Control assembly for blade clutch unit

A method of engaging the clutch of a power lawnmower to initiate rotation of the blade thereof, there being a shiftable operating cable coupled to the clutch for engaging the same, said method comprising the steps of:

• shifting a handle means, and, as a result of said shifting thereof, causing a shiftable coupling means to be operatively positioned in a first position adjacent to but in non-engaging alignment with an end portion of said cable;
• depressing an operating means for shifting said coupling means to a second position spaced apart from said first position wherein said coupling means are in engageable alignment with said end portion;
• and
• shifting said handle, and, as a result of shifting said handle, shifting said coupling means and cable to engage said clutch.

A power lawnmower control apparatus for connection to a disengageable clutch coupling the lawnmower motor and blade, said apparatus comprising:

• movable operating means;
• shiftable handle means;
• cable means for operative connection to said clutch including an end portion biased to a first position corresponding to the disengaged position of said clutch and shiftable to a second position corresponding to the engaged position of said clutch;
• and
• operating mechanism, including--
• coupling means operatively connected to said handle means and shiftable to a position adjacent said cable end portion wherein said coupling means is engageable by said operating means upon movement thereof for coupling said coupling means with said cable end portion for thereafter causing movement of the cable end portion from said first to said second position thereof upon shifting of the handle means;
• and
• means engageable with at least one of said coupling means of said cable end portion for disengaging said coupling means and said cable end portion when said handle means is released and said cable end portion moves from said second toward said first position thereof.