Abstract: A mulch plate adjustment apparatus for use with lawn mowers. The adjustment apparatus is used to adjust the height of a mulch plate attached to the lawn mower and to secure the mulch plate at the desired height by the use of a handle and handle-locking ratchet mechanism. The adjustment apparatus is affixed to the discharge chute of a lawn mower. The apparatus includes a handle-operated mulch plate raising-and-lowering mechanism that allows the mulch plate to be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different sized lawn mowers and different mowing conditions. The operator of the mulch plate adjustment apparatus can select a desired height for the mulch plate and safely secure the mulch plate at the selected height by simple operation of a handle. Further, the mulch plate apparatus provides a mechanism for allowing the mulch plate to be raised in a storage position without the need to provide extension wires or cables.

Abstract: A mulch plate positioned over the chute outlet of conventional mowers so that the clippings are drawn back under the mower by the circulation of air induced by covering the mower chute with the adjustable mulch plate. The clippings are recirculated until they are sufficiently small in size, at which point they are released as mulch. An adjustable mulch plate is also contemplated so that the mulch plate can be raised or lowered to increase or decrease the entrained volume between the mulch plate and the chute outlet. Because the mulch plate is adjustable, mulching can be performed on any length or height of grass (even wet grass) and for hedge trimmings and leaves. An air baffle is also provided for preventing debris from escaping between the mulch plate and the chute outlet.

Abstract: A mulch plate for mounting over the chute outlet of existing mowers to contain mower clippings so that said clippings may be drawn back under the mower for recutting by the circulation of air induced by covering the mower chute with the mulch plate.