Patent Publication Number: US-11646192-B1

Title: Light bulb changer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a remote access tool. More specifically, the present invention relates to a light bulb changer designed to remove and replace light bulbs of various sizes, shapes, and configurations which are held at a variety of angles and heights and are otherwise inaccessible from ground level. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Overhead lights are very common lighting fixtures in both residential and commercial settings. Such lights are positioned overhead to provide sufficient light within a room from an angle that enhances visibility within the lighted room. Overhead lights additionally help to minimize risks associated with heat burns and unintentional contact which could result in globe glass breakage given that such fixtures are typically out of reach of someone standing on the floor of a room. Examples of such overhead lights include chandeliers and recessed lighting such as can lights. 
     While the lighting fixtures are advantageous in that they are positioned overhead and out of reach from a person standing on the floor of a room, replacing the lightbulbs of such lights can be a challenge and can even result in bodily injury. That is, because of the height at which many overhead lighting fixtures are positioned, accessing the lightbulbs thereof for replacement requires the use of a ladder or other set up to raise a person to an elevated position from which the overhead bulb may be reached. Such elevated positions can lead to dangerous falls that cause bodily injury. Furthermore, the light bulbs of such lighting fixtures may be recessed within their fixtures, limiting physical access to only a small portion of the bulb, making accessing such bulbs for replacement difficult. 
     Devices have been contemplated in the past that attempt to aid in light bulb replacement for overhead fixtures, however, such devices often still require a user being at an elevated position on a ladder, stair, or landing, or require the user to work off his or her longitudinal anatomical axis, which can lead to imbalance and falls or strains. Additionally, the off-axis use of such existing devices impairs the user&#39;s ability to see the light bulb they are attempting to change, given that such off-axis positions interfere with the line of sight of the target bulb, which can lead to broken bulbs and damage to the light fixture. 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. Existing bulb replacement tools are typically provided at a fixed angle and therefore not able to accommodate bulbs positioned at a variety of angles. Another problem associated with existing bulb replacement devices, is that such devices are not able to accommodate bulbs of various sizes, thus requiring a separate tool for different bulb shapes and sizes. Other problems arise from the need to apply force to the bulb and lighting fixture: too much force can cause damage to the bulb or fixture, or even bodily injury. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a light bulb changer designed to facilitate removal and replacement of light bulbs of various sizes, shapes, and configurations which are held at a variety of angles and heights and are otherwise inaccessible from ground level. There further exists a need for such a device that is designed to be used without a ladder or need of some elevated platform such as a landing on stairway and allows a user to be positioned directly under the overhead fixture thus enabling full line of sight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a light bulb changer that includes an elongated pole having a first configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof, a support structure engaged with the elongated pole near a second end of the elongated pole, and a bulb holder extending from a second end of the support structure. A pair of cog belt pullies and a belt positioned therebetween transfer the rotation of the elongated pole about tis longitudinal axis to rotation of the bulb holder about a central axis thereof that is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the elongate pole. The bulb changer enabling removal and replacement of light bulbs of overhead light fixtures with a user safely positioned on a floor under the light fixture with a clear line of sight of the bulb and without the need for ladders or other elevations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a light bulb changer without a bulb holder attached according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a side view of a light bulb changer with a bulb holder attached at an upper side of the housing according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a side view of a light bulb changer with a bulb holder attached at a lower side of the housing according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of a light bulb changer according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  show a progression of a bulb holder of the light bulb changer as it is aligned with, engaged with, and securely holding a light bulb according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a side view of a user using an inventive light bulb changer to change an upward facing light bulb of a light fixture according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  5 B  is a side view of a user using an inventive light bulb changer to change a downward facing light bulb of a light fixture according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has utility as a light bulb changer to facilitate removal and replacement of light bulbs of various sizes, shapes, and configurations which are held at a variety of angles and heights and are otherwise inaccessible from ground level. The inventive light bulb changer is configured for use without a ladder or need for some elevated platform such as a landing on stairway and allows a user to be positioned directly under the overhead fixture thus enabling full line of sight. 
     The present invention will now be described with reference to the following embodiments. As is apparent by these descriptions, this invention can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant invention. Hence, the following specification is intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof. 
     It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range of from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. 
     Unless indicated otherwise, explicitly or by context, the following terms are used herein as set forth below. 
     As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Also as used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”). 
     According to embodiments, an inventive light bulb changer  10  includes an elongated pole  20  having a first end  22 , a second end  24 , and a longitudinal axis  26 . The elongated pole  20  is configured to be rotated about the longitudinal axis  26  thereof. The light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a support structure  30  having a first end  32  and a second end  34 . The first end  32  of the support structure  30  is engaged with the elongated pole  20  near the second end  24  of the elongated pole  20 . The light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a pair of cog belt pullies  40 ,  50  and a belt  60  spanning therebetween. A first cog belt pully  40  is coupled to the elongated pole  20  near the second end  24  of the elongated pole  20 . The first cog belt pully  40  is coaxial with the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20  and is configured to rotate with the elongated pole  20  as the elongated pole  20  is rotated about its longitudinal axis  26 . Notably, the elongated pole  20  and the first cog belt pully  40  rotate about the longitudinal axis  26  independently of the support structure  30 . That is, while the support structure  30  is engaged with the elongated pole  20 , the support structure  30  does not rotate with the elongated pole  20  about the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20 . The second cog belt pully  50  is coupled to the second end  34  of the support structure  30 . The second cog belt pully  50  has a central axis  52  that is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20 . The belt  60  spans between the first cog belt pully  40  and the second cog belt pully  50 . The belt  60  is configured to cause the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate around its central axis  52  based on the rotation of the first cog belt pully  40 , which rotates with the elongated pole  20 . The light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a bulb holder  70  that is configured to couple to the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate therewith. The bulb holder  70  is further configured to securely hold a light bulb of any of a multitude of sizes and shapes to screw and unscrew the light bulb into an overhead light fixture. 
     The elongated pole  20  is configured to be held in the hands of a user and rotated about the longitudinal axis  26  by the hands of the user. Other methods for rotating the elongated pole  20  are also contemplated, including a motor. In order to facilitate a comfortable hold of the elongated pole  20 , the elongated pole  20  is provided having an outer diameter of no more than two inches. According to embodiments, the pole  20  has a constant outer diameter along its entire length, while according to further embodiments, the outer diameter of the pole  20  changes along its length, for example narrowing toward the second end  24 . According to some inventive embodiments, the elongated pole is formed of metal, plastic, or a composite material such as carbon fiber. According to some inventive embodiments, the elongated pole  20  is hollow. According to embodiments, the elongated pole  20  has a length from the first end  22  to the second end  24  that is at least 4 feet long and may be as long as 20 feet long. According to embodiments, the elongated pole  20  has a length that is adjustable. For example, the elongated pole  20  is configured to telescope or collapse upon itself. In such telescoping embodiments, the pole  20  includes a locking mechanism to fix the length of the pole  20  at an adjusted telescoped length. According to other embodiments, the length of the pole  20  is adjusted by joining separate portions of the pole  20  together to create a pole  20  of a desired length. According to some inventive embodiments, the elongated pole  20  additionally includes a grip  23  provided at the first end  22  of the elongated pole  20 . The grip  23  provides a hand hold for a user&#39;s hand that will rotate the elongated pole  20  about its longitudinal axis  26 . The grip  23  provides a comfortable hold of the elongated pole  20 , an indicator to the user as to where the pole  20  should be held for best rotations thereof, and an enhanced non-slip grip of the pole  20 . 
     According to some inventive embodiments, the inventive light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a handle  28  that is engaged with the elongated pole  20 . The handle  28  is disposed near the first end  22  of the elongated pole  20 , above the grip  23 . The handle  28  is configured to provide a place for a user to hold in order to stabilize the pole  20  with one hand while the user&#39;s other hand works to rotate the elongated pole  20 , which may be positioned at the grip  23  when provided. According to some inventive embodiments, the handle  28  defines a through hole through which the elongated pole  20  passes, thereby allowing the elongated pole  20  to rotate about its longitudinal axis  26  within the handle  28 . The through hole of the handle  28  thus has a central axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the handle is a hollow cylinder sleeve around the pole  20 . According to some inventive embodiments, the handle  28  abuts a collar  21  that is disposed on the elongated pole  20  in order to fix the position of the handle  28  along the length of the pole  20 . According to some incentive embodiments, the collar  21  is friction fit with the pole  20  or integrally formed with the pole  20 . According to some inventive embodiments, the position of the collar  21  along the length of the pole  20  is adjustable. 
     As noted above, the light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a support structure  30  having a first end  32  and a second end  34 . The first end  32  of the support structure  30  is engaged with the elongated pole  20  near the second end  24  of the elongated pole  20 . Notably, the support structure  30  is engaged with the elongated pole  20  in such a way as to not interfere with the rotation of the elongated pole  20  about its longitudinal axis  26 . For example, the support structure  30  may define a hole into which the second end  24  of the elongated pole  20  is inserted for rotation therein. According to some inventive embodiments, the hole in the support structure  30  is a bracket connected to the support structure  30 . The hole is provided near the first end  32  of the support structure  30 . According to some inventive embodiments, a collar  25  is provided on the elongated pole  20  to fix the position of the support structure  30  with the elongated pole  20 . According to some inventive embodiments, the support structure  30  is a housing, is made of metal, plastic, or composite material. According to embodiments, the support structure  30  encloses the first cog belt pully  40 , the second cog belt pully  50 , and the belt  60  to protect the mechanical workings of the device  10  safe from interference, dirt, and debris, and also to prevent a user&#39;s fingers from getting pinched by the pullies  40 ,  50  and belt  60 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the support structure  30  extends perpendicularly from the elongated pole  20 . The support structure has a length from the first end  32  to the second end  34 . According to embodiments, the length of the support structure  30  is at least 6 inches and up to 24 inches. 
     As noted above, the second cog belt pully  50  is coupled to the second end  34  of the support structure  30 . The central axis  52  of the second cog belt pully  50  is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20 . The belt  60  spans between the first cog belt pully  40  and the second cog belt pully  50 . The belt  60  is configured to cause the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate around its central axis  52  based on the rotation of the first cog belt pully  40 , which rotates with the elongated pole  20 . To achieve this, the belt  60  is held in slight tension between the cog belt pullies  40 ,  50 . According to some inventive embodiments, the second cog belt pully  50  is coupled to the second end  34  of the support structure  30  by way of a bracket  36 , such as that shown in  FIG.  3   . According to embodiments, the bracket  36  is C-shaped. The bracket  36  thus fixes the second cog belt pully  50  to the second end  34  of the support structure  30  while still allowing the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate about its central axis  52 . According to some inventive embodiments, the central axis  52  of the second cog belt pully  50  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  26  of the elongated pole  20 , however, other arrangements are also contemplated. 
     As noted above, the light bulb changer  10  additionally includes a bulb holder  70  that is configured to couple to the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate therewith. The bulb holder  70  is further configured to securely hold a light bulb B of any of a multitude of sizes and shapes to screw and unscrew the light bulb into an overhead light fixture F. According to some inventive embodiments, the bulb holder  70  includes a plurality of spring-loaded fingers  72 . The spring-loaded fingers  72  are joined at a base  74  of the bulb holder  70  with the opposite ends of  75  the fingers  72  defining an opening  76  of the bulb holder  70 . The ends  75  of the fingers  72  are biased to a closed position and movable to an open position around the opening  76 , so that the diameter of the opening  76  is expandable to accommodate light bulbs B of various sizes and shapes. It will be understood that as the ends  75  of the fingers  72  contact a bulb B, the ends  75  of the fingers with expand to conform with the surface of the bulb B, thereby allowing the opening  76  to expand as the shape of the bulb B expands. Then as the shape of the bulb tapers, the ends  75  of the fingers  72  return to the closed position of the bulb holder  70 . According to some inventive embodiments, the spring-loaded fingers  72  each has a friction elements  78  positioned thereon to grip the bulb B and prevent the bulb B from rotating within the bulb holder  70 . Accordingly, the bulb B when held within the finger  72  of the bulb holder  70  is secure and prevented from rotating within the bulb holder  70 , and instead rotating with the bulb holder  70  as it rotates with the second cog belt pully  50 . 
     According to some inventive embodiments, the bulb holder  70  is configured to releasably couple to the second cog belt pully  50  to rotate therewith. According to embodiments, the bulb holder  70  releasably couples to the second cog belt pully  50  via a rod  54  that is either provided on bulb holder  70  or on the second cog belt pully  50 . The rod  54  may attach to the bulb holder  70  via friction fit or threaded interaction. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the rod  54  is provided as an extension from the second cog belt pully  50 . According to some inventive embodiments, the rod  54  has two opposing ends that extend from the second cog belt pully  50 , namely a first end  55  that points in the direction opposite the pole  20  and a second end  56  that points in a direction on the same side as the pole  20 . Accordingly, the bulb holder  70  is configured to be coupled to the second cog belt pully  50  so that the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  is configured to be positioned on a side of the support structure  30  opposite the elongated handle  20  and alternatively so that the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  is configured to be positioned on a side of the support structure  30  with the elongated handle  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the inventive light bulb changer device  10  is used to remove and replace light bulbs B of various sizes, shapes, and configurations which are held in fixtures F at a variety of angles and heights and are otherwise inaccessible from ground level G. The inventive light bulb changer  10  is configured for use without a ladder or need for some elevated platform such as a landing on stairway and allows a user to be positioned directly on the ground G or floor under the overhead fixture F thus enabling full line of sight. A method of using the inventive light bulb changer  10  includes a user adjusting the length of the elongated pole  20  to a length that allows the bulb holder  70  to access the target bulb B within a target light fixture F. Then, the user attaches the bulb holder  70  to the second cog belt pully  50  based on the orientation of the target light bulb B. That is, if the target light bulb B is held in the light fixture F with the screw thread contact of the bulb B closest to the floor so that the glass portion of the bulb B points to the ceiling, the user will couple the bulb holder  70  to the second end  56  of the rod  54  so that the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  is positioned on a side of the support structure  30  with the elongated pole  20  so the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  may come in contact with the glass of the bulb B. In contrast, if the target light bulb B is held in the light fixture F with the screw thread contact of the bulb B farthest from the floor so that the glass portion of the bulb B points to the floor, the user will couple the bulb holder  70  to the first end  55  of the rod  54  so that the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  is positioned on a side of the support structure  30  that is opposite the elongated pole  20  so the opening  76  of the bulb holder  70  may come in contact with the glass of the bulb B. Once the bulb holder  70  has been attached to the second cog belt pully  50 , the user holds the elongated pole  20  to bring the bulb holder  70  into contact with the bulb B within the light fixture F. That is, the user aligns the opening  76  of the spring-loaded fingers  72  with the glass portion of the bulb B, as shown in  FIG.  4 A , and applies a slight pressure thereto, which causes the spring-loaded fingers  72  to open around the shape of the bulb B, as shown in  FIG.  4 B . Once the bulb B is securely within the bulb holder  70 , as shown in  FIG.  4 C , the user then rotates the elongated pole  20  about its longitudinal axis  26 . The user may utilize the handle  28  to provide stability to the pole  20  as the pole  20  is rotated about its longitudinal axis  26 . The rotation of the pole  20  about its longitudinal axis  26  causes the first cog belt pully  40  to rotate therewith. The belt  60  transfers the rotations of the first cog belt pully  40  about the longitudinal axis  26  to the second cog belt pully  50  about the central axis  52  thereof. Rotation of the second cog belt pully  50  about the central axis  52  rotates the bulb holder  70  therewith, thereby rotating the bulb B within the light fixture F. Once the bulb B is free of the fixture F, the user moves the support structure  30  away from the fixture to ultimately lower the bulb B to the level of the user. Replacement of a bulb B into the fixture works the same way, simply with the bulb being placed within the bulb holder  70  by the user, raised to the level of the light fixture F, and aligned therewith. Then the user rotates the pole  20  to cause the rotation of the bulb holder  70 . It will be understood that the pole  20  is configured to rotate clock wise and counter clock wise. The direction of rotation of the pole  20  determining the direction of rotation of the cog belt pullies  40 ,  50  and thus the rotation of the bulb holder  70  and ultimately the direction of rotation of the bulb B. The bulb B will either be screwed into or out of the light fixture based on the direction that the bulb holder  70  is caused to rotate based on the rotation of the pole  20 . 
     Patent documents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These documents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document or publication was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference. 
     The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.