Abstract: A rack assembly to be selectively coupled to a riding lawn mower, the rack assembly including a rack configured to have a forward and a rearward edge, one or more support members configured to extend forward from the rack proximate the forward edge and to be at least partially received in a riding lawn mower frame, a stability support configured to extend downward and forward from the rack proximate the rearward edge and to rest upon a trailer hitch mechanism of the riding lawn mower frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and using various different accessories on a robotic system such as a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). A tool library may include interchangeable modules, each module having a number of tool holders. Electronic components may be mounted to each of the modules adjacent to each of the of tool holders that identify the module and tool that is associated with the tool holder. The UGV may have a reader that is capable of reading the electronic components to determine the module and tools that are available for use on the UGV.

Abstract: An article mounting assembly mounts an article to a horizontally extending ballast weight support of a utility vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a coupling member, a plate and a pair of brackets. The coupling member is attached to and spaced apart from the plate. Each bracket has a front end coupled to the coupling member and has a rear end coupled to the weight support. Each bracket is movably coupled to the coupling member so that the spacing between the brackets is adjustable. The article may be a container in which the plate forms a wall of the container, or the article may be a shelf or a component supported by the brackets.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a component onto a farm implement having a frame, includes a clamp member and a mounting component. The clamp member includes a top section, a bottom section and a connecting member coupled to the top section at a first end portion and the bottom section at a second end portion. The top section is configured to engage two adjacent surfaces of a support element, and the bottom section is configured to engage two adjacent surfaces of a support element. A length of the connecting member between the top section of the clamp member and the bottom section of the clamp member is adjustable. The top section includes at least one receiving member, and the bottom section includes at least one receiving member. The mounting component includes a plurality of receiving members. Each mounting member is configured to engage the mounting hole of the clamp end portion and a mounting hole of the mounting component.

Abstract: A self-aligning tractor axle mounted tank system for vertically mounting a tank to a tractor is provided comprising; an integrated hub and spindle, a housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the housing, and at least one housing bracket connected to the housing and adapted to mount a tank frame assembly, wherein the housing bracket is configured to align the tank frame assembly with the housing during vertical mounting. Additionally, an integrated hub and spindle assembly is provided comprising; a spindle connected to a hub, and a bearing housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the bearing housing. Furthermore, a process for mounting a self-aligning tank to the rear axle of a tractor is provided.

Abstract: A canopy mounting apparatus for use with a lawn tractor includes a housing having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior area and an open top. The upstanding walls include opposed front and rear walls with opposed side walls connecting the front and rear walls. The housing rear wall is coupled to the lawn tractor rear framework. A support arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the housing front wall and a second end releasably coupled to the housing front wall such that the support arm is movable between a stowed configuration when the support arm is coupled to the housing front wall and an extended configuration when the support arm is extended away from the housing front wall. A canopy holding member is coupled to the support arm and includes a configuration complementary to a canopy shaft.

Abstract: A self-aligning tractor axle mounted tank system for vertically mounting a tank to a tractor is provided comprising; an integrated hub and spindle, a housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the housing, and at least one housing bracket connected to the housing and adapted to mount a tank frame assembly, wherein the housing bracket is configured to align the tank frame assembly with the housing during vertical mounting. Additionally, an integrated hub and spindle assembly is provided comprising; a spindle connected to a hub, and a bearing housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the bearing housing. Furthermore, a process for mounting a self-aligning tank to the rear axle of a tractor is provided.

Abstract: A toolbox is selectively removably mounted on the weight support positioned at the forward end of a tractor. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of weights are positioned on the weight support at each side of the toolbox and are interconnected together.

Abstract: A loader bucket is attached for tractor shipping in a non-operational position between the front and rear wheels of the tractor. The loader bucket may be attached to the mast using a bracket between a first surface of the loader bucket and the mast, and a brace between a second surface of the loader bucket and the bracket, to resist pivotal movement of the loader bucket.

Abstract: A rack support assembly for an ATV for a rack and shock assembly that is removably attachable to a hitch and rack posts of an all terrain vehicle. The assembly comprises an upper bar and a lower bar. A pair of shock absorbers is coupled to and extends between the upper and lower bars so that the upper and lower bars are orientated parallel to each other. A coupler removably attaches the lower bar to the hitch so that the lower bar is horizontally orientated. Each of a pair of supports is attached to the upper bar. The supports are each removably attachable to one of the rack posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching apparatus for use with a vehicle that facilitates the coupling of equipment to a vehicle in a non-hinged manner so as to inhibit the lateral pivot of the equipment in relation to the vehicle. The present invention further relates to a novel hay bale suspension system that may be coupled to a vehicle through the hitching apparatus of the present invention and used to support and enable transportation of a round hay bale.

Abstract: A blower support device for use on a utility vehicle includes a generally horizontally oriented platform and a vertically oriented support member. A mounting channel is provided and extends laterally away from the vertical support member for pivotably mounting the support stand to the mounting post for pivoting movement of the support stand between an access position and an operational position. A remote throttle control is also provided.

Abstract: A cargo container attachment for a small vehicle such as a lawn tractor is provided. The container is removably attached to the rear of the vehicle and includes a cargo box storage space with a pivotally mounted swingable tailgate. The container is designed to be used in conjunction with a lawn tractor to perform landscaping and structural maintenance tasks. Materials such as mulch, soil and plantings as well as maintenance materials can be transported in the cargo space. The tailgate can be moved between a first position where it serves to enclose the storage space and a second position where its serves as a workbench surface. Tool receiving recesses are provided in the sidewall edges of the composite container for transporting small tools such as trimmers, shovels, shears and/or rakes.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: A caddy formed of material and suitable to secure and transport a variety of objects when used with a mobile vehicle is disclosed. Securing devices coupled to the material are operable to temporarily secure one or more of a plurality of objects to the caddy. Attachment devices are operable to removably attach and detach the caddy to the body of the mobile vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a gun or a bow securely to an all terrain vehicle. The apparatus has one or more adjustable support arms each having a quick release and lock mechanism. The support arms serve as a way to allow the gun or bow to fit closely to the contour of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly for a small or “mini” loader is pivotally mounted onto a self propelled frame for movement between a raised and a lowered position. In the raised position, a support strut is provided that fits over an extended rod of the lift arm operating cylinder and will prevent the lift arm assembly from lowering. The support strut is stored in a front tubular cross member of the lift arm assembly. Additionally, the front cross member supports an upright strut that acts as a back stop for material in a bucket, by projecting upwardly beyond the bucket top so that if an object in the bucket tends to roll rearwardly, if the bucket is not leveled, it will be intercepted by the upwardly projecting portion of the back stop and deflected laterally.

Abstract: The Tractor Tool Caddy is a device that allows for carrying of small and medium sized tools and equipment on a riding mower or tractor or other similar vehicle while allowing the operator to keep his hands free to safely operate the mower or tractor. The tools and implements are held on the Tractor Tool Caddy by a number of devices, including “D” rings, loops, pockets and stretch straps. The Tractor Tool Caddy is secured to the mower or tractor by stretch straps which connect the Tractor Tool Caddy to parts of the mower or tractor with “S” hooks.

Abstract: A storage container includes an attachment device for detachably mounting the storage container to a utility vehicle. The attachment device includes a mounting bar and a pair of bolts or support elements. The mounting bar projects rearwardly from a rear wall, and includes a vertically extending mounting bores. The bolts projects rearwardly from the rear wall of the container by an adjustable distance. In order to mount the storage container to the front of the vehicle, the mounting bar is inserted into jaw-like hitch recess of a towing attachment of vehicle. A pin is inserted through vertical bores of the towing attachment and through the mounting bore of the mounting bar.

Abstract: An ATV load support system for assisting in the supporting of a load positioned upon an ATV. The ATV load support system includes an elongate support member pivotally attached to a frame of the ATV extending rearwardly, an upper frame attached to the elongate support member for receiving a load, a vertical member attached to the upper frame extending downwardly, an attachment member having an upper bracket attached to a rear hitch of an ATV, and a first shock absorber and compression spring attached between the upper bracket and the vertical member. The weight of the load is transferred from the rear suspension of the ATV directly to the rear axle of the ATV thereby reducing wear upon the rear suspension.

Abstract: A wheel-less carrying apparatus for use in conjunction with a self-propelled utility vehicle includes a frame that supports a removable load carrying body. The frame has a pair of spaced longitudinal beams and at least two lateral ribs secured to the longitudinal beams, the rib nearest the distal ends of the beams including at least one portion having a circular cross-section. The removable load carrying body has a continuous surface surrounded by an upwardly extending perimeter. A downwardly extending coupling member fixed to the body removably and pivotally engages the rib nearest the distal ends of the beams so that the body can be tilted with respect to the frame. Downward flanges along each side of the body for engage ends of the lateral ribs of the frame to provide lateral stability for the body.

Abstract: A storage box apparatus (10) for use in combination with the rear rack (13) of an ATV (11) for transporting tree stands (15) and other hunting accessories and equipment to a remote location. The apparatus (10) includes a storage box unit (12) having a front portion attached to the rear rack (13) of the ATV (11) such that the rear portion of the storage box unit (12) is suspended in cantilever fashion from the rear of the ATV (11). The rear portion of the storage box unit (12) is provided with an article carry channel (22) and a carry channel cover (24) having at least one elongated support leg (26) slidably disposed in the rear portion of the storage box unit (12) for accommodating tree stands (15) having different dimensions.

Abstract: An audio equipment holder and bracket device that conveniently mounts to a vehicle. The device comprises a substantially planer platform for retaining the audio equipment, and at least one leg with the first end secured to the platform, and a second end terminating at a connection point that allows for releasable securement to the vehicle.

Abstract: Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as an ATV's, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle.

Abstract: An ATV utility mount and attachment including a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism has a plate member with a pair of pin tubes attached to a front side. A pair of U-bolts, each having a pair of prongs, are positionable about a gear rack of an ATV. Each U-bolt is fastened to the gear rack and the plate simultaneously. A pair of L-pins are included. Each L-pin has a vertical extent integral with a horizontal extent with a connecting curve therebetween. The vertical extent of each L-pin is positioned within one of the pin tubes of the mounting mechanism, when the plate is fastened to the gear rack by the pair of U-bolts. Lastly, an accessory for coupling to the mounting mechanism for transporting on the ATV is included.

Abstract: An improved load carrying vehicle accessory is disclosed. Mounting tubes are fixed to the rear fenders of a vehicle, such as a lawn tractor. The load carrying portion of the device has mounted within its base, and protruding therefrom, a pair of support arms or tubes that are configured to cooperate with the mounting tubes, preferably with coaxial telescopic interengagement. The support arms or tubes are disposed in slots wider than themselves to allow for lateral movement and subsequent fixing in place, thus allowing the load carrying portion to be fitted to a variety of vehicles having different widths. Additionally, the load carrying portion has removable walls, to allow for bulkier items such as rakes, brooms, shovels and the like, to be secured thereto.