US 4,224,739 A · Pruning tool with flexible headpole connection

Abstract

A pruning tool is provided that allows the individual operating the tool to make flush cuts of vegetative growth to stems and branches having a wide range of directions of the extension with respect to the point at which the individual is standing, without moving from that point. The pruning tool includes a cutting head, a pole, and operating mechanism including a cord extending down the pole from the cutting head, and a connection between the cutting head and the pole that allows relative angular movement between the cutting head and the pole. The connection may be a coil spring. The operating mechanism includes a 3-pulley system, one of the pulleys being mounted within the pole. A readily moveable sleeve mounted on the pole allows the flexible connection between the pole and the cutting head to be rendered inoperative if desired.

Claims14

Dependent claims

In a pruning tool comprising means for cutting vegetation, an elongated pole for mounting said vegetation cutting means and means for effecting operation of said cutting means;

and
means for mounting said cutting means with respect to said pole so that said cutting means may assume an operative cutting position at substantially any angle between about 0.degree. and about 90.degree., both with respect to the direction of elongation of said pole and a line perpendicular to the direction of elongation of said pole;
said mounting means comprising a flexible element operatively connected to said cutting means and said pole.

In a pruning tool comprising a cutting head comprising a first, hook-shaped cutting component and a second cutting component, said second component pivotally mounted with respect to said first component and an elongated base portion affixed to said first component, means for pivoting said second component with respect to said first component for effecting cutting of vegetation, spring means for returning said second component to a non-cutting position with respect to said first component, and a rigid pole;

flexible means for mounting said cutting head with respect to a rigid pole so that said cutting head base portion direction of elongation is normally coextensive with said pole direction of elongation but is moveable to positions wherein said base portion direction of elongation makes an angle greater than 0.degree. with respect to said pole direction of elongation.

In a prunning tool comprising a cutting head comprising a first hook-shaped cutting component and a second cutting component, said second component pivotally mounted with respect to said first component, a pole operatively connected to said cutting head, an elongated base portion elongated in the same direction of elongation as said pole, spring means for biasing said second component to a first, non-cutting position with respect to said first component, and operating means for pivoting said second component with respect to said first component to a second, cutting position against the bias of said spring means;

said operating means comprising a lever extension of said second component extending generally away from said pole;
a first pulley;
means for mounting said first pulley with respect to said lever extension of said second component;
a second pulley;
a cord affixed to said first pulley mounting means, said cord extending from said first pulley mounting means around said second pulley, around said first pulley, and ultimately then generally parallel to the direction of elongation of said pole;
a third pulley for receipt of said cord as it extends generally parallel to said pole direction of elongation, said third pulley having an axis of rotation;
and means for swivelly mounting said third pulley operatively with said cutting head base portion for pivotal movement of said axis of rotation with respect to said base portion.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pruning tool with flexible headpole connection

Life of this patent

Pruning tool with flexible headpole connection

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14