Abstract: A lawn mower blade includes a mulching blade and a discharge blade which operate in combination. Both the mulching blade and the discharge blade have primary and secondary cutting surfaces. Optional cut-out regions provided in both blades reduce the total weight of the lawn more blade. A third cutting surface can be provided in both blades by sharpening the trailing edge of the cut-out region. The primary cutting surface of the mulching blade resides on a first horizontal cutting plane, while the primary cutting surface of the discharge blade resides on a second horizontal cutting plane which is elevated above the first horizontal cutting plane of the mulching blade.

Abstract: A lawn mower is powered by a quiet external combustion engine which is based on an Ericcson cycle which has been modified for more efficient combustion and higher temperature from the regenerative heat exchanger. Air is compressed in a compressor, then regeneratively heated in a heat exchanger by combustion exhaust prior to being expanded in a heated expander to generate power. The heated expander is in intimate thermal contact with the combustion chamber wherein combustion is efficiently supported by hot expanded air from the heated expander. The lawn mower includes a starter and conventional means for control, support and locomation.

Abstract: A blade for a rotary mower, in particular lawnmowers, with a cup-like downward open cover (21) for the seating of the blade (1) presenting two sails (4, 4') that are provided on their front longitudinal edges (5, 5') in the direction of rotation with cutting edges (6, 6). The cutting edges of the blade sails of the blade according to the present invention constitute several cutting planes, whereby the outer cutting edge section (8) within the region of the sail extremities is located below the plane of the blade's hub portion (3). To this outer cutting edge section (8, 8') is attached a central cutting edge section (10, 10') that curves above the plane of the hub portion (3) and changes over to an inner cutting edge section (13, 13') that drops off toward the hub portion (3).

Abstract: A rotary blade assembly for a rotary mower that provides an equivalent cut with a substantial reduction in necessary driving power, and a method of implementing the same to reduce the necessary driving power of a mower. The rotary blade assembly includes a support structure fixedly disposed to a rotary drive shaft, at a height sufficient to avoid or to minimize contact with vegetation, such that the rotary drive shaft rotates the support structure about an axis. The rotary blade assembly includes a plurality of cutting elements that project downwardly and outwardly from the support structure to a predetermined distance such that the cutting elements are positioned to avoid contact with the ground and to cover the area to be cut in a more uniform way. The support structure of the rotary blade assembly can be a support arm having the cutting elements spaced over a length thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight, retractable tripod support having three wheels for attachment to virtually all hand-held trimmers, metal detectors and the like. The three-wheeled support being readily retractable to a folded position for transportation and storage and extendible to a deployed or working position. The support having a pair of clamping plates flanking the trimmer's shaft, a rear leg, two lateral side legs, a slider actuator mounted to the rear leg for longitudinal sliding movement during transition between the folded and deployed positions of the support and an articulating linkage joining the actuator to the clamping plates.

Abstract: A mower deck is disclosed that utilizes an auxiliary source of pressurized air in order to avoid clipping buildup under the mowing deck, most particularly at the trailing edge of the discharge chute. The auxiliary source of air comes through a cloverleaf shaped hole in the mower deck. The spindle is mounted to the mower deck through this hole, as in conventional mowers. However, unlike conventional mowers, because the hole in the mower deck has a cloverleaf configuration air can flow through the corner portions of the cloverleaf configured hole and act as an auxiliary source of air even though the spindle is mounted to the mower deck through the hole.

Abstract: A cutting disc (12) for a lawn mower, the disc (12) having a plurality of cutting blades (13) and being formed with apertures (23). Associated with the apertures (23) are fan blades (22) which force air downwardly through the disc (12) to aid in mulching cut grass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lawn mower blade spindle assembly which can be easily serviced in the field, which includes a blade height adjustment feature which allows a blade to be replaced or be adjusted without removing the blade spindle bearings. An improved stress loading arrangement is further provided which reduces spindle stress and lessens the opportunity for spindle assembly failure upon catastrophic blade impact with an immovable object such as with a rock.

Abstract: A blade adapter for attaching a mower blade to a blade drive shaft of a lawn mower is disclosed. The blade adapter includes first and second extensions that extend beneath the bottom surface of the blade adapter and correspond with holes located along a longitudinal axis of the mowing blade equadistance from the center hole of the mowing blade. The first and second extensions act to pass torque between the blade adapter and the mowing blade, thereby reducing stresses on the teeth and slots of the central section of the blade adapter and mowing blade. A method for installing a mowing blade onto the disclosed blade adapter is also disclosed which includes the step of aligning the first and second holes of the mowing blade with the first and second extensions of the blade adapter and aligning the central star hole of the mowing blade with the central star section of the blade adapter.

Abstract: An improved mulching lawn mower has separate cutting and discharge chambers integral to the mower housing. An air flow initiated by cutting blade fan action positions uncut blades of grass ahead of the blade into a horizontal position where vertical cutting surfaces on the blade successively cut the blade into small clippings. The mower's air flow is directed vertically downward into the lawn at a front edge of the discharge chamber through a prepared opening, depositing the clippings into the lawn near the soil. Only one-half of the cut width of grass is cut in the cutting chamber and any suspended clippings from the cutting chamber are purged on each cycle. These measures limit the clipping density in the cutting chamber to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting head, more particularly for a lawnmower with a rechargeable battery, comprising an electric motor (1) with a driving shaft (3) connected to a cutting disk (4) perpendicular to said shaft (3). The cutting disk (4) is provided with at least one blade (5) at its periphery. There is also provided a lower plate (7) parallel to and located under said cutting disk (4). The lower plate (7) is free wheeling around the axis though the use of a roller bearing (8). In the case of friction or jamming due to debris, the lower plate (7) starts to rotate to expel the debris by centrifugal effect.

Abstract: A cutter housing of an electric lawn mower of a walking type is inclined such that the cutter housing rises in a rearward direction. A battery is mounted to the upper face of a rear portion of the cutter housing. A discharge port for discharging cut grass into a grass bag is formed on a lower face of the rear portion of the cutter housing. An opening area of the discharge port is sufficiently maintained by the rearward rising inclination of the cutter housing. The battery is set to take a forward inclining orientation and the height of the mower body can be held to a low height. Since the battery is arranged above a rear wheel, the weight of the battery is supported by the rear wheels and the load on the front wheels is reduced so that the running direction of the electric lawn mower can be easily changed.

Abstract: A safety lawn mower blade is provided including a central portion removably coupled to a conventional lawn mower. Also included is a plurality of replaceable blades removably coupled to a periphery of the central portion and extended radially therefrom.

Abstract: A mulching mower is provided which is capable of cutting grasses finely without leaving uncut grasses and which is capable of discharging the cut grass clippings onto the cut grass path so as to be evenly dispersed. A pair of cutter blades are arranged to the right and to the left of the mulching mower in a cutter housing which opens downwardly. A guitar-shaped or figure 8 shaped enclosure wall hangs down from an under surface of an upper wall of the cutter housing to completely surround the periphery of the right and left cutter blades along tip end rotation loci of the blades at a slight distance therefrom. The enclosure wall is formed by side wall portions ar right and left outsides of the cutter housing and front and rear enclosure wall portions hang down from the under surface. The cutter blades rotate in opposite directions from each other so that tip ends of the cutter blades move from front to rear at right and left outsides, respectively, of the mulching mower.

Abstract: A mowing mechanism having a spindle rotatively driven by a power source, a blade having a radially inner portion coupled for rotation with the spindle and a radially outer portion for cutting vegetation, a housing within which the blade rotates, and a disc coupled for rotation with the spindle and operatively carried within the housing for rotation with the blade and spaced above the blade. The inner and outer portions of the disc serve to channel air and clippings to the inner portion of the blade. The rotating disc prevents accumulation of the grass clippings beneath the disc and housing, and enhances airflow within the housing due to viscous drag or friction between the disc and the air within the housing. Deflectors carried by the disc are designed to further enhance airflows and generally deflect clippings back toward the inner portion of the blade for mulching.

Abstract: A drive connection between a spindle and a mowing blade wherein the roots of the extending teeth of the interlocking member define an inner diameter substantially equal to the threaded stud utilized to hold the blade on the spindle.

Abstract: A rotary mower includes a flanged, straight rotary mower arm with a plurality of spaced, cutting width related knife blades and suspension hooks. The knife blades are adjustable to various cutting widths and are angular in configuration with respect to the grass being cut. The angular blades are arranged to provide a recutting element to mulch the cut grass in addition to the primary cutting.

Abstract: An adjustable mowing and trimming apparatus is presented which employs a unique wheel adjust mechanism and trimming assembly. The apparatus includes a frame to which at least two wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite sides of an adjustable linkage which is loosely coupled to the frame through a moveable pivot assembly. A mechanism is provided for manually adjusting the moveable pivot assembly to actuate the adjustable linkage and thereby reorient the wheels on either side of the frame. The trimming assembly is mounted at a front portion of the frame and includes a spindle head fixedly mounted to a spindle depending from the frame so as to rotate with the spindle. The spindle head substantially covers the spindle and is sized such that a distal end thereof rests proximate to ground when the trimming apparatus is operational. A trimmer head is adjustably clamped about the spindle head so as to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A deflector cup coupled with a mower blade spindle for preventing material from accumulating around the spindle during operation, the deflector cup including a bottom wall having an opening within which the spindle is positioned, and a side wall extending upwardly from a radially outer edge of the bottom wall. A plurality of slots formed in the bottom wall extend radially outwardly from the opening and define finger portions between adjacent slots. The finger portions extend from the opening to the radially outer edge of the bottom wall and are of a size and shape strong enough to prevent the finger portions from deforming when the spindle is positioned within the opening. The finger portions and slots cause the side wall to deform elastically when the spindle is inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower blade with replaceable knife members (40) mounted on the leading edge of a rotating blade body wherein the entire assembly to a rotating shaft of a lawnmower or the like. The knife member (40) is manufactured from carbides, high speed steels, or powder metals, thus producing a cutting edge with high quality and durability. Knife member is attached to a rotating body in either a safety cage assembly (100) or embedded in the body of the blade. The knife member is retained on the blade body and can be rotated to a fresh sharp edge or replaced.

Abstract: A multiple spindle mower deck within which a plurality of mower blades rotate for mowing grass and having spindle housings which rotatively support respective mower blades, the spindle housings being operatively rigidly fixed with the mower deck. A belt drive mechanism drives the spindles, and includes pulleys mounted to respective spindles and a belt which operatively engages the pulleys. At least one idler pulley engages the belt. A mounting plate is provided to which said at least one idler pulley is mounted. The mounting plate is operatively fixed with the spindle housings, position above and press into abutement with the upper surface of the top wall of the mower deck by way of the same bolts which fix the spindle housing to the mower deck. The spindle housings are fixed to the mower deck by the spindle housing bolts which operatively press the spindle housings deck and mounting plate together.

Abstract: A multiple frame wheel attachment connectable to a handheld device, such as a gasoline powered weed trimmer. The wheel attachment has a pair of wheels attached to the ends of an axle and a pair of frame assemblies connecting the axle and wheels to the lawn trimmer. Both of the frame assemblies are mounted to the axle and to the shaft of the device. One of the frame assemblies is attached to the shaft near the operating unit of the device and the other frame assembly is attached to the shaft above the point where the first frame assembly is attached. The first and second frame assemblies support the shaft at two locations. The wheel attachment not only provides support during operation of the handheld device, but also functions as a stand so that when the device is not in use, it will remain in an upright position for storage, refueling service, and maintenance. The wheel attachment allows easy mobility of the operating unit over the work area.

Abstract: A blade assembly is provided for a lawn mower which includes first and second fan blades to maintain the interior of the blade housing free of accumulated grass clippings as occur when mowing damp or wet grass. The blade assembly includes a conventional grass cutting blade and two axially spaced and radially displaced fan blades which are affixed to the engine shaft, above the cutting blade. The fan blades create sufficient turbulence within the housing to prevent grass accumulation, thereby improving the ability and efficiency of the mower.

Abstract: A cutting device is provided with a power unit and a cutting unit connected at a single pivot point. The cutting unit preferably includes a cutting deck with multiple cutting blades spaced from the point of pivot connection. The cutting unit is preferably mounted on a frame supported by swivel casters. The power unit containing an internal combustion engine or other power source is preferably mounted on drive wheels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lawn mower blade spindle assembly which can be easily serviced in the field, which includes a blade height adjustment feature which allows a blade to be replaced or be adjusted without removing the blade spindle bearings. An improved stress loading arrangement is further provided which reduces spindle stress and lessens the opportunity for spindle assembly failure upon catastrophic blade impact with an immovable object such as with a rock.

Abstract: A rotary mower (42) suitable for mowing ground vegetation including a cutting system (76) having a cutting deck (105). Mounted beneath the cutting deck (105) is a plurality of rotatable cutting blades (16), wherein each cutting blade (16) comprises a central portion (60) and first and second spaced apart tip portions (62a, b), wherein each tip portion (62) comprises a leading edge (56 ) having a sharpened cutting surface (64) for cutting the vegetation, a trailing edge (58), and an extending surface or "sail" (70) generally extending from the tip portion (62), whereby the sail (70a) of the first tip portion (62a) is different from than the sail (70b) of the second tip portion (62b).

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a cutting unit having two rotors coupled together within a single casing which rotate in opposite directions. The rotors carry at least two aligned blades. The distance between the axes of the rotors is such that the areas covered by the blades when rotating are partially superposed in correspondence with an axis of symmetry of the pair of rotors which coincides with the mower axis. The direction of rotation of the two rotors is such that the direction of movement of the blades when in proximity to said axis of symmetry is the same as the forward travel direction of the mower.

Abstract: A rotary blade for a rotary mower that provides an equivalent cut with a substantial reduction in necessary driving power, and a method of implementing the same to reduce the necessary driving power of a preexisting mower. The rotary blade includes a support arm fixedly disposed symmetrically about a rotary drive shaft, at a height sufficient to avoid contact with vegetation cut by the blade, such that the rotary drive shaft rotates the support arm about an axis. The rotary blade also includes several cutting elements attached to the support arm which have respective longitudinal axes that project downward from the support arm to a predetermined distance such that the cutting elements are positioned to avoid contact with the ground.

Abstract: A mower including a plurality of cutter blades is disclosed. The mower includes a housing accommodating the cutter blades. The housing includes a first a first side face defining a discharge opening for discharging grass clippings, a side panel formed at a second side face disposed on the opposite side to the first side face relative to a longitudinal center line of a vehicle body, and a front panel having a first front panel disposed on the side of said discharge opening, and a second front panel including a flat extension portion extending on the opposite side to the discharge opening. The flat extension portion extends substantially to a virtual line extending from an outer side end of a locus of revolution of the blade disposed adjacent the second side face in parallel with a traveling direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An improved shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30.degree. from the central axis of the mowing blade.

Abstract: A mulching mower is provided for mowing and mulching turf vegetation in order to reduce the size of the cut vegetation and more evenly distribute the vegetation once thus cut. Counterrotating, coaxial blade and mulching tool assemblies are provided. Each blade assembly is driven by a central shaft rotatably mounted through a drive barrel which drives the mulching tool. A belt drive assembly translates rotation at a driving sheave into rotation in two different directions at spindles positioned along the mower, each spindle including a blade and a mulching tool.

Abstract: A combination grass trimming and lawn edging device operatively connectable to the rotary output shaft of a power lawn trimmer. The device includes a support member which defines a preferably circular perimeter and includes a central mounting hole for operable driven connection with the output shaft. Two independent cutting means are provided, the first being a plurality of evenly spaced rigid blades which are each pivotally connected to the support member and, when operable with the output shaft being generally horizontal, radially extend beyond the perimeter for lawn edging. Another plurality of elongated flexible filament lines are each operably connectable by engagement with one end of each thereof with evenly spaced aperture structure of the support member to provide the second cutting means. When in use with the output shaft upright, the filament lines are for cutting and trimming grass.

Abstract: A mulching lawn mower has a closed cutting chamber in a mulching mode such that the grass clippings are confined within the cutting chamber except for when they fall out through the open bottom face of the chamber. The cutting chamber has a first portion of toroidal or doughnut form generally closely surrounding the blade tips. In addition, the front portion of the cutting chamber includes a forwardly protruding wedge-shaped extension having side walls that converge towards one another in a pie-shaped fashion. The wedge-shaped extension further includes a top wall that extends between the side walls. This top wall is sloped or inclined downwardly as it extends to the front of the mower such that the height of the wedge-shaped extension gradually decreases until the wedge-shaped extension disappears at its front edge. The wedge-shaped extension reduces power consumption of the mower when the mower is placed in its mulching mode and is used to mulch grass.

Abstract: A mulching device which includes a mulching plate formed by a disk provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings disposed inwardly of the periphery of the disk. A cutting blade edge is located forward of a trailing edge of each opening, the cutting edges being axially spaced from a top surface of the disk. The mulching plate can be used in a lawn mower for replacing the conventional mower blade. A mulching adapter includes a hopper having a base for attachment to a top deck of a mower housing, the hopper having a lower tubular portion adapted to project through an opening in the deck, the tubular portion having a lower outlet end for positioning slightly above the path of travel of the cutting edges. The mulching plate is safer than conventional mower blades and achieves effective mulching of even coarse lawn and garden debris by using the power of the small engine of the conventional mower.

Abstract: The invention provides a quick blade attachment structure For quickly but securely attaching and detaching one or a plurality of blades to and from a mower. A rotary member (3) of a mower (1) includes a blade holder (4) and a support member (5) coaxially attached to the blade holder (4) to allow pivotal movement of the support member (5). A pair of blades (23,23) are supported by ends (9a, 9a) of rimmed pins (9,9) projected from a lower surface (4a) of the blade holder (4). A wave washer (16) is interposed between the support member (5) and a cap (17). When the rotary member (3) is assembled by a clamp screw (18), pressing force of the wave washer (16) allows the support member (5) to be rotated integrally with the blade holder (4). The support member (5) further has a pair of grooves (12).

Abstract: An electricity driven device for rotating a rotary object to increase the rotational inertia of the rotary object. The device includes a fixed and non-rotating main shaft. A fixed element is secured with the main shaft. A rotary element is arranged so as to rotate about the fixed element at a periphery of the fixed element. A coupler is secured with the rotary object. The device also includes an electromagnetic field generating device that includes a first part and a second part. A plurality of coils and a plurality of permanent magnets are provided between the first part and the second part such that an electromagnetic field is generated therebetween when the coils are supplied with electric current, so that the first part and the second part perform relative rotation. The first part of the electromagnetic field generating device is secured on the fixed element. The second part of the electromagnetic field generating device is secured on the rotary element.

Abstract: A mowing mechanism having a spindle rotatively driven by a power source, a blade having a radially inner portion coupled for rotation with the spindle and a radially outer portion for cutting vegetation, a housing within which the blade rotates, and a disc operatively carried within the housing for rotation with the blade and having a radially outer portion spaced above the blade. The disc includes an inner portion extending radially inwardly from the outer portion to a position proximate the blade, the inner and outer portions of the disc serving to confine air and clippings near the outer portion of the blade. The rotating disc prevents accumulation of the grass clippings beneath the disc and housing, and enhances airflow within the housing due to viscous drag or friction between the disc and the air within the housing. Deflectors carried by the disc are designed to further enhance airflows and generally deflect clippings back toward the blade for mulching.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a vertical crankshaft rotatable in a crankcase, a piston reciprocable along a cylinder axis, and a push rod tube. The push rod tube communicates between the crankcase and a rocker box, and is positioned below the cylinder axis and upwardly inclined with respect to the cylinder axis. A cam gear agitates oil in the crankcase so that the oil is conveyed through the push rod tube into the rocker box and returns through the push rod tube to the crankcase under the force of gravity. In another embodiment, the engine comprises a crankshaft having an arcuate throw and a crankpin. A connecting rod has a continuously formed big end installable over the arcuate throw to cooperate with the crankpin. A flywheel is mounted to the crankshaft on a side of the crank pin opposite a balancing web, and has a radially offset center of gravity to balance forces applied to the crankshaft through the connecting rod by the piston.

Abstract: A mower suitable for cutting high grass, brush, and like growth. The mower has a plurality primary cutting elements disposed ahead of a secondary cutting element. The primary cutting elements is that which first contacts growth, cutting this growth to a predetermined height. The secondary cutting element follows the primary cutting element, contacting the cut growth and cutting the same to a final, predetermined height less than that obtained by the first cut. The primary cutting elements are preferably unencumbered by a hood or guard, but preferably are partially encircled or surrounded at the front and sides by a bumper. The bumper prevents the mower from attempting to run over or cut rigid, immovable objects, such as trees, curbs, large stones, and the like. The primary and secondary cutting elements may be a singular element or plural elements arranged abreast of one another. The cutting elements may be rigid blades or flexible members, such as stranded metal, synthetic resin cords, or chains.

Abstract: A low-polluting lawn mower includes a frame having ground-engaging wheels, a seat for a driver and a steering mechanism to permit the driver to control the direction of movement of the lawn mower on the frame, a four-cycle engine mounted on the frame and having a drive shaft operatively engaged with one of the wheels so that the engine propels the lawn mower, a propane gas supply on the frame including a tank containing liquified propane gas, a fuel connection from said propane gas supply to the engine including a carburetor having a venturi and equipped with a spud to feed propane to the venturi and a fuel control assembly including a regulator and a fuel lockoff, and a blade operatively engaged with the drive shaft so as to be driven for cutting grass when the engine is fueled by propane from the supply.

Abstract: A lawn care apparatus combining mowing, de-thatching, and mulching action with improved grass clippings and thatch removal characteristics, designed for operation over various types of lawn or turf, where the cutting assembly consists of a shaft with a plurality of readily replaceable blades mounted radially about the shaft which itself is mounted on the apparatus housing and rotating about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel of the apparatus. The rotation of the cutting assembly being in the opposite direction to the rotation of the wheels of the apparatus. The housing designed to curve conformably near the outside edge of the blades over the top portion of the cutting assembly providing for improved gathering action for the grass clippings and thatch into a container attached to and removable from the apparatus. The apparatus having a power means mounted thereon to provide for rotation of the cutting assembly and propulsion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mower which can be easily converted to an edger, a trimmer and a blower with replaceable kits. The mower is battery powered with two drive motors (16A & B) having gear reducing means to provide rotational energy for propulsion and steering which enables the mower to turn with unlimited angles. Cutting devices for mowing, edging, trimming and blowing device are molded integrally with assemblies for easier attachment. The multiple holes on the assemblies provide a simple way to change cutting heights. Angle drives (54A & B) are used to convert the rotating directions for trimming, edging and mowing. The mower produces no air pollution with low operating noise. The combination of various functions in one remotely controllable mower not only makes lawn maintenance tasks easier but saves homeowners money to purchase and to service different equipments with less space required for storage.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a lawn mower has a generally planar body (1) rotationally balanced about a vertical central shaft (24), with four projecting blades (6) extending radially from the periphery of the planar body. The planar body (1) is shaped with vanes (3) to form a fan-like impeller. The impeller is arranged to create a strong rotational flow, which carries air and cut material around the blade assembly in use. The projecting blades (6) create an updraft in a peripheral region of the blade assembly, while the vanes (3) of the planar body (1) are shaped to create a regulated, relatively light downdraft towards the central shaft (24). If the mower is provided with an outlet (25) for a catcher, the strong rotational flow overwhelms any influence of the relatively light downdraft, and the air with the clippings is carried centrifugally through the outlet (25).

Abstract: A mechanism for cutting of stalks or stems of plants and/or grass-like vegetation, in an environmentally safe manner, has counter-blades arranged on a circular path and rotary blades positioned above the counter-blades. The ratio of the surface area of the counter-blades actually taking part in the cutting and the surface area of the free spaces between them, in relation to each other, is smaller than a value of one. A distance of "h" between the counter-blades and the rotary blades is a value between 0-2 mm, and the peripheral speed of the rotary blades is between 10 and 50 m/sec.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical hub spacer having inwardly and outwardly extending protrusions is used to rotationally interconnect a deck pulley to a spindle assembly in a lawn mower.

Abstract: An improved shape blade bell support for a rotary mowing blade, such blade bell support included on the underside of the mower blade between the blade bolt and blade, such blade bell support including two flexing outer support sections that hold the blade against an adaptor outwardly of the bolt.

Abstract: Adjustable ventilation apparatus for a lawn mower, adapted to allow adjustment of the airflow rate into the cutting deck to maximize operation of the lawn mower under various operating conditions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a ring disposed intermediate the engine and cutting deck of a walk behind mower, having a plurality of radial openings formed therethrough. An annular cover is provided encircling the ring, with the cover having a like number of openings formed in the peripheral wall thereof. Rotational movement of the cover relative to the ring moves the openings therein into and out of alignment with the openings in the ring, thereby defining open and closed positions for the vent, respectively. The cover may also be moved to a plurality of positions intermediate fully open and fully closed to provide the appropriate airflow into the cutting deck.

Abstract: A pulsating cleaning attachment is added to an existing rotary lawn mower, and is adapted to receive a hose for cleaning the mower blade and underside surface of the lawn mower carriage. An attachment body member of the attachment includes a first upward-directed water passage selected at an angle of about thirty degrees, which passage terminates in an elliptically-shaped opening on the inner surface of said body member. This passage both forms and directs a jet stream of water exiting therefrom into and from beneath a rotating blade tip of the mower, whereby the rotating blade cuts the jet stream and creates a pulsating cleaning action for the undercarriage, blade and skirt of the mower.

Abstract: A garden cleaning implement (10) for weeds and the like comprising a cutting mechanism (14) and a retractable guard mechanism (28), generally free to "float" up and down about the cutter mechanism, carried on, for example, an extended pole handle (22). The cutting mechanism includes--an associated rotational power source (16/116); an intermediate, rotatable shaft (18) connected thereto; and a rotatable, rectangular blade, cutting member (20).

Abstract: An edger head for a portable edger. The edger head has a housing, a cutting element, first structure for mounting the cutting element to the housing for movement relative to the housing in a predetermined path, a debris guard, and second structure for mounting the debris guard in an operative position on the housing. The debris guard has first and second flaps, with the first flap being repositionable relative to the second flap.