Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for operating an autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle can include a mower having a cutting deck. The deck can include an upper wall and downwardly extending sidewalls forming a cutting chamber. The vehicle may include a cutting blade assembly contained within the cutting chamber. A distance between the cutting blade assembly and a trim edge of the mower deck can be changed.

Abstract: A removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus and method includes a cutting deck, a mounting plate, a main pivot point in the mounting plate and a main adjustable arm with a first end connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and positions in between.

Abstract: A lawn mower to weed trimmer attachment apparatus for simultaneously weed trimming and lawn mowing includes a pair of attachment arms each comprising an upper arm and a lower arm. The upper arm has a threaded adjustment aperture to receive an adjustment bolt to selectively engage the lower arm and fix the height of the attachment arm. A trimmer cradle is coupled to the upper arm and is configured to receive a trimmer arm of a weed trimmer. A mower tube is coupled to the lower arm. The mower tube has an attachment aperture and is configured to receive an attachment hardware set. The mower tube is configured to receive the mower arm of a lawn mower. A pair of cross braces extends between the pair of attachment arms and a support brace is coupled to the mower arm.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a power unit (20), a working element (30) configured to perform a work function, a working element driver (40) providing operable coupling between the power unit and the working element to drive the working element based on operation of the power unit, and an external charger (100) operably coupled to the working element driver to charge one or more external batteries of a device other than the riding lawn care vehicle.

Abstract: A cutter assembly of lawnmower includes a base body, a fixing plate, a motor, a cutter, and a restriction assembly. The base body defines an axial direction. The fixing plate is disposed on the base body and has a first circumferential wall. A first bearing is received inside the first circumferential wall. The motor is disposed on the base body and includes a base seat, a rotor, and a rotation axle. The base seat is disposed on the base body and has a second circumferential wall. Two second bearings are received inside the second circumferential wall. The rotation axle and the rotor are linked-up and inserted through the first bearing and the second bearings.

Abstract: The adjustable shield for a string trimmer is configured for use with a line trimmer. The adjustable shield for a string trimmer attaches to the line trimmer. The adjustable shield for a string trimmer comprises the line trimmer and a supplemental guard. The supplemental guard attaches to the line trimmer. The supplemental guard adjusts the arc of the working range of the cutting line of the line trimmer.

Abstract: A mower deck discharge chute includes a flexible member attached with a hinge to a multi-blade mower deck, and a drive belt tunnel through the flexible member that an attachment drive belt passes through when the flexible member is pivoted up to a generally vertical position. The attachment drive belt may be on a single plane to engage a drive sheave on the multi-blade mower deck, a driven sheave on the belt driven attachment, and an idler.

Abstract: A mid-mount riding grass mower includes a belt transmission device attached to an upper portion of a mower unit, and a cover unit that covers the belt transmission device. The cover unit includes a lower cover extending upward from the mower deck so as to surround three sides of the belt transmission device, and right and left side covers detachably attached to right and left end portions of the traveling vehicle body. The lower cover has an upper end disposed higher than an upper end of the belt transmission device and has a vertical length for forming a maintenance space relative to a front/rear intermediate lower portion of the traveling vehicle body when the mower unit is located at its lower limit position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mower having a removable mower deck, and a removable attachment which includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment may be configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the mower.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety improvements for mowers incorporating a chipper, and/or catcher. In one aspect the invention provides safety improvements that only allow operation of the chipper when the mower is below a predetermined threshold ride height. In another aspect, the mower includes one or more side skirts to prevent body parts from entering the cutting zone under the mower. In a still further aspect, the mower has a rear flap including a sub-flap. The mower is arranged so that the sub flap remains closed when a catcher is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety improvements for mowers incorporating a chipper, and/or catcher. In one aspect the invention provides safety improvements that only allow operation of the chipper when the mower is below a predetermined threshold ride height. In another aspect, the mower includes one or more side skirts to prevent body parts from entering the cutting zone under the mower. In a still further aspect, the mower has a rear flap including a sub-flap. The mower is arranged so that the sub flap remains closed when a catcher is installed.

Abstract: A lawn mower with an integral chipper including a deck that has a volute shape with a rearwards-facing funnel along one side, expanding towards and exiting at the rear of the deck, a skirt is arranged around the perimeter of the deck to enclose a cutting space, a handle, front and rear wheel sets, and a motor having a drive shaft extending downwards through the deck. The mower also having grass cutting blades and shredder blades connected to the drive shaft, and the chipper blades located above the grass cutting blades. The mower also having a chipper tube running through the deck and opening above the chipper blades. The mower also having a power take-off mechanism connecting to the rear wheels and the motor, and adapted to drive the rear wheels in use.

Abstract: A power cutting tool includes a housing, a motor accommodated in the housing, a cutting assembly optionally operated in a trimming mode or in an edging mode and being driven by the motor to rotate around a first axis, a handle assembly, an elongated shaft connecting the cutting assembly and the handle assembly, a guard mounted to the cutting assembly, and a wheel assembly including a wheel. The wheel assembly is optionally mounted at least a first mounting position and a second mounting position. The central axis of the wheel is substantially perpendicular to the first axis when the wheel assembly is mounted at the first mounting position and is substantially parallel to the first axis when the wheel assembly is mounted at the second mounting position.

Abstract: A system comprises a first housing configured to enable grass to extend into the first housing. A grass cutting unit is housed within the first housing. A discharge chute is joined to a rear portion of the first housing for directing grass cuttings away from the first housing. A bag unit is configured for collecting the grass cuttings from the discharge chute. A second housing is joined to a rear portion of the first housing and positioned below the discharge chute. A rake device is housed within the second housing. The rake device comprises rake tines being configured for rotating below the second housing bottom for transferring debris to the bag unit. A handle unit is joined to the second housing. The handle unit is configured for enabling an operator to control operations of the system. A plurality of wheels is joined to the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: An auxiliary trimmer for a lawnmower includes a mounting plate removably fastened to a lawnmower deck. Attached to the mounting plate is a trimmer housing having a shaft extending therefrom. At a distal end of the shaft is a trimmer spool that is driven by the lawnmower blade with a series of belts and pulleys. On the rear surface of the trimmer housing is an adjustment ring having a plurality of notches thereon. A spring-biased latch on an end of the shaft releasably fits within any one of the notches on the adjustment ring to position the trimmer spool at a select angular orientation. A pivotal handle raises and lowers the trimmer spool to a desired elevation.

Abstract: The invention relates to safety improvements for mowers incorporating a chipper, and/or catcher. In one aspect the invention provides safety improvements that only allow operation of the chipper when the mower is below a predetermined threshold ride height. In another aspect, the mower includes one or more side skirts to prevent body parts from entering the cutting zone under the mower. In a still further aspect, the mower has a rear flap including a sub-flap. The mower is arranged so that the sub flap remains closed when a catcher is installed.

Abstract: An output for use with a vehicle and having an electric motor powered by an electric power source. The output includes a motor shaft driven by and extending from opposite sides of the electric motor, and first and second output shafts driven by the motor shaft at opposite ends thereof. The first and second output shafts are perpendicular to the motor shaft and both have a first end driven by the motor shaft and a second end which extends through a deck. A first mower blade is driven by the first output shaft and a second mower blade is driven by the second output shaft. The first and second mower blades are meshed and have a fixed orientation with respect to each other.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an expandable hoop for securing a bag to a system for cleaning up yard debris. The expandable hoop includes an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop is configured to mate with the outer hoop. The inner hoop includes a band, where the band is curved to form a round shape. The inner hoop also includes an overlapping section of the band. The overlapping section can allow an expanded configuration, where the expanded configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is small and a contracted configuration, where the contracted configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is large.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame with an electric power source secured to the frame. The vehicle further comprises an electric motor driven by the electric power source and secured to a deck and having at least a first side and a second side formed opposite the first side. The vehicle has a first shaft located within the electric motor housing and driven by the electric motor, the first shaft has a first end, which extends from the electric motor housing first side, and a second end, which extends from the electric motor housing second end. The vehicle further comprises a first output assembly driven by the first end of the first shaft and a second output assembly driven by the second end of the first shaft.

Abstract: A lawn mower with an integral chipper or shredder, comprising a deck that has a volute shape with a rearwards-facing funnel along one side, expanding towards and exiting at the rear of the deck, a skirt arranged around the perimeter of the deck to enclose a cutting space, a handle, front and rear wheel sets, and a motor having a drive shaft extending downwards through the deck, the mower also having grass cutting blades and shredder blades connected to the drive shaft, the chipper blades located above the grass cutting blades, the mower also having a chipper tube running through the deck and opening above the chipper blades, the mower also having a power take-off mechanism connecting to the rear wheels and the motor, and adapted to drive the rear wheels in use.

Abstract: The lawn-care maintenance apparatus is compatible with a conventional power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rotary blade that can be readily attachable to and detachable from a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Also, the lawn-care maintenance apparatus comprises fastener elements for securing the rotary blade onto a drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The edger blade when attached to the drive wheel of the power, self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower is driven by the power system of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. The rotary blade is offset from the center of the axis of the drive wheel of the self-propelled, walk-behind lawnmower. Another embodiment of the lawn-care maintenance apparatus is a permanent edger attachment that is capped when the edging is not needed, this extending the life of the edger blade.

Abstract: A gear assembly may have a first gear attached to a gear shaft and a second gear attachable to a powered rotating element of a mowing machine. An attachment element may have a shaft hole with the gear shaft rotatably inserted through the shaft hole with one end of the gear shaft positioned in a coupling end of the attachment element. A trimming device with a trimmer tube open at a first end and an end of a shaft of the trimming device with a shaft socket fitting inserted in the coupling end of the attachment element for the shaft socket fitting to engage the gear shaft. An anti-rotating clamp attached adjacent the first end of the trimmer tube for positioning and retention in a clamp recess in a front face of the coupling end to inhibit rotation of the trimmer tube in the coupling end.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: A trimmer/edger attached to a conventional lawnmower and using the lawnmower's power source. The edger/trimmer cutting element is attached to the front of the lawnmower. A rotatable cable runs from the cutting element to a contact member attached at an opening on the lawnmower housing. A planar disc is secured to the top of the conventional grass cutting blade. Upon powering up the lawnmower, both the cutting blade and planar disc begin to rotate. Upon squeezing an operating lever, a rotatable portion of the contact member comes in contact with the rotating disc causing the rotatable cable to turn, which in turn causes the cutting head, having cutting strings attached, to spin and be able to be used as an edger or trimmer, depending on its position, at the same time the lawnmower is being used to cut the grass.

Abstract: A lawn mower assembly for attachment to a carrier vehicle, preferably a tractor, is described herein. The attachment has at least one electrical motor, preferably AC, with a cutting blade preferably mechanically attached to the rotor of the motor. When energized, the motor rotates, thus rotating the cutting blade. An electrical power generator is situated upon a platform also attached to the carrier vehicle. The assemblies are then attached to the deck. More than one assembly may be attached to the deck to provide for a larger cutting area. Each assembly may have more than one electrical motor/cutting blade combination. The assemblies may either be. removed or positioned upright for storage or when not in use.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive mounted to a reel mower cutting unit includes an auxiliary drive input shaft engageable to a cutting reel shaft of the reel mower cutting unit. The auxiliary drive transmits rotational power to an attachment rotatably mounted to the reel mower cutting unit. The auxiliary drive has a housing with a flange positionable on a boss concentric with the cutting reel shaft. A plurality of holes extend through the flange, and a circumferential groove extends at least partially around the boss. A retaining clip is inserted through the holes in the flange and into the circumferential groove to axially retain the auxiliary drive housing to the boss while allowing the auxiliary drive housing to pivot on the cutting reel shaft.

Abstract: A trimmer/edger attached to a conventional lawnmower and using the lawnmower's power source. The edger/trimmer cutting element is attached to the front of the lawnmower. A rotatable cable runs from the cutting element to a contact member attached at an opening on the lawnmower housing. A planar disc is located above the conventional grass cutting blade on the same shaft that supports the cutting blade. Upon powering up the lawnmower, both the cutting blade and planar disc begin to rotate. Upon squeezing an operating lever, a rotatable portion of the contact member comes in contact with the rotating disc causing the rotatable cable to turn, which in turn causes the cutting head, having cutting strings attached, to spin and be able to be used as an edger or trimmer, depending on its position, at the same time the lawnmower is being used to cut the grass.

Abstract: A device for mounting an edge trimmer to a lawnmower, comprising a front clamp mounted to the lawnmower, and a rear clamp mounted to the lawnmower, wherein the front and rear clamps receive and support a shaft of the edge trimmer, and are adjustable to different angles with respect to a first axis substantially parallel to a surface on which the lawnmower rests.

Abstract: The invention provides a power take-off from a lawn mower, through a flexible drive shaft cable, to utilize lawn maintenance accessories. The power take-off allows the accessories (e.g. edgers and trimmers) to draw power from the lawn mower's engine. Flexible drive shafts provide rotary power transmission along curved, non-linear axes. The user can engage or disengage the accessory through use of an electrical or mechanical clutch. The clutch connects the lawn mower engine drive shaft to the flexible drive shaft so that they can either be locked together and spun at the same speed, or decoupled and spun at different speeds. Engaging the clutch transfers power from the lawn mower engine to the flexible drive shaft. Disengaging the clutch stops the power transfer, but allows the lawn mower engine to continue turning. The invention provides power take-off for several pieces of lawn care equipment including weed trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, and blowers.

Abstract: The lawn striping assembly (10, 110) utilizes a C-shaped channel member having a plurality of attachment positions (22, 122). A pair of brackets (46) attach a roller apparatus (16) to the frame (302) of a lawn mower. (114). The C-shaped channel member includes a top portion (20, 120) presenting a plurality of attachment positions (22, 122) for retaining a fastener (42, 142, 242) therein. In a more specific sense, the invention utilizes a pair of said C-shaped channel members disposed in back to back relationship with one another.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable is attached through suitable structure to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A portable modular implement system is described. The system comprises a power source which comprises a motor. The motor comprises a crank shaft with an upper end and a lower end. A casing is attached to the motor exterior to the upper end of the crankshaft. The casing further comprises a void. An implement assembly comprising an implement bracket is reversibly attached to the power source. An implement is attached to the implement bracket. The implement comprises an implement drive shaft wherein the implement drive shaft protrudes through the void and couples with the crankshaft below the casing when the implement bracket is attached to the power source.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use wheeled lawn care unit comprising a two-wheeled carriage, a power source, a plurality of tools, which may be alternatively connected to the power source, a handle, and a boom connecting the selected tool to the power source. The power source is interchangeable and the location of the power source and boom portions allow the center of gravity to remain substantially fixed regardless of which tool is being used.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable is attached through suitable means to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: An auxiliary edge trimmer apparatus is attached to a lawnmower and includes a flywheel drive wheel portion connected to the lawnmower drive shaft. An attachment assembly is connected onto portions of the lower housing wall of the blade housing of the lawnmower. A trimmer assembly is attached to the attachment assembly and includes a bearing portion connected to the attachment assembly, a rotatable shaft assembly received by the bearing portion, a driven wheel connected to a proximal end of the rotatable shaft assembly, and a trimmer blade connected to a distal end of the rotatable shaft assembly. In accordance with an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention, a manually actuatable control cable suitably is attached to the drive shaft supported on the lawnmower housing between the drive wheel and the auxiliary trimmer apparatus to control engagement and disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A lawn trimmer attachment for riding lawn mowers having a disc-shaped lawn trimmer having lawn cutting line attached to a pulley assembly mounted to the underside of the mower deck. Power is supplied by conventional belts taking off power from the riding lawn mower engine.

Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind commercial type lawn mower having a frame with a mower deck attached to a front section of the frame, an engine mounted to a rear section of the frame, and a handle bar assembly attached to and extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear section of the frame. The mower deck includes at least one rotatable wing section pivotally attached to the frame of the mower deck for movement between a substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. The rotatable wing section extends the mowing width of the mower deck and allows mower to travel through narrow passageways of an enclosed mowing area. A locking mechanism secures the wing section in its substantially horizontal operating position and a substantially vertical non-operating position. A rotatable caster wheel attached to the front of the wing section may be retracted to provide maximum clearance when the wing section is in its vertical position.

Abstract: A self-powered brush cutter provided with a carrier having motorized ground engaging elements mounted via tandem arms, an articulated boom and a cutter head attachment. The articulated boom includes an angular adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle of the cutter head attachment and to maintain this angle. The cutter head attachment includes a rotary blade and blade guards partially enclosing the plade and provided with apertures that are so configured as to allow the passage of a potentially damage blade.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a cutter assembly having a cutter deck and at least three cutter blades disposed respectively in first, second and third cutting zones within the cutter deck. The cutter blades are coupled to a power source by a power transmission assembly. A first opening is formed in one side of the cutter deck adjacent the second cutting zone and a closure member is removably mounted on the cutter deck for closing the first opening. A second opening is formed in the cutter deck adjacent the second cutting zone and a conduit is coupled at one end to the second opening and at its other end to a hopper for conducting grass clippings from the cutter assembly to the hopper. A plurality of baffles define portions of the first, second and third cutting zones and are configured to direct clippings from the first cutting zone to the third cutting zone and from the third cutting zone to the second cutting zone.

Abstract: A snow blower converter kit is provided for use with a snow blower. Such kit includes a mulcher blade and a squirrel cage adapted for being removably mounted on a drive shaft of the snow blower in concentric relationship between the conduit and the tines of the snow blower. Also included is a cover adapted for being removably mounted on the shield with a slot formed in a lower portion thereof for accepting leaves and the like therethrough.