GB2440646A

GB2440646A - Power tool and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2440646A
Application number: GB0714560A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Waldron
Original assignee: GMCA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: GMCA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-29
Filing date: 2007-07-26
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Also published as: GB0615190D0; GB0714560D0

Abstract

A power tool includes a tool housing. Drive means are located in the tool housing for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use. Power means are provided for powering the drive means. The tool housing has handle means 24,26,28,30 associated therewith for allowing a user to grip the tool in use and are provided to surround a substantial part of the tool housing.

Description

Power Tool and Method of Use Thereof rhis invention relates to a power

tool and method of use thereof, and particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to a power tool in the form of a hedge trimmer and method of use thereof.

Conventionally hedge trimmers include a tool body having two elongate blades extending from one side thereof. The elongate blades reciprocate relative to each other to produce a cutting action in use. Suitable power and drive means are provided in the tool body to drive the movement of the blades. The tool body is typically provided with two handle or gripping portions to allow two handed operation of the tool; a single handle portion adjacent the rear to top side of the tool, and a single handle adjacent the front of the tool and typically joined to the two sides of the tool body.

Problems associated with conventional hedge trimmers is that due to the hand positions the user is forced to grip the tool with and due to the vibration of the tool caused by the reciprocating blades, motor and drive :::E: means in use, a user typically experiences high levels of muscle fatigue through their arms during prolonged use of the tool, This in turn causes a * .* user to tire easily and require a longer period of recovery after use of the tool. For example, in use of a hedge trimmer, the user is required to grip and * ** locate their body in a twisted position to allow the blade of the hedge *:: trimmer to be positioned flat against a hedge. The user's arms and shoulders are typically provided at different angles and at different heights, thereby placing a high level of strain on the user's body. In addition, if an imaginary line were to be drawn through the user's hand positions when gripping the tool in use, such a line is substantially higher than a line drawn through the tool where the most weight of the tool is distributed. This is particularly the case in a DC (direct current) powered hedge trimmer where a battery pack providing the DC power is located adjacent the base of the hedge trimmer.

In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problem of muscle fatigue, it is known to provide hedge trimmers with rotating handles to allow a user to adjust their hand positions during use of the tool. However, in practise, it is typically found to be time consuming and cumbersome to keep having to adjust the handle position relative to the tool body during use. As such, a user will typically keep the handle in a particular position and will twist their body and arms to locate the tool in a suitable position with respect to the hedge being cut.

A further problem with handle arrangements on hedge trimmers is the angle of the handle and the amount of gripping means provided thereon. These two demerits contribute to the comfort and effective gripping capability of a user of the tool. For example, a user needs to be able to move their hands relatively freely along the handle portions during use to allow rapid re-orientation of the tool relative to a required cutting position whilst also being able to maintain their hands in a suitable position when required. If the gripping means on the tool are too severe, this free movement is prevented, but if insufficient gripping means are provided, the user's hands may slip on the handle portions. S. * .

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a power tool which S...

reduces the vibration experienced by a user and/or increases the comfort of * SI *... a user gripping the tool.

* It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of use of a power tool which reduces the vibration experienced by a user and/or * ** increases the comfort of a user gripping the tool.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a power tool, said power tool induding a tool housing, drive means located in said tool housing for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use, and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing having handle means associated therewith for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said handle means are arranged to surround a substantial part of the tool housing.

By providing handle means surrounding a substantial part of the tool housing, a user is able to take up a plurality of different user selected or arbitrary hand positions relative to the tool housing to provide user comfort in any position of the power tool in use. The handle means for example can form a type of a cage surrounding at least an upper part of the tool housing.

The handle means can be arranged so as to allow a user to move their hands substantially continuously around the tool housing without having to let go of the handle means.

Preferably the handle means are provided at or adjacent at least three sides or walls of the tool housing.

Preferably the handle means includes one or more elongate portions and further preferably the elongate portions are substantially tubular in form.

Other shaped handle portions can be used providing they are ergonomically designed to allow a user to comfortable grip the handle portions in use. * .

In one embodiment the handle means forms a ring or substantially *** continuous loop around or adjacent to a peripheral edge or circumference of * *S the tool housing.

* ** Preferably the tool housing includes a base, top, front wall, rear wall and side walls and the handle means are provided around or arranged to * surround at least the front and side walls of the tool housing. In addition in one embodiment the handle means are arranged to surround the top and/or rear wall of the tool housing.

The term "surround" in relation to the handle means can include any arrangement wherein a portion or portions of the handle means forms an outer boundary relative to part of a wall or surface of the tool housing.

Preferably the boundary runs substantially the entire length and/or height of the tool housing wall or surface.

Preferably the handle means includes a first handle portion and at least a second handle portion. Further preferably the handle portions are joined together or communicate with each other.

Preferably the at least first and second handle portions or parts thereof are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool. Further preferably at least three handle portions are provided are said three handle portions are substantially parallel to sides and/or the longitudinal axis of the tool.

In one embodiment a third or further handle portion is provided and is substantially perpendicular to the at least first and second handle portions or parts thereof.

In one embodiment the first handle portion is provided across or around the front of the tool and the second handle portion is provided across or around the rear of the tool. The first and second handle portions can be joined together along the sides of the tool. * **

in one embodiment a part of the handle means provided adjacent a rear of the tool housing is substantially parallel to a part of the handle means * ** provided adjacent a front of the tool housing. * S.

*.* Preferably the first handle portion is substantially U-shaped in form. The base of the U shape is preferably located towards the top of the tooL The arm portions of the U shape can be located adjacent a front edge or sides of the tool.

Preferably the arm portions of the U shape are provided at an acute angle to the horizontal and further preferably the arm portions are angled so that the ends of the arm portions joined to the base of the U-shape are in a forwardly and upper position relative to the opposite ends of the arm portions.

The second handle portion is preferably substantially U-shaped in form. The base of the U-shape is preferably located towards the rear of the tool. The second handle portion can be provided substantially horizontal with the ends of the arm portions adjacent the sides of the tool. The second handle portion is typically provided adjacent to or close to the base of the tool housing.

In one embodiment one or more additional handle portions are provided between the surrounding/circumferential handle means and the top and/or adjacent or substantially parallel the top of the tool housing. In one example, a handle portion is provided between the first handle portion and the top or adjacent the top of the tool housing and/or a handle portion can be provided between the second handle portion and the top or adjacent the top of the tool housing.

The centre of gravity of the tool housing is typically located substantially centrally of the handle means surrounding the tool housing. * *** * * ****

Preferably the handle means are joined to the tool body via connection * ** means.

In one embodiment connection means are provided on each side of the tool * .* :: housing and preferably adjacent the base of the tool housing.

Preferably the handle means are located a spaced distance from the tool housing. The spaced distance can be the same or different at different locations on the tool housing.

User actuation means can be associated with said handle means to allow actuation of said tool, thereby allowing said tool to be moved between "on" and "of?' conditions and/or between different control positions (i.e. to control the speed and/or one or more functions of the tool).

Preferably the tool includes at least two user actuation means to allow two handed switching, as is compulsory with some power tools. The two user actuation means can be located at any suitable position on said handle means. Preferably the two user actuation means are required to be actuated substantially simultaneously in order to move the tool from an "of?' condition to an "on" condition and/or to control one or more functions of the tool.

In a preferred embodiment, the user actuation means are provided adjacent an internal surface or inwardly facing surface of said handle means.

In one example, the connection means are provided at one or more sides of the tool housing. In addition or alternatively, connection means can be provided at or adjacent the top of the tool housing.

In one embodiment the connection means include anti-vibration means to * reduce the vibration in the handle means, thereby reducing user muscle fatigue in use of the tool. a....

The anti-vibration means in one embodiment includes a substantially resilient component which allows absorption of vibration waves. For example, rubber components can be provided as part of the connection as'" means, between the tool housing and the connection means and/or between * *. the connection means and handle means.

Preferably a power cable is attached to the tool body and preferably at the rear and/or base of the tool housing. Preferably the power cable is provided below the handle means surrounding the tool housing. The power cable is typically provided in an AC (alternating current) powered tool.

Strain reduction means can be associated with the power cable if required.

The strain reduction means can include hook or channel means for retaining the cable in a required position relative to the tool housing and/or handle means.

In one embodiment a battery pack is attached or attachable to the tool housing. The battery back is typically provided in a DC (Direct current) powered tool.

The battery back can be attached to the tool housing via any suitable means.

in one embodiment the battery pack is slidably mounted on said tool housingy.

Preferably the battery pack is provided within the boundary defined by the handle means.

Preferably the centre of gravity of the tool is located substantially near the middle and base of the tool housing and within the surrounding handle means.

Preferably gripping means are provided on the handle means. The gripping means in one embodiment are provided at pre-determined spaced apart locations on the handle means. Alternatively the gripping means can be provided on substantially all the handle portions.

Guard means can be provided adjacent the tool workpiece and said guard ::::; means in one embodiment can be substantially transparent to allow a user to see the tool workpiece more clearly when handling the tool.

Preferably the power tool is a hedge trimmer.

Preferably the tool workpiece includes one or more saw blades or cutting means. A part of the cutting means, and preferably a fixed portion, can be provided with an aperture therein to allow the cutting means to be located on a hook during storage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of use of a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means located in said tool housing for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use, and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing having handle means associated therewith for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said method includes a user gripping the handle means using both hands, the handle means being arranged to surround a substantial part of said tool housing so that the user's arms and/or shoulders can be at substantially the same height or substantially parallel.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of use of a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said handle means are arranged such that when a user grips said handle means using both hands, said user's hands are substantially in alignment along an axis of the tool. * .** * .

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method * ** of use of a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use and power means for powering said drive means, said tool :: housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the * * tool in use, and wherem said handle means are arranged such that a user can grip the tool in a line which is substantially parallel to and/or at substantially the same height as a line through which the main weight of the tool is distributed According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hedge trimmer.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, said handle means including at least first and second handle portions and wherein the iongitudinal axis of at least a part of said first and second handle portions are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

This allows a user to grip the tool with the arms and shoulders substantially parallel and at substantially the same height, thereby removing the requirement of a user having to twist their body during use of the tool and reducing muscle fatigue experienced by the user in use of the tool.

Preferably handle portions are parts thereof are provided substantially parallel to one or both the sides of the tool and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said tool. Further handle portions or parts thereof can be provided between the parallel handle portions on both sides of the tool and are preferably substantially perpendicular thereto.

:. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein at least a part of the handle means provided at a rear of the tool housing is substantially parallel to at least a part of the handle means provided at a front of the tool housing.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hedge trimmer, said hedge trimmer including a housing, drive means for driving movement of one or more cutting blades attachable to the trimmer in use and power means for powering said drive means, said housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said handle means are connected to the housing via anti-vibration means.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing being provided with handle means for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said handle means are arranged such that a user can take up one of a plurality of user selected arbitrary hand positions around the tool body.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figures la-ic show a perspective view, plan view from above and side view respectively of a hedge trimmer according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a-2c illustrate the hedge trimmer in figures la-Ic with a cable strain relief means when viewed from the side, perspective view, and without strain relief means respectively; Figures 3a-3b illustrate a side view and perspective view of a further embodiment of a hedge trimmer according to the present invention with a battery pack respectively; Figure 4 illustrate a side view of the hedge trimmer in figures 3a-3b with the battery pack removed; Figure 5 illustrates a detailed view of anti-vibration means for use with the handle means of a hedge trimmer according to the present invention; and Figure 6 illustrates a blade cover and blade hanging means for use with a hedge trimmer according to the present invention. ii

Referring firstly to figures Ia-Ic, there is illustrated a hedge trimmer 2 including a tool housing 4 to which two adjacent and substantially parallel saw blades 6 are joined. The saw blades 6 undergo reciprocal motion relative to each other to provide a cutting effect in use.

Drive means in the form of a suitable gear mechanism and motor are provided in the tool housing 4 to drive the reciprocal movement of the saw blades 6 in use. The motor is powered by mains power supply via cable 8 attached to a rear wall 10 of housing 4.

The housing 4 includes a top wall 12, base wall 14, front wall 16, rear wall 10 and side walls 18, 20.

A guard plate 22 is provided between housing 4 and saw blade 6 to prevent a user coming into contact with the saw blade accidentally during use of the tool. The guard plate is a spaced distance from front wall 16 and, in the example illustrated, is substantially parallel to front wall 16. The guard plate can be formed from any suitable material but in a preferred embodiment the guard plate is formed from or includes a substantially transparent material to allow a user to view the blades when standing behind the guard plate. S...

Handle means are provided in association with tool housing 4 to allow a user to grip the trimmer 2 in use. In accordance with the present invention, the handle means includes a first handle portion 24, second handle portion 26, third handle portion 28 and fourth handle portion 30. First and second .: handle portions 24, 26 substantially surround housing 4 to form a substantially continuous loop around the perimeter of the tool and a spaced distance therefrom. Third and fourth handle portions 28, 30 link the first and second handle portions together via a top wall of the tool housing 4, such that all the handle portions together form a cage like structure which substantially surrounds the top, sides, front and rear of the housing, thereby providing a user with an unlimited number of user selected arbitrary gripping positions around substantially the entire periphery of the tool housing and/or over the top of the tool housing. This allows the user to adopt a comfortable position when using the tool which reduces muscle fatigue associated with conventional tools where the user has to grip the tool in awkward positions as a result of limited handle positions. For example, this arrangement allows a user to grip the tool such that the user's hands are substantially co-axial and parallel, thereby allowing the user's arms and shoulders to be substantially parallel and at the same height.

More particularly, first handle portion 24 is substantially U-shaped in form.

The base 32 of the U is provided adjacent the edge of the top wall 12 and front wall 16. The arm portions 34, 36 attached to the base 32 and provided substantially perpendicular to base 32 and substantially parallel to side walls 18 and 20 respectively. The shape of tool housing 4 and location of first handle portion 24 is such that the arm portions 34, 36 are provided at an acute angle to the horizontal when viewed from the side.

Second handle portion 26 is substantially U-shaped in form. The base 38 of the U is provided adjacent the rear wall 10 of the tool and the length of arm portions 40, 42 are provided substantially parallel to base 14. Arm portions :*. 40,42 are provided substantially perpendicular to base 38.

The ends 44, 46 of arm portions 40, 42 of the second handle portion are **::* joined to the ends 48, 50 of arm portions 34, 36 of the first handle portion via connection means 52. Third handle portion 2Sis joined to a substantially * central part of base 32 via connection means 54 and to top 12 of housing 4 via end 56. Fourth handle means 30 is joined to a substantially central part of base 38 via connection means 58 and to top 12 of housing 4 via end 60.

Third and fourth handle portions 28, 30 provide the first and second handle portions with strength and rigidity.

The substantially parallel bases 32, 38 of the U-shaped handles at the front and rear of the tool are substantially parallel to each other, thereby allowing a user to grip the tool with their hands located co-axially at the front and rear of the tool, the hands also being substantially co-axial with a line taken through the tool through which the main weight of the tool is distributed.

Legislation requires hedge trimmers to include two handed switched mechanisms for safety reasons to ensure the tool only operates when both switches are actuated simultaneously by a user. As such, first handle portion 24 has an operation trigger 62 associated therewith along an inner surface.

An operational trigger 64 is associated with second handle portion 26 along an inner surface thereof. A further operational trigger 66 is associated with third handle portion 30 along an inner surface thereof. An operational trigger can also be provided along inner surface of fourth handle portion 28 if required. The triggers typically are provided along substantially the entire inner surfaces of the handle portions such that the user can actuate the triggers irrespective of the hand positions of the user on the tool handles.

Two of triggers 62, 64, 66 are required to be actuated by a user substantially simultaneously by gripping the same and depressing the same against the handle portion for hedge trimmer 2 to be in an "on" condition. Release of one of these two triggers moves trimmer 2 to an "off" condition.

Anti-vibration means are associated with connection means 52, 54, 56, 58, :** 60 in accordance with the present invention. The anti-vibration means S... . . . . . include resilient vibration absorption members in the form of rubber inserts *:** to dampen high frequency vibrations generated by the tool when in an operational condition. These inserts reduce the vibration caused via the * motor, gear mechanism and saw blades from passing along the handle means and increasing the fatigue of the user. The rubber inserts can be : formed as substantially solid material or can be provided with other material located at intermediate positions thereof to increase the structural rigidity and strength of the connection means. The rubber inserts are typically located between the tool body and the handle means. The material provided at intermediate positions within the rubber inserts can be formed from the same material as the tool body is formed from in one example, such as a plastics material. The intermediate material typically has no or reduced damping effect compared to the resilient vibration absorption material and is positioned so as to provide direction to and control the level of flexion of the resilient vibration absorption material.

Thus, in one example in connection means 52 illustrated in figure 2b and 5, the rubber insert includes a main body portion 67 attached to side 18 of tool housing 4. A plurality of finger portions 68 protrude outwardly from housing 4. The finger portions 68 are spaced apart via intermediate material portions 70 which are joined to handle portions 24, 26. The finger portions provide buttressing to reduce the inherent flex of finger portions 68.

The rubber inserts are typically attached to the tool body via moulding or welding but could be attached via any other suitable attachment means, such as adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts, inter- engaging members and/or the like.

Referring to figures 2a and 2b, strain relief means in the form of a housing 72 is attached between rear end 10 of tool housing 4 and inner surface 74 of handle portion 26. Electrical cable 8 passes through a channel defined in housing 72 to maintain the cable in a required position in use of the tool and to prevent the cable from obstructing use of the tool. The tension of the cable passing through the housing is fixed to ensure no strain is placed on the cable entering rear end 10 of the housing. Alternatively, a hook (not shown) can be provided on base portion 38 of handle portion 26 to maintain cable 8 in a required position in use, as shown in figure 2c.

Referring to figures 3a-4, there is illustrated a further embodiment of a *. .: hedge trimmer 102 which is powered by DC power from a battery back 104.

The components of trimmer 102 which are the same as hedge trimmer 2 are shown using the same reference numerals.

Battery pack 104 is slidably mounted onto rear surface 10 of trimmer 102, as shown by arrows 105 in figure 4. Suitable engagement means are provided on engaging surface 106 of battery pack 104 and on engaging surface 108 of rear 10. Suitable electrical connection means are also provided on surfaces 106, 108 to allow electrical connection between the battery pack 104 and toot 102 when engaged. The battery pack is typically of a rechargeable type.

Depressable clips 112 are provided either side of pack 104 to allow release of the engagement means to allow removal of pack 104 from tool 102.

Battery pack 104 is located on tool 102 such that the centre of gravity of the tool is substanthlly within the surrounding handle means, as shown by markings 110 on figure 3a. This reduces the level of muscle fatigue experienced by a user when using the tool.

Referring to figure 6, a cover 114 can be provided over saw blade 6when the toot is not in use to protect blades 6 and to prevent injury to a user. An aperture 116 can be located on a fixed portion 118 of blade 6 to allow the blade and/or tool to be hung from a hook when in a storage position. The fixed portion 118 is typically provided at a free end 120 of blade 6. * * * *** **** * S *SS* S 55 * . S

S SS * S* * S S * S. S* S * . S *S

Claims

Claims: 1. A power tool, said power tool including a tool housing,

drive means located in said tool housing for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use, and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing having handle means associated therewith for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said handle means are provided to surround a substantial part of said tool housing.
2. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the handle means are provided at or adjacent at least three sides of the tool housing.
3. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the handle means includes at least first and second handle portions.
4. A tool according to daim 3 wherein the longitudinal axis of at least part of said first and second handle portions are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said tool.
5. A tool according to claim 3 wherein the at least first and second handle portions or parts thereof are substantially parallel to three or more sides of the tool housing.
6. A tool according to claim 4 wherein a third and further handle portion or parts thereof are provided substantially perpendicular to the at least first and second handle portions or parts thereof.
7. A tool according to claim I wherein a part of the handle means provided adjacent a rear of the tool housing is substantially parallel to a part of the handle means provided adjacent a front of the tool housing.
8. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the handle means are arranged to allow a user to position their hands in a plurality of user selected arbitrary positions when using the tool.
9. A tool according to claim I wherein the handle means are provided adjacent at least a side, a top and front of the tool housing.
10. A tool according to claim 9 wherein the handle means are also provided adjacent a further side and/or rear of the tool housing.
11. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the handle means forms a ring or substantially continuous loop around a peripheral edge of circumference of the tool housing.
12. A tool according to claim 3 wherein the at least first and second handle portions and the handle portions are joined together.
13. A tool according to claim 3 wherein the at least first and second :*. handle portions are substantially U-shaped in form.
14. A tool according to claim 13 wherein the base of the U-shaped first handle portion is located towards a top of the tool housing and the arm portions of the U-shape are located adjacent a front edge or sides of the tool housing.

* ** *
15. A tool housing according to claim 13 wherein the base of the U-shaped second handle portion is located towards a rear of the tool housing and the arm portions of the U-shape are located adjacent sides of the tool housing.
16.A tool housing according to claim 13 wherein at least a third handle portions is provided and is arranged substantially parallel to a top of the tool housing.
17. A tool housing according to claim I wherein the centre of gravity of the tool is located substantially centrally of the handle means surrounding the tool housing.
18. A tool housing according to claim I wherein the handle means are connected to the tool housing via connection means.
19. A tool according to claim 18 wherein the connection means include anti-vibration means.
20. A tool according to claim 19 wherein the anti-vibration means includes a substantially resilient component which allows absorption of vibration waves.
21. A tool according to claim I wherein user actuation means axe associated with said handle means to allow actuation and/or control of the tool.

:.
22. A tool according to claim 21 wherein two user actuation means are :*. provided on said handle means.

* :* :
23. A tool according to claim 22 wherein the two user actuation means required to be actuated substantially simultaneously in order to move :::: the tool between "on" and "of?' conditions.

24.A tool according to claim 21 wherein the user actuation means are associated with an inner or inwardly facing surface of the handle means.

25. A tool according to claim I wherein a power cable is attached to the tool body and is provided below the handle means at a rear of the tool.

26. A tool according to claim I wherein strain reduction means are associated with said power cable.

27. A tool according to claim 26 wherein the strain reduction means includes a hook or channel for retaining the cable in a required position relative to the handle means in use.

28. A tool according to claim 1 wherein a battery pack is attached to or attachable to the tool housing.

29. A tool according to claim 28 wherein the battery pack is slidably mounted to the tool housing.

30. A tool according to claim 28 wherein the battery pack is provided within the boundary defined by the handle means.

31. A tool according to claim I wherein the centre of gravity of the tool is located substantially at or adjacent a substantially central and lower part of the tool housing and within the boundary defined by the :..::: handle means. **..

32. A tool according to claim 1 wherein gripping means are provided on the handle means.

33. A tool according to claim 32 wherein the gripping means axe provided at spaced apart intervals on the handle means.

34. A tool according to claim 1 wherein guard means are provided on the tool housing at or adjacent the position where the tool workpiece is attached or attachable to the tool housing.

35. A tool according to claim I in the form of a hedge trimmer.

36. A tool according to claim I wherein the tool workpiece includes one or more saw blades or cutting means.

37. A tool according to claim I wherein at least one aperture is defined in the tool workpiece to allow the workpiece and/or tool housing attached to the workpiece to be hung from suitable support means when not in use.

38. A tool according to claim I wherein the handle means are elongate portions which are substantially tubular in form.

39. A method of use of a power tool, said power tool including a tool housing, drive means located in said tool housing for driving movement of a tool workpiece attached to or attachable to the tool in use, and power means for powering said drive means, said tool housing having handle means associated therewith for allowing a user to grip the tool in use, and wherein said method includes a user gripping the handle means using both hands, the handle means being :. arranged to surround a substantial part of said tool housing so that :..::: the user's arms and/or shoulders can be at substantially the same height or substantially parallel. * I.

40.A method according to claim I wherein the user is able to grip the * handle means in a line which is substantially parallel and/or at substantially the same height as a line through which the main weight of the tool is distributed.