Brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower

GB2635473APending Publication Date: 2025-05-14HOWARD HAROLD F
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Patent Information

Application Number
GB2025000817
Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-08
Filing Date
2023-08-09
Publication Date
2025-05-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Turfgrass mowers lack an effective mechanism to ensure uniform grass cutting, as existing systems fail to maintain consistent blade lengths and efficiently position brushes relative to the mower's cutting path.

Method used

A brush attachment system for turfgrass mowers, comprising modular components with adjustable mounts and rotatable arms that position a brush either in front of or above the mower, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment to follow the mower's path, ensuring even cutting and alignment with the mower's cutting edge.

Benefits of technology

The system enables uniform grass cutting by maintaining the brush in optimal positions relative to the mower, improving cutting efficiency and aesthetic appeal by ensuring each blade of grass is cut consistently, enhancing the mower's operational effectiveness.

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Abstract

A brush attachment system having a first module that has a mounting bracket, an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket, an arm pivotally coupled to the arm support and rotatable between an active
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Description

BRUSH ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR A TURFGRASS MOWERCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 18 / 063,995 entitled “Brush Attachment System for a Turfgrass Mower” to Harold F. Howard that was filed on December 9, 2022, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 396,513 entitled “Brush Attachment System for a Turfgrass Mower” to Harold F. Howard that was filed on August 9, 2022.

[0002] This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 18 / 446,399 entitled “Brush Attachment System for a Turfgrass Mower” to Harold F. Howard that was filed on August 8, 2022, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 396,513 entitled “Brush Attachment System for a Turfgrass Mower” to Harold F. Howard that was filed on August 9, 2022.

[0003] The disclosures of the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Aspects of this document relate generally to turfgrass mowers, and more specifically to brush attachments for turfgrass mowers.BACKGROUND

[0005] In caring for turfgrass, it is desirable to have each blade of grass be as close to the same length as possible, as this increases the aesthetic appeal of the grass and allows the grass to apply a consistent effect to any objects traveling over the grass, such as a golf ball. To this end, turfgrass may be brushed prior to cutting so that each blade will be as close to the same length as possible.SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower, comprising a left-side module and a right-side module configured to respectively couple with a left side and a right side of the turfgrass mower, each of the left-side module and the right-side module having a mounting bracket configured to mount onto the turfgrass mower, the mounting bracket having a mounting aperture surrounded by a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower, an adaptor extending through the mounting aperture of the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to preventthe adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity, an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop and a lower stop extending away from the main body, and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the upper stop and the lower stop are each positioned to limit rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm is adjacent the lower stop and an inactive position in which the arm is adjacent the upper stop, and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower, attach the adaptor of the left-side module to the adaptor of the right-side module, and exert a first force on the adaptor of the left-side module toward the turfgrass mower and a second force on the adaptor of the right-side module toward the turfgrass mower, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower, and wherein when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arms of the left-side module and the right-side module are coupled to the turfgrass brush in the active position, the turfgrass brush is positioned in front of the turfgrass mower and when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arms of the left-side module and the right-side module are coupled to the turfgrass brush in the inactive position, the turfgrass brush is positioned above the turfgrass mower.

[0007] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0008] The arm support may have a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position. The main body of the arm support may have a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position. The position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support may be adjustable. The main body of the arm support may have a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop.

[0009] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising a first module having a mounting bracket configured to mount onto a firstside of the turfgrass mower, the mounting bracket having a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower, an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop and a lower stop extending away from the main body, and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the upper stop and the lower stop are each positioned to limit rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm is adjacent the lower stop and an inactive position in which the arm is adjacent the upper stop, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower, and wherein when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arm is coupled to the turfgrass brush in the active position, the turfgrass brush is positioned in front of the turfgrass mower and when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arm is coupled to the turfgrass brush in the inactive position, the turfgrass brush is positioned above the turfgrass mower.

[0010] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0011] The brush attachment system may further comprise an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity. The arm support may further have a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position. The main body of the arm support may have a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position. The position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support may be adjustable. The main body of the arm support may have a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop. The brush attachment system may further comprise an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower to a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and exert a first force on the brush attachment system toward the turfgrass mower. The brush attachment system may further comprise asecond module configured to mount onto a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower, attach the first module to the second module, and exert a first force on the first module toward the turfgrass mower and a second force on the second module toward the turfgrass mower.

[0012] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising a mounting bracket configured to mount onto the turfgrass mower, an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket, and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm extends towards a front of the turfgrass mower and an inactive position in which the arm extends towards a top of the turfgrass mower, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower.

[0013] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0014] The arm support may have a main body with an upper stop extending away from the main body, wherein the upper stop is positioned to limit upward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the inactive position, the arm is adjacent the upper stop. The arm support may further have a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position. The main body of the arm support may have a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position. The arm support may have a main body with a lower stop extending away from the main body, wherein the lower stop is positioned to limit downward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the active position, the arm is adjacent the lower stop. The position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support may be adjustable. The main body of the arm support may have a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop. The mounting bracket may have a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower. The brush attachment system may further comprise an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passingcompletely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity.

[0015] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising a first module having a mounting bracket configured to mount onto a first side of the turfgrass mower, a mounting bracket configured to mount onto a first side of the turfgrass mower, an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket, an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm extends towards a front of the turfgrass mower and an inactive position in which the arm is lifted away from the front of the turfgrass mower, and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower to a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and exert a first force on the brush attachment system toward the turfgrass mower.

[0016] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0017] The arm support may have a main body with an upper stop extending away from the main body, wherein the upper stop is positioned to limit upward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the inactive position, the arm is adjacent the upper stop. The arm support may further have a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position. The arm support may have a main body with a lower stop extending away from the main body, wherein the lower stop is positioned to limit downward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the active position, the arm is adjacent the lower stop. The position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support may be adjustable. The mounting bracket may have a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower. The brush attachment system may further comprise an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity.

[0018] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower that includes a crossbeam extending between a left end and a right end distal to theleft end. A brush mount is suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush. A left adjustment plate and a right adjustment plate are attached to the left end and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively, each of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate having a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough. A left mounting bracket and a right mounting bracket are attached to the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively, wherein the height adjustment holes of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate enable adjustment of a position of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket on the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively. Each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket have: a bracket plate having a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a clamping surface extending between the first planar surface and the second planar surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; at least two semicircular slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two semicircular slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two semicircular slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two semicircular slots of the clamp to form two circular holes; and a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate between the at least two semicircular slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two semicircular slots of the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate. Each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two circular holes.

[0019] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0020] The left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are attached to the turfgrass mower. The brush attachment system may further include a plurality of bolts configured to pass through the bracket plates of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket to attach the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket to the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively. The first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel.

[0021] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower that includes a crossbeam extending between a left end and a right end distal to theleft end. A brush mount is suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush. A left mounting bracket and a right mounting bracket are attached to the left end of the crossbeam and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively. Each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket have: a bracket plate having a clamping surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; at least two slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two slots of the clamp to form two holes; and a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate and through the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate. Each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two holes.

[0022] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features. \

[0023] The brush attachment system may further include a left adjustment plate and a right adjustment plate attached to the left end and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively, wherein the left mounting bracket is attached to the left end of the crossbeam through the left adjustment plate and the right mounting bracket is attached to the right end of the crossbeam through the right adjustment plate. Each of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate has a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough, the plurality of height adjustment holes configured to enable adjustment of a position of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket on the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively. Each bracket plate has a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and the clamping surface, wherein the clamping surface extends between the first planar surface and the second planar surface, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel. The at least two slots of the clamping of the bracket plate and the at least two slots of the clamp are semicircular, and the two holes formed by the slots are circular. The bolt hole extends through the bracket plate between the at least two slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two slots of the clamp. The left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are attached to the turfgrass mower.

[0024] Aspects of this document relate to a brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower that includes a crossbeam with a brush mount suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush. At least one mounting bracket is attached to the crossbeam and has: a bracket plate having a clamping surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; and at least two slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two slots of the clamp to form two holes through the at least one mounting bracket. The at least one mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two holes.

[0025] Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0026] The brush attachment system may further include a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate and through the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate. The bolt hole extends through the bracket plate between the at least two slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two slots of the clamp. The brush attachment system may further include an adjustment plate attached to the crossbeam, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the crossbeam through the adjustment plate. The adjustment plate has a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough, the plurality of height adjustment holes configured to enable adjustment of a position of the at least one mounting bracket on the adjustment plate. The brush attachment system may further include a plurality of bolts configured to pass through the bracket plate of the at least one mounting bracket to attach the at least one mounting bracket to the adjustment plate. The bracket plate has a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and the clamping surface, wherein the clamping surface extends between the first planar surface and the second planar surface, and wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel. The at least two slots of the clamping of the bracket plate and the at least two slots of the clamp are semicircular, and the two holes formed by the slots are circular. The at least one mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the turfgrass mower.

[0027] The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims.

[0028] Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be his own lexicographers if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor’s intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0029] The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0030] Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “ or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred implementations, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative implementations or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

[0032] FIG. l is a perspective view of a brush attachment system implementation mounted on a turfgrass mower and coupled to a turfgrass brush, with the arms in the active position;

[0033] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 1 with the arms in the inactive position;

[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one module of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 1 with the arm in the active position;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 4 with the arm in the inactive position and the retaining bar in the retaining position;

[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 7 is front view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a back view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a left-side view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a right-side view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0042] FIG. 11 is a top view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the module shown in FIG. 4;

[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a turfgrass mower with a brush installed on the front using another brush attachment system implementation;

[0045] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the turfgrass mower shown in FIG. 13;

[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 13;

[0047] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 15;

[0048] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the brush attachment system shown in FIG. 13;

[0049] FIG. 18 is a front view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17;

[0050] FIG. 19 is a back view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17;

[0051] FIG. 20 is a left view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17;

[0052] FIG. 21 is a right view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17;

[0053] FIG. 22 is a top view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17; and

[0054] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 17.

[0055] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and examples, which form a part of this disclosure.

[0057] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that implementations of the technology disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed technologies may be applied. The full scope of the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0058] It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions.

[0059] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a step” includes reference to one or more of such steps.

[0060] The word "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereofare used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

[0061] The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another implementation includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another implementation. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0062] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.

[0063] Detailed implementations of the present disclosure are included herein. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration possible implementations. It is to be understood that the disclosed implementations are merely exemplary of the invention that may be implemented in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limits, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention. The specific examples below will enable the disclosure to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation. As a matter of convenience, various components will be described using exemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However, this document is not limited to the stated examples and other configurations are possible and within the teachings of the present disclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the function and / or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0064] The present disclosure is related to a brush attachment system 100 for turfgrass mowers 10. The brush attachment system 100 disclosed herein is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower 10 in a way that allows the brush attachment system 100 to brush the grass just before the turfgrass mower 10 cuts the grass. The brush attachment system 100 is configured to allow the brush 20 to follow the vertical contours of the grass as the turfgrass mower 10 travels without allowing the brush 20 to move side-to-side. This improves the ability of the user to cut the grass evenly and in straight lines. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the brush attachment system 100 may be configured to raise and lower a turfgrass brush 20 between an active position (shown in FIG. 1) and an inactive position (shown in FIG. 2). Thus, the user can selectively engage the turfgrass brush 20 as desired.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the brush attachment system 100 may comprise at least one module 102 and an elongated member 104. The at least one module 102 may include only a first module 102, a first module 102 and a second module 102, or a left-side module 106 and a right-side module 108. The left-side module 106 and the right-side module 108 may be mirrored copies of each other. Thus, in this disclosure, while the left-side module 106 and theright-side module 108 may be described as having the same components, it is to be understood that, in some implementations, these components may be mirrored copies between the left-side module 106 and the right-side module 108.

[0066] The at least one module 102 is configured to couple with a first side 12 of the turfgrass mower 10. This allows the module 102 to selectively engage the turfgrass brush 20 as described above. The elongated member 104 is configured to extend through the turfgrass mower 10 to a second side 14 of the turfgrass mower 10 opposite the first side 12. For example, the turfgrass mower 10 may have a hollow bar that extends through the mower 10 through which the elongated member 104 may extend. This allows one end of the elongated member 104 to be coupled with the first side 12 and the other end of the elongated member 104 to be coupled to the second side 14 or to another module 102. In this way, the elongated member 104 can exert a force on the module 102 toward the turfgrass mower 10, thus securing the module 102 to the turfgrass mower 10. The elongated member 104 may be a rod, a cable, or some other elongated object. In some implementations, the elongated member 104 is threaded on each end to facilitate tightening the modules 102 onto the turfgrass mower 10.

[0067] As shown in FIGs. 5-12, each module 102 may comprise a mounting bracket 114, an adaptor 116, an arm support 118, and / or an arm 120. The mounting bracket 114 is configured to mount onto the turfgrass mower 10 and be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower 10. In other words, when the mounting bracket 114 is mounted on the turfgrass mower 10, the mounting bracket 114 does not rotate about an x-, y-, or z-axis, but instead is fixed with respect to the turfgrass mower 10. This provides a solid foundation for the module 102 so that the module 102 can properly support the brush 20 as described above. The mounting bracket 114 may have a mounting aperture 122 and a recessed cavity 124. The mounting aperture 122 allows the elongated member 104 to extend through the mounting bracket 114 so that the elongated member 104 can pull the module 102 toward the turfgrass mower 10, as will be described in more detail below with respect to the adaptor 116. The cavity 124 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower 10. This helps the module 102 to mount onto the turfgrass mower 10 and prevent any rotation with respect to the turfgrass mower 10. The portion of the turfgrass mower 10 within the cavity 124 may fill the cavity 124 and leave no extra space within the cavity 124.Alternatively, the portion of the turfgrass mower 10 within the cavity 124 may not fill the cavity 124 but still fix the position of the mounting bracket 114 with respect to the turfgrass mower 10. The cavity 124 may surround the mounting aperture 122 so that the portion of theturfgrass mower 10 within the cavity 124 also has the elongated member 104 extending through it.

[0068] The adaptor 116 is configured to extend through the mounting aperture 122 of the mounting bracket 114 and may be configured to secure the mounting bracket 114 in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity 124. The adaptor 116 may engage with the turfgrass mower 10 to help align the mounting bracket 114 with the turfgrass mower 10. For example, the adaptor 116 may extend through the mounting bracket 114 and insert into a hole or receiver in the turfgrass mower 10 to help guide the mounting bracket 114 onto the turfgrass mower 10. This can provide additional support to the mounting bracket 114 to help rotationally fix the mounting bracket 114 with respect to the turfgrass mower 10. The adaptor 116 may have a circular cross-section, and thus be capable of rotating within the mounting aperture 122. Other cross sections may also be implemented. Additionally, other methods for coupling the elongated member 104 to the module 102, with or without an adaptor, may be implemented. For example, the module 102 may not have an adaptor 116, and instead, the elongated member 104 may attach directly to the mounting bracket 114 or another component of the module 102.

[0069] The elongated member 104 may be coupled to the adaptor 116 and the force exerted by the elongated member 104 on the module 102 may be applied through the adaptor 116. In other words, the elongated member 104 may be tightened to pull the adaptor 116 toward the turfgrass mower 10, and the adaptor 116 may be configured to transfer that force to the mounting bracket 114. For example, the adaptor 116 may have a lip 126 that is sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor 116 from passing completely through the mounting aperture 122. The adaptor 116 may also have a hole 128 extending through the adaptor 116 through which the elongated member 104 may extend. The hole 128 may extend along an axis of the adaptor 116, which helps center the elongated member 104 in the mounting aperture 122 and balance the load on the mounting bracket 114. The elongated member 104 thus may extend through the adaptor 116 and then couple with a washer and / or nut, allowing the elongated member 104 to be tightened to apply the force to the module 102 discussed above. In implementations with a module 102 on either side of the turfgrass mower 10, including those implementations with a left-side module 106 and a right-side module 108, the elongated member 104 may extend through the adaptors 116 of the right-side module 108 and the left-side module 106 and then be tightened on both sides. This allows the elongated member 104 to apply the force toward the turfgrass mower 10 to both modules 102 simultaneously.

[0070] The arm support 118 is coupled or attached to the mounting bracket 114. Depending on the implementation, the arm support 118 and the mounting bracket 114 may be joined together by any variety of methods as known in the art. For example, the arm support 118 and the mounting bracket 114 may be joined by a plurality of screws, by a weld, or even by being integrally formed together. The arm support 118 is rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket 114. The arm support 118 has a main body 130 and may have an upper stop 132 and / or a lower stop 134 extending away from the body 130, as discussed in more detail below.

[0071] The arm 120 has a first end 136 and a second end 138 opposite the first end 136. The first end 136 of the arm 120 is pivotally coupled to the arm support 118, thus allowing the arm 120 to rotate with respect to the arm support 118, the mounting bracket 114, and the turfgrass mower 10. The second end 138 of the arm 120 is configured to couple with the turfgrass brush 20. In implementations with a module 102 on each side of the turfgrass mower 10, the arms 120 may each couple with a different end of the turfgrass brush 20 to stabilize the turfgrass brush 20 and provide extra support. The length of the arm 120 is selected to allow the brush 20 to move freely above and in front of the turfgrass mower 10 between the active position (see FIGs. 1 and 4) and the inactive position (see FIGs. 2 and 5) as the arm 120 rotates about the arm support 118. When the arm 120 is in the active position, the arm 120 extends from the first end 136 of the arm 120 towards a front 16 of the turfgrass mower 10 and when the arm 120 is in the inactive position, the arm 120 is lifted away from the front 16 of the turfgrass mower 10, and may extend from the first end 136 of the arm 120 towards a top 18 of the turfgrass mower, as shown. When the turfgrass mower 10 is in use cutting grass and the arm 120 is in the active position, the brush 20 is positioned in front of the turfgrass mower 10 and in contact with the grass, brushing through the grass just before the turfgrass mower 10 cuts the grass. When the arm 120 is in the inactive position, the brush 20 is lifted up above the turfgrass mower.

[0072] The upper stop 132 and the lower stop 134 are positioned in the plane of rotation of the arm 120, and thus are positioned to limit rotation of the arm 120 with respect to the arm support 118. The upper stop 132 is configured to stop the arm 120 from rotating upward past the upper stop 132 and the lower stop 134 is configured to stop the arm 120 from rotating downward past the lower stop 134. Thus, in implementations with the upper stop 132 and the lower stop 134, when the arm 120 is in the active position, the arm 120 is adjacent the lower stop 134 and when the arm 120 is in the inactive position, the arm 120 is adjacent the upper stop 132. Thus, the upper stop 132 and the lower stop 134 define the upper and lowerlimit, respectively, of the rotation of the arm 120. The lower stop 134 additionally serves to allow the turfgrass mower 10 to be lifted up without the brush 20 swinging underneath the turfgrass mower 10. The position of the lower stop 134 on the body 130 of the arm support 118 may be adjustable to accommodate different brush sizes for the brush 20 and different desired ranges of motion for the arm 120. The body 130 may have a plurality of holes 140 and the lower stop 134 is configured to couple with any of these holes 140, thus making the position of the lower stop 134 adjustable.

[0073] The arm support 118 may also have a retaining bar 142 that is pivotally coupled to the main body 130. The retaining bar 142 may be adjacent the upper stop 134. The retaining bar 142 is configured to selectively lock the arm 120 in the inactive position so that the user can move the arm 120 into the inactive position and prevent the brush 20 from falling in front of the turfgrass mower 10 until desired. The retaining bar 142 is therefore configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar 142 intersects with the plane of rotation of the arm 120. When the arm 120 is in the inactive position and the retaining bar 142 is rotated into the retaining position, the retaining bar 142 locks the arm 120 in the inactive position until the retaining bar 142 is rotated out of the retaining position. The body 130 of the arm support 118 may have a ledge 144 that is positioned adjacent the retaining bar 140 and is configured to support the retaining bar 142 when the retaining bar 142 is in the retaining position. This prevents gravity from moving the retaining bar 142 out of the retaining position.

[0074] The present disclosure is related to a brush attachment system 300 for a turfgrass mower 210. As shown in FIGs. 13-14, the brush attachment system 300 disclosed herein is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower 310 and support a brush 312 in front of the turfgrass mower 310 in a way that allows the brush 312 to brush the grass just before the turfgrass mower 310 cuts the grass.

[0075] As shown in FIGs. 15-16, the brush attachment system 300 may comprise a crossbeam 302, a brush mount 304, a left adjustment plate 306 and a right adjustment plate 308, and a left mounting bracket 310 and a right mounting bracket 312. The crossbeam 302 has a left end 314 and a right end 316 distal to the left end 314. The crossbeam 302 extends between the left end 314 and the right end 316 and may be elongated. The crossbeam 302 may have any cross-sectional shape, including a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or any other shape. Additionally, the crossbeam 302 may be a solid elongated body, or may be hollow. The brush mount 304 is suspended from the crossbeam 302 and is configured to support the brush 212. The position of the brush mount 304 with respect to the crossbeam302 may be adjustable. The brush mount 304 may be coupled to the crossbeam 302 through at least one height adjuster 318 to enable this position adjustment. In addition, the angle of the brush mount 304 with respect to the cross beam 302 may be adjustable. The brush mount 304 may be rotatably coupled to the height adjuster 318, and an angle adjuster 320 may extend between the brush mount 304 and the crossbeam 302 and rotatably couple to both the brush mount 304 and the crossbeam 302. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, the combination of the rotation of the brush mount 304 with respect to the height adjuster 318 and the rotation of the angle adjuster 320 with respect to the brush mount 304 and the crossbeam 302 allows the brush mount 304 to be moved to and then fixed at any angle desired. The angle adjuster 320 and the height adjuster 318 may each have a plurality of holes 322 to allow the brush mount 304 to be fixed in the desired position and at the desired angle.

[0076] The brush attachment system 300 may be symmetrical, and thus the left adjustment plate 306 may be a mirror image of the right adjustment plate 308 and the left mounting bracket 310 may be a mirror image of the right mounting bracket 312. The left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 may be attached to the left end 314 and the right end 316, respectively, of the crossbeam 302. The left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 may be manufactured separately from the crossbeam 302 and later joined or attached to the crossbeam 302 or may be integrally formed with the crossbeam 302. In implementations where the left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 are manufactured separately, the left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 may be attached to the crossbeam 302 through any fastening means, including bolting with bolts, screws, or rivets, welding, or adhesive bonding. Other methods of joining the left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 to the crossbeam 302 may also be used. The left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308 may each have a plurality of height adjustment holes 324 extending therethrough. The height adjustment holes 324 may be spaced at regular intervals along the adjustment plates 306, 308, and are configured to receive a bolt therethrough.

[0077] The left mounting bracket 310 and the right mounting bracket 312 may be attached, respectively, to the left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308. The height adjustment holes 324 of the adjustment plates 306, 308 may enable adjustment of the position of the mounting brackets 310, 312 on the adjustment plates 306, 308 by allowing the mounting brackets 310, 312, to bolt or otherwise couple to the adjustment plates 306, 308 in various positions on the adjustment plates 306, 308. Thus, the brush attachment system 300 may also comprise a plurality of bolts 325 configured to pass through the bracket plates 326of the left mounting bracket 310 and the right mounting bracket 312 to attach the left mounting bracket 310 and the right mounting bracket 312 to the left adjustment plate 306 and the right adjustment plate 308, respectively.

[0078] As shown in FIGs. 17-23, each of the left mounting bracket 310 and the right mounting bracket 312 may have a bracket plate 326 and a clamp 328. The bracket plate 326 may have a plurality of surfaces 330, including a first surface 332 and a second surface 334. In some implementations, the surfaces 330 are planar, in other implementations, a portion of the surfaces 330 may be planar and another portion may be non-planar, and in some additional implementations, the surfaces 330 may all be non-planar. The surfaces 330 also include a clamping surface 336, which may extend between the first surface 332 and the second surface 334. The first surface 332 and the second surface 334 may be parallel to each other. The clamp 328 is configured to butt against the clamping surface 336 of the bracket plate 326.

[0079] The bracket plate 326 may have at least two slots 338 extending into the bracket plate 326 and the clamp 328 may have at least two slots 340 extending into the clamp 328. The slots 338, 340 may be semicircular in shape. When the clamp 328 butts against the clamping surface 336 of the bracket plate 326, the slots 338 of the bracket plate 326 may align with the slots 340 of the clamp 328 to form at least two holes 342. The holes 342 may be circular, or any other shape. The holes 342 can thus be used to attach the brush attachment system 300 to the turfgrass mower 210. For example, the turfgrass mower 210 may have two crossbars 214 extending in front of the turfgrass mower 210. The left mounting bracket 310 and the right mounting bracket 312 may each be configured to attach to the turfgrass mower 210 by attaching the clamp 328 of each mounting bracket 310, 312 to the bracket plate 326 of each mounting bracket 310, 312 with the two crossbars 214 of the turfgrass mower 210 passing through the two holes 342. The brush attachment system 300 is thus secured to the turfgrass mower 210.

[0080] Each of the mounting brackets 310, 312 may also have a bolt hole 344 extending through the bracket plate 326 and through the clamp 328. When the clamp 328 is butted against the clamping surface 336 of the bracket plate 326, the bolt hole 344 of the bracket plate 326 is aligned with the bolt hole 344 of the clamp 328 to form a continuous bolt hole 344 through the mounting bracket 310, 312. The bolt hole 344 may extend through the bracket plate 326 between the at least two slots 338 of the bracket plate 326 and through the clamp 328 between the at least two slots 340 of the clamp 328. This helps to balance the forces acting on the mounting brackets 310, 312. The bolt hole 344 is configured to receive abolt 346. When the bolt 346 extends through the bolt hole 344 and a nut 348 is tightened onto the bolt 346 or the bolt 346 is otherwise tightened into the bolt hole 344, such as by having the bolt hole 344 within the clamp 328 be threaded, the clamp 328 is pressed against the clamping surface 336 of the bracket plate 326. In this way, if the crossbars 214 pass through the two holes 342, the clamp 328 can be secured against the clamping surface 336 to secure the brush attachment system 300 on the turfgrass mower 210.

[0081] When the mounting brackets 310, 312 are secured or attached to the turfgrass mower 210, the mounting brackets 310, 312 may be configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower 210. This helps to hold the brush 212 in a fixed position with respect to the turfgrass mower 210 and improves the results of brushing the turfgrass.

[0082] It will be understood that implementations of a brush attachment system are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and components consistent with the intended operation of a brush attachment system may be used. Accordingly, for example, although particular brush attachment systems, and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and / or the like consistent with the intended operation of brush attachment systems. Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a brush attachment system.

[0083] Accordingly, the components defining any brush attachment system may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the materials selected are consistent with the intended operation of a brush attachment system. For example, the components may be formed of: polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and / or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and / or the like), any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; composites and / or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof,and / or other like materials; any other suitable material; and / or any combination of the foregoing thereof. In instances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by a standard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made in accordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or other requirement.

[0084] Various brush attachment systems may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. Some components defining a brush attachment system may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another, while other components may be purchased premanufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with the integral components. Various implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here.

[0085] Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and / or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and / or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and / or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components.

[0086] It will be understood that methods for manufacturing or assembling brush attachment systems are not limited to the specific order of steps as disclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of the assembly of a brush attachment system indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble brush attachment systems.

[0087] The implementations of a brush attachment system described are by way of example or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similar results for a variety of other applications employing a brush attachment system.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower, comprising: a left-side module and a right-side module configured to respectively couple with a left side and a right side of the turfgrass mower, each of the left-side module and the rightside module having: a mounting bracket configured to mount onto the turfgrass mower, the mounting bracket having a mounting aperture surrounded by a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower; an adaptor extending through the mounting aperture of the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity; an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop and a lower stop extending away from the main body; and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the upper stop and the lower stop are each positioned to limit rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm is adjacent the lower stop and an inactive position in which the arm is adjacent the upper stop; and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower, attach the adaptor of the left-side module to the adaptor of the right-side module, and exert a first force on the adaptor of the left-side module toward the turfgrass mower and a second force on the adaptor of the right-side module toward the turfgrass mower; wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower; and wherein when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arms of the left-side module and the right-side module are coupled to the turfgrass brush in the active position, the turfgrass brush is positioned in front of the turfgrass mower and when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arms of the left-side module and the right-side module are coupled to the turfgrass brush in the inactive position, the turfgrass brush is positioned above the turfgrass mower.

2. The brush attachment system of claim 1, the arm support further having a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position.

3. The brush attachment system of claim 2, the main body of the arm support having a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position.

4. The brush attachment system of claim 1, wherein the position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support is adjustable.

5. The brush attachment system of claim 4, the main body of the arm support having a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop.

6. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising a first module having: a mounting bracket configured to mount onto a first side of the turfgrass mower, the mounting bracket having a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower; an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop and a lower stop extending away from the main body; and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the upper stop and the lower stop are each positioned to limit rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm is adjacent the lower stop and an inactive position in which the arm is adjacent the upper stop; wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower; and wherein when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arm is coupled to the turfgrass brush in the active position, the turfgrass brush is positioned in front of the turfgrass mower and when the brush attachment system is mounted on the turfgrass mower and the arm is coupled to the turfgrass brush in the inactive position, the turfgrass brush is positioned above the turfgrass mower.

7. The brush attachment system of claim 6, further comprising an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity.

8. The brush attachment system of claim 6, the arm support further having a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position.

9. The brush attachment system of claim 8, the main body of the arm support having a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position.

10. The brush attachment system of claim 6, wherein the position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support is adjustable.

11. The brush attachment system of claim 10, the main body of the arm support having a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop.

12. The brush attachment system of claim 6, further comprising an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower to a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and exert a first force on the brush attachment system toward the turfgrass mower.

13. The brush attachment system of claim 6, further comprising a second module configured to mount onto a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower, attach the first module to the second module, and exert a first force on the first module toward the turfgrass mower and a second force on the second module toward the turfgrass mower.

14. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising: a mounting bracket configured to mount onto the turfgrass mower; an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket and rotationally fixed with respect to the mounting bracket; and an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the arm is configured to rotate betweenan active position in which the arm extends towards a front of the turfgrass mower and an inactive position in which the arm extends towards a top of the turfgrass mower; wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the mounting bracket is mounted onto the turfgrass mower.

15. The brush attachment system of claim 14, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop extending away from the main body, wherein the upper stop is positioned to limit upward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the inactive position, the arm is adjacent the upper stop.

16. The brush attachment system of claim 15, the arm support further having a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position.

17. The brush attachment system of claim 16, the main body of the arm support having a ledge configured to support the retaining bar in the retaining position.

18. The brush attachment system of claim 14, the arm support having a main body with a lower stop extending away from the main body, wherein the lower stop is positioned to limit downward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the active position, the arm is adjacent the lower stop.

19. The brush attachment system of claim 18, wherein the position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support is adjustable.

20. The brush attachment system of claim 19, the main body of the arm support having a plurality of holes, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to couple with the lower stop.

21. The brush attachment system of claim 14, wherein the mounting bracket has a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower.

22. The brush attachment system of claim 21, further comprising an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity.

23. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising a first module having: a mounting bracket configured to mount onto a first side of the turfgrass mower; an arm support coupled to the mounting bracket; an arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the arm support and a second end configured to couple with a turfgrass brush, wherein the arm is configured to rotate between an active position in which the arm extends towards a front of the turfgrass mower and an inactive position in which the arm is lifted away from the front of the turfgrass mower; and an elongated member configured to extend through the turfgrass mower to a second side of the turfgrass mower opposite the first side and exert a first force on the brush attachment system toward the turfgrass mower.

24. The brush attachment system of claim 23, the arm support having a main body with an upper stop extending away from the main body, wherein the upper stop is positioned to limit upward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the inactive position, the arm is adjacent the upper stop.

25. The brush attachment system of claim 24, the arm support further having a retaining bar pivotally coupled to the main body adjacent the upper stop, wherein the retaining bar is configured to rotate into a retaining position in which the retaining bar intersects with a plane of rotation of the arm and wherein, when the arm is in the inactive position and the retaining bar is rotated to the retaining position, the retaining bar locks the arm in the inactive position until the retaining bar is rotated out of the retaining position.

26. The brush attachment system of claim 23, the arm support having a main body with a lower stop extending away from the main body, wherein the lower stop is positioned to limit downward rotation of the arm with respect to the arm support and wherein when the arm is in the active position, the arm is adjacent the lower stop.

27. The brush attachment system of claim 26, wherein the position of the lower stop on the main body of the arm support is adjustable.

28. The brush attachment system of claim 23, wherein the mounting bracket has a recessed cavity sized and shaped to receive a portion of the turfgrass mower.

29. The brush attachment system of claim 28, further comprising an adaptor extending through a mounting aperture in the mounting bracket and having a lip sized and shaped to prevent the adaptor from passing completely through the mounting aperture, the adaptor configured to secure the mounting bracket in a mounted position where the portion of the turfgrass mower is within the cavity.

30. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising: a crossbeam extending between a left end and a right end distal to the left end; a brush mount suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush; a left adjustment plate and a right adjustment plate attached to the left end and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively, each of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate having a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough; and a left mounting bracket and a right mounting bracket attached to the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively, wherein the height adjustment holes of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate enable adjustment of a position of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket on the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively, each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket having: a bracket plate having a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and a clamping surface extending between the first planar surface and the second planar surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; at least two semicircular slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two semicircular slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two semicircular slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two semicircular slots of the clamp to form two circular holes; and a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate between the at least two semicircular slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two semicircular slots of the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; wherein each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two circular holes.

31. The brush attachment system of claim 30, wherein the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are attached to the turfgrass mower.

32. The brush attachment system of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of bolts configured to pass through the bracket plates of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket to attach the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket to the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively.

33. The brush attachment system of claim 30, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel.

34. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising: a crossbeam extending between a left end and a right end distal to the left end; a brush mount suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush; and a left mounting bracket and a right mounting bracket attached to the left end of the crossbeam and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively, each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket having: a bracket plate having a clamping surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; at least two slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two slots of the clamp to form two holes; and a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate and through the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; wherein each of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two holes.

35. The brush attachment system of claim 34, further comprising a left adjustment plate and a right adjustment plate attached to the left end and the right end of the crossbeam, respectively, wherein the left mounting bracket is attached to the left end of the crossbeam through the left adjustment plate and the right mounting bracket is attached to the right end of the crossbeam through the right adjustment plate.

36. The brush attachment system of claim 35, wherein each of the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate has a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough, the plurality of height adjustment holes configured to enable adjustment of aposition of the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket on the left adjustment plate and the right adjustment plate, respectively.

37. The brush attachment system of claim 34, wherein each bracket plate has a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and the clamping surface, wherein the clamping surface extends between the first planar surface and the second planar surface, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel.

38. The brush attachment system of claim 34, wherein the at least two slots of the clamping of the bracket plate and the at least two slots of the clamp are semicircular, and the two holes formed by the slots are circular.

39. The brush attachment system of claim 34, wherein the bolt hole extends through the bracket plate between the at least two slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two slots of the clamp.

40. The brush attachment system of claim 34, wherein the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the left mounting bracket and the right mounting bracket are attached to the turfgrass mower.

41. A brush attachment system for a turfgrass mower comprising: a crossbeam with a brush mount suspended from the crossbeam and configured to support a brush; and at least one mounting bracket attached to the crossbeam, each of the at least one mounting bracket having: a bracket plate having a clamping surface; a clamp configured to butt against the clamping surface of the bracket plate; and at least two slots extending into the bracket plate and at least two slots extending into the clamp, wherein when the clamp butts against the clamping surface, the at least two slots of the bracket plate align with the at least two slots of the clamp to form two holes through the at least one mounting bracket; wherein each of the at least one mounting bracket is configured to attach to a turfgrass mower having two crossbars by attaching the clamp to the bracket plate with the two crossbars of the turfgrass mower passing through the two holes.

42. The brush attachment system of claim 41, further comprising a bolt hole extending through the bracket plate and through the clamp, the bolt hole configured to receive a bolt, wherein when the bolt extends through the bolt hole and a nut is tightened onto the bolt, the clamp is pressed against the clamping surface of the bracket plate.

43. The brush attachment system of claim 42, wherein the bolt hole extends through the bracket plate between the at least two slots of the bracket plate and through the clamp between the at least two slots of the clamp.

44. The brush attachment system of claim 41, further comprising an adjustment plate attached to the crossbeam, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the crossbeam through the adjustment plate.

45. The brush attachment system of claim 44, wherein the adjustment plate has a plurality of height adjustment holes extending therethrough, the plurality of height adjustment holes configured to enable adjustment of a position of the at least one mounting bracket on the adjustment plate.

46. The brush attachment system of claim 44, further comprising a plurality of bolts configured to pass through the bracket plate of the at least one mounting bracket to attach the at least one mounting bracket to the adjustment plate.

47. The brush attachment system of claim 41, wherein the bracket plate has a plurality of planar surfaces including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and the clamping surface, wherein the clamping surface extends between the first planar surface and the second planar surface, and wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are parallel.

48. The brush attachment system of claim 41, wherein the at least two slots of the clamping of the bracket plate and the at least two slots of the clamp are semicircular, and the two holes formed by the slots are circular.

49. The brush attachment system of claim 41, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is configured to be rotationally fixed in all directions with respect to the turfgrass mower when the at least one mounting bracket is attached to the turfgrass mower.

Citation Information

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