Abstract:
A quick-releasing pivoting support for a line trimmer, which includes the use of a detachable interconnection such as a ball-and-socket to at least partially support the weight of a line trimmer while still allowing pivoting of the trimmer. In the case of an emergency, the trimmer may be simply lifted upwardly while still keeping both hands on the trimmer and quickly discarded by the operator.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates in general to hand held devices, and particularly relates to a quick releasing feature of a support for a line trimmer, which makes the trimmer safer, easier to maneuver, easier to operate, and more comfortable to use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to the use of a detachable interconnection between the shaft of line trimmer (or other similar device) and a user&#39;s body, which allows the line trimmer to be pivotably supported by the user&#39;s body in a desirable manner, but quickly detached relative to the user should the need arise due to an emergency. 
     In the field of hand-held lawn maintenance tools, it is known to provide a shoulder or other such strap with a &#34;hook&#34; on one end, in order to allow the hook to engage a loop or other similar mating element fixed relative to the shaft of a line trimmer or other similar device. Such an arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,307 to Shaulis. However, it is submitted that such hooks typically require the operation of one or both hands of the operator in order to facilitate such disengagement. This may be acceptable if the operator is in no particular hurry, such as when a rest break needs to be taken. However, should an emergency such as an engine fire occur, time may be of the essence in providing a quick disengagement of the unit from the body of the user. Latch-type devices such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,307 do not provide such needed detachment and could thusly be considered dangerous. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes inadequacies in the prior art by providing an improved support apparatus for a line trimmer or other hand-held powered device which provides at least partial support for a trimmer while still allowing the trimmer to be quickly and simply separate from the user should an emergency occur. 
     Generally described, the present invention provides a interconnection feature between a collar member attached to the shaft of a line trimmer or other similar device, which interconnects in a pivoting and/or swiveling manner with a holster or other similar device operably attached relative to the body of an operator. 
     More particularly described, the present invention relates to a quickly-detachable ball-and-socket interconnection between a collar attached to the shaft of a line trimmer, and a holster operably attached to the body of a user. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved interconnection feature between a line trimmer (or other similar device) and the body of and operator. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which is readily detached. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which is easily adjustable. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which is simple and comfortable to operate. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which is simple to maintain. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which is simple to manufacture. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an interconnection which includes an improved safety feature. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawing and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B are generally illustrative views of a first detachable connection 10 according to the present invention, with FIG. 1A illustrating the connection disengaged, and FIG. 1B illustrating the connection engaged. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are generally illustrative views of a second detachable connection 20 according to the present invention, with FIG. 2A illustrating the connection disengaged, and FIG. 2B illustrating the connection engaged. 
     FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing an operator using a line trimmer with the aid of a detachable connecting assembly according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a partially exploded, partially illustrative view illustrating the cooperation of a shaft-mounted protruding member with a holster-mounted recessed member. A plate member is shown twice, in its installed and isolated position. 
     FIG. 5 is a partially exploded, partially illustrative view illustrating the cooperation of a shaft-mounted protruding member with a holster-mounted recessed member. A plate member is shown twice, in its installed and isolated position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference is now generally made to the drawings. As may be seen, like numerals correspond to like items throughout the several views. 
     Reference is first made to FIG. 3, which illustrates the overall environment including the invention. As may be seen, a human operator is shown holding a line trimmer 100, which includes an elongate shaft 104 intermediate and connecting a motor 102 and a cutting head 106 including cutting line 108. A quick-releasing trimmer support assembly 10 is used to support at least part of the weight of the line trimmer 100, while still allowing the line trimmer 100 to be pivoted and/or swiveled relative to the user&#39;s body to facilitate the normal trimming process. 
     Reference is now also made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which generally illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention, which utilize a &#34;ball-and-socket&#34; interconnection between a protruding member 12 and a recessed member 14, both being part of the quick release support assembly 10, which also includes a supporting holster 15. The downwardly-protruding member 12 is rigidly attached relative to the line trimmer shaft 104 as discussed later in this application, and is receivably supported by the recessed member 14, which is fixed relative to the holster 15. As discussed in detail later, the holster 15 is supported by the operator&#39;s body by straps, belts, or the like. 
     As may be understood, the ball-and-socket interconnection allows the shaft to pivot in a direction such as Y as shown in FIG. 1B, and rotate or &#34;swivel&#34; in a direction such as X shown in FIG. 1B. This interconnection allows for several degrees of freedom of movement, which is clearly advantageous. 
     As may be seen, the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B operates in a manner similar to that discussed relative to the first embodiment, except it can be seen that the ball-and-socket interconnection is inverted to include the use of an upwardly-protruding member 22 attached relative to the holster 25, which is accepted by and supports a receiving member 24 attached relative to the trimmer shaft 104. As before, this ball-and-socket interconnection is advantageous, as it allows the operator to raise and lower the trimmer head by pivoting the shaft along the &#34;Y&#34; direction (see FIG. 2B) and swiveling (which could also be considered &#34;rotating&#34;) the shaft as shown by &#34;X&#34;, to facilitate the side-to-side movement so often associated with such trimmers. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 3 to discuss support of the holster by the operator. This can be done by the use of either a belt 110, or a shoulder strap or a combination of the two. Suspenders such as 114 could also be used in lieu of the shoulder strap when used in combination with the belt. A clip could also be incorporated into the holster to allow it to be releasably clipped to the operator&#39;s belt or pants. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows a connecting arrangement corresponding to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Shown is a split connecting collar 30 which can be attached by a tightening screw 31 or as otherwise known in the art to the shaft 104 of a conventional line trimmer. The connecting collar 30 attaches a protruding member 32 relative to the shaft 104. This protruding member can consist essentially of a ball mounted to one end of a shaft having its other end attached to the collar. 
     The extending member 32 is accepted and supported by a receiving member 37 (which could consist of a collar or bushing of metal or plastic) attached to a L-shaped bracket 35 defining an elongate adjustment slot 36 extending longitudinally along the &#34;A&#34; direction. Typical fasteners 38 extend through the slot 36 and are accepted by threaded holes 41 of a plate member 40, which is riveted or otherwise fastened in a &#34;sandwich&#34; fashion to the holster body, which includes a pair of straps 43, 44 and a hip cushion 45 which will contact the operator. A belt loop 46 is thus provided. 
     As may be understood, the slot 36 allows for relative adjustment of the bracket (and thus the receiving member) along direction &#34;A&#34;, which is an advantageous feature of the invention, and can be used to reduce back or other muscle fatigue. 
     The interconnection scheme described in reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B may be provided by the hardware shown in FIG. 5, which includes a protrusion-receiving collar 50 attached to the shaft-receiving collar 51, and a bolt 52 which interconnects a slotted L-shaped bracket 53 to a spacer 56, and a support ball-shaped protrusion 55. Again the same vertical adjustment feature is provided. 
     Alternatives and Options 
     The belts and straps can be made of leather, nylon or other suitable material. The padding on the holster may be lamb&#39;s wool, foam rubber, or other suitable padding. 
     Conclusion 
     It should be understood that the term &#34;line&#34; as used in this application is not restricted to monofilament line, line can also be used to describe a line of metal links, blades, or other elements. 
     While this invention has been described in specific detail with reference to the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that many variations and modifications may be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.