Patents Assigned to Smithco, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5890545
    Abstract: An all electric riding bunker rake primarily suited for maintaining sand traps, or bunkers on a golf course. It is embodied as a tricycle-style vehicle having a frame supported on three wheels, an electrically actuated rake lifting mechanism at the rear of the vehicle supported by the frame, and a removable rake attachment connected to the rake lifting mechanism. The rake is dragged on the sand behind the vehicle to smooth the sand in a bunker. An electric motor drives the rear wheels through a gear box, and a regenerative type braking system works in conjunction with the electric motor to slow the vehicle whenever it exceeds eleven miles per hour when driven, or two miles an hour when unattended. The frame supports an onboard electrical battery power source and a hood to which a seat is attached on which the operator sits to control the operation of the vehicle and the rake lifting and lowering function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Smithco, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald H. Smith, Larry A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5725068
    Abstract: A speed limiting device for a vehicle equipped with a deployable utility device such as a bunker rake. An adjustable mechanical linkage connects a limiting mechanism to the deployable utility device such that when the utility device is deployed, the limiting mechanism is positioned to stop rotation of a pivoting member which controls the output of the power source, such as a hydrostatic drive. The adjustable linkage provides adjustment of the stop position and, therefore, the maximum speed of the vehicle when the utility device is deployed. When the utility device is in the non-deployed position, the limiting mechanism is positioned such that it does not inhibit the motion of the pivoting member, and the vehicle can be operated over its entire speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Smithco, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore C. Smith, Jr., Carl Keith