Patent ID: 8061113

Claim:
A gradual engagement system for use in power equipment, the gradual engagement system comprising: a clutch pulley attached to; a clutch arm, the clutch pulley also attached to; a pivot arm, the pivot arm also coupled to; a disengaging spring, the disengaging spring applying a disengaging tensile force to the pivot arm in a disengaging direction, and; an engaging spring, the engaging spring applying an engaging tensile force to the pivot arm in an engaging direction when stretched; wherein the clutch pulley rotates around the clutch arm, moveable from a first position to a second position when an engaging tensile force is applied by the engagement spring to the pivot arm causing the pivot arm to extend causing the clutch pulley to rotate from the first position to the second position; wherein the engaging tensile force is greater than the disengaging tensile force when the clutch pulley moves from the first position to the second position, and the disengaging tensile force is greater than the engaging tensile force when the clutch pulley moves from the second position to the first position.