WO2002076181A1

WO2002076181A1 - Improvements in mowing/cutting equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2002076181A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ray Parkinson
Original assignee: Ray Parkinson
Priority date: 2001-03-23
Filing date: 2002-03-22
Publication date: 2002-10-03
Also published as: AUPR392801A0

Abstract

An apparatus is provided, which can be either factory-fitted or subsequently added to a lawn mower or the like, whereby to allow that lawn mower also to cut or trim the edges of a lawn. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member (20) which includes or constitutes a flailing or cutting means, a shaft (21) which is, in use, in driven connection with a rotatable component (5, 6 or 8) of the lawn mower, and an actuating mechanism, preferably in the form of a spring-biassed lever arm (33) which is releasably connectable to said shaft (21) and which functions to initiate or discontinue said driven connection, thereby to allow for selective and controlled rotation of the at least one rotatable member (20).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN MOWING/CUTTING EQUIPMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general terms, to improvements in equipment for the cutting and/or trimming and/or edging of lawns and the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved apparatus which allows for both cutting of grass or lawn in the conventionally accepted manner and also for the trimming of the edges (or edging) of an area of grass or lawn, either simultaneously with mowing or separately thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There have existed for some time now apparatus which allows for the efficient cutting, as by mowing, of lawn, grass or the like growing surfaces. Such apparatus generally take the form of what are termed lawn mowers, whether of the ride-on or push type, wherein a power source of any given type, and in particular either a two-stroke or four-stroke motor, is employed to give rise to rapid rotation of a generally downwardly extending shaft or the like elongate member, which is in turn in operative connection with one or more rotatable members each having one or more cutting means associated therewith, the arrangement being such that, in operation, the overall apparatus cuts a swathe through a given area of lawn over which it is travelling. In an alternative embodiment, an electric motor has been employed instead of a petrol-driven motor, the apparatus then requiring connection to a source of electric power by means of appropriate cabling. There have also existed for some time means to be employed for purposes of the trimming or edging of lawns and the like growing surfaces, and more particularly power driven means. Therefor such generally have taken the form of equipment, to be hand-held by the user, including an elongate member having, at or in the vicinity of one end thereof, a power source intended to give rise to rotational movement of a shaft or the like, with cutting means being provided at or in the vicinity of the other end of said elongate member, in drive connection with said shaft, thereby to give rise to a cutting or flailing action of the cutting means. Once again the power source may be a petrol driven motor of any given type, or an electric motor for that matter. The cutting means may take the form of one or more adjustable blades or, in the alternative, of a flexible member, preferably of a suitable plastics material, of which one or both free ends may be adapted to rotate, thereby to give rise to the requisite cutting or flailing action. Such apparatus are generally known as edgers, trimmers, whipper-snippers or the like.

Whilst in the past individual apparatus or pieces of equipment have been known, and separately used, for the purpose of mowing of lawns and trimming the edges thereof, there has not previously been in existence a single piece of equipment or apparatus which is in itself capable of performing both functions, namely mowing and edge-trimming, either consecutively or simultaneously. The present invention seeks to overcome that deficiency by providing an apparatus which allows the user to, consecutively or simultaneously if desired, carry out both a mowing and trimming action on a given area of grass, lawn or the like.

In one preferred embodiment the present invention involves the provision of an overall apparatus, which is workshop assembled and which is capable of performing both required functions, such being in the form of a lawn mower (ride-on or otherwise). However it should be realised that, also in accordance with the present invention, it will also be possible to provide a cutting, trimming or flailing apparatus or piece of equipment in kit form, adapted in use to be associated with or attached to a known and existing lawn mower of any given type, thereby to give rise to a composite piece of equipment capable of carrying out both desired tasks or functions, namely firstly the mowing of grass or lawn, and secondly the trimming of the edges thereof.

Throughout the ensuing description and claims the expression "lawn mower or the like" is intended to refer to an apparatus of the type, well known and long in use, which includes as its principal components a chassis, ground- engaging or wheel members associated with said chassis, a power source (be it a petrol-driven or and electrically operated motor) mounted on said chassis and having at least one drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom, and at least one plate member which is releasably attachable to said shaft, said plate member constituting or including a means for grass cutting.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly, adapted to be associated with a lawn mower or the like (as hereinbefore described), which allows the said lawn mower or the like to function as both a mower and an edge trimmer, said assembly including: a rotatable flailing or cutting member and an associated driven shaft, selectively movable between respective operative and inoperative positions; means for achieving drive connection between said driven shaft and a drive shaft of said lawn mower or the like; and actuating means to allow for said selective movement of said flailing or cutting member.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mower or the like incorporating an assembly of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the cutting or mowing lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus including a chassis having ground-engaging means associated therewith, whereby to allow for controlled movement of said apparatus over said lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus further including separate means, in use in driven connection with a drive shaft of said apparatus, said separate means including at least one member rotatable in association with said drive shaft of said apparatus, adapted in use to cut or trim edges of said lawns or the like surfaces. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the edging, or trimming of the edges, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus being adapted, in use, to be associated with a lawn mower or the like, said apparatus including: at least one rotatable member which constitutes or includes a means for carrying out an edging or edge- trimming operation; connection means adapted to be co-operable with a power source of said lawn mower or the like and to be coupled with and in driven relationship with a rotatable member thereof, whereby to generate controlled movement of said at least one rotatable member; and actuating means for initiating and maintaining movement of said at least one rotatable member whereby to carry out an edging or edge-trimming operation.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the cutting or mowing, as well as edging, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus including: a chassis having ground- engaging means associated therewith, whereby to allow for controlled movement of said apparatus over said lawns and the like surfaces; a power source mounted on said chassis and having at least one drive shaft associated therewith; and a rotatable member adapted to be in driven connection with said at least on drive shaft and to be rotatable therewith, said rotatable member including or constituting a means for the cutting of said lawn and wherein apparatus further includes apparatus for the edging, or trimming of the edges, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus including: at least one rotatable member which constitutes or includes a means for carrying out an edging or edge-trimming operation; connection means adapted to be co-operable with a power source of said lawn mower or the like and to be coupled with and in driven relationship with a rotatable member thereof, whereby to generate controlled movement of said at least one rotatable member; and actuating means for initiating and maintaining movement of said at least one rotatable member whereby to carry out an edging or edge-trimming operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, being a lawn mower having a flailing or edging attachment associated therewith; FIG. 2 is a cut away side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG.1 of a trimming apparatus in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a lawn mower, of the push type, having a base frame or chassis member, generally designated 1, including handles 2 extending rearwardly thereof, such handles 2 allowing for steering of the overall apparatus and also constituting a housing for controls, as for example a throttle arrangement, which is in operative connection with a suitable power source, be it petrol-driven or electrically- operated, which can be mounted on the chassis 1 in any known manner. The lawn mower as illustrated, of any given type, includes two pairs of ground- engaging means or wheels, generally designated 3. The chassis or frame member 1 has disposed thereon, in any given manner and extending substantially normally thereof, a suitable power source, generally designated 4. Such can be of any given type, as for example a two-stroke or four-stroke engine with associated gearing, drive mechanism, etc. Alternatively, an electric motor may be employed. It should be understood, however, that the actual power source employed is not of the essence of the invention, and that any suitable means may be utilised therefor.

As shown the power source 4 has a drive shaft 5 extending substantially downwardly therefrom, such drive shaft 5 having removably attached thereto and at the free end thereof, in any known manner and using any known means, a first plate or the like member 6, which is preferably substantially circular in shape when viewed in top plan, said first plate 6 having one or more cutting means or blades 7 disposed at spaced-apart positions around the circumference or periphery thereof. In accordance with known practices such cutting means or blades 7 can be adjustable in terms of their spatial location relative to the first plate 6, and can be removable from the plate 6, whereby to allow for ready replacement thereof as and when necessary, as for example when worn or damaged.

In accordance with the present invention and in the preferred embodiment illustrated there is provided, in drive connection with the drive shaft 5 of the overall mower and suitably spaced from the plate 6, a second plate or like member 8 which is adapted, in use, to be releasably attachable to the shaft 5 of the mower. Suitable bushes, bearings or the like 9 may be associated with the or each plate 6 and 8, whereby to allow for correct seating and/or alignment thereof on the shaft 5. In accordance with the present invention there is provided, preferably removably attachable to or through the frame or chassis 1 of the overall lawn mower, a separate assembly or apparatus, generally designated 10, including flailing or trimming means of any known type which are adapted, in use, to allow for cutting or trimming of the edges of a mown surface or lawn. The actual means for carrying out the trimming or edging is not of the essence of the invention, and indeed any known or presently in use means may be employed therefor. In one embodiment a flexible member, adapted to be rotated at high speed, may be employed for the required flailing, trimming/cutting operation. In an alternative embodiment one or more rigid blades or the like, also adapted in use to be rotated at high speed, may be employed. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the flailing or cutting assembly takes the form of a substantially cylindrical member 20, of a type commonly employed nowadays with whipper snippers and the like edge trimming equipment, made up of two interlocking members adapted to receive and releasably retain for rotation a length of a suitable flexible plastics material, the arrangement being such that one (or both) free ends of said material is (or are) adapted to protrude from the member 20 to act as cutting/flailing means once rotational movement is imparted to that member 20, in a manner to be explained hereinafter in more detail. Alternatively, the member 20 may be in the form of a rotatable member having one or more cutting blades (substantially rigid) protruding therefrom. In yet a further embodiment, not illustrated, the member 20 may be in the form of a rotatable disc or the like, the free edge of which is pointed, sharpened or serrated whereby to carry out a cutting or trimming action when rotated.

As shown in more detail in Figs. 1 and 2, the trimming or flailing assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a shaft, generally designated 21, which is adapted to extend through or protrude through a shaped recess (of any suitable shape) provided or formed in the chassis or frame 1 of the overall mower. That shaft 21 has, releasably attachably mounted on and at or in the vicinity of one end thereof, in any known manner and using any known means, a flailing or trimming member 20 of the type referred to earlier. At the other end thereof, located internally of the overall mower and within the chassis or frame 1 thereof, there is provided means 22 which, in the preferred embodiment shown, is selectively movable into and out of contact with the second plate means 8 provided on the shaft 5. Such means 22 may be in the form of a preferably circular disc-like member or roller which is attached, fixedly and preferably movable, to the shaft 21. The arrangement is such that, when the mower is operating such that the second plate 8 is rotating at speed, then by bringing means 22 into physical contact with a surface (or edge) of said second plate 8, transmitted rotary motion is imported to the means 22, therein to the associated shaft 21 and in turn to the flailing or trimming member 20. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, interconnection between second plate member 8, means 22 and shaft 21 is achieved through friction. In other words, with the mower running and with shaft 5 and associated plates 6 and 8 all rotating, the means 22 can be brought into contact with the upper surface (or indeed any surface or edge) of the plate 8. Once such contact is achieved, then the means 22 also begins to rotate, resulting in rotation of the shaft 21 and hence also of the trimming member 20. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a toothed wheel and associated mating ratchet arrangement could be employed.

Whilst the embodiment as illustrated includes separate first and second plate means 6 and 8, with second plate means 8 in fact co-operating with the shaft 21 and means 22 of the assembly 10 to bring about rotation of trimming member 20, in an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the second plate means need not be employed, and is in fact not necessary. The means 22 can, in this alternative embodiment, be movable into and out of direct engagement (friction or other more mechanical means) with the first plate means 6, still giving rise to rotational movement of the shaft 21 and associated trimming member 20. In yet another embodiment, again not illustrated, the shaft 21 of the cutting and flailing member 20 may be adapted to be selectively movable into and out of direct contact/connection with the shaft 5 of the lawn mower, whereby to achieve said rotational movement therefor.

The arrangement in accordance with the present invention also includes actuating means, as shown in more detail in Fig. 3, allowing for selective movement of the means 22 of the flailing assembly 20 into and out of operative engagement with the second plate 8 (or the first plate 6 if appropriate). The actuating means, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, includes an elongate member 30 which is adapted to protrude downwardly through a suitably shaped aperture provided in the top portion of the frame or chassis 1 of the overall mower, with the interposition of a washer, bush or the like 31. At the lowermost free end of such elongate member 30 there is provided means 32 - which may take the form of a sleeve or bush - through which the shaft 21 of the flailing assembly is rotatably located. Attached to a side of the power source 4 for the mower is a lever assembly 33, 34, pivoted as at 35, which is selectively movable between respective operative and inoperative positions as explained hereinafter. Operation of the lever arrangement 33, 34 gives use to selective movement - upwardly or downwardly relative to the chassis 1 - of the elongate member 30. Downward movement of that member 30 brings the means 22, and associated shaft 21, into drive contact with the further plate means 8 or the plate means 6, thereby to induce rotational movement of the shaft 21 and hence give rise to rotational movement of the flailing member 20. The elongate member 30 has associated therewith biassing means 36, in the form of a spring or the like. The arrangement is such that, by actuating the overall lever assembly 33, 34 and 35, the elongate member 30 attached to the sleeve or bushing 31 is movable in a vertical direction whereby to bring the means 22 located at the internal free end of the shaft 21 into and out of drive connection with the second plate 8 (or plate 6), thereby to impart rotational of movement to the shaft 21 and, in turn, rotational movement to the flailing or trimming member 20.

Whilst the preceding description refers to an arrangement which is workshop manufactured in toto, for sale as a single unit, the invention is not to be considered to be limited thereto,. Indeed, in a further preferred embodiment components may be made available, in kit form or even individually, whereby to allow for ready attachment of the flailing assembly in accordance with the invention to an existing mower. Such kit of parts could be made up of second plate means 8, with associated fixing means, shaft 21, end connection means 22, flailing member 20, bushing or the like, as well as the lever or actuating assembly made up from principal components being lever arms 33, 34, elongate member 30 and spring means 36, again with suitable fixing means as appropriate and required. The arrangement or kit of parts thus provided could be attached to/associated with an existing mower, in a ready manner, perhaps even by the house handyman. In essence all that would be required would be for appropriate apertures to be formed in the chassis of a mower to have extending therethrough the shaft 21 and elongate member 30. The remaining components of such a kit could then be installed relative to the overall mower. The aim would be that a kit of parts thus provided would include not only all the basic components of the cutting and flailing apparatus, but also all necessary connections, fixing means, etc., together with instructions for fitting or installation. The present applicant's arrangement is extremely user friendly, being capable of being readily operated by man, woman and child alike. No longer need the gardener - professional or amateur - struggle with awkward to use manual hand-held edgers, let alone expend significant amounts of time and effort trying to "kick start", small, petrol-driven motors or whipper-snippers, lawn trimmers and the like implements. Once the mower is in operation, all that need be done to carry out an edge trimming operation is "flip" or actuate the lever system. The arrangement/apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be seen to allow, either simultaneously and/or consecutively, for performance of both lawn mowing and edge trimming functions. The advantages of being able to perform both functions with a single piece of equipment should be readily apparent.

The arrangement in accordance with the present invention, the means/apparatus for use in edge trimming, is disposed on a lawn mower so as to be selectively movable between its respective operating (in-use) and non- operating configurations or positions. In a further embodiment it would be possible to have such means/apparatus in fact readily removable, from a lawn mower so as to be storable when not in use and to be attachable to the lawn mower only when required to be used.

Finally it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention, with variations and modifications being possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

CLATMS:

1. Apparatus for the edging, or trimming of the edges, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus being adapted, in use, to be associated with a lawn mower or the like, said apparatus including: at least one rotatable member which constitutes or includes a means for carrying out an edging or edge- trimming operation; connection means adapted to be co-operable with a power source of said lawn mower or the like and to be coupled with and in driven relationship with a rotatable member thereof, whereby to generate controlled movement of said at least one rotatable member; and actuating means for initiating and maintaining movement of said at least one rotatable member whereby to carry out an edging or edge-trimming operation.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection means is a shaft or elongate member, to which said at least one rotatable member is attached, which is selectively movable into and out of driven connection with said rotatable member of said lawn mower or the like, and wherein said actuating means functions to bring about said driven connection, thereby to give use to movement of said at least one rotatable member of said apparatus.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said shaft or elongate member is adapted to be selectively movable into and out of direct coupling with a drive shaft of said power source of said lawn mower or the like.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said shaft or elongate member is adapted to be selectively movable into and out of engagement with a plate or the like member associated with a drive shaft of said power source of said lawn mower or the like, said plate or the like member being rotatable with said drive shaft.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plate or the like member is located at or in the vicinity of the free end of said drive shaft of said lawn mower or the like and constitutes or includes a means for the cutting of said lawn or the like surface.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said shaft or elongate member includes driven means affixed to one free end thereof and rotatable therewith, said driven means being selectively movable into and out of engagement with said plate member of said lawn mower or the like.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one rotatable member, located at the other free end of said shaft or elongate member, has one or more cutting or flailing means associated therewith.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cutting or flailing means is in the form of one or more blades attached to said at least one rotatable member and rotatable therewith.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said cutting or flailing means includes one or more elongate strips of a flexible material preferably a plastics material, adapted to be wound around said at least one rotatable member and to have at least one free end extending therefrom whereby to generate a flailing and cutting action when said at least one member is rotated.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at least one rotatable member is adapted to be located, in use, externally of a chassis of said lawn mower or the like, wherein said shaft or elongate member is disposed substantially horizontally and extends through a slot or the like aperture provided or formed in said chassis.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said actuating means functions to have said apparatus selectively movable, relative to said lawn mower or the like, between respective operative and inoperative positions, the arrangement being such that, when in said operative position, said at least one member rotates with rotation of said drive shaft of said lawn mower or the like and, when in said inoperative position, said at least on member does not rotate.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said actuating means includes: an elongate member adapted to extend substantially normal to said or elongate member shaft and being selectively movable, via a linkage means or lever assembly and associated biassing means, between said respective inoperative and operative positions corresponding to non-rotation and rotation of said driven means.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, adapted to be removably attachable to a lawn mower or the like.

14. An apparatus for the cutting or mowing, as well as edging, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus including: a chassis having ground- engaging means associated therewith, whereby to allow for controlled movement of said apparatus over said lawns and the like surfaces; a power source mounted on said chassis and having at least one drive shaft associated therewith; and a rotatable member adapted to be in driven connection with said at least on drive shaft and to be rotatable therewith, said rotatable member including or constituting a means for the cutting of said lawn and wherein apparatus further includes apparatus for the edging, or trimming of the edges, of lawns and the like surfaces, said apparatus including: at least one rotatable member which constitutes or includes a means for carrying out an edging or edge-trimming operation; connection means adapted to be co-operable with a power source of said lawn mower or the like and to be coupled with and in driven relationship with a rotatable member thereof, whereby to generate controlled movement of said at least one rotatable member; and actuating means for initiating and maintaining movement of said at least one rotatable member whereby to carry out an edging or edge-trimming operation.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said connection means is a shaft or elongate member, to which said at least one rotatable member is attached, which is selectively movable into and out of driven connection with said rotatable member of said lawn mower or the like, and wherein said actuating means functions to bring about said driven connection, thereby to give use to movement of said at least one rotatable member of said apparatus.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said shaft or elongate member is adapted to be selectively movable into and out of direct coupling with a drive shaft of said power source of said lawn mower or the like.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said shaft or elongate member is adapted to be selectively movable into and out of engagement with a plate or the like member associated with a drive shaft of said power source of said lawn mower or the like, said plate or the like member being rotatable with said drive shaft.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said plate or the like member is located at or in the vicinity of the free end of said drive shaft of said lawn mower or the like and constitutes or includes a means for the cutting of said lawn or the like surface.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said shaft or elongate member includes driven means affixed to one free end thereof and rotatable therewith, said driven means being selectively movable into and out of engagement with said plate member of said lawn mower or the like.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein said at least one rotatable member, located at the other free end of said shaft or elongate member, has one or more cutting or flailing means associated therewith.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said cutting or flailing means is in the form of one or more blades attached to said at least one rotatable member and rotatable therewith.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said cutting or flailing means includes one or more elongate strips of a flexible material preferably a plastics material, adapted to be wound around said at least one rotatable member and to have at least one free end extending therefrom whereby to generate a flailing and cutting action when said at least one member is rotated.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said at least one rotatable member is adapted to be located, in use, externally of a chassis of said lawn mower or the like, wherein said shaft or elongate member is disposed substantially horizontally and extends through a slot or the like aperture provided or formed in said chassis.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said actuating means functions to have said apparatus selectively movable, relative to said lawn mower or the like, between respective operative and inoperative positions, the arrangement being such that, when in said operative position, said at least one member rotates with rotation of said drive shaft of said lawn mower or the like and, when in said inoperative position, said at least on member does not rotate.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said actuating means includes: an elongate member adapted to extend substantially normal to said or elongate member shaft and being selectively movable, via a linkage means or lever assembly and associated biassing means, between said respective inoperative and operative positions corresponding to non-rotation and rotation of said driven means.

26. An assembly, adapted to be associated with a lawn mower or the like (as hereinbefore defined), which allows the said lawn mower or the like to function as both a mower and an edge trimmer, said assembly including: a rotatable flailing or cutting member; and an associated driven shaft, selectively movable between respective operative and inoperative positions; means for achieving drive connection between said driven shaft and a drive shaft of said lawn mover or the like; and actuating means to allow for said selective movement of driven shaft and said flailing or cutting member.

27. A lawn edging or trimming apparatus, adapted in use to be associated with a lawn mower or the like, said edging or trimming apparatus including: a rotatable flailing or cutting member or means, adapted to be selectively moveable between respective operating/rotating and inoperative/static or non-rotating positions; actuating means allowing for said selective movement between respective operating and inoperative positions; and means for imparting rotational member to said flailing or cutting member or means when in said operating position.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said flailing or cutting member is adapted to be rotatable about a substantially horizontally disposed shaft, and wherein said horizontally disposed shaft is adapted to be selectively movable whereby, when said flailing or cutting member is in its operating position, to be in driven connection/relation with a power source of said lawn mower or the like.

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein said horizontally disposed shaft of said cutting and flailing member is selectively movable into and out of driven engagement with a drive shaft of said power source of said lawn mower or the like, whereby to give rise to rotation thereof, and hence rotation of said cutting and flailing member.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein said horizontal shaft has a member fixedly attached thereto, at or in the vicinity of the end thereof spaced from said cutting or flailing member, which is selectively movable into and out of engagement with a rotatable plate or the like provided on said lawn mower or the like.