U.S. patent application number 09/729594 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for lopping apparatus having stowable blades and associated method.
Invention is credited to DiMatteo, Mark W., Oyler, Thomas C..
Application Number | 20010005941 09/729594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22344019 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010005941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiMatteo, Mark W. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2001 |
Lopping apparatus having stowable blades and associated method
Abstract
A lopping apparatus includes a first handle having a first blade
storage compartment. The lopping apparatus further includes a first
blade member connected to the first handle, the first blade member
having a first cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally
includes a second handle having a second blade storage compartment.
Moreover, the lopping apparatus includes a second blade member
connected to the second handle, the second blade member having a
second cutting portion. The lopping apparatus additionally includes
a first connecting link pivotally coupled to both (i) the first
handle at a first pivot location which defines a first pivot axis,
and (ii) the second handle at a second pivot location which defines
a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis
define a line L. The lopping apparatus is positionable in a lopping
mode of operation and a storage mode of operation. When the lopping
apparatus is positioned in the lopping mode of operation, (i) the
first cutting portion and the second cutting portion are both
positioned on a first side of the line L, and (ii) the first blade
storage compartment and the second blade storage compartment are
both positioned on a second side of the line L. When the lopping
apparatus is positioned in the storage mode of operation, (i) the
first cutting portion and the second cutting portion are both
positioned on the first side of the line L, (ii) the first blade
storage compartment and the second blade storage compartment are
both positioned on the first side of the line L, (iii) at least a
portion of the first blade member is positioned in either the first
blade storage compartment or the second blade storage compartment,
and (iv) at least a portion of the second blade member is
positioned in either the first blade storage compartment or the
second blade storage compartment. This application is a
continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/292,639, filed
on Apr. 15, 1999, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional application Ser. No. 60/112,461, filed Dec. 16,
1998.
Inventors: |
DiMatteo, Mark W.; (Latrobe,
PA) ; Oyler, Thomas C.; (Louisville, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul J. Maginot
Maginot, Addison & Moore
Bank One Center/Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3000
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5130
US
|
Family ID: |
22344019 |
Appl. No.: |
09/729594 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09729594 |
Dec 4, 2000 |
|
|
|
09292639 |
Apr 15, 1999 |
|
|
|
6161291 |
|
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60112461 |
Dec 16, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
30/252 ; 30/194;
30/254 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 3/0251
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
30/252 ; 30/254;
30/194 |
International
Class: |
A01G 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lopping apparatus, comprising: a first lopping component
including (i) a first handle having a first storage compartment,
and (ii) a first blade member connected to said first handle, said
first blade member having a first cutting surface; and a second
lopping component including (i) a second handle having a second
storage compartment, and (ii) a second blade member connected to
said second handle, said second blade member having a second
cutting surface; wherein said first cutting surface and said second
cutting surface are configured to cooperate with each other to
prune a plant, wherein (i) said first cutting surface is the only
workpiece contacting surface supported by said first lopping
component, and (ii) said second cutting surface is the only
workpiece contacting surface supported by said second lopping
component, wherein said first cutting surface and said second
cutting surface are each spaced apart from both said first blade
storage compartment and said second blade storage compartment when
said lopping apparatus is positioned in said lopping mode of
operation, and wherein when said lopping apparatus is positioned in
said storage mode of operation, (i) at least a portion of said
first blade member is positioned in either said first blade storage
compartment or said second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at
least a portion of said second blade member is positioned in either
said first blade storage compartment or said second blade storage
compartment.
2. The lopping apparatus of claim 1, wherein: said first lopping
component is configured such that no workpiece contacting surface
is positioned in said first storage compartment when said lopping
apparatus is positioned in said lopping mode of operation, and said
second lopping component is configured such that no workpiece
contacting surface is positioned in said second storage compartment
when said lopping apparatus is positioned in said lopping mode of
operation.
3. The lopping apparatus of claim 2, wherein: said first lopping
component is configured such that no workpiece contacting surface
is positioned in said first storage compartment, except for said
second cutting surface, when said lopping apparatus is positioned
in said lopping mode of operation, and said second lopping
component is configured such that no workpiece contacting surface
is positioned in said second storage compartment, except for said
first cutting surface, when said lopping apparatus is positioned in
said lopping mode of operation.
4. The lopping apparatus of claim 3, wherein: said first blade
member and said second blade member are pivotally coupled to each
other at a blade connection location so as to define a pivot axis
P1, a forward portion of said first blade member extends from said
pivot axis P1 to an extreme forward end of said first blade member
for a distance D1, said first cutting surface extends from said
extreme forward end of said first blade member toward said pivot
axis P1 for a distance D2, and D2/D1>0.5.
5. The lopping apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a forward portion of
said second blade member extends from pivot axis P1 to an extreme
forward end of said second blade member for a distance D3, said
second cutting surface extends from said extreme forward end of
said second blade member toward said pivot axis P1 for a distance
D4, and D4/D3>0.5.
6. A lopping apparatus, comprising: a first lopping component
including (i) a first handle having a first storage compartment,
and (ii) a first blade member connected to said first handle, said
first blade member having a first cutting surface; and a second
lopping component including (i) a second handle having a second
storage compartment, and (ii) a second blade member connected to
said second handle, said second blade member having a second
cutting surface; wherein said first cutting surface and said second
cutting surface are configured to cooperate with each other to
prune a plant, wherein (i) said first blade member and said second
blade member are pivotally coupled to each other at a blade
connection location so as to define a pivot axis P1, (ii) a forward
portion of said first blade member extends from said pivot axis P1
to an extreme forward end of said first blade member for a distance
D1, (iii) said first cutting surface extends from said extreme
forward end of said first blade member toward said pivot axis P1
for a distance D2, and (iv) wherein D2/D1>0.5, wherein (i) a
forward portion of said second blade member extends from pivot axis
P1 to an extreme forward end of said second blade member for a
distance D3, (ii) said second cutting surface extends from said
extreme forward end of said second blade member toward said pivot
axis P1 for a distance D4, and (iii) wherein D4/D3>0.5, wherein
said first cutting surface and said second cutting surface are each
spaced apart from both said first blade storage compartment and
said second blade storage compartment when said lopping apparatus
is positioned in said lopping mode of operation, and wherein when
said lopping apparatus is positioned in said storage mode of
operation, (i) at least a portion of said first blade member is
positioned in either said first blade storage compartment or said
second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at least a portion of
said second blade member is positioned in either said first blade
storage compartment or said second blade storage compartment.
7. The lopping apparatus of claim 6, wherein (i) said first cutting
surface is the only workpiece contacting surface supported by said
first lopping component, and (ii) said second cutting surface is
the only workpiece contacting surface supported by said second
lopping component.
8. The lopping apparatus of claim 6, wherein: no workpiece
contacting surface is positioned in said first storage compartment
when said lopping apparatus is positioned in said lopping mode of
operation, and no workpiece contacting surface is positioned in
said second storage compartment when said lopping apparatus is
positioned in said lopping mode of operation.
9. The lopping apparatus of claim 8, wherein: no workpiece
contacting surface is positioned in said first storage compartment,
except for said second cutting surface, when said lopping apparatus
is positioned in said lopping mode of operation, and no workpiece
contacting surface is positioned in said second storage
compartment, except for said first cutting surface, when said
lopping apparatus is positioned in said lopping mode of
operation.
10. A method of operating and stowing a lopping apparatus having
(i) a first lopping component including a first handle having a
first storage compartment, and a first blade member connected to
said first handle, said first blade member having a first cutting
surface, and (ii) a second lopping component including a second
handle having a second storage compartment, and a second blade
member connected to said second handle, said second blade member
having a second cutting surface, comprising the steps of: pruning a
plant during a first period of time by moving the first cutting
surface in relation to the second cutting surface such that a limb
of said plant is sheared off; manipulating said first handle, said
second handle, said first blade member, and said second blade
member so that said lopping apparatus is positioned in a storage
configuration, wherein when said lopping apparatus is positioned in
said storage configuration, (i) at least a portion of said first
blade member is positioned in either said first blade storage
compartment or said second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at
least a portion of said second blade member is positioned in either
said first blade storage compartment or said second blade storage
compartment; and stowing said lopping apparatus for a second period
of time while said lopping apparatus is positioned in said storage
configuration, wherein (i) said first blade member and said second
blade member are pivotally coupled to each other at a blade
connection location so as to define a pivot axis P1, (ii) a forward
portion of said first blade member extends from said pivot axis P1
to an extreme forward end of said first blade member for a distance
D1, (iii) said first cutting surface extends from said extreme
forward end of said first blade member toward said pivot axis P1
for a distance D2, and (iv) wherein D2/D1>0.5, and wherein (i) a
forward portion of said second blade member extends from pivot axis
P1 to an extreme forward end of said second blade member for a
distance D3, (ii) said second cutting surface extends from said
extreme forward end of said second blade member toward said pivot
axis P1 for a distance D4, and (iii) wherein D4/D3>0.5.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein no workpiece contacting surface
is positioned in either said first storage compartment or said
second storage compartment during said pruning step.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein during said stowing step: no
workpiece contacting surface is positioned in said first storage
compartment, except for said second cutting surface, and no
workpiece contacting surface is positioned in said second storage
compartment, except for said first cutting surface.
13. A method of operating and stowing a lopping apparatus having
(i) a first lopping component including a first handle having a
first storage compartment, and a first blade member connected to
said first handle, said first blade member having a first cutting
surface, and (ii) a second lopping component including a second
handle having a second storage compartment, and a second blade
member connected to said second handle, said second blade member
having a second cutting surface, comprising the steps of: pruning a
plant during a first period of time by moving the first cutting
surface in relation to the second cutting surface such that a limb
of said plant is sheared off; manipulating said first handle, said
second handle, said first blade member, and said second blade
member so that said lopping apparatus is positioned in a storage
configuration, wherein when said lopping apparatus is positioned in
said storage configuration, (i) at least a portion of said first
blade member is positioned in either said first blade storage
compartment or said second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at
least a portion of said second blade member is positioned in either
said first blade storage compartment or said second blade storage
compartment; and stowing said lopping apparatus for a second period
of time while said lopping apparatus is positioned in said storage
configuration, wherein during said pruning and stowing steps (i)
said first cutting surface is the only workpiece contacting surface
supported by said first lopping component, and (ii) said second
cutting surface is the only workpiece contacting surface supported
by said second lopping component.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein no workpiece contacting surface
is positioned in either said first storage compartment or said
second storage compartment during said pruning step.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein during said stowing step: no
workpiece contacting surface is positioned in said first storage
compartment, except for said second cutting surface, and no
workpiece contacting surface is positioned in said second storage
compartment, except for said first cutting surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lopping
apparatus, and more particularly to a lopping apparatus which has
handle compartments for stowing its blades during periods of
non-use.
[0002] Numerous lopping devices have heretofore been designed for
pruning branches from plants such as trees, shrubs, and bushes. One
such lopping device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,599 issued
to Plum. In particular, Plum discloses a device 10 that includes a
pair of steel blade 12 which are interconnected by a pivotal
connection 14. The device 10 further includes a pair of wooden
handles 16 which are respectively attached to the steel blades 12
by an attachment mechanism 16. During operation, the handles 16 are
moved relative to each other which, in turn, causes a corresponding
movement of the steel blades 12 relative to each other. After the
operation is complete, the handles 16 are moved toward each other
to their fullest extent thereby causing the blades 12 to close to
their fullest extent. The device 10 is then stowed in this closed
configuration during periods of non-use typically in a storage area
such as a garage or utility shed.
[0003] Space is generally at a premium in storage areas such as
garages and utility sheds. As a result, it would be desirable to
decrease the amount of space occupied by implements and tools such
as lopping devices which are stowed away in these storage areas.
Moreover, it is desirable to provide an extra degree of safety to
implements and tools such as lopping devices while such devices are
stowed away in storage areas. It is further desirable to provide a
lopping apparatus which is extremely durable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a lopping apparatus which includes a first handle
having a first blade storage compartment. The lopping apparatus
further includes a first blade member connected to the first
handle, the first blade member having a first cutting portion. The
lopping apparatus additionally includes a second handle having a
second blade storage compartment. Moreover, the lopping apparatus
includes a second blade member connected to the second handle, the
second blade member having a second cutting portion. The lopping
apparatus additionally includes a first connecting link pivotally
coupled to both (i) the first handle at a first pivot location
which defines a first pivot axis, and (ii) the second handle at a
second pivot location which defines a second pivot axis. The first
pivot axis and the second pivot axis define a line L. The lopping
apparatus is positionable in a lopping mode of operation and a
storage mode of operation. When the lopping apparatus is positioned
in the lopping mode of operation, (i) the first cutting portion and
the second cutting portion are both positioned on a first side of
the line L, and (ii) the first blade storage compartment and the
second blade storage compartment are both positioned on a second
side of the line L. When the lopping apparatus is positioned in the
storage mode of operation, (i) the first cutting portion and the
second cutting portion are both positioned on the first side of the
line L, (ii) the first blade storage compartment and the second
blade storage compartment are both positioned on the first side of
the line L, (iii) at least a portion of the first blade member is
positioned in either the first blade storage compartment or the
second blade storage compartment, and (iv) at least a portion of
the second blade member is positioned in either the first blade
storage compartment or the second blade storage compartment.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a method of operating and stowing a lopping
apparatus which includes (i) a first handle having a first blade
storage compartment, (ii) a first blade member connected to the
first handle, (iii) a second handle having a second blade storage
compartment, and (iv) a second blade member connected to the second
handle. The method includes the step of operating the lopping
apparatus for a first period of time so that the first blade member
and the second blade are manipulated to contact a plant in a manner
such that a limb of the plant is sheared off. The method further
includes the step of manipulating the first handle, the second
handle, the first blade member, and the second blade member so that
the lopping apparatus is positioned in a storage configuration,
wherein when the lopping apparatus is positioned in the storage
configuration, (i) at least a portion of the first blade member is
positioned in either the first blade storage compartment or the
second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at least a portion of
the second blade member is positioned in either the first blade
storage compartment or the second blade storage compartment.
Moreover, the method includes the step of stowing the lopping
apparatus for a second period of time while the lopping apparatus
is positioned in the storage configuration.
[0006] Yet according to another embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a lopping apparatus which includes a
first handle having a first blade storage compartment. The lopping
apparatus further includes a first blade member connected to the
first handle, the first blade member having a first cutting
portion. The lopping apparatus also includes a second handle having
a second blade storage compartment. Moreover, the lopping apparatus
includes a second blade member connected to the second handle, the
second blade member having a second cutting portion. The lopping
apparatus is positionable in a lopping mode of operation and a
storage mode of operation. The first cutting portion and the second
cutting portion are each spaced apart from both the first blade
storage compartment and the second blade storage compartment when
the lopping apparatus is positioned in the lopping mode of
operation. When the lopping apparatus is positioned in the storage
mode of operation, (i) at least a portion of the first blade member
is positioned in either the first blade storage compartment or the
second blade storage compartment, and (ii) at least a portion of
the second blade member is positioned in either the first blade
storage compartment or the second blade storage compartment.
[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a new and
useful lopping apparatus.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved lopping apparatus.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and useful method of operating and stowing a lopping
apparatus.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved method of operating and stowing a lopping apparatus.
[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a lopping apparatus which occupies less space when stowed away in a
storage area relative to other lopping apparatus having comparable
pruning abilities.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
lopping apparatus having an extra degree of safety while it is
stowed away in a storage area.
[0013] It is further desirable to provide a lopping apparatus which
is extremely durable.
[0014] Other objects and benefits of the present invention can be
discerned from the following description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a lopping apparatus
which incorporates the features of the present invention therein,
with the lopping apparatus being shown in the lopping mode of
operation;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the first
handle and the second handle each being rotated outwardly relative
to its position in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the lopping apparatus
of FIG. 1, but showing the lopping apparatus in the storage mode of
operation;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the lopping apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG.
1 as viewed in the direction of the arrows, with the gripping
portion of the handle removed for clarity of description; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the opposite
side of the lopping apparatus which is shown in FIG. 3 (i.e. the
lopping apparatus of FIG. 6 is shown after it has been rotated 1800
relative to its position in FIG. 3).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, a specific embodiment and method thereof has
been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there
is no intent to limit the invention to the particular form
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show a lopping
apparatus 10 which incorporates the features of the present
invention therein. The lopping apparatus 10 includes a handle 12
and a handle 14. The handle 12 includes a gripping portion 13,
while the handle 14 includes a gripping portion 15. The handle 12
has a blade storage compartment 16 defined therein, while the
handle 14 has a blade storage compartment 18 defined therein.
[0023] The lopping apparatus 10 further includes a blade member 20
and a blade member 22. The blade member 20 has a cutting portion
24, while the blade member 22 has a cutting portion 26. The cutting
portion 24 cooperates with the cutting portion 26 so as to function
as an anvil-type cutter as is well known in the art.
[0024] The blade member 20 is pivotally connected to the handle 14
with a fastener 28 at a handle connection location 29. Similarly,
the blade member 22 is pivotally connected to the handle 12 with a
fastener 30 at a handle connection location 31. Moreover, the blade
member 20 has a fastener aperture which extends therethrough at a
blade connection location 50, and also the blade member 22 further
has a fastener aperture which extends therethrough at the blade
connection location 50 so as to define a pivot axis P1. A bolt 52
extends through both (i) the fastener aperture of blade member 20,
and (ii) the fastener aperture of blade member 22. A nut 54 is
fastened on the end of the bolt 52 as shown in FIG. 6 so as to
ensure that the blade member 20 is pivotally secured to the blade
member 22.
[0025] A forward portion of the blade member 22 extends from the
pivot axis P1 to an extreme forward end of the blade member 22 for
a distance D1 as shown in FIG. 1. The cutting surface defined by
the cutting portion 26 (as shown in FIG. 1) extends from said
extreme forward end of the blade member 22 toward the pivot axis P1
for a distance D2 (see FIG. 1). As also shown in FIG. 1, it should
be appreciated that D2/D1>0.5. A forward portion of the second
blade member 20 extends from the pivot axis P1 to an extreme
forward end of the blade member 20 for a distance D3 as shown in
FIG. 1. The cutting surface defined by the cutting portion 24 (as
shown in FIG. 1) extends from the extreme forward end of the blade
member 20 toward the pivot axis P1 for a distance D4. As also shown
in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that D4/D3>0.5.
[0026] The handle 12 further includes a gear portion 34 defined in
an end thereof, while the handle 14 includes a gear portion 36
defined in an end thereof. The gear portion 34 meshes with the gear
portion 36 during movement of the handle 12 relative to the handle
14. The gear portions 34, 36 facilitate proper positioning of the
handle 12 relative to the handle 14 during operation of the lopping
apparatus 10. Moreover, providing the lopping apparatus with the
gear portions 34, 36 enhances the durability of the lopping
apparatus since the gear portions 34, 36 share the mechanical load
exerted on the various components of the lopping apparatus 10
during a lopping operation.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the gear portion 34 includes a number of
gear teeth 38 and a number of gear teeth 39. The gear teeth 38
define a number of gear slots 40 and the number of gear teeth 39
define a number of gear slots 41. Each gear slot 40 is defined
between an adjacent pair of gear teeth 38. Similarly, each gear
slot 41 is defined between an adjacent pair of gear teeth 39. Each
of the gear teeth 38 is respectively aligned with each of the gear
slots 41 Similarly, each of the gear teeth 39 is respectively
aligned with each of the gear slots 40. To give meaning to the term
"aligned" as it is used in this document, it should be understood
that a gear tooth 39 is aligned with a gear slot 40 since the gear
tooth 39 is visible through the gear slot 40 in a side elevational
such as FIG. 3, as opposed to the gear tooth 39 being hidden behind
a gear tooth 38. While significant advantages are achieved by
having gear teeth 38, 39 respectively aligned with gear slots 40,
41, many of the advantages of the invention would still be achieved
if the gear teeth 38, 39 were not respectively aligned with gear
slots 40, 41, but rather the gear teeth 38 were respectively
aligned with the gear teeth 39, and the gear slots 40 were
respectively aligned with the gear slots 41.
[0028] The gear portion 36 includes a number of gear teeth 44 and a
number of gear teeth 45. The gear teeth 44 define a number of gear
slots 46 and the number of gear teeth 45 define a number of gear
slots 47. Each gear slot 46 is defined between an adjacent pair of
gear teeth 44. Similarly, each gear slot 47 is defined between an
adjacent pair of gear teeth 45. Each of the gear teeth 44 is
respectively aligned with each of the gear slots 47. Similarly,
each of the gear teeth 45 is respectively aligned with each of the
gear slots 46. While significant advantages are achieved by having
gear teeth 44, 45 respectively aligned with gear slots 46, 47, many
of the advantages of the invention would still be achieved if the
gear teeth 44, 45 were not respectively aligned with gear slots 46,
47, but rather the gear teeth 44 were respectively aligned with the
gear teeth 45, and the gear slots 46 were respectively aligned with
the gear slots 47.
[0029] During operation of the lopping apparatus 10, the gear teeth
38 mesh with the gear teeth 44, while the gear teeth 39 mesh with
the gear teeth 45. In particular, such meshing occurs when (i) the
gear teeth 38 are advanced in and out of the gear slot 46, (ii) the
gear teeth 39 are advanced in and out of the gear slot 47, (iii)
the gear teeth 44 are advanced in and out of the gear slot 40, and
(iv) the gear teeth 45 are advanced in and out of the gear slot
41.
[0030] The lopping apparatus 10 further includes a connecting link
56 and a connecting link 58. One end of the connecting link 56 is
pivotally coupled to the handle 12 at a pivot location which
defines a pivot axis 60, while the other end of the connecting link
56 is pivotally coupled to the handle 14 at a pivot location which
defines a pivot axis 62. The pivot axis 60 and the pivot axis 62
defines a line L. In particular, a line drawn through both the
pivot axis 60 and the pivot axis 62 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
defines the line L. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, one end of the
connecting link 58 is also pivotally coupled to the handle 12 at
the pivot location which defines the pivot axis 60, while the other
end of the connecting link 58 is pivotally coupled to the handle 14
at the pivot location which defines the pivot axis 62.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, the construction of the handle 12
is shown in greater detail. In particular, the handle 12 includes a
left lateral exterior wall 64, a left lateral interior wall 66, a
right lateral interior wall 68, and a right lateral exterior wall
70. The left lateral exterior wall 64 is spaced apart from the left
lateral interior wall 66 so as to define a left lateral wall gap
72. The right lateral interior wall 68 is spaced apart from the
right lateral exterior wall 70 so as to define a right lateral wall
gap 74. The handle 12 further includes a back wall 76 secured
between the left lateral interior wall 66 and the right lateral
interior wall 68. The back wall 76, the left lateral interior wall
66, and the right lateral interior wall 68 collectively define the
blade storage compartment 16.
[0032] The construction of the handle 14 is substantially similar
to the construction of the handle 12 shown in FIG. 5. In
particular, the handle 14 includes a left lateral exterior wall, a
left lateral interior wall, a right lateral interior wall, and a
right lateral exterior wall. The left lateral exterior wall is
spaced apart from the left lateral interior wall so as to define a
left lateral wall gap. The right lateral exterior wall is spaced
apart from the right lateral interior wall so as to define a right
lateral wall gap. The handle further includes a back wall secured
between the left lateral interior wall and the right lateral
interior wall. The back wall, the left lateral interior wall, and
the right lateral interior wall collectively define the blade
storage compartment 18.
[0033] The lopping apparatus 10 is positionable in a lopping mode
of operation (see e.g. FIGS. 1 and 2), and a storage mode of
operation (see e.g. FIGS. 3 and 6). When the lopping apparatus 10
is positioned in the lopping mode of operation, (i) the cutting
portion 24 and the cutting portion 26 are both positioned on a
first side of the line L, and (ii) the blade storage compartment 16
and the blade storage compartment 18 are both positioned on a
second side of the line L. On the other hand, when the lopping
apparatus 10 is positioned in the storage mode of operation, (i)
the cutting portion 24 and the cutting portion 26 are both
positioned on the first side of the line L, (ii) the blade storage
compartment 16 and the blade storage compartment 18 are both
positioned on the first side of the line L, (iii) a portion of the
blade member 20 is positioned in the blade storage compartment 16,
and (iv) a portion of the blade member 22 is positioned in the
blade storage compartment 18.
[0034] It should be noted that the gripping portion 13 is able to
contact the gripping portion 15 when the lopping apparatus 10 is
positioned in the storage mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 6, a
storage gap 78 is created between the handle 12 and the handle 14
when (i) the gripping portion 13 is in contact with the gripping
portion 15, and (ii) the lopping apparatus 10 is positioned in the
storage mode of operation. The nut 54 and the bolt 52 are both
located in the storage gap 78 when (i) the gripping portion 13 is
in contact with the gripping portion 15, and (ii) the lopping
apparatus 10 is positioned in the storage mode of operation.
[0035] It should be appreciated that the lopping apparatus 10 is
operated and stowed in the following manner. During a first period
of time, the blade member 20 and the blade 22 are manipulated via
handles 12, 14 to contact a plant such as a tree, shrub, or bush in
a manner such that a limb of the plant is sheared off. Then, the
handles 12, 14, and consequently the blade member 20 and the blade
member 22, are manipulated so that the lopping apparatus 10 is
positioned in a storage configuration as shown in FIG. 6.
Thereafter, the lopping apparatus 10 is stowed away in a storage
area such as a garage or utility shed for a second period of time
while the lopping apparatus is positioned in the storage
configuration. In this way, the lopping apparatus 10 occupies less
space and assumes a configuration which provides an added degree of
safety while it is stowed in the storage area.
[0036] While the invention has been described in detail in the
drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as
illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood
that only the preferred embodiments and methods have been shown and
described and that all changes and modifications that come within
the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. For
example, while the lopping apparatus 10 was described and shown in
the drawings as possessing cutting portions 24, 26 which are
configured and cooperate with each other as an anvil-type cutter,
it should be appreciated that cutting portions 24, 26 may
alternatively be configured and cooperate with each other as a
bypass-type cutter.
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