Abstract: A 3-bar Raschel warp knit fabric for use in grasscatcher bags which has an additional high tenacity yarn knit in to provide a lower elongation yarn in the course direction to prevent the grasscatcher bag from dragging the ground as it is being filled. The fabric also has a second textured needle lap stitch yarn to provide cover and to prevent the exhaust of dust to the atmosphere from the interior of the bag.

Abstract: An improved lawnmower mulching attachment for comminuting grass clippings cut by the mower is provided having a housing defining a mulching chamber, a rotatable mulching impeller within the chamber and a duct intercommunicating the housing and the mower deck, wherein the attachment effectively utilizes the momentum of the laterally discharged grass clippings and suction pressure created by the mulching impeller to transfer the clippings from the mower deck to the mulching chamber. The housing includes an outlet for discharging the comminuted grass clippings and a bottom wall having an inlet leading to the mulching chamber. The housing is mounted above the mower deck of the mower such that the upright axis of the mulching impeller is laterally offset from the upright axis of the cutting element. Further, the duct is connected between the inlet of the housing and the lateral discharge of the mower deck for transferring grass clippings from the deck to the chamber.

Abstract: A fullness detector for the grass collector of a lawnmower includes a pressure actuated switch which is responsive to a pressure condition in an air flow passage for conveying grass cuttings between the lawnmower and the collector. Preferably the condition is the static pressure within the passage, which is sensed in a sensing zone shielded by a baffle. The baffle serves to increase the difference in static pressure measured in the zone between any two conditions of fullness of the collector, and to reduce grass build-up in the zone. The signal for the detector may be used to control a function of the lawnmower.

Abstract: An adapter frame and detachable insert bag are fabricated to fit inside of the existing grass catcher bag typically supplied with the hand held lawn mower. The bag is fabricated from a non-woven material and sufficiently porous to be permeable to air and serves to collect and dispose of the grass clippings. The assembled frame and insert bag attaches to and fits flush with the opened end of the grass catcher bag so as not to interfere with the existing attachment mechanism of the grass catcher bag to allow the easy attachment to the lawn mower.

Abstract: A lawn tractor has an engine with a vertical output shaft, front wheels and rear wheels, a body frame extending longitudinally of the tractor, a mower unit supported by the body frame, a grass catcher supported the by body frame, a blower unit supported by the body frame, and a duct for transporting grass clippings cut by the mower unit into the grass catcher. The duct includes a first duct portion extending between the mower unit and the blower unit, and a second duct portion extending between the blower unit and the grass catcher. The mower unit has a vertical mower drive shaft for receiving engine power. The blower unit has a vertical blower input shaft for receiving engine power. An intermediate shaft is disposed between the mower unit and blower unit. The intermediate shaft has a first, a second and a third pulleys mounted thereon. The first pulley is drivably connected to the engine output shaft. The second pulley is drivably connected to the mower drive shaft.

Abstract: A leaf clipping collector including a bottom wall made of rigid plastic and having an out edge defining a generally circular periphery, a generally vertically extending sidewall rigidly fixed relative to the bottom wall, the sidewall having a lower edge integrally formed with the outer edge of the bottom wall and having an upper edge an opening, the sidewall having extending therethrough a pair of slots, and a strap extending through the pair of slots and having opposite ends.

Abstract: A combination self-propelled lawn mower and wheeled cart for receiving and storing mower clippings. The mower is connected to the cart by an arm which turns a vertical drive shaft centrally located within the cart. This drive shaft is, in turn, geared to an axle attached to two wheels. As the mower moves, it circles the cart, and simultaneously rotates the drive shaft, and hence the axle. The cart is thus propelled forwardly, the mower simultaneously circling or orbiting about the cart. A chute attached to the mower receives clippings, and discharges the same into a receptacle located on the cart. One manual control located on the cart disengages the motive power to the cart wheels. A second manual control disengages motive power to the mower wheels. The mower and cart each have a combination of fixed and caster wheels, to stably and smoothly negotiate terrain.

Abstract: A grass discharge member for a lawn mower discharge chute automatically converted to/from a grass bag use or a direct discharge use positions upon the mounting/dismounting of the grass bag.

Abstract: A grass catching attachment for use with a rotary lawn mower is disclosed. The attachment includes a flexible bag which has been adapted to expand the capacity of a rigid, grass catching receptacle frequently employed by commercial landscapers during mowing operations. The bag is fabricated from a number of specially shaped panels of durable fabric sewn together to form an elongated envelope having a generally curved configuration. The top and bottom panels of the bag include a narrowed and rearwardmost terminus positioned outside a rearward projection of either of the top or bottom panel's front edge thus allowing the distal end of the bag to be suspended directly beneath at least one of the mower handlebars. A rigid frame having a peripheral channel for engagement with brackets extending from the grass catching receptacle as well as for the receipt of a drawstring sewn into the flexible bag is provided for joining the bag and the rigid receptacle.

Abstract: A grass cutting machine comprising a chassis including a chamber for receiving a cushion of air for supporting the chassis, a cutting member, a power source, a drive line for drivingly connecting the power source and the cutting member, a source of pressure air, and a grass collection device. The collection device comprises a receptacle for receiving cut grass and includes a base wall, an upper wall, and at least one side wall. The receptacle has at least one inlet disposed externally of the chamber and in the region of the base wall for entry of cut grass entrained in a stream of air directly into the receptacle part of at least the base wall includes an air permeable region to retain cut grass in the receptacle and to permit the said stream of air to be drawn through cut grass retained in the receptacle and through the air permeable region in the bases wall so as, to filter the air stream and compact the cut grass in the receptacle.

Abstract: A mechanism for collecting grass clippings cut by a cutting unit, including a laterally extending member or rail coupled with the cutting unit, a clippings container or basket positioned for receiving clippings cut by the cutting unit, first and second laterally spaced hook members operatively coupled with the container for engaging the laterally extending member to operatively couple the container with the cutting unit, said mechanism allowing an operator standing at one side of the vehicle to disengage the nearest hook member from the rail to slide the container toward himself while the other hook member slides along in engagement with the rail, thereby facilitating removal.

Abstract: A grass-bagging apparatus for use with a lawn mower. The apparatus includes a chute with a disposable bag disposed therearound. An attaching frame is used to fasten the chute to the mower and retain the bag thereon. Grass and other cuttings discharged from the lawn mower are directed in the bag through the chute. After the bag is filled, the chute may be removed from the bag while leaving the cuttings in the bag. The filled bag may then be closed for disposal and a new bag positioned on the chute. A protective screen may be provided between the plastic bag and the operator in the event that objects discharged from the mower penetrate the material of the bag.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade support with a recess formed in the bottom side thereof and an outlet portion. A blade is mounted rotatably within the recess. A grass collecting unit has an inlet portion communicated with the outlet portion of the recess so as to collect grass that was cut from a lawn with the use of the blade. Several ventilation holes are formed through a wall of the grass collecting unit so as to reduce air pressure inside the grass collecting unit. The grass collecting unit has a positioning hole formed through the top wall thereof. A grass indicating unit includes a body member disposed in the positioning hole and capable of being pushed upward relative to the top wall of the grass collecting unit by virtue of air pressure inside the grass collecting unit, and a positioning assembly mounted securely on the body member so as to prevent removal of the body member from the top wall of the grass collecting unit.

Abstract: A transmission type light sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the exit of a shooter, which has the exit thereof positioned above a grass-bag opening, and the fullness of the grass-bag is detected when the light blocking state of the sensor continues longer than a predetermined time. A light emitting portion and a light receiving portion of the light sensor are positioned opposite to each other so that their optical axes are in coincidence, and they are firmly attached to both ends of a light sensor mounting member. The light sensor consists of a light sensor main body which is placed at one side of a cover, and a retroreflective board placed at the side of the cover opposite to the light sensor main body for reflecting incident light from the light emitting portion in the direction of incidence.

Abstract: A grass cutting machine includes a grass cutter, a motor for driving the grass cutter, a housing for supporting the machine above ground datum, collector for collecting grass cut by cutter, and a fan for establishing a flow of air. The collector for cut grass further includes a duct for directing cut grass entrained in a stream of air from the fan. The duct has a collection mouth at an upstream end thereof and disposed in the region of the ground datum, thereof, and a downstream end of the duct connected to the collector. At least one air-outlet aperture is disposed in the region of the collection mouth, each aperture serving to direct at least a portion of the stream of air downstream from the collection mouth so as to draw into the mouth cut grass and to transport the cut grass through the duct to the collector.

Abstract: Device for cutting, picking up, and for temporarily storing grass or similar products with a view to transporting the stored product to a site for further processing. The device is integrally mounted to a vehicle so that it may be moved over an area of grass to be cut. The device includes a cutting head to cut and to take-up the lawn clippings. The cutting head is connected to first and second transfer pipes utilized to direct the cut grass to the interior of a storage enclosure. A turbine is horizontally mounted under the storage enclosure between the first and second transfer pipes and is dissociated from the cutting head. The turbine provides suction inside the first pipe so that cut grass may be moved from the cutting head toward the turbine. A turbine wheel with blades moves the cut grass tangentially into the second pipe which is integrated with the storage enclosure so as to direct the flow of cut grass into the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grass collectors and the like that allows the trailer boxes of such collectors to be easily emptied. The invention includes a liner disposed within the trailer box of a collector cart. The liner is pulled out of the trailer box to remove the material accumulated in the collector. The preferred apparatus is easily manufactured as it includes only a rod and cloth including clips. The rod is attached near the rear of the trailer box and the liner is rotatably attached to it. The opposite end of the liner is suspended to a frame in the front of the collector by clips. In between, the liner lies in the bottom of the trailer box and the grass clippings, leaves, etc. are allowed to fall on it during operation of the collector.

Abstract: Apparatus for containing leaf and lawn debris as an accessory to a power mower comprising a bag made from plastic film and plastic mesh with coupled seals, means for expelling air from said bag as it fills with the debris, an attached enclosure made from large mesh material, means for placing bag into enclosure, and means for sealing the filled bag.

Abstract: A mower cutting unit is provided with a rear-mounted grass catcher. The cutting unit includes front and rear rollers and mounted between the rear roller and the grass catcher is a rotary brush. The brush is mounted for adjustment into and away from engagement with the rear roller and for adjustment into and away from engagement with the turf. The brush may be driven either in the same direction as or counter to the direction of rotation of the rear roller during forward mowing operation. When driven counter to the direction as the rear roller, the brush may either be positioned for only cleaning clippings from the rear roller and depositing them into the grass catcher or be positioned for additionally sweeping the turf.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade housing enclosing grass cutting blades and having a lateral discharge opening, a blower unit connected to the discharge opening, and a duct connected to the blower unit for transporting grass clippings to a grass catcher. The blower unit includes an elbow-like lower blower housing connected to the blade housing, an upper blower housing having a substantially vertical cylindrical side wall connected to the duct, and an impeller mounted in the upper blower housing to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The impeller has a plane of rotation above a plane of rotation of the blades. The lower blower housing includes a flange for connection to the upper blower housing. The flange has an opening elongated in a direction along a passage defined by the two blower housings. This opening has width approximately half of the diameter of the impeller.

Abstract: A material collection mechanism coupled with a mowing vehicle and having a container mechanism or a flexible bag for receiving air and air-borne material, and within which the material may accumulate. A support mechanism is coupled with an attachment mechanism and extends upwardly therefrom for supporting the container. The support mechanism includes a generally vertically extending chamber for rigidifying the support mechanism, and is also adapted to receive air from the container for channeling the air downwardly for discharge adjacent to the ground. An attachment mechanism is provided for coupling the material collection mechanism with the vehicle. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the bags in material receiving position.

Abstract: A collapsible discharge deflecting chute (often called in the industry today a "chute deflector") for rotary mowers hingeably and collapsibly attached to the mower housing comprising a front vertical panel, a front hinge plate hingeably connected to the front vertical panel for removably securing the front vertical panel to the mower housing, an outer top panel hingeably connected to the front vertical panel, an inner top panel hingeably connected to the outer top panel, a top hinge plate hingeably connected to the inner top panel for removably securing the front vertical panel to the mower housing, and a rear flap panel hingeably connected to the inner top panel. The collapsible discharge deflecting chute has "memory" in that it is biased in an open position by gravitational forces (on metal version, by "molded" memory if plastic) during normal operating conditions permitting the discharge of grass clippings from the mower housing.

Abstract: An improved grass catcher is provided for a lawn mower having a housing with a grass discharge area, and a U-shaped handle. The grass catcher consists of an adapter having a flange at one end and another end attachable to the grass discharge area of the housing. A disposable bag has a mouth mountable to the flange of the adapter so that the bag can catch cut grass travelling through the grass discharge area of the housing. A mechanism is provided for supporting the disposable bag from the handle of the lawn mower so that the disposable bag will not drag on the ground surface when a person is operating the lawn mower.

Abstract: The invention is a lawn and trash bagger comprising a rigid frame structure which provides an unobstructed opening or funnel into a bag which is held over the back end by a flexible cord having fastening hooks located at each of its ends. A handle is provided for lifting the lawn bagger each time the trash is emptied into the bag.

Abstract: A lawnmower bag includes a flexible bag, with a top framework. The top framework includes a forwardly extending handle defined by a loop directed forwardly of the framework, with side rails of the framework slidably mounting a pusher plate therealong to effect removal of grass collected within the bag structure. The pusher plate includes a threadedly removable rod mounted thereto for selective securement of the rod relative to the pusher plate. A modification of the invention includes a pusher plate formed of a hinged plate construction biased rearwardly in a first position, with a cable effectively tensioned to permit projection of the pusher plate forwardly over grass accumulated within the bag structure to permit compaction of such grass and thereby permit enhanced efficiency of storage of grass within the bag structure.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided having a generally conventional engine, seat, frame, cutting deck and hydrostatic transmission. The cutting deck may be vertically adjusted for a plurality of cutting height settings, and may be locked in its uppermost setting and returned to the pre-selected cutting height, by selective operation of a foot-operated pedal. Linkage connects the pedal to the deck and to a variable-height adjustment link. A transmission speed control includes a handle protruding upwardly adjacent the seat, connected to a transverse control rod with a distal end operatively secured to the conventional speed adjustment mechanism of the transmission. Positioned adjacent the distal end of the control rod is a friction-generating device which engages the rod and prevents unintentional movement thereof. A grass collection bag is included with a blower mounted on the cutting deck for providind an enhanced airflow from the cutting deck through the duct leading to the bag.

Abstract: In the combination of a rotary lawn mower, an improved mounting for an air impermeable bag is disclosed. The standard rotary lawn mower includes a rotating blade for cutting and blowing grass upwardly, a housing overlying the ground and surrounding the rotating blade for confining the upwardly blown cut grass about the rotating blade, a discharge aperture defined by the housing for permitting the upwardly blown grass to be discharged from the housing in a confined stream of air and cut grass, and an exhaust aperture from the bag for permitting air discharge from the air impermeable bag. The improved mounting for the air impermeable bag includes an underlying support attached to and supported over the ground from the rotatory lawn mower for receiving from above the air impermeable bag and supporting the bag above the ground. A bag stabilizing member fastens to the upper end of the bag at one end and is hinged with respect to the lawn mower at the mount for movement towards and away from the mount.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprises an engine disposed in a rear portion of a vehicle frame, a cooling fan for producing cooling air flows for the engine, and an engine hood including a discharge opening for discharging engine cooling air rearwardly of the vehicle frame. A mower unit is disposed forwardly of the vehicle frame for cutting grass and blowing grass clippings rearwardly through a duct to a grass catcher mounted upwardly of the engine hood. The grass catcher includes an air vent disposed upwardly of the engine hood for discharging grass conveying air flows toward cooling air flows discharged from the engine hood. The conveying air flows join the cooling air flows to drift rearwardly away from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A scoop allows one to readily collect leaves and like lawn debris from a grassy area. The scoop has a tubular end with handles extending from either side of the tubular end. A plastic bag is releasably connected to the tubular end as by laying the open mouth of the bag over a groove, with a rubber gasket, on the exterior surface of the tubular end, and clamping the open mouth of the bag into place. The handles of the scoop are grasped by the user, and the scoop is moved into the pile of leaves and like debris to force the debris through the tubular portion of the scoop in the plastic bag. Once the plastic bag is filled it is disconnected from the tubular end by unclamping the clamp, and replaced with another bag. The entire scoop, with the exception of the clamp (which may be a campaniform ring), is an integral piece of ABS plastic.

Abstract: A convertible mulching mower (10) including a housing (12) and chute (30). Chute (30) can be selectively blocked with a chute plug (32) to selectively put mower (10) in a mulching mode. Mounted beneath housing (12) is a plurality of kickers (72) which serve to deflect the grass clippings generally downwardly and inwardly to cause them to penetrate the standing grass blades in the cutting path, when the mower (10) is in its mulching mode (when chute plug (32) is blocking discharge chute (30)). When chute plug (32) is removed, it can be replaced by various grass handling means, including a grass bag (36) or a side discharge chute extension (140). A wash-out system (129) can be included in plug (32) to allow the underside of housing (12) to be sprayed with water to remove accumulated grass clippings. Wash-out system (129) can be used for mulching or non-mulching mowers.

Abstract: The universal mounting hitch (26) includes a U-shaped bracket (151) including two spaced apart vertically extending legs (152) including a plurality of apertures (164) therein. The vertically extending legs (152) are interconnected by a horizontally extending member (154) including a plurality of apertures (158). The apertures (158) enable attachment of the U-shaped bracket (151) to the draw bar of the garden tractor (22). The apertures (164) enable attachment of the U-shaped ends (36) of the trailer (24) to the U-shaped bracket (151).

Abstract: A catcher for material such as grass, leaves, and debris, the catcher connectible to a mower for receiving material discharged by the mower, the catcher having a hollow container and apparatus for moving material out of the container and, in one aspect, one or more access openings for accessing material in the container, particularly compacted or difficult-to-move material.

Abstract: A grass catcher is provided for mounting to a lawn mower. The grass catcher includes a generally frustum shaped side wall and opposed front and rear walls. An angularly inclined entrance chute is provided adjacent the front wall. The front wall includes an inclined portion which is angled relative to the axis of the grass catcher. The side wall is provided with a plurality of elongated slots extending circumferentially around the grass catcher. The rear wall of the grass catcher is hingedly attached to the side wall to facilitate emptying of the grass clippings therefrom.

Abstract: The grass collector venting cover assembly of the present invention includes a cover constructed of both porous and non-porous sections. The top of the venting cover assembly consists of two layers; the lower one being porous and the upper one being non-porous. The two layers are connected to allow the cover to vent dirt and debris from the grass chute away from the tractor operator. The cover support frame work supports the cover and allows emptying of the cart without interference from the cover. The grass collector/bagger of the present invention includes a collector support frame work with a rigid hitch for attachment to a tractor; two removable bins each containing two or more reusable, flexible insert containers; and a cover support assembly for supporting a cover above the rigid bins. The cover of the grass collector/bagger can also be of the venting type described above.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mulching grass, leafage, or similar material using a unitary apparatus which cuts and/or collects said material, comminutes, compacts, and conveys said material for broadly spreading thereof on the ground of lawn.

Abstract: A two-axle four-wheel power vehicle is equipped between the front and rear wheels with a mower which comprises a plurality of cutters each rotatable about a vertical axis. The cutters are power-driven, and the clippings of grass thereby cut are discharged from an opening provided at one side of the vehicle body. The discharge opening is provided with an impeller power-driven about a lateral axis for transferring the discharged grass clippings through a duct to a collection box attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting a disposable grass collecting bag to the discharge chute of a walk-behind mower. The bag is received in a grass collector having one end mounted to the mower handlebars and another end mounted to the discharge chute over the disposable bag. The collector mounting to the chute also secures the bag on the chute. During installation, after the bag is mounted about the chute, the body of the bag is folded and placed into the chute. The collector is then mounted to the mower with its inlet about the chute. When the lawn mower is started, the air flow through the chute will expel the bag into the collector and then inflate the bag in the collector to be ready to receive grass clippings.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: A front mount mower is provided with a side-mounted material collection system including a frame which is supported on a caster wheel. A support shaft is coupled to right front wheel of the mower vehicle by means of an adapter hub held in place by the wheel mounting studs and lug nuts. A stiffener strut includes a sleeve mounted on the shaft through means of bearings which permit the shaft to rotate freely relative to the sleeve, the sleeve being welded to the forward end of a tube having its rearward end received on a pin fixed to a mounting plate bolted to the vehicle frame. The forward end of the frame of the collection system includes a member having a u-shaped collar at its forward end which is releasably secured to the sleeve by means of fasteners, this collar permitting the frame to move up and down relative to the sleeve. The working width of the vehicle equipped with the collection system is substantially the same as that of the vehicle without the collection system attached thereto.

Abstract: A lawn mower leaf blower and deflector having disposed therein an opening in its side and holes in its top and bottom surface, a combination handle and control rod having a slot into which fit a door thereafter the control rod is disposed in the holes wherein a door is fitted snugly in the slot, an auxiliary chute attached thereto by fasteners.

Abstract: A mower assembly comprising a grass-catcher bag having an inlet connector for mounting its inlet to the outlet of the mower's grass-discharge outlet, and having a bag-mouth closure at its opposite end mounted on the mower handle. The inlet connector is of a type which slides vertically in and out of its mounted positions, and the rear support for the bag-mouth closure includes an upwardly facing channel, in which lateral ears of the closure rest. A front handle is provided on the bag-inlet connector and a rear handle on the bag-mouth closure, whereby the bag can be removed and replaced easily by simultaneous vertical motion of the two handles.

Abstract: A shredder attachment for use with lawn machines having vacuum or fan movement of shreddable material. The attachment comprises a frame suitably sized and shaped to be substantially mounted inside a conduit of a lawn machine. The attachment further comprises a cutter for cutting material passing through the conduit and a motor for driving the cutter. The attachment can be used in such lawn machines as a discharge conduit for a riding mower bagging system, an auxiliary cutter for a walk behind mower or a hand-held leaf vacuum.

Abstract: A mowed grass container for a mowing machine having a mower attached to a machine body through a hanging link mechanism for recovering mowed grass mowed by said mower to the mowed grass container attached to the machine body through conveying means comprising a shielding plate coupled to the machine body, an upper cover aligned in parallel above and below the side face of said shielding plate, and a lower mowed grass containing unit, said lower mowed grass containing unit being opened at the upper face thereof and at the face adjacent the shielding plate side. The grass container is detachably attached to said shielding plate through a pivot provided at position separated from said shielding plate so as to rotate about the pivot as a rotating center with the open face of the grass container being directed downwardly.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a blade housing supported above the ground by wheels, and a blower case removably connected to one lateral side of the blade housing for blowing grass clippings toward a grass catcher disposed rearwardly of a vehicle body. The blade housing carries wheel support frames secured thereto and extending in a fore and aft direction of the vehicle body. A forward coupling and a rear coupling are secured to one of the wheel support frames for connecting the blower case to the blade housing.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus with an overhead grass catcher includes a housing (10) for discharging grass clippings at a high pneumatically volumetric flow through a discharge duct (14). A conduit (22) diverts the flow of grass clippings at an angle of greater than 90.degree. with respect to the cutting surface of the mower. The grass clippings are discharged through a discharge port (24) into a grass catcher (30). The grass catcher (30) is disposed on a support (25) that is disposed over the central axis of the mower. The support (25) is anchored onto the handle (16) of the mower. An opening is disposed on a flange (38) with a flexible gasket (40) operable to fit over the discharge duct (24). The opposite end of the grass catcher (30) is securely fitted within an end cap (28), which end cap (28) is fixedly attached to the opposite end of the support (25) from the handle (16). The handle (16) can therefore be tilted up to disengage the opening in the grass catcher (30) from the discharge port (24).

Abstract: A disposable biodegradable debris collection bag of thin walled flexible plastic having a neck with a collar to slide onto a discharge boot of a debris discharging machine and characterized by primary and secondary securement means of twist-tie form independently operable to constrict the collar onto the boot and to close the bag for removal.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprises a frame supported by wheels, a mower housing carried at the underside of the frame, a plurality of cutter blades located within the mower housing to cut grass, a collection bag mounted on the rear of the frame, a discharge chute extending between the mower housing and the collection bag and defining a clipping path from the cutter blades into the collection bag, a blower including an impeller housing attached to the mower housing and an impeller located within the impeller housing and cooperating with the butter blades to convey the grass clippings into the collection bag through the discharge chute. A short conduit connects the impeller housing to the upstream end of the discharge chute to conduct an air generated by the impeller into the discharge chute. A central axis of the conduit is offset downwardly from a central axis of the discharge chute.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus for sweeping grass cuttings from a lawn and depositing the cuttings in a pile includes a wheel carried frame for towing directly behind or offset with respect to a tractor type lawn mower, a drum mounted on the frame with an open top front end for receiving lawn cuttings, a rotary sweeper for sweeping lawn cuttings upwardly beneath a cowl into the drum, a lever pivotally connected to the frame for manual actuation to tension a belt/pulley system which causes the drum to rotate to a cuttings discharge position and to return to a cuttings receiving position, and a release device for deactivating the tilt mechanism, whereby the drum returns to the cuttings receiving position.

Abstract: A disposable bag for collecting grass clippings or the like has ventilation holes in only a portion of its surface. The bag has a narrow mouth mounted to a connector assembly, or, alternatively, directly to a discharge chute of a mower. The disposable bag is supported by a cradle assembly mounted to the handlebars of the mower.