Trimmer head
A trimmer head for use with rotary vegetation cutting devices is disclosed. The head has a wear guide that indicates when the body of the trimmer head is worn down and needs replacement. In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises two plates that are molded to fit together. The plates have bores for holding connecting pins. The connecting pins not only hold the plates together, but also pivotably support cutting blades, by fitting into openings in the blades.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/127,924, filed on Apr. 23, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to heads for attachment to rotary vegetation cutting devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is a trimmer head, for attachment to a rotary vegetation cutter. It is comprised of a body and blades. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a top plate, bottom plate, and pins.
As illustrated in
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On the exterior or bottom surface of the bottom plate is a shaft attachment depression 110 within which is a fastener well 120. As illustrated in
As illustrated in the above-referenced figures, in an embodiment of the invention the bottom plate is circular, although it could also be a number of other different shapes, including triangular, scalloped-shape for easy removal by hand, etc.
The trimmer head is attached to a rotary vegetation cutter by inserting the shaft of the trimmer all the way through the central bore 30, and by placing a fastener, such as a hex nut or bolt, in the fastener well and securing it to the shaft. The trimmer head is designed to work with many different kinds of trimmers, and therefore different fasteners may be necessary to fit the head to different trimmers.
As shown in
For purposes of this patent, the following definitions apply. “Wear guide” refers to any structure that indicates the deterioration of the body of the trimmer head. “Body” refers generically to any blade-holding piece or pieces, such as the top plate and bottom plate. “Bottom portion” refers to the exterior surface of the bottom plate, or in the case of unibody versions of this invention, the bottom portion of the unibody. “Side portion” refers to any side or lateral portion of the top or bottom plate, and in the case of unibody versions of this invention, refers to any side or lateral portion of the unibody.
The top plate and bottom plate are held together with pins 130, 132, and 134, which fit into the first set of pin bores, 40, 42, and 44 and into the second set of pin bores 90, 92, and 94, as illustrated in
The blades 140, 142, and 144 have openings 160, 162, and 164 at one end, and the blades are attached to the body by inserting the pins through the openings and into the first set of pin bores and second set of pin bores, as illustrated in
As shown in
The top plate, bottom plate and blades can be made of plastic, and other materials such as aluminum. The pins can be made of metal, such as steel, and also could be made of other materials.
The top plate and bottom plate can be made by injection molding, or machined using lathes and drill presses. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation.
Claims
1.) A method of cutting vegetation, comprising:
- providing a trimmer with a head, said head having a wear guide;
- trimming vegetation with said trimmer;
- inspecting said wear guide; and
- replacing said head when said wear guide appears worn.
2.) The method according to claim 1, wherein said head has a bottom, and wherein said wear guide is on said bottom.
3.) The method according to claim 2, wherein said wear guide is a protrusion.
4.) The method according to claim 2, wherein said wear guide is a depression.
5.) A trimmer head comprising:
- a body, said body having a wear guide for use in determining when to replace said body; and
- a cutting blade attached to said body.
6.) The trimmer head according to claim 5, wherein said body has a bottom portion, and wherein said wear guide is on said bottom portion.
7.) The trimmer head according to claim 6, wherein said wear guide comprises a depression in said bottom portion.
8.) The trimmer head according to claim 6, wherein said wear guide comprises a protrusion in said bottom portion.
9.) The trimmer head according to claim 5, wherein said body has a side portion, and wherein said wear guide is on said side portion
10.) The trimmer head according to claim 9, wherein said wear guide comprises a depression in said side portion.
11.) The trimmer head according to claim 9, wherein said wear guide comprises a protrusion in said side portion.
12.) The trimmer head according to claim 5, wherein said blade is made of metal, and has a plastic overcoat.
13.) A method of cutting vegetation, comprising:
- providing a trimmer, comprising: a head; means for cutting associated with said head; and means for determining whether to replace said head;
- cutting vegetation with said trimmer; and
- inspecting said means for determining whether to replace said head.
14.) The method according to claim 13, additionally comprising replacing said head when said step of inspecting said means for determining whether to replace said head indicates that said head is worn.
15.) The method according to claim 13, additionally comprising continuing to use said head when said step of inspecting said means for determining whether to replace said head indicates that said head is not worn.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2005
Inventors: David Harris (Rio Oso, CA), Roy Bridges (Reno, NV)
Application Number: 10/952,605