Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: A control system for a BBC on a mower comprises a pivotal bail and a pivotal housing that is linked to the BBC. If a push member on the housing is pushed inwardly from the side of the housing before the bail is pivoted, then a pin moves to a blocking position behind the bail. Subsequent pivoting of the bail will pivot the housing to actuate the BBC. A channel in the housing frictionally grips the bail to prevent rebound of the bail when a spring force resets the housing and the bail to their initial positions after the operator releases the bail. Movement of the push member also closes an interlock switch which will kill operation of the engine if a grass discharge outlet on the mower is uncovered.

Abstract: A ground speed control system for an outdoor power equipment unit comprises a slidable handle grip that moves up and down on a handle to decrease and increase the ground speed, respectively. A pivotal control lever is provided on the handle grip. The pivotal lever includes a toothed sector gear. A toothed rack is fixed to the handle. Normally, the sector gear and toothed rack are out of engagement with each other during sliding motion of the handle grip. However, if the operator pivots the control lever to engage the sector gear with the rack, cooperation between the teeth of the sector gear and the teeth of the rack will move the slidable handle grip further down the handle to provide a temporary speed increase and will also lock the handle grip to the handle to provide cruise control capability. The handle grip is U-shaped and has two legs telescopically received inside the open upper ends of a pair of spaced handle tubes.

Abstract: A control system for a BBC on a mower comprises a pivotal bail and a pivotal housing that is linked to the BBC. If a push member on the housing is pushed inwardly from the side of the housing before the bail is pivoted, then a pin moves to a blocking position behind the bail. Subsequent pivoting of the bail will pivot the housing to actuate the BBC. A channel in the housing frictionally grips the bail to prevent rebound of the bail when a spring force resets the housing and the bail to their initial positions after the operator releases the bail. Movement of the push member also closes an interlock switch which will kill operation of the engine if a grass discharge outlet on the mower is un-covered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A ground speed control system for an outdoor power equipment unit comprises a slidable handle grip that moves up and down on a handle to decrease and increase the ground speed, respectively. A pivotal control lever is provided on the handle grip. The pivotal lever includes a toothed sector gear. A toothed rack is fixed to the handle. Normally, the sector gear and toothed rack are out of engagement with each other during sliding motion of the handle grip. However, if the operator pivots the control lever to engage the sector gear with the rack, cooperation between the teeth of the sector gear and the teeth of the rack will move the slidable handle grip further down the handle to provide a temporary speed increase and will also lock the handle grip to the handle to provide cruise control capability. The handle grip is U-shaped and has two legs telescopically received inside the open upper ends of a pair of spaced handle tubes.

Abstract: A walk-behind implement, e.g., lawn mower, having a handle system including a handle assembly and, in one embodiment, a handle assembly release apparatus. The release apparatus may permit unlocking of the handle assembly, relative to a housing of the implement, from a first operating position. Once unlocked, the handle assembly may be moved, e.g., pivoted, to a second storage position. In one embodiment, the release apparatus may include a lever member that may be actuated by the application of a force applied by an operator, e.g., via hand or foot. The handle assembly may alternatively or additionally include an upper section that is adjustably positionable relative to a lower section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub assembly and a hub fastener anti-rotate apparatus for securing a wheel of vehicle (e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower) to a vehicle drive axle. The anti-rotate apparatus may assist in preventing or substantially limiting loosening of a hub fastener used to secure the hub assembly to the drive axle.

Abstract: A footrest apparatus for use with a riding ground maintenance vehicle, e.g., a zero-radius-turning lawn mower. In one embodiment, at least a footrest surface of the footrest apparatus is adjustable along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mower. The footrest surface provides an adjustable resting position for the operator's feet during lawn mower operation.

Abstract: An electrically powered actuator system is provided for engaging and disengaging the parking brake system of an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower. The actuator system includes a solenoid that is coupled to the parking brake(s) of the unit by one or more link arms. When the solenoid is deenergized and the armature of the solenoid is extended, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their engaged positions. When the solenoid is energized and the armature of the solenoid is drawn inwardly into the solenoid housing, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their disengaged positions. The solenoid is energized and deenergized by a control system responsive to various switches that detect various operational conditions of the unit, such as the presence of the operator in the seat of the unit and/or the placement of the unit's twin stick propulsion and steering controls in their inboard positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically powered actuator system for engaging and disengaging the parking brake system of an outdoor power equipment unit, such as a riding lawn mower. The actuator system includes a solenoid that is coupled to the parking brake(s) of the unit by one or more link arms. When the solenoid is deenergized and the armature of the solenoid is extended, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their engaged positions. When the solenoid is energized and the armature of the solenoid is drawn inwardly into the solenoid housing, the link arms rotate the parking brake(s) into their disengaged positions. The solenoid is energized and deenergized by a control system responsive to various switches that detect various operational conditions of the unit, such as the presence of the operator in the seat of the unit and/or the placement of the unit's twin stick propulsion and steering controls in their inboard positions.