Rotating Patents (Class 56/167)
  • Publication number: 20030066280
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower body and a grass bag provided at the rear of the mower body. The mower body has a cutter deck rotatably accommodating a cutter blade, a carrying passage for guiding grass clippings into the grass bag, and an air return passage for guiding only air from the grass bag into the cutter deck. Cutter deck-facing openings of the air return passage are opened in line with the rotating track of airlifts provided at the opposite ends of the cutter blade. A swirling airflow inside the cutter deck induced by the rotation of the cutter blade is in the same direction as that of air returned via the air return passage, resulting in a smooth airflow inside the cutter deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuo Iida, Takao Kobayashi, Shoji Hasei, Kenzo Shimada
  • Patent number: 6131380
    Abstract: A power-driven lawnmower having a main chassis supporting an operator, a pair of forward drive wheels, and a steering wheel utilizes a floating mower deck which covers or houses at least one driven mower blade. The deck is connected to the main chassis by a pair of arms terminating in ball joints affixed to the mower deck which is supported on ground engaging wheels such that the mower deck follows the contour of the ground. A flexible drive belt is connected to a constant power take off element on the main chassis and to the drive mechanism on the deck such that belt is entrained over a constant distance due to the connection of the arms to the chassis and the mower deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Albert Browning
  • Patent number: 6105349
    Abstract: A lawn mower including a liquid-cooled engine having a radiator grille positioned over the radiator thereof. The radiator grille includes a perforated screen member having a series of alternating grooves and ridges formed therein which run downwardly and rearwardly from the forward end of the screen member. The design of the screen member and the radiator grille permit the perforated screen member to self-clean and also provides a convenient means by which the screen member may be manually cleaned, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Exmark Mfg Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Garry W. Busboom, Gary L. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6101794
    Abstract: A mower comprising a frame, a deck with a discharge located forwardly of at least one cutting blade, a baffle in the deck disposed between the blade and discharge that is spaced from the top wall of the deck defining a discharge aperture in the deck that creates suction and focuses clippings toward the discharge, and wheels coupled to the frame by a suspension preferably of independent construction. Each blade is massive for high inertia, generally planar, and disc-shaped having at least three cutting arms that each have a tab extending below the plane and having a cutting edge. Each arm preferably also has an upwardly extending suction-increasing flap. The suspension has a pair of control arms pivotally mounted to the frame with each arm having a mounting arm extending above the frame capturing a biasing element that urges the arms away from each other to keep the wheels in contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Terracare Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie J. Christopherson, Raymond A. Christopherson
  • Patent number: 6098386
    Abstract: The present invention provides a riding lawn mower comprising: two pairs of ground engaging wheels 2, 2 and 3, 3 disposed at front and rear portions of a vehicle frame 5; a cutter blade 9 supported by the vehicle frame 5; a drive source 7 mounted on the vehicle frame 5 and having an output shaft 8 extending downwardly; a transmission 20 including i) a casing 21; ii) an input shaft 22 substantially vertically supported by the casing 21, and iii) a pair of axles 4, 4 extending substantially horizontally in opposite directions, the pair of axles supporting each one of the two pairs of ground engaging wheels, the transmission 20 being arranged below the drive source 7 and having the input shaft 22 coupled substantially coaxially with the output shaft 8 of the drive source 7 non-rotatably relative thereto; and power transmitting members 10 and 11 for the cutter blade 9, the power transmitting members 10 and 11 being provided to rotate with the output shaft 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignees: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tuff Toro Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Shimizu, Norihiro Ishii, Koji Irikura, Robert Abend, Travis McCloud
  • Patent number: 6094897
    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: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Velke, William R. Wright
  • Patent number: 6092355
    Abstract: A load indicator for a battery powered lawn mower is disclosed, which load indicator indicates to the operator when the power train of the lawn mower is being operated out of its designed parameters. A control circuit also reduces the initial amperage through the contacts between the battery and motor for the lawn mower appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: William Ishmael
  • Patent number: 6085504
    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: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James Velke
  • Patent number: 6085506
    Abstract: A lawn mower is powered by a quiet external combustion engine which is based on an Ericcson cycle which has been modified for more efficient combustion and higher temperature from the regenerative heat exchanger. Air is compressed in a compressor, then regeneratively heated in a heat exchanger by combustion exhaust prior to being expanded in a heated expander to generate power. The heated expander is in intimate thermal contact with the combustion chamber wherein combustion is efficiently supported by hot expanded air from the heated expander. The lawn mower includes a starter and conventional means for control, support and locomation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Megadyne Inc.
    Inventor: Solomon S. Fineblum
  • Patent number: 6085503
    Abstract: A trimming device carriage system for allowing a user to conveniently utilize a conventional trimming device without requiring significant effort by the user. The inventive device includes a support structure secured to a second base, a pair of handles secured to a first base, and a pair of brackets attached to each of the first base and the second base for removably engaging a trimmer shaft of a conventional trimmer. The support structure comprises a pair of upper legs secured to the second base and slidably positioned within a corresponding pair of lower legs. A plurality of adjustment apertures within the upper legs catchably receive a detent springably attached to the pair of lower legs. The upper legs are pivotally attached to the second base by a pair of second wing fasteners. The pair of handles are pivotally attached to the first base by a pair of first wing fasteners thereby allowing adjustment of the angle of the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: James C. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6073430
    Abstract: A multi-blade mower deck having a center right and left blade chambers, which are partially connected to each other, each blade chamber including a rotary mounted cutting blade with lifting sails thereon for rotating and lifting the air into each blade chamber, a front skirt defining portions of said blade chamber; a continuous rear skirt wrapping around rear portions of each of said blade chambers; and a fan chamber positioned above the cutting deck and concentrically aligned over the center blade chamber and having an opening into the center fan chamber including concentrically mounted impeller blades for driving air and clipping from the fan chamber through a exhaust passage positioned over the cutting deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Mullet, Elmer D. Voth, Brian L. Nebel
  • Patent number: 6055800
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural cutting machine includes a chassis, a harvesting mechanism and a suspension device connecting the harvesting mechanism to the chassis. The suspension device includes a lower suspension member and an upper suspension member forming an articulated quadrilateral which allows the harvesting mechanism to move relative to the chassis. The geometric axis of the articulation connecting the lower suspension member to the harvesting mechanism passes through or substantially through the center of mass of the harvesting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventor: Martin Walch
  • Patent number: 6050069
    Abstract: A triangularly shaped frame having truncated and flattened vertices serves as a structural load-bearing member for an attachment to a yard tending device, such as a gas powered yard trimmer or leaf blower. A pair of support and maneuvering wheels is affixed to the frame. Affixed centrally to the frame, and rising generally vertically therefrom, is the first end portion of a lawn tending device support bar. At its first end portion, the support bar is of generally straight configuration. This straight portion serves to hold the lawn tending device at a sufficient elevation with respect to the ground. The straight portion of the support bar smoothly transitions to generally declining compound arcuate spanning portion. The spanning portion smoothly transitions to a generally declining straight second end portion. The second end is formed such that it comprises a cradle or channel running centrally and axially according to the length of the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Charles L. Elensky
  • Patent number: 6018937
    Abstract: An electric working machine having an electric motor and batteries for providing power to the motor is provided. Power for charging the batteries is provided to the working machine through a connector. A key member is provided which comprises a key body having one end for insertion into and removal from a switch, and an operation portion which is integrally or removably provided at the other end of the key body extending sideways from the key body. The connector is positioned to the side of the switch at a location where it is covered by the operating portion of the key member at a turned position of the key member when the switch is in a first state, such that the connection of the connector with an external power source is made impossible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenzo Shimada, Tsutomu Inui, Norikazu Shimizu, Joji Maeda
  • Patent number: 6021373
    Abstract: A back-up proximity sensor for a vehicle is formed with an array of sensor pairs. Each sensor pair includes a lower passive infrared sensor (PIR) having a first field of view and an upper PIR having a second field of view. Each lower PIR and upper PIR is vertically mounted with respect to one another. The lower PIR and upper PIR of each sensor pair are angularly directed such that the respective fields of view intersect, thereby establishing a detection zone in a region behind a vehicle. The sensor pairs are arranged in a substantially adjacent, semicircular configuration to provide a continuous area of coverage behind a vehicle. A detection circuit receives output signals from each sensor pair and generates an output signal indicative of a warm body being detected by both the upper and lower sensors in a selected sensor pair, eliminating false alarms generated by warm bodies outside the region of the desired detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Zuercher, Russell P. Schuchmann, Steven C. Schmalz
  • Patent number: 6009694
    Abstract: A wheeled carriage assembly for supporting a grass trimmer. The wheeled carriage assembly includes a pair of frames each having elongate front, top, and bottom portions. The top and bottom portions of each frame are spaced apart from one another with the front portion of each frame connecting associated top and bottom portions of the respective frame. The front portions of the frames are coupled together. The frames each have an elongate rear fork extending between the associated top and bottom portions of the respective frame. A ground engaging rear wheel is positioned between the bottom portions of the frame and is rotatably mounted to the rear forks of the frames. A generally J-shaped front fork is coupled to the frames between the front portions of the frames. A pair of adjacent ground engaging front wheels are pivotally mounted to the front fork. The frames each has a handle portion adjacent the associated top portion of the respective frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Larry Moore, Becky Davis
  • Patent number: 6009695
    Abstract: A mobile carriage for a powered hedge or bush trimmer in which both straight and curved or round cuts can be achieved. The hedge trimmer can be moved manually in a curved guide so that the hedge can be configured with a curved top as well as curved sides or a curved cop and straight sides. A multitude of cut designs are possible with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Deno Karas
  • Patent number: 6003292
    Abstract: A brush mower having deflection plate for reducing the amount of cut vegetation forwardly discharged from the intake opening at the front end of the deck. The mower additionally comprises a motor connected to the deck. The latter includes a top portion and a skirt portion extending downwardly on three sides from the top portion, thereby defining a cutting chamber. The deck also includes a blade rotatably mounted within the cutting chamber and a side discharge opening. The deflection plate has a height that is less wide than the height of the skirt portion. The deflection plate changes the airflow in the cutting chamber so that cut vegetation is directed out the side discharge opening, rather than out the intake opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Country Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Waibel
  • Patent number: 5983612
    Abstract: A removable battery tray for an electric bunker rake. The battery tray fits on the frame of the bunker rake during operation, and can be easily removed by a hoist or other method so that the bunker rake can continue to operate with another charged set of batteries. The battery tray also has a central power connector that is used for charging and is the only electrical disconnect required when changing the battery tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Bauswell, Timothy A. Esser
  • Patent number: 5983614
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to lawn mowers, and particularly relates to a front wheel swivel assembly which can be selectively locked into a straight-ahead orientation during operation of the mower and by use of controls within the operator's reach during normal cutting operation of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Snapper, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank H. Hancock, Stephen C. Price, Kevin D. Craddock
  • Patent number: 5974771
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical rake for use in a raking apparatus wherein the cylindrical rake comprises first and second end members spaced apart from one another along the axis of the cylindrical rake, a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongated tine carrying members which extend between and are carried by first and second end members mounting devices for mounting the rake on a suitable carriage thereof, and a driven device adapted to be driven for rotating the rake about its axis in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Greenan
  • Patent number: 5970694
    Abstract: A lightweight, retractable tripod support having three wheels for attachment to virtually all hand-held trimmers, metal detectors and the like. The three-wheeled support being readily retractable to a folded position for transportation and storage and extendible to a deployed or working position. The support having a pair of clamping plates flanking the trimmer's shaft, a rear leg, two lateral side legs, a slider actuator mounted to the rear leg for longitudinal sliding movement during transition between the folded and deployed positions of the support and an articulating linkage joining the actuator to the clamping plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Robert J. Knox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5970692
    Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting a clearing device during use. The clearing device is a clearing device of any conventional type and includes an elongated support member, a power unit at one end of the support member and a clearing head at the other end of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 5966914
    Abstract: A lawn mower-mounted weed trimmer is provided including a lawn mower with a weed trimmer assembly hingably coupled about a horizontal axis to one of the side faces of the mower portion of the lawn mower adjacent to a front face thereof. The horizontal axis is in line with movement of the lawn mower. The weed trimmer assembly has a flexible line dispenser for trimming weeds adjacent to the lawn mower when rotated. Next provided is a driving mechanism for selectively rotating the flexible line dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas R. Reents
  • Patent number: 5964080
    Abstract: An ensilage harvester is equipped with a blower including a rotor equipped with paddles for conveying crop along a housing wall surrounding the rotor. The paddles include cutting edges that reach close to the wall so as to cut crop that may enter the rotor between a paddle and the wall as the paddle is approaching the wall with the result that the crop captured between the wall and the cutting edges is cut thereby preventing crop from becoming jammed in the intervening gap and causing friction losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Georg Leeb
  • Patent number: 5964082
    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: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James D. Velke
  • Patent number: 5960615
    Abstract: A swiveling wheel attachment for the front of a lawnmower, wherein the attachment includes a main body member having a rectangular side plate and a rectangular upper plate. The plates are formed at a right angle along a longitudinal side of each plate, so that the main body member is shaped like an upside down "L". The side plate defines a series of holes, or interconnected slots, which are used to connect the main body member to the front end of a lawnmower. The holes or slots are arranged in such a way that the height of the main body member may be adjusted relative to the lawnmower. The main body member is attached using threaded nuts and bolts. On the underside of the upper plate member, a pair of swiveling wheels are attached, so that the wheels may rotate in a 360 degree arc in a horizontal plane to facilitate maneuverability of the lawnmower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Henry B. Meetze
  • Patent number: 5957497
    Abstract: A device for steering a wheel assembly in a riding mower has a steering sprocket nonrotatably connected to a rotatable steering column and a transmission chain which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket and extends over the steering sprocket and forms, on both sides of the steering sprocket, a rectilinear chain run. Two deflecting wheels arranged on both sides of the steering sprocket are positioned in a deflecting wheel plane turned around the respective chain run lines relative to the plane of the steering sprocket. Each of two transmission chains, which extend over the respective deflecting wheels between the free end of the respective chain runs and the wheel assembly, is, between the steering sprocket and the respective deflecting wheels, coupled by way of a link element to the chain, which is flexible in the plane of the steering sprocket, so as to form a straight line with the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Stiga AB
    Inventors: Soren Johansson, Erland Wikner
  • Patent number: 5953890
    Abstract: In an electric lawn mower, a cutter housing includes a support plate portion for mounting an electric motor. The electric motor is disposed at a substantially central portion of the cutter housing and is connected directly to a cutter. A scroll portion is bulged from an outer edge of the support plate portion on either the left or right side of the electric motor and is sloped up rearwards. The scroll portion is formed into such a shape that it widens as it becomes closer to a discharge port at a rear of the cutter housing. Batteries are mounted on the support plate portion in an arrangement such that one of the batteries extends along an inner side of the scroll portion. The electric motor is sandwiched between front ends of the batteries. Thus, the lateral weight balance of the cutter housing is substantially uniform to enhance the travelability. Furthermore, the cutter housing is made compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenzo Shimada, Tetsuo Iida, Joji Maeda, Tsutomu Inui
  • Patent number: 5946894
    Abstract: A riding mower is provided that includes a frame, an engine operatively attached to the frame and providing locomotion to the riding mower, a first front wheel operatively attached to the frame, a first back wheel operatively attached to the frame and a back axle forming a back axle axis. The first front wheel forms a front wheel axis and the first back wheel forms a back wheel axis. The back wheel axis is longitudinally spaced from the front wheel axis by a wheel base distance. The engine is longitudinally spaced forwardly of the back axle axis. In this way, the center of gravity of the riding mower is positioned relatively low and forward as compared to other known riding mowers. The first front wheel provides the front-most surface for the riding mower and the first back wheel provides the back-most surface for the riding mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Commercial Turf Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy N. Eavenson, Gerald Hobrath
  • Patent number: 5937625
    Abstract: A mechanism for suspending a mower deck from a vehicle, including a suspension member having a longitudinally extending axis and a laterally extending portion which supports the deck at a plurality of spaced locations. A structural member fixed with the vehicle includes an opening within which the suspension member is positioned. A position retainer is coupled with the suspension member and abuts the structural member for blocking the suspension member from shifting along its longitudinal axis out of the opening. Engagement of the suspension member within the opening of the structural member is the sole location at which the suspension member is connected to the vehicle. A removable blocking member is positioned adjacent the opening for generally blocking the suspension member from shifting laterally with respect to its axis and out of the opening. The opening is defined in a surface oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Brian David Seegert
  • Patent number: 5934055
    Abstract: Invention relates to a lawn aeration device for attachment to the wheel of a riding mower, for example. The device, where a plurality are spaced about each driven wheel, comprises an arcuate-shaped metal plate, contoured to lie against the riding surface of the wheel's tire, where the metal plate includes plural aerating spikes extending in a generally outwardly radial direction. Adjustment means are also provided along the respective sides of the wheel to connect and apply tension to the plural devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: P. Alan Steele
  • Patent number: 5934053
    Abstract: A removable battery tray for an electric mower is disclosed. The battery tray fits over the frame of the mower during operation, and can be removed by a hoist or other method in order for the electric mower to continue to operate with another charged set of batteries. The battery tray also has a central power plug that is used for charging and is the only electrical disconnect required when changing the battery tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Alan R. Fillman, Timothy A. Esser
  • Patent number: 5910091
    Abstract: A cutter housing of an electric lawn mower of a walking type is inclined such that the cutter housing rises in a rearward direction. A battery is mounted to the upper face of a rear portion of the cutter housing. A discharge port for discharging cut grass into a grass bag is formed on a lower face of the rear portion of the cutter housing. An opening area of the discharge port is sufficiently maintained by the rearward rising inclination of the cutter housing. The battery is set to take a forward inclining orientation and the height of the mower body can be held to a low height. Since the battery is arranged above a rear wheel, the weight of the battery is supported by the rear wheels and the load on the front wheels is reduced so that the running direction of the electric lawn mower can be easily changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Iida, Kenzo Shimada, Joji Maeda
  • Patent number: 5906090
    Abstract: An aerating device adapted to be retrofit to existing household lawn mowers comprising a pair of wheels each having a plurality of tines extending therefrom for penetrating a lawn and removing therefrom a section of soil, thereby aerating the lawn. The tines are offset from the center of the wheel to utilize the rotational energy of the wheel and the weight of the lawn mower to penetrate the lawn without the application of additional force by the user. In this manner, a user can simultaneously cut his/her lawn and aerate the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Morris Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5884462
    Abstract: A wheeled support for controlled movement of lawn maintenance equipment. The wheeled support has a fixed upper support member and a telescoping lower support member each of which are attached to a main support so that the wheeled support is adaptable for supporting different types lawn maintenance equipment. A clamping device attached to the distal end of the telescoping lower support member and a strap-like member attached to the upper support member secure the piece of lawn maintenance equipment to the wheeled support during use. The wheeled support may have a remote throttle control, and may also have a muffler guard and an exhaust deflector. The wheeled support may be used with any electrical or gasoline-powered piece of equipment which is attached to a straight or bent shaft. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use with line trimmers, cultivators, brush cutters, edgers, blowers, and vacuums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Edward Henry Gerber
    Inventor: Edward H. Gerber
  • Patent number: 5884460
    Abstract: A propane powered piece of lawn equipment (10) comprising an engine (12) on the piece of lawn equipment (10). A facility (14) is carried on the piece of lawn equipment (10), for holding non-pollutant propane gas. A component (16) is for delivering the non-pollutant propane gas from the holding facility (14) to the engine (12), to operate the engine (12) and run the piece of lawn equipment (10) for a cleaner atmospheric environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Robert P. Serravalle, Pietro Serravalle
  • Patent number: 5870888
    Abstract: This invention provides improved lawn rolling equipment for grooming lawns. To resolve the "Lazarus" effect of recovery of bent over grass stems that make a freshly mowed lawn look unkempt and ragged, a lawn mower accessory is provided with a roller that is manually bistably positioned between a rolling-on-the-lawn-surface working position and a retracted-off-the-lawn-surface idling position so that mowing may be selectively performed with or without the accompanying rolling step. The prior art has not provided simple, inexpensive equipment, such as here provided, that can improve the appearance of lawns even when double mowed by the criss-cross method because there is a higher probability of removing unwanted grain and uneven grass lengths caused by grass stems bent in one direction by the rolling that revive after mowing to introduce graininess and untidiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: John F. Pugh
  • Patent number: 5862655
    Abstract: An adjustable mowing and trimming apparatus is presented which employs a unique wheel adjust mechanism and trimming assembly. The apparatus includes a frame to which at least two wheels are rotatably mounted at opposite sides of an adjustable linkage which is loosely coupled to the frame through a moveable pivot assembly. A mechanism is provided for manually adjusting the moveable pivot assembly to actuate the adjustable linkage and thereby reorient the wheels on either side of the frame. The trimming assembly is mounted at a front portion of the frame and includes a spindle head fixedly mounted to a spindle depending from the frame so as to rotate with the spindle. The spindle head substantially covers the spindle and is sized such that a distal end thereof rests proximate to ground when the trimming apparatus is operational. A trimmer head is adjustably clamped about the spindle head so as to rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Garden Way Incorporated
    Inventors: Rolando Altamirano, James M. D'Aleo, Charles R. Elder, Mathieu J. Grumberg, Bruce Roberts
  • Patent number: 5842329
    Abstract: A lawn mower with a frame, a motor, a handle pivotably connected to the frame, a handle adjustment bracket and a fastener assembly. The bracket has a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end adjustably connected to the handle by the fastener assembly. The bracket has a slot and recessed seats along the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David J. Carter
  • Patent number: 5839262
    Abstract: A wheeled weed trimmer support system is provided including a pair of wheel assemblies each having a frame with at least two wheels rotatably mounted thereon. Next provided is a support assembly mounted between the wheel assemblies and further adapted to support a wheel trimmer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Richard S. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5836142
    Abstract: A multiple frame wheel attachment connectable to a handheld device, such as a gasoline powered weed trimmer. The wheel attachment has a pair of wheels attached to the ends of an axle and a pair of frame assemblies connecting the axle and wheels to the lawn trimmer. Both of the frame assemblies are mounted to the axle and to the shaft of the device. One of the frame assemblies is attached to the shaft near the operating unit of the device and the other frame assembly is attached to the shaft above the point where the first frame assembly is attached. The first and second frame assemblies support the shaft at two locations. The wheel attachment not only provides support during operation of the handheld device, but also functions as a stand so that when the device is not in use, it will remain in an upright position for storage, refueling service, and maintenance. The wheel attachment allows easy mobility of the operating unit over the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Eugene E. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5829236
    Abstract: A new grass trimmer wheeled carrier for supporting a grass trimmer with an grass cutting rotating head at the end of its elongate shaft portion. The inventive device includes a support frame having ground engaging wheels, a handle member coupled to the support frame to allow a user to maneuver the rotating head of a mowing device over the ground, and a pair of mounting members adapted for holding a mowing device are also coupled to the support frame. One of the mounting member is adapted for holding the rotating head of a mowing device in a fixed position in relation to the support frame. A trigger member is pivotally mounted on the handle member and is attached to the switch means of a grass trimmer to allow a user to engage the switch means to selectively rotate the rotating head of the mounted grass trimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Ballard, Sally L. Ballard
  • Patent number: 5826414
    Abstract: A cutting device is provided with a power unit and a cutting unit connected at a single pivot point. The cutting unit preferably includes a cutting deck with multiple cutting blades spaced from the point of pivot connection. The cutting unit is preferably mounted on a frame supported by swivel casters. The power unit containing an internal combustion engine or other power source is preferably mounted on drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Zeno Lenczuk
  • Patent number: 5822961
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for quickly adjusting a dual hydraulically powered, wheel-steered lawn mower to achieve straight line travel when steered to the straight ahead position. Right and left hydraulic pump controls interconnect the speed control of the mower to right and left hydraulic pumps which are fluidly connected to right and left hydraulic motors which drive right and left drive wheels on the mower. The left hydraulic pump control is length adjustable and is maintained in a set position by a pair of jam nuts. The right hydraulic pump control also includes a length adjustable rod, but the same is length adjustable through the use of an adjustment knob which may be quickly adjusted while the mower is moving. The output of the right hydraulic pump may be adjusted by means of the right hydraulic pump control so that the output of the right hydraulic pump may be varied with respect to the left hydraulic pump so that the mower will move ahead in a straight line manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: ExMark Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Garry W. Busboom
  • Patent number: 5819514
    Abstract: In a lawn and garden device having a fixed rear axle and a pivoting front wheel, the improvement of an interlock so as to prevent the pivoting of the front wheel in respect to the frame of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Usman Firdaus
  • Patent number: 5813202
    Abstract: A mechanism for absorbing impacts encountered by a mower deck coupled with a vehicle, including an arm operatively coupled with the vehicle, a longitudinally extending first tube member coupled with the arm and defining a generally linear axis which extends rearwardly and inwardly toward the vehicle, a second tube member operatively coupled with the mower deck, the first tube being slideably received within the second tube for allowing the second tube to shift linearly along the axis as the mower deck encounters frontal impact loads, a compression spring positioned within the tubes for biasing the second tube and mower deck forwardly with respect to the first tube, and the second tube member is allowed to pivot with respect to the first tube member for allowing the mower deck to pivot from side to side to follow undulating ground contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gerald Eugene Goman, Marlyn Lee Jerke
  • Patent number: 5809756
    Abstract: A powered lawn mower having a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, a set of front wheels and rear wheels connected to the frame, a drive for transmitting rotational power from the engine to the rear wheels, and grass cutting blades associated with the frame, and powered by the engine. A platform is positioned behind the rear wheels, and is capable of supporting an operator while the lawn mower is operating. The platform and the other parts are connected to the frame in such a way and positioned so that the addition of the operator in a stand-up or riding position moves the center of gravity by no more than twenty-five percent of the wheelbase of the mower. The rear wheel set may be positioned up or down but is not swingable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Dane T. Scag, Joseph E. Berrois
  • Patent number: 5771670
    Abstract: A two-wheeled lawn trimmer, controlled with a handle attached to a frame which receives a conventional gasoline or electric powered rotary lawn trimmer, and provides balanced maneuverability with low operator forces while providing complete trimming access and cutting height control. Additionally the trimmer provides the operator access to vary the rotary cutting head speed as well as the ability to stop the motor device with controls mounted on the handle grip assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Ben C. Perry
  • Patent number: 5765347
    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: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wright, James D. Velke