초록 ▼

Vegetation trimmers and methods for reconfiguring a trimmer are provided. A coupling mechanism permits reconfiguration of the trimmer between a first, e.g., trimming, configuration and a second, e.g., edging, configuration. The coupling mechanism may, in one embodiment, be used to couple a handle as

Vegetation trimmers and methods for reconfiguring a trimmer are provided. A coupling mechanism permits reconfiguration of the trimmer between a first, e.g., trimming, configuration and a second, e.g., edging, configuration. The coupling mechanism may, in one embodiment, be used to couple a handle assembly with an extension tube. By rotating the handle assembly relative to the extension tube, the trimmer is moved between the trimming and edging configurations. In one embodiment, the mechanism may apply a biasing force to the handle assembly relative to the extension tube. The biasing force tends to bias the trimmer towards and retain the trimmer in the desired configuration. To switch the trimmer between configurations, the operator may impart a twisting force between the handle assembly and the extension tube where the twisting force is sufficient to overcome the biasing force. Optionally, a longitudinal force may also be applied before or during the application of the twisting force.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for reconfiguring a vegetation trimmer between a trimming configuration and an edging configuration, the method comprising:providing a vegetation trimmer comprising: cutting unit assembly; a handle assembly; an extension tube having a first end coupled to the handle assembly and a second

1. A method for reconfiguring a vegetation trimmer between a trimming configuration and an edging configuration, the method comprising:providing a vegetation trimmer comprising: cutting unit assembly; a handle assembly; an extension tube having a first end coupled to the handle assembly and a second end coupled to the cutting unit assembly; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the first end of the extension tube to the handle assembly, wherein the coupling mechanism is adapted to rotationally bias the handle assembly relative to the extension tube to either a first position or a second position, the first position corresponding to the trimming configuration and the second position corresponding to the edging configuration; and applying a twisting force between the handle assembly and the extension tube whereby the handle assembly rotates about the extension tube between the first position and the second position, wherein rotation of the handle assembly about the extension tube results in longitudinal displacement of substantially all of the handle assembly relative to the extension tube.