Abstract: A spindle assembly for use with a rotating member is provided. The spindle assembly may include a flexible shield or seal that, in one embodiment, is radially and axially secured to one end of a spindle shaft of the assembly. The seal may be spaced-apart from one or more bearings rotationally supporting the shaft. As a result, a space between the seal and the bearing may be provided that allows dissipation of energy from a fluid (e.g., pressurized stream of cleaning fluid) that is forced past the seal. Moreover, spindle assembly constructions in accordance with embodiments of the instant invention may permit increased bearing spacing, potentially reducing bearing load and increasing bearing life.

Abstract: A retainer for keeping an endless drive member of a drive system in a desired position. In one embodiment, the endless drive member is configured as a belt, wherein the retainer keeps the belt in position for engagement with an associated sheave even when the belt is slackened. The retainer may be configured as an elongate member having a first end fixed to a structure and a second unsupported end opposite the first end. The retainer may be positioned near the sheave and may be elastically deflected to permit removal of the belt when desired. In one embodiment, the retainer is configured as a coiled compression spring.

Abstract: An isolation system for use in damping and isolating low frequency oscillations and shock loads between two members. An exemplary application is a seat isolation system for use with a vehicle such as a lawn mower. The seat isolation system may include two or more isolators interposed between a chassis of the vehicle, and a seat (e.g., operator's seat). The isolators may permit attenuation of shock or low frequency oscillation inputs via damping and isolation in both vertical and horizontal (fore-and-aft and side-to-side) directions. In some embodiments, the isolators include an elastomeric element that provides the seat with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever.

Abstract: A vehicle including a linkage-based motion control system for varying a parameter (e.g., velocity) of the vehicle as a geometric relationship between a vehicle input (e.g., velocity control lever) and a vehicle output (e.g., drive train) is modified. In one embodiment, the control system provides a linkage that allows a fixed level of input applied to the control lever to produce a repeatable output to a variable drive unit even as the drive unit is moved relative to the control lever. In another embodiment, an adjustable stop for use with setting a terminal position of a control lever (e.g., a velocity control lever) is provided. Accordingly, the maximum potential speed of the vehicle may be adjusted (e.g., reduced) without altering the speed of the vehicle engine.

Abstract: A wheel mounting and height adjustment mechanism for use with a power equipment unit/implement such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, the mechanism may include a block defining a plurality of bores, each bore to selectively receive an axle of a wheel assembly. A plate member may be provided in or near the block. The plate member may include a plurality of elongate cutouts such that a separate cutout is selectively alignable with each of the plurality of bores. When the plate member is in a disengaged position such that a first portion of each cutout is aligned with its respective bore, each cutout permits the axle to fully enter its respective bore. However, when the plate member is moved to an engaged position, each cutout may engage the axle to capture the respective wheel assembly.

Abstract: A jacking apparatus including a jack mount, the apparatus for use with a vehicle such as a riding lawn mower. The jack mount is, in one embodiment, configured to be attached to and removed from the vehicle without the use of tools. In one embodiment, the jack mount includes two jaws that effectively clamp to a frame of the mower. The clamping force is generated by the weight of the mower acting against a jacking force applied to the jack mount by an extensible jacking device.

Abstract: A retainer for keeping an endless drive member of a drive system in a desired position. In one embodiment, the endless drive member is configured as a belt, wherein the retainer keeps the belt in position for engagement with an associated sheave even when the belt is slackened. The retainer may be configured as an elongate member having a first end fixed to a structure and a second unsupported end opposite the first end. The retainer may be positioned near the sheave and may be elastically deflected to permit removal of the belt when desired. In one embodiment, the retainer is configured as a coiled compression spring.

Abstract: A flow control baffle for a turf mower having a plurality of mower blades carried within a mower deck. The flow control baffle includes a foot wall section which extends from near a side discharge opening into the cutting chamber. The foot wall may be curved and may be movable to define a volute section of variable width. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle includes a panel wall and a foot wall, which are connected together and movable relative to other portions of the mower deck. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle is movable and selectively positioned within the cutting deck in order to optimize mower performance in view of location operating conditions. In one embodiment, the air flow control baffle defines sacrificial wear surfaces within the mower deck at locations of otherwise high wear.

Abstract: A control system for use with a ground maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. The control system may include one or more control handles movable between a neutral position and at least a first drive or reverse position. The system may further include a biasing mechanism operable to bias the control handle from the first drive position to the neutral position. The biasing mechanism may be pre-deflected when the control handle is in the neutral position, yet provide little or no biasing effect to the handle until the handle is moved towards the first drive position.

Abstract: A removable cover for attachment to a structure such as a housing. In one embodiment, the cover extends over a mechanical drive system of an implement. The exemplary cover may be used to shield a driven pulley and at least a portion of an associated belt of a lawn mower cutting deck when the cover is attached to the deck. The cover may, at one end, include one or more portions configured to engage the housing. At a second end, the cover may include a resilient lip that, at least in one embodiment, is defined by an opening formed in the cover. The lip may selectively interlock with an anchor attached to the housing to secure the cover relative to the deck.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly for a turf mower having a resilient deflector and a frame connecting the deflector to a mower deck proximate to a side discharge outlet. The frame includes one or more extension elements which engage the deflector. In one embodiment the extension elements are captured within pockets defined within the deflector. The pivoting frame mass facilitates a quick recovery to a guarded condition after the deflector rises in contact with an obstruction. Additionally, the frame mass allows the deflector to maintain an upright, unguarded orientation without additional biasing forces which is useful, for example, during a machine loading operation.

Abstract: A control system for use with a ground maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. The control system may include one or more control handles movable between a neutral position and at least a first drive or reverse position. The system may further include a biasing mechanism operable to bias the control handle from the first drive position to the neutral position. The biasing mechanism may be pre-deflected when the control handle is in the neutral position, yet provide little or no biasing effect to the handle until the handle is moved towards the first drive position.

Abstract: A drive system for use with an endless drive member, e.g., a belt. The drive system may utilize an idler pulley that, in a first position, tensions the belt sufficiently to ensure power transmission between a driving pulley and a driven pulley. The idler pulley may be also be moved to a second position. In the second position, the idler pulley may both: relax tension in the belt to terminate power transmission to the driven pulley; and contact a brake member to quickly stop idler pulley rotation. Belt tension may then stop rotation of downstream driven pulleys. As a result, disengagement of the drive system and active braking of the idler pulley (and thus the driven pulleys) may both be accomplished via a single motion of the idler pulley.

Abstract: A sulky for attachment to a self-propelled machine, e.g., lawn mower. Sulkies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may attach to, and detach from, the lawn mower with operator-actuatable, spring-loaded pins. The sulky may further pivot, relative to the mower, from an operating position to a storage position. A spring-loaded latch may be used to operatively secure the sulky relative to the mower frame when the sulky is in the storage position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly to permit relative pivotal motion of a sleeve of the pivot assembly about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly may contain a spherical bearing assembly therein. The spherical bearing assembly may include a spherical portion and a tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is operable to form a sealing surface, e.g., a sealing member may seal directly with the tubular portion.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. In some embodiments, a neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. In one embodiment, an OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: Multiple belt mule drive apparatus and systems for use with ground maintenance vehicles are provided. The apparatus may include two endless belts each engageable with a drive sheave of a prime mover and a driven sheave of a cutting deck. Each drive belt may further contact a guide pulley and an idler pulley on a tension side and a slack side of the belt, respectively. In one embodiment, the drive sheave has an axis generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the guide pulley and the idler pulley associated with the first endless belt are, when the vehicle is in an operating configuration, located on a first side of a vertical plane passing through the drive sheave axis, while the guide pulley and idler pulley associated with the second endless belt are located on a second side.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. In some embodiments, a neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. In one embodiment, an OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: A tilting chair comprising: a support board integrating its seat and back support to be elastically transformable backwards when a user puts pressure onto its back support; a frame that further consists of: a back support part tightly, horizontally coupled at the external surface of the back support, a pair of rear legs extended from both left and right sides of the back supporting part downwards to the floor, a pair of feet bent at edges of the rear legs and extended forwards along the floor surface, a pair of front legs extended upwards from the front edges of the feet, a seat front side support part bent and extended to face at both upper ends of the front legs to support front portion of the seat, and a seat rear side support part interconnecting the center of the rear legs to support the rear portion of the seat; and flanges and coupling units respectively assembled at the external surface of the back support part and at the lower surface of the seat, to thereby make a user feel comfortable because a bac