Patents by Inventor James W. Sutliff

James W. Sutliff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6119350
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotatable cutting head for a powered trimmer comprising top and bottom cover members, the bottom member is adapted to be operably associated with the drive shaft of a trimmer and includes at least one pivot member for receiving a pivoting cutting element, a latch mechanism is provided on the top cover for engaging the pivot member when the top and bottom cover members are mated, the latch member is secured against the pivot member by centrifugal forces acting on the latch during operation of the trimmer. The cutting elements comprise blades or molded lines that are readily adapted to be interchanged within the cutting head without the need for tools or complex disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Trim-A-Lawn Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Sutliff, Dallas W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5584723
    Abstract: The invention provides a connection assembly for a rechargeable battery, including a connector and connector receptacle assembly to connect the battery to the device. The connection assembly allows a battery to be inserted and removed from the device with minimal effort for recharging or use. The connector includes an insulator block with positive and negative electrical contact plates mounted therein, which contact the respective positive and negative contact plates of the connector receptacle. The connector is mounted to a battery, and the connector receptacle is mounted to an electrical device, such as a lawn mower or a charge unit if recharging is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Trim-a-Lawn Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Sutliff, Dallas W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5491962
    Abstract: The invention provides a cutting head assembly for a lawnmower, trimmer, or similar device which includes a plurality of lower cutting elements mounted to a disc-shaped support member. A plurality of upper cutting elements are also mounted to the disc-shaped support member at a higher elevation, such that each upper cutting element is directly above a corresponding lower cutting element. This allows for a double cut mulching effect in use. An air foil can be provided with the upper cutting elements to create an upward vacuum which positions the grass for a clean cut by both the upper and lower cutting elements. The cutting elements can comprise cutting blades and/or flexible cutting filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Trim-A-Lawn Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Sutliff, Dallas W. Jones, Lawrence J. Kuhl
  • Patent number: D399104
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Trim-A-Lawn Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Sutliff, Dallas W. Jones
  • Patent number: D417597
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Trim-A-Lawn Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Sutliff, Dallas W. Jones