Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – With elongated hot line stick
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-23
2001-07-10
Morgan, Eileen P. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
With elongated hot line stick
C294S019200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257095
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a tool for installing and removing light bulbs, and in particular, to a tool for installing and removing non-globe type light bulbs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
While light bulbs have varying life expectancies, eventually all light bulbs need to be replaced. The difficulty arises in that light fixtures are always not easily accessible. For example, a light fixture used in a large auditorium, or even in an office with a high ceiling, may be at least ten feet above the floor.
In order to install or remove a light bulb from a remotely disposed light fixture, it is typically necessary to use a ladder to reach the light bulb. Alternatively, it is known to use a tool having a large pole with a recovery device on the end, the recovery device having a structure to grasp the globe-like outside of the light bulb. For example, the structure may include one or more arms which elastically deform around the globe of the light bulb to securely grasp the globe and transmit a rotational movement of the pole into a rotational movement of the bulb.
In the recent past, advances in light bulb technology have brought about new shapes for light bulbs. Gone are the days when all light bulbs had a globe-like appearance. The newer, longer-life light bulbs (e.g., BIAX and SPIRALUX-type bulbs) have, for example, a pair of bi-axial tubes or a spiral tube which is connected to a cylindrical base which is screwed into a socket. If one were to use a recovery device such as described above, with the elastically deformable arms, to attempt to install or remove one of the newer spiral light bulbs, one may find that the arms can cause breakage of the tube before installation is even attempted. Once the base of the bulb is in place and is attempted to be rotated within the socket to snugly fit the base in the socket, breakage can also occur.
Consequently, the newer spiral-type light bulbs are usually installed by hand using a ladder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, a tool is provided to install and remove light bulbs, the tool including a base and at least one shaft-like finger fixedly attached to the base. The finger has a tip with a resilient gripping surface to transmit rotational movement of the finger to a base of a light bulb with the surface abutting the base of the light bulb.
According to another aspect of the invention, the tool includes a substantially cylindrical base having a circular first end and a second end. The base has a wall at the second end defining a threaded receptacle attachable to a threaded end of a pole. The tool also includes at least two substantially straight, shaft-like fingers fixedly attached to the first end of the base and spaced along a diameter of the circular first end. Each finger has a beveled tip with a resilient gripping surface to transmit rotational movement of the finger to a base of a non-globe light bulb with the surface abutting the base of the non-type light bulb. The tool may also include a pole having a threaded end disposable in the threaded receptacle to secure the pole to the base.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the tool includes a base having a first end and a second end. The tool also includes a first shaft-like finger fixedly attached to the base having a tip with a resilient gripping surface to transmit rotational movement of the finger to a base of a light bulb with the surface abutting the base of the light bulb, and a second shaft-like finger selectively securable to the base and having a tip with a resilient gripping surface to transmit rotational movement of the finger to a base of a light bulb with the surface abutting the base of the light bulb. The tool also includes a securing mechanism to secure the second shaftlike finger to the base with the first and second shaft-like fingers spaced apart.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1764278 (1930-06-01), Olby
patent: 2357104 (1944-08-01), Grinnell
patent: 2766060 (1956-10-01), Fuller
patent: 4663996 (1987-05-01), Grudgfield et al.
patent: 5730033 (1998-03-01), Mitrowski
patent: 5809850 (1998-09-01), Tickner
patent: 5829324 (1998-11-01), Secor
Danganan Joni B.
Morgan Eileen P.
Wood Phillips VanSanten Clark & Mortimer
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