Abstract:
A tool guide enables the earth or other surfaces to support the weight of a portable tool without using wheels or casters while providing a unique combination of adjustments positioning portable tools such as hedge trimmers to trim hedges or shrubs accurately. A first set of telescoping tubes is hinge coupled to one end of a second set of telescoping tubes. The other end of the second set of telescoping tubes rests and pivots upon the earth providing weight support and unique arc and rotational adjustment for the portable tool. The portable tool is mounted onto one end of a first set of telescoping tubes with a tool to handle adapter. An electrical cord is inserted through a portable tool handle extension and connects to the portable tool. A locking adjustment on the second set of telescoping tubes controls height adjustment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/482,080 filed 2003 Jun. 23. 

   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
   Not Applicable 
   SEQUENCE LISTING OR PRINCIPLE 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to adapters used to extend the useful position of portable tools, specifically to allow maximum maneuverability of a common portable hedge trimming device at an extended position with minimum effort while using a surface rather than the operator to support the weight of the portable tool. 
   BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
   Hedges can reach heights of 3 feet to 8 feet high and from 1½ feet to 6 feet wide. Hedges are also found positioned in close proximity to and parallel with walls, buildings or fences. The hedge&#39;s close proximity to walls, buildings or fences renders their top sections inaccessible unless workers use ladders or other elevating means to reach the inaccessible sections of the hedge or shrub. There are expensive hedge trimmers on the market designed for professional landscapers but these trimmers are to expensive for the individual. Thereafter inventors have invented adapters and other devices to trim the tops of high hedges. U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,423 to Moore (1985) discloses an extension device for electrically powered tools such as hedge trimmers. While the adapter does extend the position of the hedge trimmer it also requires the operator to bear the full weight of the tool assembly over his head to reach the tops of hedges higher than shoulder level. It also does not accommodate the proper angle to reach the further most back edge of the tops of hedges higher than the height of the operator unless the operator uses a ladder or other means to elevate himself. Devices such as ladders or other elevating means prove to be dangerous and unstable on the uneven ground in landscaping environments. U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,511 B1 to Stewart (2002) reaches the furthermost back edge of the hedge mentioned in the comments about Moore&#39;s patent but the operator must still bear the full weight of the tool assembly. Stewart&#39;s device has an adjustment shown as  FIG. 2  in the patent. The angle adjustment shown must be locked into position prior to the start of work and can not be changed while cutting the hedge. In order to change the angle the operator must stop work and adjust the blade angle to a new position and then lock the new position before the work can continue. The operator can not change the angle of the cutting head while simultaneously cutting the hedge. On higher and wider hedges the hedge trimmer portion of the assembly is extended far out in front of the operator. Because hedge trimmers can weigh more than 10 pounds and the weight is extended far out in front of the operator to reach areas of the hedge as much as 6 feet wide the operator must exert considerable energy and strength before the hedge is completely trimmed. These extreme positions are awkward and can cause personal injury such as muscle strain if the operator is not careful. U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,675 to Causey and Yeager (1980) illustrates an adjustable utility extension handle for electrically powered hand tools. The operator must bear the full weight of the tool assembly in order to operate the hedge trimmer or other portable tools. This device has an adjustment shown as  FIG. 2  in the patent. This position must be fixed prior to operation and can not be changed while simultaneously cutting the hedge 
   OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
   Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
         (a) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide with a weight support means to allow most of the weight of the tool assembly to be supported by the ground instead of the operator.   (b) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide easily adaptable to the majority of common hedge trimmers and other portable tools using a tool to handle adapter attachment means   (c) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide with the ability to infinitely adjust the angle of the cutting tool in relation to the surface of the hedge while the hedge is being trimmed.   (d) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide with an adjustment means to control the distance the blade of the tool extends into the hedge while the operator is simultaneously cutting the hedge.   (e) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide promoting safety by eliminating the need for ladders or other elevating means to access high hard to reach areas of shrubs and hedges.   (f) To provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide promoting safety by allowing the operator to trim the top of high hard to reach areas of shrubs and hedges without having to bear the full weight of the tool while trimming is in progress.       

   Further objects and advantages are to provide a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide allowing complete maneuverability to do work while promoting safety and ease of use. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
   SUMMARY 
   In accordance with the present invention a Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide comprises a portable tool accessory which allows a portable tool to be extended to access high hard to reach areas of hedges or shrubs. The majority of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide and portable tool&#39;s weight is supported by a surface other than the operator promoting safety and a minimum risk of operator injury. The Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide allows an operator to maneuver the tool blade of a portable tool to a plurality of positions necessary to properly shape the hedge&#39;s or shrub&#39;s top surface while simultaneously doing work. 

   
     DRAWINGS 
     Drawing Figures 
     In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide assembly and portable tool handle extension. 
       FIG. 2A  is a front, top, left and right side view of the tool to handle adapter. 
       FIG. 2B  front, left and right side view of tool handle bracket with associated hardware. 
       FIG. 2C  is a front and left side view of the tool bracket back plate. 
       FIG. 2D  is a top view of the portable tool with  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C  assembled. 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a common hedge trimmer coupled to a portable tool handle extension using the tool to handle adapter assembly. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide without the portable tool attached. 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  is a side view of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide positioned to do work. 
       FIG. 6  is a side and bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a electrified handle extension with a power on/off switch, handle grip and electrical cord. 
       FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are side views of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide illustrating the ranges of motion A, B, C, D, zero reference lines E, F and center point L. 
       FIG. 8  is a side and top view of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide illustrating the range of motion for H and center point L. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide illustrating the range of height adjustment I. 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide illustrating the range of motion G, range of motion A, center point L and M 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective showing an alternate embodiment combination hinge bracket. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide has a ground support pivoting foot  57 . The ground support pivoting foot  57  is permanently attached to the height adjustment sleeve  37  with a compatible permanent adhesive. In the preferred embodiment the ground support pivoting foot  57  is a cup shaped cylindrical cap made of rubber or plastic and the height adjustment sleeve  37  is a tube made from light weight strong tubing such as fiberglass plastic or metal.  FIG. 1  illustrates a height adjustment locking bracket  36  having one inside radius slightly larger than the outside radius of the height adjustment sleeve  37  and is fitted over and is permanently attached to the height adjustment sleeve  37  with a compatible permanent adhesive. The height adjustment locking bracket  36  has a second inside radius that is adjustable from slightly larger than to slightly smaller than the outside radius of a height adjustment tube  34  said adjustable second inside radius is made smaller or larger turning the height adjustment locking handle  35 . The second inside radius of the height adjustment locking bracket  36  is centered in relation to the inside radius of the height adjustment sleeve  37  to allow the height adjustment tube  34  to be inserted into the height adjustment sleeve  37 . The preferred embodiment of the height adjustment locking bracket  36  is formed metal. In  FIG. 1  the height adjustment locking handle  35  is attached to the height adjustment locking bracket  36  with a locking handle retaining fastener  40 . The locking handle retaining fastener  40  is a threaded fastener. A clockwise turning of the height adjustment locking handle  35  causes the second inside radius of the height adjustment locking bracket  36  to reduce in radius while a counter clockwise turning causes the second inside radius of the height adjustment locking bracket  36  to increase in radius. Said height adjustment locking handle  35  is constructed with a durable plastic or metal material. The preferred embodiment of the height adjustment tube  34  is a tubing made of fiberglass, plastic or metal. The embodiment of  35 ,  36  and  40  described herein is only one of the many types of locking devices commonly available to be used as a height adjustment and locking means. Other embodiments will be considered and applied to suit pricing or application criteria. One alternate height adjustment and locking means consists of a ¼ turn cam locking device. The height adjustment sleeve  37  and height adjustment tube  34  are rotated in opposite directions in relation to each other and 2 rubber pads are pushed against the inside diameter of the height adjustment sleeve  37  locking the height adjustment sleeve  37  and height adjustment tube  34  in position together. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a height adjustment tube  34  inserted into the height adjustment locking bracket  36  on one end and attached to a bottom hinge transition bracket  30  on the other end. The bottom hinge transition bracket  30  is connected to the height adjustment tube  34  using transition bracket mounting screws  31 A,  31 B and  31 C. The preferred embodiment of the bottom hinge transition bracket  30  is made of metal. A electrical cord retainer ring  38  is mounted onto the bottom hinge transition bracket  30 . The electrical cord retainer ring  38  has a spring loaded clip to allow a common electric extension cord  65  to be inserted into and removed from the retainer ring easily without any special tools. A top hinge plate  46  is permanently attached to the bottom hinge transition bracket  30  using a hinge pin  60  allowing free rotation of the bottom hinge transition bracket  30  to any angle in one plane up to 80 degrees in relationship to the top hinge plate  46 . The preferred embodiment of the hinge pin  60  is a metal rod material. The top hinge plate  46  is made of metal. Many other embodiments of the hinge assembly consisting of  30 ,  31 A,  31 B,  31 C,  46  and  60  can be designed and applied.  FIG. 11  illustrates one such alternate embodiment of said hinge assembly using the end of the height adjustment tube  34  to replace the bottom hinge transition bracket  30 . A combination hinge bracket  33  replaces the top hinge plate  46  and bottom hinge transition bracket  30 . A hole is drilled in the end of the height adjustment tube  34  and the hinge pin  60  is inserted through creating a hinged coupling between the combination hinge bracket  33  and height adjustment tube  34  without sacrificing function.  FIG. 1  illustrates A tool handle sleeve  23  held in position over the top hinge plate  46  using a sleeve mounting pad  27 , front pipe clamp  21  and a rear pipe clamp  22 . The front pipe clamp  21  holds the front portion of the tool handle sleeve  23  in position over the sleeve mounting pad  27  and top hinge plate  46  by inserting a front pipe clamp retainer  24  onto the front pipe clamp  21  and threading two front pipe clamp nuts  25 A and  25 B on to the ends of the front pipe clamp  21 . The rear pipe clamp  22  holds the rear portion of the tool handle sleeve  23  in position over the sleeve mounting pad  27  and top hinge plate  46  by inserting a rear pipe clamp retainer  28  onto the rear pipe clamp  22  and threading two rear pipe clamp nuts  26 A and  26 B on to the ends of the rear pipe clamp  22 . The preferred embodiment of the tool handle sleeve  23  is a plastic, PVC or fiberglass tube. The front and rear pipe clamps  21  and  22  are made of metal with male machine threads on each of their two ends. The sleeve mounting pad  27  is made of plastic, wood or rubber. The front and rear pipe clamp retainers  24  and  28  are made of metal. The front and rear pipe clamp nuts  25 A,  25 B,  26 A and  26 B are made of metal and have female threads to match the male threads on the front and rear pipe clamps  21  and  22 . A second embodiment of the tool handle sleeve  23 , sleeve mounting pad  27  and mounting brackets  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 A,  25 B,  26 A,  26 B,  27  and  28  can be injection molded to reduce the number of components needed to provide fit form and function while reducing cost. A third embodiment can use metal electrical tubing clamps in place of the sleeve mounting pad  27  and mounting brackets  21 ,  22 ,  24 ,  25 A,  25 B,  26 A,  26 B and  28 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates a portable tool handle extension  20 . The portable tool handle extension  20  has a extension position hole  61  drilled at one end. A handle extension retainer bolt  58  is made to insert into the extension position hole  61 . The preferred embodiment of the portable tool handle extension  20  is an elongated tube made of plastic, fiberglass or PVC with an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the tool handle sleeve  23 . The preferred embodiment of the handle extension retainer bolt  58  is a fastener with male threads made of metal or plastic long enough to extend through the extension position hole  61 . The preferred embodiment of the handle extension retaining nut  59  is a fastener made of metal or plastic with matching female threads made to attach to the handle extension retainer bolt  58 . 
     FIGS. 2  A, B, C and D show a tool to handle adapter  66  attached to the portable tool  43  using the tool bracket back plate  47  and tool handle bracket  67 . The tool to handle adapter  66  has a handle adapter position hole  62  drilled through one end and a position adjustment slot  64  in the opposite end. The tool handle bracket  67  is attached to the portable tool handle  41  using the tool handle bracket clamps  51 A and  51 B. The tool to handle adapter  66  is then sandwiched between the tool handle bracket  67  and the tool bracket back plate  47 . The tool bracket back plate  47  and tool handle bracket  67  each have two retainer holes  69 A,  69 B  70 A and  70 B drilled into them slightly larger than the tool handle bracket bolts  50 A and  50 B. The assembly is fastened together using the tool handle bracket bolts and nuts  50 A,  50 B,  48 A and  48 B respectively. The position adjustment slot  64  in the tool to handle adapter  66  is aligned with the 2 holes drilled into tool bracket back plate  47  and tool handle bracket  67  and is used to adjust the tool to handle adapter up and down once it is sandwiched between the tool handle bracket  67  and the tool bracket back plate  47 . The up and down adjustment facilitates attachment of the tool to handle adapter  66  to most of the portable hedge trimmers commonly found for sale at hardware stores. The preferred embodiment of the tool to handle adapter  66 , tool handle bracket  67  and tool bracket back plate  47  is plastic. The preferred embodiment of the tool handle bracket clamps  51 A and  51 B is a metal hose clamp with screw adjustment commonly found in hardware stores. The preferred embodiment of the tool handle bracket bolts  50 A and  50 B is a metal male threaded fastener. The preferred embodiment of the tool handle bracket nuts  48 A and  48 B is a metal female threaded fastener. Referring to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5  the end of the portable tool  43  opposite the portable tool blade  44  is attached to the tool to handle adapter  66  using the rear portable tool left bracket  39 , rear portable tool right bracket  32 , rear portable tool bracket screws and nuts  29 A,  29 B,  49 A and  49 B.  FIG. 3  illustrates the portable tool handle extension  20  attached to a portable tool  43 . The preferred embodiment for the rear portable tool left bracket  39 , rear portable tool right bracket  32 , rear portable tool bracket screws and nuts  29 A,  29 B,  49 A and  49 B are made of metal. An alternate embodiment using a strap and cinching buckle or Velcro Hooks and Loops is also possible. Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  mounting of the portable tool handle extension  20  to the portable tool  43  is accomplished by inserting the portable tool handle extension  20  into the end of the tool to handle adapter  66  until the extension position hole  61  is aligned with the handle adapter position hole  62  and then inserting the handle extension retainer bolt  58 . The portable tool handle extension  20  and the tool to handle adapter  66  are held securely in place by threading the handle extension retainer nut  59  on to the handle extension retainer bolt  58 . The handle extension retainer bolt  58  and handle extension retainer nut  59  are made of metal. The outside diameter of the portable tool handle extension  20  has a diameter slightly smaller than the tool handle sleeve  23  inside diameter. 
   Operation  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4B   
   In order to use the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide the operator begins by inserting the portable tool handle extension  20  into the tool to handle adapter  66  and aligning extension position hole  61  with handle adapter position hole  62 . Handle extension retainer bolt  58  is inserted through said aligned position holes and the handle extension retainer nut  59  is threaded on to the handle extension retainer bolt  58 . The tool handle bracket  67  is positioned on to the portable tool handle  41  and clamped tightly using tool handle bracket clamps  51 A and  51 B. The tool to handle adapter  66  is then sandwiched between the tool handle bracket  67  and tool bracket back plate  47  and aligned so that the position adjustment slot  64  is in alignment with the retainer holes  69 A,  69 B,  70 A and  70 B. The tool handle bracket bolts  50 A and  50 B are then inserted and the tool handle bracket nuts  48 A and  48 B are threaded on loosely. The tool to handle adapter  66  is then moved up or down using the position adjustment slot  64  to achieve the best position dependent on the brand of portable tool  43  being used. Once the preferred position of the portable tool  43  is found the tool handle bracket nuts  48 A and  48 B are tightened to hold the portable tool  43  firmly in position. The rear portable tool right bracket  32  and rear portable tool left bracket  39  are then mounted onto the rear portion of portable tool  43  using the rear portable tool bracket screws and nuts  29 A,  29 B,  49 A and  49 B respectively. The portable tool handle extension  20  is inserted through the tool handle sleeve  23 . Extension cord  65  is plugged into an electrical outlet on one end and the portable tool male receptacle  42  on the other end. The extension cord  65  is then inserted into the electrical cord retainer ring  38 . At this point the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide looks as shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B . 
     FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B ,  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10   
   The operator is positioned as shown in  FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B . The tool power on/off switch  45  is locked in the “on” position and electrical power is supplied to the portable tool  43 . As the operator begins cutting the top of a hedge  52  the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide allows complete maneuverability in any direction or plane.  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 7B  and  FIG. 10  illustrate how the portable tool can be positioned further into the depth of the hedge. The Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide allows the ground support pivoting foot  57  to rest on a surface and establish center point “L”. The Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide is then leaned in any direction as shown using “zero” E reference line and radius angle “A”. As the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide is leaned the bottom hinge transition bracket  30 , top hinge plate  46 , hinge pin  60 , portable tool handle extension  20  and tool handle sleeve  23  work in combination to compensate for the change in the angle of the portable tool blade  44  caused as a result of the change of the lean angle “A”. The range of rotation angle “D” in  FIG. 7B  illustrates a range of motion created by the bottom hinge transition bracket  30 , top hinge plate  46 , hinge pin  60  operating in combination. The radius angle “G” in  FIG. 10  illustrates a range of motion created by rotation of the portable tool handle extension  20  within the tool handle sleeve  23  about the center point “M”. The center point M is defined as the center of the diameters of portable tool handle extension  20  and tool handle sleeve  23 . in  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  Sliding the portable tool handle extension  20  longitudinally within the tool handle sleeve  23  creates a range of motion illustrated as “B” and “C”. The range of motion created by “B” and “C” allow the portable tool blade  44  to reach 3 feet to five feet into the depths of tall hedges and still retain complete control of the attitude of the portable tool blade. The range of rotation angle “H” in  FIG. 8  illustrates a range of motion created by rotating the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide in a horizontal plane using center point “L”. The range of angular motion “H” allows the portable tool  43  to work a large area of the top section of a hedge  52  without changing the position of the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide in relation to the hedge. The height adjustment range “I” of the portable tool is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The height adjustment locking handle  35  is turned counter clockwise to unlock the position of the height adjustment tube  34  from the height adjustment sleeve  37 . The height adjustment tube  34  is telescoping and raised to a desired height and the height adjustment locking handle  35  is turned clockwise until the height height adjustment tube  34  is locked in position in relation to the height adjustment sleeve  37 . All of the adjustments previously mentioned except for the height adjustment are performed simultaneously together while work is in progress and while the portable tool is supported primarily by the surface the ground support pivoting foot  57  is positioned on. 
   Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope 
   Accordingly, the major difference between the Ground Supported Portable Tool Guide and other devices available is the new capability to support the weight of any portable tool including portable hedge trimmers using a support means other than the operator while enabling the operator to exercise superior control over the attitude of the portable tool&#39;s position to perform useful work. This new innovation allows the operator to work much longer periods of time while achieving a higher quality result in the finished work. While my above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof Many other variations are possible. For example  FIG. 6  illustrates an electrified handle extension  63  that can be used as an alternate embodiment of the portable tool handle extension  20  when electrical power is preferred to be included as part of the portable tool handle extension  20 . The electrified handle extension  63  has a power switch handle grip  68 , handle power on/off switch  55  and male electrical receptacle  56  on one end and a cord access slot  71 , handle to tool electrical cord  53  and female electrical receptacle  54  on the other end.  FIG. 11  shows an alternate design for the hinge coupling assembly. Different types of handles, hinge mechanisms, electrical switches, materials of construction, portable tool attachment configurations, cord retaining means or a slight change in the center of gravity using a height adjustment sleeve that is something other than straight to change the position of the ground support pivoting foot  57  in relation to the portable tool  43  are other possible embodiments and are known by the inventor. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent.