Patents by Inventor Gary Hobrath

Gary Hobrath 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: 10874049
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20200253116
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Patent number: 10674659
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20190343041
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Patent number: 10362730
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Patent number: 10299431
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Patent number: 10257976
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20190069480
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Patent number: 10123479
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20180192585
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ladd, Jr., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20180192584
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20170332549
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20160120122
    Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Ladd, JR., Gary Hobrath, Axel Schaedler, Brian Milliff
  • Publication number: 20030094071
    Abstract: A foot pedal lift assist that is operably associated with the lift mechanism of a lawn care apparatus. The lift assist includes a foot pedal that is pivotally connected to a holder. The foot pedal may be locked into an operative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is perpendicular to the axis of the holder. The foot pedal includes a positioning hole that is aligned with a first hole on a mounting surface of the holder when the foot pedal is in the operative position. The foot pedal may be locked into an inoperative position where the longitudinal axis of the foot pedal is parallel to the axis of the holder. The positioning hold of the foot pedal is aligned with a second hold on the mounting surface when the foot pedal is in the inoperative position. The foot pedal lift assist may be used alone, or in conjunction with a standard hand lever to reposition a mower deck or other implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gary Hobrath, Dan Morse
  • Publication number: 20020194830
    Abstract: There is provided a mower having a mower deck wherein is received a spindle. The spindle includes a body and a shaft that longitudinally extends beyond the body. The shaft is adapted to receive a cutting blade at either end of the shaft. The shaft is also adapted to receive a pulley at either end of the shaft, wherein the pulley is opposite the cutting blade. The spindle further includes two shields, each received by an opposite end of the shaft. In this manner, the spindle is adapted to be invertibly mounted between first and second positions to multiple mower decks having different cutting height requirements. The body also includes a flange portion having a plurality of sets of mounting holes fashioned therein. The sets of mounting holes are disposed at different radii about the flange for mounting the spindle into different mower decks having different mounting hole patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gary Hobrath, Jim Cykon
  • Patent number: D816445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Gary Hobrath, Amit Saha, Robert L. Jira, Jr.