Shutter assembly for a lawnmower, lawnmower having same, and convertible lawnmower

A shutter assembly for a lawnmower includes a steel cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The cutter housing can include a cutter housing slot passing through the cutter housing. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between: a first shutter position in which a blocking panel of the shutter is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening; and a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and can extend through the cutter housing slot. The cutter housing slot can be configured to limit movement of the lever such that a range of motion of the blocking panel extends from the first shutter position to the second shutter position.

BACKGROUND

Lawnmowers can be configured as garden tractors, riding mowers, commercial walk-behind mowers and smaller walk-behind mowers. Smaller walk-behind mowers can include a prime mover mounted to the deck of the lawnmower. Mower decks associated with garden tractors, riding mowers and commercial walk-behind mowers can be removably attached to the frame of these self-propelled machines. More than one blade can be mounted in the cutting chamber of the deck for any of these embodiments of a lawnmower.

Lawnmowers can be configured to either mulch clippings, which are generated as mowing is performed, or to discharge the clippings through a discharge chute. Mulching mowers cut the clippings into fine particles and blow the clippings back into the lawn. Discharge mowers either discharge the clippings directly onto the lawn surface or into a bag that is attached to the lawnmower. The clippings can then be disposed of elsewhere. Some lawnmowers can be converted between mulching lawnmowers and discharge lawnmowers by inserting or removing a removable conversion assembly mounted within the cutter housing and/or the discharge chute such that the operator of the lawnmower removes or installs the removable assembly in order to place the lawnmower in the discharge mode and the mulching mode, respectively. Instead of a removable conversion assembly, some lawnmowers have a movable mulching assembly that remains mounted within the cutter housing and/or the discharge chute and is movable by the operator of the lawnmower between a mulching position and a discharging position within the cutter housing. Some mulching systems are variable mulching system in which one or more movable components can be moved into any one of a plurality of positions between the mulching position and the discharging position such that some of the clippings are mulched and some of the clippings are discharged, via the discharge chute, into a collection bag or onto the ground.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments are directed to a shutter assembly for a lawnmower that includes a cutter housing, a shutter, and a lever. The cutter housing can be made of steel and can include a discharge opening and a cutter housing slot passing through the cutter housing. The cutter housing slot can have a first end and a second end. The shutter can include a blocking panel. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel opens the discharge opening, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the blocking panel closes the discharge opening, and the second shutter position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and can extend through the cutter housing slot. The lever can be engageable by a user so as to move the shutter between the first shutter position and the second shutter position. The cutter housing slot can be configured to limit movement of the lever such that a range of motion of the blocking panel extends from the first shutter position to the second shutter position.

Some embodiments are directed to a lawnmower that can include a shutter assembly and a prime mover. The shutter assembly can include a cutter assembly, a shutter, and a lever. The cutter housing can include a discharge opening and a cutter housing slot. The shutter can include a blocking panel. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the discharge opening is opened by the blocking panel, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the discharge opening is closed by the blocking panel, and the second position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and can extend upwardly through the cutter housing slot. The lever can be engageable by a user so as to move the shutter between the first position and the second position. The prime mover can be mounted on the cutter housing and can be configured to rotate a blade for cutting vegetation.

Some embodiments are directed toward a convertible lawnmower that can be converted between a discharging mode and a mulching mode. The lawnmower can include a cutter housing, a collection bag, a shutter, and a lever. The cutter housing can include a discharge opening, a discharge chute in communication with the discharge opening, and a cutter housing slot in the cutter housing. The collection bag can be removably connected to the cutter housing and configured to receive vegetation clippings passing through the discharge opening when the lawnmower is in the discharging mode. The shutter can include a blocking pane. The shutter can be rotatably attached to the cover so as to be movable between (a) a first shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the discharge opening is opened by the blocking panel and the vegetation clippings are directed through the discharge opening and toward the collection bag when the collection bag is connected to the discharge chute, and (b) a second shutter position in which the blocking panel is positioned such that the discharge opening is closed by the blocking panel, and the second position corresponds to a mulching position. The lever can be attached to the shutter and can extend upwardly through the cutter housing slot. The lever can be engageable by a user so as to move the shutter between the first position and the second position. The slot can delimit movement of the lever between a first lever position and a second lever position such that the shutter is in the first shutter position when the lever is in the first lever position and the shutter is in the second shutter position when the lever is in the second lever position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Some mulching assemblies that remain mounted in the cutter housing of the lawnmower can include many components, which can result in a labor-intensive assembly for manufacturing. Thus, the manufacturing cost can increase as compared to a lawnmower that includes a removable conversion assembly. However, the operator can perceive the removal and installation processes of the removable conversion assembly as inconvenient. Thus, there is a need for a mulching assembly that can reduce the manufacturing cost and lessen or avoid any inconvenience perceived by the operator when converting the lawnmower between the discharge mode and the mulching mode.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a lawnmower10in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The lawnmower10can include a cutter housing11. The cutter housing11can also be referred to as a deck or as a cutter deck of the lawnmower10. A prime mover12can be attached to the cutter housing11. The prime mover12can be in the form of or include an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, for example. The prime mover12can be attached to a mounting portion19of the cutter housing11using an engine mount, bosses, mechanical fasteners, and/or other mechanical devices. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 9, the mounting portion19of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-10can surround an opening26at a central portion of the cutter housing11, and can include a plurality of mounting holes17spaced around the opening26. The prime mover12can drive a driveshaft that supports at least one blade. The blade(s) is/are omitted for clarify and simplicity of the drawings. The blade(s) can rotate in a cutting chamber32defined by the cutter housing11and opened toward the ground. In operation of the lawnmower, the prime mover12rotates the driveshaft, which, in turn, rotates the blade. As a result, the lawnmower10can perform a mowing operation on vegetation.

As shown inFIG. 1, the lawnmower10can include a steering handle13and a plurality of wheels14. (FIG. 1shows three wheels14. A fourth wheel14at the right rear of the cutter housing11is obstructed from view inFIG. 1by the prime mover12and a rear portion of the cutter housing11). The steering handle13can be used by a user to operate the lawnmower10and guide the path of travel of the lawnmower10. The steering handle13can include or be associated with various control mechanisms. Such control mechanisms can include speed controls for self-propelled lawnmowers. Such control mechanisms can include safety stop levers or bars, which the user must depress or hold to maintain the lawnmower in a running state. The wheels14of the lawnmower10can be of various shapes and sizes as desired. In a self-propelled lawnmower, the wheels14at the rear of the lawnmower10can be driven so as to propel the lawnmower10.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 2 and 9, the lawnmower10can also include a discharge chute15and a collection bag16. (The discharge chute15is obstructed from view inFIG. 1by the prime mover12, and is located at the rear of the cutter housing11and adjacent to the wheel14at the right rear of the cutter housing11). The discharge chute15can be oriented to discharge the vegetation clippings toward the side of the lawnmower10or toward the rear of the lawnmower10. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-10, the discharge chute15can discharge the clippings toward the rear of the lawnmower10. When the lawnmower10is in a discharging mode, lawn clippings, for example, can be propelled from the cutting chamber32, in which the blade(s) spins and in which vegetation is cut by the spinning blade(s), of the lawnmower10into a discharge opening and through the discharge chute15. The clippings can pass through the discharge chute15and into the collection bag16. Once the collection bag16is filled with lawn clippings, or at any other time, the collection bag16can be emptied. Alternatively, the collection bag16can be removed from the lawnmower10, and the lawnmower10can discharge the clippings through the discharge chute15and onto the ground.

As shown inFIG. 1, the cutter housing11can include a top wall21and one or more sidewalls23that extend downward from the top wall21and toward the ground. The top wall21can be demarcated from the sidewalls23by the top wall21having a substantially horizontal disposition and the sidewall(s)23having a substantially vertical disposition. The top wall21can be demarcated from the sidewall(s)23by being constructed of respective parts and/or been separated by a particular feature of the lawnmower, such as a distinct bend or ridge. The top wall21can be integrally formed with the sidewall(s)23. The top wall21and the sidewall(s)23can define the cutting chamber32. For example, the top wall21and the sidewall(s)23can be integrally formed of stamped or cast metal or of molded plastic construction. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-10, the cutter housing11is stamped from a steel sheet.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the lawnmower10can include a shutter assembly20. The shutter assembly20can include a cutter housing slot27. As shown inFIGS. 1, 8 and 9, the cutter housing slot27can be provided in the cutter housing11. The cutter housing slot27can be provided in a top wall21of the cutter housing11. Further, the cutter housing slot27can pass through the top wall21from an outer surface of the top wall21to an inner surface of the top wall21. Referring toFIGS. 1, 8 and 9, the cutter housing slot27can be located between the wheel14at the left front corner of the cutter housing11and the wheel14at the left rear corner of the cutter housing11. The cutter housing slot27can be located between the mounting portion19and the sidewall23on the left side of the cutter housing11. The cutter housing slot27can be located closer to the mounting portion19than to the sidewall23on the left side of the cutter housing11.

As described in further detail below, the shutter assembly20can further include a lever115. The lever115, shown inFIGS. 2 and 9, can be attached to a shutter80and extend through the cutter housing slot27. Referring toFIGS. 1, 8 and 9, the cutter housing slot27can include a slot first end28and a slot second end29. The user can move the lever115between the slot first end28and the slot second end29so as to move the shutter80between a discharging position and a mulching position, as will be discussed in further detail below. That is, the slot ends28,29can delimit the movement of the lever115between a first lever position and a second lever position such that the shutter80is in the discharging position when the lever115is in the first lever position and the shutter80is in the mulching position when the lever115is the second lever position. Referring toFIG. 8, the cutter housing slot27can include an inner edge30and an outer edge31. The outer edge31can be outboard of the inner edge30. The cutter housing slot27can be arcuate in shape so as to accommodate an arcuate travel path of the lever115, as will be explained in further detail below.

FIG. 2is a top view of the lawnmower10, showing shutter assembly20with the cutter housing11shown in phantom, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The shutter assembly20can include a cover35and a shutter80.FIG. 2shows lever115, in phantom, in a first lever position113. Additionally,FIG. 2shows lever115in a second lever position114. The lever115can be moved along and in the cutter housing slot27from the first lever position113to the second lever position114by a user. Specifically, a user can grasp lever115and move the lever along the length of cutter housing slot27.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first lever position113corresponds to a first shutter position84, i.e. a discharging position, which is shown in phantom inFIG. 2. The second lever position114corresponds to a second shutter position85. The second lever position114corresponds to a mulching position.

As is shown inFIG. 9, the cover35can be attached to an underside or inner surface of the top wall cutter housing11. Referring toFIGS. 3-5, the cover35can be attached to the underside of the cutter housing11utilizing one or more attachment elements45. Each attachment element45can include a tab or finger46that extends inwardly from a remainder of the cover35. The tab46can include a bore or hole47. Referring toFIG. 2, a fastener48can be positioned through the bore47and extend into a boss, for example, in the cutter housing11. However, it is appreciated that other mechanical attachment assemblies can be utilized so as to attach the cover35to the underside17of the cutter housing11. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1-10, the cover35can share mounting points with the prime mover12. For example, each of the fasteners48can pass through a respective mounting portion of the prime mover12and the respective hole47of the cover45.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the cover35can support the shutter80so that the shutter80can rotated between the first shutter position84and the second shutter position85. Such rotational movement can be can be less than a full rotation of the shutter80such that the shutter80travels along an arc of a circle. More specifically, the cover35can rotatably support the shutter80such that the shutter80rotates in a concentric manner about the cover35. As described in detail below, the shutter80can be provided with a shutter collar90that slidably mates with a cover collar50of the cover35. Such arrangement provides for the shutter80to rotate or spin about the cover35.

FIG. 3is an exploded view showing cover35and shutter80, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The shutter80can include a blocking panel81. Referring toFIG. 2, the blocking panel81can rotate from the first shutter position84in which the discharge opening is opened by the blocking panel81to a second shutter position85in which the discharge opening is closed by the blocking panel81. The blocking panel81can vary in shape and size dependent on particular attributes of the lawnmower in which the shutter assembly is to be utilized. The blocking panel81can include, for example, a horizontal portion82. Also, the blocking panel81can include a vertical portion83. However, the particular arrangement of the portions82,83are merely illustrative. The blocking panel81can be constructed only of a vertical portion. The blocking panel81can be constructed only of a horizontal portion. In other embodiments, the blocking panel81can be constructed of intermittent horizontal portions and vertical portions. As shown inFIG. 3, the blocking panel81can be provided with reinforcing ridges or flanges so as to provide structural strength to the blocking panel81.

The shutter80can also include a shutter collar90. The blocking panel81can be attached to and along an outer wall94of the shutter collar90. Specifically, the blocking panel81can be attached to an outer lower edge96of the shutter collar90.

The shutter80can be rotatably housed within or about the cover35. In particular, the shutter80can include a plurality of shutter support members101, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and 6. The shutter support members101can be spaced about the shutter80. In particular, the shutter support members101can be spaced about an inner circumference of the shutter collar90, for example. The shutter support members101can engage with and be supported by an inner circular flange60of the cover35. Further details are described below.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the cover35includes the attachment element45. It is the attachment element45that attaches or secures the cover35to the underside17of the cutter housing11. The cover35can include a panel36. The panel36can include a horizontal portion38and a vertical portion39. As shown, a shape of the panel36can substantially match with a shape of the blocking panel81. However, in other embodiments the shape of the panel36can be different as compared to the shape of the blocking panel81. In other embodiments, the panel36can be omitted. In the exemplary embodiment of the cutter housing11, the top wall21can rise in elevation at a rear portion of the cutter housing12that is between the prime mover12and the collection bag12such that the inner surface is spaced well above the cutting plane of the blade(s). The panel36can form a ceiling of the cutting chamber32along the rear portion of the cutter housing11. That is, the panel36can separate the cutting chamber32from a volume above the cutting chamber32and the below the inner surface of the top wall21.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the cover35attached to the shutter80, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown inFIG. 4, the blocking panel81is in a first shutter position in which the discharge opening15of the cutter housing11would be opened. In the arrangement ofFIG. 4, the blocking panel81is nested with the panel36. In other words, the blocking panel81can lay against and at least in partial contact with the panel36so that the blocking panel81obstructs or minimizes vegetation clippings from entering a space between the blocking panel81and the panel38when the shutter80is in the discharging position.

The cover35can rotatably support the shutter80. As described above, the shutter80can include a plurality of shutter support members101. The cover35can include a cover collar50on which is mounted an inner circular flange60. The shutter support members101can engage with the inner circular flange60. More specifically, the shutter support members101can be supported by the inner circular flange60such that the shutter support members101can slide along the inner circular flange60. As a result, rotational movement of the shutter80can be provided within the cover35. The shutter80can be otherwise attached to the cover35. The shutter80can include the shutter collar90. The shutter collar90can include a shutter collar top97. The shutter collar top97can provide a seating surface or engagement surface that engages with a lower surface of the inner circular flange60. Accordingly, the inner circular flange60can effectively be “sandwiched” between the shutter collar top surface97and the shutter support member101. Further, the shutter support member101can engage with flange inner edge62of the inner circular flange60. Engagement of the shutter support number101with the flange inner edge62can serve to center the shutter80during rotation. Accordingly, the arrangement shown inFIG. 4can provide an effective, stable, and durable arrangement to provide rotation to the shutter80.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the cover35can be provided with one or more flange notches64. In at least some embodiments of the disclosure, the flange notch64can be provided in the inner circular flange60so as to assist in assembly of the shutter82the cover35. For example, the shutter support member101inserted into the notch64and then the shutter80rotated relative to the cover35. In this manner, the shutter support member101can be engaged or positioned on the inner circular flange60so as to be disposed in the operational arrangement as shown inFIG. 4. Each of the notches64can be positioned so as to not interfere with normal operation of the shutter80supported in the cover35. In particular, location of each of the notches can be “outside” of the travel of the shutter support member101(on the inner circular flange60) during normal operation of the shutter assembly20. In at least some embodiments of the disclosure, the notches64can be omitted.

FIGS. 3-5also shows attachment elements45. As described above, the attachment elements45, which can include or be in the form of the tab, can be used to attach the cover35to the underside17of the cutter housing11. Accordingly, the shutter80is rotatably supported within the cutter housing11so as to be rotatable between a first shutter position (in which a discharge opening of the lawnmower is opened) and a second shutter position (in which the discharge opening of the lawnmower is closed). The shutter80can be moved into or from such positions utilizing the lever115. The lever115can be attached, at a lower end of the lever115, in manner as described further below. As shown inFIGS. 3-5, each of the cover35, the shutter80, and components thereof can be provided with reinforcing ridges, flanges or other structure so as to provide structural strength to the particular component.

As shown inFIG. 5, the cover collar50can be in the form of a segment of a sleeve or cylinder, for example. The cover collar50can include a wall51that constitutes or includes the sleeve or cylinder. The wall51of the cover collar can include an inner wall52and an outer wall54. The inner wall52can include an inner wall surface53. The outer wall54can include an outer wall surface55. Additionally, the cover collar50can include inner connecting ribs57. The inner connecting ribs57can extend between the inner wall52and the outer wall54. The inner connecting ribs57in conjunction with the walls52,54can provide structural strength to the cover35.

As shown inFIG. 5, the inner circular flange60can include one or more flange notches64. As described above, the flange notches64can assist with or be utilized in assembly of the shutter assembly20. Accordingly, each of the flange notches64can be characterized as demarcating or separating a series of inner circular flange portions63. In operation of the shutter80, each of the shutter support members101can “ride on” one of the inner circular flange portions63. Accordingly, arrangement of the operation can be provided such that a shutter support member101does not go over or transverse a flange notch64.

As shown inFIG. 5, the inner circular flange60can include an upper circular flange surface65and a lower circular flange surface66. As described above, the upper circular flange surface65can provide a slide surface for shutter support members101. The lower circular flange surface66can provide a slide surface for shutter collar top97of the shutter collar90.

The cover35can also include cover slot68. The cover slot68can include a first end70and a second end71. Additionally, the cover slot68can include inner wall73and outer wall74. The cover slot68can house the lever115. More specifically, the lever115can be attached to the shutter80, extend through the cover slot68, and extend upwardly through the cutter housing slot27of the cutter housing11. In this manner, a user can effect rotational movement of the shutter80that is housed within the cover35. Accordingly, the user can move the shutter80between a mulching position and a bagging position. Additionally, the user can move the shutter80to interim positions as may be desired. Relatedly, it is appreciated that the position of the first end70and the position of the second end71can limit arcuate travel of the lever115. Accordingly, position and length of the cover slot68can be at least equal to an amount of travel of the handle115that is allotted by the cover housing slot27. Stability and feel, of manipulation of the lever115, can be enhanced if the lever115reaches respective ends of the cover slot68and the cutter housing slot27at the same time, i.e. at the same point in arcuate travel of the lever115.

FIG. 6is a top perspective view of the shutter80in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Hereinafter, further aspects and features of the shutter80will be described.

The shutter collar90can include wall91. The wall91can include an inner wall92and an outer wall94. The inner wall92can include an inner wall surface93. The outer wall94can include an outer wall surface95. The inner wall92can be connected to the outer wall94using inner connecting ribs98. Such double wall construction including inner connecting flanges98can provide rugged and durable construction so as to effectively support the blocking panel81.

As described above, the shutter collar90can also include an outer lower edge96of the shutter collar90. The blocking panel81can be attached at or proximate to a segment of the outer lower edge96.

As shown inFIG. 6, the shutter collar90can include an attachment portion108. The attachment portion108provides structure to attach or receive lever115. The attachment portion108can include a pair of support ribs110. An attachment end or attachment portion116of lever115can be received into or between the support ribs110. In other words, attachment portion116can be nested between the support ribs110. The support ribs110can engage with sides of attachment portion116(of lever115) so as to securely retain and prevent rotation of the lever115relative to the shutter collar90. The shutter collar90can be reinforced with additional inner flanges, supports, or other reinforcing structure so as to provide structural strength to the shutter collar90, at point of attachment of the lever115. The lever115and the shutter collar90can both be provided with one or more apertures so as to receive connecting fasteners. Such connecting fasteners can be used to connect lever115to the shutter collar90. For example,FIGS. 2 and 5show an exemplary fastener that can include a threaded bolt127. Referring toFIG. 5, the fastener can include a threaded nut128. However, it is appreciated that other fastener structure or assemblies can be used in the alternative. One or more fasteners can be used to attach the lever115to the shutter collar90. Thus, the lever115can be directly connected to the shutter80. Further, the lever115can be fixed relative to the shutter80.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of lever115, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the lever115can include the attachment portion116, an elbow member122, and an engagement arm133and a grip136.

The attachment portion116can include plate117. Plate117can be received into and attached to the attachment portion108of the shutter collar90. An upper and of the attachment portion116can include a bend118. The attachment portion116can be connected to the elbow member122at the bend118. The attachment116can also include an aperture119. The aperture119can receive a fastener so as to connect to the attachment portion108of the shutter collar. The attachment portion116can also include one or more orientation flanges120. The orientation flanges120can extend on opposing sides of the plate117. The orientation flanges120can engage with or nest with support ribs110of the attachment portion108. Accordingly, the orientation flanges120can also prevent rotation of the lever115at the attachment point to the shutter collar90. Further, the orientation flanges120can increase the bending strength of the plate117.

The elbow member122can include a lower elbow end124and an upper elbow end125. The lower elbow end124can be connected to the attachment portion116. The upper elbow end125can be attached to the engagement arm130. The elbow member122can also include opposing elbow side flanges123. The side flanges123can provide structural support to the lever115. However, the structure of the handle115, including the junction of the attachment portion116to the elbow member122, can provide a degree of flexibility to the lever115.

The engagement arm130can extend upwardly from elbow member122so as to extend through cutter housing slot127and to extend above the cutter housing11. Accordingly, such arrangement provides for the lever115to be accessible to a user such that a user can manipulate the lever115to a position as desired. In particular, the user can manipulate the lever115between a mulching position and a bagging position.

The engagement arm130can include an upper end132and a lower end133. The lower end132can be attached to the elbow member122. The upper end132of the engagement arm130can be provided with a grip136. The engagement arm130can be provided with engagement lever side flanges131. The engagement lever side flanges can provide structural support to the lever115. Each of the attachment portion116, the elbow member122, in the engagement arm130can include sidereinforcing flanges and/or be constructed in a U-shape for structural strength.

The grip136can include a grip upper portion137and a grip lower portion138. For example, the grip lower portion138can enclose the upper end132of the engagement arm130. The grip upper portion137can “cap off” a top of the lever115. The grip136, including the grip upper portion137and the grip lower portion138can be attached either through adhesive or frictional fit, for example. Accordingly, the grip136provides an effective structure for a user to grasp and manipulate.

FIG. 8is an upper sectional view of cutter housing11, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In particular,FIG. 8shows cutter housing slot27. As otherwise described herein, cutter housing slot27can accommodate lever115. As shown, cutter housing slot27can be in an arcuate shape so as to correspond to the arcuate travel path of the lever115, as supported by the shutter collar90. The length of the cutter housing slot27can vary dependent on travel distance required of the shutter80, i.e. travel distance so as to move the shutter80from a full mulching position to a full bagging position. Referring toFIG. 2, the arcuate cutter housing slot27can conform to an arc of a circle with a center A. The center A can also be an axis of rotation of the shutter80. The center A can also be an axis of rotation of the driveshaft of the prime mover12. The center A can also be the axis of rotation of the blade(s). That is, the cutter housing slot27can be concentric with the shutter collar90, and can be concentric with the arcuate path of travel of the blocking panel81.

In view of the description above andFIGS. 1-9, the cutter housing slot27can be configured to limit movement of the lever115such that the range of motion of the blocking panel81extends from the first shutter position84(also referred to as a discharge position) to the second shutter position85(also referred to as a mulching position) without any further elements, structures, assemblies, etc.

The shutter assembly of the disclosure can provide a high performing and durable assembly that can be used with a variety of cutter housings. For example, the shutter assembly of the disclosure can provide a high performing rotational shutter assembly to a steel cutter housing or deck. Accordingly, when implementing a stamped slot shape in a steel cutter housing, the disclosed subject matter can provide a simple, low cost, rotational shutter assembly as described above. Side to side rotation of the shutter, between a mulching position and a discharging position, can be limited by contact of the lever to the respective ends of the stamped cutter housing slot.

FIG. 9is a top view of a portion of the cutter housing11showing an alternate embodiment of the shutter assembly200. The shutter assembly200can include all of the features of the shutter assembly20described above with respect toFIGS. 1-9. The shutter assembly200can further include a housing insert or cover140. The housing insert140can cover cutter housing slot27, and can provide a predetermined aesthetic appearance around for the cutter housing slot. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the disclosure, cutter housing slot27can be provided with contoured and finished edges so as to provide the cutter housing slot27with a pleasing appearance. In other embodiments, the cutter housing slot27can be left in a “rougher” appearance and housing insert140can be provided to cover the cutter housing slot27. The housing insert140can be connected or attached to the cutter housing11utilizing suitable fasteners or by other mechanical assembly.

It is appreciated that the various components of embodiments of the disclosure can be made from any of a variety of materials including, for example, metal, plastic, plastic resin, nylon, composite material, and/or rubber, for example, or any other material as may be desired.

A variety of production techniques can be used to make the apparatuses as described herein. For example, suitable casting and/or injection molding and other molding techniques, extrusion and other manufacturing techniques might be utilized. Also, metal stamping or cutting can be utilized. For example, metal stamping or cutting can be utilized in construction of the cutter housing slot27and/or the cutter housing11.

While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

For example, embodiments are disclosed above in which the cover35or portions thereof is constructed of a single or unitary piece. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover a cover member35that includes or is constructed of multiple pieces. For example, the multiple pieces of cover member35can be injection molded in pieces and then connected together such as by heat bonding or adhesive, for example.

For example, embodiments are disclosed above in which the shutter80or portions thereof is constructed of a single or unitary piece. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover a shutter80that includes or is constructed of multiple pieces. For example, the multiple pieces of shutter80can be injection molded in pieces and then connected together such as by heat bonding or adhesive, for example.

For example, embodiments are disclosed above in which the cover35and shutter80include a specific shape, geometry, or construction. It is appreciated that shape and structure of components described herein may vary between different types of lawnmowers and different types of cutter housings. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover assemblies that include variations in shape, geometry, or construction as dependent on assemblies and lawnmowers with which the shutter assembly20is intended to be utilized.