Abstract: A leaf blower to be worn by a user. The leaf blower including a frame having a back plate defining a back plate plane and a blower system coupled to the frame. The blower system includes a motor having drive shaft, the drive shaft defining an axis, and the axis forms an angle with respect to the back plate plane between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees.

Abstract: A leaf blower to be worn by a user. The leaf blower including a frame having a back plate defining a back plate plane and a blower system coupled to the frame. The blower system includes a motor having drive shaft, the drive shaft defining an axis, and the axis forms an angle with respect to the back plate plane between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees.

Abstract: A leaf blower to be worn by a user. The leaf blower including a frame having a back plate defining a back plate plane and a blower system coupled to the frame. The blower system includes a motor having drive shaft, the drive shaft defining an axis, and the axis forms an angle with respect to the back plate plane between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees.

Abstract: A leaf blower to be worn by a user. The leaf blower including a frame having a back plate defining a back plate plane and a blower system coupled to the frame. The blower system includes a motor having drive shaft, the drive shaft defining an axis, and the axis forms an angle with respect to the back plate plane between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees.

Abstract: A portably log splitter is provided. The log splitter comprises a base having a pair of one-piece side members, and a support member to which the one-piece side members are attached. The support member and the one-piece side members form a seat that is adapted to receive a log. The log splitter also includes a splitting wedge that is attached to the support member and a contact member that is configured to translate in a reciprocal manner adjacent to the support member in order to move the log. The log splitter also includes a control assembly operated by a switch to actuate the contact member in the reciprocal manner.

Abstract: A rotary mulching lawn mower is provided having an annular housing forming a toroidal internal cutting chamber in which is oriented a blade having a central axis for rotation. The blade has a series of blade portions extending radially outward from the central axis each having an end portion extending into the toroidal internal cutting chamber. The blade end portion directs cut grass upward into the cutting chamber. Each blade has an intermediate portion located between the central axis and the end portion having a substantially flat surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The intermediate portion is provided with a radially extending rib located intermediate the leading and trailing edge portions of the blade having a slope 12 projecting downwardly out of the plane for directing cut grass into the lawn upon rotation of the blade. The lawn mower of the preferred embodiment is driven by a battery powered electric motor.

Abstract: A recharging system for a battery operated tool such as a lawn mower. A slidable cover is used which is movable between an open position and a closed position. The slidable cover alternately exposes a receptacle adapted to receive a removable fuse key and an electrical connector adapted to receive an electrical power cord. The receptacle and the electrical connector are longitudinally aligned with the cover so that for the cover to move to the open position and expose the electrical connector, the fuse key must be removed. The receptacle is electrically connected in series with an activation switch, the battery and the electric motor to form a motor circuit. When the fuse key is removed to expose the electrical connector, the motor circuit is broken which prevents the electric motor from being activated whether or not the activation switch is engaged.

Abstract: A rotary mulching lawn mower is provided having an annular housing forming a toroidal internal cutting chamber in which is oriented a blade having a central axis for rotation. The blade has a series of blade portions extending radially outward from the central axis each having an end portion extending into the toroidal internal cutting chamber. The blade end portion directs cut grass upward into the cutting chamber. Each blade has an intermediate portion located between the central axis and the end portion having a substantially flat surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The intermediate portion is provided with a radially extending rib located intermediate the leading and trailing edge portions of the blade having a slope projecting downwardly out of the plane for directing cut grass into the lawn upon rotation of the blade. The lawn mower of the preferred embodiment is driven by a battery powered electric motor.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided having a deck which is supported by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels above a surface when operated in a horizontal mode. A leg is affixed to a rear portion of the deck and projects outwardly therefrom. A handle assembly is affixed to the deck so as to be movable between an extended operating position and a retracted storage position. The leg cooperates with the pair of rear wheels to provide a stable support for the lawn mower enabling generally vertical storage of the lawn mower relative to the surface once the handle assembly has been moved to the retracted storage position.

Abstract: The switch has a housing adapted to receive a lever shiftable relative thereto between an ON position and an OFF position for activating an electric lawn mower. An activator button is movably affixed to the housing, such that the activator button is movable in a first degree of freedom relative to the housing between an ACTIVE position and a STOP position. The activator button is also movable in a second degree of freedom relative the housing between a READY orientation and a RUN orientation in response to movement of the lever to the ON position. A biasing means cooperates with the housing and the activator button for biasing the activator button toward the STOP position and the READY orientation. A normally open electrical switch is affixed on the housing for starting the electric mower. The electrical switch is closeable only when the activator button is moved to the RUN orientation.