Lawn mower trimmer attachment

The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a string trimmer. The lawn mower trimming attachment attaches the string trimmer to the lawn mower such that the string trimmer can be operated from the lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is a rotating structure such that the string trimmer can be rotated into position. The lawn mower trimming attachment has an adjustable elevation such that the angle of attack of the working element of the string trimmer can be adjusted. The lawn mower trimming attachment comprises the string trimmer, the lawn mower, an extension apparatus, and a pedestal. The pedestal attaches the extension apparatus to the lawn mower. The extension apparatus attaches the string trimmer to the pedestal.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of agriculture including harvesting and mowing, more specifically, a mowing apparatus of a harvester adapted for the purpose of edging a field close to trees and walls. (A01D34/84)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is configured for use with a string trimmer. The lawn mower trimming attachment attaches the string trimmer to the lawn mower such that the string trimmer can be operated from the lawn mower. The lawn mower trimming attachment is a rotating structure such that the string trimmer can be rotated into position. The lawn mower trimming attachment has an adjustable of the string trimmer can be adjusted. The lawn mower trimming attachment comprises the string trimmer, the lawn mower, an extension apparatus, and a pedestal. The pedestal attaches the extension apparatus to the lawn mower. The extension apparatus attaches the string trimmer to the pedestal.

It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not attachment. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The lawn mower trimming attachment100(hereinafter invention) is configured for use with a lawn mower104. The invention100is configured for use with a string trimmer103. The invention100attaches the string trimmer103to the lawn mower104such that the string trimmer103can operate from the lawn mower104. The invention100is a rotating structure such that the string trimmer103can rotate into position. The invention100has an adjustable elevation such that the angle of attack of the working element133of the string trimmer103can be adjusted. The invention100comprises the string trimmer103, the lawn mower104, an extension apparatus101, and a pedestal102. The pedestal102attaches the extension apparatus101to the lawn mower104. The extension apparatus101attaches the string trimmer103to the pedestal102.

The string trimmer103is a power tool commonly used to cut grass. The string trimmer103is commonly used to trim grass near walls and trees. The string trimmer103is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The string trimmer103further comprises a handle131, an extension structure132, and a working element133. The handle131is a grip used to manipulate the position of the string trimmer103. The handle131contains the controls used to operate the string trimmer103. The extension structure132is a shaft that attaches the working element133of the string trimmer103to the handle131of the string trimmer103. The extension structure132removably attaches to the rotating element of the universal joint112of the extension apparatus101. The working element133forms the working element133of the string trimmer103used to cut grass.

The lawn mower104is a power tool commonly used to cut the grass in a lawn. The lawn mower104is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure. The lawn mower104further of the superior surface of the lawn mower104. The pedestal102mounts on the cutting deck134of the lawn mower104.

The extension apparatus101is a mechanical structure. The extension apparatus101attaches the string trimmer103to the pedestal102. The extension apparatus101is a telescopic device. The extension apparatus101is adjustable such that the elevation of the string trimmer103above the lawn mower104is adjustable. The extension apparatus101rotates such that the string trimmer103rotates into position for use. The extension apparatus101forms a load path that transfers the full load of the string trimmer103to the pedestal102. The extension apparatus101comprises a telescopic structure111and a universal joint112.

The telescopic structure111is the mechanical structure of the extension apparatus101that adjusts the elevation of the string trimmer103. The telescopic structure111has a tripod structure. The telescopic structure111has a telescopic configuration. The telescopic structure111attaches the universal joint112to the pedestal102. The telescopic structure111forms a load path that transfers the full load of the string trimmer103and the universal joint112to the pedestal102. The telescopic structure111comprises a first telescopic stanchion141, a second telescopic stanchion142, and The first telescopic stanchion141is a telescopic device that comprises a first arm151, a second arm152, and a first detent161. The first detent161is a mechanical device that locks and secures the first arm151to the second arm152. The first arm151is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The second arm152is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The second arm152is geometrically similar to the first arm151.

The span of the outer dimension of the second arm152is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the first arm151such that the second arm152inserts into the first arm151in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism. The span of the length of the first telescopic stanchion141adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the second arm152within the first arm151. The position of the second arm152relative to the first arm151is held in position using the first detent161. The first detent161is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.

The first telescopic stanchion141further comprises a first footing171. The first footing171is a prism-shaped structure. The first footing171has a disk shape. The first footing171attaches to the end of the first telescopic footing171is geometrically similar to the first mortise191such that the first footing171inserts into the first mortise191to removably attach the first telescopic stanchion141to the hyoid121of the pedestal102.

The second telescopic stanchion142is a telescopic device that comprises a third arm153, a fourth arm154, and a second detent162. The second detent162is a mechanical device that locks and secures the fourth arm154to the third arm153. The third arm153is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The fourth arm154is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The fourth arm154is geometrically similar to the third arm153.

The span of the outer dimension of the fourth arm154is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the third arm153such that the fourth arm154inserts into the third arm153in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism. The span of the length of the second telescopic stanchion142adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the fourth arm154within the third arm153. The position of the fourth arm154relative to the third arm153is held in position using the second detent162. The second detent162is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball The second telescopic stanchion142further comprises a second footing172. The second footing172is a prism-shaped structure. The second footing172has a disk shape. The second footing172attaches to the end of the second telescopic stanchion142to form a composite prism structure. The second footing172is geometrically similar to the second mortise192such that the second footing172inserts into the second mortise192to removably attach the second telescopic stanchion142to the hyoid121of the pedestal102.

The third telescopic stanchion143is a telescopic device that comprises a fifth arm155, a sixth arm156, and a third detent163. The third detent163is a mechanical device that locks and secures the fifth arm155to the sixth arm156. The fifth arm155is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The sixth arm156is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The sixth arm156is geometrically similar to the fifth arm155.

The span of the outer dimension of the sixth arm156is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the fifth arm155such that the sixth arm156inserts into the fifth arm155in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism. The span of the length of the third telescopic stanchion143adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the sixth arm156within the the fifth arm155is held in position using the third detent163. The third detent163is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.

The third telescopic stanchion143further comprises a third footing173. The third footing173is a prism-shaped structure. The third footing173has a disk shape. The third footing173attaches to the end of the third telescopic stanchion143to form a composite prism structure. The third footing173is geometrically similar to the third mortise193such that the third footing173inserts into the third mortise193to removably attach the third telescopic stanchion143to the hyoid121of the pedestal102.

The universal joint112is a structure that attaches the string trimmer103to the telescopic structure111such that the string trimmer103will rotate around at least two perpendicular axes. The universal joint112is a locking structure such that the angle of attack of the working element133of the string trimmer103can lock into position. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the universal joint112is a locking ball and socket joint.

The pedestal102attaches the extension apparatus101to the cutting deck134of the lawn mower104. The pedestal102forms a load path that transfers the full load of the string trimmer103and the extension apparatus101to the lawn mower104. The extension apparatus101removably attaches to the pedestal102. The pedestal102comprises a hyoid121and a plurality of mortises122.

The hyoid121is a mechanical structure. The hyoid121has a hyoid-shape. The hyoid121forms the load path that transfers the load of the string trimmer103and the extension apparatus101to the cutting deck134of the lawn mower104. The hyoid121comprises a superior plate181, an inferior plate182, and a crossbeam183.

The inferior plate182is an arm of the hyoid-shape of the hyoid121. The inferior plate182has a rectangular disk structure. The inferior plate182attaches directly to the cutting deck134of the lawn mower104such that the hyoid121attaches to the lawn mower104. The superior plate181is an arm of the hyoid-shape of the hyoid121. The superior plate181has a rectangular disk structure. The superior plate181is the arm of the hyoid-shape of the hyoid121that is distal to the inferior plate182. The superior plate181forms the superior surface of the hyoid121. The plurality of mortises122are formed in the superior plate181of the hyoid121. The crossbeam183is the crossbeam183of the hyoid121. The structure of the hyoid121is defined in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

Each of the plurality of mortises122is a mortise that is formed in the superior plate181of the hyoid121. Each of the plurality of mortises122is sized to receive the footing of a telescopic stanchion of the telescopic structure111. Each of the plurality of mortises122receives the footing of the telescopic stanchion in the manner of a mortise and tenon such that the telescopic stanchion removably attaches to the pedestal102. By attaching each telescopic stanchion selected from the telescopic structure111, the plurality of mortises122removably attach the extension apparatus101to the hyoid121of the pedestal102. The plurality of mortises122comprises a first mortise191, a second mortise192, and a third mortise193.

The first mortise191is a negative space that forms a cavity in the superior plate181of the hyoid121. The first mortise191is geometrically similar to the first footing171such that the first footing171removably inserts into the first mortise191. The second mortise192is a negative space that forms a cavity in the superior plate181of the hyoid121. The second mortise192is geometrically similar to the second footing172such that the second footing172removably inserts into the second mortise192. The third mortise193is a negative space that forms a cavity in the superior plate181of the hyoid121. The third mortise193is geometrically similar to the third footing173such that the third footing173removably inserts into the third mortise193.

The following four paragraphs describe the assembly of the invention100.

The first footing171attaches to the end of the second arm152that is distal to the first arm151. The second footing172attaches to the end of the fourth arm154that is distal to the third arm153. The third footing173attaches to the end of the sixth arm156that is distal to the fifth arm155.

The end of the first arm151that is distal from the second arm152attaches to the universal joint112. The end of the third arm153that is distal from the fourth arm154attaches to the universal joint112. The end of the fifth arm155that is distal from the sixth arm156attaches to the universal joint112.

The inferior plate182of the hyoid121attaches to the cutting deck134of the lawn mower104. The first footing171inserts into the first mortise191in the manner of a tenon inserting into a mortise. The second footing172inserts into the second mortise192in the manner of a tenon inserting into a mortise. The third footing173inserts into the third mortise.

The extension structure132of the string trimmer103attaches to the universal joint112such that the universal joint112freely rotates the string trimmer103.

The following definitions were used in this disclosure:

Angle of Attack: As used in this disclosure, the angle of attack refers to the angle formed between a plane of rotation relative to a reference line or plane.

Ball and Socket Joint: As used in this disclosure, a ball and socket joint means a manufactured joint, coupling, or fitting in which a partially spherical object lies in a socket, allowing for multidirectional movement and rotation within limits determined by the construction of the ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint is a type of universal joint.

Cavity: As used in this disclosure, a cavity is an empty space or negative space that is formed within an object.

Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.

Cord: As used in this disclosure, a cord is a long, thin, flexible, and prism-shaped string, line, rope, or wire. Cords are made from yarns, piles, or strands of material that are braided or twisted together or from a monofilament (such as fishing line). Cords have tensile strength but are too flexible to provide compressive strength and are not suitable for use in pushing objects. String, line, cable, and rope are synonyms for cord.

Diameter: As used in this disclosure, a diameter of an object is a straight line segment (or a radial line) that passes through the center (or center axis) of an object. The line segment of the diameter is terminated at the perimeter or boundary of the object through which the line segment of the diameter runs. A radius refers to the line segment that overlays a diameter with one termination at the center of the object. A span of a radius is always one half the span of the diameter.

Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggests otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.

Extension Apparatus: As used in this disclosure, an extension apparatus is a mechanical structure that is used to extend or bridge the reach between any two objects.

Extension Structure: As used in this disclosure, an extension structure is an inert physical structure that is used to extend or bridge the reach between any two objects.

Footing: As used in this disclosure, a footing refers to one of a plurality of small pedestals that combine to: a) raise an object above a supporting surface; and, b) transfer the load path of the object to the supporting surface.

Grass: As used in this disclosure, the term grass refers to a plant that is classified within the family Poaceae. The Poaceae family contains the cereal grasses. The Poaceae is also referred to as Gramineae.

Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand.

Hand Tools or Portable Power Tools: As used in this disclosure, a hand tool or a portable power tool is considered to be a device that is classified, or would reasonably be expected to be classified, within the Cooperative Patent Classification system.

Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.

Hyoid: As used in this disclosure, a hyoid refers to a three-sided structure comprising a crossbeam, a first arm, and a second arm. In a hyoid, the first arm and the second arm project away from the crossbeam: 1) in the same direction; 2) at a roughly perpendicular angle to the crossbeam, and, 3) the span of length of the first arm roughly equals the span of length of the second arm. Hyoids generally have a U shaped appearance.

Inner Dimension: As used in this disclosure, the term inner dimension describes the span from a first inside or interior surface of a container to a second inside or interior surface of a container. The term is used in much the same way that a plumber would refer to the inner diameter of a pipe.

Lawn: As used in this disclosure, a lawn refers to a field that grows grass.

Lawn Mower: As used in this disclosure, a lawn mower is a mechanical device that is used to cut the grass of a lawn to a uniform height. Lawn mowers are typically powered tools. The lawn mower is often classified into a category selected from the group consisting of a “push” lawn mower and a “riding” lawn mower.

Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.

Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.

Monofilament: As used in this disclosure, a monofilament refers to a yarn or a cord that is formed from a single continuous filament.

Mortise: As used in this disclosure, a mortise is a cavity formed in a material that is designed to receive a similarly shaped object such that the similarly shaped object is flush to the surface of the material.

Outer Dimension: As used in this disclosure, the term outer dimension describes the span from a first exterior or outer surface of a tube or container to a second exterior or outer surface of a tube or container. The term is used in much the same way that a plumber would refer to the outer diameter of a pipe.

Pedestal: As used in this disclosure, a pedestal is an intermediary load-bearing structure that that transfers a load path between a supporting surface and an object, structure, or load.

Plant: As used in this disclosure, a plant is a biological organism: 1) that is not capable of movement over significant distances; and 2) that uses photosynthesis to create nutrients. A stationary biological organism that is not capable of movement over significant distances but does not use photosynthesis is referred to as a parasitic plant. In the vernacular, the term plant will often include parasitic plants. The intention of this disclosure is to include parasitic plants in the definition of plant.

Radial: As used in this disclosure, the term radial refers to a direction that: 1) is perpendicular to an identified central axis; or, 2) projects away from a center point.

String Trimmer: As used in this disclosure, a string trimmer is a power tool. The string trimmer is a power tool that uses a monofilament cord as its working element. The string trimmer is a rotating tool that rotates the monofilament cord at high speed such that the monofilament cord will cut plants such as grass. The terms weed whacker and weed eater are synonyms for a string trimmer.

Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes an object made of sections that fit or slide into each other such that the object can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the sections.

Tenon: As used in this disclosure, a tenon is a structure that projects away from an edge a first object (often the end of a piece of wood). The tenon is sized and shaped to fit into a mortise that is formed in a second object such that the first object can be attached to the second object by inserting the tenon in the matching mortise.

Tool: As used in this disclosure, a tool is a device, an apparatus, or an instrument that is used to carry out an activity, operation, or procedure.

Tripod: As used in this disclosure, a tripod is a three-legged structure that forms a load path.

Universal Joint: As used in this disclosure, a universal joint is a method of joining a first shaft to a second shaft such that the center axis of the first shaft and is offset from the center axis of the second shaft. The offset angle is adjustable. When a universal joint is formed with a locking mechanism, a universal joint can further be used to lock the offset angle between the first shaft and the second shaft into a fixed position. Universal joints are often used to transfer rotation from the first shaft to rotate the second shaft.

Weed: As used in this disclosure, a weed refers to an unwanted plant growing in a cultivated space. When used as a verb, to weed means to remove one or more weeds from the cultivated space.

Working Element: As used in this disclosure, the working element of a tool is the physical element on the tool that performs the actual activity, operation, or procedure the tool is designed to perform. For example, the cutting edge of a blade is the working element of a knife.