The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 12, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 08, 1997
Robert T. Schofield, Madison, WI (US);
Alterra Holdings Corporation, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Abstract
A tool for performing lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a tool support, a tool head, an actuating line and an actuating handle. The tool support preferably includes a pair of telescoping tubes and the tool head includes a blade movable to perform cutting operations. The blade is coupled to the actuating line and remotely movable by tensioning the actuating line. The actuating line passes through a portion of the tool support to the actuating handle. The actuating handle includes a line engagement mechanism or clutch assembly that engages and holds the line when the actuating handle is slid on the tool support. The tool is actuated by a first movement of the actuating handle that causes the engagement mechanism to engage the actuating line, followed by a second movement that tensions the line to move the blade. A reel mechanism below the engagement mechanism collects the actuating line when the tool support is retracted and dispenses line when the tool support is extended.