Abstract: Accessory attachments systems for use with turf vehicles are described and illustrated. Such systems permit outdoor maintenance tools to be secured and transported by the vehicle, e.g., in locations conveniently accessible by an operator of the vehicle without leaving the operator platform (e.g., seat), and removed from the vehicle when desired. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connectors each having: a mounting portion adapted to be removably secured to a panel attached to the vehicle; and a tool holding portion adapted to receive and hold an outdoor maintenance tool. The mounting portion of each connector may attach to any one of a plurality of receivers formed on panels secured to various locations on the vehicle.

Abstract: Accessory attachments systems for use with turf vehicles are described and illustrated. Such systems permit outdoor maintenance tools to be secured and transported by the vehicle, e.g., in locations conveniently accessible by an operator of the vehicle without leaving the operator platform (e.g., seat), and removed from the vehicle when desired. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connectors each having: a mounting portion adapted to be removably secured to a panel attached to the vehicle; and a tool holding portion adapted to receive and hold an outdoor maintenance tool. The mounting portion of each connector may attach to any one of a plurality of receivers formed on panels secured to various locations on the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator system for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower, comprises a reversible electric motor that drives a gear reduction assembly. The gear reduction assembly rotates an output shaft at a speed slower than the speed of rotation of the motor. The output shaft has opposite ends that are linked by a pair of actuating rods to a pair of parking brakes. As the motor is rotated in reverse rotary directions, the connecting portions of the rods that are coupled to the parking brakes are moved in opposite, straight line directions to move the parking brakes between brake disengaged and brake engaged positions.

Abstract: A parking brake actuator system for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower, comprises a reversible electric motor that drives a gear reduction assembly. The gear reduction assembly rotates an output shaft at a speed slower than the speed of rotation of the motor. The output shaft has opposite ends that are linked by a pair of actuating rods to a pair of parking brakes. As the motor is rotated in reverse rotary directions, the connecting portions of the rods that are coupled to the parking brakes are moved in opposite, straight line directions to move the parking brakes between brake disengaged and brake engaged positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pivotal control for engaging and disengaging the parking brake of an outdoor power equipment unit such as a lawn mower. The control is laterally pivotal from an inboard to an outboard position by the operator as the operator mounts or dismounts the unit. This lateral pivoting motion is converted by a bevel gear arrangement to a longitudinal push on the inner cable of a Bowden cable, with the inner cable being connected to a parking brake. Pushing on the inner cable in this manner causes a portion of the inner cable between a fixed rear end of the outer sheath of the Bowden cable and the parking brake to become additionally curved or bowed. The amount of this additional curvature or bow is sufficient to develop a biasing force in the inner cable that keeps the parking brake engaged. Thus, no separate biasing spring is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A footrest apparatus for use with a riding ground maintenance vehicle, e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower. In one embodiment, at least a footrest surface of the footrest apparatus is adjustable along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mower. The footrest surface provides an adjustable resting position for the operator's feet during lawn mower operation.

Abstract: An electrically powered actuator system is provided for engaging and disengaging the parking brake system of an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower. The actuator system includes a solenoid that is coupled to the parking brake(s) of the unit by one or more link arms. When the solenoid is deenergized and the armature of the solenoid is extended, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their engaged positions. When the solenoid is energized and the armature of the solenoid is drawn inwardly into the solenoid housing, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their disengaged positions. The solenoid is energized and deenergized by a control system responsive to various switches that detect various operational conditions of the unit, such as the presence of the operator in the seat of the unit and/or the placement of the unit's twin stick propulsion and steering controls in their inboard positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically powered actuator system for engaging and disengaging the parking brake system of an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower. The actuator system includes a solenoid that is coupled to the parking brake(s) of the unit by one or more link arms. When the solenoid is deenergized and the armature of the solenoid is extended, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their engaged positions. When the solenoid is energized and the armature of the solenoid is drawn inwardly into the solenoid housing, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their disengaged positions. The solenoid is energized and deenergized by a control system responsive to various switches that detect various operational conditions of the unit, such as the presence of the operator in the seat of the unit and/or the placement of the unit's twin stick propulsion and steering controls in their inboard positions.

Abstract: An improved air inlet cover and impeller for a convertible electric blower/vacuum. The blower/vac includes an electric motor which drives an impeller. A plurality of blades located on the impeller define a frusto-conical surface of revolution. The air inlet cover includes an integral, frusto-conical pressure ring which is located offset but generally congruent to the surface of revolution defined by the impeller blades. The cover additionally includes an air grate that allows the passage of air but prevents the passage of other objects. The grate also includes a choke member for adjusting the effective area of the air inlet into the blower/vac to control the exit air volume and velocity of the blower. The cover also includes a bell-mouthed opening integral with the choke member to increase the efficiency of the blower/vac when in the blower mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides for noise reduction during operation of a portable blower by reducing the noise or acoustic energy escaping from the inlet of the blower housing. The noise reduction is achieved in one respect by placing sound absorbing material in a plenum attached to the inlet opening of the blower housing. Other features of the preferred plenum include louvered openings and angled engagement members to draw the plenum tightly against the blower housing.