Trimmer head

Abstract

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.

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.