Patents by Inventor Vincent Prinzo
Vincent Prinzo 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: 11981234Abstract: Systems and mechanisms for facilitating concurrent positional adjustments of a seat with one or more steering controllers along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, are disclosed. The embodiments provide a mechanism by which operators of a wide range of body types may comfortably occupy and use vehicles configured with lap bar controls, such as zero-turn radius mowers. In one example, the seat and steering controllers are both mounted on a support structure that is configured to be movable relative to a chassis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Teegan L. Aldridge, Vincent A. Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20220227262Abstract: Systems and mechanisms for facilitating concurrent positional adjustments of a seat with one or more steering controllers along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, are disclosed. The embodiments provide a mechanism by which operators of a wide range of body types may comfortably occupy and use vehicles configured with lap bar controls, such as zero-turn radius mowers. In one example, the seat and steering controllers are both mounted on a support structure that is configured to be movable relative to a chassis of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Teegan L. ALDRIDGE, Vincent A. PRINZO
-
Patent number: 9968031Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Andrew E. Bejcek, Vincent A. Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20170142898Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Andrew E. BEJCEK, Vincent A. PRINZO
-
Publication number: 20170006763Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system may include a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a standard mode and a selection mode, and an adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base in communication with a control unit to toggle between a first control mode and a second control mode when the mode actuator is in selection mode. The control unit applies a first acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed when in the first control mode and a second acceleration profile when in the second control mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Andrew E. BEJCEK, Vincent A. PRINZO
-
Patent number: 9538699Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system may include a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a standard mode and a selection mode, and an adjustment actuator positioned on the control system base in communication with a control unit to toggle between a first control mode and a second control mode when the mode actuator is in selection mode. The control unit applies a first acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed when in the first control mode and a second acceleration profile when in the second control mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Andrew E. Bejcek, Vincent A. Prinzo
-
Patent number: 8813314Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus may include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. The pin may include an elongated pin body having a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin apparatus may further include a pin handle external from the housing for moving the pin within the housing. At least a portion of the pin body can be positioned at least partially through a machine handle and at least a portion of the housing can be positioned outside of the machine handle. Rotation of the pin handle can move the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20120009043Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus may include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. The pin may include an elongated pin body having a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin apparatus may further include a pin handle external from the housing for moving the pin within the housing. At least a portion of the pin body can be positioned at least partially through a machine handle and at least a portion of the housing can be positioned outside of the machine handle. Rotation of the pin handle can move the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Patent number: 7975359Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus can include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. A pin can be provided having an elongated pin body with a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin body can be adapted for positioning at least partially through the opening of the housing where the pin is movable with respect to the housing according to a method disclosed herein from an extended position where at least a portion of the distal end section extends to a predetermined extent outside of the opening, and a retracted position where the distal end section is in a retracted position from the predetermined extent. A handle can be provided external from the housing for moving the pin whereby movement of the handle moves the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Patent number: 7891161Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Vincent Prinzo
-
Patent number: 7849665Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating grass clippings from air in a recirculating bagging apparatus for a lawnmower can include a grass-collecting compartment for collecting grass clippings discharged from a lawnmower and an air discharge channel in communication with and disposed below the grass-collecting compartment. The grass-collecting compartment can have a non-breathable bottom floor for receiving and supporting collected grass clippings. The air discharge channel can be adapted for passage of air discharged from a lawnmower through the grass-collecting compartment and out of the bagging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Vincent Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20090038281Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for actuating a control component of a power machine. A two-step bail can be attached to a handle for controlling the power machine. The two-step bail can include a base member and a control member, wherein the control member can be slidably attached to the base member which can be pivotably mounted to the handle of the power machine. The control member can be depressed, by an operator first action, into the base member, which can be followed by an operator second action wherein the base member and control member can be pulled reward toward the operator to actuate a control component of the power machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Scott Kaskawitz, Vincent Prinzo
-
Patent number: 7412753Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus can include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. A pin can be provided having an elongated pin body with a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin body can be adapted for positioning at least partially through the opening of the housing where the pin is movable with respect to the housing according to a method disclosed herein from an extended position where at least a portion of the distal end section extends to a predetermined extent outside of the opening, and a retracted position where the distal end section is in a retracted position from the predetermined extent. A handle can be provided external from the housing for moving the pin whereby movement of the handle moves the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20070289104Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus can include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. A pin can be provided having an elongated pin body with a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin body can be adapted for positioning at least partially through the opening of the housing where the pin is movable with respect to the housing according to a method disclosed herein from an extended position where at least a portion of the distal end section extends to a predetermined extent outside of the opening, and a retracted position where the distal end section is in a retracted position from the predetermined extent. A handle can be provided external from the housing for moving the pin whereby movement of the handle moves the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Christopher Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Publication number: 20070062007Abstract: Pin apparatuses and methods are disclosed having particular suitability for use with machine handles such as those associated with walk-behind machines such as lawnmowers. A pin apparatus can include a housing defining an opening for receiving at least a portion of a pin. A pin can be provided having an elongated pin body with a proximal end section and a distal end section. The pin body can be adapted for positioning at least partially through the opening of the housing where the pin is movable with respect to the housing according to a method disclosed herein from an extended position where at least a portion of the distal end section extends to a predetermined extent outside of the opening, and a retracted position where the distal end section is in a retracted position from the predetermined extent. A handle can be provided external from the housing for moving the pin whereby movement of the handle moves the pin between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventors: Christopher Osborne, Vincent Prinzo
-
Patent number: D497918Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Christopher M. Osborne, Vincent A. Prinzo, George B. Graus, Yuya Kato, Junya Inukai