Abstract: A portable trimmer has a supporting tube extending straight forward from an engine at its rearward end to a cutting device at a forward end. A handle-bar is mounted on a middle portion of the supporting tube at an intersecting point. First and second grips extend upwardly from two corresponding ends of the handle-bar. The handle-bar has a first portion extending from an intersecting point to the first grip, and a second portion extending from the intersecting point to the second grip. The first portion extends across a width of an operator's body, and is bent in a rearward direction. The supporting tube has an inclination with respect to a phantom line connecting the first and second grips such that said cutting device is located in front of a center of the operator's body when the operator holds the grips in a natural posture. This portable trimmer increases the area in which weeds can be cut in a single movement, and provides for easy handling.

Abstract: An easy grip tool (10) comprising a implement head (12). An elongated rigid handle (14) has upper and lower offset handgrips (16), (18) formed therein. A structure (20) is for attaching a bottom end of the elongated rigid handle (14) to a top end of the implement head (12) in a removable manner. The elongated rigid handle (14) can be adjusted to the implement head (12), so that a left handed and a right handed person (22) can grip the upper and lower offset handgrips (16), (18) to comfortably sweep the implement head (12) along the ground (24). In a second embodiment being an easy grip tool (10a), the elongated rigid handle (14) is substituted with an elongated rigid handle (14a) having a ninety degree offset portion (54) formed near a bottom end. The elongated rigid handle (14a) can be adjusted to the implement head (12), so that the left handed and a right handed person (22), can grip the elongated rigid handle (14a) to comfortably sweep the implement head (12) along the ground (24).

Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.

Abstract: A lawn mower with a frame, a motor, a handle pivotably connected to the frame, a handle adjustment bracket and a fastener assembly. The bracket has a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end adjustably connected to the handle by the fastener assembly. The bracket has a slot and recessed seats along the slot.

Abstract: An improved elongated garden implement having a self-contained sprayer for herbicides. The spray nozzle is attached to the working end of the implement (e.g. near the tines of a rake, the blade of a hoe, etc.). The spray from the nozzle is controlled by a valve mechanism inside the handle of the implement, and is operated by a switch or push button on the outside of the handle. The reservoir of herbicide is pressurized using a pump that is integrated into the end of the handle of the implement. By pumping the slidable end of the handle of the implement, pressure can be built up inside the reservoir. Then, activating the switch opens the valve allowing the pressurized herbicide to spray through the nozzle at the opposite end of the implement. A closable opening may be provided in the side of the implement handle for refilling the reservoir, or the handle itself may be unscrewed and separated to facilitate refilling the reservoir.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A power-driven hedge trimmer includes an engine housing (10) which is attached to a base (11) having a cutting tool (12) and a front handle (13) at one end and a rear handle (14) including a gas control (17) at its other end. The rear handle is rotatable relative to the base to enable adjustment to different operating positions. The axis of rotation of the rear handle is inclined at an angle of about 25.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutting tool (12). The rear handle can be latched in three predetermined operating positions by a latch device (19, 21, 22, 24). The gas control is connected to a rotatable pawl (19) cooperating with the latch device in order to prevent releasing thereof during actuation of the gas control and to prevent actuation of the gas control during adjustment of the rear handle.

Abstract: A hand lever device which is capable of combining high safety with excellent operability. The hand lever device includes a housing and a main lever pivotally attached to the housing. A spring member is fixedly mounted on the main lever, and is bendable in the direction along pivotal movement of the main lever. The spring member has a free end formed into a holder holding a terminal piece of a cable connected to a driven member. A stopper stops the holder of the spring member with cable at a desired drawn position of cable when main lever is pivotally operated to draw cable via spring member.

Abstract: A handle slide control for a push implement that includes a cable running in a tubular handle. The tubular handle includes a slot and a knob slideably engaged in the slot. The cable, running generally in a loop, is fixed at a proximal end portion to an interior portion of the knob and is further fixed at a distal end portion to a component of the push implement. One preferred implement is a snowthrower and a preferred component is a snow directional chute. The tubular handle is hinged and may be folded with the cable to its compact form for storage. Pulley wheels direct the cable from the tubular handle to the body of the push implement. In operation, a sliding of the cable by the knob to an infinite number of positions in turn permits a wide variety of options for the component. Operation of the sliding cable is easily accomplished, even while squeezing the elongate kill bar switch.

Abstract: In a walk-behind, powered lawnmower, a cable control apparatus is provided for supporting at least two different cable assemblies. The apparatus includes a housing for supporting the outer conduits of the cables at a fixed position on the handlebar of the mower and a fastener for fastening the housing to the handlebar. A throttle lever is supported on the housing for pivotal movement, the free end of the first cable being connected to the throttle lever so that movement of the lever is transmitted to the motor by the first cable, adjusting the speed of the motor. The free end of the second cable extends beyond the cable control apparatus and is connected to a separate ground drive lever so that movement of the ground drive lever is transmitted to the ground drive assembly by the second cable, actuating the ground drive assembly. The control apparatus includes an adjustment apparatus for removing slack from the second cable assembly.

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 shaft assembly a tool comprises a first shaft part and a second shaft part and is adapted to be arranged between a handle and a working head of the tool. The first shaft part is slideable and/or rotatable within the second shaft part, and a pin is trapped within the first shaft part is adapted to engage with a co-operating receiving device in the second shaft part. A clamp is provided to secure the second shaft part relative to the first shaft part.

Abstract: A lightweight mower mounted on three caster wheels, having locking pins by which the two front casters may be locked in a straight line position, parallel to the handle, rendering the unit a conventional straight line mower, an extendable handle which will also rotate to the front of the mower, by means of a specially designed handle bracket, which will, when combined with the free wheeling rotation of the caster wheels in the unlocked position, create a free wheeling mower which will move in the direction of applied force, with additional reach which will allow the operator to mow downhill from himself, while pulling the mower in a lateral pattern.

Abstract: A U-shaped handle assembly for an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a lawn mower, comprises two, transversely spaced, upwardly extending handle tubes which are pivotally connected to the housing of the unit adjacent their lower ends. A pair of handle retention brackets mounted on the housing of the unit coact with the handle tube lower ends to define a plurality of adjusted positions of the handle assembly on the unit. These positions comprise a first adjusted position in which the handle assembly is locked to define a normal operational position of the handle assembly, a second adjusted position in which the handle is held by a detent to define a storage position extending vertically upwardly from the housing, and a third adjusted potion in which the handle is held by abutment with a shoulder to define an additional storage position in which the handle assembly extends forwardly on the housing.

Abstract: A string trimmer having a knock-down construction which enables the trimmer to be shipped in a partially disassembled condition and quickly assembled by an end user without the need for special tools and without the need for a large plurality of assembly steps. The string trimmer has a handle assembly having a coupling neck protruding therefrom and a base portion having a coupling neck protruding therefrom. An intermediate assembly has a coupling recess at each of its outermost ends which are adapted to snappingly engage with the coupling necks of the handle assembly and base assembly. Once coupled together, conventional threaded screws and nuts can be used to more permanently fasten the handle and base assemblies to the intermediate assembly. The interlocking coupling arrangements provide a high degree of resistance to twisting and bending forces and yet provide for quick and easy assembly of a new string trimmer by an end user with limited mechanical experience.

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: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.

Abstract: The present invention features a universal primary hand grip device for use with tools and utensils. The primary hand grip has multiple angles by which the hand can grip the shaft of a tool or utensil, thus making the grip ergonomically efficient. When used in combination with a secondary cross-handle, a tool or utensil can become quite easy to use and comfortable to operate. The primary hand grip device of this invention has a grip that slides over, or is made integral with, the end of the shaft of a tool or utensil. The hand grip has a multiply-angled surface, in which the primary hand can assume a substantially straight-angled position (180.degree. angle) with respect to the axis of the wrist. The correct hand position varies with each tool and with each work surface. The proper grip angle for a particular task allows the hand to maintain a straight angle with respect to the wrist axis, while also imparting the driving force of the arm into the shaft of the tool.

Abstract: A threaded connector is disclosed for attaching a handle to a tool head, such as a rake or a broom. The threaded connector may include a central cap or plug and a plurality of opposed wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The wings are in the form of hollow partial cylinders and are hingeably attached to the cap. The cap is positioned on the end of the handle and the wings are folded downwardly and inwardly to engage the handle. Each wing includes partial thread segments that register to form a full thread when the wings are folded together. The full thread has a shallow taper such that tightening of the connector within a mating socket in a tool head causes the connector to bind or wedge itself into the socket. To provide additional resistance to loosening a locking ring has longitudinal mortices which key into aligned rabbets in the connector and in the socket.

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: A convertible lawn mower of the zero turning radius type is disclosed for use in a riding mode and a walking mode. A control member attached to a control head is rotatable between a first position where the control head is proximate to a seat and a second position where the control head is disposed generally behind the lawn mower. Control levers attached to concentric rotatable upper tubes are rotationally coupled to concentric rotatable lower tubes by loop means, for control of variable speed reversible transmissions coupled to rear wheels.

Abstract: An operator presence mechanism for a walk-behind reel mower having a drive lever control engagable for initiating forward travel of the mower, the drive lever being shiftable to intermediate positions for inching the mower forward, the drive lever being biased to return to a non-driven position when an operator releases the lever from the intermediate positions. A locking linkage is provided for generally locking the drive lever in its fully engaged position and which allows the drive lever to shift back to its non-driven position when an operator releases the drive lever in the intermediate positions. An operator presence lever is operatively coupled with the drive lever for returning the drive lever to the non-driven position when the operator presence lever is disengaged. A lockout linkage is coupled between the drive lever and the operator presence lever for preventing the drive lever from being engaged without the operator presence lever being engaged.

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: An electrically-powered appliance, such as a line-type grass trimmer, lawn edger, snowthrower, or the like, includes a housing, an elongated hollow tubular handle, an elongated electrical cable extending through and within the tubular handle, and an attachment arrangement for attaching the tubular handle to the housing. The housing includes an attachment portion and a removable portion, preferably of a common "clamshell" configuration, with fasteners extending through openings in these housing portions for fastening them to one another with the tubular handle securely clamped therebetween. Such tubular handle has openings extending laterally therethrough which correspond to the openings through the attachment and removable housing portions. The housing openings and the handle openings are laterally aligned with one another during assembly in order to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the handle when the housing portions are fastened to one another with the handle clamped therebetween.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use in a walking mode and a riding mode. Drive of an engine is transmitted in varied speeds to rear drive wheels through stepless transmissions. The transmissions are controllable a first shift member accessible to a driver walking behind the lawn mower, and a second shift member accessible to the driver seated on a driver's seat. Operation of one of the shift members is prohibited when the other shift member is operative. The first shift member is connected to the transmissions through a drive link, a driven link, and a pin removably inserted into bores formed in the two links. A prohibiting device is movable to a position to prevent the pin from extending into one of the bores.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use in a walking mode and a riding mode, having a chassis frame, an engine mounted on a rearward position of the chassis frame, front wheels, driven rear wheels, transmissions for transmitting drive from the engine to the rear wheels after varying speed of the drive, a grass cutting unit suspended from the chassis frame, a driver's seat mounted on the chassis frame, and a handle post supporting control levers for controlling the transmissions. The handle post is pivotable between a first position for the walking mode in which the control levers are disposed rearwardly of the chassis frame, and a second position for the riding mode in which the control levers are disposed adjacent the driver's seat. The handle post includes a vertical post portion extending laterally of the lawn mower, and a horizontal post portion curved from the vertical post portion to extend transversely of the lawn mower. The control levers are provided on the horizontal post portion.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a frame, an engine mounted on the frame, and a cutting deck mounted on the frame. A wheel mounting structure is pivotally connected to the frame and rear wheels are mounted on the wheel mounting structure wherein the pivotal movement of the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure raises and lowers the frame with respect to the wheels thereby raising and lowering the cutting deck. A lever mechanism is provided for pivoting the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure to thereby raise and lower the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure and a rod and plurality of holes are provided for fixing the position of the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure at any of a plurality of predetermined positions. The lawn mower has hand controls for controlling a wheel driving system with a motor coupled to each wheel and a safety mechanism is provided to prevent extreme turning which may result from the movement of the hand controls to extreme positions.

Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting the clearing device during use. The clearing device is of conventional type and has an elongated support tube, a clearing head mounted at one end of the support tube, and a motor mounted at the other end of the support tube. The carriage includes a frame, a single support wheel which is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame, and a guide handle for use in guiding the apparatus, and the frame has a mounting bracket which mounts the support tube on the frame so that the clearing apparatus will be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.

Abstract: A powered lawn edging or trimming tool is provided with at least one flexible filament cutting line, rather than the usual rigid metal blade. The use of a filament type cutting element precludes many of the disadvantages of such tools using rigid blades, such as the need to sharpen blades regularly and the relative hazard of such rapidly rotating rigid blades. The flexible elements also reduce the number and size of foreign objects (gravel, etc.) thrown about by the tool in operation. A method of modifying a standard grass trimmer having a horizontally disposed cutting head to form the tool of the present invention, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A walk behind lawn mower operating system. The system comprises a handlebar onto which control bails with ends are pivotally attached, with the control bails being operatively connected to propulsion and blade brake systems, respectively. The control bails are arranged on the handlebar such that they pivot away from the handlebar in opposite directions. The control bails' cross-sectional dimensions are essentially identical. Each of the control bail's movement is limited by a bail pivot stop. Each bail pivot stop is removably attached to a control bail end so that it pivots with the control bail and restricts the pivoting movement by impinging upon the handlebar with an integrally formed stop. In the preferred embodiment, where the control bails pivot away from the handlebar in opposite directions, the control bail stops are located at either side of the handlebar.

Abstract: A lawn mower is provided having a deck which is supported by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels above a surface when operated in a horizontal mode. A leg is affixed to a rear portion of the deck and projects outwardly therefrom. A handle assembly is affixed to the deck so as to be movable between an extended operating position and a retracted storage position. The leg cooperates with the pair of rear wheels to provide a stable support for the lawn mower enabling generally vertical storage of the lawn mower relative to the surface once the handle assembly has been moved to the retracted storage position.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a frame, an engine mounted on the frame, and a cutting deck removably mounted on the frame. A wheel mounting structure is pivotally connected to the frame and rear wheels are mounted on the wheel mounting structure wherein the pivotal movement of the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure raises and lowers the frame with respect to the wheels thereby raising and lowering the cutting deck. A lever mechanism is provided for pivoting the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure to thereby raise and lower the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure and a rod and plurality of holes are provided for fixing the position of the frame with respect to the wheel mounting structure at any of a plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower adapted to be moved over a surface to mow vegetation; said lawn mower includes a mower deck, a motor, rotary cutting means and a push handle assembly; said mower deck including a top portion adapted to support said motor and downwardly extending edge portions; said motor being affixed to the central portion of said mower deck and coupled to drive said rotary cutter means positioned underneath said mower deck substantially parallel to said surface, said push handle assembly having telescoping or pivotal members and being pivotally attached to the deck such that the push handles may be folded over said motor and attached to said mower deck forward of the motor thus permitting a user of said mower to selectively grasp said push handle assembly to lift and move said rotary mower from one location to another.

Abstract: The coupling means according to the invention consists of an insertion member and a receiving member, as the arms of the insertion member by coupling engage a sliding bolt, which is loaded by a leaf spring against a locking position. The leaf spring is angular bent, and has one short leg resting in a slit facing the inside of a tube member, making up the outer part of the receiving member. By mounting the spring in this way, the long leg of the spring is stretching between the tube member and an insert, and fixation of the spring is obtained without use of additional means.

Abstract: An improved releasable handle assembly for power driven lawn and garden devices is disclosed. The improved handle assembly includes a "handle to pivot pin" connection for releasably attaching the handle assembly to pivot pins. Coactive with the "handle to pivot pin" connection is an improved "handle to deck" latching system. The deck includes a pair of offset tower assemblies defining inclined forward and rearward handle positions. A latching mechanism is mounted to said handle assembly for telescopic movement thereon through a limited range of motion for releasably engaging said handle tower assemblies. An operator must disengage the latch mechanism from the handle tower to permit selective pivotal movement of the handle assembly to the opposite inclined position.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower adapted to be moved over a surface to mow vegetation; said lawn mower includes a mower deck, a motor, rotary cutting means and a lift handle assembly; said mower deck including a top portion adapted to support said motor and downwardly extending edge portions; said motor being affixed to the central portion of said mower deck and coupled to drive said rotary cutter means positioned underneath said mower deck and substantially parallel to said surface, said lift handle assembly, being selectively positioned on at least opposed sides of said motor means and adapted to be attached to said mower deck thus permitting a user of said mower to selectively grasp said lift handle assembly to move said rotary mower from one location to another.

Abstract: a mop includes a substantially straight cylindrical shaft having first and second opposite ends. A mop head is secured at the first end of the shaft, and a substantially cylindrical foam rubber first hand grip is received over the first end of the shaft. Two pairs of laterally extending, circumferentially aligned, axially spaced, converging struts extend from diametrically opposed locations on an intermediate portion of the shaft. A bearing member is secured between each pair of struts. A sleeve is mounted for rotation around each of the bearing members. A foam rubber hand grip is secured to each sleeve, providing second and third hand grips disposed at equal axial spacing and lateral offset with respect to the shaft, and mounted for rotation about axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The inventive construction facilitates manipulation of the mop head without causing callousing to the hands, or strain to the wrists and forearms of the user.

Abstract: A portable hand-operated fruit picker for mounting on a telescoping pole having a container or bag at one end thereof for receiving the fruit when removed from a tree. The portable hand-operated fruit picker consists primarily of a telescoping pole, a first hoop member fixed to the distal end of the upper section of the telescoping pole, a second hoop member pivotally mounted to the upper section of the telescoping pole adjacent its distal end, a container or bag fixed to the second hoop member, and a member for actuating the second hoop member relative to the first hoop member to facilitate the fruit picking process.

Abstract: A hedge trimmer extension handle for use with hand held hedge trimmers provides extended reach for the operator when used in connection with the hedge trimmer. The extension handle device is adapted for use with Black & Decker electric hedge trimmers and provides an easy to use extension handle that the user can quickly attach to the hedge trimmer to reach vegetation which is beyond the user's reach either vertically, horizontally, or both.

Abstract: A lawn mower having a plurality of discharge exit ports and exit port closure means disposed about the periphery of the housing member of said lawn mower. Each closure means is selectively and individually operable between a fully closed position and a fully open position by a control lever disposed on the handle of the lawn mower to provide means for selective discharge of cut grass by the operator while standing behind the lawn mower and while the lawn mower is being propelled.

Abstract: A handle and implement head assembly comprising an implement head having a working edge adjacent a substantially planar portion. The assembly further includes a pair of generally longitudinal gripping portions having parallel axes and a connection member that positions the pair of gripping portions on the same side of and substantially equidistant from a central plane which perpendicularly bisects the planar portion and passes through the center of the working edge. At least one of the gripping portions would be positioned outside the plane of the implement.

Abstract: A ground-working vehicle including a chassis, at least three ground-contacting wheels coupled with the chassis for supporting and moving the vehicle on the ground and an implement coupled with the chassis for working on the ground, at least beneath one side of the chassis, while the vehicle is in motion. A first one of the wheels is positioned opposite the one side of the chassis and mounted for rotation about only a single axis extending generally towards the one side of the chassis. Each of the at least two other wheels are mounted for rotation about two axes including a vertical pivot axis. The pivot axes are asymmetrically spaced from the first wheel to enhance the operability and maneuverability of the vehicle in various configurations.

Abstract: A brushcutter has a supporting tube having a first end and a second end with a drive motor arranged at the first end and a cutterhead mounted on the second end. A handle is mounted on the supporting tube for manipulating the brushcutter. The handle has a tubular-shaped handle portion which can be attached to the supporting tube without first disassembling the latter from the motor or the cutterhead. This is achieved configuring the tubular-shaped handle portion to be made of two clamshells which conjointly define a partition plane in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the supporting tube. One of the clamshells holds all control components and is directly mounted on the supporting tube by means of a pipe clamp. The other clamshell is laterally attached to the first clamshell.

Abstract: A power grass mower (1; 100; 200) comprising a grass cutter (6) disposed under a mower body (2), a cutter housing (7; 107), a travelling mechanism (3, 4; 203, 204, 201) adapted to have the mower (1; 100; 200) travel, a power source (5) mounted on the mower body (2) to drive the cutter (6) and the travelling mechanism (3, 4; 203, 204, 201), and a handle member (14) connected to the mower body (2). The power grass mower (1; 100; 200) further comprises a handle position setting mechanism (39) for interconnecting a lower end part (14c) of the handle member (14) with the mower body (2), such that the handle member (14) is selectively turningly movable in the plan view thereof, relative to the mower body (2), substantially about the lower end part (14c) thereof, and for locking to set the handle member (14) at a voluntarily selected turning position thereof.

Abstract: This invention involves an adjustable handle and implement head assembly (10), wherein the handle unit (11) of the assembly (10) is provided with a pair of offset and generally parallel hand grip portions (14) and an elongated shaft member (16) attached to the lower hand grip portions (14) and disposed at an angle of approximately 45.degree. thereto; wherein, the handle unit (11) and its associated implement head unit (12) are vertically adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A motor operated gardening appliance having a multi-position, swing-over handle is provided with a handle attachment wherein the pivotal center of the handle may be readily adjusted, so as to achieve a locked-up rigidly secured handle in the selected operating position.

Abstract: A carriage for a trimming device for grass, weeds and the like having at least two runners (20 and 22), a grip (24) for gripping a handle pole (26) of the trimming device and holders (28 and 30) affixed to the grip for holding the runners in a spaced apart relationship for supporting the device is disclosed. Opposing grip members (33 and 35) form a channel (42) for receiving the handle pole and two cross channels (34 and 36) for holding the runner holders. One arrangement for use with a trimmer having a skirt includes a substantially horizontal front skirt support connecting the runners together near the fronts of the runners and a substantially horizontal back skirt support connecting the runners near the backs of the runners along with a front clamp and a back clamp for clamping the skirts to the supports.

Abstract: A lawnmower with rotating cutting blades has a central handle (1) provided with a hook (2) for mounting a grass collecting receptacle (3). The central handle (1) is so shaped and arranged as to permit easy lateral access during removal and replacement of the receptacle (3). The receptacle (3) is provided with a metal bail (4) for securement to the hook (2) of the handle (1). The base (6) of the central handle (1) pivotally supports a deflector (5) held in operative position by means of a strap (24) secured to the hook (2) of the central handle (1).

Abstract: The mower is equipped with a pulley and a stationary belt which rapidly stops rotation of the shaft carrying the cutting blades. When this braking system is functioning, the belt and pulley system connecting the engine with a drive pulley mounted on the same shaft is disconnected. When the braking system is released, the pulley system between the engine and the drive pulley is connected.

Abstract: A universal spreader comprising a hopper; a cable by which the speading of fertilizer/chemical/seed/pesticide/etc., in the hopper may be initiated or terminated; a rotatable, driven agitator which distributes and controls the amount of the fertilizer; an adjustable width drive for the agitator; a series of moveable fertilizer delivery tubes or "fingers" for delivering the fertilizer from the hopper to the ground which allows spreader to be fit on lawnmowers of most sizes with handles of different and varied configurations; and a guide securing device which also assists in spreading the fertilizer from the "fingers" while also serving to provide a base for anchoring and adjusting the width of the "fingers" to coincide with the swath of the lawn cut by the blades of the mower.