Abstract: A straw chopper for a combine harvester including a rotor supporting a plurality of chopping elements. A rotor housing including an inlet opening, an outlet axially aligned with the inlet opening, and at least one outlet that is axially offset from the inlet opening. A portion of the straw is conveyed tangentially to the axially-aligned outlet, whilst a further portion is conveyed from the inlet opening to the axially offset outlet(s) via a path having an axial component, for example a helical path. Guide vanes may be provided on the inside of the housing to impart an axial force upon the straw.

Abstract: A lawn care device (10) may include an articulated frame (40), a cutting deck (50, 100), a collection container (12) and a chute (82). The articulated frame (40) may include a front frame portion (42) to which front wheels (34) are operably coupled and a rear frame portion (44) to which rear wheels (32) are operably coupled, the front frame portion (42) and rear frame portions (44) being operably coupled by an articulated joint. The cutting deck (100) may house at least one blade (110, 112, 114) and the cutting deck (100) may be mounted to the front frame portion (42), forward of the front wheels (34). The collection container (12) may collect material from the cutting deck (50, 100) and may be affixed to the front frame portion (42) and suspended over the rear wheels (32). The chute (82) may be operably coupling the cutting deck (50, 100) and the collection container (12) to pass the material from the cutting deck (50, 100) to the collection container (12).

Abstract: A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending forwardly in front of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the side of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.

Abstract: A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending on each side of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the front of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.

Abstract: A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending forwardly in front of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the side of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.

Abstract: A grass catcher mounting device is provided for a reel mower cutting unit, including a pair of outwardly extending pivot rods on the left and right sides of the grass catcher, and a pair of slots in the side panels of the reel mower cutting unit receiving the pivot rods such that the grass catcher can pitch with respect to the reel mower cutting unit. The mounting device also includes a forwardly extending center support on which the grass catcher rests and which supports most of the weight of the grass catcher. The center support allows the grass catcher to pitch, roll and steer or yaw.

Abstract: A grass catcher retaining device for a reel mower cutting unit includes a central support ring removably fastened to a loop projecting forwardly from a lift arm for the reel mower cutting unit. The central support ring may be pivotably mounted to the top of the grass catcher, and may have a gate that is spring biased to the closed position to engage a wireform loop extending forwardly from the lift arm that supports the reel mower cutting unit. Additionally, a rod may extend horizontally from the sides of a grass catcher and may be pivotably attached to the reel mower cutting unit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed that retains a grass catcher on a reel mower cutting unit. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate releasably holding a rod end of the grass catcher in a slot on the reel mower cutting unit. The latch plate pivots on a horizontal axis. A clip is fastened to the horizontal axis to lock the latch plate in either a locked position retaining the grass catcher or an unlocked position allowing removal of the grass catcher.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed that retains a grass catcher on a reel mower cutting unit. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate releasably holding a rod end of the grass catcher in a slot on the reel mower cutting unit. The latch plate pivots on a horizontal axis. A clip is fastened to the horizontal axis to lock the latch plate in either a locked position retaining the grass catcher or an unlocked position allowing removal of the grass catcher.

Abstract: A catcher frame apparatus is provided including a catcher frame and a catcher roller mounted to the front lower end of a catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame along the direction of the width of a machine body. The catcher frame is connected to the machine body so as to be capable of rotating about an axis of rotation extending along the direction of the width of the machine body, and the catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame is arranged in front of a lawn mowing unit, so that substantially the entire weight of lawn chips stored in a grass catcher supported by the catcher supporting unit is applied to the catcher roller.

Abstract: A grass catcher mounting device is provided for a reel mower cutting unit, including a pair of outwardly extending pivot rods on the left and right sides of the grass catcher, and a pair of slots in the side panels of the reel mower cutting unit receiving the pivot rods such that the grass catcher can pitch with respect to the reel mower cutting unit. The mounting device also includes a forwardly extending center support on which the grass catcher rests and which supports most of the weight of the grass catcher. The center support allows the grass catcher to pitch, roll and steer or yaw.

Abstract: There are provided a catcher frame apparatus including a catcher frame and a catcher roller mounted to the front lower end of a catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame along the direction of the width of a machine body. The catcher frame is connected to the machine body so as to be capable of rotating about an axis of rotation extending along the direction of the width of the machine body, and the catcher supporting unit of the catcher frame is arranged in front of a lawn mowing unit, so that substantially the entire weight of lawn chips stored in a grass catcher supported by the catcher supporting unit is applied to the catcher roller.

Abstract: A riding-type mower vehicle comprises a mower supported by a vehicle body; a grass collector configured to receive cut grass cut by the mower; a vehicle-side connector located at a rear position of the vehicle body and having a pair of inclined guide portions that face each other such that a distance between the inclined guide portions decreases toward lower portions of the inclined guide portions to open upwardly; and a collector-side connector provided to the grass collector to extend generally downwardly and having a pair of inclined guided portions whose distance from each other decreases toward lower portions of the inclined guided portions; wherein the collector-side connector is attached to the vehicle-side connector by inserting an inclined guided portion of the collector-side connector between the pair of inclined guide portions of the vehicle-side connector.

Abstract: A reinforced grass catcher may be positioned adjacent a cutting unit of a grass mower, the reinforced grass catcher having a pair of sides, an upper panel and a lower panel, an opening between the upper panel and lower panel facing the cutting unit, and at least one retaining structure integrally formed with the lower panel adjacent the opening. The reinforcing member may be inserted through the retaining structure or structures. Each retaining structure may be a channel, passage, opening, cavity, groove, hollow, notch, slot, hole, indentation, tunnel, port, aperture or recess that is integral with the lower panel. The reinforcing member resists or limits warping or bending of the grass catcher at or near the opening. The reinforcing member prevents loss of grass clippings through a gap between the grass catcher and cutting unit.

Abstract: A grass and leaf collection sled for riding lawn mowers. The sled vastly increases the total volume of grass, leaves, and other lawn residue that can be picked up and transported to a disposal site. The sled is easily assembled, simple to load and unload, and is easily stored after use. The sled enables collection of a large volume of lawn refuse without relying upon additional mechanical devices to complicate the operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A grass and leaf catcher for use with a riding mower in the form of a large bag of flexible material, having a generally conical shape. The bag has an opening around its first end, and another at the second end. The opening at the first end is generally circular, with a drawstring to facilitate attachment around the discharge tube and hood of the mower. A cleat in proximity to the opening allows for securing the drawstring. The opening at the second end is likewise secured by a drawstring and cleat combination, or by a hook-and-loop fastener. A mesh area in the surface of the bag relieves the pressure within the bag caused by the entry of air forced up the discharge tube by the action of the cutter blades of the mower.

Abstract: A mower includes a traction frame that supports at least one cutting unit and a grass catcher associated with each cutting unit. The cutting unit and grass catcher are both operatively coupled to the traction frame such that they both jointly are able to steer or yaw together during turns of the traction frame. This permits the gap between the cutting unit and a grass basket which is part of the grass catcher to remain constant whether the traction frame is travelling straight or is turning. This ensures that the grass clippings will be properly retained in the grass basket without dribbling out of the grass basket. In addition, a system is provided for keeping the grass catcher level as it is lifted up out of engagement with the ground into a raised, transport position, also to better retain the grass clippings within the grass basket.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for supporting a clippings collection container for collecting grass clippings cut by a cutting unit carried on a mowing vehicle. The assembly includes a laterally extending member operatively coupled to the cutting unit for movement therewith. The laterally extending member is supported on a lift arm of the vehicle for movement with respect thereto. A container such as a basket is positioned adjacent the cutting unit for receiving clippings cut by the cutting unit. First and second laterally spaced engagement members are coupled with the container for engaging the laterally extending member to couple the container to the cutting unit. The engagement members are secured to the laterally extending member for providing movement of the container with the cutting unit and independent from the lift arm.

Abstract: A debris catching insert configured to be placed in a debris catching bag which is adapted to be removably attached to a debris discharging device, the debris catching insert comprising a first side and a second side connected to the first side by a top and a bottom, wherein at least one of the first side, second side, top and bottom comprise an air permeable panel.

Abstract: A grass bag sleeve is disclosed having a sewing section for interconnection to a fabric grass bag and an attachment section for snap-on interconnection to the frame of a grass bag opening.

Abstract: A reel-type cutting unit including a reel blade for cutting grass in cooperation with a fixed blade. The reel blade is rotatable about a horizontal axis extending transversely of a vehicle body, to move from front to rear relative to the fixed blade with respect to a forward traveling direction of the vehicle body. The cutting unit has a main case surrounding the reel blade to define a space for carrying grass clippings in a rotating direction of the reel blade to a top level of the reel blade. A guide member is connected to the main case for receiving the grass clippings carried to the top level. The guide member defines a grass receiving space having a grass discharge opening. The grass discharge opening is connected to a grass catcher through a duct.

Abstract: A bag-full indicator mechanism is provided for use on a mower that has a mower deck with cutting blades, a bag for collecting cut vegetation, and a chute communicating the mower deck with the bag. The bag-full indicator mechanism includes a vacuum actuator, a vacuum for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and a sensor for sensing that the bag is full. Preferably the vacuum is the intake manifold of the mower engine. The bag-full indicator mechanism also includes activator for activating the vacuum actuator and includes a switch and a pivotable lever. Finally, an indicator is used for indicating that the bag is full and preferably includes a shutoff for stopping the rotation of the cutting blades.

Abstract: A disposable lawn mower debris bag system (12) comprising a plurality of disposable debris collection bags (14). A facility (16) is for attaching each bag (14) one at a time to a discharge chute (18) on a power lawn mower (20). When the bag (14) is filled with debris, the attaching facility (16) can be detached and the bag (14) removed from the discharge chute (18) to be properly disposed of.

Abstract: A mechanism for collecting grass clippings cut by a cutting unit, including a laterally extending member or rail coupled with the cutting unit, a clippings container or basket positioned for receiving clippings cut by the cutting unit, first and second laterally spaced hook members operatively coupled with the container for engaging the laterally extending member to operatively couple the container with the cutting unit, said mechanism allowing an operator standing at one side of the vehicle to disengage the nearest hook member from the rail to slide the container toward himself while the other hook member slides along in engagement with the rail, thereby facilitating removal.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is disclosed for collecting seeds from plants. The apparatus has an elongated handle with a rotary brush-like unit rotatably attached to one end of the handle. The rotary unit has a plurality of seed stripper elements extending radially outwardly from and operatively spaced around the unit. Drive means are provided for rotating the unit and seed containment means are attached to the handle and extend adjacent the unit for catching seed which is stripped off the plants by the seed stripper elements. A conventional string trimmer may be converted into a seed stripper of the invention by removing the string trimmer head and replacing it with the rotary unit of the invention.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: A powered striker assembly for collecting loose material on the ground has a shaft mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis at a predetermined distance above the ground. The shaft carries an array of striker members. The striker members preferably comprise elastic nonrigid bodies. In the absence of shaft rotation, the elastic nonrigid bodies of the striker members are normally flexed out of a perpendicular relationship with the ground. In response to centrifugal force generated by rotation of the shaft, the flexed striker bodies mutually assume a perpendicular relationship with the ground for contacting and thrusting loose material. In one arrangement, the striker bodies are bent upon themselves in a U-shape and inserted through holes in the shaft, where they remain without use of external fasteners or the like.

Abstract: A catcher for material such as grass, leaves, and debris, the catcher connectible to a mower for receiving material discharged by the mower, the catcher having a hollow container and apparatus for moving material out of the container and, in one aspect, one or more access openings for accessing material in the container, particularly compacted or difficult-to-move material.

Abstract: A grass dethatching apparatus which includes a frame adapted for mounting the apparatus on a prime mover vehicle. The frame supports a drum housing which defines a thatch discharge opening in the upper forward side thereof. The drum housing carries a pivotably mounted, vertically adjustable roller on the forward side thereof, and a stationary supporting roller on the rear side thereof. A roller actuation system is used to adjust the position of the vertically adjustable roller. A rotary drum subassembly is mounted in the drum housing for rotation about a horizontal axis, and includes axially and circumferentially spaced blades mounted on spacer sleeves. The sleeves are mounted on an elongated shaft. A thatch-catching bag is detachably mounted on the drum housing at a location for catching thatch discharged through the thatch discharge opening in the housing.

Abstract: A grass catcher (40) for a reel mower (10). Catcher (40) includes a vent (94) which is offset relative to the longitudinal axis (55) of the catcher (40). Catcher (40) also preferably includes a panel (78a) which prevents air and grass from escaping catcher (40) on the side of catcher (40) favored by spiral blades (27) of rotating cutting reel (26). Vent (94) is preferably formed by a pair of partitions (96 and 100) which intercept the flow of air and grass and serve to dissipate the kinetic energy of the air to the point where the grass is separated out and falls to the bottom of catcher (40). A pair of slots (108 and 110) permit the egress of air from within catcher (40).

Abstract: A grass bagger (13) for a lawn tractor (14). The catcher (13) includes a hood (20) which directs grass clippings into a pair of bag assemblies (40). A grass checker (50), connected to hood (20), is used to check the level of accumulated grass beneath hood (20) to determine when it would be appropriate to empty bag assemblies (40) of their accumulated grass clippings. In order to prevent grass clippings from leaking between bag assemblies (40) and hood (20), and to keep hood (20) from popping open when lawn tractor (14) is driven over rough ground, a pair of latches (70) is included to releasably secure hood (20) to bag assemblies (40).

Abstract: A grass collection system for a reel mower in which an auger extends across each reel. The part of the auger not facing the reel is enclosed by a shield, so the auger conveys cut grass laterally to one end of the mower, from which end the cut grass is conveyed through an air duct and impeller to a hopper. Where the duct connects to the auger shield, an extra opening is provided to entrain outside air, to maintain the flow of air past the auger shield outlet and thus reduce the likelihood of clogging.

Abstract: The basket latch is used to keep the basket hooks of a catch basket secured to a transversely extending hollow support bar on a mower unit. The basket latch includes a center rod sized to pass through the hollow support bar and extend a small distance from each end. A keeper assembly is mounted to each end of the center rod. Each keeper assembly has an L-shaped member with arms extending radially from the center rod. One arm has an axially extending latch pin secured to its outer end. The latch pin extends parallel to and is spaced apart from the center rod at a distance sufficient to allow the basket hook to be positioned between the latch pin and support bar. The other arm acts as a counterweight to bias the latch pin downwardly against the basket hook thus trapping the basket hook against the support bar.

Abstract: An improved shield member for directing the grass clippings cut by a reel-type mower into a grass catcher. The shield member encompasses a portion of the circumference of the reel from the side of the reel opposite the grass catcher and has an inner surface spaced apart from the reel to define a cut clipping discharge passageway. A cut-off bar is mounted to the shield member and extends inwardly from its inner surface toward the reel and functions to direct grass clippings or mats of grass that tend to adhere to the inner surface of the shield member into the path of the cutting reel blades whereby the grass clippings or grass clumps are struck by the cutting blades and sufficient velocity is imparted to the grass to project the grass in a desired trajectory into the grass catcher position forwardly of the cutting reel.

Abstract: A lawn mower of the cutter reel type having a free running front roller, a driven rear roller and a cutter reel therebetween, the catcher being positioned rearwardly of the rollers, the rear roller being adjacent a lower deflector plate which deflects grass cuttings upwardly and rearwardly from the reel above the rear roller and into the catcher.