CA2017785A1 - Extension handle for hedge trimmers - Google Patents
Extension handle for hedge trimmersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2017785A1 CA2017785A1 CA002017785A CA2017785A CA2017785A1 CA 2017785 A1 CA2017785 A1 CA 2017785A1 CA 002017785 A CA002017785 A CA 002017785A CA 2017785 A CA2017785 A CA 2017785A CA 2017785 A1 CA2017785 A1 CA 2017785A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support member
- extension
- hedge trimmer
- handle
- extension apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G3/00—Cutting implements specially adapted for horticultural purposes; Delimbing standing trees
- A01G3/04—Apparatus for trimming hedges, e.g. hedge shears
- A01G3/0417—Guiding frames for trimming hedges
Abstract
EXTENSION HANDLE FOR HEDGE TRIMMERS
Abstract An extension handle attachment for powered hedge trimmers for enabling an operator to reach high trimming locations comprises an elongated, spring biased, telescopic support member and first and second handles forming an inverted "V" structure which are pivotally mounted at an upper end thereof.
The first handle defines at an upper end thereof a sleeve through which the second handle which extends therethrough can be adjustably positioned. A bracket is mounted at the upper end of the second handle higher than the sleeve and is adapted with attachment devices in order to mount the hedge trimmer thereto.
The elongated support member extends between a support gear mounted to the waist of the operator and the first handle near the sleeve thereof. The elongated support member includes a pair of telescopic members with a spring extending concentrically thereon. A semi-spherical load bearing member is mounted at the upper end of the elongated support member with a pin extending longitudinally therethrough and into an opening defined through on a lower portion of the first handle near the sleeve thereby providing a loose connection between the inverted "V" structure carrying the hedge trimmer and the elongated support member. The pin and hole arrangement allows the operator to pivot the hedge trimmer in a vertical plane and to swing the same horizontally. The spring biased telescoping members of the elongated support member allow the operator through the handles to vertically position the hedge trimmer with respect to the hedge being trimmed.
Abstract An extension handle attachment for powered hedge trimmers for enabling an operator to reach high trimming locations comprises an elongated, spring biased, telescopic support member and first and second handles forming an inverted "V" structure which are pivotally mounted at an upper end thereof.
The first handle defines at an upper end thereof a sleeve through which the second handle which extends therethrough can be adjustably positioned. A bracket is mounted at the upper end of the second handle higher than the sleeve and is adapted with attachment devices in order to mount the hedge trimmer thereto.
The elongated support member extends between a support gear mounted to the waist of the operator and the first handle near the sleeve thereof. The elongated support member includes a pair of telescopic members with a spring extending concentrically thereon. A semi-spherical load bearing member is mounted at the upper end of the elongated support member with a pin extending longitudinally therethrough and into an opening defined through on a lower portion of the first handle near the sleeve thereby providing a loose connection between the inverted "V" structure carrying the hedge trimmer and the elongated support member. The pin and hole arrangement allows the operator to pivot the hedge trimmer in a vertical plane and to swing the same horizontally. The spring biased telescoping members of the elongated support member allow the operator through the handles to vertically position the hedge trimmer with respect to the hedge being trimmed.
Description
77~5 The present inven-tion relates to extension handles for hedge trimmers and, more particularly, to such extension handles adapted to facilitate the trimming of tall hedges.
U.S. Patent No. 4,638,562 issued to Drake on January 27, 1987, discloses an extension handle for holding a hedge trimmer with the blade thereof in a horizontal position and well above the head of the operator in order that elevated or remote areas of hedges, plants, etc., can be trimmed. The extension handle includes a long tubular member which curves at an upper end portion thereof in order that a motor operated hedge trimmer may be mounted thereto so that the blade of the trimmer extends horizontally. The lower part of the extension handle includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apart grips mounted thereon to be grasped by the hands of the operator.
Using such an attachment, the full weight of both the trimmer and the extension handle is assumed by the arms of the operator. With part of the extension handle being forwardly and upwardly inclined with respect to the operator, it is also understood that the torque applied by the trimmer to the end of the extension handle is considerable.
Therefore, the operator using such a combination of an extension handle and a trimmer will quickly become tired.
U.S. Patent No. 4,483,070, issued to Junkermann on November 20, 1984, discloses a cutter with a frame mounted to the torso of the operator and extending up over the back of the user and over the top of his head. A forward end of the cutter is joined to a top end of the frame by a cable in such a way that the upper body of the operator assumes a greater part of the weight of the cutter.
U.S. Patent No. 4,638,562 issued to Drake on January 27, 1987, discloses an extension handle for holding a hedge trimmer with the blade thereof in a horizontal position and well above the head of the operator in order that elevated or remote areas of hedges, plants, etc., can be trimmed. The extension handle includes a long tubular member which curves at an upper end portion thereof in order that a motor operated hedge trimmer may be mounted thereto so that the blade of the trimmer extends horizontally. The lower part of the extension handle includes a pair of longitudinally spaced apart grips mounted thereon to be grasped by the hands of the operator.
Using such an attachment, the full weight of both the trimmer and the extension handle is assumed by the arms of the operator. With part of the extension handle being forwardly and upwardly inclined with respect to the operator, it is also understood that the torque applied by the trimmer to the end of the extension handle is considerable.
Therefore, the operator using such a combination of an extension handle and a trimmer will quickly become tired.
U.S. Patent No. 4,483,070, issued to Junkermann on November 20, 1984, discloses a cutter with a frame mounted to the torso of the operator and extending up over the back of the user and over the top of his head. A forward end of the cutter is joined to a top end of the frame by a cable in such a way that the upper body of the operator assumes a greater part of the weight of the cutter.
Although such an arrangement has various useful uses such as distributing most of the weight of the cutter to the trunk of the operator, it would however requi.re a considerably tall frame to allow the cutter to reach high hedges. If the frame is kept relatively short, the cable which extends between a top part thereof and a trimmer is necessarily also short for a trimmer positioned well above the shoulders of the operator. In such a case wherein the trimmer is close to the frame, a large part of the weight of the trimmer is transferred back to the arms of the operator. Furthermore, the top part of the frame may become cumbersome if positioned higher than the top part of the hedge being trimmed.
U.S. Patent No. 4,145,810, issued to Belliston on March 27, 1979, discloses an extension handle somewhat similar to that of above U.S. Patent No. 4,638,562 although the extension handle of the former is adjustable as being telescopic. However, the length of the handle must be adjusted prior to the use of the hedge trimmer mounted thereto. The extension handle cannot be telescoped during use of the hedge trimmer. Again, the full weight of the trimmer is assumed by the arms of the operator.
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an extension handle for powered hedge trimmers adapted to enable an operator thereof to reach high trimming locations.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide such an extension handle adapted so that most of the weight thereof and of the hedge trimmer attached thereto is assumed by the trunk of the operator.
` Z0~77~3S
It is s-till a fur-ther aim of the present invention to provide such an extension handle which is adapted to allow in a simple way the hedge trimmer to be displaced in various directions with a minimal effort by the operator. ~ :-A construction in accordance with the present invention comprises an extension apparatus for use with a powered hedge trimmer. The extension apparatus comprises an e:Longated extension means adapted to receive at an upper end portion thereof ;
the hedge trimmer and to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the hedge trimmer. The extension means further comprises a handle means for displacing during use the extension means between a retracted and an extended position thereof.
A further construction in accordance with the present invention comprises a powered hedge trimmer apparatus which comprises a cutting means driven by a motor mounted within a housing. The housing is mounted on an upper end portion of an elongated extension means. The elongated extension means is adapted to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the apparatus. The extension means comprises a handle means for displacing during use the extension means between a retracted and an extended position thereof.
Having thus generally described the nature ~ y~
of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:
Fig. 1 is an elevation of an extension handle in accordance with the present invention `~
showing in dotted lines a hedge trimmer mounted thereto and further showing in dotted lines a vertical adjustment of the extension handle and of the hedge trimmer;
r~fr~
~- Z017785 Fig. 2 is an elevation of the extension handle of Fig. 1 adapted with a hedge trimmer and ~
showing the operation thereof; ~-Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the extension handle of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a lower part of the extension handle supported by the support gear of Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 is a partial side view of a further ~-extension handle in accordance with the present -invention which includes a horizontal extension for the hedge trimmer. -Fig. 1 illustrates an extension handle E in accordance with the present invention for trimming hedges at a level exceeding the height of the operator.
The extension handle E comprises first and -second arms 10 and 12, respectively which form a general inverted "V"-shaped structure. The first arm -has a tubular body 14 including at a lower end thereof a hand grip 16 and at an upper end thereof a sleeve 18 welded at right angles thereto.
The second arm 12 has also a tubular body 20 which is slidably received in the sleeve 18 of the first arm 10. A hedge trimmer mounting bracket 22 is fixedly mounted at an upper end 24 of the tubular body 20 of the second arm 12.
A hedge trimmer T which is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 is removably attached to the mounting bracket 22 by way of a plumbing clamp 26 embracing a handle 28 of the trimmer T and a fork member 30, the arms of which are fixed to the sides of a housing 32 of the trimmer T by way of screws or bolts.
A series of apertures 34 defined diametrically through the body 20 of the second arm 12 are disposed longitudinally thereon in a spaced apart relationship. A lower end of the sleeve 18 of . .
` . ~
2n~7~ss the first arm 10 includes a pair of diametrically opposed openings 36 defined there-through which are aligned with selected ones of the apertures 34 through which a locking pin 38 is passed to secure the second arm 12 in a selected position with respect to the first arm 10. The locking pin 38 is attached at one end of a chain 40 which is mounted at its other end to the first arm 10 near the sleeve 18 thereof to prevent the locking pin 38 from being lost when removed from the openings 36 and the selected apertures 34.
The first and second arms 10 and 12 are partly supported by a spring biased telescopic third arm 42 which includes a first tubular section 44 having a circular end plate 46 fixedly mounted at an upper end thereof. As best seen in Fig. 3, a load bearing member 48 having a semi-spherical shape is fixedly mounted on a top surface of the circular end plate 46. A pin 50 extends longitudinally upwards from the center of the circular end plate 46 through the load bearing member 48 into a hole 52 defined through a lower portion of the tubular body 14 of the first arm 10 near the sleeve 18 thereof. The pin 50 is loosely introduced in the hole 52 in order to allow a relative displacement therebetween so that the first and second arms 10 and 12 can pivot about the pin 50 while being supported by the third arm 42 as the body 14 of the arm 10 bears against the semi-spherical load bearing member 48. The load bearing member 48 can be made of a plastics material or preferably of a hard rubber material to provide smooth and quiet displacements of the first arm 10 thereon.
The third arm 42 also comprises a second tubular section 54, the upper part of which is slidably received in the first tubular section 44 as seen in Fig. 3 for movement between extended and ~6-~17~85 :
re-tracted positions thereof. The lower part of the : .
second tubular section 54 includes a spacer 56 which is a short tubular section fixedly mounted to the ~.
lower end of the second tubular section 54. The.
second tubular section 54 includes at its lower end three out-turned spokes 58. A flange 60 is mounted - .
between the lower end of the spacer 56 and the ~
out-turned spokes 58. ~: :
The upper end of the second tubular section .~
54 which is located within the first tubular section ~.
44 includes an in-turned portion 62. An elongated :
rod 64 which extends longitudinally and centrall.y -.
inside the first tubular section 44 from the bottom .
surface of the circular end plate 46 includes a circular stopper 66 fixedly mounted at a lower end 68 of the elongated rod 64. .
From the above, it is easily understood .~
that the downwards stroke of the second tubular~:;
section 54 with respect to the first tubular section :
44 is limited by the stopper 66 abutting the in-turned portion 62 of the second tubular section .. -~
54, as seen in Fig. 3. Also, the upwards movement of . :.
the second tubular section 54 with respect to the first tubular section 44 is limited by the spacer 56 ~.~
abutting at its top end the lower end of the first ~ :
tubular section 44.
A relatively soft spring 70 is mounted -;
concentrically around the first and second tubular sections 44 and 54 and around the spacer 56 between : ~ .:
the circular end plate 46 and the fl.ange 60. ~:
Now referring to Fig. 2, a support gear G
to be worn by an operator O of the extension handle E
and of the hedge trimmer T comprises a pair of~ :
shoulder straps 72 which are mounted in front of the operator O in a support plate 74 through a pair of :~
slots 76 defined therein with the ends of the ..
shoulder straps defining loops engaged in the slots -7- . ~:~
-` Z0~7785 76. A belt 78 extends from each side of the suppork plate 74 wlth the ends of the shoulder straps 72 located in back of the operator O defining closed loops (not shown) around the belt 78.
Now referring to Fig. 4, a U-shaped hook 80 is fixedly mounted by way of rivets 82 to the front of the support plate 74 of the gear G so that a free end 84 of the hook 80 extends generally upwards in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the support plate 74 in order to engage in the lower open end of the third arm 42.
From the above, it is easily understood that most of the weight of the hedge trimmer T and of the extension handle E is transmitted through the third arm 42 to the support gear G and thus to the torso of the operator O.
In order to use the extension handle E of the present invention, the hedge trimmer T is first mounted to the mounting bracket 22 by way of the plumbing clamp 26 and the pair of side arms 30 thereof. It is noted that the mounting bracket 22 is angled with respect to the first, second and third arms 10, 12 and 42 in order that, in operation, the hedge trimmer T mounted thereto projects frontwards with the cutting blades 86 thereof extending generally in a horizontal plane for trimming a top , portion of a hedge H, as shown in Fig. 2, a planar and horizontal top portion. -Now referring to Fig. 1, it is also understood that the second arm 12 may be adjusted with respect to the sleeve 18 of the first arm 10 with the locking pin 38 passing through the openings 36 defined in the sleeve 18 and selected ones of the apertures 34 defined in the second arm 12.
Therefore, prior t, operation, the height of the : , ~n~
hedge trimmer T may be adjusted in view of the rela-tive height of the hedge H which is to be trimmed.
In operation, the operator O holds with one hand the hand grip 16 of the first arm lO and with the other the body 20 of the second arm 12, as seen in Fig. 2. Because of the arrangement of the rubber washer 48 and the pin 50 with the hole 52 defined in the first arm 10, the operator may pivot the first and second arms 10 and 12 and thus the hedge trimmer T with respect to the third arm 42 in a vertical plane as indicated in Fig. 3 by arrows 88.
Furthermore, the operator O can rotate the first and second arms 10 and 12 and the hedge trimmer T in a substantially horizontal plane in order to provide a sweeping movement to the cutting blades 86 of the trimmer T relative to the hedge H. The pin 50 passing through the hole 52 allows for such an unrestricted horizontal rotation of the first and second arms 10 and 12 and of the trimmer T by the operator O. The weight of the first and second arms 10 and 12 and of the hedge trimmer H is considerable enough to maintain the pin 50 in engagement in the hole 52 as the extension handle E is being handled in various orientations to properly trim the hedge H.
In all of the above relative displacements of the first and second arms lO and 12 and of the hedge trimmer T with respect to the pin 50 of the third arm 42, the semi-spherical rubber load bearing member ~48 provides a support and smooth guide surface. With the hole 52 being defined closely to the sleeve 14 and thus -to the hedge trimmer T, a better control of the hedge trimmer is ensured as a major part of the weight thereof is assumed by the third arm 42 and thus by the torso of the operator O
.. ..- ~:
_g_ ;.: ' ',.
with the arms of the latter exerting a minimal effort as being mainly used to control and to position the hedge trimmer T.
Now referring to Fig. 2, it is noted that the spring 70 is rigid enough in order to maintain the telescoping first and second tubular sections 44 and 54 in an at least partly extended relative position even with the weight of the hedge trimmer T.
On the other hand, the spr:ing 70 must be relatively soft in order to minimize the effort exerted by the arms of the operator O when he displaces the hedge trimmer T downwards as indicated by arrows 90 to lower the hedge trimmer T, for instance, from a location above the hedge H to a lower hedge engaging position thereof, as per arrows 91. Therefore, it is desirable to have an equilibrium between the force of the spring 72 and the weight being assumed thereby, which is mostly provided by the hedge trimmer T, at an intermediate relative position of the first and second tubular sections 44 and 54, that is between the retracted and extended positions thereof. With such an arrangement, the effort exerted by the arms of the operator O to displace either upwards or downwards the hedge trimmer T from the previously mentioned intermediate equilibrium relative position of the telescoping sections of the third arm 42 is kept relatively low.
: Now referring to Fig. 5, an extension plate 92 may be provided between parts 94 and 96 forming the mounting bracket 22 in orde;r to accommodate the extension handle E for wider hedges.
From the foregoing, i-t is easily understood that the combination of an extension handle E in accordance with the present invention in combination with a standard powered hedge trimmer T allows for a simple and efficient control of the hedge trimmer T
when being used to trim relatively high hedges H.
--10-- -~
7~35 As an alternative, the arrangement of the load bearing rubber member 48 and the pin 50 with the hole 52 defined in the first arm 10 can be replaced by a universal joint provided between the end plate ~
46 of the third arm 42 and the portion of the first .
arm 10 adjacent to the sleeve 18 thereof. : .
It is noted that the spring 70 which .:::
provides the bias between the tubular sections 44 and .
54 forming the third arm 42 could alternatively be mounted inside the third arm, for instance, between the circular end plate 46 and the in-turned portion `:
62 of the second tubular section 54.
Furthermore, gas or pneumatic pressure : .
within the third arm 42 could provide the required bias between a piston and cylinder arrangement similar to that proposed by the telescopic tubular sections 44 and 54 of the illustrated embodiment.
'',;,~:' ,'-~,:;', ~
'"',',' ''""' - 1 1 - , , '' ' .' :,'', '`~'' .~ ,
U.S. Patent No. 4,145,810, issued to Belliston on March 27, 1979, discloses an extension handle somewhat similar to that of above U.S. Patent No. 4,638,562 although the extension handle of the former is adjustable as being telescopic. However, the length of the handle must be adjusted prior to the use of the hedge trimmer mounted thereto. The extension handle cannot be telescoped during use of the hedge trimmer. Again, the full weight of the trimmer is assumed by the arms of the operator.
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an extension handle for powered hedge trimmers adapted to enable an operator thereof to reach high trimming locations.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide such an extension handle adapted so that most of the weight thereof and of the hedge trimmer attached thereto is assumed by the trunk of the operator.
` Z0~77~3S
It is s-till a fur-ther aim of the present invention to provide such an extension handle which is adapted to allow in a simple way the hedge trimmer to be displaced in various directions with a minimal effort by the operator. ~ :-A construction in accordance with the present invention comprises an extension apparatus for use with a powered hedge trimmer. The extension apparatus comprises an e:Longated extension means adapted to receive at an upper end portion thereof ;
the hedge trimmer and to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the hedge trimmer. The extension means further comprises a handle means for displacing during use the extension means between a retracted and an extended position thereof.
A further construction in accordance with the present invention comprises a powered hedge trimmer apparatus which comprises a cutting means driven by a motor mounted within a housing. The housing is mounted on an upper end portion of an elongated extension means. The elongated extension means is adapted to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the apparatus. The extension means comprises a handle means for displacing during use the extension means between a retracted and an extended position thereof.
Having thus generally described the nature ~ y~
of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and in which:
Fig. 1 is an elevation of an extension handle in accordance with the present invention `~
showing in dotted lines a hedge trimmer mounted thereto and further showing in dotted lines a vertical adjustment of the extension handle and of the hedge trimmer;
r~fr~
~- Z017785 Fig. 2 is an elevation of the extension handle of Fig. 1 adapted with a hedge trimmer and ~
showing the operation thereof; ~-Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the extension handle of Fig. l;
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a lower part of the extension handle supported by the support gear of Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 is a partial side view of a further ~-extension handle in accordance with the present -invention which includes a horizontal extension for the hedge trimmer. -Fig. 1 illustrates an extension handle E in accordance with the present invention for trimming hedges at a level exceeding the height of the operator.
The extension handle E comprises first and -second arms 10 and 12, respectively which form a general inverted "V"-shaped structure. The first arm -has a tubular body 14 including at a lower end thereof a hand grip 16 and at an upper end thereof a sleeve 18 welded at right angles thereto.
The second arm 12 has also a tubular body 20 which is slidably received in the sleeve 18 of the first arm 10. A hedge trimmer mounting bracket 22 is fixedly mounted at an upper end 24 of the tubular body 20 of the second arm 12.
A hedge trimmer T which is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 is removably attached to the mounting bracket 22 by way of a plumbing clamp 26 embracing a handle 28 of the trimmer T and a fork member 30, the arms of which are fixed to the sides of a housing 32 of the trimmer T by way of screws or bolts.
A series of apertures 34 defined diametrically through the body 20 of the second arm 12 are disposed longitudinally thereon in a spaced apart relationship. A lower end of the sleeve 18 of . .
` . ~
2n~7~ss the first arm 10 includes a pair of diametrically opposed openings 36 defined there-through which are aligned with selected ones of the apertures 34 through which a locking pin 38 is passed to secure the second arm 12 in a selected position with respect to the first arm 10. The locking pin 38 is attached at one end of a chain 40 which is mounted at its other end to the first arm 10 near the sleeve 18 thereof to prevent the locking pin 38 from being lost when removed from the openings 36 and the selected apertures 34.
The first and second arms 10 and 12 are partly supported by a spring biased telescopic third arm 42 which includes a first tubular section 44 having a circular end plate 46 fixedly mounted at an upper end thereof. As best seen in Fig. 3, a load bearing member 48 having a semi-spherical shape is fixedly mounted on a top surface of the circular end plate 46. A pin 50 extends longitudinally upwards from the center of the circular end plate 46 through the load bearing member 48 into a hole 52 defined through a lower portion of the tubular body 14 of the first arm 10 near the sleeve 18 thereof. The pin 50 is loosely introduced in the hole 52 in order to allow a relative displacement therebetween so that the first and second arms 10 and 12 can pivot about the pin 50 while being supported by the third arm 42 as the body 14 of the arm 10 bears against the semi-spherical load bearing member 48. The load bearing member 48 can be made of a plastics material or preferably of a hard rubber material to provide smooth and quiet displacements of the first arm 10 thereon.
The third arm 42 also comprises a second tubular section 54, the upper part of which is slidably received in the first tubular section 44 as seen in Fig. 3 for movement between extended and ~6-~17~85 :
re-tracted positions thereof. The lower part of the : .
second tubular section 54 includes a spacer 56 which is a short tubular section fixedly mounted to the ~.
lower end of the second tubular section 54. The.
second tubular section 54 includes at its lower end three out-turned spokes 58. A flange 60 is mounted - .
between the lower end of the spacer 56 and the ~
out-turned spokes 58. ~: :
The upper end of the second tubular section .~
54 which is located within the first tubular section ~.
44 includes an in-turned portion 62. An elongated :
rod 64 which extends longitudinally and centrall.y -.
inside the first tubular section 44 from the bottom .
surface of the circular end plate 46 includes a circular stopper 66 fixedly mounted at a lower end 68 of the elongated rod 64. .
From the above, it is easily understood .~
that the downwards stroke of the second tubular~:;
section 54 with respect to the first tubular section :
44 is limited by the stopper 66 abutting the in-turned portion 62 of the second tubular section .. -~
54, as seen in Fig. 3. Also, the upwards movement of . :.
the second tubular section 54 with respect to the first tubular section 44 is limited by the spacer 56 ~.~
abutting at its top end the lower end of the first ~ :
tubular section 44.
A relatively soft spring 70 is mounted -;
concentrically around the first and second tubular sections 44 and 54 and around the spacer 56 between : ~ .:
the circular end plate 46 and the fl.ange 60. ~:
Now referring to Fig. 2, a support gear G
to be worn by an operator O of the extension handle E
and of the hedge trimmer T comprises a pair of~ :
shoulder straps 72 which are mounted in front of the operator O in a support plate 74 through a pair of :~
slots 76 defined therein with the ends of the ..
shoulder straps defining loops engaged in the slots -7- . ~:~
-` Z0~7785 76. A belt 78 extends from each side of the suppork plate 74 wlth the ends of the shoulder straps 72 located in back of the operator O defining closed loops (not shown) around the belt 78.
Now referring to Fig. 4, a U-shaped hook 80 is fixedly mounted by way of rivets 82 to the front of the support plate 74 of the gear G so that a free end 84 of the hook 80 extends generally upwards in a spaced apart relationship with respect to the support plate 74 in order to engage in the lower open end of the third arm 42.
From the above, it is easily understood that most of the weight of the hedge trimmer T and of the extension handle E is transmitted through the third arm 42 to the support gear G and thus to the torso of the operator O.
In order to use the extension handle E of the present invention, the hedge trimmer T is first mounted to the mounting bracket 22 by way of the plumbing clamp 26 and the pair of side arms 30 thereof. It is noted that the mounting bracket 22 is angled with respect to the first, second and third arms 10, 12 and 42 in order that, in operation, the hedge trimmer T mounted thereto projects frontwards with the cutting blades 86 thereof extending generally in a horizontal plane for trimming a top , portion of a hedge H, as shown in Fig. 2, a planar and horizontal top portion. -Now referring to Fig. 1, it is also understood that the second arm 12 may be adjusted with respect to the sleeve 18 of the first arm 10 with the locking pin 38 passing through the openings 36 defined in the sleeve 18 and selected ones of the apertures 34 defined in the second arm 12.
Therefore, prior t, operation, the height of the : , ~n~
hedge trimmer T may be adjusted in view of the rela-tive height of the hedge H which is to be trimmed.
In operation, the operator O holds with one hand the hand grip 16 of the first arm lO and with the other the body 20 of the second arm 12, as seen in Fig. 2. Because of the arrangement of the rubber washer 48 and the pin 50 with the hole 52 defined in the first arm 10, the operator may pivot the first and second arms 10 and 12 and thus the hedge trimmer T with respect to the third arm 42 in a vertical plane as indicated in Fig. 3 by arrows 88.
Furthermore, the operator O can rotate the first and second arms 10 and 12 and the hedge trimmer T in a substantially horizontal plane in order to provide a sweeping movement to the cutting blades 86 of the trimmer T relative to the hedge H. The pin 50 passing through the hole 52 allows for such an unrestricted horizontal rotation of the first and second arms 10 and 12 and of the trimmer T by the operator O. The weight of the first and second arms 10 and 12 and of the hedge trimmer H is considerable enough to maintain the pin 50 in engagement in the hole 52 as the extension handle E is being handled in various orientations to properly trim the hedge H.
In all of the above relative displacements of the first and second arms lO and 12 and of the hedge trimmer T with respect to the pin 50 of the third arm 42, the semi-spherical rubber load bearing member ~48 provides a support and smooth guide surface. With the hole 52 being defined closely to the sleeve 14 and thus -to the hedge trimmer T, a better control of the hedge trimmer is ensured as a major part of the weight thereof is assumed by the third arm 42 and thus by the torso of the operator O
.. ..- ~:
_g_ ;.: ' ',.
with the arms of the latter exerting a minimal effort as being mainly used to control and to position the hedge trimmer T.
Now referring to Fig. 2, it is noted that the spring 70 is rigid enough in order to maintain the telescoping first and second tubular sections 44 and 54 in an at least partly extended relative position even with the weight of the hedge trimmer T.
On the other hand, the spr:ing 70 must be relatively soft in order to minimize the effort exerted by the arms of the operator O when he displaces the hedge trimmer T downwards as indicated by arrows 90 to lower the hedge trimmer T, for instance, from a location above the hedge H to a lower hedge engaging position thereof, as per arrows 91. Therefore, it is desirable to have an equilibrium between the force of the spring 72 and the weight being assumed thereby, which is mostly provided by the hedge trimmer T, at an intermediate relative position of the first and second tubular sections 44 and 54, that is between the retracted and extended positions thereof. With such an arrangement, the effort exerted by the arms of the operator O to displace either upwards or downwards the hedge trimmer T from the previously mentioned intermediate equilibrium relative position of the telescoping sections of the third arm 42 is kept relatively low.
: Now referring to Fig. 5, an extension plate 92 may be provided between parts 94 and 96 forming the mounting bracket 22 in orde;r to accommodate the extension handle E for wider hedges.
From the foregoing, i-t is easily understood that the combination of an extension handle E in accordance with the present invention in combination with a standard powered hedge trimmer T allows for a simple and efficient control of the hedge trimmer T
when being used to trim relatively high hedges H.
--10-- -~
7~35 As an alternative, the arrangement of the load bearing rubber member 48 and the pin 50 with the hole 52 defined in the first arm 10 can be replaced by a universal joint provided between the end plate ~
46 of the third arm 42 and the portion of the first .
arm 10 adjacent to the sleeve 18 thereof. : .
It is noted that the spring 70 which .:::
provides the bias between the tubular sections 44 and .
54 forming the third arm 42 could alternatively be mounted inside the third arm, for instance, between the circular end plate 46 and the in-turned portion `:
62 of the second tubular section 54.
Furthermore, gas or pneumatic pressure : .
within the third arm 42 could provide the required bias between a piston and cylinder arrangement similar to that proposed by the telescopic tubular sections 44 and 54 of the illustrated embodiment.
'',;,~:' ,'-~,:;', ~
'"',',' ''""' - 1 1 - , , '' ' .' :,'', '`~'' .~ ,
Claims (30)
1. An extension apparatus for use with a powered hedge trimmer, comprising an elongated extension means adapted to receive at an upper end portion thereof the hedge trimmer and to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the hedge trimmer, said extension means comprising a handle means for displacing during use said extension means between a retracted and an extended position thereof.
2. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein a bias means is provided for urging said extension means towards one of said retracted and extended positions thereof.
3. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 2, wherein said extension means comprises an elongated support member including said bias means, said handle means being mounted to an upper end of said support member with the hedge trimmer being mounted to said handle means, a gear means being provided for removably attaching a lower end of said support member in front of the operator with said support member extending upwards and forwards therefrom.
4. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 3, wherein said handle means is pivotally mounted to said upper end of said support member intermediate upper and lower ends thereof with the hedge trimmer being removably mounted to said upper end of said handle means, whereby the operator can grasp said lower end of said handle means for steering the hedge trimmer.
5. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 4, wherein said handle means comprises first and second elongated members forming an inverted "V"
structure, whereby the operator can position one hand on each one of said first and second members for facilitating the steering of the hedge trimmer.
structure, whereby the operator can position one hand on each one of said first and second members for facilitating the steering of the hedge trimmer.
6. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim S, wherein said support member comprises first and second telescoped tubular sections and first and second limiting means for limiting the movement thereof respectively at said retracted and said extended positions, said bias means including a spring means mounted concentrically on said support member between opposed ends thereof and urging said support member towards said extended position thereof.
7. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein said first member comprises a hand grip at a lower end thereof and a sleeve means at an upper end thereof, said second member being slidably engaged in said sleeve means and being adapted to be secured thereto in one of various relative positions by way of a locking means, the hedge trimmer being removably mounted at an upper end of said second member, said first tubular section of said support member being pivotally mounted to said first member rearwards of said sleeve thereof.
8. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 7, wherein said first and second limiting means each comprise an abutment means.
9. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 7, wherein said handle means is movably mounted to said support member at an upper end of said first tubular section by way of a pin means extending longitudinally outwards therefrom loosely engaged in an opening means defined on the underside of said first member.
10. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 9, wherein a semi-spherical washer means is mounted to said upper end of said first tubular section with said pin means extending therethrough, whereby said first member is supported and guided by said washer means.
11. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 10, wherein said first member of said handle means comprises a curved section angled so that a longitudinal axis of said sleeve which is mounted substantially at right angles at a front end thereof has a substantially vertical orientation.
12. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein said gear means comprises a pair of shoulder straps supporting a flat member disposed at the waist level in abutment with the front of the trunk of the operator with said support member being removably mounted at a lower end of said second tubular section to said flat member.
13. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 12, wherein said gear means comprises a hook means fixedly mounted to said flat member and having a free end extending upwards in spaced apart relationship from said flat member, said free end of said hook means engaging an opening defined in said lower end of said second tubular section of said support member for supporting said extension means and the hedge trimmer mounted thereto.
14. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein said second member is substantially straight, a bracket being mounted at said upper end of said second member for mounting the hedge trimmer thereon in a substantially horizontal orientation when said second member extends substantially vertically through said sleeve.
15. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 11, wherein said washer means bears against said curved section of said first member.
16. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 15, wherein said washer means is made of a hard rubber material.
17. A powered hedge trimmer apparatus comprising a cutting means driven by a motor mounted within a housing mounted at an upper end of an elongated extension means, said extension means being adapted to be removably attached at a lower end thereof to the trunk of an operator of the apparatus, said extension means comprising a handle means for displacing during use said extension means being a retracted and an extended position thereof.
18. h powered hedge trimmer apparatus as defined in Claim 17, wherein a bias means is provided for urging said extension means towards one of said retracted and extended positions thereof, said extension means comprising an elongated support member including said bias means, said handle means being mounted to an upper end of said support member with the housing being mounted to said handle means, a gear means being provided for removably attaching a lower end of said support member in front of the operator with said support member extending upwards and forwards therefrom.
19. A powered hedge trimmer apparatus as defined in Claim 18, wherein said handle means comprises first and second elongated members forming an inverted "V" structure, said handle means being pivotally mounted to said upper end of said support member intermediate upper and lower ends thereof with the housing being mounted to said upper end of said handle means, whereby the operator can position one hand on each one of said first and second members for steering said cutting means.
20. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 19, wherein said support member comprises first and second telescoped tubular sections and first and second limiting means for limiting the movement thereof respectively at said retracted and said extended positions, said bias means including a spring means mounted concentrically on said support member between opposed ends thereof and urging said support member towards said extended position thereof.
21. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 20, wherein said first member comprises a hand grip at a lower end thereof and a sleeve means at an upper end thereof, said second member being slidably engaged in said sleeve means and being adapted to be secured thereto in one of various relative positions by way of a locking means, the hedge trimmer being removably mounted at an upper end of said second member, said first tubular section of said support member being pivotally mounted to said first member rearwards of said sleeve thereof.
22. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 21, wherein said first and second limiting means each comprise an abutment means.
23. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 21, wherein said handle means is movably mounted to said support member at an upper end of said first tubular section by way of a pin means extending longitudinally outwards therefrom loosely engaged in an opening means defined on the underside of said first member.
24. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 23, wherein a semi-spherical washer means is mounted to said upper end of said first tubular section with said pin means extending therethrough, whereby said first member is supported and guided by said washer means.
25. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 24, wherein said first member of said handle means comprises a curved section angled so that a longitudinal axis of said sleeve which is mounted substantially at right angles at a front end thereof has a substantially vertical orientation.
26. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 25, wherein said gear means comprises a pair of shoulder straps supporting a flat member disposed at the waist level in abutment with the front of the trunk of the operator with said support member being removably mounted at a lower end of said second tubular section to said flat member.
27. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 26, wherein said gear means comprises a hook means fixedly mounted to said flat member and having a free end extending upwards in spaced apart relationship from said flat member, said free end of said hook means engaging an opening defined in said lower end of said second tubular section of said support member for supporting said extension means and the hedge trimmer mounted thereto.
28. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 25, wherein said second member is substantially straight, a bracket being mounted at said upper end of said second member for mounting the hedge trimmer thereon in a substantially horizontal orientation when said second member extends substantially vertically through said sleeve.
29. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 25, wherein said washer means bears against said curved section of said first member.
30. An extension apparatus as defined in Claim 29, wherein said washer means is made of a hard rubber material.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002017785A CA2017785A1 (en) | 1990-05-30 | 1990-05-30 | Extension handle for hedge trimmers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002017785A CA2017785A1 (en) | 1990-05-30 | 1990-05-30 | Extension handle for hedge trimmers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2017785A1 true CA2017785A1 (en) | 1991-11-30 |
Family
ID=4145092
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002017785A Abandoned CA2017785A1 (en) | 1990-05-30 | 1990-05-30 | Extension handle for hedge trimmers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2017785A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR3000640A1 (en) * | 2013-01-04 | 2014-07-11 | Msf Evolution | Device for assisting operation of hedge clippers, has transformation unit to transform input control into output command and to drive supporting unit provided for hedge clippers according to output command |
-
1990
- 1990-05-30 CA CA002017785A patent/CA2017785A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR3000640A1 (en) * | 2013-01-04 | 2014-07-11 | Msf Evolution | Device for assisting operation of hedge clippers, has transformation unit to transform input control into output command and to drive supporting unit provided for hedge clippers according to output command |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |