Abstract: A "bump-feed" type line head (108) and replaceable spool (116) for a flexible line trimmer are specially adapted for removing and mounting the spool in a single manual movement to the line head to facilitate spool and line replacement. A U-shaped retention spring (118) is snap-fitted without separate fasteners within a hub in the line head on which the spool is journalled. The spring includes knob-shaped sections (122) protruding through the hub, beneath the spool, for retaining the spool on the hub without interfering with a bump-feed indexing mechanism. Pulling the spool from or pushing the spool onto the hub tends to deflect the knobs inwardly, allowing removal of the spool from the hub. The spool includes an integrally formed reel (116) and an integrally formed button (130) connected in a single movement to the bottom of the reel using undercut surfaces (136)(138), forming a cavity having a radius sufficient to accommodate extension of the knobs beneath the spool.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a lawn and garden blower provides a comparatively wide pattern of high velocity air. The nozzle includes a substantially hollow, tubular housing tapering from the upstream end to the downstream end. At the downstream end is a plurality of bores arranged side-by-side to divide the air stream into a plurality of high velocity air streams substantially parallel to one another as the plurality of air streams exit the nozzle from a plurality of apertures proximate the downstream end.

Abstract: A convertible leaf blower and vacuum apparatus includes a fan and baffle supported on one end of a cylindrical member for insertion into a collar defining an air inlet of the fan for narrowing the diameter of the air inlet when the apparatus is being connected to the collar. A vacuum tube replaces the cylindrical member when the apparatus is in a vacuum. The vacuum tube is connected to the collar in the same manner as the cylindrical member. A cover for overlaying the air inlet is attached on one side to the fan housing by a hinge and the other side by a releasable fastener.

Abstract: A powered lawn and garden tool for trimming and edging lawns is specially adapted for shipping and storing in collapsed state for reduced package sizes includes a single length of tube that is received within an extended neck portion of a motor housing. During final assembly, the tube is extended and locked into position in a single motion. The housing is further adapted to be rotated one hundred eighty degrees on the tube when it is extended and includes a button-operated mechanism for releasing the tube for rotation and locking it in either of two positions, one hundred eighty degrees apart.