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

Containers can e. be found in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

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

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

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

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

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or.

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

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

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments.

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

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

The lawn mower <NUM> can generally include a mower deck <NUM> defining a cutting area <NUM>. The cutting area <NUM> can be disposed below the mower deck <NUM>. The mower deck <NUM> may have sidewalls that extend downward and surround the cutting area <NUM>. A cutting implement (not illustrated) can be disposed at the cutting area <NUM>. The cutting implement may be driven, e.g., rotatably driven, to incur a cutting operation on underlying medium, e.g., grass.

The cutting deck <NUM> can be supported by one or more traction elements configured to interface with the underlying medium and movably support the lawn mower <NUM>. The depicted traction elements include wheels <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the wheels <NUM> include a pair of front wheels 106A and a pair of rear wheels 106B. In certain instances, the front and rear wheels 106A and 106B can define different characteristics as compared to one another. For example, the rear wheels can 106B can be larger than the front wheels 106A.

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

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

As previously described, the lawn mower <NUM> defines the cutting area <NUM> where the cutting operation is performed by the cutting implement. The cutting area <NUM> can define a debris egress location <NUM>. The debris egress location <NUM> can be located, e.g., at a side of the mower deck <NUM>. The debris egress location <NUM> can generally include a passageway configured to allow egress of debris, e.g., clippings, from the cutting area <NUM> so as to prevent clogging of debris within the cutting area <NUM> and to distribute the debris more evenly over neighboring terrain. In the depicted illustration, the debris egress location <NUM> includes a chute <NUM> configured to guide the debris out of the debris egress location <NUM> and prevent debris from discharging in all directions. The chute <NUM> may further provide protection to the operator and any nearby people against flying debris which might cause bodily injury or damage.

In the illustrated embodiment, the debris egress location <NUM> is defined by an entirely closed opening, i.e., an opening having all sides defined by the mower deck <NUM>. In another embodiment, the debris egress location <NUM> can be only partially defined by the mower deck <NUM> and include, e.g., an open bottom.

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

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

The lawn mower <NUM> can further include an attachment <NUM> configured to be removably attached to the lawn mower <NUM>, e.g., at or adjacent to the mower deck <NUM> or the handle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the attachment <NUM> can define a first size <NUM>, as measured from a top view, that is less than a second size <NUM>, as measured from the top view, of the handle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first and second sizes may refer to areal dimensions of the footprints of the attachment <NUM> and handle <NUM>, respectively. The footprints may be mapped when the handle <NUM> and attachment <NUM> are both in the in-use configurations. Thus, the attachment <NUM> may be at least one of narrower or shorter than the handle <NUM>. In this regard, the attachment <NUM> may not form an outer surface of the lawn mower <NUM> which might impact objects as the lawn mower <NUM> passes thereby.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the attachment <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen removed from the lawn mower <NUM>. The attachment <NUM> generally includes a body <NUM> having one or more sidewalls <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the sidewalls <NUM> include a top sidewall <NUM>, a left sidewall <NUM>, a right sidewall <NUM>, and a bottom sidewall <NUM>. A back sidewall (not illustrated) can extend between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The sidewalls <NUM> can generally define an internal volume <NUM> of the attachment <NUM>. In certain instances, the shape of the internal volume <NUM> can generally correspond with the shape of the sidewalls <NUM>. In an embodiment, the internal volume <NUM> can define a volume of at least <NUM> Liters (L), such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>. As the internal volume <NUM> is configured to receive clippings and debris from the cutting area <NUM>, the larger the internal volume <NUM>, the greater volume of clippings can be received in the attachment <NUM> before the operator is required to empty the attachment <NUM>. Conversely, however, the greater the volume of clippings contained in the attachment <NUM>, the heavier the attachment <NUM>. Thus, the attachment <NUM> includes features, described below, which facilitate easy removal of the attachment <NUM> from the lawn mower <NUM> and easy emptying of the clippings therefrom without accidently dropping clippings in undesirable locations.

The attachment <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> in the sidewall <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is in fluid communication with the internal volume <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may be located at a front end of the attachment <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the opening <NUM> may extend entirely between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In another embodiment, the opening <NUM> may include a plurality of openings disposed between the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the left and right sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> each include a sloped edge located between the forward and top sides of the attachment <NUM>. In certain instances, the opening <NUM> can include a corresponding sloped edge and conform generally to the shape of the edges of the top, left, right, and bottom sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

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

A cover <NUM> can be coupled to the body <NUM>. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cover <NUM> can include two or more segments, such as a first segment <NUM> and a second segment <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first and second segments <NUM> and <NUM> may define generally planar shapes that intersect one another. In this regard, the cover <NUM> may accommodate embodiments of the lawn mower <NUM> where the left and right sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> have sloped edges.

The cover <NUM> may be disposed at the opening <NUM> and be moved between a closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>, and an open position, as illustrated in <FIG>. In the closed position, the cover <NUM> can close the opening <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is closed. In the open position, the cover <NUM> can be displaced from the opening <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> is open. By way of example, the cover <NUM> may be moved between the open and closed positions through a rotational movement, e.g., pivoting. For instance, the cover <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to the body <NUM> at an upper location of the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may pivot about a pivot axis <NUM> that extends parallel, or generally parallel, with the top sidewall <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> may be configured to pivot between the open and closed positions up to a maximum deflection angle of at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees, such as at least <NUM> degrees.

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

As described in greater detail hereinafter, the cover <NUM> can be selectively lockable in the open position. In this regard, the operator can open the cover <NUM> and selectively retain the cover <NUM> in the open position. Retention of the cover <NUM> in the open position may be particularly advantageous when the operator is emptying a large volume of debris from the attachment <NUM>. With the attachment <NUM> at a suitable emptying location, the operator can open the cover <NUM> and lock the cover <NUM> to permit easier emptying of the internal volume <NUM> without the cover being subjected to gravitational forces (or other forces) which might tend to cause the cover <NUM> to close.

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

The cover <NUM> may further include an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may extend through the cover <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can define an areal size less than an areal size of the cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, a ratio of the areal size of the opening <NUM> to the areal size of the cover <NUM> [AOPENING:ACOVER] is in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, such as in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, such as in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>, such as in a range of <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>.

In an embodiment, the areal size of the opening <NUM> is within +/- <NUM>% of an areal size of an opening of the debris egress location of the cutting area <NUM>, such as within +/- <NUM>% of the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location, such as within +/- <NUM>% of the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location. In a particular embodiment, the areal size of the opening <NUM> can be equal to the areal size of the opening of the debris egress location of the cutting area <NUM>.

As illustrated, the opening <NUM> is laterally offset from a centerline of the attachment <NUM>. In certain instances, the opening <NUM> can be laterally offset from the centerline by a same distance of offset as the debris egress location. In this regard, the opening <NUM> can receive the debris discharged from the debris egress location.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening <NUM> is disposed in the second segment <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. However, it should be understood that the opening <NUM> can be disposed in another segment of the cover <NUM>, or extend over a plurality of the segments, as long as the opening <NUM> is in open communication with the debris egress location of the cutting area <NUM> when the attachment <NUM> is attached to the lawn mower <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cover <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>. In certain instances, the handle <NUM> can extend from the first segment <NUM>. In the embodiment in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> at an approximately <NUM> degree angle. In another embodiment, the handle <NUM> can be canted, i.e., angularly offset, from the first segment <NUM>. In another embodiment, the handle <NUM> can be coupled to a different portion of the cover <NUM>, such as the second segment <NUM>.

In use, the operator may grab the cover <NUM> so as to reconfigure the cover <NUM> by grabbing the handle <NUM>. In certain instances, the cover <NUM> may be lockable in the closed position. In at least these embodiments, the attachment <NUM> may be lifted by the handle <NUM> without debris emptying through the opening <NUM>. In all embodiments having the handle <NUM>, the operator may utilize the handle <NUM> at least for reconfiguring the cover <NUM> so as to allow emptying of the debris and clippings from the internal volume <NUM> of the attachment <NUM>.

A secondary handle <NUM> may be coupled to the attachment <NUM>. The secondary handle <NUM> may permit the operator to grab the attachment <NUM> without opening the cover <NUM>, particularly in embodiments where the cover <NUM> does not lock in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the secondary handle <NUM> can be relatively fixed with respect to the body <NUM> of the attachment <NUM>. In this regard, the secondary handle <NUM> can maintain a fixed angle and location relative to the body <NUM>. In another embodiment, the secondary handle <NUM> may have at least one degree of freedom, as measured relative to the body <NUM>. For instance, the secondary handle <NUM> may be rotatable or pivotable. When stored, the secondary handle <NUM> may rest flat against the top sidewall <NUM> of the attachment <NUM>. When the operator wishes to lift the attachment, the operator can rotate the secondary handle <NUM> to a suitable position for grasping.

In one embodiment, the secondary handle <NUM> may perform a secondary function, such as for example, forming an attachment protocol between the attachment <NUM> and another portion of the lawn mower <NUM>. For instance, the handle <NUM> can include a member, such as a hook, which extends downward to receive the secondary handle <NUM> when the attachment is attached to the lawn mower <NUM>. In an embodiment, the secondary handle <NUM> can form at least a portion of the lockable structure to which the cover <NUM>, and more particularly the handle <NUM>, can lock with when the cover <NUM> is locked in the open position.

A tertiary handle <NUM> may be further associated with the attachment <NUM> and configured to permit easier handling of the attachment <NUM>, particularly when the attachment <NUM> is full of clippings and debris.

Referring again to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the attachment <NUM> may include an attachment protocol <NUM> configured to interface with the lawn mower <NUM> so as to retain the attachment <NUM> coupled at a relatively fixed position with respect to the lawn mower <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment protocol <NUM> includes a relatively rigid structure movably connected to the cover <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the attachment protocol <NUM> can include a hinged bar that can pivot relative to the cover <NUM>. A retention interface <NUM> may selectively retain the attachment protocol <NUM> in at least one in-use configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>). By way of non-limiting example, the retention interface <NUM> may include a channel having a narrowed entrance into which the attachment protocol <NUM> is insertable. After passing through the narrowed entrance, the attachment protocol <NUM> can be held at one or more prescribed positions suitable for mounting the attachment <NUM> to the lawn mower <NUM>. The attachment <NUM> can further include a storage interface <NUM> configured to store the attachment protocol <NUM> when not in use. Similar to the retention interface <NUM>, the storage interface <NUM> can include a channel having a narrowed entrance through which the attachment protocol <NUM> can pass through to transition between the stored and in-use configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage interface <NUM> includes two storage interfaces. In other embodiments, the storage interface <NUM> can include any number of storage interface locations. The storage interface <NUM> can maintain the attachment protocol <NUM> at a desired location when storing the attachment protocol <NUM>. In certain instances, the operator may move the attachment protocol <NUM> to the stored configuration such that the attachment protocol <NUM> is engaged with the storage interface <NUM> prior to emptying the attachment <NUM>. In this regard, the attachment protocol <NUM> is positively retained and prevented from undesirably flapping around or even hitting the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the attachment protocol <NUM> engaged with a mating interface <NUM> of the lawn mower <NUM>. The mating interface <NUM> depicted in <FIG> includes a channel <NUM> extending into a surface of the lawn mower <NUM>, such as a surface of the mower deck <NUM>. The channel <NUM> can define a shape configured to receive the attachment protocol <NUM>. Once in the channel <NUM>, the attachment protocol <NUM> may be retained in the channel <NUM> by a retention feature including, for example, any one or more of a lip, a restricted/narrowed portion, a latch or cover, a detent, or another retention mechanism. In certain instances, the attachment protocol <NUM> may interface with the channel <NUM> only when the attachment protocol <NUM> is oriented at a prescribed condition or within a prescribed range of conditions, such as within a certain angular displacement with respect to the channel <NUM>.

In certain instances, the lawn mower <NUM> may include a plurality of mating interfaces <NUM>, such as a first mating interface 164A and a second mating interface 164B. The first and second mating interfaces 164A and 164B can be spaced apart from one another or share at least one common feature. Each of the plurality of mating interfaces <NUM> can be disposed along the lawn mower <NUM> at a position to correspond with different types of attachment protocol <NUM> or to accommodate moveable attachment protocol <NUM> (e.g., where the attachment protocol <NUM> is repositionable relative, e.g., to the cover <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrate side views of the cover <NUM> in various positions as seen between a closed orientation and an open orientation. For instance, <FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> in a closed orientation whereby the opening <NUM> of the attachment <NUM> is closed. <FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> displaced from the closed orientation in a direction towards a fully open orientation. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is pivoted about the pivot axis <NUM> from the orientation depicted in <FIG> in a direction corresponding with arrow <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the handle <NUM> can include a locking interface <NUM> configured to interface with a complementary locking interface, such as the secondary handle <NUM>, to selectively lock the cover <NUM> in the open orientation. <FIG> illustrate an exemplary operation to selectively lock the locking interface <NUM> with the secondary handle <NUM>. It should be understood that other operations are contemplated herein without departing from the invention. For instance, the locking interface <NUM> may be receivable within a gated opening. The gated opening can include a selectively movable latch which can move to permit entrance of the locking interface <NUM> into the opening. Upon insertion into the opening, the movable latch can be closed. Unlike the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the gated opening may allow the operator to lock the cover <NUM> in the open orientation without requiring a second degree of freedom.

However, in the illustrated embodiment, the operation of locking the cover <NUM> includes moving the cover <NUM> in a manner including a second degree of freedom in addition to rotating the cover <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM>. That is, referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may be moved in a manner other than the aforementioned rotation about the pivot axis <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the cover is prepared to engage with the secondary handle <NUM> through a translational movement. More particularly, the cover <NUM> is translated in a direction generally along arrowed line <NUM> (<FIG>). The cover <NUM> can be translated in the direction of the arrowed line <NUM> a distance sufficient to allow the locking interface <NUM> to align with the secondary handle <NUM>. That is, the cover <NUM> can be translated until the locking interface <NUM> passes the secondary handle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the locking interface <NUM> is correctly aligned, the cover <NUM> can be pivoted, e.g., about pivot axis <NUM> (which may now be displaced in the direction of the arrowed line <NUM>), until the locking interface <NUM> is aligned (e.g., overlaps) with the secondary handle <NUM>. After the alignment between the locking interface <NUM> and secondary handle <NUM> is completed, the cover <NUM> can be translated in a direction generally along arrowed line <NUM> (<FIG>). More particularly, the cover <NUM> is translated in the direction of the arrowed line <NUM> a distance sufficient to allow the locking interface <NUM> to selectively lock with the secondary handle <NUM>. At this point, the cover <NUM> is locked in the open orientation and the operator can empty the attachment <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

In certain instances, the cover <NUM> can be reoriented to the closed orientation using the reverse operation described above with respect to <FIG>. In other instances, the cover <NUM> may be oriented to the closed orientation using a different operation than that described above with respect to <FIG>. For example, the operation of closing the cover <NUM> may include use of latches, switches, rotational cams or mechanism, or the like which was not required in the original opening operation.

It should be understood that in certain instances the operator may empty the attachment <NUM> without locking the cover <NUM> in the open orientation. That is, the cover <NUM> can be rotated open without being positively locked in the open orientation. In one or more embodiments, the cover <NUM> can be maintained in the closed orientation by engagement of the attachment <NUM> with the lawn mower <NUM>. That is, the cover <NUM> may be prohibited from rotating to the open orientation by one or more features of the lawn mower <NUM> which restrict movement of the cover <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is engaged with the lawn mower <NUM>.

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

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

The method <NUM> can further include a step <NUM> of reconfiguring the cover to a closed position. The step <NUM> can include unlocking the cover from the locked position. With the cover in the closed position, the method <NUM> can further include a step <NUM> of attaching the attachment to the lawn mower. In this regard, the attachment may be emptied and reattached for collection of debris and other materials.

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

Further examples, not forming part of the invention, are as follows.

According to an example, the attachment comprises an attachment protocol associated with attaching the attachment to the lawn mower, wherein the attachment protocol is configured to attach to a plurality of different types of lawn mowers.

According to an example, the attachment is configurable between two or more different lawn mowers, each of the two or more different lawn mowers having a different attachment protocol associated with attaching the attachment to the lawn mower.

According to an example, removing the attachment in step <NUM> from the lawn mower comprises removing the attachment from a first type of lawn mower, wherein attaching the attachment to the lawn mower in step <NUM> comprises attaching the attachment to a second type of lawn mower, and wherein the first and second types of lawn mowers are different from one another.

According to an example, attaching the attachment to the lawn mower in step <NUM> includes moving an attachment protocol from a stored configuration to an in-use configuration.

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