Latch mechanism for pivoting handle assembly of a power tool
AssigneeBlack & Decker Inc.
InventorKevin Stones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A latch mechanism for a power tool, such as a hedge trimmer, having a housing accommodating a motor and a handle assembly adapted to pivot relative to the housing in a plurality of positions. The latch mechanism includes a lever carrying a first and second retaining member that moves into and out of engagement with the handle assembly for locking and unlocking the handle assembly relative to the housing. The retaining members are biased towards their engaging conditions by a spring. An interlock member on lever cooperates with an arm member to prevent disengagement of the first and second retaining members from the handle assembly when the motor is actuated, and for preventing actuation of the motor when the first or second retaining member is in a retracted condition.
Claims9
A latch mechanism for a power tool having a housing, a motor provided in the housing, an output shaft adapted to be caused by said motor to actuate a working member, and a handle assembly adapted to pivot relative to the housing between a plurality of positions, the latch mechanism comprising:
- first detent means having a first detent member adapted to move relative to the housing between an engaging condition to engage said handle assembly to releasably retain the housing in a first position relative to the handle assembly, and a retracted condition for allowing pivotal movement of said housing relative to said handle assembly;
- second detent means having a second detent member adapted to move relative to the housing between an engaging position to engage said handle assembly to releasably retain the housing in a second position relative to the handle assembly, and a retracted condition for allowing pivotal movement of said housing relative to said handle assembly;
- biasing means for urging said first detent member and said second detent member towards said engaging condition;
- and
- interlock means for preventing disengagement of said first or second detent means from said handle assembly when said motor is actuated, and for preventing actuation of said motor when said first or second detent member is in a said retracted condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.