Abstract: A handle for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a lawn mower, includes a control system for allowing the user to manually vary the ground speed of the mower provided by a self propel system. The control system includes a handle grip on the handle that slides up and down relative to a lower portion of the handle. As the handle grip slides down, the ground speed increases. As the handle grip slides up, the ground speed decreases. A grab member can be used to allow the operator to have leverage in pushing the handle grip down.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a rotary lawn mower to increase the mulching effectiveness of the mower comprises a generally rectangular blade having a central portion and radially outermost end portions. The blade is curved over its entire length to have a concavely curved upper surface across the width thereof from one end to the other. In addition, the radially outermost end portions of the blade are twisted reversely relative to one another to cause the leading edges thereof to slant downwardly as they extend from the central portion of the blade to the tip portions of the blade.

Abstract: A mulching mower has at least one generally enclosed cutting chamber in which a rotatable cutting blade is carried for rotation in a generally horizontal cutting plane. A sidewall defines the circumferential boundary of the cutting chamber and the grass clippings exit the cutting chamber through an open bottom side thereof. An attachment is abutted against the bottom of the blade and is secured thereto by the same attachment bolt that holds the blade to the engine drive shaft to provide a plurality of winglets that rotate in unison with the blade. The winglets include forwardly inclined grass deflecting surfaces that extend over an inner portion of each blade half and help evacuate the grass clippings from the cutting chamber. The tip portions of the blade may also be cut away or chamfered in the range of 7.degree.-15.degree. relative to a square radial tip configuration.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or bail joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: In a walk-behind power lawn mower with a propelling mechanism and a blade brake clutch, an improved control system. A preferred embodiment includes a substantially U-shaped control arm (34), pivot shaft (36, 38) operatively connecting control arm (34) to handlebar (28) wherein the pivot shafts (36, 38) establish a pivot axis.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or ball joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A multi-bladed mulching mower comprises a cutting deck beneath which a plurality of cutting blades are carried. The cutting blades are shrouded so that each cutting blade is confined within a generally circular cutting chamber. Kicker members are located in each of the cutting chambers to help deflect cut grass particles downwardly into the uncut grass. Thus, a mower is provided suited for mowing relatively large areas which is also capable of dispensing the cut grass clippings into the cut grass path to serve as mulch.

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: An improved riding lawn mower comprises a frame having steerable front wheels and rear traction wheels. Each rear wheel is independently driven by a separate transmission. A steering wheel is used to turn the front wheels to control the direction of movement of the rider. Linkage assemblies connected to the steering assembly declutch the rear wheel on the inside of a sharp turn to give the mower near ZTR turning ability. However, the declutched rear wheel freewheels to avoid tearing the turf and the mower does not speed up during the turn.

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).

Abstract: A snowthrower (10) having an improved impeller (20). Impeller (20) preferably includes a central rotating shaft (34) which fixedly supports at either end thereof an end member (46) and rotatably supports proximate its center a center bracket (48) wherein elements (46) and (48) support one or more one-piece flexible curved paddles (36). In operation, when rotating impeller (20) encounters a foreign object (70), shaft (34) and end members (46) continue to turn while center bracket (48) rotates to some degree on shaft (34) to allow the center sections (38) of paddles (36) to twist and flex relative to shaft (34) and end members (46), thereby permitting center sections (38) of paddles (36) to easily ride up and over obstruction (70). This minimizes the shock associated with impact of the rotating impeller (20) with obstruction (70), and prevents stalling of the prime mover (18) of snowthrower (10).

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower (2) includes an open front portion (14) having a rotatable impeller (30) contained therein. Impeller (30) contains at least one outwardly extending paddle (32) having a complex curved shape. Paddle (32) includes a central snowthrowing section (34) which is curved forwardly from its midpoint to each side thereof to be concave with this central section (34) extending over at least the middle 50 percent of the entire paddle's length. Two end sections (36) fill out the remaining length of paddle (32) and are shaped to function as augers for moving a relatively small volume of snow inwardly onto the central snowthrowing section (34). Improved impeller (30) can be used with an inverted funnel-shaped collecting chamber (22) located in the rear wall (18) of front portion (14) of snowthrower (2). Collecting chamber (22) is sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the inwardly tapered stream which is thrown off central section (34).

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower (2) includes an open front portion (14) having a rotatable impeller (30) contained therein. Impeller (30) contains at least one outwardly extending paddle (32) having a complex curved shape. Paddle (32) includes a central snowthrowing section (34) which is curved forwardly from its midpoint to each side thereof to be concave with this central section (34) extending over at least the middle 50 percent of the entire paddle's length. Two end sections (36) fill out the remaining length of paddle (32) and are shaped to function as augers for moving a relatively small volume of snow inwardly onto the central snowthrowing section (34). Improved impeller (30) can be used with an inverted funnel-shaped collecting chamber (22) located in the rear wall (18) of front portion (14) of snowthrower (2). Collecting chamber (22) is sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the inwardly tapered stream which is thrown off central section (34).

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower (2) includes a four cycle internal combustion engine (20) having an elongated dipstick tube (30). Dipstick tube ( (30) is pivotably connected to the engine oil sump (24) for movement between a first position and a second horizontal position. Dipstick tube (30) in the second position thereof easily drains oil from the engine oil sump (24).

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower 2 includes a housing 4 having a side discharge port 54 located downstream of a rear discharge port 52. A downwardly opening tunnel 32 is tilted from front to back to define a grass circulating passageway. Discharge ports 52 and 54 may be blocked so that tunnel 32 operates as an improved mulcher with the grass clippings being discharged therefrom in a substantially downward direction. Lawn mower 2 includes a grass receiving means 12 having a chute 140 which may be releasably coupled on rear deck 21 of housing 4. Chute 140 has an open mouth with an area which is much larger than the cross-sectional area of the chute to more easily empty a bag 126 attached to the chute. In addition, dispersal attachment 180 can be alternatively coupled to rear deck 21 for dispersing the cut grass clippings in a pattern behind housing 4.

Abstract: A rotary mulching mower having a housing which defines a cutting chamber and has a kicker mounted therein to direct grass clippings generally downward into the cutting path. A cutting blade is mounted to the housing and disposed within the cutting chamber for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The cutting chamber is generally cylindrical and in the preferred embodiment a plurality of kickers are mounted within the chamber and spaced apart about its circumference. The mower has a central deck that encloses the cutting chamber and a rear deck with vertical sidewalls that taper rearwardly from the central deck to a rear wall.

Abstract: Bagging apparatus for a rotary mower in which a grass-catching bag and discharge chute may be detached from the mower in a one-handed operation by the user. A portion of the apparatus connecting the mower housing with the chute and bag also functions as a discharge deflector when the mower is used with the bag removed. The downward deflector is spring-biased toward the downward position and slidably engages a chute to which the grass-catching bag may be attached. Also disclosed is a hook-shaped locking slot on the top of the mower housing into which a projection on the chute may be urged by the spring-biased deflector to positively fasten the chute and mower housing during operation in a bagging mode.

Abstract: Collection or bagging apparatus for a riding-type lawn mower is disclosed. A substantially rigid top hinged receptacle structure is fastened to the mower frame. A telescoping elongated handle member which cooperates with a bracket to provide a retractable lever for emptying of the receptacle and a latch to prevent accidental opening of the receptacle during the filling procedure is provided.

Abstract: In a lawn and garden implement, a starting system is provided therefor which prevents accidental energization of the implement, and which also provides for automatic deenergization of the implement upon release thereof by the operator. The starting system includes an actuator lever engaging a switch actuator to rotate a removable key inserted within a rotary operated switch to open and close the implement's circuitry. Lockout means are provided which engage the switch actuator and which must be disengaged therefrom to permit actuator rotation. The component parts of the present invention all cooperate sequentially to provide a starting system which will not energize the implement unless the operator consciously follows the proper starting sequence.

Abstract: An improved single stage snowthrower (2) includes an open front portion (14) having a rotatable impeller (30) contained therein. Impeller (30) contains at least one outwardly extending paddle (32) having a complex curved shape. Paddle (32) includes a central snowthrowing section (34) which is curved forwardly from its midpoint to each side thereof to be concave with this central section (34) extending over at least the middle 50 percent of the entire paddle's length. Two end sections (36) fill out the remaining length of paddle (32) and are shaped to function as augers for moving a relatively small volume of snow inwardly onto the central snowthrowing section (34). Improved impeller (30) can be used with an inverted funnel-shaped collecting chamber (22) located in the rear wall (18) of front portion (14) of snowthrower (2). Collecting chamber (22) is sized and shaped to approximate the size and shape of the inwardly tapered stream which is thrown off central section (34).