Patents Assigned to Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
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Patent number: 11617302Abstract: A mower which may include: an engine for driving at least first and second cutting blades, wherein the first and second cutting blades are located in first and second cutting chambers of the cutter deck structure, wherein the cutter deck structure may include an inclined surface in the first cutting chamber so that at least part of the inclined surface is located closer to the trim side of the cutter deck structure than is any cutting blade rotational axis, the inclined surface extending downwardly from an upper surface of the cutter deck structure toward at least the trim side of the cutter deck structure, wherein the inclined surface slopes downwardly from the upper surface in a direction away from the side-discharge opening; wherein the inclined surface is configured to help provide a high pressure zone within a rear portion of the cutter deck structure and a low pressure zone proximate the trim side of the cutter deck structure for helping vegetation to be cut to be pulled into the first cutting chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
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Patent number: 11439062Abstract: A lawn mower includes a deck structure having, in an embodiment, a baffle with teeth at a front end of the deck structure opposite to a discharge opening for directing vegetation to be cut into the pathway of a blade. A trim divider edge portion, in an embodiment, prevents long vegetation from sliding around the edge of the deck structure. A trim vacuum structure portion, in some embodiments, in the form of an inclined surface at the rear end of the deck structure opposite a side of the discharge opening or at a center location of the deck structure reduces pressure within the deck structure for lifting vegetation to be cut.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
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Patent number: 10405490Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
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Patent number: 10368486Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
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Patent number: 10368485Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
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Patent number: 9516809Abstract: A deck lift system is adapted to permit at least the cutter deck to be raised and lowered relative to the ground so as to selectively adjust the mower's height of cut. The mower includes a deck lift system for raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly, an engine deck and the engine together as a unit. The deck lift system including at least a deck lift lever for selective operation by an operator of the mower and first and second biasing springs for at least helping raise the cutter deck assembly, engine deck, and engine. Biasing springs collectively provide sufficient biasing force so that operator of the mower has to physically push down on the deck lift lever in order to lower the cutter deck.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Wright, Corey M. Weems, Robert J. McCutcheon, IV
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Patent number: 9226448Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower including at least one cutting blade and at least first and second rear drive wheels. Hydro pumps are provided for controlling the drive wheels. Optionally, a grass collection system may be mounted on the mower, with much of the system being located laterally rearward of the rear drive wheels so that the center of gravity of the mower is shifted rearwardly. In order to compensate for such a center of gravity shift, the respective positions of the rear drive wheels are adjustable. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lateral position of the rear drive wheels may be selectively adjusted as desired by the operator (e.g., to move the center of gravity of the mower forward relative to the rear drive wheels in order to compensate for the added rear-heavy weight of the grass collection system).Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Wright, Luke B. Waesche, William R. Wright
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Patent number: 7753160Abstract: This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a cooling baffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank and/or fluid therein using air flow caused by a combustion engine used for driving mower cutting blade(s); (b) improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drive wheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler arm assembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump driving belt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, Luke Waesche
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Patent number: 7712294Abstract: A power lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade driven, directly or indirectly, by an engine. A cutter deck assembly of the mower includes a cutter deck, cutting blade(s) housed therein, and a pulley/belt system powered by a drive shaft of the engine for driving the cutting blade(s). The cutter deck assembly is selectively adjustable upward/downward to adjust the cutting height of the mower and/or to allow an operator to put the cutter deck assembly in a heightened position for storage and/or transport and thereafter lower the cutter deck assembly to a cutting position. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a latch system is provided as part of a deck lift system for permitting the cutter deck assembly to be more easily and/or efficiently raised/lowered.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Wright, Luke B. Waesche, William R. Wright
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Patent number: 7647754Abstract: This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower may be of the walk-behind type. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower may have one or more of: (a) an improved handlebar weldment assembly, (b) an improved operator presence control (OPC) system and structure, (c) an improved speed control system structure, (d) an improve cam bar system for hydraulic pump control, (e) a return-to-neutral biasing system that biases hand lever(s) toward a neutral position but only from a reverse position (not from a forward position), and/or (f) an improved tracking adjustment system.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, Luke Waesche
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Patent number: 7624996Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
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Patent number: 7607283Abstract: A lawn mower that includes, a deck lift system, is disclosed. The deck lift system may lift/lower the cutter deck, engine deck, engine, and handle control assembly together at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Edward R. Wright, William R. Wright, Luke Waesche, James D. Velke
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Patent number: 7596934Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade, at least first and second drive wheels, and hydro pumps for controlling the drive wheels. At least first and second belts are used to drive the pumps and blade(s) of the cutter deck, respectively. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the belt(s) for driving the hydro pumps is/are provided at an elevation lower than a belt(s) for driving the blade(s) of the cutter deck. In certain example embodiments of this invention, this advantageously permits the center of gravity of the mower to be lowered by permitting the hydro pumps and/or engine of the mower to be positioned at a lower elevation. In certain example embodiments, one or both of the hydro pumps is/are mounted on a pump deck which is at an elevation lower than that of the engine deck where the engine is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Luke B. Waesche, Edward R. Wright, William R. Wright
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Patent number: 7523795Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Wright Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
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Publication number: 20080314013Abstract: This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a cooling baffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank and/or fluid therein using air flow caused by a combustion engine used for driving mower cutting blade(s); (b) improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drive wheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler arm assembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump driving belt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, Luke Waesche
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Patent number: 7428884Abstract: This invention relates to a lawn mower. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) a cooling baffle for efficiently cooling a hydraulic fluid tank and/or fluid therein using air flow caused by a combustion engine used for driving mower cutting blade(s); (b) improved cockpit structure including fenders; (c) improved drive wheel(s) adjustment structure or assembly; (d) improved idler arm assembly for use in connection with the cutter deck and/or pump driving belt; and/or (e) improved hose routing structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, Luke Waesche
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Publication number: 20080163596Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.,Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
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Patent number: 7364169Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower includes at least one of: (a) a latch assembly for receiving a folded-up sulky for storage during transport and the like; (b) inboard mounted control rods extending downwardly from a handle control assembly area of the mower, so that actuator shafts for the hydraulic pumps are located on inboard sides of the pumps so as to oppose one another; (c) a handle control assembly for allowing the mower to be operated in an efficient manner with operator comfort during turns and the like; and/or (d) a pump lock-out system including a lever(s) for actuating both a braking force to be applied to at least one wheel of the mower and a pump lock-out system for causing the pumps to be locked in a neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
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Publication number: 20080072559Abstract: A lawn mower is provided. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes an improved deck lift system and/or an improved brake pump lock-out system. In certain example embodiments, a deck lift system may lift/lower the cutter deck, engine deck, engine, and handle control assembly together at the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Edward Wright, William Wright, Luke Waesche, James Velke
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Patent number: RE49179Abstract: A lawn mower is provided. In certain example embodiments, the lawn mower includes an improved steering control system/assembly and/or an improved pump control linkage system/assembly. In certain example embodiments, the The mower includes an engine deck supporting an engine that drives the at least one blade for cutting grass, the engine deck also supporting a first hydraulic pump that controls the right rear drive wheel and a second hydraulic pump that controls the left rear drive wheel. A deck lift system is for raising/lowering the engine deck relative to both a frame of the mower and a handle control assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: William R. Wright, Glenn T. Hubert, Luke B. Waesche, James D. Velke