cable. The motorized clasping mechanism and the electronic drive unit are preferably coupled to a tubular member. The tool further comprises a clip that secures the cable to the tubular member. The electronic drive unit is preferably powered by a DC voltage source and alternatively by an AC voltage source. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention is a method of assembling a light bulb changing tool. The method comprises the step of providing a clasping mechanism that is configured to engage a light bulb, wherein the clasping mechanism has an adjustable dimension. The method comprises providing a drive unit in remote communication with the clasping mechanism, wherein the drive unit sends control communications to electrically activate the clasping mechanism to actuate the clasping mechanism in a first direction and a second direction. The method further comprises the step of coupling an adjusting arm to the clasping mechanism, whereby the adjusting arm is configured to adjust the clasping mechanism to a desired position that is relative to the light bulb. The method further comprises the step of coupling the clasping mechanism and the drive unit to a tubular member. The control communications are preferably sent wirelessly from the drive unit to the clasping mechanism. The method further comprises the step of coupling the clasping mechanism and the drive unit to one another by a cable. The method further comprises securing the cable to the tubular member with a clip. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the motorized light bulb changer device with pole in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the motorized light bulb changer device with pole in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the individual components of the motorized light bulb changer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3A illustrates a cross sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the clasping mechanism in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3B illustrates a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the fingers in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the individual components of the motorized light bulb changer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the clasping mechanism in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the motorized light bulb changer device with pole in accordance with the present invention. Generally, the motorized light bulb changer  100  includes a clasping mechanism  102  having a set of fingers  120 , a motor unit  104 , an arm unit  112  having a pair of arm members  112 A and  112 B (FIG. 2) and a connecting arm  113 . In addition, the light bulb changer  100  includes a drive or power unit  106 , whereby the drive unit  106  is coupled to the clasping mechanism  102  by a cable  108 . As will be described in detail below, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit  106  communicates wirelessly to control the self-powered clasping mechanism  102 . The motorized light bulb changer  100  shown in FIG. 1A is coupled to a pole  99  which allows the user to change light bulbs  96  held at a variety of angles and heights, that are otherwise inaccessible from ground level. It is preferred that the length of the pole  99  be adjustable, although it is not required. The details of an adjustable pole  99  are described in co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/218,474, filed Aug. 12, 2002 entitled, “LIGHT BULB CHANGER” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Any other adjustable pole  99  known in the art is alternatively used in conjunction with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the individual components of the motorized light bulb changer  100  in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the clasping mechanism  102  having the motor unit  104 , adapter  116 , two arm members  112 A and  112 B, a connecting arm  113 , cable  108  and the drive unit  106 . As shown in FIG. 2, a motor unit  104  is coupled to two adjustable arm members or components  112 A and  112 B. Alternatively, any number of adjustable arm components  112  are coupled to the motor unit  104 . The adjustable arm components  112  allow the user to set the clasping mechanism  102  to a desired configuration by being rotatable and moveable with respect to one another. 
     The motor unit  104  is coupled to the upper arm member  112 A. The upper arm member  112 A is coupled to the lower arm member  112 B. The lower arm member  112 B is coupled to the connecting arm  113 . Preferably, the motor unit  104 , the arm members  112 A and  112 B and the connecting arm  113  are adjustable at any angle with respect to one another by a set of push and lock knobs  114 . Alternatively, the motor unit  104 , the arm members  112 A and  112 B and the connecting arm  113  are adjustable at any angle with respect to one another by a set of pull and lock knobs. Preferably, the upper arm  112 A and the lower arm  112 B are adjustable with respect to one another when the knobs  114  are pushed or released. In contrast, the motor unit  104  as well as the upper arm  112 A and the lower arm  112 B are not adjustable when the are in the locked position. Accordingly, the user is able to position the arms  112 A and  112 B in the desired configuration while the knobs  114  are released and then tighten the knobs  114  to maintain the arms  112 A and  112 B in that configuration by setting the knobs to the locked position. Alternatively, any other means for tightening and loosening the drive unit  110  as well as the upper arm  112 A, the lower arm  112 B and connecting arm  113  with respect to one another are used, including but not limited to rotatable loosening and tightening knobs, pins, screws and bolts. The connecting arm  113  shown in FIG. 2 includes an aperture  118  which serves to accept an end  99 A of the pole  99 . Thus, the clasping mechanism  102  engages the end  99 A of the pole  99  which is used to reach the light bulb  96 . 
     Shown in FIG. 2 is a drive unit  106  coupled to the motor unit  104 . The drive unit  106  is coupled at or near the end  99 B of the pole  99 , which is opposite the end  99 A to which the clasping mechanism  102  is preferably coupled. As shown in FIG. 1A, it is preferred that the drive unit  106  is coupled to the pole  99  by a set of clips  130 , which are discussed below. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, the drive unit  106 ′ as well as the wire  108 ′ connecting the drive unit  108 ′ to the motor unit  104  is configured to be integrated within the pole  99 . The drive unit  106  includes a plurality of buttons which allow the user to drive the clasping means  102 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the clasping means  102  rotates about axis  97  (FIG. 3A) and is configured for use with attachments having different dimensions between the oppositely faced fingers  120  (FIG. 3A) to adjust to engage light bulbs  96  of different sizes. The movements as well as the direction of movements of the clasping mechanism  102  are controlled by the drive unit  106 . Thus, the drive unit  106  supplies a predetermined voltage and/or current to the motor  98  in the motor unit  104  to cause the clasping mechanism  102  to perform the desired movements. Thus, a circuit (not shown) within the drive unit  106  supplies a predetermined voltage to the motor  98 , thereby activating or driving the clasping mechanism  102  to move in a clockwise direction. Similarly, the circuit (not shown) within the drive unit  106  supplies another predetermined voltage to the motor  98 , thereby driving the clasping mechanism  102  to move in a counter-clockwise direction. The drive unit  106  is powered by a DC voltage, such as batteries. Alternatively, the drive unit  106  is powered by an AC voltage, such as plugging into a wall socket. The drive circuit  106  also provides power to enable the operation of the motor  98  through the cable  108 . As will be discussed in detail below, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power source for the motor  98  is resident within the connecting arm  113 . 
     Shown in FIG. 2 is a cable  108  present between the lower arm member  112 B and the drive unit  106 . The cable  108 , although shown in FIG. 2 going into the lower arm member  112 B, couples to the motor  98  (FIG. 3A) within the motor unit  104 . Although it is shown that the cable  108  couples the drive unit  106  with the motor unit  104 , other communication means are used, including but not limited to infra-red, radio frequency and optics. As will be described in detail below, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit  106  preferably communicates with the motor unit  104  using infrared. The cable  108  is secured to the pole  99  by a clip  130  (FIG.  1 A). Since a sufficient amount of cable  108  is needed between the motor unit  104  and the drive unit  106  along the length of the pole  99 , the number of clips  130  varies depending on the length of the wire  108  and the length of the pole  99 . The clip  130  itself is a hook and loop clip or otherwise known as Velcro®, however any type of clip  130  is alternatively used. 
     FIG. 3A illustrates a cross sectional view of the clasping mechanism  102  in accordance with the present invention. The clasping mechanism  102  includes the motor unit  104  as well as an attachment  119  including a set of fingers  120  coupled to the motor unit  104 . The motor unit  104  includes a step-motor  98  within its housing  128 , wherein the motor  98  is coupled to the drive unit  106  by the cable  108 . Alternatively, the motor  98  is any other appropriate type of motor known in the art, including but not limited to solenoid or direct voltage. The clasping mechanism  102  includes the adapter  116  which is configured to securely receive and hold the clasping attachment  119 . Different sized attachments  119  are used to change different sizes of light bulbs. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the motor  98  controls the adapter  116  which extends out of the top of the motor  98  along the axis  97 . In this alternative embodiment, the adapter  116  moves upward and downward as controlled by the motor unit  98  along the axis  97  depending on a predetermined voltage supplied to the motor  98 , to either spread or tighten the fingers  120 . In addition, the adapter  116  rotates in the clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the axis  97  depending on a predetermined voltage supplied to the motor  98 . 
     The wirelessly communicating drive unit  206  and motor unit  204  of the preferred embodiment are illustrated in FIG.  4 . The drive unit  206  sends control signals to the infrared signal receiver  308  in the connecting arm  213  to control the operation of the motor unit  204 . Preferably, the drive unit  206  is mounted to the bottom of the pole  99  and the motor unit  204  is mounted to the top of the pole  99 . The drive unit  206  is also preferably self powered by batteries included within its casing. 
     The clasping mechanism  202  of the preferred embodiment includes the wirelessly controlled motor unit  204 , arm members  212 A and  212 B, connecting arm  213 , knobs  214 , adapter  205  and aperture  218 . The arm members  212 A and  212 B, the knobs  214 , the adapter  215  and the aperture  218  all preferably operate as described above in relation to FIG.  2 . 
     A cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the motor unit  204  is illustrated in FIG.  5 . As shown in FIG. 5, the motor unit  204  is coupled to the arm member  212 , whereby the arm member  212  is coupled to the connecting arm  213 . The motor unit  204  preferably includes a step motor  298 . Alternatively, the motor  298  is any other appropriate type of motor known in the art. The controlling arm  213  includes a control unit  306  within its housing and a battery chamber  300  which is configured to hold one or more batteries  302  for powering the motor  298  and control unit  306 . The batteries  302  are changed through a battery door  304 . The clasping mechanism  202  includes the adapter  216  which is configured to securely receive and hold the clasping attachment  119 . As described above, different sized attachments  119  are used to change different sizes of light bulbs. 
     The control unit  306  includes an infrared signal receiver  308  which receives control signals from the drive unit  206  for controlling the operation of the motor  298 . Based on the control signals received from the drive unit  206 , the control unit  306  then controls the operation of the motor  298  to turn in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the motor unit  204 , the arm member  212  and the controlling arm  213  each preferably include a set of contact points  132  for supplying electrical current between the connecting arm  213  and the motor unit  204 , to provide power and control signals to the motor  298 . It is also preferred that any number of arm members  212  having contact points  132  may be coupled together between the connecting arm  213  and the motor unit  204 . Alternatively, the controlling arm  213  supplies electrical current to the motor unit  204  by a cable (not shown). 
     The clasping attachment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B comprises a set of several fingers  120  for clasping the light bulb  96 . Preferably, the clasping attachment  119 ′ includes four fingers  120 ′ which extend and are used in gripping the light bulb  96  as shown in FIG.  3 B. In addition, the preferred clasping attachment  119 ′ includes a clasping attachment aperture  134  for engaging the clasping attachment  119 ′ to the adapter  116  (FIG.  3 A). Alternatively, the fingers  120  extend in an octagonal pattern with pads  122  on the interior surface of each finger  120  which aid in gripping the light bulb  96 , as shown in FIG.  3 A. Alternatively, any other number of fingers  120  are used to grip the light bulb  96 . Alternatively, each pad  122  is set and attached to the interior of each finger  120  by an adhesive, such as glue. Alternatively, any other appropriate means of attaching the pad  122  to the finger  120  is used. The fingers  120  are alternatively tensioned or spring urged to snugly fit over the light bulb  96  to screw or unscrew the light bulb  96  from its socket. Each finger  120 , as shown in FIGS. 3A and 5, has a profile such that a portion of the finger  120  is parallel to the axis  97  near the adapter  116  and gradually extends in an outward direction away from the axis  97  to the area where the pad  122  is attached. Further, each finger  120  is preferably made of an elastic material to allow the fingers  120  to bend toward or away from each other, depending on the size of the light bulb  96 . 
     It is preferred that the clasping mechanism  202  is able to rotate about the axis  97 , thereby causing the fingers  120  to rotate in communication with the adapter  216  that is driven by the motor  298 . The clasping mechanism  202  is thus able to rotate in a clockwise position or a counter-clockwise position relative to the axis  97 . In other words, the clasping mechanism  202  preferably rotates clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the controls received by the control unit  306  from the drive unit  206 . Thus, the motor  298 , when activated by the control unit  306 , causes the adapter  216  to rotate about the axis  97 , thereby causing the fingers  120  to rotate along with the adapter  216 . The rotation of the fingers  120  in the clockwise rotation allows the user to screw in the light bulb  96  (FIG.  1 A). In contrast, the rotation of the fingers  120  in the counter-clockwise rotation allows the user to unscrew the light bulb  96  (FIG.  1 A). It should be noted that the set of fingers  120  rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise independently of the configuration or position of the clasping mechanism  202  and the pole  99 . 
     In the alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the clasping mechanism  102  is also able to move in another direction such that a distance or dimension between oppositely facing fingers  120  varies or adjusts to allow the clasping mechanism  102  to clasp or engage different sized light bulbs  96 . As shown in FIG. 3A, each finger  120  in the clasping mechanism  102  has a protruding tab  124  which fits beneath the adapter  116 . As stated above, the adapter  116  is positioned inside the motor unit  104  and moves upwards and downwards along the axis  97 . In addition, in this embodiment the adapter  116  moves in various positions anywhere along the axis  97  depending on the amount of voltage supplied to the motor  98  by the drive unit  106 . A predetermined voltage supplied by the drive unit  106  to the motor  98  will cause the adapter  116  to move upward along the axis  97 . In contrast, a different predetermined voltage supplied by the drive unit  106  to the motor  98  will cause the adapter  116  to move downward along the axis  97 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3A, the fingers  120  have an outward extending configuration and are located adjacent to the housing  128  of the motor unit  104 . Since the fingers  120  are coupled to the adapter  116 , movement of the adapter  116  in the downward direction along the axis  97  causes the outer surface profile of each finger  120  to move toward each other and toward the axis  97 , itself. Thus, voltage supplied by the drive unit  106  which causes the adapter  116  to move downward causes the dimension between oppositely facing fingers  120  to decrease. In contrast, since the profile of each finger  116  gradually extends in an outward direction away from the axis  97 , the oppositely facing fingers naturally move away from the axis  97  as the adapter moves upward along the axis  97 . Thus, voltage supplied by the drive unit  106  which causes the adapter  116  to move upward causes the dimension between oppositely facing fingers  120  to increase. Therefore, the change in position of the adapter  116  within the housing  128  of the motor unit  104  adjusts the dimension or spacing between the fingers  120  to allow the clasping mechanism  102  to clasp different sized light bulbs  96  ranging from flood lights to Christmas bulbs. 
     The operation in screwing in a light bulb  96  will now be discussed. In operation, as shown in FIG. 1, the user couples the lower arm  112  having the aperture  118  to one end  99 A of the pole  99  by a set of clips  130 . The user then couples the drive unit  106  to the other end  99 B of the pole  99 . The user then secures the cable between the motor unit  104  and the drive unit  106  by using an appropriate number of clips, as mentioned above. It should be understood that the drive unit  206  and the motor unit  204  of the preferred embodiment, are coupled to the pole  99  in a similar manner, without the cable  108 . Once the motorized light bulb changer  100  is coupled to the pole  99  and is sufficiently secure, the arm members  112  and connecting arm  113  are adjusted to the desired configuration by use of the knobs  114 . Once the desired configuration is attained, the user either pushes or pulls the knobs  114  to allow the clasping mechanism  102  to reach the socket which receives the light bulb  96 . The user then adjusts the length of the light bulb changer  100 , if necessary. The user then positions the fingers  120  around the light bulb  96  and engages the light bulb  96 . Preferably this is done by coupling the appropriate sized clasping attachment  119 ′ (FIG. 3B) to the adapter  116 . Alternatively, this is done by pressing the corresponding button on the drive unit  106 , whereby the drive unit  106  will supply an appropriate voltage to activate the adapter  116 . Once the light bulb  96  is engaged within the clasping mechanism  102 , the user places the light bulb in the corresponding socket (FIG. 1A) and presses the corresponding button on the drive unit  106  to activate the clasping mechanism  102 . The voltage applied by the drive unit  106  causes the motor  98  and the adapter  116  to rotate clockwise. The motion of the adapter  116  causes the fingers  120  to rotate accordingly. Thus, a clockwise rotation of the motor  98  and adapter  116  causes the fingers  120  to rotate clockwise in any orientation of the arms  112 . Unscrewing the light bulb  96  is done by the same method, except that the user presses the button on the drive unit  106  to turn the clasping mechanism  102  counterclockwise. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.