Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Frame

Christopher L. Frame has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7373768
    Abstract: A roller assembly for attachment to a lawnmower. The roller assembly generally includes a tow arm having first and second links. The first link is configured to be supported at least indirectly on the lawnmower frame. The second link is connected to a shaft mounted with one or more rollers. A spring is disposed between the first and second links and configured to bias the second link downwardly relative to the first link, thereby biasing the rollers against a ground surface. The roller assembly further includes a quick connect assembly for rapid attachment and detachment of the roller assembly to the lawnmower. The roller assembly yet further includes a latch assembly configured to hold the second link and shaft of rollers in a raised position relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Scag Power Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Sugden, Kevin A. Boeck, Christopher L. Frame
  • Patent number: 7237374
    Abstract: An roller assembly for attachment to a lawnmower. The roller assembly generally includes a tow arm having first and second links. The first link is configured to be supported at least indirectly on the lawnmower frame. The second link is connected to a shaft mounted with one or more rollers. A spring is disposed between the first and second links and configured to bias the second link downwardly relative to the first link, thereby biasing the rollers against a ground surface. The roller assembly further includes a quick connect assembly for rapid attachment and detachment of the roller assembly to the lawnmower. The roller assembly yet further includes latch assembly configured to hold the second link and shaft of rollers in a raised position relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Scag Power Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Sugden, Kevin A. Boeck, Christopher L. Frame
  • Patent number: 5239793
    Abstract: A stowable and self-deployable array antenna includes flat, rectangular antenna panels hinged side-by-side so that when deployed they are coplanar, and they fold like an accordion for stowing. The deployed array antenna is stiffened by lateral stiffening panels hingedly attached to every other hinge between antenna panels, and to the unhinged ends of the antenna panels. Foldable longitudinal stiffening panels hinged between adjacent lateral stiffening panels. Each hinged connection includes a pair of thin spring elements, corresponding to a portion of a cylinder. The two spring elements of each hinge are spaced apart with their concave sides facing, and with the axes of the defining cylinder parallel. The hinge pivots, when the spring elements buckle, about a line orthogonal to a line extending between the cylinder axes. The hinges are used as the structural elements of self-deployable masts. The mast may have a polygonal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank R. Chiappetta, Christopher L. Frame, Kenneth L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5196857
    Abstract: A stowable and self-deployable array antenna includes flat, rectangular antenna panels hinged side-by-side so that when deployed they are coplanar, and they fold like an accordion for stowing. The deployed array antenna is stiffened by lateral stiffening panels hingedly attached to every other hinge between antenna panels, and to the unhinged ends of the antenna panels. Foldable longitudinal stiffening panels are hinged between adjacent lateral stiffening panels. Each hinged connection includes a pair of thin spring elements, corresponding to a portion of a cylinder. The two spring elements of each hinge are spaced apart with their concave sides facing, and with the axes of the defining cylinder parallel. The hinge pivots, when the spring elements buckle, about a line orthogonal to a line extending between the cylinder axes. The hinges are used as the structural elements of self-deployable masts. The mast may have a polygonal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Frank R. Chiappetta, Christopher L. Frame, Kenneth L. Johnson