Abstract: A battery system for a power equipment apparatus including a battery, a first latch and a second latch. The first latch and the second latch can be movable between a locked position where the first and second latches are configured to engage with a mating structure of the apparatus and a released position where the first and second latches are disengaged from the apparatus. A gearing assembly can be attached to the battery and driving one of the first latch and the second latch between the locked position and the released position. A spring can engage the first latch and the second latch, the spring biasing the first latch and the second latch toward the locked position.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a ride-on mower can include a main frame, a side member pivotally connected to the main frame, and a transaxle. The transaxle can include a pump portion that has a pump housing fixed on the main frame and a fluid displacement structure located in the pump housing. The transaxle can further include a motor portion including a motor housing and a fluid driven structure located in the motor housing. The motor housing can be separate from the pump housing, and the motor housing can be carried on and movable with the side member. Tubing can interconnect the pump portion and the motor portion.

Abstract: A starter system for a lawn mower includes a handle tube and a rope guide. The rope guide includes a rod member with three bends defining four rod segments. A first rod segment extends linearly through opposite openings in the tube, a second rod segment is curved at a diameter approximating a tube surface diameter, a third rod segment extends longitudinally along the tube, and a fourth segment extends to a distal coil. Two points of direct contact between the rod member and the tube outer surface include a first contact point on the second rod segment adjacent a tube opening indentation and a second contact point on the third rod segment near the third bend. The rod segments are configured such that tightening of a nut member dynamically deflects the second and third rod segments to increase a gap with the tube outer surface.

Abstract: A lawnmower with a mulch plug with a plurality ramps for deflecting lawn clippings out of a cutting deck with more than one depth planes. The mulch plug is configured to attach to the lawnmower by one or more attachment points to block a collector opening of the lawnmower. The plurality of ramps comprises a first ramp and a second ramp on the lower plane of the cutting deck extending downward from the mulch plug. The second ramp is positioned further in the cutting rotation of the lawnmower on a trailing edge of the mulch plug. The secure attachment of the mulch plug with a plurality of ramps provides a more even distribution of grass clippings.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mulch plug configured to attach to a lawnmower by one or more attachment points, including a snap-fit attachment point. The snap-fit provides a more secure attachment to the lawnmower than attachment mechanisms on existing mulch plugs, in turn providing more even distribution of mulch and less clogging and locking of mower wheels.

Abstract: A starter system for a lawn mower includes a handle tube and a rope guide. The rope guide includes a rod member with three bends defining four rod segments. A first rod segment extends linearly through opposite openings in the tube, a second rod segment is curved at a diameter approximating a tube surface diameter, a third rod segment extends longitudinally along the tube, and a fourth segment extends to a distal coil. Two points of direct contact between the rod member and the tube outer surface include a first contact point on the second rod segment adjacent a tube opening indentation and a second contact point on the third rod segment near the third bend. The rod segments are configured such that tightening of a nut member dynamically deflects the second and third rod segments to increase a gap with the tube outer surface.

Abstract: A power tool is provided. The power tool includes an internal combustion engine and an integrated device coupled to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a flywheel or another rotating component. The integrated device is enclosed in a housing and is coupled adjacent to either the flywheel or a rotating component. The integrated device includes a printed circuit board with a wireless communications module and a power generation portion which receives power wirelessly from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A power tool is provided. The power tool includes an internal combustion engine and an integrated device coupled to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a flywheel or another rotating component. The integrated device is enclosed in a housing and is coupled adjacent to either the flywheel or a rotating component. The integrated device includes a printed circuit board with a wireless communications module and a power generation portion which receives power wirelessly from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A lawnmower with a mulch plug with a plurality ramps for deflecting lawn clippings out of a cutting deck with more than one depth planes. The mulch plug is configured to attach to the lawnmower by one or more attachment points to block a collector opening of the lawnmower. The plurality of ramps comprises a first ramp and a second ramp on the lower plane of the cutting deck extending downward from the mulch plug. The second ramp is positioned further in the cutting rotation of the lawnmower on a trailing edge of the mulch plug. The secure attachment of the mulch plug with a plurality of ramps provides a more even distribution of grass clippings.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mulch plug configured to attach to a lawnmower by one or more attachment points, including a snap-fit attachment point. The snap-fit provides a more secure attachment to the lawnmower than attachment mechanisms on existing mulch plugs, in turn providing more even distribution of mulch and less clogging and locking of mower wheels.

Abstract: An anti-rotation apparatus usable with power driven equipment. The power driven equipment may include a deck, a deck bracket connected to the deck, and a handle. The handle may be pivotally mounted to the deck bracket and capable of rotating in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The anti-rotation pin has a first portion configured to prevent rotation of the handle in the first rotational direction; and a second portion configured to prevent rotation of the handle in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube can include an oil fill extension tube and a self-locking washer. The oil fill extension tube can include a plurality of locking edges disposed towards a first distal end of the oil fill extension tube, where the plurality of locking edges can define boundaries of a plurality of slots. The self-locking washer can include a plurality of teeth disposed on its top surface. The self-locking washer can be oriented over an opening in the oil pan, after which the oil fill extension tube can be threaded into the opening. The plurality of slots and plurality of teeth can be ratcheted together to fasten the oil fill extension tube into the oil pan when the oil fill extension tube is rotated clockwise. The washer can further include a locking extension to securely engage a portion of the oil pan.

Abstract: Fastening method, assembly and structure of engine oil fill extension tube can include an oil fill extension tube and a self-locking washer. The oil fill extension tube can include a plurality of locking edges disposed towards a first distal end of the oil fill extension tube, where the plurality of locking edges can define boundaries of a plurality of slots. The self-locking washer can include a plurality of teeth disposed on its top surface. The self-locking washer can be oriented over an opening in the oil pan, after which the oil fill extension tube can be threaded into the opening. The plurality of slots and plurality of teeth can be ratcheted together to fasten the oil fill extension tube into the oil pan when the oil fill extension tube is rotated clockwise. The washer can further include a locking extension to securely engage a portion of the oil pan.

Abstract: A vehicle including a battery residing in a compartment having at least one vented wall. The vehicle further includes an at least partially hollow frame having an air inlet. A conduit extends between the frame and the battery box providing fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.

Abstract: A vehicle including a battery residing in a compartment having at least one vented wall. The vehicle further includes an at least partially hollow frame having an air inlet. A conduit extends between the frame and the battery box providing fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for maximizing cooling and fuel economy. A grille opening in the vehicle allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a first path and a bottom breather opening allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a distinct, second path. An air separator extends between the first and second paths to prevent mixing of airflow along these paths. The air separator may be a thin dividing wall of a deformable material that extends toward a condenser/radiator assembly at low vehicle speeds. At increased vehicle speeds, the deformable portion deflects to enhance airflow along the second path. An associated method of controlling airflow includes terminating the air separator closely adjacent a condenser/radiator assembly to limit mixing of airflow along separate paths, and deflecting in response to increased air flow to alter airflow through at least one of the first and second paths.

Abstract: A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for maximizing cooling in fuel economy in automotive vehicle having an argument. A grille opening in the vehicle allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a first path and a bottom breather opening allows air to flow toward the engine compartment along a distinct, second path. An air separator extends between the first and second paths to prevent mixing of airflow along these paths. In one embodiment, the air separator is a thin dividing wall preferably formed of a deformable material. The deformable portion extends toward a condenser/radiator assembly at low vehicle speeds. At increased vehicle speeds, the deformable portion deflects and preferably adopts a generally curvilinear contour of ducting to enhance airflow along the second path. An associated method of controlling airflow is provided by terminating the air separator closely adjacent a condenser/radiator assembly to limit mixing of airflow along separate paths.