Patent ID: 8387205
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: A01D

Abstract:
1. A lawn care apparatus comprising: a self-powered wheeled vehicle having a frame; a blower assembly attached to the frame, the blower assembly including a blower unit, a flexible hose with an outlet for emitting a directed flow of air from the blower unit, adjustment structure configured to support the flexible hose in different vertical and horizontal positions and orientations, and at least one powered actuator operably connected to the adjustment structure to selectively bend the flexible hose; and a control operably connected to the at least one powered actuator, the control having different positions for automatically operating the at least one powered actuator to move the outlet to a selected one of the positions and orientations; wherein the at least one powered actuator includes a first actuator for vertical adjustment and wherein the adjustment structure supports the hose for flexing about a first pivot while the first actuator operates, the first actuator including a linear rack of teeth and a first pinion operably engaging the linear rack; wherein the at least one powered actuator includes a second actuator for horizontal adjustment and wherein the adjustment structure supports the hose for flexing about a second pivot while the second actuator operates, the second actuator including an arcuate rack of teeth and a second pinion operably engaging the arcuate rack.