Patents Assigned to Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6688089
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower wherein an operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. The battery(ies) may be located between feet of the operator in order to lower the overall center of gravity of the mower. Such a battery location may also free other space for other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6688090
    Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6658831
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower is provided with a deck lifting system. The operator can lift the cutter deck or the engine deck by pulling upward/backward on a deck-lifting lever. Moreover, a latch system for enabling the deck to be lowered and/or adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20030221402
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by an operator. The operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. Thus, the mower includes both sitting and standing modes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the foot platform is located between first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for approximate zero radius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis. The foot platform is positioned near this vertical axis so that the operator when standing may be substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, William D. Patton
  • Patent number: 6640526
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6625965
    Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James Velke
  • Patent number: 6560952
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower for operation by an operator. The operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. Thus, the mower includes both sitting and standing modes. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the foot platform is located between first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for approximate zero radius turning of the mower about a vertical turning axis. The foot platform is positioned near this vertical axis so that the operator when standing may be substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright, William D. Patton
  • Publication number: 20030084653
    Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6550563
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6516596
    Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop “wheelies” upon acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6499282
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn wherein an operator can operate the mower while standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. The operator may operate the mower from a standing position regardless of whether the seat is deployed or not. A shorter control arms extending between a tractor frame structure and a cutter deck assembly having a mower deck lift system raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly together with the engine deck assembly. A portion at the rear of the cutter deck assembly cut out and covered with a plate in order to form a depression over a rear edge of the cutter deck. This depression enables the clutch located over top of the depression (and thus the engine) to be located at a lower elevation so as to lower the overall center of gravity of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020178709
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020174637
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower is provided. A deck lift system if provided for raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly together with the engine deck and engine as a single unit in order to adjust the cutting height of the mower. Control arms may be of short enough length so that pivoting of the control arms an angle &PHgr; of fifteen degrees during raising or lowering of the cutter deck assembly causes the cutter deck assembly to move a vertical distance “d” of no more than about 2.5 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6442917
    Abstract: A deck lift system raises and lowers the cutter deck assembly together with the engine deck and engine as a single unit in order to adjust the cutting height of the mower. A tractor frame supports a foot platform and/or a seat upon which the operator may sit. The tractor frame includes first and second spaced apart sidewalls that are connected together with at least a cross wall member. A depression is formed at the rear of a cutter deck in order to enable a clutch of the engine to be moves closer to the grounds and/or further forward than would otherwise have been possible absent the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6438931
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower having a deck lift system for raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly together with the engine deck and engine as a single unit to adjust the cutting height of the mower. Control arms are short enough length so that pivoting of the control arms an angle &PHgr; of fifteen degrees during raising or lowering of the cutter deck assembly causes the cutter deck assembly to move a vertical distance “d” of no more than about 2.5 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6438930
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower is operated while an operator standing on a foot platform, or alternatively when sitting down on a selectively deployable seat. The battery(ies) may be located between feet of the operator in order to lower the overall center of gravity of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020104706
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6415587
    Abstract: A zero-turning radius self-propelled power lawn mower includes a standing platform structure for supporting a standing operator during mower operation. The mower has a combination parking brake and pump lockout structure which, when actuated, simultaneously applies a braking force to rear drive wheels and prevents hydro pumps from being moved from their neutral positions. The mower also includes a biasing system for automatically returning hand control levers to their neutral positions when they are not being manipulated by an operator. Unique cutter deck structure, caster structure, grass catcher structure, and steering control levers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6405515
    Abstract: A zero-turning-radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing-occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing-occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero-radius-turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned at this turning point so that the standing-occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero-radius-turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James D. Velke
  • Publication number: 20020059788
    Abstract: A self-propelled power lawn mower is provided with an improved deck lifting system. The operator can efficiently lift the cutter deck (and optionally the engine deck as well) in an efficient manner by pulling upward/backward on a deck-lifting lever. Moreover, a latch system is provided for enabling the deck to be lowered and/or adjusted in an efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright