Abstract: A control apparatus for a lawn mower which includes two coupling members pivotable about a single axis. The coupling members are connected to a drive mechanism and a braking mechanism for the lawn mower. The lawn mower device has a drive configured to rotate a shaft in a first direction. A drive wheel is coupled to the shaft and is coupled to a driven wheel by a drive belt. A tensioning system is shown coupled to the drive belt. The tensioning system has a first idler plate configured to bias a first idler pulley against the drive belt when the drive is rotating the shaft in the first direction and a second idler plate configured to bias a second idler plate against the drive belt when the drive is rotating the shaft in a second direction. A brake mechanism is further coupled to the tensioning system. The brake mechanism is configured to resist the rotation of the driven wheel. A brake lockout is provided which resist the inadvertent engagement of the brake when the mower is driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A lawn mower with catcher accommodation and having a mower housing and a rear portion on the housing extending along an upright plane transverse to the mower central axis. A handle is attached to the housing and extends rearwardly therefrom and the housing has a grass clipping discharge opening directed to the rear on the mower and to one side of the central axis. The mower has a vertically mounted hinged door extending over the discharge opening and being swingable to an open position and against a spring. A grass catcher can be mounted on the mower and it has an adapter abutting the mower and in contact with the spring-urged door which secures the catcher on the mower. The mower door has an impact panel therein for engaging the materials blown and thrown by the mower and against the door when the door is closed.

Abstract: A lawn mower catcher of the bag type including a grass inlet opening at one end thereof and having a rigid door or mower adapter connected at the one end and extending over the opening. The door or adapter itself has a grass inlet opening for entry of the grass into the bag catcher. The door or adapter is pivotally attached to the fabric or bag portion of the catcher and can be opened and closed on the catcher opening and has attaching members for mounting onto a mower. Also, the catcher has another mower attachment, all so that the opposite ends of the catcher can be attached to the mower and extends rearwardly thereof and within the lateral limits of the mower and the mower handle extends underneath the catcher for upwardly supporting the catcher when the catcher is filled or sags. The catcher also has an additional handle for uprightly supporting the catcher to empty the grass therefrom when the door is opened.

Abstract: A combined lawn mower and grass catcher including a rotary type mower having a rearwardly directed discharge opening and a grass catcher mounted on the mower and extending to the rear thereof and within the lateral confines of the mower. A mower handle extends rearwardly of the mower with a portion thereof underneath the catcher for protecting and supporting the catcher if and when the latter extends down to the supporting portion of the mower handle. The catcher and the mower have inter-engaging members for attaching and removing the catcher relative to the mower, including a handle at the rear end of the catcher for attaching to the mower handle and for lifting the catcher. A spring-biased discharge opening door is mounted on the mower for engaging the front portion of the catcher and thereby securing the catcher so the mower under the influence of the spring acting on the mower door.

Abstract: A gasoline powered machine, shown in the form of a lawn mower, having a gasoline engine, and a mower deck for a housing, and a mower handle, and ground engaging wheels. The engine has the usual electric circuitry connected thereto, and two electric switches are connected with the circuitry for grounding the circuit and thereby stopping operation of the engine when the switches are not being operated, and that is when they are then in a normally-closed position. Therefore, the operator must be in physical contact with either of the two switches to maintain either one in an open position in order to have the gasoline engine operating.