Abstract:
A transverse handle for an elongated tool is preferably shipped attached to an elongated tool, but in a comparatively low profile, stowed position from which it can be placed relatively quickly and easily in an operating position by a consumer, preferably without the need for a tool. The handle is connected to the elongated tool with a mounting device that permits the handle to be pivoted between at least two positions: a stowed position, in which the handle is clamped and oriented approximately in the same direction as the elongated tool; and an operating position, in which it is clamped in a transverse orientation to the elongated tool.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to an elongated tool.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Hand-held grass, weed and brush cutters and trimmers typically have an elongated boom supporting a rotating cutting element on one end of the boom. The boom permits the cutting element to be positioned near the ground while an operator of the tool stands. Power to rotate the cutting element is delivered by an electric motor or engine mounted at one end of the boom. To provide good balance, the rotary power source is attached to the end opposite the cutting element, and coupled to the cutting element through a drive shaft that extends down the hollow center of the boom. In some cases, the cutting element may be replaced with other types of working elements, such as blowers, tillers and other types of attachments that perform work for lawn and garden related tasks.  
           [0003]    These tools will have two handles: a main handle which is generally oriented in a direction parallel to the boom; and an auxiliary handle that is generally transverse to the boom. If the tool is well balanced, a user will support most of the weight of the tool by the main handle. The auxiliary handle is used predominately to maneuver the end of the tool. If the tool is heavy or unwieldy, an operator may wear a harness, from which the tool is suspended.  
           [0004]    For certain of these tools, it is preferred that the auxiliary handle extends outwardly from the tool&#39;s boom and separates an operator from a working end of the tool. For example, when a trimmer is held in a normal operating position, such an auxiliary handle is positioned between the operator and the tool&#39;s cutting head. These tools are normally shipped with the auxiliary handle disassembled and unattached to the tool. Although shipping the tool with the auxiliary handle unattached allows use of the relatively narrower or smaller packaging, it requires assembly prior to use. Customers prefer not to have to assemble a product once it is purchased, and may not assemble it properly.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The invention pertains to an improved transverse handle for an elongated tool. The handle is preferably shipped attached to an elongated tool, but in a comparatively low profile, stowed position from which it can be placed relatively quickly and easily in an operating position by a consumer, preferably without the need for a tool. The handle is connected to the elongated tool with a mounting device that permits the handle to be pivoted between at least two positions: a stowed position, in which the handle is clamped and oriented approximately in the same direction as the elongated tool; and an operating position, in which it is clamped in a transverse orientation to the elongated tool. The mounting device further allows, if desired, the handle to be rotated along an axis of an element of the handle that extends through the mounting device when loosened. Thus, it has particular advantage for “J” or “U” shaped handles and other types of handles with shapes that require rotation in addition to pivoting in order to achieve the most compact profile when in a stowed position.  
           [0006]    Without limiting the scope of the invention, a preferred embodiment of a mounting device is comprised of a base and a clamp that surrounds a portion of the handle. The clamp is attached to the base in a manner that permits it to be pivoted with respect to the base, thus also allowing the handle to be pivoted with respect to the tool&#39;s primary axis. Tightening the clamp around the handle tends to prevent it from rotating or spinning and from moving in an axial direction. Tightening the clamp preferably also pulls the clamp against the base at the same time. Pulling it against the base impedes or interferes with pivoting of the clamp with respect to the tool. Loosening the clamp allows the clamp to more freely pivot, and thus also permits the handle to pivot with respect to the tool.  
           [0007]    According to another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the base is shaped to assist with interfering with pivoting when the clamp is pushed or forced against the base in at least the operating position. To this end, the base preferably defines at least one recess or profile that is complementary to the clamp&#39;s exterior profile when the handle is in an operating position. Pulling the clamp into this recess tends to prevent the clamp from pivoting with respect to the tool and also the handle from rotating about its axis within the clamp. Thus, the handle is firmly held in position. A second recess may be formed and oriented to accommodate the position of the clamp when the handle is in a stowed position. By preferably making the first recess deeper than the second, the clamp falls into the second recess when the handle is rotated. The user need only then tighten the clamp. Thus, a purchaser is able take the elongated tool tool from a box, with the handle in a stowed position, pivot the handle toward an operating position, adjust it so that it is most comfortable, and then tighten the clamp without the use of tools or opportunity for mistake.  
           [0008]    The forgoing summary is an example of an elongated tool embodying the invention in its preferred embodiment, and has as it purpose a brief summary and explanation of the advantages of various aspects of such a tool in its preferred form. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the preferred form set forth. Rather, the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grass trimmer with a “J” shaped handle, which includes an exploded view of the handle&#39;s assembly.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base piece of a mounting device in the handle assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom piece of the mounting device of FIG. 2.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a hook for a harness that is clamped to the trimmer of FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a bottom isometric view of a clamp piece for the hook of FIG. 4.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a top isometric view of the clamp piece of FIG. 5.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  are side and top views of the trimmer of FIG. 1 with an auxiliary handle in a packed or stowed position.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  are side and top views of the trimmer of FIG. 1 with an auxiliary handle in a mid-way position.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  are side and top views of the trimmer of FIG. 1 with an auxiliary handle in an operating or installed position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    Like numerals are used for like parts throughout the figures.  
         [0019]    Referring to FIG. 1, grass trimmer  10  is an example of an elongated tool of a type having a transverse handle for separating an operator of the tool from a working element. The trimmer includes an elongated, central element, namely boom  12 . Grass trimmer  10  is of a gas-powered type, meaning that it has an internal combustion engine generally designed by the number  14 . The engine is mounted on an upper end of boom  12  and drives a working element, not shown, mounted to a lower end of the boom, also not shown. The engine block is surrounded by a cowling or housing. Examples of working elements include flexible line heads and other moving or rotating cutting elements. Other sources of rotary power could be used in place of engine  14 , including, for example, electric motors. Although placing a rotary power source on the upper end of boom  12  provides better balance in most cases, it can be, instead, mounted on the lower end of the boom, next to the working element. For cordless electric trimmers, a battery or other energy storage element may be mounted to the upper end of the boom and a motor is mounted on the lower end of the boom.  
         [0020]    A main handle is placed near the upper end of the boom. In this example, the main handle is comprised of a gripping surface  16  that extends from aportion of the engine cowling and surrounds boom  12 . Adjacent gripping surface  16  is a trigger for controlling speed of engine  14 .  
         [0021]    The trimmer also includes a second or auxiliary handle  18  that is generally oriented in a direction transverse to the trimmer&#39;s primary axis as defined, in this example, by its central elongated member, boom  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle is a type that falls generally within a category of handles sometimes referred to as “J bar” handles. It has two spaced apart segments,  20  and  22 , which are roughly aligned in the same general direction. The direction of segment  20  is in this example offset so that it is not parallel with segment  22 . This offset is intended to orient the handle so that it is in a more comfortable position for an operator. The two segments are joined by a third segment  24 . In the preferred embodiment these segments are part of a common length of a bar-shaped element that is bent into the illustrated shape. However, the handle could also be formed by joining multiple discrete elements. Surrounding a portion of segment  22  is gripping surface  26 , which will sometimes be referred to as an auxiliary gripping surface in order to distinguish it from gripping surface  16 , which will sometimes be referred to as the main gripping surface. Segment  22  is connected to boom  12  by clamp assembly  28 . Using a J-bar handle or similar handle permits the position of gripping surface  26  relative to the boom to be adjusted by pivoting the handle about the axis of segment  22 . Pivoting the handle changes the relative distance between gripping surfaces  16  and  26 , as well as the relative distance of auxiliary gripping surface  26  from boom  12 . Like other bar handles, handle  18  can also be slid in and out of clamp  28  to adjust the position of the auxiliary gripping surface.  
         [0022]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 3 , clamp assembly  28  includes a base  30  that is mounted on or attached to boom  12 . It is preferred to attach the base to the boom using a clamp, as shown in the figures. However, it could instead be attached by the use of one or more fasteners, such as screws or rivets. It is preferred, however, that the base be used as, in effect, one half of a clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, it has a bottom surface that complements the shape of the boom. For example, it is preferred to have semi-circular shaped recess  32  that partially surrounds the outer surface of boom  12 . However, it may have other shapes, such as a “V” shape. Clamp piece  34  also has a portion  36  that is shaped to complement the boom. In the preferred embodiment, it has an arcuate cross-section, but it may have a “V” or other cross-sectional shape. Attaching the clamp piece to the base forces the base and clamp piece around the boom. Screws  38  are preferably used for attaching the two pieces. The screws are placed through holes  40  extending through bosses  42 , and into threaded holes  44  formed in bosses  46  of the base. Bosses  42  and  46  are, in effect, flanges that allow two parts of the clamp to be pulled together using a fastener such as a screw.  
         [0023]    Though recesses  32  and  36  of base  30  and clamp piece  34 , respectively, are shaped to complement boom  12 , they preferably accommodate booms having different cross-sectional dimensions, for example booms that are dimensioned at ¾” and 1.” Booms of these two dimensions are commonly used for vegetation trimmers. The dimensions of recesses  32  and  36  in base  30  and clamp piece  34  can be slightly increased or decreased through bending to accommodate the boom. Each of these pieces are preferably molded from plastic and possess some resiliency. In order to take up the space between the bosses on the clamp piece and the base when a larger dimensioned boom is used, it is preferred that a spacer element be inserted. Therefore, the clamp piece  34  is preferably formed with a spacer  48  for each boss  42 . The spacers take up space between bosses  42  of clamp piece  34  and bosses  46  on base  30  when the clamp is installed around a larger dimensioned boom  12 . Each spacer is attached to a corresponding boss using a tab  49 . Scores  50  on the tabs enable each tab to be easily bent so that hole  52  on the corresponding spacer aligns with hold  40  in the boss. The score also permits the spacers to be easily removed and discarded if not required such as when using a boom of narrower cross-section.  
         [0024]    Referring now also to FIGS.  4 - 6 , an elongated tool may in some cases include or allow use of a harness, from which the tool is hung from an operator. Although a harness is not shown in any of the figures, harnesses are well known. In order to attach a harness to an elongated tool, such as trimmer  10  of FIG. 1, hook  52  may be provided. Hook  52  clamps to an elongated element, such as boom  12  of FIG. 1, of the tool. It is preferably made of molded plastic and is formed with an integrated clamp member  54  that has a shape to partially surround boom  12  of FIG. 1. The clamp member includes bosses  56 , through which holes  58  are formed. The bosses act as flanges for attaching clamp member  54  to a second clamp member  60 . Clamp member  60  also has a shape for partially surrounding boom  12  of FIG. 1. Like clamp member  54 , clamp member  60  is also formed of plastic and includes integrally formed bosses  62  that act as flanges. Holes  64  are threaded to receive a screw extending through holes  58  of clamp member  54 . Preferably, the shape of the clamp members are able to accommodate booms of different dimensions, such as ¾″ and 1″ diameter booms. Therefore, it is preferred to mold clamp piece  60  with a spacer  66  for each boss  62  in order to accommodate a larger dimensioned boom. Each spacer is attached to a corresponding boss with scored tab  68 . Bending the tab at the score allows the spacer to be folded over a boss, with hole  70  in the spacer aligned with hole  64  on the boss. The spacers can also be easily trimmed and discarded if not required.  
         [0025]    Referring again only to FIGS.  1 - 3 , segment  22  of handle  18  is placed through clamp  72  that is connected with base  30  in a manner that permits it to pivot. Clamp  72  is preferably a single-piece clamp with a pair of flanges  74 . However, a multiple piece clamp could be used, though such a clamp is more complex and expensive, and may not pivot as well in the way described below. Each flange has a hole  76 , and the holes in the flanges are aligned to accept screw  78 . This screw threads into hole  80  on base  30 . The screw also preferably includes a knob  81  that provides leverage and/or a gripping surface for manually turning the screw without a tool.  
         [0026]    Screw  78  acts as a pivot, which allows the clamp to swing or pivot about axis  82 . Tightening the screw brings together flanges  74 , which tightens the clamp around segment  22 , thus preventing segment  22  from rotating or sliding axially with respect to the clamp. Tightening the screw also forces the clamp against base  30 . The base includes at least two recesses, namely recesses  84  and  86  in the illustrated embodiment. The clamp occupies recess  84  when handle  18  is transverse to boom  12 , in an operating position. The clamp occupies recess  86  when the handle is in a low-profile, stowed position. It is preferred that recess  84  prevents clamp  76  from pivoting when the clamp is tightened.  
         [0027]    In order to firmly hold claim 72, recess  84  is contoured or shaped to block rotating movement of the clamp when tightened against base  20 . It is, for example, lower or closer to boom  12  than recess  86 . It consequently has a side wall  87  where recess  86  intersects recess  84 . This side wall interferes with pivoting of the clamp when it is tightened against the base. Recess  84  also preferably has a rounded bottom  88  that complements the profile of the clamp and that extends the length of one side of the base. This rounded bottom resists rotation of the clamp when it is tightly secured against the base. It also has at one end a curved side wall portion  90  that extends around the side and partially over the top of the clamp, resulting in at least half of the clamp&#39;s outer circumference resting against the base. Should screw  78  become slightly loosened, recess will tend to hold the clamp in a proper position. Thus, the clamp may be loosened to permit the handle to be rotated and/or pushed in or out with respect to the clamp without the clamp pivoting. Recess  86 , being higher, is much shorter and has relatively flat side walls or surfaces. Though there may be some friction between clamp  72  and recess  86 , the recess primarily accommodates the clamp in a stowed position, that avoids having to remove the clamp to permit pivoting.  
         [0028]    The positions of handle  18  on the trimmer in a stowed position, a mid-way position and an operating or installed position are shown, respectively, in FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b ,  8   a  and  8   b  and  9   a  and  9   b . In FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b , which are top and side views of trimmer  10 , handle  18  is in a comparatively low profile position. The handle is substantially aligned with the axis of boom  12 . Segment  22  is slid to a point near its end and the handle is rotated down, so that grip  26  is under the trimmer. The trimmer is preferably packed and shipped in this position. Handle  18  has been rotated up in FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b , generally in the direction indicated by arrow  92  by loosening clamp assembly  28 . However, it is still aligned with boom  12 . If a straight, as opposed to “J” shaped bar is used it does not require rotation. FIGS. 9 a  and  9   b  show handle  18  having been pivoted in the direction of arrow  92  to a position transverse to boom  12  and, generally, trimmer  10 . The handle has also been pushed in the direction indicated by arrow  96 , with segment  22  of the handle sliding inside clamp  72  of clamping assembly  28  before it will be tightened.