Abstract: A strong, durable, lightweight long gun stock comprising a rigid insert molded of reinforced thermoplastic material together with a foaming agent. The insert is over-molded with a thermoplastic material which provides the stock with the desired surface characteristics. The insert is dimensioned with respect to its over-molded surfaces to be smaller than the finished stock and is designed to give maximum strength to the stock. The insert is shaped to promote the flow of the over-mold material and to minimize shrinking, swelling or distortion of the insert. The over-mold material may be a hard, un-foamed material or a thermoplastic elastomer. The hard un-foamed over-mold material mechanically bonds with the insert and provides the stock with an extremely smooth, hard outer surface. The thermoplastic elastomer over-mold material is compatible with the material of the insert and bonds both mechanically and chemically with the insert, providing the stock with a soft, quiet, non-slip surface.

Abstract: A synthetic grip for a handgun (specifically a revolver) that does not require any separate attaching components. The grip is attached to the handle frame by engaging the existing frame stock pin with the grip's own spring tension resiliency. The grip has a U-shaped molded assembly having a front wall portion and two side wall portions extending rearwardly from the outer edges of the front wall portion for engaging the side walls of the handle frame. Each side wall portion has a groove in its inner surface extending substantially from its top end to its bottom end thereby forming a track for receiving the opposite ends of the stock pin extending outwardly from the side walls of the handle frame. Adjacent the bottom end of each of the grooves is a recess that captures the ends of the stock pin. The grip is preferably made from a hard plastic U-shaped core member that has been overmolded with a resilient layer of plastic material.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) having a plurality of projectiles (11) stacked axially within the barrel (12) together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12) is provided with adjacent projectiles (11) separated from one another by locating means (13) independent of the projectiles. The locating means may be a solid propellant charge (13) located between adjacent projectiles or it may be a rigid casing (122) for the propellant. When subject to an in-barrel load a rear skirt portion of the active projectile (11) is expanded outwardly by the interaction between an inwardly reducing recess (14) formed in the rear end of a projectile and the nested complementary leading portion of the propellant charge (13) or propellant casing (122).

Abstract: A rod holder rotatably connected to a mounting having an adjustable array of hooks for connecting rubber bands to the rod holder and a latch trigger which releases when a fish pulls the rod holder downward.

Abstract: The invention concerns a durable and good-operability fishing rod which is highly strong and is improved in specific rigidity by preventing excessive resin, reinforced fibers from leaning to one side, and resin pools. The fishing rod has a main layer (12) formed by winding a first prepreg provided by impregnating highly strong fibers with resin so that weight percentage becomes 25% or less so that the fibers are oriented in an axial length direction and a reinforcement layer (14, 16) formed by winding a second prepreg provided by impregnating highly strong fibers with resin so that the fibers are oriented in a direction crossing the fiber orientation of the main layer (12) on at least one side of the inside and outside of the main layer (12). The reinforcement layer (14, 16) is formed thinner than the main layer (12), and resin impregnation percentage of the second prepreg is set to substantially the same as that of the first prepreg.

Abstract: Fishing lures and assemblies that include magnets having pole faces mounted to an axial support to normally repel each other. Lure movement induces axial movement of the magnets and cooperating lure pieces to induce contact and separation and thereby audible sounds. Rattle chambers and/or sound enhancing structures can be provided to amplify created sounds. Magnets of differing shapes are disclosed that are arranged in different lure constructions (e.g. snelled assemblies, crank baits, spoon baits, wire form baits—bottom bouncers and spinner baits, jig lures and bell weights).

Abstract: This invention pertain to a new and unique spoon and the process of manufacturing them. The new type of spoon includes a pliable core encased within soft or rubber body. A pliable core allows adjustment of the shape of the spoon to provide differing wobble and swim patterns in the water. The core, which may be made of thinly drawn metal or wire, may bear visual enhancing decals; the body may be either translucent or opaque. Rings at the ends provide a place to attach tackle. Terminal tackle, such as a treble hook, may be attached at either end, thereby giving an angler a choice of two distinct riggings for the spoon; one rigging that leads with the narrow end and the other that leads with the wide end. The unique spoon and the method of manufacturing thereof creates a lure that is more attractive and acceptable to game fish.

Abstract: The stink bait saver is to be conveniently used for fishing with stink bait, as you can fill the inside slotted container with stink bait, screw the container onto the inside threads of lid with preformed eye and suspend in the water while fishing for stink bait loving fish. When the fisherman is through for the day he can bring up the container with the stink bait and seal it in the outside container, which is screwed onto the outside threads in the same lid that is already attached to the inside container. This seals the scent and mess to store for another fishing trip. This is very cost effective as no new stink bait has to be purchased to fish again. As the containers are made from plastic they can be recycled; thus they are “Environmentally Friendly” product.

Abstract: A safety device including a container having a hinged lid for safely retaining a fishing hook is provided. The safety device is of a generally truncated triangular shape and is provided with a hook retaining means internally in the base portion of the device for positively retaining the hook against inadvertent or accidental displacement or dislodgment when a fishing rod and fishing line to which the hook is attached are being transported or stored. A variety of retaining means are disclosed which act independently or in combination to maintain positive restraining of the hook by the retaining means. One form of the retaining means includes a pair of spaced apart posts, another form includes a pair of spaced apart inclined posts on either side of a third post which is oppositely inclined towards the posts on either side, whereas another form of the retaining means includes an open ended tube for receiving the posts when the device is in a closed condition.

Abstract: A fishing lure storage system comprising a substantially planar body of material preferably formed into a closeable booklet form, having a plurality of elongate slides disposed in slide channels formed in the inside of the body. Each slide has near its top portion a lure hook protruding away from the inside of the body, and a spring which biases the slide toward the top of the body. Toward the bottom of the inside of the booklet are one or more transverse hook channels having a top edge for hooking fish hooks, and a cavity for protecting the barb of the hook. One end of a fishing lure is disposed over one of the lure hooks, while a fish hook disposed on the other end of the lure is hooked on the top edge of one of the hook channels, causing the lure to be held in place by the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A trap for insects, primarily the Japanese beetle, which is supported on the surface of a body of water by a floating support, the support having an aperture which holds an upright, elongated tube. A funnel is fitted into the top end of the tube, and a scent-based means for luring insects into the funnel is supported by the upwardly facing entrance opening of the funnel. The insects are attracted to the scent-based means and fall through the funnel, tube, and aperture, onto the surface of water below the trap. The trap may be held upright by a means, such as a pipe anchored to the ground, the trap being vertically slidingly coupled to the means for holding the trap upright.

Abstract: A bud clip is provided that ensures that a bud grows straight during the budding process. The bud clip may clip onto the root stock so that the bud clip does not girdle the root stock and does not need to be removed from the root stock. The bud clip may bind the bud to the root stock during the fall bonding process and then ensure the vertical growth of the bud during the spring. The bud clip may be biodegradable and may be impregnated with fertilizers.

Abstract: A landscaping dressing for application to spread mulch, pine needles, and similar natural fiber soil covering comprising a blend of linseed oil and soybean oil. The dressing will restore faded mulch and reduce fading of fresh mulch. Plant derived oils such as eucalyptus and neem oil may be included in the dressing.

Abstract: A tree guy line system including a plurality of guy lines with each line having a first and second end and a limited extension spring assembly disposed between the ends to allow a limited extension of the lines to absorb large forces due to wind gusts, etc. A plurality of anchors are adapted to be inserted into the ground at spaced locations around the tree with the second end of each line being secured to a respective anchor. A line adjacent the first end thereof forming a collar for placement around the trunk or limb of a tree where the line extends from both ends of the collar. A tension bar has a line engaging end slidably mounted on the line below the collar and another end of the tension bar secured to the first end of the line so that the line engaging end can be moved along the line to remove slack and place the line in tension.

Abstract: A safety barrier positionable across a path for deterring rolling objects from passing beyond the barrier includes an elongate hollow member having open lateral ends. The elongate hollow member includes a base for positioning on a surface and an upwardly extending wall having an arcuate concave surface for hindering rolling objects from passing beyond the barrier.

Abstract: A child safety barrier for positioning across an opening includes a frame and a gate which is hinged to the frame and can be swung from a closed position where the gate lies in the plane of the frame to an open position out of the plane, a corner of the barrier including a spring-biased threaded rod with friction block which can be pressure fit against a side of the opening and includes markers for indicating the degree of pressure fit within the opening.

Abstract: A clamping device for panel elements (3) portable along a top and bottom guide rail (1, 2), the elements being fitted with a guide (4, 5) mounted on the top and bottom edge of an element, the guide rails (1, 2) being provided with a pivoting point for the element (3), at which the element (3) is pivotable relative to a pivot spindle (6) constituted by a guide (4) on the top edge of the element and a guide (5) on the bottom edge of the element, at least one of the guides (4, 5), which constitute the pivot spindle (6), being adapted to set in a clamped position in the guide rail (1, 2) as the element (3) is pivoted relative to said pivot spindle (6). The guide (4) is adapted to clamp in place includes a locking member (7) with a circular-segment shapped cross section, adapted to be non-rotatable relative to the element (3) and having a straight portion (8) which is aligned essentially in parallel with the guide rails (1, 2) as the element (3) travels along the guide rails.

Abstract: A windowpane retainer assembly for retaining and guiding a side edge of an automotive windowpane. The assembly includes an elongated windowpane retainer fixed along a side edge of the windowpane. The assembly also includes a glass run channel that retains and guides reciprocal motion of the windowpane retainer. The glass run channel is mounted in an elongated channel receptacle in an automotive doorframe. Two retainer ramp surfaces engage corresponding channel ramp surfaces of the glass run channel such that increasing lateral pane extraction forces are countered by proportionately increasing lateral pane retention forces. The pane retention forces reduce or eliminate windowpane slop and prevent the windowpane from cocking within the channel receptacle of the doorframe. Low-friction surfaces minimize or eliminate windowpane wedging and jamming within the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece door module for motor vehicles, encompassing a self-supporting metal carrier panel, which also encompasses, as integral constituents, a multiplicity of plastic functional components which are connected securely and permanently to the metal carrier panel in one operation by the outsert technique.

Abstract: Gutters have on opposed side walls formations for engagement with ends of gutter straps, which ends include deformable formations for securement thereof to the gutter side wall formations.

Abstract: A rack assembly for supporting electronic units which includes a generally rectangular frame having reinforcing plates welded thereto to extend outwardly therefrom, and a reinforced mounting portion disposed at the lower end of the frame and having a length corresponding generally to the height of the vertical spacing between a permanent floor and secondary flooring disposed above the permanent flooring so that the mounting portion can be secured directly to the permanent flooring and pass upwardly through an opening in the secondary flooring. A plurality of the rack assemblies may be arranged in side-by-side relationship in a room, and the reinforcing plates of adjacent rack assemblies provide wire management channels.

Abstract: An off-the-floor water closet carrier is adapted to sit on flooring structure and has a waste conduit junction therein. The water closet carrier is rigidly constructed without primary reliance upon the waste conduit junction for such rigidity. The waste conduit junction is connected to receive waste from off-the-floor water closets and is also connected to pass such waste to a waste discharge conduit which is also connected to receive waste from one or more bath or shower or combination thereof. The waste discharge conduit is substantially entirely above the flooring structure upon which the water closet carrier is supported.

Abstract: The shed for a snowmobile or ATV of the present invention includes a rectangular container having opposed rigid planar side walls of generally equal size in parallel spaced apart array, a rigid first end wall mounted to first ends of the side walls, and an opposite second end wall pivotally mounted to opposite second ends of the side walls so as to form a door for the container. A pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, first arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the first ends of the side walls, one of the first arrays in each of the side walls. Similarly, a pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, second arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the second ends of the side walls, one of the second arrays in each of the side walls.

Abstract: A protective liner assembly designed to overly and substantially sealingly engage the plurality of exposed surface portion of a fascia board or like fascia member of the type typically found in the construction of both domestic and commercial buildings. The liner assembly comprises an elongated strip of material having sufficient flexibility to be rolled upon itself into a roll having a spiral-like configuration to at least partially define a stored position thereof. The elongated strip includes a plurality of strip sections segregated from one another by a plurality of weakened zones, preferably in the form of score lines, such that each of the strip sections can be selectively folded or otherwise moveable relative to one another into an operative position for overlying, protective and substantially sealing engagement with the exposed surface portions of the fascia member.

Abstract: Method for erecting an emergency mast (1) for a power line comprising mast elements placed one on top of another, comprising the following steps: arranging a guide device (19) at the location where the emergency mast has to be placed; arranging a first mast element (5) adjacently of the guide device; raising the first mast element by means of the guide device to a height such that a following mast element can be placed under the first mast element; placing a following mast element under the first mast element and connecting the following mast element to the mast element situated thereabove; raising the thus obtained combination by means of the guide device to a height such that a following element can be placed under the combination; repeating the latter two steps until the mast has reached the required height; and removing the guide device.

Abstract: Parallel spaced elongated deck planks are extruded of a rigid plastics material, and each plank includes opposite vertical side walls integrally connected by a generally flat top wall and a contoured bottom wall. The bottom wall of each plank is formed by coplanar bottom edge portions and a bottom center portion integrally connected by a pair of inverted U-shaped or semi-cylindrical portions defining parallel spaced downwardly facing semi-cylindrical cavities. Radially positioned and thinner internal reinforcement walls integrally connect the top wall to each semi-cylindrical bottom wall portion, and a vertical center wall integrally connects the top wall with the bottom wall center portion. Elongated aluminum carrier strips cover the wood supporting joists, and each carrier strip has outwardly and downwardly projecting opposite edge portions to direct water from the joists.

Abstract: A muntin connector includes male and female connecting members each having a length, a thickness, and a width greater than the thickness. The connecting members are configured to be assembled together in a direction transverse to the length and width directions so that the connecting members cannot be disassembled by pulling apart in the length direction.

Abstract: A support for glazing panels for use in constructing pitched glazed roofs comprises a bracket securable to a glazing bar, a peg positionally adjustable relative to the bracket and securable thereby and a buffer mountable on the peg for abutment by a glazing panel.

Abstract: This invention includes means, apparatus and devices for performing the steps of the method described above, such as for example, wide angle image projection apparatus for projecting wide angle images for the enactment of a sail; sound projection apparatus for creating sound elements of the virtual reality in at least two directions, synchronized with the image projection apparatus; means for creating olfactory elements of the virtual reality synchronized with the image projection apparatus; and means for creating hot air and cold air synchronized with the image projection apparatus; and furthermore, wide angle screen means juxtaposed with the wide angle projection apparatus for displaying the wide angle images, the wide angle screen means having a focal region within view of the projected images; seating means disposed in the focal region for seating viewers of the images, the focal region being exposed to the elements of virtual reality, including the olfactory elements, and the hot air and cold air.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.

Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.

Abstract: A garage floor covering comprising a floor, a base, two stops, a trough, and front and side panels. The floor is fixedly and removably engaged to a base. The base is inclined having a first end higher than a second end. The base has a trough for carrying off water and an inclined ramp leading onto the base. The base is made of a honey-comb geometric structure to provide a lightweight base capable of supporting a vehicle. The trough accepts a standard hose attachment at an outside exit of the trough. The floor of the platform has a raised textured pattern to provide traction and to channel water flow toward the trough. Stops are fixedly and removably engaged to the floor so that the automobile will be prevented from driving off the platform or striking the wall of the garage. The wedges may be positioned to stop the vehicle at a desired position and the position of the wedges may be changed for different vehicles.

Abstract: A flashing article for sealing out and draining away moisture from all types of stucco coated exterior wall surfaces, and for impeding the ingress of termites, rodents, and other animal infestation, having a generally flat sheet of a rigid material having a first section, a second section extending from and angled with respect to the first section, and a third section extending from and angled with respect to the second section, the third section having at least one aperture defined therein, and a hollow tube that passes through the aperture. A perforated conduit for distributing a pesticide or other fluid is carried by the second section and fastened to a conduit connector which extends through an aperture in the third section to provide access for injection of the pesticide.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming precast modular units has at least two modular forms configured to be selectively arranged and interconnected in spaced-apart relation to one another, reinforcement members disposed in each of the modular forms, and connecting members each having a first end integrally connected to one of the reinforcement members and a second end extending from opposite side edges of each of the modular forms. Connectors releasably connect the second end of each of the connecting members of one of the modular forms to a corresponding connecting member of another one of the modular forms to integrally connect the modular forms to one another. A molding plate is configured to be arranged between the side edges of modular forms when the modular forms are connected to one another.

Abstract: A window or door glazing assembly for providing structural support to the window or door frame, the assembly includes a muntin comprising a reinforcing bar fixedly secured to opposite sides of a window frame and having a pair of muntin faces removably secured to the sides of the reinforcing bar whereby the muntin face may be disassembled from the reinforcing bar to permit access to the window panes for purposes of replacement or maintenance.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly having adjacent roof panels supported by underlying support structure in overlapping edge relationship to form a standing seam between adjacent roof panels, a first roof panel having a female sidelap portion forming male insertion cavities and a second roof panel having a male sidelap portion inserted into the male insertion cavities to form the standing seam assembly. The male sidelap portion has a tang member that lockingly engages a retaining groove of the female sidelap portion. The standing seam assembly prevents unfurling of the first and second roof panels by forming multiple force couples that resist forces due to uplift of the first and second panels. Mastic is placed between portions of the female and male sidelap portions to form a weathertight seal.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: A temporary joist hanger for use in the construction of a deck extending outwardly from the side of a building comprising a generally flat, horizontally disposed upper end portion having a generally flat, vertically disposed base portion extending downwardly from the outer end thereof. A generally flat side wall portion extends transversely from one of the side edges of the base portion. A joist support extends from the side wall portion for temporarily supporting one end of a joist therein. The joist support is selectively vertically adjustably mounted on the side wall portion to accommodate joists of different widths. The method of constructing a deck utilizing the temporary joist hanger is also described.

Abstract: A retaining clip for use in combination with building siding panels of the type which simulate wooden clapboard. The siding panels have two or more longitudinal outwardly and downwardly depending declination portions. The clips comprise thicker main body portions attachable to the building-side face of declinations of the siding panels, and thinner flexible arm portions. A protruding stop detent extends from the face of the flexible arm portion. The detent is spaced apart from the main body portion of the retaining clip. Building siding panels having retaining clips of the invention are also provided, as are methods of siding a building with the modified siding panels.

Abstract: The invention is particularly directed toward a structural member comprising an elongate metal flange having a pair of parallel side walls joined at one end by a transverse base wall to form a web receiving pocket. Each side wall has a plurality of raised teeth, each tooth having a body portion bent outwardly from the side wall along a first line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flange, and a penetrating point portion at the free end of the body portion, bent along a second line parallel to the first line, to extend toward the socket. The invention is also directed toward a composite structural member employing the flange with a web having opposed edge portions. One edge portion of the web is mounted in the pocket of the flange and the teeth on the flange are pressed into the web to joint the web and flange together. The invention is further directed toward a method of making the composite structural member using the metal flange.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit is provided having a first glass sheet spaced from a second glass sheet by a spacer frame. The spacer frame, preferably a flexible spacer frame, has a first side and a second side, with the first side located adjacent an inner-surface of the first glass sheet and the second side located adjacent the inner-surface of the second glass sheet. A sealant system, e.g. a three component sealant system, is provided adjacent each side of the spacer frame, e.g. by forming or flowing the sealant system on the outer surface of the spacer frame, to hold the glass sheets to the spacer frame. The sealant system includes a first structural sealant, such as a thermosetting material, spaced from a second structural sealant, such as another or the same thermosetting material. A moisture barrier material, preferably a thermoplastic material such as PIB, is located between the first and second structural sealant materials.

Abstract: A heat sealer capable of providing a high sealing strength by appropriating a distribution of temperature at two sheet contact faces (19a, 19b) includes a block (31) made of a metallic material having a high rigidity and operable to heat the resinous sheet (S) while pressing the latter. The block (31) is provided with heaters (24a, 24b) therein and also with heat conducting members (33a, 33b) each having an excellent heat conductive characteristic higher than that of the metallic material. The heat conducting members (33a, 33b) are positioned between the heaters (24a, 24b) and the sheet contact faces (19a, 19b), respectively.

Abstract: A product sampler package for insertion or binding into a periodical, catalog, brochure, or other literature includes a composite carrier card formed by affixing a planar support frame to a bottom carrier sheet of the carrier card to thereby form a shallow well, and a top carrier sheet of the composite carrier card affixed to the bottom carrier sheet and covering the support frame. The top carrier sheet may have an opening positioned over the well so as to be surrounded by the support frame. The package is completed by affixing a product sampler unit containing a sample of a fluid or volatile personal care product on top of the composite carrier card. Packaged in this manner, the support frame enhances the burst strength of the sampler unit by absorbing compressive forces exerted across the plane of the sampler.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which includes a lower portion and an upper portion which are connected along a detaching element, for example, perforations. Upon opening of the sleeve, the lower portion of the sleeve defines and encompasses an inner retaining space and conforms to the outer surface of a pot. The potted plant is disposed in the inner retaining space of the lower portion of the sleeve such that at least a portion of the pot is covered by the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion of the sleeve is detachable from the upper portion by tearing along the detaching element forming an upper edge of the lower portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: It is desired to prevent disalignment of the edges of a folded sheet by smoothly feeding the sheet while keeping tension fluctuations to a minimum when the sheet is unwound from a paper roll set in a paper feed unit to a packaging unit even though the paper roll diameter decreases gradually as the sheet is unwound. A sheet length measuring sensor or rotary encoder is provided in the paper feed path through which the packaging sheet unwound from the paper roll is fed toward the packaging unit. An angle sensor is provided which comprises Hall element sensors provide on a support shaft and magnets provided on a core pipe of the paper roll. Any change in the signals from one of these sensors relative to the signal from the other sensor is used to calculate the paper roll winding length, and the sheet tension is adjusted to an optimum, constant level by controlling the sheet braking force stepwise according to the roll diameter measured by the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a 360 degree rotatable trimmer assembly 10 mounted on the side of a conventional lawn tractor 12 having a plurality of cutting members 26, 92 mounted onto a platform 70 being connected to a motorized rotatable shaft 50 by a plurality of belts 32 and pulleys 34. A bumper guard ring is 28 provided above each cutting member 26, 92 to act as a guide around obstacles such as trees and poles 16. A multiple lobed cam member 56 having a communicating cam roller 78 is provided for properly re-positioning the platform 70 following rotation of the platform around an object 16. A gasoline motor 24 and alternatively a hydraulic motor 104 are disclosed for providing power to the rotatable shaft 50.

Abstract: A riding lawnmower includes a parking brake handle movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the parking brake handle is in the disengaged position, the lawnmower control levers are permitted to operate the lawnmower drive system, and the lawnmower engine startup circuit is in an open condition in which the engine is unable to be started. When the parking brake handle is in the engaged position, the lawnmower wheels are substantially prevented from rotating, the control levers are locked in a neutral position, and the startup circuit is in a closed condition in which the engine is able to be started. Movement of the parking brake handle to the engaged position causes the control levers to move to the neutral position.

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.

Abstract: A bed knife blade assembly for a reel-type lawn mower having a frame rotatably supporting a cutting reel. The bed knife blade assembly comprises a clamp plate having a flange with a locking surface, and a blade insert having a tab cooperating with the locking surface to restrict movement of the blade insert relative to the clamp plate. The clamp plate is adapted to be coupled to the frame such that the flange biasedly engages the tab to further restrict movement of the blade insert relative to the clamp plate.