Patent Publication Number: US-2018036868-A1

Title: Clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to hand operated tools. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to telescoping or adjustable length hand operated tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section is intended to provide a background or context to the disclosure recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     Adjustable length tools are useful in a variety of applications, such as reaching elements at differing heights relative to a ground surface. An example of an adjustable length tool is a tree pruner. Tree pruners typically utilize a movable pole that enables the pruner portion of the tree pruner to reach elements of a tree at varying heights relative to a ground surface. In this regard, actuation of the movable pole enables a user to reach branches of a tree that the user would otherwise be unable to reach. However, current tree pruners utilize awkward or hard-to-operate control mechanisms that control the movable pole. Typically, a user must hold a user engagement pole of the tree pruner and complete multiple twists or untwists of a locking mechanism (e.g., a wing nut) to enable relative movement between the movable pole and the user engagement pole. The act of twisting/untwisting can be a difficult and cumbersome due to, for example, the requirement of the user to also move the movable pole to a desired extension distance from the user engagement pole. Further, this action can be difficult for people with various medical conditions (e.g., arthritis) or relatively-low grip strength. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to a clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool. The clamping mechanism includes a body having a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a top portion proximate the top end; and, a lever rotatably coupled to the body between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lever engages with the body during a movement of the lever to the locked position to cause a deformation of the top portion of the body. According to one embodiment, deformation of the top portion of the body is structured to prevent relative movement between an inner pole of the adjustable length tool and the top portion of the body. 
     Another embodiment relates to a tree pruner. The tree pruner includes an outer pole; an inner pole disposed at least partly within the outer pole, the inner pole movable relative to the outer pole; and, a clamping mechanism coupled to the outer pole, the clamping mechanism structured to selectively engage with the inner pole to prevent relative movement between the inner and outer poles. According to one embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes: a body having a top portion, wherein the body is coupled to the outer pole; and, a lever movably coupled to the top portion between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lever includes a cam surface that engages with the body during movement of the lever to the locked position to cause deformation of the top portion of the body to engage with the inner pole and prevent relative movement between the inner and outer poles in the locked position. 
     Still another embodiment relates to a tool. The tool includes a pole; a body at least partially surrounding the pole; and, a lever rotatably coupled to the body between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever including a cam surface, wherein the cam surface engages with the body to deform the body in the locked position to substantially prevent relative movement between the pole and the body, and wherein a transition of the lever into the locked position creates an audible noise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adjustable length tool, shown as a tree pruner, with a clamping mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the tree pruner of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a right side view of the tree pruner of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the tree pruner of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view of the tree pruner of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view of the clamping mechanism of the tree pruner of  FIGS. 1-5  with a lever of the clamping mechanism in the full close or locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the clamping mechanism of the tree pruner of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a right side view of the clamping mechanism of the tree pruner of  FIG. 6  with the lever of the clamping mechanism in the full open or unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  are top views of the clamping mechanism of the tree pruner of  FIG. 6  with the lever of the of the clamping mechanism in a full open position ( FIG. 9A ) and in a full close position ( FIG. 9B ), according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  are front cross-sectional views of the clamping mechanism of the tree pruner of  FIG. 6  with the lever of the clamping mechanism in a full open position ( FIG. 10A ) and the lever in a full close position ( FIG. 10B ), according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is a right side view of a clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool, such as a tree pruner, with a lever of the clamping mechanism in the full close or locked position, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the clamping mechanism of  FIG. 11 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the clamping mechanism of  FIG. 11 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14A-14F  are top view illustrations of a lever of the clamping mechanism of  FIGS. 11-13  moving from a full open/fully unlocked position ( FIG. 14A ) to a fully closed/fully locked position ( FIG. 14F ) along with various intermediate positions ( FIGS. 14B-14E ), according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a graphical representation of the changing distance between a part of the body of the clamping mechanism and a pivot connection of the lever of the clamping mechanism at each position of  FIGS. 14A-14F , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a graphical representation of the changing distance between a pair of ribs of the body of the clamping mechanism at each position of  FIGS. 14A-14F , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the Figures generally, a clamping mechanism structured to selectively lock and unlock a movable pole relative to a user engagement pole of an adjustable length tool, such as a tree pruner, to enable/disable adjustment of an extension length of the movable pole relative to the user engagement pole is provided according to various embodiments herein. As described more fully herein, the clamping mechanism includes a body and a lever rotatably coupled to the body. The body may be structured to couple to a first part of the tree pruner, the first part representing a user engagement pole or outer pole of the tree pruner. A movable pole or inner pole of the tree pruner may be disposed within the user engagement pole, such that the movable pole may translate or move relative to the user engagement pole in order to vary the total length of the tree pruner to advantageously reach tree elements at differing heights relative to a ground surface. In operation, a user actuates the lever of the clamping mechanism to an unlocked position. The user may then pull or extend the movable pole from the user engagement pole. After the movable pole is pulled to a desired length from the user engagement pole, the user may actuate the lever to the fully closed or locked position. During rotation of the lever to the locked position, a cam of the lever engages with a first rib of the body to push or force the first rib of the body closer to a second rib of the body. Movement of the first rib towards the second rib causes a cross-sectional area of a top portion of the body of the clamping mechanism to deform (e.g., a reduction in the circumference of the top portion of the body). Deformation or reduction in circumference of the top portion of the body increases a friction amount between the top portion of the body and the movable pole. As a result of this deformation causing an increased amount of friction, movement of the movable pole relative to the user engagement pole is prevented or substantially prevented. In addition to the cross-sectional area deformation, in certain embodiments, actuation of the lever into the fully locked position creates an audible noise. This audible noise (e.g., a click sound) may provide an indication to the user that the clamping mechanism is in the locked position and act as a secondary locking feature relative to the primary locking feature (i.e., the cross-sectional area deformation/reduction in circumference feature). In this regard, the secondary locking feature—the snap-engagement of the lever to the body of the clamp—may also function to retain or substantially retain the lever in the fully locked position to thereby prevent or substantially prevent an undesirable unlock event from occurring (e.g., during use of the tree pruner). 
     Beneficially, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure provides several advantages. Rotation of the lever is relatively easier and quicker than conventional twisting mechanisms used with conventional adjustable length tools, such as conventional tree pruners, because the lever is only needed to rotate substantially one-hundred eighty (180) degrees between the unlocked and locked positions compared to conventional tools that require multiple three-hundred and sixty (360) degree revolutions of their locking mechanisms. Moreover and because only a limited amount of rotation is needed for the lever to move between the locked and unlocked position, relatively less grip strength is needed compared to conventional adjustment mechanisms, which may appeal to users generally and especially to those users suffering from low hand strength. As a result, an increase in a duration of use of the adjustable length tool, such as a tree pruner, may be realized by users due to experiencing relatively less fatigue from using the tool. Additionally, the reduction in circumference ensures or substantially ensures that relative movement is prevented (i.e., that the movable pole will not move upon locking). In conjunction, the audible snap or click of the lever into the locked position allows a user to know, with confidence that the clamp is in the locked position. Beneficially, users may then use the tool with confidence knowing that the movable pole will not move during use. These and other features and benefits are explained more fully herein below. 
     As used herein, the terms “locked position,” “fully locked position,” “closed position,” or “fully closed position” are used interchangeably to refer to the position of the lever of the clamping mechanism in a full engagement position with a top portion of the body of the clamping mechanism. In other words, in the locked position, the lever has rotated a maximum or a substantial maximum amount in a direction towards the body. In comparison and as used herein, the terms “unlocked position,” “fully unlocked position,” “open position,” or “fully open position” are used interchangeably and refer to the position of the lever of the clamping mechanism being at a maximum or substantially maximum distance from a top portion of the body of the clamping mechanism. In other words, in the fully unlocked position, the lever has been rotated to a maximum or a substantial maximum amount away from the top portion of the body of the clamping mechanism. In comparison, in the “partial open position” or “partial unlocked position” refers to the lever being in any position before the locked position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , an adjustable length tool, shown as a tree pruner, with a clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is shown according to one embodiment. As shown, the tree pruner  10  generally includes a user engagement pole  12 , a movable pole  14  movably coupled to the user engagement pole  12 , a pruning system  20 , and a clamping mechanism  100  structured to selectively enable, permit, or allow movement of the movable pole  14  relative to the user engagement pole  12  to increase or decrease the distance between the pruning system  20  and the clamping mechanism  100  (i.e., increase or decrease a total length of the tree pruner  10 ). In particular and as shown most clearly in  FIG. 3 , actuation of the clamping mechanism  100  into an unlocked position enables the movable pole to move, slide, or translate in a first direction  30  and a second direction  31 . In the first direction  30 , the movable pole  14  moves away from the clamping mechanism  100  and user engagement pole  12  to increase a total length of the tree pruner  10 . In the second direction  31 , the movable pole  14  moves towards the clamping mechanism  100  and user engagement pole  12  to decrease a total length of the tree pruner  10 . Before turning to the specifics of the clamping mechanism  100 , the various other components of the tree pruner  10  are firstly described. 
     The user engagement pole  12  (also referred to herein as: a user engagement portion and a user engagement tube; an outer member, outer tube, outer pole, and outer portion; and/or, the first part, first portion, first pole, or first tube) defines a user interface of the tree pruner  10  for a user or operator to grip for using, carrying, or otherwise holding the tree pruner  10 . In this regard, the user engagement pole  12  may be sized and structured to enable a user to utilize their palm of one or both of their hands to grip when carrying, holding, and/or using the tree pruner  10 . Accordingly, the size and shape of the user engagement pole  12  is highly configurable. For example, the length of the user engagement pole  12  may vary based on a manufacturing model of the tree pruner  10  or a certain desire of a producer/manufacture of the tree pruner  10  (e.g., thirty-six inches in length, forty-eight inches in length, etc.). Similarly, a circumference and external shape of the user engagement pole  12  may also be highly configurable. As shown, the user engagement pole  12  defines an oval or oblong shape and is of a hollow structure to enable reception of the movable pole  14  therein. Of course, in other embodiments, the user engagement pole  12  may be of any external shape, cross-sectional shape, of any length, and of any size circumference. For example, a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is shown in regard to  FIGS. 11-13 . However, in other embodiments, a square, rectangle, or an assortment of various other external and/or cross-sectional shapes may be used. In certain embodiments, the user engagement pole  12  may also include an type of grip surface to prevent or substantially prevent grip slippage of the user&#39;s hand(s) on the pole  12 . The grip surface may be disposed on one or more selected locations, zones, or areas on the user engagement pole  12  and be structured to have any shape desired. Thus, the configuration of the user engagement pole  12  is highly variable with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As mentioned above, the movable pole  14  is sized and structured to be received, at least partly, within the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, the cross-sectional shape of the user engagement pole  12  may be any shape structured to enable the reception of the movable pole  14  therein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the user engagement pole  12  matches or substantially matches an external shape of the movable pole  14 . In the example depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 , the movable pole  14  has an external oval shape while the user engagement pole  12  defines an oval or substantially oval cross-sectional shape. In this regard and in one embodiment, “matching” or “substantial matching” means the same shape (i.e., an oval cross-sectional shape of the user engagement pole  12  to an oval outer shape of the movable pole  14 ). In another embodiment, “matching” or “substantial matching” means a same or different shape as long as i) the movable pole  14  may slidably move within the user engagement pole  12  and ii) the movable pole  14  may selectively engage with the clamping mechanism  100  to substantially prevent movement of the movable pole  14  when the clamping mechanism  100  is actuated into the full locked position. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the user engagement pole  12  and the external shape of the movable pole  14  are highly configurable with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The movable pole  14  (also referred to herein as: a movable portion or a movable tube; an inner member, inner tube, inner pole, or inner portion; and/or, the second part, second portion, second pole, or second tube) is coupled to the pruning system  20  and at least partially disposed within the user engagement pole  12 . In operation, the movable pole  14  may translate, slide, or otherwise move relative to the user engagement pole  12  and the clamping mechanism  100  to selectively adjust or change a total length of the tree pruner  10 . Beneficially, such total length adjustment provides an ability of the tree pruner  10  to reach elements (e.g., tree branches) of varying heights relative to a ground surface. 
     After the movable pole  14  is received at least partially within the user engagement pole  12 , various stop mechanisms may be used to prevent the movable pole  14  from escaping, leaving, or otherwise falling out from the user engagement pole  12  to become de-coupled (i.e., movement in the first direction  30  or second direction  31  to de-couple or disassemble the movable pole  14  from the user engagement pole  12 ). For example, a bottom of the user engagement pole  12  (furthest from the clamping mechanism  100 ) may include a cap that prevents the movable pole  14  from moving outside of the user engagement pole  12  during movement of the movable pole  14  in the second direction  31 . Additionally, the pruning system  20  is shown to be of a greater cross-sectional size than the user engagement pole  12 , such that once the pruning system  20  is coupled to movable pole  14 , the cross-sectional size of the pruning system  20  may prevent the movable pole  14  from moving outside of the user engagement pole  12  when the movable pole is moved in the second direction  31 . Various other mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, a tapered or non-uniform cross-sectional area of the user engagement pole  12  which prevents movement of the movable pole in the second direction  31  beyond a certain position; a retainer, such as a pin received through the user engagement pole, which acts as a physical stop or barrier for the movable pole from moving towards the user during use; etc. Thus, the movable pole  14  may only move, translate, or slide a certain or predefined distance within the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, a minimum total length of the tree pruner  10  may be instituted with the tree pruner  10 . 
     While the aforementioned stop mechanisms are described in their structure and function of stopping the movable pole  14  from moving out of a bottom of the user engagement pole  12  (i.e., in the second direction  31  furthest from the clamping mechanism  100 ), similar or, in some embodiments, no type of stop mechanism may be used to prevent the movable pole  14  from evacuating or falling out of the user engagement pole  12  at a top opening of the user engagement pole  12  proximate the position of the clamping mechanism  100 . For example, in some instances, the movable pole  14  may be removable from the user engagement pole  12  in order to enable a cleaning of the inner surface of the user engagement pole  12  and/or an outer surface of the movable pole  14  (i.e., the surfaces that may slide or rub against each other during movement and non-movement of the movable pole  14 ). Cleaning may be helpful to ensure that no or little impediments are present that may disrupt the relative movement of the movable pole  14  to the user engagement pole  12 . However, in other embodiments, stop mechanisms like described above may be utilized to prevent a de-coupling of the movable pole  14  and user engagement pole  12  once the two poles are coupled. 
     The pruning system  20  is structured to cut, sever, snip, or otherwise prune various elements, such as a tree branch. As shown, the pruning system  20  includes a body  21 , a first cutting member  22  (e.g., hook, blade, etc.), a second cutting member  23  (e.g., blade, etc.), and among other components, an actuation mechanism. As also shown, the pruning system  20  is coupled to the movable pole  14 , such that movement of the movable pole  14  to different relative lengths from the clamping mechanism  100  also adjusts the relative distance of the pruning system  20  to the clamping mechanism  100 . In this example, the actuation mechanism includes a pulley  24  that supports a cable (e.g., rope, etc.) operatively coupled to the second cutting member  23 . In operation, a user may pull or otherwise actuate the cable, which causes actuation of the second cutting member  23 . Movement of the second cutting member  23  towards the stationary first cutting member  22  causes a cutting or severing of the element. As shown, the first and second cutting members  22 ,  23  are generally of a hook-shape and are structured as cooperating blades. Of course, in other embodiments, any type of cutting member configuration may be used (e.g., serrated blades, a straight blade, a hook and anvil configuration, etc.). 
     As also shown, the pruning system  20  includes a biasing element, shown as a spring  25 . The spring  25  is coupled to the second cutting member  23  via an arm  26  (e.g., member, lever, etc.). Actuation of the cable pulls the arm  26  to cause movement of the second cutting member  23  towards the first cutting member  22 . The spring  25  may be structured to bias the second cutting member into a full open position where the first and second cutting members  22 ,  23  are separated by a maximum distance in order to provide a reception area (e.g., gap, opening, etc.) for the element to be cut or severed. The spring  25  may be of any type and stiffness desired and, in turn, may vary based on the configuration of the tree pruner (i.e., from a relatively stiff spring constant to a relatively not stiff spring constant). 
     It should be understood that in various other embodiments of the tree pruner  10 , the tree pruner  10  may include additional, different, or less components than that depicted in  FIGS. 1-5 . For example, some embodiments may include a saw extending out from the first and second cutting members  22 ,  23 . The saw may enable a user to saw a tree branch that may be too large to fit within the gap defined by the first and second cutting members  22 ,  23  when they are in the full open position. In still another embodiment, a different type of actuation mechanism may be used to cause movement of one or both of the cutting members  22 ,  23  to affect cutting. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and appreciate the wide configurability of the pruning system with all such modifications intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     It should also be understood that many different materials may be used to construct or form the inner pole  12 , outer pole  14 , and pruning system  20 . For example, in one embodiment, the inner and outer poles  12 ,  14  are constructed from lightweight composites. In this regard, the lightweight characteristic may promote ease of use amongst users. In another embodiment, at least one of the inner and outer poles  12 ,  14  are constructed from metal or metal alloys. This embodiment may be beneficial for more robust applications of the tree pruner  10 . In still another embodiment, any combination of metal, metal alloys, composites (e.g., plastics, etc.), rubber, and the like may be used to construct the inner and outer poles  12 ,  14 . Similarly, the pruning system  20  may be constructed from any one or more of a metal-based material, a composite, and the like based on the application. 
     Turning now to the clamping mechanism  100 , the clamping mechanism  100  (also referred to herein as the clamp) is structured to selectively hold or retain the movable pole  14  at a relative desired extension length from the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, the clamping mechanism  100  is actable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the movable pole  14  is permitted to slide, move, or otherwise translate relative to the user engagement pole  12 . In the locked position, the movable pole  14  is substantially securable held or engaged with the clamping mechanism  100  to prevent or substantially prevent relative movement between the user engagement pole  12  and the movable pole  14 . The function and structure of the clamping mechanism  100  is shown and explained in more detail in regard to  FIGS. 6-10B . 
     Accordingly, referring now to  FIGS. 6-10B , the clamping mechanism  100  for the tree pruner  10  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the clamping mechanism  100  generally includes a body  101  and a lever  120  rotatably coupled to the body  101 . In operation, the lever  120  is rotatable from a full open position whereby the lever  120  is at a maximum separation distance and angle from the body  101  (see  FIG. 9A ) to a full closed position whereby the lever  120  is at least partly engaged with the body  101  (see  FIG. 9B ). When the lever  120  is not in the full locked position, the movable pole  14  may be movable relative to the clamping mechanism  100 . In the full locked position, the lever  120  deforms an upper part or top part  110  of the body  101  to increase an amount of friction between the top part  110  and the movable pole  14  to squeeze the movable pole  14  and prevent or substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping mechanism  100  and the movable pole  14 . 
     As shown, the body  101  generally includes a first or top end  102 , a second or bottom end  103  opposite the top end  102 , a first rib  104 , a second rib  105 , a top portion  110  interconnected with an edge  109  to a remainder of the body  101 , and an opening  111  defined by the body  101 . With references to  FIGS. 1-5  and when the clamping mechanism  100  is included with the tree pruner  10 , the top end  102  is disposed proximate the pruning system  20  while the bottom end  103  is disposed proximate the user engagement pole  12  or further from the pruning system  20  relative to the top end  102 . 
     As mentioned above, the body  101  includes a first rib  104  and a second rib  105 . The first and second ribs  104 ,  105  (e.g., splines, members, etc.) are disposed longitudinally along a part of the total longitudinal length of the body  101 . As shown, the first and second ribs  104 ,  105  extend outward and way from a remaining portion of the body  101 . Further, the first and second ribs  104 ,  105  are structured as substantially parallel oriented flanges. Of course, in other embodiments, the size and structure of the ribs  104 ,  105  may vary greatly (e.g., extend an entire length of the body  101 , be a different shape than substantially rectangular like shown, extend further from or less than from the body  101  than depicted, etc.). 
     As also shown, the body  101  defines a gap  106  (e.g., opening, channel, space, void, separation gap, etc.). More particularly, the gap  106  is defined between the first rib  104  and the second rib  105 . As also shown, the gap  106  extends the total length of the body  101 . However, in other embodiments, the gap  106  may only be disposed in the top portion  110  of the body  101 , extend only partially in the top portion  110  of the body  101 , or any other length that still permits movement of the ribs towards each other. In this example, the body  101  may be structured as an integral piece with a separation gap  106 , which acts to provide several benefits. For example, due to the separation gap  106  extending the total longitudinal length of the body  101 , the body  101  may be able to withstand a relatively greater amount of flexion (in both directions: where the ribs  104 ,  105  are moved closer together or further apart) to thereby enable the body  101  to couple to relatively different shaped and sized user engagement poles  12 . Such a benefit may be advantageous in manufacturing to enable limited body  101  sizes to be produced due to their ability to fit a wide range of sized and shaped user engagement poles. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B , (a cross-sectional view of the body  101  when the lever  120  is in the full open position ( FIG. 10A ) and in the full close position ( FIG. 10B )), the upper portion  110  (also referred to herein as top portion  110 ) defines a size  107  in the full open position ( FIG. 10A ) while the remainder of the body defines a size  108 . For clarity, the lever  120  is not depicted in  FIGS. 10A-10B . The sizes  107 ,  108  refer to cross-sectional sizes of the top portion  110  and remainder of the body  101 , respectively. In this regard, the cross-sectional sizes  107 ,  108  may refer to a diameter value if the body is substantially cylindrical shape, may refer to a major length for an oval shape like depicted in the example of  FIGS. 6-10B , may refer to a length value if the body is rectangular shaped, etc. More generally, the sizes  107 ,  108  refer to any metric that may be used to describe or quantify the cross-sectional area, shape, and/or size of the body  101  and the top portion  110  in the full open position. In this regard, the sizes  107 ,  108  may referred to as cross-sectional sizes  107 ,  108  for the purposes of description herein. As shown, the cross-sectional size  107  of the top portion  110  is relatively smaller than the cross-sectional size  108  of the remainder of the body  101 . In this regard, an edge  109  (shown as a chamfered edge) may be utilized to decrease the cross-sectional size  108  to the cross-sectional size  107 . In operation, the cross-sectional size  108  is structured to be of a size and shape to receive or engage with the user engagement pole  12  (i.e., the user engagement pole  12  is disposed within at least part of the body  101 ) while the cross-sectional size  107  is structured to be of a size and shape to selectively engage with the movable pole  14 . 
     With the above description in mind, coupling of the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12  may be described as follows. The bottom end  103  of the body  101  may be slid over a top edge or part of the user engagement pole  12  (i.e., proximate the pruning system  20  when the tree pruner  10  is assembled). Due to the size reduction from cross-sectional size  108  to cross-sectional size  107  and the edge  109 , only a portion of the body  101  may be disposed about the user engagement pole  12 . Beneficially, the aforementioned size reduction and edge  109  act as a physical stop or barrier for the body  101  as the body  101  is slid or moved over the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, guesswork regarding how far down from the top of user engagement pole  12  that the body  101  should be disposed by assembly persons/technicians is substantially avoided, which may facilitate relative more efficient assembly. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied to one or both of a portion of the body  101  and a top portion of the user engagement pole  12  to securably retain the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12 . In other embodiments, one or more fasteners may be used to couple the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12  (e.g., a pin through at least part of each of the body  101  and the user engagement pole  12 , a bolt through at least part of each of the body  101  and the user engagement pole  12 , etc.). In still other embodiments, one or more fasteners and adhesive may be used. 
     After the body  101  has been fully inserted or moved onto the user engagement pole  12 , a bottom or lower part of each of the first and second ribs  104 ,  105  are structured to receive a first fastener  113  (proximate the bottom end  103  of the body) while a top or upper part of each of the first and second ribs  104 ,  105  (proximate the top end  102  of the body  101 ) are structured to receive a second fastener  114 . The fasteners  113 ,  114  may include bolts, pins, screws, and any other type of fastener. After the body  101  is slid, moved, or otherwise positioned on a top or upper portion of the user engagement pole  12 , the first and second fasteners  113 ,  114  may be used to couple, join, or otherwise attach the first rib  104  to the second rib  105 . Tightening of the fasteners  113 ,  114  may then cause movement of the ribs  104 ,  105  closer together (i.e., to decrease the separation gap  106 ) to thereby tighten or secure the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12 . As described above, in certain embodiments, adhesive and/or one or more fasteners may also be used to also help securably retain the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12 . 
     As shown particularly in  FIGS. 10A-10B , after coupling of the body  101  to the user engagement pole  12 , the top portion  110  of the body  101  is disposed above the user engagement pole  12 . That is to say, the top portion  110  of the body  101  extends above and over the user engagement pole  12  when the body  101  is coupled to the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, the top portion  110  of the body  101  is not or substantially not in contact with the user engagement pole  12 . As a result and as described more fully herein below, actuation of the lever  120  into the full locked position can cause deformation of the top portion  110 . In turn, deformation of the top portion  110  of the body  101  may relatively securably engage with the movable pole  14  to substantially prevent relative movement of the movable pole  14  relative to the clamping mechanism  100  when the lever  120  is in the locked position. 
     As mentioned above, the body  101  is shown to define an opening  111 . The opening  111  (e.g., space, void, etc.) is defined, more particularly, by the top portion  110  and proximate the top end  102 . According to one embodiment, the opening  111  corresponds with a shape of an external shape of the movable pole  14 . Thus, in this example, the opening  111  is of an oval or substantially oval shape. In operation, the movable pole  14  may slide, translate, or otherwise move through the opening  111 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6-10B  and as described above, the lever  120  is movable, rotatable, or actuable between a full closed position (i.e., locked position) and a full open position (i.e., unlocked position), which is shown in  FIG. 9A  (full open position) and  FIG. 9B  (full close position). In the example depicted and with reference to  FIG. 9A , the lever  120  is rotatable approximately one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees about a pin  135 . Beneficially, such a limited amount of rotation to lock/unlock the clamping mechanism  100  may increase an ease of use of the clamping mechanism  100  as compared to conventional mechanisms. For example, twist mechanisms may require multiple complete revolutions (i.e., multiple three-hundred sixty (360) degree revolution) to actuate locking/unlocking. As shown, the lever  120  generally includes a tab  121 , a cam  122  having a cam surface  123 , a cross-sectional value  124 , an inner surface  125  that is proximate and at least partly engaged with the top portion  110  of the body  101  when the lever  120  is in the locked position, and first and second prongs  126  and  127 . Before turning to the description of each of the aforementioned components, the lever  120  overall is firstly described. 
     In the embodiment depicted, the lever  120  is of unitary construction. In other words, the lever  120  is structured as a one-piece component plus a pin  135  (described below) that rotatably couples the lever  120  to the body  101 . Beneficially, a one-piece component may facilitate relatively faster production and assembly of the clamping mechanism  100 . Of course, in other embodiments, the lever  120  may be constructed from two or more pieces. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown particularly in  FIGS. 8-9B , a shape of the lever  120  matches or substantially matches an external shape of the top portion  110  of the body  101  (where “external” refers to the shape of the top portion  110  not proximate the movable pole  14  when the tree pruner  10  is assembled). Thus, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-10B , the general shape of the lever  120  is oval, which corresponds with the oval shape of external surface of the top portion  110  of the body  101 . In this regard, the cross-sectional value  124  corresponds with a matching or substantially matching oval-shape to the external shape of the top portion  110 . Of course, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional value  124  may be of any shape and size that corresponds with an external shape of the top portion  110  in order to allow or substantially allow engagement or mating of the lever  120  with the top portion  110  in the full locked position. 
     As shown, the lever  120  does not extend fully about the top portion  110 . Rather, as shown in  FIG. 9B  in the full close position, the lever  120  extends approximately two-hundred and seventy (270) degrees about the top portion  110 . In other embodiments, the lever  120  may extend a different amount. For example, in another embodiment, the lever  120  may extend any amount about the top portion  110  that is greater than ninety (90) degrees, that is greater than or equal to ninety (90) degrees, etc. Thus, the extension amount depicted in the Figures is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates a wide variety of extension amounts with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As mentioned above, the lever  120  corresponds with an oval or substantially oval shape in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-10B . More particularly, the inner surface  125  of the lever  120 , which corresponds with the cross-sectional value  124 , is sized and shaped to correspond with an external surface of the top portion  110  of the body  101 . In this regard, the lever  120  is coupled to the body  101  to correspond or substantially correspond with the top portion  110  of the body  101 . The oval or substantially oval shape of the surface  125  of the lever  120  may match the external shape of the top portion  110 . As a result, actuation of the lever  120  into the locked position may cause deformation of a cross-sectional area of the top portion  110  to squeeze, engage, or otherwise substantially securably retain the movable pole  14 . Of course, in other embodiments, the shape of the surface  125  of the lever  120  (in turn the shape of the cross-sectional value  124 ) may be any shape as long as the shape is capable of engaging with the top portion  110  to be substantially retained (e.g., not or substantially not movable out of the locked position) when the lever  120  is in the full locked position. In this regard and in some embodiments, the shape of the surface  125  corresponding to the cross-sectional value  124  may differ from an external shape of the lever  120 . For example, the shape of the surface  125  of the lever  120  may define a cross-sectional value  124  that indicates a circular shape yet the top portion  110  is of a square external shape. Thus, a wide variety of shape and size configurations may be possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Beneficially and as shown, a thickness of the lever  120  (the portion that interfaces with the external oval shape of the top portion  110 ) substantially corresponds with a radial distance of the size reduction from size  108  to size  107  (i.e., the difference in external shape between an external surface of the top portion  110  and an external surface of the remainder of the body  101 ). In this regard and as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 6 and 9B , placement of the lever  120  into the full closed position does not protrude or substantially protrude out relative to the remainder of the body  101  from the top portion  110 . Advantageously, a more streamline, smooth, and pleasant outer appearance of the clamping mechanism  100  is provided by this feature. 
     As mentioned above, the lever  120  is rotatably coupled to the body  101 . In particular and as shown, the lever  120  is rotatably coupled to the top portion  110  of the body  101  by a pivot connection, shown as a pin  135 . More particularly, the lever  120  is shown to be rotatably coupled to an end of the top fastener  114 , which is disposed in a region of the body  101  corresponding to the top portion  110 , via the pin  135 . In other embodiments, any type of rotatable coupling mechanism may be used in addition to or in place of the pin  135  (e.g., a screw, etc.). In the example shown (see  FIG. 7 ) and as mentioned above, the lever  120  includes a top prong  126  (e.g., first prong) proximate the top end  102  and a bottom prong  127  (e.g., second prong) proximate the bottom end  103 . The prongs  126 ,  127  (e.g., members, etc.) at least partly surround the top fastener  114  and are structured to each, at least partly, receive the pin  135 . In other embodiments, more than or less than two prongs may be used to couple to the body  101 . For example, in an alternate embodiment, only one prong may rotatably couple the lever  120  to the body  101 . In still other embodiments, different types of rotatably coupling mechanisms may be used to couple the lever  120  to the body  101 . 
     As shown, the tab  121  extends outward and way from the remainder of the lever  120 . The tab  121  (e.g., user engagement portion, lip, flange, etc.) corresponds to a user engagement portion of the lever  120 . In this regard, a user may hold or grip the tab  121  to rotate, move, or otherwise actuate the lever  120  about the body  101 . 
     As mentioned above, the lever  120  includes a cam  122  defining a cam surface  123 . The cam  122  (also referred to as a cam member) is disposed substantially about the pin  135 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 7  and mentioned above, the prongs  126 ,  127  of the lever  120  are structured to at least partially surround the top fastener  114  in order to enable reception of the pin  135  through each of the prongs  126 ,  127  and the top fastener  114 . For the purposes of explanation, the “cam  122 ” refers to each curved surface member on the lever  120  of each prong  126 ,  127  that is proximate to each of the pin  135  and the first rib  104 . Based on the foregoing and as shown in  FIG. 9B , the cam  122  corresponds with a cam surface  123 , which at least partly surrounds the pin  135 . As also shown, a distance  128  between the cam surface  123  and the pin  135  varies from the full open position of the lever  120  to the full close position. In this regard and as described herein, a force imparted on the first rib  104  by the cam  122  is variable or changes from the full open to full close position of the lever  120 . An explanation of this feature may be described more fully with reference to  FIGS. 9A-10B . 
     Accordingly, referring more particularly to  FIGS. 9A-10B , operation of the lever  120  to effect the cross-sectional area deformation/reduction in circumference of the top portion  110  of the body  101  may be described as follows. In the full open position ( FIG. 9A ), the lever  120  is not engaged with the first rib  104 ; rather, as shown in  FIG. 9A , a gap  129  is defined between the cam  122  and the first rib  104 . However and due to the variable distance  128 , during movement of the lever  120  to the full close position, the cam  122  (particularly, the cam surface  123 ) engages with the first rib  104 . As the cam  122  engages with the first rib  104 , a part of the lever  120  near the tab  121  engages or comes into contact with the top portion  110  of the body  101  during the transition from the full open position to the full close position. Engagement between the part of the lever  120  near the tab with the top portion  110  causes the lever  120  to flex outward and away from the top portion  110  in order to open and go around the top portion  110 . The outward and open flexion of the lever  120  further causes the cam  122  to increase the force applied to the first rib  104 . At or near a certain point (shown as point  130  in  FIG. 9B ), the outward and open flexion of the lever  120  substantially ceases and the inward flexion towards and around the top portion  110  of the body  101  begins. The inward flexion causes the lever  120  to “snap back” to encompass the top portion  110  of the body. The snap back may result in an audible sound, such as a click or snap noise, which alerts the user that the lever  120  is in the full close position. Furthermore and as shown in  FIG. 9B , in the full close position, the cam  122  is in contact or engagement with the first rib  104  pushing or moving the first rib  104  towards the second rib  105 . Movement of the first rib  104  towards the second rib  105  results in a decrease of the separation gap  106  in at least the area, zone, or region proximate the top portion  110  of the body  101 . In this regard and with reference to  FIG. 10B , upon actuation of the lever  120  into the locked position, the top portion  110  experiences a deformation, shown as size  112 . The deformation may be in any direction (e.g., radially), which results in an increase in friction relative between the top portion  110  and the movable pole  14  relative to a friction amount in the full close position. In one embodiment, the “increase” in friction refers to any amount of friction in at least one engagement point between the movable pole  14  and the top portion  110  that may cause prevention of relative movement between the top portion  110  and the movable pole  14 . To unlock the lever  120 , a user grips the tab  121  and rotates the lever  120  counterclockwise (based on the view point depicted in  FIG. 9B ). During this movement, the inner surface  125  disengages from the top portion  110  of the body and the cam  122  disengages from the first rib  104 . The deformation is then removed and the movable pole  14  is able to move, slide, or translate relative to the clamping mechanism  100  and user engagement pole  12 . 
     Thus, actuation of the lever  120  into the full closed position corresponds with two locking features. The first locking features corresponds with the cross-sectional area deformation/reduction in circumference of the top portion  110  of the body  101 , which causes an increase in friction between the top portion  110  and the movable pole  14  and, in turn, a relatively more secure engagement between the top portion  110  and the movable pole  14 . The second locking feature corresponds with the physical and audible snap of the lever  120  into the locked position. Due to the lever  120  snapping back to the top portion  110  (i.e., the spring-like reflex) from the outward and then inward flexion, rotation to the unlocked position without a user force may be substantially prevented. Rather, a user force may be required to cause the outward flexion to disengage the lever  120  from the top portion  110 . Thus, the physical and audible snap securably or substantially securably holds the lever  120  in the locked position. Additionally, the audible noise created by the snap may alert the user that the lever  120  is in the locked position such that the user may use the tree pruner  10  with confidence knowing that relative movement of the movable pole  14  will not or likely will not occur. 
     Before turning to another embodiment of the clamping mechanism, as also shown in  FIGS. 6-10B , the clamping mechanism  100  in this example includes a switch  140 , also referred to herein as a lock release button  140  or lock release mechanism  140 , pivotably coupled to the body  101  and insignia  150  disposed on the lever  120 . The insignia  150  (e.g., marking, an indicator, etc.) may be configured as a visual or graphical representation providing an indication of how to use the lever  120 . In the example shown, the insignia  150  depicts an unlocked lock symbol with an arrow, whereby the arrow indicates the rotational direction of the lever to unlock the lever  120 . Of course, in other embodiments, any other type of insignia may be used, no insignia may be used, or the insignia may be disposed in a different location than that depicted in the Figures. 
     As shown, the lock release button  140  (e.g., toggle, pin actuator, etc.) is pivotably or rotatably coupled to the body  101 . Relative to the primary and secondary locking mechanisms, the switch  140  is a third or tertiary locking mechanism for preventing or substantially preventing relative movement of the movable pole  14  to the clamping mechanism  100  and user engagement pole  12 . In particular and as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B , the switch  140  is operatively coupled to a pin  141  (e.g., protrusion, member, etc.). In this embodiment, the movable pole  14  may define a plurality of longitudinal spaced holes while the user engagement pole  12  defines a hole that enables the pin  141  to protrude through towards the movable pole  14 . The holes of the movable pole and hole of the user engagement pole may be sized and shaped to receive the pin  141 . Thus, after the user has moved the movable pole to the desired location relative to the clamping mechanism  100 , the pin  141  may extend into one of the holes of the movable pole  14  to also provide a force or mechanism to hold the movable pole  14  in a desired extension length relative to the user engagement pole  12  and clamping mechanism  100 . To facilitate easy engagement of the pin  141  into one of the holes of the movable pole  14 , a biasing element (e.g., spring) may be used to bias the pin  141  towards a radial center of the user engagement pole  12  (i.e., towards the movable pole  14 ). 
     It should be understood that in other embodiments, the lock release button  140  may be excluded. In still other embodiments, a different type of tertiary locking mechanism may be used with the clamping mechanism  100 . For example, in another embodiment, a pin tethered to the body may be removably inserted through the body and into a hole disposed in the movable pole. Thus, the switch  140  is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other and different types of locking mechanisms that may also be included with the clamping mechanism  100 . 
     As mentioned above, a shape of the clamping mechanism may vary greatly based on at least one of a manufacturer&#39;s preference, an external shape of the user engagement pole, and an external shape of the movable pole. For example, the shape of the clamping mechanism may include, but is not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, etc. As another example, the shape of the user engagement pole and movable pole may differ (e.g., circular to oval), such that a shape of the body of the clamping mechanism coupled to the user engagement pole may differ relative to a shape of the top portion in order to engage with the different shapes of the inner and outer poles. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In this regard and referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , a clamping mechanism for an adjustable length tool, such as the tree pruner  10 , that is structured to selectively lock and unlock a movable pole relative to the clamping mechanism to restrict and permit relative movement is shown according to another embodiment. Relative to  FIGS. 1-10B , the clamping mechanism  200  is of a generally cylindrical shape and corresponds with a substantially circular cross-section shape as compared to the substantially oval cross-sectional shape of the clamping mechanism  100 . In the example of  FIGS. 11-13 , the movable pole (e.g., movable pole  14 ) and user engagement pole (e.g., user engagement pole  12 ) are not depicted for clarity. Nonetheless, it should be understood that the same or similar types of outer and inner poles may be used with the clamping mechanism  200 . However, in this embodiment, the outer and inner poles may correspond with a circular or generally circular cross-sectional shape in order to correspond or substantially correspond with the shape of the clamping mechanism  200 . Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference numbers are used with the clamping mechanism  200  to refer to similar components as in clamping mechanism  100  except with the “2” prefix. Thus, explanation of the clamping mechanism  200  is relatively shorter than that of the clamping mechanism  100  due to the overlap of similar components having a similar structure and function. 
     As shown, the clamping mechanism  200  (also referred to as clamp  200  and clamp mechanism  200 ) generally includes a body  201  and a lever  220  rotatably coupled to the body  201 . In this example, the clamping mechanism  200  also includes a switch  240  (also referred to herein as a lock release button  240  or lock release mechanism  240 ) pivotably coupled to a pin  241 , which may have the same or similar structure and function as described above in regard to the switch  140  and pin  141  described above in regard to the clamping mechanism  100 . Thus and like the clamping mechanism  100 , in certain embodiments, the switch  240  and pin  241  may be excluded from the clamping mechanism  200 . In operation and like the lever  120 , the lever  220  is rotatable from a full open position to a full closed position. When the lever  220  is not in the full locked position, the movable pole is at least partly movable relative to the clamping mechanism  200 . In the full locked position, the lever  220  deforms an upper part  210  of the body  201  to increase an amount of friction to squeeze the movable pole to thereby prevent or substantially prevent relative movement between the clamping mechanism  200  and the movable pole. As shown, the body  201  generally includes a first or top end  202 , a second or bottom end  203  opposite the top end  202 , a first rib  204 , a second rib  205 , a top portion  210  interconnected with an edge  209  to a remainder of the body  201 , and an opening  211  defined by the body  201 . 
     The first and second ribs  204 ,  205  (e.g., splines, members, etc.) are disposed longitudinally along a part of the total longitudinal length of the body  201 . As shown, the first and second ribs  204 ,  205  extend outward and way from a remaining portion of the body  201 . Further, the first and second ribs  204 ,  205  are structured as substantially parallel oriented flanges. Of course, in other embodiments, the size and structure of the ribs  204 ,  205  may vary greatly (e.g., extend an entire length of the body  201 , be a different shape than substantially rectangular like shown, extend further from or less than from the body  201  than depicted, etc.). 
     As also shown, the body  201  defines a gap  206  (e.g., opening, channel, space, void, separation gap, etc.). More particularly, the gap  206  is defined between the first rib  204  and the second rib  205 . As shown, the gap  206  extends the total length of the body  201 . However, in other embodiments and like the gap  106 , the gap  206  may only be disposed in the top portion  210  of the body  201 , extend only partially in the top portion  210  of the body  201 , or any other length that still permits movement of the ribs towards each other. In this regard and in this example, the body  201  may be structured as an integral piece with a separation gap  206 , which acts to provide several benefits like those described above in regard to the gap  106 . 
     Coupling of the body  201  to a user engagement pole may be substantially similar to that described above in regard to the body  101  and the user engagement pole  12 . Thus, a brief description may be described as follows. The bottom end  203  of the body  201  may be slid over a top edge or part of the user engagement pole (i.e., proximate the pruning system when the tree pruner is assembled). Due to the size reduction from a remainder of the body  201  to that of the cross-sectional size in top portion  210  (like the cross-sectional size  108  to cross-sectional size  107  of the clamping mechanism  100 ) and the edge  209 , only a portion of the body  201  may be disposed about the user engagement pole. Accordingly, the size reduction and edge  209  act as a physical stop or barrier for the body  201  on the user engagement pole. In some embodiments and like described, In still other embodiments, one or more fasteners and adhesive may be used to help retain the body  201  to the user engagement pole. After the body  201  has been fully inserted or moved onto the user engagement pole, a bottom or lower part of each of the first and second ribs  204 ,  205  are structured to receive a first fastener  213  (proximate the bottom end  203  of the body) while a top or upper part of each of the first and second ribs  204 ,  205  (proximate the top end  202  of the body  201 ) are structured to receive a second fastener  214 . The fasteners  213 ,  214  may include bolts, pins, screws, and any other type of fastener. The first and second fasteners  213 ,  214  may be used to couple, join, or otherwise attach the first rib  204  to the second rib  205 . Tightening of the fasteners  213 ,  214  may then cause movement of the ribs  204 ,  205  closer together (i.e., to decrease the separation gap  206 ) to thereby tighten or secure the body  201  to the user engagement pole  12 . 
     Like the clamping mechanism  100 , after coupling of the body  201  to the user engagement pole, the top portion  210  of the body  201  is disposed above a top portion of the user engagement pole. That is to say, the top portion  210  of the body  201  extends above and over the user engagement pole  12 . In this regard, the top portion  210  of the body  201  is not or substantially not in contact with the user engagement pole. As a result, actuation of the lever  220  into the full locked position can cause deformation of the top portion  110  whereby deformation is not or substantially not prevented from the user engagement pole. 
     As mentioned above, the body  201  is shown to define an opening  211 . The opening  211  (e.g., space, void, etc.) is defined, more particularly, by the top portion  210  and proximate the top end  202 . According to one embodiment, the opening  211  corresponds with a shape of an external shape of the movable pole  14 . Thus, in this example, the opening  211  is of a circular or substantially circular shape. In operation, the movable pole  14  may slide, translate, or otherwise move through the opening  211 . 
     Relative to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-10B , the top portion  210  defines a longitudinally extending rib or protruding part, shown as flats  212 , that disrupt the circular shape of the opening  211  and cross-sectional configuration of the body  201  in general. The flats  212  (e.g., channels, members, etc.) may be used to couple with the inner pole of the tree pruner and prevent rotatable movement of the inner pole. Further, the flats  212  may be any shape. In other words, the flats  212  may prevent the inner pole from rotating relative to the clamping mechanism  200  and user engagement pole. In some embodiments, ribs, such as flats  212 , may also be included with the user engagement pole or only included with the user engagement pole. The latter configuration may be beneficial to avoid having to produce ribbed and non-ribbed versions of the clamping mechanism. Relative rotational constraining mechanisms, such as the flats  212 , may be beneficial to keep an orientation of the pruning system in a desired position. For example, in some instances, if relative rotation occurs, then use of the pruning system may be complicated or challenged. Such a rotational restricting mechanism may prevent this complication. It should be understood that in other embodiments, different and or other types of relative rotational constraining mechanisms may be used with all such variations intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown and like the lever  100 , the lever  220  generally includes a tab  221 , a cam  222  having a cam surface  223 , a cross-sectional value  224 , an inner surface  225  that is proximate and at least partly engaged with the top portion  210  of the body  201  when the lever  220  is in the locked position, and first and second prongs  226  and  227 . The lever  220  may correspond with the same or similar characteristics or attributes as described herein above with respect to the lever  120  (e.g., be of unitary construction, extend only partially about the top portion  210 , etc.). 
     In this regard, a shape of the lever  220  matches or substantially matches an external shape of the top portion  210  of the body  201 . Thus, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-13 , the general shape of the lever  220  is circular, which corresponds with the substantially circular shape of external surface of the top portion  210  of the body  201 . More particularly, the cross-sectional value  224  corresponds with a matching or substantially matching circular-shape to the external shape of the top portion  210 . Further, the inner surface  225  of the lever  220 , which corresponds with the cross-sectional value  224 , is sized and shaped to correspond with an external surface of the top portion  210  of the body  201 . In this regard, the circular or substantially circular shape of the surface  225  of the lever  220  matches the external shape of the top portion  210 . 
     Like the lever  120 , the lever  220  is rotatably coupled to the body  201 . In particular and as shown, the lever  220  is rotatably coupled to the top fastener  214  via a pivot connection, shown as a pin  235 , which is proximate a region associated with the top portion  210  of the body  201 . In other embodiments, any type of rotatable coupling mechanism may be used in addition to or in place of the pin  235  (e.g., a screw, etc.). In the example shown (see  FIG. 12 ) and as mentioned above, the lever  220  includes a top prong  226  (e.g., first prong) proximate the top end  202  and a bottom prong  227  (e.g., second prong) proximate the bottom end  203 . The prongs  226 ,  227  (e.g., members, etc.) at least partly surround the top fastener  214  and are structured to each, at least partly, receive the pin  235 . In other embodiments, more than or less than two prongs may be used to couple to the body  201 . For example, in an alternate embodiment, only one prong may rotatably couple the lever  220  to the body  201 . In still other embodiments, different types of rotatably coupling mechanisms may be used to couple the lever  220  to the body  201 . 
     Similar to the lever  120 , the lever  220  includes a cam  222  defining a cam surface  223 . The cam  222  (also referred to as a cam member) is disposed substantially about the pin  235 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 13  and mentioned above, the prongs  226 ,  227  of the lever  220  are structured to at least partially surround the top fastener  214  in order to enable reception of the pin  235  through each of the prongs  226 ,  227  and the top fastener  214 . For the purposes of explanation, the “cam  222 ” refers to each curved surface member on the lever  220  of each prong  226 ,  227  that is proximate to each of the pin  235  and the first rib  204 . Based on the foregoing and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the cam  222  corresponds with a cam surface  223 , which at least partly surrounds the pin  235 . 
     Similar to the lever  120 , actuation of the lever  220  may correspond with primary and secondary locking mechanisms. Explanation of these mechanisms are shown in regard to  FIGS. 14A-14F , which visually depict the movement of the lever  220  from the full open position ( FIG. 14A ) to the full close position ( FIG. 14F ). 
     With the above in mind, explanation may be described as follows. At image  1401 , the lever  220  is in the full open position. In this regard, the lever  220  (namely, the tab  221 ) is separated by a maximum distance from the top portion  210 . In the full open position, the cam surface  223  of the cam  222  is separated from the first rib  204 . At image  1402 , the lever  220  has been rotated clockwise (based on the view depicted in  FIG. 14B ) towards the top portion  210  and is in a partial unlocked or open position. However, the cam surface  223  of the cam  222  is still separated from the top portion  210 . At image  1403 , the lever  220  has been rotated clockwise further relative to image  1402 . As a result, the cam surface  223  is engaged with the first rib  204  and beginning to cause the first rib  204  to move towards the second rib  205 . Further, a part of the lever  220  near the tab  221  has begun to contact the top portion  210  of the body  211 . Due to the beginning or initialization of movement of the first rib  204  towards the second rib  205 , constrained relative movement between the clamping mechanism  200  and the inner pole may begin to be experienced by a user. At image  1404 , the lever  220  has rotated clockwise even further relative to image  1403 . As part of this rotation, the cam  223  of the cam  222  has pushed, moved, or otherwise forced the first rib  204  closer to the second rib  205  than in the image  1403 . Further, due to the sliding contact/engagement of the part of the lever  220  near the tab  221  and the top portion  210  of the body  201 , the lever  220  is flexing outward and away from the top portion  210  of the body  201 . At image  1405 , the lever  220  has rotated clockwise even further relative to the image  1404 . Due to this rotation, the cam surface  223  of the cam  222  has continued to push on the first rib  204  to cause additional movement towards the second rib  205  to further deform a cross-sectional area/reduce the circumference of the top portion  210  of the body  201  relative to that in image  1404 . At image  1406 , the lever  220  has completed rotation into the full locked position. During the transition to this position, the lever  220  has sprung back or flexed back to partially encompass the top portion  210  to lock the lever  220  in place around (substantially) the top portion  210  of the body  201 . In this regard, the lever  220  may be characterized as being seated with respect to the top portion  210  of the body  201 . The inward flexion may result in the lever  220  to be held substantially securely around the top portion  210 . As a result, this holding force has caused the cam  222 -to-first rib  204  engagement to be maintained (i.e., the deformation of the cross-sectional area of the top portion  210  to be maintained). Therefore and in this full locked position, relative movement between the inner pole and the clamping mechanism  200  is substantially prevented. 
     Further description of the clamping mechanism  200  may be described in regard to  FIGS. 15-16 . Graph  1500  depicts the change in distance between the first rib  204  and the pin  235  from the unlocked position to the locked position for the lever  220 , according to an example embodiment. Graph  1600  depicts the change in distance between the first and second ribs  204  and  205  from the unlocked to locked position of the lever  220 , according to an example embodiment. In regard to graph  1500 , as can be seen, as the lever  220  is actuated to the locked position, the distance between the pin  235  and the first rib  204  increases in distance. This is due to the curve of the cam surface  223  of the cam  222 . More particularly and with reference back to  FIG. 9B  where the distance  128  between the cam surface  123  and pin  135  is shown to be non-uniform or at least of a different value (e.g., increasing) at least once during the movement to the full lock position, a similar configuration is implemented with the lever  220 . In this regard, as the lever  220  moves towards the full lock position, a distance (e.g., distance  128 ) between the cam surface  223  and the pin  235  increases. This results in the distance between the first rib  204  and the pin  235  increasing from the full open position to the full close position. The increase in distance may result in an increase in force on the first rib  204  towards the second rib  205 . As a result and referring now to  FIG. 16 , a graph  1600  depicts the distance between the first rib  204  and second rib  205  decreasing as the lever  220  is actuated from the full open position to the full close position, according to an example embodiment. Due to the ribs  204 ,  205  moving closer together, the separation gap  206  also decreases as does the circumference of the top portion  210  of the body  201 . As used herein, in some embodiments, the “deformation” may mean that the overall shape (i.e., circular like shown with respect to the clamping mechanism  200 ) stays the same or substantially the same, but the size/area or circumference decreases. In some other embodiments, the “deformation” may mean that the cross-sectional shape of the top portion  210  has changed (e.g., oval to circular, square to rhomboid, etc.). As a result of this deformation, an internal surface of the top portion  210  of the body  201  engages with an inner pole in a manner that prevents or substantially prevents translation, movement, or sliding of the inner pole relative to the clamping mechanism  200 . That is to say, due to the deformation, an increase in friction between the top portion of the body and the inner or movable pole may increase to an amount that prevents or substantially prevents relative movement between the clamping mechanism and the inner pole. 
     It should be understood that while graph  1500  depicts that the distance between the pin and the first rib as increasing linearly (i.e., in a similar amount at each point  1401 - 1406 ) and as the distance between the first and second ribs decreasing linearly in graph  1600  (i.e., a similar amount at each point  1401 - 1406 ) that this depiction is for exemplary purposes only. In this regard and in other embodiments, the increase in distance between the pin and first rib and decrease in distance between the first and second ribs may be non-linear. In still other embodiments, rather than being a constant (linear or non-linear) increase in distance between the pin and the first rib and a constant (linear or non-linear) decrease in distance between the first and second ribs, there may be one or more periods (e.g., instances) of counter movement. For example, there may be a momentary decrease in distance between the pin and first rib during actuation of the lever to the full close position. As another example, there may be a momentary increase in distance between the first and second ribs during actuation of the lever to the full close position. Such counter-movements may be due to the inward/outward flexion of the lever during a movement into the full close position. For example, when the lever is at a maximum amount of outward flexion during movement to the full close position, a force from the cam on the first rib may be at its greatest amount, which causes a maximum amount of decrease in the separation gap between the first and second ribs. As the lever transitions into the full locked position, the flexion amount decreases and the force on the first rib towards the second rib also decreases thereby causing or allowing the first rib to move (slightly) away from the second rib. 
     Further, while the cam surface (e.g., surface  123  or  223 ) is shown to be of a substantially constant or uniform arcuate shape, in other embodiments, different curve types may be implemented with the cam members. In this regard, altering the surface profile of the cam surface may also impact the pin-to-first rib distance as well as the first rib-to-second rib distance characteristics at various positions during the movement of the lever from the full open position to the full close position. Moreover, such alterations may affect the final circumference deformation. The high configurability of the cam surface profile is intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     It should also be understood that while  FIGS. 14A-16  are described in regard to the clamping mechanism  200 , the same or similar type of process and result is applicable with the clamping mechanism  100 . In this regard, the same or similar engagements/results may be expected with respect to the clamping mechanism  100 . 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the adjustable length hand operated tool, shown as a tree pruner, with a clamping mechanism is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. 
     Moreover, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure may be constructed from a variety of different materials. For example, the use of engineered plastics in the construction of the clamping mechanism may provide a preferred combination of light weight and strength. According to other embodiments, a number of alternate materials can be used to produce the clamping mechanism: cast or machined aluminum could be utilized in the construction, a variety of steels, various composites, and/or any combination thereof. 
     Further, while the clamping mechanism is shown useable herein with only a tree pruner, it is contemplated that the clamping mechanism may be useable or applicable with any type of movable pole configuration where an inner pole is disposed at least partially within an outer pole and the inner pole is movable relative to the outer pole. For example, the clamping mechanisms of the present disclosure may be useable with pipes to alter an overall length of two coupled pipes. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize and appreciate the wide applicability of the clamping mechanism. 
     Furthermore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many modifications, alterations, or changes may be imparted into the tools disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” or other similar terms, such as “attached,” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.