Device for replacing fluorescent lamps

A device for replacing a fluorescent lamp in an installation position thereof comprising:

• a fluorescent lamp supporting member having a substantially channel-shaped cross section with a trough-like interior for accommodating a fluorescent lamp;
• an elongatable supporting rod connected to the lamp supporting member and adapted to be held at the lower part thereof by hand for raising or lowering the lamp to or from the installation position;
• lamp holding means disposed within said trough-like interior of the lamp supporting member and being controllably operable to hold a lamp firmly and to release the same, said lamp holding means comprising bag members disposed within the trough-like interior on one lateral side thereof and being expanded and contracted by a fluid supplied thereinto and discharged therefrom, at least one support member disposed on the opposite lateral side of the trough-like interior and functioning cooperatively with the bag members to clamp a lamp therebetween when the bag members are expanded;
• a pump mechanism disposed in the lower end portion of said supporting rod for supplying and discharging said fluid into and from the bag members;
• and
• fluid conducting means intercommunicating the pump memchanism and the bag members.