Lawn mower and associated attachment

Lawn mowers and attachments for lawn mowers are provided. An attachment includes a body including one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume configured to receive clippings from the lawn mower, wherein the body defines an opening; and a cover coupled to the body at the opening and moveable between an open position, whereby the opening is open, and a closed position, whereby the opening is closed, wherein the cover is selectively lockable in the open position, and wherein the cover is biased to the closed position by a spring.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lawn mowers, and more particularly to attachments for lawn mowers.

BACKGROUND

Lawn mowers are generally utilized in grass cutting operations. However, they may also be used in other operations, such as picking up of leaves and other debris. When in use, lawn mowers generally discharge debris from a mower deck. Many operators discharge this debris from the mower deck after the debris has been cut down into finer-sized particles. Other operators prefer to collect the debris and remove it from their yards. Removing debris requires operators to move and empty loaded containers which are heavy.

Accordingly, improved systems, devices, and methods of removing debris are desired in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

In accordance with one embodiment, an attachment for a push lawn mower is provided. The attachment includes a body including one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume configured to receive clippings from the lawn mower, wherein the body defines an opening; and a cover coupled to the body at the opening and movable between an open position, whereby the opening is open, and a closed position, whereby the opening is closed, wherein the cover is selectively lockable in the open position, and wherein the cover is biased to the closed position by a spring.

In accordance with another embodiment, a lawn mower is provided. The lawn mower includes a mower deck defining a cutting area; a cutting implement disposed in the cutting area; a debris egress location in communication with the cutting area; and an attachment comprising: a body including one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume configured to receive clippings from the lawn mower, wherein the body defines an opening configured to be disposed at the debris egress location; and a cover coupled to the body at the opening and movable between an open position, whereby the opening is open, and a closed position, whereby the opening is closed, wherein the cover comprises an opening configured to be in open communication with the debris egress location of the lawn mower.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of using an attachment with a lawn mower is provided. The method includes removing the attachment from the lawn mower, the attachment having a cover disposed at, and configured to selectively close, an opening of a body of the attachment, wherein the cover is in a closed position whereby the opening is closed; reconfiguring the cover to an open position by pivoting the cover from the closed position; removing material from an internal volume of the attachment through the opening; reconfiguring the cover to the closed position; and attaching the attachment to the lawn mower such that the cover is in communication with a debris egress location of the lawn mower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “incudes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Reference made herein to lawn mowers is intended to refer generally to power tools having cutting implements used in cutting lawn, and more particularly to riding and push lawn mowers, and yet more particularly to push lawn mowers. The push lawn mowers described herein may be powered by one or more power sources, e.g., batteries and one or more electric motors, or operate manually, i.e., by application of a human-provided motive force.

In general, lawn mowers can include attachments which collect debris and clippings ejected from a cutting area of the lawn mower. The attachment can include an opening through which the debris and clippings can be received from the cutting area and through which the debris and clippings can be emptied. The opening can be selectively covered by a cover that is lockable in an open position. The attachment can be utilized on a plurality of different types of lawn mowers. The attachment can include a plurality of different attachment protocol configured to allow an operator to attach the attachment to the different types of lawn mowers.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a side view of a lawn mower100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2illustrates a top view of the lawn mower100in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The lawn mower100depicted inFIGS.1and2is electrically powered using one or more batteries in electrical communication with one or more motors configured to receive power from the one or more batteries and power the lawn mower100. However, it should be understood that in accordance with another embodiment, the lawn mower100may be powered by an alternate power source. For instance, the lawn mower100may receive power through an electrical cord plugged into a power source, e.g., a wall outlet. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the lawn mower100may be powered by one or more internal combustion (IC) engines. Furthermore, while the lawn mower100depicted inFIGS.1and2is a powered push mower, in other instances the lawn mower100can be a manually powered push mower, i.e., powered by human-provided motive force.

The lawn mower100can generally include a mower deck102defining a cutting area104. The cutting area104can be disposed below the mower deck102. The mower deck102may have sidewalls that extend downward and surround the cutting area104. A cutting implement (not illustrated) can be disposed at the cutting area104. The cutting implement may be driven, e.g., rotatably driven, to incur a cutting operation on underlying medium, e.g., grass.

The cutting deck102can be supported by one or more traction elements configured to interface with the underlying medium and movably support the lawn mower100. The depicted traction elements include wheels106. In the depicted embodiment, the wheels106include a pair of front wheels106A and a pair of rear wheels106B. In certain instances, the front and rear wheels106A and106B can define different characteristics as compared to one another. For example, the rear wheels can106B can be larger than the front wheels106A.

In an embodiment, the wheels106can be driven by one or more motors (not illustrated). The cutting implement can similarly be driven by one or more motors (not illustrated). The motors can receive electrical power from one or more batteries disposed in a battery housing108. In certain instances, the batteries can be removable from the battery housing108. In other instances, the batteries can be fixed in the battery housing108. By way of non-limiting example, the batteries can include lithium-ion batteries.

The lawn mower100can further include a handle110extending rearward and upward from the mower deck102. In certain instances, the handle110can be adjustable relative to the mower deck102. For example, the handle110can be pivotable relative to the mower deck102, telescopic relative to the mower deck102, or both. In an embodiment, the handle110can include a user interface112configured to permit an operator to adjust one or more operating parameters of the lawn mower100, e.g., to turn on and off the lawn mower100, to engage a self-propel function of the lawn mower, to release the handle110to move between different alignments or positions, a bail to prevent accidental propulsion of the lawn mower100, a speed adjusting interface, another similar control, or any combination thereof.

As previously described, the lawn mower100defines the cutting area104where the cutting operation is performed by the cutting implement. The cutting area104can define a debris egress location114. The debris egress location114can be located, e.g., at a side of the mower deck102. The debris egress location114can generally include a passageway configured to allow egress of debris, e.g., clippings, from the cutting area104so as to prevent clogging of debris within the cutting area104and to distribute the debris more evenly over neighboring terrain. In the depicted illustration, the debris egress location114includes a chute116configured to guide the debris out of the debris egress location114and prevent debris from discharging in all directions. The chute116may further provide protection to the operator and any nearby people against flying debris which might cause bodily injury or damage.

In the illustrated embodiment, the debris egress location114is defined by an entirely closed opening, i.e., an opening having all sides defined by the mower deck102. In another embodiment, the debris egress location114can be only partially defined by the mower deck102and include, e.g., an open bottom.

While not illustrated, the mower deck102can include another debris egress location located at a different position than the debris egress location114. In a particular embodiment, the other debris egress location can be disposed at a rear end of the mower deck102. More particularly, the other debris egress location can extend through the sidewall of the mower deck102at the rear of the mower deck102. Unless states otherwise, reference made hereinafter to the debris egress location is intended to refer to the debris egress location disposed at the rear of the mower deck102.

The debris egress location may be selectively closable. For instance, the lawn mower100can include a cover118configured to close the debris egress location. The cover118can be moved between two or more positions, e.g., open and closed. In the closed position, the cover118can block the debris egress location. In this configuration, the lawn mower100may discharge debris through the debris egress location114. This type of operation may be common when using the lawn mower100in cutting operations. However, in certain other operations, such as for example, when using the lawn mower to pick up leaves and larger debris, the debris egress location114may be closed and the cover118may be opened to reroute debris from the cutting area104through the debris egress location (not through debris egress location114). It should be understood that in certain instances the debris egress location114may remain open while the cover118is also in the open position, thus allowing debris to exit the cutting area104through both debris egress locations.

The lawn mower100can further include an attachment120configured to be removably attached to the lawn mower100, e.g., at or adjacent to the mower deck102or the handle110.

Referring toFIG.2, the attachment120can define a first size122, as measured from a top view, that is less than a second size124, as measured from the top view, of the handle110. In an embodiment, the first and second sizes may refer to areal dimensions of the footprints of the attachment120and handle110, respectively. The footprints may be mapped when the handle110and attachment120are both in the in-use configurations. Thus, the attachment120may be at least one of narrower or shorter than the handle110. In this regard, the attachment120may not form an outer surface of the lawn mower100which might impact objects as the lawn mower100passes thereby.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of the attachment120in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen removed from the lawn mower100. The attachment120generally includes a body126having one or more sidewalls128. In the depicted embodiment, the sidewalls128include a top sidewall130, a left sidewall132, a right sidewall134, and a bottom sidewall136. A back sidewall (not illustrated) can extend between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls130,132,134, and136.

The sidewalls128can generally define an internal volume138of the attachment120. In certain instances, the shape of the internal volume138can generally correspond with the shape of the sidewalls128. In an embodiment, the internal volume138can define a volume of at least 20 Liters (L), such as at least 25 L, such as at least 30 L, such as at least 40 L, such as at least 50 L, such as at least 60 L. As the internal volume138is configured to receive clippings and debris from the cutting area102, the larger the internal volume138, the greater volume of clippings can be received in the attachment120before the operator is required to empty the attachment120. Conversely, however, the greater the volume of clippings contained in the attachment120, the heavier the attachment120. Thus, the attachment120includes features, described below, which facilitate easy removal of the attachment120from the lawn mower100and easy emptying of the clippings therefrom without accidently dropping clippings in undesirable locations.

The attachment120includes an opening140in the sidewall128. The opening140is in fluid communication with the internal volume138. The opening140may be located at a front end of the attachment120. In a particular embodiment, the opening140may extend entirely between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls130,132,134, and136. In another embodiment, the opening140may include a plurality of openings disposed between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls130,132,134, and136. In the depicted embodiment, the left and right sidewalls132and136each include a sloped edge located between the forward and top sides of the attachment120. In certain instances, the opening140can include a corresponding sloped edge and conform generally to the shape of the edges of the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls130,132,134, and136.

In one or more embodiments, the body126can have a generally rigid construction. That is, for example, the body126can be formed from a material having a relatively stiff sidewall. Exemplary materials include one or more of metals, alloys, polymers, or the like. The body126can be configured to receive an internal element within the internal volume138. The internal element can include, for example, a relatively non-rigid sidewall. Reference made to relative rigidity of the body126and the internal element is made with respect to the other of the body126and the internal element. That is, for example, the body126can be more rigid than the internal element. By way of non-limiting example, the internal element can include a fabric material having a relatively non-rigid sidewall. In certain embodiments, the internal element may be configured to conform, or generally conform, to the shape of the internal volume138of the body126. The internal element may be attachable to the body126to, e.g., align the internal element and prevent movement with respect to the body126.

A cover142can be coupled to the body126. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cover142can include two or more segments, such as a first segment144and a second segment146. In an embodiment, the first and second segments144and146may define generally planar shapes that intersect one another. In this regard, the cover142may accommodate embodiments of the lawn mower100where the left and right sidewalls132and136have sloped edges.

The cover142may be disposed at the opening140and be moved between a closed position, as illustrated inFIG.3, and an open position, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5. In the closed position, the cover142can close the opening140such that the opening140is closed. In the open position, the cover142can be displaced from the opening140such that the opening140is open. By way of example, the cover142may be moved between the open and closed positions through a rotational movement, e.g., pivoting. For instance, the cover142may be pivotably coupled to the body126at an upper location of the cover142. The cover142may pivot about a pivot axis148that extends parallel, or generally parallel, with the top sidewall130.

In an embodiment, the cover142may be configured to pivot between the open and closed positions up to a maximum deflection angle of at least 10 degrees, such as at least 20 degrees, such as at least 30 degrees, such as at least 40 degrees, such as at least 50 degrees, such as at least 60 degrees, such as at least 70 degrees, such as at least 80 degrees, such as at least 90 degrees.

In certain instances, and as described in greater detail hereinafter, in addition to pivotable movement between the closed and open positions, the cover142can have at least one additional degree of freedom (DOF) associated with moving the cover142between the closed and open positions. As used herein, the additional DOF is intended to refer to another movement pattern that occurs when the cover142is moved between the closed and open positions. For example, in addition to pivoting on the pivot axis148, the cover142can translate during reconfiguration between the closed and open positions. For instance, the cover142may translate in a direction generally radial to the pivot axis148. As described hereinafter, such translation may, e.g., allow the cover142to be selectively locked, i.e., retained, in the open position.

As described in greater detail hereinafter, the cover142can be selectively lockable in the open position. In this regard, the operator can open the cover142and selectively retain the cover142in the open position. Retention of the cover142in the open position may be particularly advantageous when the operator is emptying a large volume of debris from the attachment120. With the attachment120at a suitable emptying location, the operator can open the cover142and lock the cover142to permit easier emptying of the internal volume138without the cover being subjected to gravitational forces (or other forces) which might tend to cause the cover142to close.

In one or more embodiments, the cover142may automatically return to the closed position. For example, the cover142may be biased to the closed position. For instance, the cover142may be rotatably biased by a biasing element. By way of non-limiting example, the biasing element may include a spring, such as a torsion spring. The biasing element can rotationally bias the cover142to pivot towards the closed position.

The cover142may further include an opening150. The opening150may extend through the cover142. The opening150can define an areal size less than an areal size of the cover142. In an embodiment, a ratio of the areal size of the opening150to the areal size of the cover142[AOPENING:ACOVER] is in a range of 1:100 and 1:1.25, such as in a range of 1:2 and 1:25, such as in a range of 1:3 and 1:10, such as in a range of 1:4 and 1:8.

In an embodiment, the areal size of the opening150is within +/−50% of an areal size of an opening of the debris egress location of the cutting area104, such as within +/−25% of the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location, such as within +/−10% of the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location. In a particular embodiment, the areal size of the opening150can be equal to the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location of the cutting area104.

As illustrated, the opening150is laterally offset from a centerline of the attachment120. In certain instances, the opening150can be laterally offset from the centerline by a same distance of offset as the debris egress location. In this regard, the opening150can receive the debris discharged from the debris egress location.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening150is disposed in the second segment146of the cover142. However, it should be understood that the opening150can be disposed in another segment of the cover142, or extend over a plurality of the segments, as long as the opening150is in open communication with the debris egress location of the cutting area104when the attachment120is attached to the lawn mower100.

In an embodiment, the cover142includes a handle152. In certain instances, the handle152can extend from the first segment144. In the embodiment inFIG.5, the handle152extends from the first segment144at an approximately 90 degree angle. In another embodiment, the handle152can be canted, i.e., angularly offset, from the first segment144. In another embodiment, the handle152can be coupled to a different portion of the cover142, such as the second segment146.

In use, the operator may grab the cover142so as to reconfigure the cover142by grabbing the handle152. In certain instances, the cover142may be lockable in the closed position. In at least these embodiments, the attachment120may be lifted by the handle152without debris emptying through the opening140. In all embodiments having the handle152, the operator may utilize the handle152at least for reconfiguring the cover142so as to allow emptying of the debris and clippings from the internal volume138of the attachment120.

A secondary handle154may be coupled to the attachment120. The secondary handle154may permit the operator to grab the attachment120without opening the cover142, particularly in embodiments where the cover142does not lock in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the secondary handle154can be relatively fixed with respect to the body126of the attachment120. In this regard, the secondary handle154can maintain a fixed angle and location relative to the body126. In another embodiment, the secondary handle154may have at least one degree of freedom, as measured relative to the body126. For instance, the secondary handle154may be rotatable or pivotable. When stored, the secondary handle154may rest flat against the top sidewall130of the attachment120. When the operator wishes to lift the attachment, the operator can rotate the secondary handle154to a suitable position for grasping.

In one embodiment, the secondary handle154may perform a secondary function, such as for example, forming an attachment protocol between the attachment120and another portion of the lawn mower100. For instance, the handle110can include a member, such as a hook, which extends downward to receive the secondary handle154when the attachment is attached to the lawn mower100. In an embodiment, the secondary handle154can form at least a portion of the lockable structure to which the cover142, and more particularly the handle152, can lock with when the cover142is locked in the open position.

A tertiary handle156may be further associated with the attachment120and configured to permit easier handling of the attachment120, particularly when the attachment120is full of clippings and debris.

Referring again toFIG.3, in one or more embodiments, the attachment120may include an attachment protocol158configured to interface with the lawn mower100so as to retain the attachment120coupled at a relatively fixed position with respect to the lawn mower100. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment protocol158includes a relatively rigid structure movably connected to the cover142. By way of non-limiting example, the attachment protocol158can include a hinged bar that can pivot relative to the cover142. A retention interface160may selectively retain the attachment protocol158in at least one in-use configuration (as illustrated inFIG.3). By way of non-limiting example, the retention interface160may include a channel having a narrowed entrance into which the attachment protocol158is insertable. After passing through the narrowed entrance, the attachment protocol158can be held at one or more prescribed positions suitable for mounting the attachment120to the lawn mower100. The attachment120can further include a storage interface162configured to store the attachment protocol158when not in use. Similar to the retention interface160, the storage interface162can include a channel having a narrowed entrance through which the attachment protocol158can pass through to transition between the stored and in-use configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage interface162includes two storage interfaces. In other embodiments, the storage interface162can include any number of storage interface locations. The storage interface162can maintain the attachment protocol158at a desired location when storing the attachment protocol158. In certain instances, the operator may move the attachment protocol158to the stored configuration such that the attachment protocol158is engaged with the storage interface162prior to emptying the attachment120. In this regard, the attachment protocol158is positively retained and prevented from undesirably flapping around or even hitting the cover142.

FIGS.6and7illustrate the attachment protocol158engaged with a mating interface164of the lawn mower100. The mating interface164depicted inFIGS.6and7includes a channel166extending into a surface of the lawn mower100, such as a surface of the mower deck102. The channel166can define a shape configured to receive the attachment protocol158. Once in the channel166, the attachment protocol158may be retained in the channel166by a retention feature including, for example, any one or more of a lip, a restricted/narrowed portion, a latch or cover, a detent, or another retention mechanism. In certain instances, the attachment protocol158may interface with the channel166only when the attachment protocol158is oriented at a prescribed condition or within a prescribed range of conditions, such as within a certain angular displacement with respect to the channel166.

In certain instances, the lawn mower100may include a plurality of mating interfaces164, such as a first mating interface164A and a second mating interface164B. The first and second mating interfaces164A and164B can be spaced apart from one another or share at least one common feature. Each of the plurality of mating interfaces164can be disposed along the lawn mower100at a position to correspond with different types of attachment protocol158or to accommodate moveable attachment protocol158(e.g., where the attachment protocol158is repositionable relative, e.g., to the cover142).

FIGS.8to12illustrate side views of the cover142in various positions as seen between a closed orientation and an open orientation. For instance,FIG.8illustrates the cover142in a closed orientation whereby the opening140of the attachment120is closed.FIG.9illustrates the cover142displaced from the closed orientation in a direction towards a fully open orientation. In the embodiment depicted inFIG.9, the cover142is pivoted about the pivot axis148from the orientation depicted inFIG.8in a direction corresponding with arrow168.

In one or more embodiments, the handle152can include a locking interface170configured to interface with a complementary locking interface, such as the secondary handle154, to selectively lock the cover142in the open orientation.FIGS.10to12illustrate an exemplary operation to selectively lock the locking interface170with the secondary handle154. It should be understood that other operations are contemplated herein without departing from the invention. For instance, the locking interface170may be receivable within a gated opening. The gated opening can include a selectively movable latch which can move to permit entrance of the locking interface170into the opening. Upon insertion into the opening, the movable latch can be closed. Unlike the embodiment depicted inFIGS.8to12, the gated opening may allow the operator to lock the cover142in the open orientation without requiring a second degree of freedom.

However, in the illustrated embodiment, the operation of locking the cover142includes moving the cover142in a manner including a second degree of freedom in addition to rotating the cover142about the pivot axis148. That is, referring toFIGS.9to11, the cover142may be moved in a manner other than the aforementioned rotation about the pivot axis148. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS.9to11, the cover is prepared to engage with the secondary handle154through a translational movement. More particularly, the cover142is translated in a direction generally along arrowed line172(FIG.10). The cover142can be translated in the direction of the arrowed line172a distance sufficient to allow the locking interface170to align with the secondary handle154. That is, the cover142can be translated until the locking interface170passes the secondary handle154.

Referring toFIG.11, after the locking interface170is correctly aligned, the cover142can be pivoted, e.g., about pivot axis148(which may now be displaced in the direction of the arrowed line172), until the locking interface170is aligned (e.g., overlaps) with the secondary handle154. After the alignment between the locking interface170and secondary handle154is completed, the cover142can be translated in a direction generally along arrowed line174(FIG.12). More particularly, the cover142is translated in the direction of the arrowed line174a distance sufficient to allow the locking interface170to selectively lock with the secondary handle154. At this point, the cover142is locked in the open orientation and the operator can empty the attachment120through the opening140.

In certain instances, the cover142can be reoriented to the closed orientation using the reverse operation described above with respect toFIGS.8to12. In other instances, the cover142may be oriented to the closed orientation using a different operation than that described above with respect toFIGS.8to12. For example, the operation of closing the cover142may include use of latches, switches, rotational cams or mechanism, or the like which was not required in the original opening operation.

It should be understood that in certain instances the operator may empty the attachment120without locking the cover142in the open orientation. That is, the cover142can be rotated open without being positively locked in the open orientation. In one or more embodiments, the cover142can be maintained in the closed orientation by engagement of the attachment120with the lawn mower100. That is, the cover142may be prohibited from rotating to the open orientation by one or more features of the lawn mower100which restrict movement of the cover142when the cover142is engaged with the lawn mower100.

FIG.13illustrates an exemplary method1300of using an attachment with a lawn mower. The method1300generally includes a step1302of removing the attachment from the lawn mower. The step1302of removing the attachment may be performed, for example, by uncoupling one or more attachment protocol of the attachment from a mating interface of the lawn mower. With the attachment removed, the method1300can include a step1304of reconfiguring a cover of the attachment to an open position. In an embodiment, the step1304of reconfiguring the cover can be performed using a single degree of freedom (e.g., rotation of the cover). In another embodiment, the step1304of reconfiguring the cover can include a plurality of degrees of freedom, such as two degrees of freedom. For instance, as described above, by way of non-limiting example, the step1304of reconfiguring the cover can include both a rotational movement and a translational movement. The rotational and translational movements can occur, e.g., successively, simultaneously, or both.

The method1300can further include a step1306of removing material from an internal volume of the attachment. In certain instances, the step1306can be performed after locking the cover in the open position. Locking the cover can be performed after step1304, during step1304, or prior to step1306. In an embodiment, emptying the attachment can include emptying material through the same opening used to fill the attachment. In a more particular embodiment, emptying the attachment may be performed using an entire size of the opening while filling the attachment can be performed using only a portion of the opening (e.g., the filling opening can be smaller than the total size of the opening such as described with respect to the openings140and150).

The method1300can further include a step1308of reconfiguring the cover to a closed position. The step1308can include unlocking the cover from the locked position. With the cover in the closed position, the method1300can further include a step1310of attaching the attachment to the lawn mower. In this regard, the attachment may be emptied and reattached for collection of debris and other materials.

Systems, devices, and methods described in accordance with embodiments herein may allow for collection of material (e.g., debris, clippings, etc) during operation of the lawn mower while offering easy and quick emptying and operational use.

Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1. An attachment for a push lawn mower, the attachment comprising: a body including one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume configured to receive clippings from the lawn mower, wherein the body defines an opening; and a cover coupled to the body at the opening and movable between an open position, whereby the opening is open, and a closed position, whereby the opening is closed, wherein the cover is selectively lockable in the open position, and wherein the cover is biased to the closed position by a spring.

Embodiment 2. The attachment of claim1, wherein the body comprises a rigid construction, and wherein the attachment further comprises a bag insertable into the internal volume and configured to receive the clippings.

Embodiment 3. The attachment of claim1, wherein the cover comprises an opening configured to be in open communication with a debris egress location of the lawn mower.

Embodiment 4. The attachment of claim1, wherein the cover is pivotably coupled to the body and configured to pivot between the open and closed positions, and wherein the cover has at least one additional degree of freedom associated with pivoting between the open and closed positions.

Embodiment 5. The attachment of claim1, wherein the attachment comprises an attachment protocol associated with attaching the attachment to the lawn mower, and wherein the attachment protocol is configured to attach to a plurality of different types of lawn mowers.

Embodiment 6. The attachment of claim5, wherein the attachment protocol is moveable between a stored configuration and an in-use configuration.

Embodiment 7. The attachment of claim1, wherein the attachment is removably attachable to the lawn mower, and wherein the cover is in the closed position when the attachment is attached to the lawn mower.

Embodiment 8. A lawn mower comprising: a mower deck defining a cutting area; a cutting implement disposed in the cutting area; a debris egress location in communication with the cutting area; an attachment comprising: a body including one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume configured to receive clippings from the lawn mower, wherein the body defines an opening configured to be disposed at the debris egress location; a cover coupled to the body at the opening and moveable between an open position, whereby the opening is open, and a closed position, whereby the opening is closed, wherein the cover comprises an opening configured to be in open communication with the debris egress location of the lawn mower.

Embodiment 9. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the attachment is configured to receive clippings from the cutting area when the cover is in the closed position.

Embodiment 10. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the cover is spring biased to the closed position and selectively lockable in the open position.

Embodiment 11. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the attachment is removably attachable to the lawn mower, and wherein the cover is in the closed position when the attachment is attached to the lawn mower.

Embodiment 12. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the attachment is configurable between two or more different lawn mowers, each of the two or more different lawn mowers having a different attachment protocol associated with attaching the attachment to the lawn mower.

Embodiment 13. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the body comprises a rigid construction, and wherein the attachment further comprises a bag insertable into the internal volume and configured to receive the clippings.

Embodiment 14. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the cover is pivotably coupled to the body and configured to pivot between the open and closed positions, and wherein the cover has at least one additional degree of freedom associated with pivoting between the open and closed positions.

Embodiment 15. The lawn mower of claim8, wherein the attachment defines a first size, as measured from a top view, that is less than a second size, as measured from the top view, of the handle.

Embodiment 16. A method of using an attachment with a lawn mower, the method comprising: removing the attachment from the lawn mower, the attachment having a cover disposed at, and configured to selectively close, an opening of a body of the attachment, wherein the cover is in a closed position whereby the opening is closed; reconfiguring the cover to an open position by pivoting the cover from the closed position; removing material from an internal volume of the attachment through the opening; reconfiguring the cover to the closed position; and attaching the attachment to the lawn mower such that the cover is in communication with a debris egress location of the lawn mower.

Embodiment 17. The method of claim16, further comprising operating the lawn mower such that material is introduced into the attachment from the debris egress location of the lawn mower through an opening in the cover.

Embodiment 18. The method of claim16, wherein reconfiguring the cover to the open position comprises locking the cover in the open position prior to removing material from the internal volume of the attachment.

Embodiment 19. The method of claim16, wherein removing the attachment from the lawn mower comprises removing the attachment from a first type of lawn mower, wherein attaching the attachment to the lawn mower comprises attaching the attachment to a second type of lawn mower, and wherein the first and second types of lawn mowers are different from one another.

Embodiment 20. The method of claim16, wherein attaching the attachment to the lawn mower includes moving an attachment protocol from a stored configuration to an in-use configuration.