Patent Abstract:
A lighting apparatus includes an elongated housing defining an elongated chamber. The housing is mountable at first end to a structure. A fixture includes a receptacle that receives a light bulb. The fixture is configured to be slidably inserted into the housing from inside the structure and positioned within the elongated chamber of the elongated housing outside the structure. An alternate lighting apparatus includes a mounting apparatus having a housing including a receptacle for receiving a light bulb and a body portion connected to the housing. The mounting apparatus is positionable in a first position inside the structure and configured for receiving a light bulb inside the structure, and the mounting apparatus is postionable in a second position wherein the mounting apparatus with the housing and the received light bulb is slidably inserted through a bore in a wall of the structure and the housing is positioned outside the structure.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This specification relates to light bulb apparatuses and systems with improved features for replacing light bulbs in the light bulb apparatuses. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Adjusting lights, including changing light bulbs that are positioned in elevated or other hard to access locations can be time consuming, dangerous, and costly. In order to adjust a light bulb in elevated locations, a lift (i.e. a cherry picker) is required. If multiple lighting apparatuses and light bulbs are provided in an area and only a single bulb goes out, it is not cost-efficient to obtain a lift to change the light bulbs or otherwise adjust the lighting apparatuses and/or light bulbs until additional light bulbs and/or lighting apparatuses need adjustment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    This specification describes technologies relating to light bulb replacement apparatuses and systems. 
         [0004]    In general, a first implementation of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a lighting apparatus, comprising: an elongated housing defining an elongated chamber, the housing configured to allow mounting a first end of the housing to a structure. The lighting apparatus includes a fixture having a receptacle configured for receiving a light bulb. The fixture is positionable in a first position inside the structure and outside the elongated housing and said fixture is configured to receive a light bulb. The fixture is positionable in a second position wherein the fixture with the received light bulb is slidably inserted and positioned within the elongated chamber of the elongated housing. 
         [0005]    In general, a second implementation illustrates a lighting apparatus, comprising: a mounting apparatus including: a positionable housing including a receptacle configured for receiving a light bulb; and a body portion connected to the positionable housing. The body portion includes an end configured to allow mounting of the body portion to a structure. The mounting apparatus is positionable in a first position inside the structure for receiving a light bulb and positionable in a second position wherein the mounting apparatus with the housing and the received light bulb is slidably inserted through a bore in a wall of the structure and the mounting apparatus including said housing positioned outside the structure. 
         [0006]    A method for replacing a light bulb, includes the steps of: mounting a first end of an elongated housing defining an elongated chamber to an exterior wall of a structure; removably positioning a fixture including a receptacle containing a light bulb, from inside the structure through a bore in an exterior wall of the structure by sliding the fixture through the bore into the elongated chamber of the elongated housing positioning the light bulb near a midsection or proximal to a second end of the housing and above an opening in a lower portion of the housing. Then removing the fixture and the light bulb from the elongated housing by sliding the second end of the fixture and the light bulb in a direction of the structure and positioning the light bulb inside the structure; removing the light bulb when the fixture is inside the structure and replacing the light bulb while the fixture is inside of the structure; and positioning the fixture in the elongated housing outside the structure by sliding the fixture through the bore until the light bulb is positioned above an opening in a lower portion of the housing. The method further includes securing a cap of the fixture to an interior wall of the structure. 
         [0007]    A method for replacing a light bulb, includes providing a bore from inside a structure through an exterior wall of the a structure and terminating outside the structure; removably positioning a mounting apparatus including a housing having a receptacle containing a light bulb, from inside the structure through the bore in the exterior wall of the structure by sliding the mounting apparatus through the bore; contacting at least a portion of the exterior wall surrounding an exterior end of the bore with an end of body portion of the mounting apparatus. Then withdrawing the mounting apparatus and the light bulb from the exterior of the structure by sliding the end of the body portion and the light bulb in a direction of the structure and positioning the light bulb inside the structure; removing the light bulb when the mounting apparatus is in the interior of the structure and replacing the light bulb while the mounting apparatus is in the interior of the structure; and positioning the mounting apparatus outside the structure by sliding the mounting apparatus through the bore until the end of the body portion is contacting the portion of the exterior wall surrounding the exterior end of the bore. 
         [0008]    The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a lighting apparatus extending through an interior and exterior wall of a structure with the lighting apparatus assembled in an operational mode. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a lighting apparatus extending through an interior and exterior wall of a structure with the lighting apparatus assembled in an operational mode. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with internal elements withdrawn from an external housing and the internal elements positioned inside the structure for replacement of a light bulb in the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 1B  with a housing and internal elements positioned inside the structure for replacement of a light bulb in the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a partial perspective view of some elements of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a partial perspective view of some elements of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1B . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Like reference numbers indicate similar or like parts in the description of the figures. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1A  shows a side view of a first exemplary lighting apparatus  120  extending through an interior wall and an exterior wall of a structure  110 . Structure  110  is a building, edifice, warehouse, garage, parking structure, etc., Structure  110  includes bore  111 , extending from exterior wall  112  to interior wall  113 , and opening facing  115  from which an external housing  122  of a lighting apparatuses  120  protrudes. Also the structure  110  includes a floor  114  from which internal portal  116  and lighting apparatus  120  is able to be accessed. 
         [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the lighting apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with some internal elements withdrawn from an external housing  122  and some internal elements positioned inside the structure  110  for replacement of the light bulb  228 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 1B  shows a side view of a second exemplary lighting apparatus  130  extending through an interior wall and an exterior wall of a structure  110 . Structure  110  is a building, edifice, warehouse, garage, parking structure, etc., Structure  110  includes bore  111 , extending from exterior wall  112  to interior wall  113 , and opening facing  115  from which the housing  123  of a lighting apparatuses  130  protrudes. Also the structure  110  includes floor  114  from which portal  116  and lighting apparatus  130  is able to be accessed. In the exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1B , bore  111  extends from the exterior wall  112  to the interior wall  113 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the lighting apparatus  130  of  FIG. 2A  with the housing  123  and internal elements positioned inside the structure  110  for replacement of the light bulb  228 . 
         [0020]    In some embodiments one or a plurality of lighting apparatuses  120  and/or  130  are provided to extend from a structure  110  at similar or different locations (e.g., around the exterior wall  112 ), heights, and angles relative to the structure  110  to provide illumination to the structure  110  and/or provide illumination to objects away from structure (e.g., a sidewalk at the base of structure  110 ). 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1A and 2A  illustrate the lighting apparatus  120  that includes the housing  122  with a first end  124  and a second end  126 , and in the current embodiment, one or more openings  128 .  FIGS. 1B and 2B  illustrate lighting apparatus  130  including first end  134  and a second end  136 , body portion  235  and mounting base  138 . Lighting apparatuses  120  and  130  will be described in further detail below. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  illustrates lighting apparatus  120  extending through bore  111 , exterior wall  112 , and facing  115 . In the illustrated embodiment, lighting apparatuses  120  extends approximately perpendicularly relative to exterior wall  112 ; however, such a configuration is not required, and in some embodiments, one or more lighting apparatuses  120  and/or  130  may extend from exterior wall  112  at any angle relative to exterior wall  112  (e.g. 0, 45, or 90 degrees, among others). Lighting apparatus  120 , in the implementation shown in  FIG. 2A , includes housing  122 , first end  124  and a second end  126 , opening  128 , and light bulb  228 . 
         [0023]    The interior of housing  122  defines a chamber within housing  122 . The cross-sectional area of housing  122  may be of any shape including square, rectangle, or circular, among others. The first end  124  is the end of lighting apparatus  120  positioned nearest to exterior wall  112  and interior wall  113  and is configured to be fastened to exterior wall  112 , interior wall  113 , or the facing  115 . However, the first end  124  may be spaced apart from exterior wall  112 , interior wall  113 , and/or facing  115 , and a fastener may extend from exterior wall  112 , interior wall  113 , and/or facing  115 , first end  124  or another portion of lighting apparatus  120 . Fasteners may include nails, adhesives, screws, nuts &amp; bolts, among others. In the implementation, shown first end  124  extends through facing  115  and exterior wall  112 , and first end  124  contacts a portal  116 . However, such a configuration is not required. 
         [0024]    Light bulb  228  may be any type of light bulb, including incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, compact fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, low-pressure sodium lamps, LED, among others. Further, in some implementations, more than one light bulb  228  may be included within to housing  122 , and each light bulb  228  may be directed in one of a multitude of directions, or may adjustably point in different directions. In some embodiments, a single opening  128  is provided for each light bulb  228 ; however, such a configuration is not required, and two or more light bulbs  228  may be configured to emit light through an opening  128 . Additionally, one light bulb  228  may be configured to emit light through two or more opening  128 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 1B  shows exemplary lighting apparatus  130  extending from interior wall  113  through bore  111 , exterior wall  112 , and facing  115 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , lighting apparatus  130  extends approximately perpendicularly relative to exterior wall  112 ; however, such a configuration is not required, and as stated above, lighting apparatus  130  may extend from exterior wall  112  at any angle relative to exterior wall  112 . Lighting apparatus  130 , in the exemplary implementation shown, includes first end  134  and second end  136 , body portion  235 , housing  123 , and light bulb  228 . In the current implementation, second end  136 , body portion  235 , and mounting base  138  and housing  123  extend through bore  111  and facing  115 . First end  134  is configured to contact interior wall  113 . Light bulb  228  may be any type of light bulb, including any type described above with respect to light bulb  228 . Further, in some implementations, more than one light bulb  228  may be included, and each light bulb  228  may be directed in one of a multitude of directions or may adjustably point in different directions. In some embodiments, a single fixture is provided for each light bulb  228 ; however, in other implementations more than the light bulb  228  may be received by fixture 
         [0026]      FIG. 3A  is a partial perspective view of some elements of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A  that are included in lighting apparatus  120  and configured to slide into housing  122 . Fixture  320  includes a body  322  with first end  324  and second end  326 , end cap  325 , and light bulb  228 . As shown, fixture  320  includes end cap  325 , which is fastened to or a component of first end  324  of body  322 . End cap  325  may be fastened to first end  324  by adhesive, staples, nails, and/or bolts, among others. End cap  325  is configured to secure the fixture  320  to portal  116  or a component of interior wall  113  (seen in  FIG. 1A ). An electrical cord  327  extends through a bore  321  in end cap  325 . In some embodiments, electrical cord  327  may not be included (if such a cord is not required) or electrical cord  327  may extend to an electrical outlet in a manner not requiring it to extend through bore  321 . 
         [0027]    Exemplary fixture  320  has second end  326  connected to light bulb mounting component  340 . As shown, light bulb mounting component  340  is configured to secure the light bulb  228  in fixture  320 . Light bulb mounting component  340 , in the implementation shown in  FIG. 3A , includes structural support members  344  and  348  and end plate  346 . Light bulb support member  348  may include a bore  349 , which may be the same shape or a different shape than light bulb receptacle  350  (e.g. socket). The bore  349 , in some implementations, is configured receive the mounting base  138  and receptacle  350  for bulb  228 . For example, light bulb  228  may be secured to receptacle  350  via threads on the exterior of at least a portion of light bulb  228  and mating threads in receptacle  350 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a partial perspective view of some elements of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1B . Lighting apparatus  130  includes a mounting apparatus  360 , a first end  134  and a second end  136 , body portion  235 , mounting base  138 , receptacle  350 , housing  123 , and light bulb  228 . Lighting apparatus  130  includes inside end cap  335  configured to secure lighting apparatus  130  to structure  110 . Also, in some implementations, lighting apparatus  130  is configured to include an electrical cord  327 . The electrical cord  327  may include a plug  329  for connection to a standard electrical outlet for providing power to the lighting apparatus  130  or may be hard wired into an electrical circuit without a plug  329 . The electrical cord may pass through an opening  328  in the end cap and pass through the body portion of  235  and connect to the mounting base  138  with the light bulb receptacle  350  for receiving bulb  228 . 
         [0029]    The second implementation lighting apparatus  130  of  FIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B , differs from the first implementation of  FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A , primarily in that the mounting apparatus  360  includes housing  123 , where the entire mounting apparatus  360  and the housing  123  is able to be withdrawn through bore  111  into the interior of structure  110  to change bulb  228  as distinguishable from the first embodiment wherein the housing  122  is external and is not withdrawn into the structure  110  when bulb  228  is changed. The housing  123 , in the second exemplary implementation shown in  FIG. 3B , includes support sealing panel  352  that seals in the facing  115  of exterior wall  112 . The light bulb  228  may be secured to receptacle  350  via threads on the exterior of at least a portion of light bulb  228  that mate threads in receptacle  350 . Alternatively, or additionally, pin and socket connectors may be used. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are side views of exemplary lighting apparatus  120  and  130  in an operational position with the lighting apparatus disposed outside of structure  110 .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate certain features of the lighting apparatus  120  and  130  withdrawn inside the structure for changing their respective light bulbs  228 . The interior wall  113  also shows portal  116 , which may be configured as a junction box  412  with a cover  416 . The junction box  412  and/or cover  416  may include an opening (not shown) for electrical cord  327  (with or without a plug  329 ) to pass through the portal  116 . Electrical cord  327  may be configured with plug  329  received in an electrical receptacle or electrical circuit positioned outside the junction box. 
         [0031]    The configuration of portal  116  and junction box  412  in the current implementation is not required, and other configurations may be used. For example, portal  116  may be configured for the cover  416  to be removed from body portion  412 , cover  416  may not be included, hinge  419  may be in a different location of body portion  412 , or hinge  419  may not be included. 
         [0032]    In operation as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , with regard to the exemplary lighting apparatus  120 , first end  124  of the housing  122  is to be fastened, or otherwise secured, to the structure  110  at a desired angle relative to the structure  110  and positioned in line with bore  111  (extending from interior wall  113  to exterior wall  112 . Fixture  320 , with light bulb  228  secured to the fixture  320 , is configured to be extended into housing  122  toward distal end  126 . Fixture  320  is then configured to be secured to the structure  110 . In some embodiments, end cap  325  is configured to contact the bore  111 , interior wall  113 , and/or the body portion  412  of portal  116 . 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , in order to adjust or replace the one or more light bulbs  228 , in the first implementation, the fixture  320  is pulled toward the interior wall  113  of the structure  110 , which is enabled to be performed by pulling end cap  325 . When a user can reach the light bulb  228 , the user is then enabled to adjust the light bulb  228 , which includes, for example, replacing light bulb  228 . In the first implementation, fixture  320  can be pulled completely through housing  122  and to or past interior wall  113 . After one or more adjustments are made to the light bulb  228 , lighting apparatus  120  can be reconfigured to the lighting position by extending the fixture  320 , with light bulb  228 , into the housing  122  toward the distal end  126 . Second end  126 , in some implementations may be positioned approximately two feet from the exterior wall  112  of the structure  110  when housing  122  is secured to the structure  110 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1B , in operation, with regard to second exemplary lighting apparatus  130 , light bulb  228  is secured in the receptacle  350  of mounting apparatus  360  which includes housing  123 . The housing  123  is configured to extend from the exterior wall  113  and to a distance away from the exterior wall  112  (for example, seen in  FIG. 1B ). Lighting apparatus  130  is then configured to be secured to the structure  110 . In some embodiments, end cap  335  is configured to contact the bore  111  and/or the interior wall  113 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 3B , in order to adjust or replace the one or more light bulbs  228 , in the second implementation, the second end  136  is pulled toward the interior wall  113  of the structure  110 , which is enabled to be performed by pulling end cap  335  positioned on end  134 . When a user can reach the light bulb  228 , the user is then enabled to adjust the light bulb  228 , which includes, for example, replacing light bulb  228 . In some implementations, lighting apparatus  130  can be pulled completely to or past interior wall  113  (e.g., where the second end  136  is pulled within structure past interior wall  113 ). After one or more adjustments are performed to the light bulb  228 , lighting apparatus  130  can be reconfigured to the lighting position by extending the mounting apparatus  360  through the bore  111  and housing  123  from the exterior wall  113  and to a distance away from the exterior wall  112  (for example, seen in  FIG. 1B ). Exemplary lighting apparatus  130  is then configured to be secured to the structure  110 , as described above. 
         [0036]    While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0037]    Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 
         [0038]    Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5