Abstract: A walk-behind mower/trimmer includes one or more cutting heads secured to a deck supporting frame and supported on a glider disk. A rear support and handle assembly facilitate operator use and control of the mower/trimmer. The heads may be powered using a gas motor, an electric motor, or a hybrid.

Abstract: In a rotating grass trimmer, a top loading line blade and corresponding head securely hold the cutting lines with multiple orientations of the line blade. An alternative embodiment provides a simplified loading scheme where a cutting line is loaded into the trimmer head from its outside, through a line outlet to a fixed receiver without the need for a moving or mechanical line gripping or biting type mechanism. With this construction, a worn line can be replaced by pulling it back out or by reversing it back through the same outlet from which it was initially inserted. The design eliminates practically all of the costs associated with the current state of the art rapid loading mechanisms as there is no physical compression, gripping or biting into the line by any mechanical or moving mechanism. Additionally, the line is insertable in multiple orientations.

Abstract: A power tool head is including a trimmer head or the like is powered with an AC or DC motor. The head and tool attachment are ergonomically constructed to facilitate use and operation. In the trimmer tool, molded line blades with or without an aerodynamic cross-section provide for effective cutting at low speeds and low power requirements. The line blades may be selectively oriented to improve strength and durability.

Abstract: An anti-winding assembly reduces or prevents debris from winding on a trimmer and/or makes them easier to remove. The trimmer includes a trimmer head mounted to a rotatable arbor and supporting one or more cutting lines. The anti-winding assembly includes a bearing positionable between the trimmer head and an adjacent trimmer component. The bearing includes a freely rotating outer race. A shield positioned radially outward of the bearing adjacent the outer race shields gaps between the bearing and the trimmer head and between the bearing and the adjacent trimmer component. The anti-winding assembly prevents trimmed debris from being wound up near the trimmer head.

Abstract: A trimmer can be converted from an existing cutting medium to an alternative tool without requiring removal of the trimmer head. A common upper receiver head, as sold by an original equipment trimmer manufacturer, incorporates design provisions to snugly allow an easy/comfortable fit for a series of uniquely adaptable and convertible cap attachments such as, monofilament bump systems, unique molded or shaped flexible line blades with optional cutting swath diameters, as well as other helpful devices that perform different functions beyond just cutting grass.

Abstract: A glider assembly for a handheld trimmer includes a glider shaft coupleable at one end with a rotating head of the handheld trimmer, and a glider plate connected to an opposite end of the glider shaft. The glider plate is part-spherical or saucer shaped and includes a concave side and a convex side. A bearing acts between the glider plate and the glider shaft. The assembly enables an operator to rest the weight of the trimmer on the ground during use while controlling a cutting height.

Abstract: A power tool head is including a trimmer head or the like is powered with an AC or DC motor. The head and tool attachment are ergonomically constructed to facilitate use and operation. In the trimmer tool, molded line blades with or without an aerodynamic cross-section provide for effective cutting at low speeds and low power requirements. The line blades may be selectively oriented to improve strength and durability.

Abstract: In a rotating grass trimmer, a top loading line blade and corresponding head securely hold the cutting lines with multiple orientations of the line blade. An alternative embodiment provides a simplified loading scheme where a cutting line is loaded into the trimmer head from its outside, through a line outlet to a fixed receiver without the need for a moving or mechanical line gripping or biting type mechanism. With this construction, a worn line can be replaced by pulling it back out or by reversing it back through the same outlet from which it was initially inserted. The design eliminates practically all of the costs associated with the current state of the art rapid loading mechanisms as there is no physical compression, gripping or biting into the line by any mechanical or moving mechanism. Additionally, the line is insertable in multiple orientations.

Abstract: A carriage device for a string trimmer includes an axle frame supporting at least two wheels. A main frame includes an axle mounting section for adjustably securing the axle frame and a shaft receiving section shaped to receive the shaft of a string trimmer. The axle mounting section includes a plurality of connecting areas for selectively adjusting a height of the axle frame. Additionally, the axle frame is preferably laterally adjustable relative to the main frame. Alternative arrangements of the main frame enable the axle frame to be rotationally adjusted relative to the string trimmer. Additionally, the carriage device is particularly suited for a mulcher system and can be readily adapted to support a sizable DC battery for cordless operation of an electric string trimmer. The device enables multi-functioning of a string trimmer including mowing, edging, blowing, mulching, etc.

Abstract: A carriage device for a string trimmer includes an axle frame supporting at least two wheels. A main frame includes an axle mounting section for adjustably securing the axle frame and a shaft receiving section shaped to receive the shaft of a string trimmer. The axle mounting section includes a plurality of connecting areas for selectively adjusting a height of the axle frame. Additionally, the axle frame is preferably laterally adjustable relative to the main frame. Alternative arrangements of the main frame enable the axle frame to be rotationally adjusted relative to the string trimmer. Additionally, the carriage device is particularly suited for a mulcher system and can be readily adapted to support a sizable DC battery for cordless operation of an electric string trimmer. The device enables multi-functioning of a string trimmer including mowing, edging, blowing, mulching, etc.

Abstract: A string trimmer having a head with aerodynamic cutting line with a long beam axis and a pitch angle may be used for both vegetation cutting and as a blower. A gear box may be provided for changing the gear ratio from the engine or motor to the head depending upon the pitch angle. Optimum cutting operation is provided with a pitch angle of about 0-10°, and when used as a blower the optimum pitch angle is between about 15-45° upward. The string trimmer may be mounted on a cart having a bottom frame with at least three wheels, first and second adjustable length arms each rotatably mounted by the substantially vertical axis and having a free end, and a clamp at the first arm free end for clamping the shaft of the string trimmer, and a clamp or flexible band or cord at the end of the second arm, typically also for engaging the string trimmer shaft to provide substantially 360° freedom of movement thereof.

Abstract: A string trimmer having a head with aerodynamic cutting line with a long beam axis and a pitch angle may be used for both vegetation cutting and as a blower. A gear box may be provided for changing the gear ratio from the engine or motor to the head depending upon the pitch angle. Optimum cutting operation is provided with a pitch angle of about 0-10°, and when used as a blower the optimum pitch angle is between about 15-45° upward. The string trimmer may be mounted on a cart having a bottom frame with at least three wheels, first and second adjustable length arms each rotatably mounted by the substantially vertical axis and having a free end, and a clamp at the first arm free end for clamping the shaft of the string trimmer, and a clamp or flexible band or cord at the end of the second arm, typically also for engaging the string trimmer shaft to provide substantially 360° freedom of movement thereof.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter, a cutting string for use with a vegetation cutter, and a method of cutting vegetation, are provided which utilize a novel cutting string arrangement in which a twist and living hinge are provided in a cutting string having a drag co-efficient of less than 1.0, typically with a first long axis and a second short axis, the second axis less than 85% of the first axis. The twist is provided between the free end of the string and where the string is mounted to the head, or where two twists are provided in the string, the string is mounted to the head at a central portion between the twists. The string may be mounted to the head by grooves or slots and/or clamping mechanisms, or a wide variety of other components. The cutting string may have a wide variety of cross-sectional configurations (both symmetrical, such as elliptical, or non-symmetrical, such as substantially tear drop). The twist is typically between about 30-150°, most desirably about 90°.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter, a cutting string for use with a vegetation cutter, and a method of cutting vegetation, are provided which utilize a novel cutting string arrangement in which a twist and living hinge are provided in a cutting string having a drag co-efficient of less than 1.0, typically with a first long axis and a second short axis, the second axis less than 85% of the first axis. The twist is provided between the free end of the string and where the string is mounted to the head, or where two twists are provided in the string, the string is mounted to the head at a central portion between the twists. The string may be mounted to the head by grooves or slots and/or clamping mechanisms, or a wide variety of other components. The cutting string may have a wide variety of cross-sectional configurations (both symmetrical, such as elliptical, or non-symmetrical, such as substantially tear drop). The twist is typically between about 30-150°, most desirably about 90°.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting implement includes a rotatable support head which mounts a hub having a plurality of cutter elements comprising self-supporting struts. Each strut is more than 50% non-metallic material (typically more than 90% plastic or rubber), and the hub is readily replaceable in the vegetation cutting implement merely by detaching a fastener. Typically the cutter elements are integral with the hub, although a number of radially extending openings may be provided through which individually replaceable cutter elements pass. The self-supporting struts each preferably comprise a beam-like structure with a first axis which is the strongest axis and has a highest moment of inertia and a second, weaker axis, and the head is rotated so that the first axis of the beam-like structure of each strut is positively maintained and moves in a predetermined cutting plane which is generally transverse to a portion of vegetation to be cut.

Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: An elongated flexible cutting string, or substantially self-supporting strut cutting element, is connectable to a rotating device for use in a method of cutting vegetation. The cutting string has numerous advantages over conventional cutting strings, having a drag coefficient which is at least about 5% (e.g. 10-300%) less than the drag coefficient of a string having a substantially round and smooth cross-section. The drag coefficient of aerodynamic line 10 is 1.0 or less, e.g. about 0.35 or less. The cross-sectional configuration preferably simulates a tear drop (with or without an extension nose), and can have a textured (e.g. with golf ball simulating dimples, saw toothed or a wavy configuration) exterior surface. The pitch of the line is positively maintained while it is rotated in a cutting plane, e.g. controlled with an eyelet and/or a compound taper. Other cross-sectional configurations are an ellipse of at least 1.

Abstract: An aerodynamic cutting string for use with such devices as flexible line trimmers and the like. The string incorporates a number of embodiments which eliminates or greatly reduces the drag, fluttering and force imbalances which are created as a result of the pressure differential and wake which are formed behind the flexible line as it moves. This accomplishment is achieved by employing an aerodynamic profile for the line which lowers the coefficient of drag and reduces the forces created by the air foil.

Abstract: A tip stabilizing device for attachment to a portable power chain saw or the like for improving its operation and safety. When attached to the forward end of the chain saw guide bar, a plurality of spikes extend forward, backward or outward to the sides of the guide bar to engage an adjacent log or other supporting surface of the object being cut by the saw to stabilize the saw tip. The forces generated at the chain/wood interface are utilized to keep the tip stabilizing device in operative engagement with such surface.