Abstract: A rotary blade including a disc and a ring secured to the disc, wherein the ring has cutting filaments that extend radially outward past the outer edge of the disc. As the disc is rotated the filaments are adapted for cutting grass and the like. Projections extending from the disc create an air turbulence that both lifts the vegetation to be cut and swirls the clippings to further mulch the clippings.

Abstract: A cutting head for a nylon-cord mower and the like, comprising a case housing an inner spool on which it is wound at least a length of nylon cord, elastically loaded by a helical spring, with the two ends of said nylon cord protruding through pairs of annular members mounted on said case in diametrally opposed locations. The inner spool is formed by a cylindrical body with at least two holes aligned along an axis intersecting the axis of the spool, and that can be axially aligned with the two annular members for allowing the replacement of the nylon cord without opening the cutting head.

Abstract: A cutting head for a string trimmer is provided which accommodates any string gauge thickness and may be easily and quickly re-threaded upon failure of a string previously disposed therein. Clamping members are provided to clamp the strings within the cutter head, with the clamping force being provided by springs and centrifugally generated moments. The clamping members are capable of generating two degrees of clamping force. The lesser degree of clamping force can be overcome by a string forcibly inserted into the cutting head.

Abstract: A filament trimmer has an improved trimmer head. The trimmer head includes a spool having crush ribs on its core to prevent contraction of the filament line from warping or otherwise damaging the spool. A slot shaped exit aperture is provided in the head which can be opened up when the head is disassembled to allow the filament line to be more easily placed therein, but which will be closed when the head is fully assembled and will constrain the line against excessive vertical movement. The head includes a line indexing system for feeding out additional line in which one of the groups of the conventional teeth in such system are vertically spaced away from the spool flanges and are placed on a spool core extension. A dirt seal is provided to help prevent from passing around the ground engaging member of the indexing system. Finally, the head includes a self threading drive shaft that forms the attachment threads for the head into the head when the head is threaded onto the drive shaft.

Abstract: A rotary flail feeding device includes a rotary enclosure for a large diameter coil of flail, a central post with a small diameter flail winding surface located inside the enclosure and an annular opening in the external surface of the enclosure surrounding the post. When the device is rotated flail from the coil is wound around the small diameter flail winding surface and extends out through the annular opening and away from the device.

Abstract: In a mowing nylon cutter comprising a nylon cord, the nylon cord holds agricultural chemicals. The nylon cord is formed, for example, in such a manner that a nylon and a crystal technical product of agricultural chemicals are mixed and the mixture is extruded. When this nylon cutter is used, the agricultural chemicals held in the nylon cutter directly contact with and adhere to stalks remaining after the weeds are mowed simultaneously with the mowing of weed. Namely, the agricultural chemicals can be applied effectively simultaneously with mowing.

Abstract: A replacement cutting head for a bump head cutter of a string trimmer which replacement head can also be utilized as a blade assembly replacement for a power lawn mower. The cutting head is conventionally attached to the drive shaft of the tool, and it features a whirling disk having a plurality of heavy gauge flexible members attached thereto. These members extend outwardly due to centrifugal force upon actuation of the tool and which due to the high rotational speed of the cutting head, cut through plants of all kinds.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing having a top wall portion and a generally vertically extending side wall portion. A plurality of wheels attached to the housing to allow the housing to roll over a surface to be mowed. An engine mounted atop the housing rotatably drives a shaft extending through the housing. An elongate blade attached to and rotatable with the shaft has a central portion and a pair of end portions, with at least one of the end portions including a cutting edge for cutting vegetation disposed inside of the housing to a first length upon rotation of the blade. A pair of line trimmer assemblies are attached to the blade to provide a pair of filament lines which extend radially outside of the housing to cut vegetation disposed outside of the housing to a second length upon rotation of the blade.

Abstract: Flexible centering apparatus for centering a flexible drive cable within a cylindrial cable housing, the centering apparatus formed of an elongated finned sleeve in which radially disposed fins engage the cable housing, the fins being free and unattached at their outer ends. In one embodiment, the centering apparatus is of uniform construction; in another embodiment, the centering apparatus is of dual durometer construction.

Abstract: A utility expansion system (100) to be retrofitted onto a ground vehicle (10) is provided. The utility expansion system (100) expands the range of ground working functions that may be performed with the aid of the given ground vehicle (10) by enabling various ground working equipment (20) to be operably coupled to the ground vehicle (10) for concurrent operation therewith.

Abstract: A rotary flail feeding device includes a head having an annular line storage cavity, a central post and annular line feeding passage extending radially inwardly from the cavity to a mouth at the end of the post. A coil of flail line is wound in the cavity and extends inwardly through the passage, around the post and out the opening. The device automatically relengthens shortened flails.

Abstract: A handle assembly, especially useful on power line trimmers, includes a fore arm rest or fore arm "contacting element" which retains the user's arm, a first handle positioned directly in line with a trough in said fore arm rest, and a second handle positioned to a side of the fore arm rest and first handle. In operation, the user's first hand and fore arm act in concert to direct the power tool, while the user's second hand acts to sweep the power tool from side to side, whereby the user's fore arm acts as a fulcrum at the fore arm rest of the handle assembly. By providing three points of contact with the user, the handle assembly allows the user to engage in a sweeping motion that is less strenuous and more easily controlled. In addition, the handle assembly provides better balancing of the power tool, and assists in maneuvering the power tool.

Abstract: A filament trimmer has an improved trimmer head. The trimmer head includes a spool having crush ribs on its core to prevent contraction of the filament line from warping or otherwise damaging the spool. A slot shaped exit aperture is provided in the head which can be opened up when the head is disassembled to allow the filament line to be more easily placed therein, but which will be closed when the head is fully assembled and will constrain the line against excessive vertical movement. The head includes a line indexing system for feeding out additional line in which one of the groups of the conventional teeth in such system are vertically spaced away from the spool flanges and are placed on a spool core extension. A dirt seal is provided to help prevent from passing around the ground engaging member of the indexing system. Finally, the head includes a self threading drive shaft that forms the attachment threads for the head into the head when the head is threaded onto the drive shaft.

Abstract: A combination grass trimming and lawn edging device operatively connectable to the rotary output shaft of a power lawn trimmer. The device includes a support member which defines a preferably circular perimeter and includes a central mounting hole for operable driven connection with the output shaft. Two independent cutting means are provided, the first being a plurality of evenly spaced rigid blades which are each pivotally connected to the support member and, when operable with the output shaft being generally horizontal, radially extend beyond the perimeter for lawn edging. Another plurality of elongated flexible filament lines are each operably connectable by engagement with one end of each thereof with evenly spaced aperture structure of the support member to provide the second cutting means. When in use with the output shaft upright, the filament lines are for cutting and trimming grass.

Abstract: A filament trimmer comprises a lower housing, an upper handle and a single handle tube connecting the two together to form a completed trimmer. The handle tube has approximately the same length as the length of the lower housing, and the upper handle has approximately the same width as the lower housing, to allow the three-part construction of the trimmer to be packaged in a box of minimum size. The upper end of the lower housing has an S-shaped cord channel, with an adjacent open chamber or space next to and below the cord channel, such that the electrical cord passing downwardly into the lower housing from the handle tube will naturally form a downwardly protruding loop that is easily received in the lower housing when the handle tube is pushed down into the lower housing during assembly.

Abstract: A blade assembly for weed trimmers for cutting heavy weeds, vines and underbrush comprises a seamless, one-piece, disk-shaped hub. Pivot pins attach two or more steel blades to the hub within a circumferential groove. The groove extends from the outside edge of the hub towards the center of the hub. The upper and lower portions of the hub above and below the groove support the blades vertically. The blades are free to pivot in a horizontal plane when they strike an object. The groove depth is at least one half of the blade width to provide vertical support. The blades are at least one half of the hub diameter. The blades are spaced equally around the circumference of the hub.

Abstract: Flail apparatus for debarking/delimbing wood products traveling through a debarking station wherein at least one of the flails comprises an axially extending member having axially rotatable chain supporting elements with an array of flexible flailing chains. At least one of the flailing chains incorporates a first, radially extending link, received on one of the elements, which is not radially removable from the element. The flailing chain further incorporates a link structure configured to be radially non-removably attached to the first link. The first link and link structure are configured to permit the link structure to be removable from the first link and a replacement to be received thereon when the link structure is positioned angularly to the said radial direction of extent of the first link.

Abstract: A cutter has a drive motor and a drive shaft. A rotating cutting tool is connected to the drive shaft. A centrifugal clutch is connected between the drive motor and the drive shaft. A frictional brake having a brake drum and a brake element positioned on the brake drum to achieve a braking effect is provided. The frictional brake is connected to the drive shaft. A servo device, which includes a folding bellows, is connected to the frictional brake for releasing the brake element from the brake drum to cancel the braking effect. A switching device for activating the servo device is provided.

Abstract: A dolly for portable weed cutters according to the present invention includes a frame provided with upper and lower clamp members for engagement with a handle bar of a conventional portable weed cutter for detachably securing the weed cutter to the dolly. A lower portion of the frame includes a pair of symmetrical lower frame members each having a lower end rotatably mounted on an axle extending transversely between and rotatably mounting a pair of wheels. An upper end of each of the lower frame members is secured to the lower clamp member by virtue of a fastener extending through a selected one of a plurality of apertures provided in a body portion of the lower clamp member such that the lower clamp member is selectively securable in pivotally and linearly adjustable position. The upper clamp member includes a body portion pivotally connected to the upper frame portion.

Abstract: An improved flail release mechanism in rotary mowers heads, to be used for all kinds of vegetation, has a head of which has a flattened part to improve the engagement with the ground, and a release mechanism which comprises a ring member so designed to enable the release of different lengths of flail.

Abstract: The invention provides a quick blade attachment structure For quickly but securely attaching and detaching one or a plurality of blades to and from a mower. A rotary member (3) of a mower (1) includes a blade holder (4) and a support member (5) coaxially attached to the blade holder (4) to allow pivotal movement of the support member (5). A pair of blades (23,23) are supported by ends (9a, 9a) of rimmed pins (9,9) projected from a lower surface (4a) of the blade holder (4). A wave washer (16) is interposed between the support member (5) and a cap (17). When the rotary member (3) is assembled by a clamp screw (18), pressing force of the wave washer (16) allows the support member (5) to be rotated integrally with the blade holder (4). The support member (5) further has a pair of grooves (12).

Abstract: A quick-releasing pivoting support for a line trimmer, which includes the use of a detachable interconnection such as a ball-and-socket to at least partially support the weight of a line trimmer while still allowing pivoting of the trimmer. In the case of an emergency, the trimmer may be simply lifted upwardly while still keeping both hands on the trimmer and quickly discarded by the operator.

Abstract: The instant device consists of a circular top plate made of ALMAG 35 aluminum and magnesium alloy material with a centerhole and three through holes near its rim and 120.degree. apart from one another into which three cylindrically shaped pins have been tightly pressed. Three identical beveled metallic blades with rounded holes in them are swivably received one each by the pins. A circular bottom plate also made of such ALMAG 35 material has a centerhole and three broken holes for receipt of the bottoms of the pins when the device is fully assembled plate to plate and held with a bolt and nut from below the bottom plate via the centerholes and adapter means to the rotatory head of a motorized brush cutting unit.

Abstract: A rotary cutting head adapted for attachment to a conventional line trimmer including a cutting disk having a circular plate and a peripheral side wall integral with the circular plate. The peripheral side wall has a pair of integral gussets, each having a pair of radial bores passing therethrough. A flexible cutting filament is frictionally engaged within each pair of radial bores such that one end of the cutting filament extends outwardly from the peripheral side wall.

Abstract: An improved lawnmower mulching attachment for comminuting grass clippings cut by the mower is provided having a housing defining a mulching chamber, a rotatable mulching impeller within the chamber and a duct intercommunicating the housing and the mower deck, wherein the attachment effectively utilizes the momentum of the laterally discharged grass clippings and suction pressure created by the mulching impeller to transfer the clippings from the mower deck to the mulching chamber. The housing includes an outlet for discharging the comminuted grass clippings and a bottom wall having an inlet leading to the mulching chamber. The housing is mounted above the mower deck of the mower such that the upright axis of the mulching impeller is laterally offset from the upright axis of the cutting element. Further, the duct is connected between the inlet of the housing and the lateral discharge of the mower deck for transferring grass clippings from the deck to the chamber.

Abstract: A clearing apparatus comprising a clearing device for use in clearing operations, a carriage to which the clearing device is mounted for the carriage to support the clearing device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The clearing device comprises an elongated support member, a clearing head mounted at a leading end of the support member, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the support member, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the clearing head. The carriage comprises a frame, a single support wheel having a wheel axis about which the support wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use, and a pivot mount mounting the clearing device to the frame such that the clearing apparatus can be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.

Abstract: A trimmer apparatus comprising a trimmer device for use in trimming and edging operations, a carriage to which the trimmer device is mounted to support the trimmer device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The trimmer device comprises an elongated support shaft, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the shaft, a trimmer head mounted at a leading end of the shaft, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the trimmer head. The trimmer head has a trimmer blade to operate in a blade plane. The trimmer device has a swivel connection to allow the trimmer head to be swiveled between a trimming position where the blade plane is generally parallel to a support surface supporting material to be trimmed during use, and an edging position where the blade plane is generally at right angles to such a support surface during use. The carriage comprises a frame, and a single support wheel rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use.

Abstract: Flexible centering apparatus for centering a flexible drive cable within a cylindrial cable housing, the centering apparatus formed of an elongated finned sleeve in which radially disposed fins engage the cable housing, the fins being free and unattached at their outer ends. In one embodiment, the centering apparatus is of uniform construction; in another embodiment, the centering apparatus is of dual durometer construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arcuate ring guard for a conventional lawn trimmer having a string-type cutting blade, which rotates in a planar cutting circle, and an arcuate housing covering the rearward region of the cutting circle but having an open front potion. The ring guard is fastened at each end to opposite sides of the trimmer housing, forwardly of and outside the periphery of the blade's cutting circle, so that the trimmer housing and the ring guard together extend 360 degrees around the periphery of the cutting circle. In the preferred embodiment, the ring guard occupies a uniform arc about the cutting blade's axis of rotation, coplanar with the blade's cutting circle.

Abstract: A low-polluting lawn mower includes a frame having ground-engaging wheels, a seat for a driver and a steering mechanism to permit the driver to control the direction of movement of the lawn mower on the frame, a four-cycle engine mounted on the frame and having a drive shaft operatively engaged with one of the wheels so that the engine propels the lawn mower, a propane gas supply on the frame including a tank containing liquified propane gas, a fuel connection from said propane gas supply to the engine including a carburetor having a venturi and equipped with a spud to feed propane to the venturi and a fuel control assembly including a regulator and a fuel lockoff, and a blade operatively engaged with the drive shaft so as to be driven for cutting grass when the engine is fueled by propane from the supply.

Abstract: A wheel-mounted rotary string trimmer includes an engine mounted on a frame supported by individually adjustable wheels. A handle extending rearwardly from the frame at an adjustable angle provides handle height adjustment. The cutter head angle is adjustable, and the cutter head is offset to one side of the frame and extends forward from the frame.

Abstract: A remotely controlled mower which can be easily converted to an edger, a trimmer and a blower with replaceable kits. The mower is battery powered with two drive motors (16A & B) having gear reducing means to provide rotational energy for propulsion and steering which enables the mower to turn with unlimited angles. Cutting devices for mowing, edging, trimming and blowing device are molded integrally with assemblies for easier attachment. The multiple holes on the assemblies provide a simple way to change cutting heights. Angle drives (54A & B) are used to convert the rotating directions for trimming, edging and mowing. The mower produces no air pollution with low operating noise. The combination of various functions in one remotely controllable mower not only makes lawn maintenance tasks easier but saves homeowners money to purchase and to service different equipments with less space required for storage.

Abstract: This rotary filament vegetation trimmer improves the life expectancy of plastic filaments by improved and simplified control of a refrigerated air flow path about the filament of sufficient magnitude to prevent overheating resulting in catastrophic failure from the stresses of twisting as the rotary trimmer head whirls the filament at high rotation speeds. Thus, the head and its filament passageway therethrough are shaped to constitute a centrifugal air pump that draws both air and the filament through the head to position the filament for trimming. The passageway diverges from the shaft into a chamber of significantly increased volume to produce expanding and refrigerated air in the critical region at which the filament curves and induces twisting as the head rotates to tend to heat and cause failure of the plastic filament.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a cutting device from a vehicle and for allowing the operator of the vehicle to use the cutting device while the cutting device is supported from the vehicle. The cutting device includes an elongated shaft, a cutting head attached to one end of the shaft, and a drive mechanism for activating the cutting head. The apparatus includes a base for attachment to the vehicle; a support arm member having a first end for attachment to the base, having a midportion, and having a second end; and hanger structure attached to the support arm for suspending the cutting device from the support arm.

Abstract: A flail chain connector is provided which may be applied to an existing wood debarking apparatus or machinery for cutting vegetation. The connector is provided with integral fasteners for removable attachment of a length of flail chain to a powered rotary shaft, The connector may be removably engaged with the flail chain by moving a rink in the flail chain and one integral fastener to a first relative position and thereafter moving the link and fastener into a second relative position. The connector may be disengaged from the flail chain by relative movement of the link and fastener from the second position to the first position, and finally to the disengaged position. The connector may be removably engaged to the shaft by a second fastener through relative movements to a first and second relative positions.

Abstract: A cutting line for grass trimmers, lawn mowers, and edgers of the type having a rotating head. The cutting line includes a carrier formed from a polymeric material and an inorganic grit material impregnated within the carrier. Preferably, the grit material makes up between about 6-15% by weight of the cutting line and has an average size of between about 120 to 240 mesh. The grit material may be silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, or silica. The polymeric material is preferably nylon. The carrier may also include a coupling agent and/or a heat stabilizer.

Abstract: A grass trimming device for removal of grass which overgrows a concrete doughnut positioned on the ground surrounding a sprinkler head of an underground lawn sprinkler system. The device is connectable to a lawn trimmer having a rotating upright output shaft and includes a horizontal support member having a cylindrical strengthening and protecting ring which defines an outer circular perimeter of the device. The device also includes a plurality of freely rotatably mounted cutting blade members connected and downwardly extending from a lower surface of the support member by a threaded bolt, shaft or the like. Each blade member has an inverted L-shape with the horizontal leg thereof rotatably mounted by the bolt to the support member.

Abstract: The invention provides a cutting head assembly for a lawnmower, trimmer, or similar device which includes a plurality of lower cutting elements mounted to a disc-shaped support member. A plurality of upper cutting elements are also mounted to the disc-shaped support member at a higher elevation, such that each upper cutting element is directly above a corresponding lower cutting element. This allows for a double cut mulching effect in use. An air foil can be provided with the upper cutting elements to create an upward vacuum which positions the grass for a clean cut by both the upper and lower cutting elements. The cutting elements can comprise cutting blades and/or flexible cutting filaments.

Abstract: A rotary filament assembly is provided wherein a plurality of resilient monofilaments are attached to a rotary member such that free portions of the resilient monofilaments extend substantially vertically when the rotary member is at rest and such that upon rotation of the rotary member at a predetermined speed, the free portions sever vegetation, such severance serving purposes of mulching and/or cutting and trimming. In one embodiment (10) used in a power lawn mower (29), the rotary filament assembly can cut and/or mulch vegetation and has resilient monofilaments (14) mounted to a blade (12) such that their free portions (24) extend substantially upwardly when the blade (12) is at rest. In another embodiment (110) used in a hand-held power trimmer, resilient monofilaments (128, 128', 130, 130', 132, 132') are selectively mounted on a solid disk (112) such that their free portions (130a) extend substantially downwardly when the solid disk is at rest.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus comprising a platform, a plurality of wheels and a plurality of cutters. The platform has a kickback capability and is biased into an operable position, but capable of kicking back when the apparatus contacts rigid obstacles during the trimming operation. The cutting elements include a plurality of flexible blades having a cutting radius larger than the guide disks which are provided to contact obstacle and help the invention be steered around such obstacles. Optional bumpers are provided to further enable the device to "ride over" obstacles and uneven ground terrain. An independent power source such as an electrical or combustible engine having a drive shaft connected to a drive pulley which in turn is interconnected with the cutting elements by a cutter pulley and idler pulley arrangement so as to maintain a desired tension on the drive belt during operation of the device.

Abstract: A stabilizing roller for a line trimmer device that includes a housing with a cylindrical bore for receiving and mating with a ball roller. The lower end of the housing is open to allow the ball to contact the ground while in operation. The ball is maintained in the housing on the lower end using either an integral lip or a removable retaining plate. The upper end of the housing is closed with a cap designed to mate with the ball during operation. Thus, the ball is free to roll. The housing is connected to a line trimmer device by either a bolt attached to the head of the line trimmer device or a frame and attachment means connected to the extension arm of the line trimmer device.

Abstract: A filament-type trimming apparatus comprises a reel case including a main body and a bottom member, a cord reel housed in the reel case and which is wound with a nylon cord, plural stoppers on a lower surface of the cord reel and on an inside of the bottom member and which become engaged when the cord reel is pressed downward by a coil spring, a mechanism for releasing a centrifugal force of the cord reel and which is provided between the cord reel and the bottom member and which comprises radial guide grooves and balls arranged inside the guide grooves, and plural stoppers on an upper surface of the cord reel and on an inner surface of the reel case respectively and which become engaged when the cord reel is pressed upward resisting against the pressing force of the coil spring. A boss is provided inside the reel case main body at its center and to which the coil spring is fixed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for attachment to hand-held devices such as trimmers, edgers, blowers, metal detectors and the like includes a wheeled frame having a clamp arranged to be freely secured to the wand of a device for rotation of the wand therein. Stop members engage the wand on each side of the clamp to prevent relative longitudinal sliding movement of the wand and the clamp. The wheel assembly is thus able to be mounted on and retained in a desired position on the wand while still permitting the wand to be rotated as desired to orient the working end of the device, as for example with a string trimmer device, between a mowing orientation and an edging orientation.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus including: a motive power source; a circular rotational member which is adapted for rotation by the motive power source; at least one flexible cutting line having opposite ends and being adapted to setting on the rotational member in such a manner that the opposite ends of the cutting line freely extends from the rotational member to the outside and rotates with the rotational member, thereby mowing with the ends of the cutting line; and a retention member provided on the rotational member for removably retaining the cutting line on the rotational member, and having at least a pair of first and second faces each of which stands on the rotational member and faces to each other with a space therebetween in which the cutting line is to be received for retention so that the cutting line passes between the first and second faces.

Abstract: A flexible flail trimmer for conventional trimming of grass, weeds and other vegetation and for edging of sidewalks includes a rotatable combined guide and guard having a depth gage for providing positive vertical indexing during an edging operation. A trimmer is further disclosed as having a rotatable guide and guard which may be selectively fixed in a nonrotatable position. In this nonrotatable position, a second, rear guard may be attached to provide protection to the operator during conventional trimming operations. In further aspects, trimmer guards are disclosed for stabilizing the rotating flail to provide a cleaner, more even cut when the trimmer is used in conventional trimming operations.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter apparatus having a drive motor which drives a cutterhead via a drive shaft journalled in a guide tube, The cutterhead is held in a sleeve bearing at the end section of the guide tube facing away from the drive motor, The cutterhead is held in a simple manner by an exchangeable sleeve bearing in the guide tube. This is achieved in that the bearing is axially held in the end section of the guide tube so as to be exchangeable and at least one stop holds the bearing against rotation and may cooperate to hold the bearing captive in the axial direction. The stop projects radially into the guide tube.

Abstract: The carriage for holding horticultural motorized hand-held cutting devices, comprises an elongated frame having opposite longitudinal sides and opposite lateral sides to define opposite ends. At least one wheel which defines the front of the carriage, is rotatably mounted on the frame at one of the opposite lateral sides. An auxiliary wheel frame assembly, near the other of the opposite lateral sides, extends from the elongated frame, respectively away from each of the opposite longitudinal sides and downwardly from the elongated frame into a leg. Each of the legs has a wheel rotatably mounted thereto. A handle on said elongated frame, propels and directs the motion of the carriage. The elongated frame has rotatably mounted thereto a supporting holder assembly for holding in an operating position a horticultural motorized hand-held cutting device such as a weed eater, an edger, a trimmer, a blade cutter for branches and a cultivator.

Abstract: A rotatable retaining structure for flexible cutters for cutting vegetation and the like, having a hub, a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the hub and a guard disk disposed outwardly on the arms at a predetermined radial distance from the hub. The arms include slanted or cambered edges to create upward air currents to lift and pull the vegetation into the rotating flexible cutters. The guard disk may be weighted so as to simulate a flywheel for the motor shaft and has an additional air foil for disposing vegetation cuttings outwardly.

Abstract: A rotatable machinery system including a washer, the washer including a flange for keeping debris from contacting both rotating and stationary elements. The rotatable machinery system includes a rotatable cross member, a drive shaft coupled to the cross member, a bearing including a bearing housing, and a drive device for rotating the drive shaft. The bearing housing and drive shaft form a circumferential junction. The flange of the washer covers at least a portion of the junction, the washer turning responsive to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly (30, 32) for a commercial riding mower includes pivotal lift arms (36, 38, 40, 120), each of which is biased downwardly by an adjustable spring arrangement for better control and contact between the underlying turf and the cutting reels supported on the outer ends of the lift arms.