Inventors:
Gregory B. Eytchison - South Euclid OH
John Mark Buber - Middlefield OH
Robert C. Johnson - Montville OH
Jeffrey E. Zander - Minnetonka MN
Assignee:
The Toro Company - Bloomington MN
International Classification:
A01D 4200
US Classification:
83 13, 30122, 30276, 30DIG 5, 172 14, 56DIG 18, 56 127
Abstract:
Vegetation trimmers and methods for reconfiguring a trimmer are provided. A coupling mechanism permits reconfiguration of the trimmer between a first, e. g. , trimming, configuration and a second, e. g. , edging, configuration. The coupling mechanism may, in one embodiment, be used to couple a handle assembly with an extension tube. By rotating the handle assembly relative to the extension tube, the trimmer is moved between the trimming and edging configurations. In one embodiment, the mechanism may apply a biasing force to the handle assembly relative to the extension tube. The biasing force tends to bias the trimmer towards and retain the trimmer in the desired configuration. To switch the trimmer between configurations, the operator may impart a twisting force between the handle assembly and the extension tube where the twisting force is sufficient to overcome the biasing force. Optionally, a longitudinal force may also be applied before or during the application of the twisting force.