Abstract: A portable shooting bench and utility table. In the shooting-bench embodiment, a tabletop is isosceles-triangle-shaped for ambidextrous functionality. In the utility-table embodiment, the tabletop is preferably round but can be any shape suitable for general use. The shooting-bench embodiment preferably includes a height-adjustable seat. A plurality of ratcheting leg couplers are rotatably attached to a support base and radiate outward from the support base. A proximate end of a leg attaches in ratcheting fashion to each ratcheting leg coupler, allowing adjustment of an angle of declination of each leg. The ratcheting leg couplers rotate about the support base, allowing radial positioning of the legs for optimum stability under various terrain conditions. The shooting bench or utility table can be converted from a deployed mode to a folded mode, in which shoulder straps can be affixed to the tabletop allowing transport of the shooting bench or utility table backpack-style.

Abstract: A portable shooting bench and utility table. In the shooting-bench embodiment, a tabletop is isosceles-triangle-shaped for ambidextrous functionality. In the utility-table embodiment, the tabletop is preferably round but can be any shape suitable for general use. The shooting-bench embodiment preferably includes a height-adjustable seat. A plurality of ratcheting leg couplers are rotatably attached to a support base and radiate outward from the support base. A proximate end of a leg attaches in ratcheting fashion to each ratcheting leg coupler, allowing adjustment of an angle of declination of each leg. The ratcheting leg couplers rotate about the support base, allowing radial positioning of the legs for optimum stability under various terrain conditions. The shooting bench or utility table can be converted from a deployed mode to a folded mode, in which shoulder straps can be affixed to the tabletop allowing transport of the shooting bench or utility table backpack-style.

Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit, such as a mower, includes a foot platform for supporting a standing operator who operates the unit while standing atop the foot platform. The foot platform can be pivoted upwardly from a substantially horizontal orientation into a substantially vertical, folded up orientation against the rear of the traction vehicle. A thigh pad engages against the thighs of the operator and is pivotally linked to the foot platform to pivot on the traction vehicle with the pivotal motion of the foot platform. When the foot platform is horizontal, the thigh pad is pivoted to be angled downwardly and rearwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle. When the foot platform is folded up, the thigh pad is pivoted inwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle to be sandwiched between the rear of the traction vehicle and the folded up foot platform.

Abstract: A rotary cutting deck has a roller striper along a rear side thereof. The roller striper comprises a pivotal frame that rotatably journals a roller made from a plastic roller body. Torsion springs surround the pivots for the frame. The springs put enough downforce on the plastic roller body to lay the cut grass over in a rearward direction as the cutting deck moves forwardly over the ground. The roller striper can be selectively moved into and out of engagement with the ground by a pivotal handle that can be manipulated by an operator from a seat of the lawn mower on which the cutting deck is installed.

Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit, such as a mower, includes a foot platform for supporting a standing operator who operates the unit while standing atop the foot platform. The foot platform can be pivoted upwardly from a substantially horizontal orientation into a substantially vertical, folded up orientation against the rear of the traction vehicle. A thigh pad engages against the thighs of the operator and is pivotally linked to the foot platform to pivot on the traction vehicle with the pivotal motion of the foot platform. When the foot platform is horizontal, the thigh pad is pivoted to be angled downwardly and rearwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle. When the foot platform is folded up, the thigh pad is pivoted inwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle to be sandwiched between the rear of the traction vehicle and the folded up foot platform.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, such as a wide area mower or WAM, comprises independent left and right foot platforms to support a standing operator. A ground engaging caster wheel is carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground during operation of the mower. The foot platforms are mounted to the mower by an axle with each foot platform being pivotally carried on the axle using a separate pivot hub. Thus, the foot platforms can pitch up and down separately from one another during operation of the mower over uneven terrain. Latches are provided for selectively holding the foot platforms in raised transport positions.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, such as a wide area mower or WAM, comprises independent left and right foot platforms to support a standing operator. A ground engaging caster wheel is carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground during operation of the mower. The foot platforms are mounted to the mower by an axle with each foot platform being pivotally carried on the axle using a separate pivot hub. Thus, the foot platforms can pitch up and down separately from one another during operation of the mower over uneven terrain. Latches are provided for selectively holding the foot platforms in raised transport positions.

Abstract: A sprocket is disclosed for driving a chain with a plurality of chain rollers. The sprocket may be used to drive a material removal chain of a trencher. The sprocket has various cut-aways or reliefs on each face thereof to more effectively clear particulate debris from beneath chain rollers during cutting or digging operations. The sprocket also has asymmetrical teeth designed to help minimize changes in pitch diameter due to debris entrained beneath chain rollers. Reducing changes in pitch diameter greatly reduces premature wear of the sprocket and its chain. Reducing changes in pitch diameter also greatly reduces the tendency for the chain to bind.

Abstract: A depth gauge (30) is connected to a vibratory plow (10) for indicating the depth of a blade (13). The depth gauge (30) has a rod (31) pivotally connected to the housing (11). The rod (31) has a first end (31a), a second intermediate ground following portion (31b) and a second end (31c). An indicator bar (36) has its first end (36a) connected to the second end (31c) of the rod (31). A depth indicator (50) is provided. The second end of the rod (31c) is restrained for a general vertical movement proximate the depth indicator (50), wherein as the housing (11) is raised or lowered, the ground following portion (31b) stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod (31) and thereby a vertical displacement of the indicator bar (36), thereby providing a depth gauge.

Abstract: A steering operating unit joint (22) for connecting an operating unit (20) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). Operating unit (20) can be a reel-type turf cutting unit. Cutting unit joint (22) preferably includes a pivot knuckle (50) having a snout (66), suitably secured to the free end of lift arm (18); and a snout receiver (94) suitably secured to cutting unit (20). A pair of resilient elements (100) is interposed between snout (66) and snout receiver (94). Elements (100) act between snout (66) and snout receiver (94) to resist "yawing" of cutting unit (20), whereby cutting unit (20) can be automatically straightened once it is raised to its transport position. During transport, cutting unit (20) is maintained in a straight and level orientation so that the turf is not gouged when the cutting unit (20) is lowered to its operating position "on the fly.

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: 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: An improved mower cutting deck (30) includes a main deck section (38), pivotal wing deck sections (40), and belt drive system (80) with electric clutch/brake units (131, 132) connected therebetween which allow constant belt tension to be maintained while minimizing belt wear and related maintenance. If desired, breakaway assemblies (150) may also be connected between the deck sections (38, 40). Shroud and baffle arrangements (162) are also provided for better grass dispersion.

Abstract: Control system (2) for an outdoor power equipment unit includes a pivotal control member (10) having a pivotal traction drive link (20) for actuating a traction drive of the unit and a pivotal clutch link (22) for actuating an active element of the unit. A latch (40) rotatively couples the clutch link (22) to control member (10) only when control member (10) has first been moved from a neutral position to a cocked position. Rotation of control member (10) from the cocked position towards the fully engaged position then rotates the clutch link (22) to actuate the clutch. The traction drive link (20) can be operated either alone or in combination with the clutch link (22). Any rotation of control member (10) from its neutral position towards its fully engaged position will rotatively couple the traction drive link (20) thereto to actuate the traction drive.