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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to scissor action tools such as garden shears or the like which are provided with a pair of cooperatively engaging members united for scissor action about a joint. In particular, this invention relates to tools of the type provided with a shock absorber for absorbing the impact created upon complete closure of the tool. The shock absorber includes a shank secured to one of the members. The shank is configured to merge into a resilient head which is formed as an annular structure. The head comes into abutting relationship with the other member when the members assume a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools such as scissors, shears, pruners, and the like, which are resiliently biased to an open position, and which have a locking mechanism to keep these tools in a closed configuration. More particularly, this invention is concerned with tools having a pair of cooperatively engaging members provided with a resilient lock slidable within slots formed in these members. The lock includes a button having a yieldable head merging into a shank extending through the slots, the shank being joined to a cap. The head and cap have concavely shaped faces so that they are effectively in contact with the tool in respective annular regions of the tool, the area of these regions being proportional to the degree of compressive force applied to the lock.

Abstract: A pole-mounted pruning tool having a shank adapted to support a cutting implement in a disposition suitable for severing a branch or the like. The shank merges into a hook having a jaw. The hook has a slot through which a cutting blade pivots during a pruning operation, the cutting blade cooperating with the jaw to severe a limb to be trimmed. The cutting blade biasing member, which urges the blade into a normally open position outside the bight of the jaw, is substantially received in a recess of the shank so that the pruning tool is less susceptible to becoming caught in congested foliage areas during pruning operations.

Abstract: The invention discloses pruning apparatus of the compound action hook and blade type. At the upper end of a longitudinally-extending handle, a stationary hook is fixed and extends upwardly therefrom in a plane parallel to and offset from the longitudinally-extending plane of the handle. It defines a downwardly-facing arcuately-shaped limb-engaging-surface for engagement with a limb. There is a movable blade which has a cutting edge and is operable to be reciprocated in an intersecting manner through cutting and return strokes with relation to the engaged limb and to the limb engaging surface of the fixed hook. A lever is pivotally mounted relative to the hook and a link pivotally interconnects to each of the lever and movable blade. The hook and movable blade and lever and link are each disposed contiguous to a common vertical plane.

Abstract: A shear has a first elongate blade having a generally convex work-engaging-cutting-edge and an elongate handle portion and a second elongate blade having a generally convex work-engaging-cutting-edge and an elongate handle portion and a pivot means for pivotally linking together the first and second blades. In closing stroke, the blades are swingable toward each other and their cutting edges oppose each other in facing relationship with the defined included angle between the blades at any point of their intersection having certain value in the order of 17.degree..+-.3.degree.. The combined included angles of the bevels of the cutting edges of the blades is in the order of not less than 80.degree. and not more than 120.degree..

Abstract: The invention discloses pruning apparatus of the compound action hook and blade type. At the upper end of a longitudinally-extending handle, a stationary hook is fixed and extends upwardly therefrom in a plane parallel to and offset from the longitudinally-extending plane of the handle. It defines a downwardly-facing arcuately-shaped limb-engaging-surface for engagement with a limb. There is a movable blade which has a cutting edge and is operable to be reciprocated in an intersecting manner through cutting and return strokes with relation to the engaged limb and to the limb engaging surface of the fixed hook. A lever is pivotally mounted relative to the hook and a link pivotally interconnects to each of the lever and movable blade. The hook and movable blade and lever and link are each disposed contiguous to a common vertical plane.

Abstract: An elongated pressure sensitive adhesive element for attachment within a recess on a component part of a shear, the upper side of the sheet carrying indicia for indicating the manufacturer or distributor or seller of the shear. The shear has pivoted crossed blades normally biased to opened position and is provided preferentially with a recess or inset in the spine or upper wall of the upper handle, into which an ornamental and/or information-bearing label may be inserted: (a) to impart a pleasing appearance to the tool; (b) to conceal an unsightly rivet which attaches the biasing spring to the handle; and (c) to carry information such as the manufacturer's or distributor's name, his trademark, tool model or number, or the like. The label and upper handle may be of contrasting colors to enhance tool attractiveness.