GB2214772A - Pruning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A tree or shrub pruner incorporates a branch gripping device to enable a remotely located branch to be held firmly and when cut to then to be brought to the ground or floor. This assembly will allow cut branches to be retrieved from over or beyond property lines, or from awkward positions or locations. The maximum size of branch that can be cut will be determined by the extent that the claws or other gripping devices can be opened.

Description

TREB OR SHRUB PRUNE This Invention relates to a Tree or Shrub Pruner.

s study of the needs in the garden for the pruning of Trees or Shrubs has shown that there is a real need for a means of pruning in awkward positions or locations. This is a particular problem when pruning on property boundary lines or where there are telephone lines or other wires. This is also particularily relevant where the cut piece of branch is to be retrieved and not allowed to fall into a neibouring premises or onto a telephone line or other wires.

Vhilst there are numerous pruners on the market, none can deal with the need for retrieving the cut piece as an integral part of the pruning process.

According to the present invention a claw type of grip is provided as part of the pruner so that the cut piece will be held during the cutting process and also after severing from the branch limb. The pruner together with the cut piece can then be retrieved by the user or operator and the cut piece can then be disposed of as required.

The pruner itself can be a short hand held tool with a guillotine type of cutter or alternatively a saw type of cutter.

Alternatively the pruner can be an extended or extendable type to enable a distant branch to be pruned. This tool may also incorporate a guillotine type of cutter or alternatively a saw type of cutter.

It is envisaged that the guillotine type will be actioned either by a hand operated lever or by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. It is alsa envisaged that the saw type of pruner will be actioned either by hand ar by an electric drive.

The present invention will encompass ail the variable types of pruner and can be designed to suit any type of pruner as described above or amy variation or alternative design.

The present invention includes a claw type of grip that will be placed over the branch to be cut and on the side of the branch that is to be removed. The claw will then be fixed to the branch'by some suitable neans such as a hand grip on the tool or a lever grip. The saw or guillotine will be to the tree or shrub side of the grip. The pruner will then be held whilst the branch is severed. Vhen the branch is severed it will then be removed front the tree or shrub still held witMn the grip of the claw and brought to the ground to then be released from the grip.

To suit runing at any angle or position the saw or guillotine must be to the tree or shrub side of the branch with the claw grip to the side to be removed. Therefore the design must allow for the grip and the saw or guillotine to operate in any plane or position relative to these requ irents The claw grip described can be of any design to suit a particular design of pruner, providing that it will grip the branch firmly. It is envisaged that it will incorporate a quick release arrangement.

For the extended type of pruner either a long shafted unit is envisaged or an extendable shafted unit is envisaged. The saw or guillotine will be at the pruner head assembly together with the grip assembly, and at the base will be a hand grip or grips together with the claw grip lever or such devise. The saw type of cutter may be operated also from the hand grip end. Where an eiectric drive is incorporated it may be located at the hand grip end or at the pruner head or any position inbetween.

Where a pneumatic or hydraulic unit is incorporated it may be be located at any position.

With an extendable shaft pruner design will be incorporated quick connections for rods, shafts, tubing, or electrical wiring for the motor when located at the pruner head.

To ensure safe operation particularily for the extended or extendable designs the length of the branch pieces'to be cut will be linited.

Therefore a long branch may be removed in stages.

It is further envisaged that the maximum size of branch that can be cut or guillotined will be limited by the extent that the claws or other gripping devise or devises can be opened.

A further safety feature on the electrically operated unit may incorporate a safety switch that will prevent operation until the branch grip has been fixed onto the branch. The ra4iE switch is also envisaged as being the safety grip type.

Claims (6)

1 A Tree or Shrub Pruner that incorporates a branch gripping devise.

2 A Tree or Shrub Pruner as Claimed in Claim 1 whereby a branch or branches can be remotely cut or severed and held by a branch gripping devise.

3 A Tree or Shrub Pruner as Claimed in either of the preceding claims whereby the cut or severed branch can be removed from the Tree or Shrub and brought to the ground still held by the gripping devise.

4 A Tree or Shrub Pruner as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims whereby a branch can be cut or severed and retrieved from over or beyond a property line, or from other awkward positions or locations.

5 A Tree or ShruD Pruner as Claimed in any oi tne preceding Claims whereby the maximum size of branch that can be cut or guillotined can be limited by the extent that the claws or other gripping devises can be opened.

6 A Tree or Shrub Pruner as Claimed in any of the preceding Claims whereby a branch or branches can be removed from around telephone lines or other wires.