Abstract:
A portable powered trimmer and mounting assembly for mounting on a mower deck or shroud of a lawn mower and including an arm assembly which mounts a powered trimmer head thereon. The arm assembly permits the trimmer head to be positioned in a plurality of cutting positions relative to the mower deck, and resiliently mounts the trimmer head for vertical and horizontal floating movement to allow the trimmer head to track both the ground and the contour of obstacles being trimmed around. The resilient mounting of the trimmer head also prevents damage to the trimmer head due to impact with obstacles encountered in the cutting path.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention generally relates to trimmers which are utilized in conjunction with lawn mowers.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Maintaining an aesthetically pleasing lawn requires a considerable amount of work. In this regard, property owners typically own both a mower and a separate trimmer or weed whip. Generally, the task of mowing and trimming a lawn involves two separate steps. First, one typically uses the mower to cut grass or vegetation located in easily accessible areas of the lawn, getting as close to obstacles such as trees, walkways, buildings, etc. as possible. Second, the trimmer or weed whip is then used to trim grass in confined areas or areas that are otherwise difficult, if not impossible, to reach with the mower. During the summer months, lawn maintenance tasks can require a significant amount of time. Accordingly, there is a need for equipment which will decrease the amount of time spent on these tasks.  
           [0003]    In an attempt to combine the above steps, mowers with onboard trimmer assemblies were developed, thus permitting the mowing and trimming tasks to be carried out simultaneously. In these known arrangements, the trimmers are powered or driven in various ways, such as through the trimmer being directly attached to the primary mower blade for rotation therewith, by mechanically coupling the trimmer to the drive shaft associated with the mower blade via a belt, or through hydraulics. These methods of actuating the trimmer can be burdensome and can complicate assembly and use. Further, many conventional onboard trimmer arrangements are only usable with a particular type of mower, i.e. a push mower, a riding mower, and commercial versions of such mowers.  
           [0004]    In recognition of the disadvantages associated with conventional arrangements as briefly described above, the present invention includes a portable powered trimmer arrangement configured for mounting to a mower shroud or deck. The trimmer arrangement can be easily mounted to a mower deck or shroud to accomplish the tasks of mowing and trimming at the same time. An advantage of the invention is that the trimmer head may be positioned in a plurality of configurations for angled or straight trimming. The portable powered trimmer head can also be detached from the mounting assembly and can be used alone to maintain cutting areas unreachable by the user in the mounted position.  
           [0005]    The trimmer arrangement incorporates a mounting assembly which can be either clampingly removably engaged with the mower deck according to one embodiment, or according to another embodiment can be permanently attached to the mower deck. A powered trimmer head is provided and is supported on the mounting assembly in an adjustable manner to permit the trimmer head to be positioned in a plurality of cutting positions. This is achieved by utilizing multiple axes of movements both linear and rotational. Further, a biasing arrangement resiliently supports the trimmer head so as to permit same to float in both horizontal and vertical directions. The resilient mounting of the trimmer head prevents damage to the assembly, in addition to permitting the trimmer head to track both the ground contour and the contour of objects being trimmed around. The invention also includes a portable powered trimmer head that can be temporarily or permanently removed from the mounting assembly so as to allow the user to perform trimming tasks without utilizing the mounting assembly.  
           [0006]    Other objects and purposes of the invention, as well as structural and functional variations thereof, will be apparent to persons familiar with this type of arrangement upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the trimmer assembly according to the invention in use with a commercial mower;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary detail view of the trimmer assembly shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary overhead view of the mower deck and trimmer assembly shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary front view of the mower deck and trimmer assembly shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary front view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the trimmer head in an edging position which orients the flail line at an angle relative to the object to be trimmed;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective isolated view of the trimmer assembly according to the invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the trimmer assembly;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the slider arm;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  9 - 9  in FIG. 8;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 9A is an enlarged overhead view of the rotatable disc;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  9 B- 9 B in FIG. 9A;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a front view of the rotating arm;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of the trimmer mounting sleeve;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is an end view of the trimmer mounting sleeve as seen generally along line  12 - 12  in FIG. 11;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  13 - 13  in FIG. 12;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the trimmer head in use with the portable battery pack;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the trimmer head and portable battery pack;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the trimmer assembly in use with a residential riding lawn mower;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along line  17 - 17  in FIG. 16;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the trimmer assembly of FIG. 16 in use with a residential push mower;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 18, but with the trimmer assembly mounted in an alternative position;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the trimmer assembly incorporating a stabilizer arrangement;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 21 is a fragmentary side view of the trimmer assembly of FIG. 20 mounted on a mower deck;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary rear view of the stabilizer arrangement;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the trimmer assembly wherein the upper mounting bar is eliminated;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the trimmer assembly;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 25 is an enlarged and generally vertical cross-sectional view of the rotatable sleeve assembly of FIG. 24;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the trimmer assembly in use with a commercial mower and intended for permanent mounting thereon;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 27 is an enlarged and generally vertical cross-sectional view of the rotatable sleeve assembly and mower deck of FIG. 26; and  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the trimmer assembly of FIG. 26 in use with a residential push mower. 
     
    
       [0037]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word “front” will be used to refer to components of the trimmer assembly located furthest from the mower on which the assembly is mounted, and the word “rear” will be used to refer to components of the trimmer assembly located closest to the mower. Further, the words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the structure and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a lawn mower  10  including a pair of rear wheels  11  and a pair of front wheels  12  which support a frame  13 . A mower deck  14  is mounted on frame  13  and houses therein at least one blade  13 A (shown in dotted lines). The deck  14  is additionally supported by front and rear deck wheels  15 . Mower  10  also includes a rear housing  16  disposed adjacent an engine (not shown) which propels the mower  10 . A seat  17  is supported atop housing  16  for the operator. A battery  18  is provided (shown in dotted lines) for starting the mower  10 . It will be appreciated that battery  18  is typically installed under seat  17 , and is shown only schematically in FIG. 1 for simplicity. A trimmer assembly  19  according to the present invention is mounted on the mower deck  14 .  
         [0039]    The mower  10  shown in FIG. 1 is a conventional zero-turning radius mower, wherein the front wheels  12  are swiveling caster wheels, and the engine, which is typically a gasoline or diesel engine, is associated with a transmission which is operable by control handles  20  mounted immediately in front of the operator seat  17 . The handles  20  are manipulated by the operator to control the direction of the two rear wheels  11 , independently of one another, making it possible for the mower to be turned about a vertical axis which intersects a horizontal axis through the center of the rear wheels  11 . It will be appreciated that the mower  10  is only one type of mower with which the trimmer assembly  19  can be utilized, as discussed further below.  
         [0040]    With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, trimmer assembly  19  includes a mounting arrangement  21  which cooperates with the mower deck  14  to secure assembly  19  to the mower  10 . Mounting arrangement  21  includes a pair of sidewardly-spaced and generally C-shaped clamps  23 . The clamps  23  are identical to one another and only one of same will accordingly be described. Clamp  23  is defined by an upper toothed clamp member  24 , a lower toothed clamp member  25 , and an elongate threaded connecting bolt  26 . Upper and lower clamp members  24  and  25  each define therein an outer vertically oriented bore  27 , and upper clamp member additionally includes an inner vertically oriented bore  28 . The connecting bolt  26  extends upwardly through the aligned outer bores  27  of the upper and lower clamp members  24  and  25  to interconnect same so that the toothed surfaces of the respective clamp members  24  and  25  are disposed in opposed and facing relation with one another, a top nut  29  secures the clamp members  24  and  25  on rod  26 .  
         [0041]    An elongate lower mounting bar  32  is positioned atop the respective upper clamp members  24  through a pair of laterally spaced and annular risers or washers  33 . Lower mounting bar  32  defines therein a plurality, and here seven, of horizontally spaced bores  34  which extend between upper and lower generally parallel surfaces  35  and  36  of mounting bar  32 . A pair of threaded bolts  37  extend upwardly through the respective inner bores  28  of upper clamp members  24 , through the respective risers  33 , and through bores  34  of mounting bar  32  located inwardly from the respective endmost bores  34 . Nuts  38  are secured to the respective free ends of bolts  37  to secure the clamps  23  to lower mounting bar  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the clamps  23  are spaced slightly inwardly from the respective ends of the mounting bar  32 . However, it will be appreciated that the horizontal distance between the clamps  23  can be adjusted as needed simply by utilizing the appropriate bores  34  of lower mounting bar  32 .  
         [0042]    An elongate upper mounting bar  40  is positioned atop lower mounting bar  32  through a further pair of risers  41 . Upper mounting bar  40  defines therein a pair of end bores  42  which extend between upper and lower surfaces  43  and  44  of bar  40 . A plurality, and here seven, of laterally spaced side bores  45  are defined in bar  40 , and extend between respective upright and generally parallel side surfaces  46  thereof. A sleeve assembly  49  is supported on upper mounting bar  40 . Sleeve assembly  49  is defined by upper and lower elongate sleeves  50  and  51  which are fixed to one another in vertically stacked relation, and are arranged in approximately right-angled relation to one another. Sleeves  50  and  51  mount thereon identical locking mechanisms, which in the illustrated embodiment are conventional spring-loaded plunger arrangements  52 . Upper sleeve  50  mounts the plunger arrangement  52  on an upper wall  52 A thereof, and lower sleeve  51  mounts the plunger arrangement  52  on an upright and rearwardly facing side wall  51 A. The plunger arrangement  52  includes a manually operable knob  53  which controls the movement of an elongate plunger  54 . The plunger  54  has a free inner end which extends through a corresponding opening defined in the respective wall  52 A,  51 A.  
         [0043]    Sleeve assembly  49  is slidably attached to upper mounting bar  40  by inserting bar  40  into the end of lower sleeve  51 , and manipulating knob  53  so that the plunger  54  is retracted away from the bar  40 . When sleeve assembly  49  is at the desired location along bar  40 , the knob  53  of plunger  52  is released so that the plunger  54  engages within the selected side bore  45  of bar  40 . The upper mounting bar  40  and sleeve assembly  49  are attached to lower mounting bar  32  by a pair of threaded bolts  56  which extend downwardly through the respective end bores  42 , risers  41 , and the respective endmost bores  34  of lower mounting bar  32 . Nuts  57  are secured to the respective lower free ends of bolts  56  to secure upper mounting bar  40  to lower mounting bar  32 . It will be appreciated that other types of locking mechanisms can be used in place of plungers  52 , such as screw clamps or other fasteners.  
         [0044]    Mounting arrangement  21  also includes a slider arm  61  as shown in FIGS. 7-9. Slider arm  61  defines therein a plurality of bores  62 , and here five, which extend between upper and lower surfaces  62 A and  62 B thereof. Additional bores  63  and  64  are defined in slider arm  61  generally adjacent one end thereof. Inner bore  63  has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of each of the bores  62 , and outer bore  64  has a diameter slightly larger than inner bore  63 .  
         [0045]    The end of slider arm  61  opposite bore  64  is inserted into upper sleeve  50  (with surfaces  62 A and  62 B parallel to surface  52 A) with plunger  54  retracted. When slider arm  61  is in the desired location relative to bar  40 , plunger  54  is released and engaged within the selected bore  62  of slider arm  61 .  
         [0046]    As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a plate-shaped disc  65  is positioned on the upper surface  62 A of slider arm  61  adjacent bores  63  and  64 . Disc  65  defines therein a plurality of openings  66  which are located in equally spaced relation with one another along the outer periphery of disc  65  and which are of a similar diameter as bore  63  of arm  61 . An additional opening  66 A is defined centrally within disc  65 . A spring block  69  is fixed to the upper surface of disc  65  adjacent the outer periphery thereof. A threaded bore  71  is defined within spring block  69 , and extends in a generally horizontal manner therethrough. Disc  65  is supported on slider arm  61  so that opening  66 A is aligned with outer opening  64  of arm  61 , and so that a selected one of the openings  66  is aligned with bore  63  of slider arm  61 .  
         [0047]    A rotating upright arm  73  is provided and includes a lower end  74  which defines therein a downwardly opening threaded bore  75  extending along a portion of the vertical extent of arm  73 . Lower end  74  is of a reduced diameter as compared to the main body of arm  73 , and this diameter is similar to, but slightly smaller than, the diameter of central opening  66 A of disc  65 . The opposite or upper end of arm  73  is configured as a clevis  76  defining an upwardly-opening slot  77 , and an opening  78  rotated 90° from slot  77 . Opening  78  receives a pin  78 A (FIG. 7). Arm  73  mounts thereon a pair of upper eyelets  79  which are in vertical alignment with one another on opposite sides of arm  73 . A lower eyelet  80  is provided on a front side of arm  73  below eyelets  79 .  
         [0048]    With disc  65  positioned atop slider arm  61 , the lower end  74  of arm  73  is inserted into opening  66 A, so that the upper edge portion of lower end  74  rests upon the upper surface of disc  65 . A threaded fastener or shoulder bolt  73 A is then inserted upwardly through opening  64  and into opening  75  defined in the lower end of arm  73  to create a slip-fit between lower end  74 , and disc  65  and arm  61 . Bolt  73 A creates a fixed distance between the upper edge of lower end  74  and lower surface  62 B of arm  61 , which allows arm  73  to rotate relative to disc  65 . A retaining clip  81  is provided to adjustably mount disc  65  atop slider arm  61 . More specifically, clip  81  has an upright stem portion  82  which extends through a selected opening  66  of disc  65  and inner opening  63  of slider arm  61 . A U-shaped part  83  of clip  81  has a pair of circular or loop-shaped ends, the lower one of which is removably fastened to the lower end of stem portion  82 . The rotational position of disc  65 , and thus of spring block  69  which is fixed thereto, relative to slider arm  61  is adjusted by removing the lower end of U-shaped part  83  of clip  81  from stem portion  82 , removing stem portion  82  from openings  66  and  63 , rotating disc  65  to the desired position and aligning another opening  66  in disc  65  with opening  63  in slider arm  61 , and then reinstalling clip  81 . A further spring block  84  defining a threaded bore  84 A therein is fixed to spring block  69  by a threaded bolt  85  which is inserted into the aligned bores of blocks  69  and  84 . Spring block  84  mounts thereon a vertically oriented eyelet  85 A, which, when spring block  84  is mounted on spring block  69 , is vertically aligned and in opposed relation with lower eyelet  80  of arm  73 . A tensioning device or spring  85 B is then attached between the opposed eyelets  80  and  85 A. It will be appreciated that there are a pair of nuts located between the spring blocks  69  and  84  on bolt  85  which allow adjustment of the position of spring block  84  relative to block  69 . The positional adjustment of block  84  increases or decreases the tension of spring  85 B. Spring  85 B controls the positioning of arm  73  and limits the movement thereof.  
         [0049]    Rotating arm  73  mounts thereon a trimmer mounting sleeve  86 , which is shown in FIGS. 11-13. Sleeve  86  includes a main tubular body  87  defining an opening  87 A therethrough. A solid rod  88  projects outwardly from a side of main body  87  in a generally perpendicular manner adjacent the lower end of main body  87 . Rod  88  defines thereon a beveled or angled lower surface  89 , which, when sleeve  86  is mounted on arm  73  as discussed below, is generally vertically oriented. A mounting flange  90  defining an opening  91  therein projects sidewardly from the main body  87  at the opposite end thereof from rod  88 . Flange  90  is disposed at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to main body  87 , and flange  90  angles inwardly toward rod  88  as same projects downwardly. A cylindrical neck  92  defining a threaded opening  93  therein projects upwardly from main body  87  on an opposite side thereof from rod  88  and flange  90 . Neck  92  is oriented centrally between the opposite open ends of main body  87  and is generally perpendicular relative thereto. A pair of eyelets  94  are mounted on the exterior of main body  87  adjacent rod  88 . Eyelets  94  project sidewardly from main body  87  in opposite directions, and each are oriented on main body  87  at right angles relative to both rod  88  and neck  92 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a threaded knob or screw clamp  95  is mounted on main body  87 . Screw clamp  95  has a manually operated knob  96  and a threaded rod  97  which is threadingly engaged within the neck  92  of main body  87 .  
         [0050]    Sleeve  86  is mounted to rotating arm  73  by inserting flange  90  into slot  77  of clevis  76 . The opening  91  of flange  90  is aligned with the opening  78  and pin  78 A is inserted into the aligned openings  91  and  78 . A clip  99  is provided to secure pin  98  in place. With the flange  90  secured to arm  73 , the beveled lower surface  89  of rod  88  rests against an upright side of the arm  73 , and tensioning devices or springs  99 A are fastened between the respective eyelets  94  of sleeve  86  and upper eyelets  79  of arm  73 . Sleeve  86  is thus secured to arm  73  such that sleeve  86  is pivotable upwardly about pin  78 A relative to arm  73  and against the biasing force of springs  99 A. Downward movement of sleeve  86  is limited by rod  88  which serves as a vertical stop through its engagement with the outer surface of arm  73 . Sleeve  86  and rotating arm  73  are also capable of rotational movement relative to disc  65  and slider arm  61  as discussed below.  
         [0051]    Trimmer assembly  19  also includes a trimmer arm  100  and trimmer head  101 . Trimmer arm  100  is an elongate, rigid and generally cylindrical and tubular component having an outer diameter which is similar to, but slightly less than, the inner diameter of mounting sleeve  86 . Arm  100  rigidly mounts thereon trimmer head  101  at the lower end thereof. Trimmer head  101  includes an outer spherical housing  102  which encloses a conventional electrical motor (not shown). The motor drives a whip head  103  which in turn rotates a flail line or cutting member  104  for cutting vegetation. Trimmer head  101  mounts thereon a rounded bottom cap  105  which, along with the spherical shape of housing  102  helps to prevent the trimmer head  101  from catching the ground or on obstacles on the ground.  
         [0052]    The upper end of arm  100  mounts therein an electrical connector  105 A configured to mate with an electrical connector  105 B of a power cord  105 C. The connector  105 A is electrically wired to the motor located within housing  102  so that when power cord  105 C is connected to arm  100 , the motor is provided with electrical power. It will be appreciated that the connecting arrangement including the connector  105 A and  105 B is a male/female connector arrangement, with the male connector being located on either the arm  100  or cord  105 C, and the female connector being located on the opposite component. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the flail line  104  is provided as part of a conventional semi-permanent arrangement which allows removal of the flail line or filament  104  from the trimmer head  101  by removing the bottom cap  105 . When the line  104  is worn or breaks, the line can then be replaced. Alternatively, the flail line can be provided on a spool.  
         [0053]    The trimmer arm  100  is mounted to sleeve  86  by inserting the upper end thereof into the lower open end of sleeve  86 , and then manually rotating the knob  96  to extend the screw rod  97  until same clamps against the outer surface of arm  100  and locks same into place. The power cord  105 C is then connected to connector  105 A of arm  100 .  
         [0054]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 14 and  15 , the trimmer assembly  19  additionally includes a power source  106  which is mounted on the mower  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the power source  106  is mounted on the rear housing  16  above one of the rear wheels  11  by a pair of opposed resilient molded spring clips  107  which are securely mounted to housing  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the power source  106  includes a rechargeable 12V battery pack  108  which mounts thereon a handle  109  and an elongate post  110 . Power cord  105 C, on an end opposite connector  105 B is electrically connected to battery pack  108 . Further, post  110  of power source  106  defines therein a pair of openings  113  adjacent the free end on opposite sides thereof (only one of which is shown in FIG. 15) which cooperate with a pair of correspondingly located spring-biased balls  114  provided on opposite sides of the upper end of trimmer arm  100 . Post  110  also includes an electrical connector  115  at the free end (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 15), which is configured to mate with the connector  105 A of trimmer arm  100  for a purpose as discussed below. An operator switch  116  (FIG. 1) is mounted on one of control handles  20  of mower  10  which is appropriately wired to power cord  105 C to allow the operator to selectively power the trimmer head  101  when trimming is desirable or necessary.  
         [0055]    As an alternative, and as shown in FIG. 1 in dotted lines, the power cord  105 C can be electrically connected to the battery  18  of the mower  10  to power the trimmer head  101 . Since the mower battery  18  is constantly being charged while the mower is operating, this alternative eliminates the need to recharge the battery pack  108 . Further, use of the mower battery  18  will provide more power to the trimmer head  101  while eliminating wearing of battery pack  108 .  
         [0056]    The trimmer assembly  19  is mounted to the mower deck  14  by loosening the top nuts  29  and positioning the clamps  23  so that the upper clamp members  24  are atop an upper horizontal wall  14 A of the mower deck  14 , and the lower clamp members  25  project under an edge portion of an upright side wall  14 B of deck  14 , with the rods  26  extending along the side wall  14 B in generally parallel relationship therewith. The top nuts  29  are then tightened until the teeth of the respective clamps  23  are in firm engagement with the upper wall  14 A and the lower edge of side wall  14 B of deck  14 .  
         [0057]    In the illustrated embodiment, the trimmer assembly  19  is mounted rearwardly of the front wheel  12  of the mower  10 , and in generally horizontally aligned relation with the upright side wall  14 B as best shown in FIG. 3. This mounting location of the trimmer assembly  19  maintains same within the footprint F of the mower  10 , which is particularly important with a commercial mower such as that shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the assembly  19  is mounted so that same is protected from obstacles which may be encountered by the mower  10  during operation, so that the force of any object is taken by the front wheel  12  or the outermost upright side wall  14 B of the mower  10  so as to protect the trimmer assembly  19  from damage.  
         [0058]    The position of the trimmer head  101  is adjustable, depending upon the configuration of the mower. In this regard, the adjustable mounting of the slider arm  61  relative to the upper mounting bar  40  allows side-to-side adjustment of trimmer head  101 , simply by sliding the sleeve assembly  49  along the upper mounting bar  40  and engaging the plunger  54  of the lower spring-loaded plunger  52  within a selected side bore  45  of bar  40 . Further, the extension or length of the slider arm  61  relative to the upper mounting bar  40  is adjustable by sliding the arm  61  relative to the upper sleeve  50  and engaging the plunger  54  of the upper spring-loaded plunger  52  within a selected bore  62  of arm  61 , which effectively adjusts the distance of the trimmer head  101  from the upper mounting bar  40  and deck  14 . Also, the rotational position of the trimmer head  101  (i.e. about a vertical axis as defined by the arm  73 ) is adjusted by rotating disc  65  relative to slider arm  61 , aligning a selected opening  66  with the inner opening  63  of arm  61 , and inserting the stem portion  82  of clip  81  into the aligned openings  66  and  63 . In this regard, the lower spring  85 B serves as the connection between disc  65  and arm  73 , and the arm  73  and trimmer arm  100  accordingly follow the rotational movement of the disc  65  during adjustment.  
         [0059]    In addition, the vertical position of the trimmer arm  100  is adjusted by sliding the arm  100  relative to and within the mounting sleeve  86  and tightening screw clamp  95  against arm  100  at the desired position, which effectively adjusts the height of the trimmer head  101  relative to the ground. In some situations, it may be desirable to adjust the trimmer arm  100  so that the trimmer head  101  cuts vegetation at a height which is different than the height at which the mower blade cuts, and this is easily accomplished by adjusting arm  100  relative to sleeve  86 , as discussed above. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, by rotating the trimmer arm  100  relative to sleeve  86 , the angular position of the flail line  104  can be adjusted. FIG. 4 shows the trimmer head  101  oriented so that the flail line  104  is generally parallel with the ground, for example, when trimming along or around trees, fences, etc. FIG. 5 shows the trimmer head  101  oriented so that the flail line  104  is oriented at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to the ground, which is preferred when edging along a walkway or sidewalk.  
         [0060]    While the trimmer assembly  19  according to the invention is shown in conjunction with a commercial, zero-turning radius mower  10 , it will be appreciated that the assembly  19  can be utilized with many types of mowers. In this regard, the distance between the clamps  23  is adjustable, simply by mounting the upper clamp members  24  at the appropriate locations along lower mounting bar  32  utilizing the appropriate bores  34 .  
         [0061]    In operation, when trimming is desired, the operator actuates switch  116  to power the trimmer head  101  and rotate the flail line  104 . If the trimmer head  101  encounters an obstacle on the ground, the trimmer head  101  will pivot upwardly about the horizontal axis defined by pin  78 A which interconnects mounting sleeve  86  and arm  73 , against the biasing force of the upper springs  99 A. Downward pivoting of the trimmer head  101  is limited by vertical stop rod  88 . If the trimmer head  101  encounters an object which exerts a lateral or sidewardly directed force on the trimmer head  101 , the trimmer head  101  will pivot sidewardly. More specifically, the lateral force acting on the trimmer head  101  will cause rotation of arm  73  relative to slider arm  61 , against the biasing force of lower spring  85 B. Once the source of the lateral force on the trimmer head  101  is removed, the lower spring  85 B will then cause rotation of trimmer arm  100  back to its initial position. The biased arrangement of the trimmer arm  100  and head  101  thus allows limited upward, sideward and limited three-dimensional movement of these components when obstacles are encountered, which can prevent damage to the trimmer head  101 , and also allows the trimmer head  101  to follow the contour of the ground and to follow the contour of objects being trimmed around.  
         [0062]    It will be appreciated that the biasing arrangement associated with trimmer arm  100  including springs  85 B and  99 A is only one example of such an arrangement, and other configurations would be within the scope of the present invention. For example, springs  85 B and  99 A could be replaced with a single spring having one end fixed to the sleeve  86  and an opposite end fixed to the disc  65  to permit limited upward and sideward movement of trimmer arm  100 . Alternatively, piston-cylinder units may also be used.  
         [0063]    Further, the bores  62  in arm  61 , bores  45  in bar  40 , and bores  34  in bar  32  may instead be formed as dimples, and thus need not extend completely through the respective component.  
         [0064]    As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the trimmer arm  100  and head  101  can, if desired, be used separately from the mower  10 . To use the trimmer arm  100  in this manner, the power cord  105 C is detached or unplugged from the trimmer arm  100 , the screw clamp  95  is loosened, and the trimmer arm  100  and head  101  are removed from sleeve  86 . The power source  106  is removed from the mower  10  by pulling same from the spring clips  107 . The upper end of the trimmer arm  100  is then inserted into the lower open end of the post  110  and the connectors  105 A and  115  are mated, and the spring-biased balls  114  are engaged within the corresponding openings  113  defined in post  110 . In this regard, it may be desirable to provide suitably located alignment markings on the post  110  and/or the upper end of the trimmer arm  100  to assist in connecting the two components with one another.  
         [0065]    As mentioned above, the adjustability of the trimmer assembly  19  according to the invention allows same to be utilized with different types of mowers. However, some mowers incorporate mower decks which do not have an outer upright wall, such as wall  14 B of mower  10 . For example, a conventional residential riding mower  125  is illustrated in FIG. 16. Mower  125  has a pair of rear wheels  126  and a pair of front wheels  127  which support a mower frame. A deck  129  is supported on the frame, which houses a rotating mower blade (not shown). The deck  129  has a generally horizontally oriented upper wall  129 A which is joined to an outer curved wall  129 B. Wall  129 B has a lower edge portion spaced a short distance above the ground, but then curves gradually inwardly towards upper wall  129 A as same projects upwardly. The mower  125  additionally includes a front housing  130  which encloses a motor (not shown), an operator seat  132 , and a steering mechanism  133 . The mower  125  incorporates a battery or power source similar to that of mower  10  and is not shown here for purposes of simplicity.  
         [0066]    A modified version of the trimmer assembly is mounted on the mower  125  shown in FIG. 16. The trimmer assembly  19 A is substantially identical to the trimmer assembly  19 , and the same reference numbers plus an “A” are accordingly utilized for components which are identical or similar to the components of trimmer assembly  19 . The trimmer assembly  19 A includes a clamp bar  140  which takes the place of the upper clamp members  24  of the respective clamps  23  of trimmer assembly  19 . As shown in FIG. 17, clamp bar  140  is an elongate solid component which defines therein a bore  141  at one end thereof. Clamp bar  140  mounts thereon a toothed segment  142  on a lower surface  143  thereof, which segment  142  extends along a substantial portion of the length of lower surface  143 . Clamp bar  140  is secured to lower mounting bar  32 A by means of a fastener such as a threaded bolt  144  which extends upwardly through bore  141  and through a selected bore  34 A of mounting bar  32 A, and a nut  145  is threaded over the upper free end of bolt  144  to fix clamp bar  140  to bar  32 A. As shown in FIG. 17, the clamp bar  140  is fastened to mounting bar  32 A so that the toothed segment  142  faces downwardly. In this embodiment, the upper ends of the respective connecting rods  26 A project upwardly through a selected pair of bores  34 A of mounting bar  32 A located on opposite sides of the clamp bar  140  and are secured to bar  32 A with nuts  145 A.  
         [0067]    The trimmer assembly  19 A is mounted onto mower  125  by loosening the bottom nuts which secure lower clamp members  25 A on the respective connecting rods  26 A. The clamp bar  140  is positioned atop the horizontal wall  129 A of mower deck  129 , the lower clamp members  25 A are positioned under the lower edge of wall  129 B of deck  129 , and the bottom nuts are then tightened to clamp the mower deck  129  between the clamp bar  140  and lower clamp members  25 A. The clamp bar  140  projects a significantly greater distance inwardly towards mower  125  than do upper clamp members  24  of trimmer assembly  19 . Thus, the clamp bar  140  can be used with a mower deck having an upper horizontally oriented deck surface which is offset inwardly relative to the lower outer edge portion of the deck.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 18 illustrates the trimmer assembly  19 A mounted on a conventional residential push mower  148 . Mower  148  includes a housing  149  which encloses a motor (not shown), a deck  150  mounted beneath housing  149  which encloses a mower blade (not shown), and front and rear wheels  151 ,  152  which support deck  150  and housing  149 . Mower  148  also incorporates a handle  153  which is used by the operator to propel the mower  148 . The deck  150  of mower  148  has a curved outer wall  156  similar to wall  129 B of mower  125 , and thus use of the clamp bar  140  is desirable in this embodiment.  
         [0069]    To power the trimmer head  101 A power cord  105 CA in this embodiment is electrically connected to a power source or battery pack  158  (here a 12V battery pack) which is securely mounted to the mower handle  153  by a clamp  159 . A switch  160  is mounted on the handle  153  and is provided to allow the operator to operate the trimmer head  101 A when trimming is desired. In this embodiment, the trimmer assembly  19 A is mounted to a side of the mower deck  150  opposite the discharge side, and so that the trimmer head  101 A is located forwardly of the front wheel  151  of the mower  148 . However, it may be desirable to mount the trimmer assembly  19 A on the front of the mower  148  as shown in FIG. 19, depending upon operator preferences and/or the configuration of the particular mower.  
         [0070]    As shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 18 and 19, battery pack  108 A may be provided as an alternative to the battery pack  158  mounted on mower handle  153 . In this situation, the battery pack  108 A is mounted to the mower handle  153  via spring clips  107 A which are firmly secured to a side bar of handle  153 . The battery pack  108 A can then be removed from spring clips  107 A and connected to trimmer arm  101 A in the manner discussed above when use of the trimmer head  101 A separate from the mower  148  is desirable.  
         [0071]    As shown in FIGS. 20-22, trimmer assembly  19  is shown incorporating a stabilizer arrangement  165  which may be desirable or necessary with certain types of mowers. Stabilizer arrangement  165  includes a first arm  166  defined by a vertically oriented leg  167  joined at its lower end to a horizontal leg  168 . Vertical leg  167  defines therein a vertically elongated slot  169  as shown in FIG. 22, and horizontal leg  168  defines therein an opening  170  which receives therein a threaded bolt  170 A. Stabilizer arrangement  165  additionally includes a second arm  171  having a threaded inner end  172  which penetrates the elongate slot  169  of vertical leg  167  and is secured to leg  167  by a nut  173 . The elongation of slot  169  permits adjustment of the height of the arm  166  which allows for irregularities in the mower deck. Second arm  171  has an outer generally U-shaped end  174  which engages over upper and lower surfaces  35  and  36  of lower mounting bar  32 . Each of the legs  174 A and  174 B of U-shaped end  174  defines therein an opening, which openings are aligned with a selected bore  34  of mounting bar  32 . A clip  81 A similar to clip  81  is then utilized to connect U-shaped end  174  to mounting bar  32 .  
         [0072]    As shown in FIG. 21, clamps  23  are secured to the upper horizontally oriented wall  177  and lower edge portion  178  of mower deck  179 , and the horizontal leg  168  of stabilizer arrangement  165  is fixed to an inner portion of upper wall  177  via bolt  170 A. It will be appreciated that the mower deck  179  shown in FIG. 21 has a curved configuration when viewed from above, thus requiring that the clamps  23  be pivoted slightly inwardly towards one another. Certain mowers may make it desirable or necessary to provide stabilization of the trimmer assembly  19  and to reduce vibration, in which case the stabilizer arrangement  165  can be utilized.  
         [0073]    A further embodiment of the trimmer assembly is shown in FIG. 23. Trimmer assembly  19 B is similar to trimmer assembly  19 , and thus the same reference numbers plus a “B” will be utilized for components which are similar to or identical to components of trimmer assembly  19 . In trimmer assembly  19 B, the upper and lower mounting bars  32  and  40  are replaced with a single mounting bar  185  which defines therein a plurality of laterally-spaced bores  186  which extend between upper and lower surfaces thereof, and a plurality of side bores  187  which extend in a perpendicular manner relative to bores  186  between opposite upright side surfaces of bar  185 . Each side bore  187  is disposed between an adjacent pair of bores  186 .  
         [0074]    Mounting bar  185  is inserted into lower sleeve  51 B of sleeve assembly  49 B, and the plunger of lower plunger is engaged within the selected side bore  187  of mounting bar  185  to secure bar  185  to slider arm  61 B. Upper clamp members  24 B are fastened to mounting bar  85  via threaded bolts  37 B in a similar manner as clamp members  24  are attached to lower mounting bar  32  with respect to the first embodiment.  
         [0075]    A further embodiment of the trimmer assembly  19  is depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25. The trimmer assembly  19 C is similar to the trimmer assembly  19 , and the same reference numbers plus a “C” are utilized with identical or similar components. In trimmer assembly  19 C, upper mounting bar  40  is eliminated, and only lower mounting bar  32 C is provided, along with a modified sleeve assembly  191 . Upper clamp members  24 C are secured to the mounting bar  32 C via threaded bolts  37 C in a similar manner as clamp members  24  are attached to lower mounting bar  32  with respect to the first embodiment.  
         [0076]    The sleeve assembly  191  includes an upper sleeve  194  having a generally rectangular cross-section and mounting thereon a spring-loaded plunger  52 C. A lower generally vertically oriented hollow cylinder  195  is fixed to a central area of the lower wall of sleeve  194  and is cantilevered downwardly therefrom. A tubular and internally threaded neck  196  is fixed to a side portion of cylinder  195  and projects sidewardly therefrom. A screw clamp  197  including a knob  198  and a screw  199  is threadingly engaged within neck  196 . With reference to FIG. 25, an elongate rod or post  200  is disposed within cylinder  195 . Rod  200  defines a downwardly opening threaded bore  201  therein, and additionally defines a sidewardly opening and continuous annular groove  202  spaced upwardly from bore  201  and at a height so as to be vertically aligned with neck  196 . Rod  200  is fixed to an upper side of mounting bar  32 C by a threaded bolt  203  which extends upwardly through a selected bore  34 C of bar  32 C and threadingly engages within bore  201 . Cylinder  195  of sleeve assembly  191  is then fitted over rod  200 , and the inner end of slider arm  61 C is inserted into the upper sleeve  194  and plunger  52 C is utilized to secure slider arm  61 C to sleeve assembly  191  at the selected location.  
         [0077]    The embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 allows rotational adjustment of the slider arm  61 C relative to mounting bar  32 C. More specifically, the rotational position of slider arm  61 C is adjusted by loosening the screw clamp  197  by manually manipulating the knob  198  so that the screw  199  retracts away from the groove  202 , rotating arm  61 C and sleeve assembly  191  relative to mounting bar  32 C about rod  200  to the selected location, and then tightening screw clamp  197  to bring the free end of screw  199  into engagement within groove  202  and against rod  200 . It will be appreciated that this embodiment permits greater variation in the location of the trimmer head  101 C than that provided by the rotating arm  73  and disc  65  of the first embodiment.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIGS. 26-28 illustrate a further embodiment of the trimmer assembly which is intended for a more permanent mounting on a mower than the embodiments discussed above. The trimmer assembly  19 D of this embodiment is similar to trimmer assembly  19 C and utilizes the same components, except that the lower end of rod  200 D is fixed to an upper wall  204  of a mower deck  205 . More specifically, threaded bolt  203 D is inserted upwardly through an opening  206  defined in upper wall  204  and threadingly engages within bore  201 D of rod  200 D.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 26 shows the trimmer assembly  19 D mounted on the commercial zero-turning radius mower  10  discussed above, and FIG. 28 shows the trimmer assembly mounted on the push-type mower  148 .  
         [0080]    The mounting bars, and slider arm may be constructed of steel, or other suitable rigid materials.  
         [0081]    It will be appreciated that the trimmer assembly disclosed herein may incorporate a gasoline powered engine, meaning that the battery pack and power cord can be eliminated.  
         [0082]    It will be appreciated that the trimmer head can be mounted so that the cutting swath thereof partially overlaps the cutting swath of the mower blade, or so that the cutting swath is spaced from the cutting swath of the mower. Further, it may be desirable to provide the trimmer assembly with a guard or shield which is positioned between the trimmer assembly and the operator so as to prevent injury from flying debris. It may also be desirable or necessary to mount the trimmer assembly to the mower frame instead of the mower deck or shroud, particularly with a commercial mower.  
         [0083]    Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.