Belt Actuated Patents (Class 56/174)
  • Patent number: 6116349
    Abstract: A device for trimming the edge of a lawn device comprises a rotary cutter which, in use, rotates about an axis which is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground. The device further comprises a guide which is mounted to extend, in use, in a substantially vertical downward direction to a depth greater than or substantially equal to the depth to which the rotary cutter extends. The guide is preferably mounted to extend, in use, in a substantially vertical downward direction to a depth greater than or substantially equal to the depth to which the rotary cutter extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wilson
  • 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: 6052976
    Abstract: A grass trimmer with a trimmer shield that can be manually assembled to the housing without the use of tools is disclosed. The trimmer shield can also preferably be disassembled from the housing by a consumer to allow for replacement of the trimmer shield. One preferred trimmer shield includes at least one retaining member that prevents translational movement of the trimmer shield and at least one retaining member that prevents deflection of the trimmer shield in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Cellini, Jeffrey E. Zander
  • 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: 5987863
    Abstract: A multiblade lawn mower including a mower deck having a plurality of cutting blades rotatably disposed therein. A first flow control baffle is positioned in the mower deck between the cutting blades and the front wall of the mower deck and extends substantially continuously between the sides of the mower deck. A second flow control baffle is positioned in the mower deck rearwardly of the cutting blades. The first and second flow control baffles include a plurality of semi-circular baffle portions which define a plurality of open throat portions therebetween. A plurality of selectively removable mulcher baffles are positioned in the mower deck to close the throat portions, thereby defining a substantially cylindrical mulching chamber around each of the cutting blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Exmark Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Garry W. Busboom, John C. Crumrine
  • 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: 5865018
    Abstract: A tool for removing a lawn mower cutter blade from a shaft to which it is attached by a threaded member and disposed in a cutter deck having a skirt portion which surrounds the cutter blade and having different portions disposed at different distances from the ends of the cutter blade as the cutter blade rotates. The tool includes a sleeve portion having open opposite ends and adapted to be telescopically received over the end of the blade and a stop disposed intermediate the ends of the sleeve portion for engaging one end of the blade to limit the extent to which the tool can move inwardly toward the center of the blade so that a portion of the tool extends from the end of the blade toward the skirt portion, whereby when one end of the tool is received on a cutter blade and the blade is rotated, the other end of the tool jams against the inner surface of the skirt portion so that the threaded member can be threaded on or removed from the shaft without further rotation of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Scag Power Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd R. Wanie
  • Patent number: 5860272
    Abstract: A hole cover for covering and sealing the main pulley hole of a lawn and garden tractor mower belt housing. The cover includes a central hole adapted to receive the main pulley therein. A radial opening of the hole cover provides a passageway through which the main pulley may pass when the hole cover is placed around the main pulley. A fastener is used to secure the hole cover to the belt housing. The belt housing includes a bellows surrounding the central hole that provides better sealing and an adjustable central hole size making the hole cover universally acceptable to a wide variety of main pulley sizes. The radial opening defines facing sides of the hole cover that overlap one another to better provide sealing of the main pulley hole. An alternative interlocking mechanism attaches the facing sides to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald H. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5845475
    Abstract: A multiblade lawn mower including a mower deck having a plurality of cutting blades rotatably disposed therein. A first flow control baffle is positioned in the mower deck between the cutting blades and the front wall of the mower deck and extends substantially continuously between the sides of the mower deck. A second flow control baffle is positioned in the mower deck rearwardly of the cutting blades. The first and second flow control baffles include a plurality of semi-circular baffle portions which define a plurality of open throat portions therebetween. A plurality of selectively removable mulcher baffles are positioned in the mower deck to close the throat portions, thereby defining a substantially cylindrical mulching chamber around each of the cutting blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: ExMark Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Garry W. Busboom, John C. Crumrine
  • Patent number: 5845470
    Abstract: A deflector cup coupled with a mower blade spindle for preventing material from accumulating around the spindle during operation, the deflector cup including a bottom wall having an opening within which the spindle is positioned, and a side wall extending upwardly from a radially outer edge of the bottom wall. A plurality of slots formed in the bottom wall extend radially outwardly from the opening and define finger portions between adjacent slots. The finger portions extend from the opening to the radially outer edge of the bottom wall and are of a size and shape strong enough to prevent the finger portions from deforming when the spindle is positioned within the opening. The finger portions and slots cause the side wall to deform elastically when the spindle is inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Randy Edward Benway
  • Patent number: 5826417
    Abstract: The exit end of the discharge chute of a riding lawn mower having rotating grass-cutting blades is provided with a rotatable deflector plate, the position of which is controlled through a linkage by the operator of the lawn mower while seated and without stopping the lawn mower. The operator, through the linkage, can shift the deflector plate between an operative position closing the exit end of the discharge chute, an inoperative position opening the said exit end, and positions therebetween. The deflector plate is provided with apertures of size and spacing sufficient to prevent the passage therethrough of stones large enough to cause physical injury to persons or damage to property in the vicinity of the exit end, while permitting the passage therethrough of grass cuttings, small stones having no potential to cause such physical injury or property damage, and air forced through the discharge chute by action of the grass-cutting blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Magic Circle Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Leon Evans
  • Patent number: 5765346
    Abstract: A composite insert is provided for converting a rotary mower deck from side discharge to mulching usage. The insert can be detatchably mounted in the mower deck and provides a cutting chamber wherein grass can be cut, mulched and redistributed onto the ground beneath the mower deck. The insert forms with the mower housing a cutting chamber which includes a reduced cross-sectional area at the front portion that provides for confining and accelerating the movement of air and clippings there through to minimize build-up of clippings adjacent the chamber surfaces. At the rear portions of the chamber, a larger cross-sectional area is provided to permit the clippings to slow down and disperse, allowing the clippings to be distributed and/or redirected into the blade for mulching. It is preferred that the insert is adapted for use with a two-bladed mower deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dean William Benter, Gary David Hohnl
  • Patent number: 5751124
    Abstract: A safety guard for attachment to a pedestrian-operated or riding machine having rotatable blades utilizes at least one semi-rigid guard attached to the machine body and movable away from the ground when pushed upward by contact with an object while preventing lateral movement of objects under the machine. The moveable guard will act as a rigid barrier to an operator's foot or leg and reduce the possibility of the machine overrunning the operator's foot or leg, thereby minimizing injury from the rotatable blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Harold Josephs
  • Patent number: 5743074
    Abstract: A lawn mower deck protecting device including a lawn mower deck mounting portion comprised of a right side brace and a left side brace secured to the deck of the lawn mower. A stress bar couples with a handle of the lawn mower and the right side brace of the lawn mower deck mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Ernest Edward Swayney, Norman Frank Jones, Christopher Joseph Parker
  • Patent number: 5491963
    Abstract: A garden cleaning implement (10) for weeds and the like comprising a cutting mechanism (14) and a retractable guard mechanism (28), generally free to "float" up and down about the cutter mechanism, carried on, for example, an extended pole handle (22). The cutting mechanism includes--an associated rotational power source (16/116); an intermediate, rotatable shaft (18) connected thereto; and a rotatable, rectangular blade, cutting member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Orlando Jerez
  • Patent number: 5490371
    Abstract: An edger head for a portable edger. The edger head has a housing, a cutting element, first structure for mounting the cutting element to the housing for movement relative to the housing in a predetermined path, a debris guard, and second structure for mounting the debris guard in an operative position on the housing. The debris guard has first and second flaps, with the first flap being repositionable relative to the second flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Echo Incorporated
    Inventor: Frank R. Potucek, III
  • Patent number: 5461848
    Abstract: A guard for covering a wheel pulley of a powered sickle-bar mower. The inventive device includes a semi-circular panel positionable over the wheel pulley of the mower. A pair of lateral panels extend from opposed ends of the semi-circular panel and cooperate with a pair of mounting projections to secure the semi-circular panel to a pulley housing of the mower. The device cooperates with a cover plate of the mower to fully enclose the wheel pulley to preclude an entrance of debris into the pulley housing which could jam the wheel pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Leonard Anthony
  • Patent number: 5447021
    Abstract: A trail shield for a lawn mower is disclosed having a snap on head section with the body extending symmetrically off the center line thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Plamper, Daniel Martens
  • Patent number: 5410866
    Abstract: A rotary mulching lawn mower is provided having an annular housing forming a toroidal internal cutting chamber in which is oriented a blade having a central axis for rotation. The blade has a series of blade portions extending radially outward from the central axis each having an end portion extending into the toroidal internal cutting chamber. The blade end portion directs cut grass upward into the cutting chamber. Each blade has an intermediate portion located between the central axis and the end portion having a substantially flat surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The intermediate portion is provided with a radially extending rib located intermediate the leading and trailing edge portions of the blade having a slope 12 projecting downwardly out of the plane for directing cut grass into the lawn upon rotation of the blade. The lawn mower of the preferred embodiment is driven by a battery powered electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Ryobi Motor Products Corp.
    Inventor: Charles K. Long
  • Patent number: 5408814
    Abstract: A work head (20) has a main housing (28) pivotably mountable on a boom (14) of a brush cutting machine. A cutter wheel (64) is rotatably mounted on the housing (28) to rotate about a vertical axis (X). A shroud (38) is pivotably mounted on the housing (28) to pivot about the same axis (X). The shroud (38) substantially surrounds the cutter wheel (64). The inner race (76) of an annular bearing (74) is secured to a bottom wall (36) of the housing (28). The outer race (80) of the bearing (74) is secured to the top wall (40) of the shroud (38). A hydraulic motor (88) mounted on the housing (28) carries a pinion gear (92) that engages teeth (84) on the outer race (80) to pivot the shroud (38). A fixed gripper jaw (46) depends downwardly from the housing (28) adjacent to the shroud (38). An upper jaw (50) is pivotably mounted on the housing (28) to cooperate with the fixed jaw (46) to grip cut brush and other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: David E. Milbourn
  • Patent number: 5355666
    Abstract: A mulching rotary lawn mower that cuts and returns grass clippings to a lawn wherein the proportion of grass clippings that are finely cut by the rotating cutter blade can be selectively increased or decreased by provision of a collection chamber at the rear of the housing containing the rotating cutter blade, the collection chamber having a mulcher plate with a plurality of openings which can be pivoted from a substantially vertical position wherein the plate is tangential to the circle described by the cutting tips of the blade or moved rearwardly about a 45.degree. angle, thus effectively enlarging the collection chamber while closing the openings therein, so that a greater proportion of the grass clippings cut by the blade are received in the collection chamber, but which clippings, on the average, have been cut a lesser number of times and therefore are coarser than when the plate is in the vertical position. The position of the mulching plate is controlled by a handle readily available to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Yazoo Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Orville R. McDonner, James C. Welch, Troy Berry, John C. Sharp, Ricky J. Wynn
  • Patent number: 5331794
    Abstract: A mower shield is provided for rear engine driven riding lawn mowers which shield includes a top panel having a rear portion, a central portion, and a front portion, and is positionable to overhang the leading edge of the deck by connection to at least one supporting element. More specifically, the supporting element suspends a section of the top panel over the deck such that its rear portion generally extends across the deck substantially in contact therewith, while a section of the top panel and the front portion are suspended beyond the leading edge of the deck. The air currents established by this mower shield cause such grass clippings as are expelled forwardly from beneath the deck to enter the chamber defined by the mower shield and be redirected downwardly, away from the operator. Flexible rear and front portions of the top panel permit clearing of debris, while transparent central and front portions of the top panel permit inspection and increase visibility of the cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Andrew L. Reichle
  • Patent number: 5305589
    Abstract: A mulching deck particularly designed to handle tall, thick grasses and weeds (dry or wet), and a kit for converting an existing mowing deck into such a mulching deck. The deck features the combination of a closed discharge chute in a multi-bladed rotary mower having a plurality of stationary cutting blades positioned within the rotary blade housing. Deflectors may be provided in the housing for helping to redirect the clippings back into the path of the rotary and stationary blades for further comminution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignees: C. Robert Christy, Felipe Rodriguez
    Inventors: Carlos Rodriguez, C. Robert Christy, Felipe Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5299414
    Abstract: A rotary mulching lawn mower is provided having an annular housing forming a toroidal internal cutting chamber in which is oriented a blade having a central axis for rotation. The blade has a series of blade portions extending radially outward from the central axis each having an end portion extending into the toroidal internal cutting chamber. The blade end portion directs cut grass upward into the cutting chamber. Each blade has an intermediate portion located between the central axis and the end portion having a substantially flat surface lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The intermediate portion is provided with a radially extending rib located intermediate the leading and trailing edge portions of the blade having a slope projecting downwardly out of the plane for directing cut grass into the lawn upon rotation of the blade. The lawn mower of the preferred embodiment is driven by a battery powered electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Ryobi Motor Products Corp.
    Inventor: Charles K. Long
  • Patent number: 5284007
    Abstract: A mulching and shredding attachment for use on lawn mowers or lawn vacuums held in place by a bracket which uses a lever (44) and a clevis pin (54) so that the mulcher can easily be removed or lifted up while remaining attached to said lawn equipment. The mulcher is made of rigid material and shaped into a chute (10) and uses a bottom plate (24) and an adjustable deflector (20) which allows lawn debris to be directed into the lawn. Inside the mulcher chute (10) is a cutter grid with sharpened blades (16) positioned parallel with the natural travel of exiting lawn debris as it passes through the mulcher chute (10). The cutter grid is fastened by a rod (34) which permits up and down movement of said cutter grid. This movement is limited by means of a lever (32) attached to the upper end of the cutter grid as it comes in contact with the upper inside surface of the mulcher chute (10). The horizonal position of the sharpened blades (30) allows a variety of materials, including leaves, pine needles, twigs, ect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventors: William R. Poe, Kirk Sawall
  • Patent number: 5274988
    Abstract: A lawn mower cover is provided which is simple in design and inexpensive but which effectively protects the lawn mower from the elements. The cover is tub-like, lower edges of the cover resting on the lawn mower deck and an upper portion of the cover being provided with a fastening cord fixture portion for attaching an elastic cord, opposite ends of the cord being fastened to the underside of the lawn mower deck. A slot is provided on the cover to accommodate the motor crank rope and controls. The lawn mower cover is preferably formed from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, and is therefore lightweight and inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: David Bruce
  • Patent number: 5271156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter guard (13, 14) in clearing assemblies (1) provided with a cutter (3) mounted on a shaft (6) and rotatable by means of a motor (11), said shaft (6) being carried in a body (8), the guard comprising a hub section (13) provided in association with the cutter (3) and essentially coaxial with the shaft (6), the hub section (13) having a diameter which is less than the diameter of the rotatable cutter (3) and carrying a plurality of fixed arms (14) which extend outwards beyond the periphery of the cutter (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: FMG Timberjack AB
    Inventors: Bror Hult, Lennart Linder
  • Patent number: 5269125
    Abstract: A trimming mower includes a mower deck having a first side and second side, with second side wheels recessed within the second side and the mower deck. The first side includes an exhaust chute, wherein the second side includes an auxiliary housing hingedly mounted to the mower deck to permit projection of the rotary blade from the mower deck to effect a trimming operation relative to a lawn being mowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Donald G. Langley, Sr., Kevin L. Langley
  • Patent number: 5263303
    Abstract: A powered lawn edging or trimming tool is provided with at least one flexible filament cutting line, rather than the usual rigid metal blade. The use of a filament type cutting element precludes many of the disadvantages of such tools using rigid blades, such as the need to sharpen blades regularly and the relative hazard of such rapidly rotating rigid blades. The flexible elements also reduce the number and size of foreign objects (gravel, etc.) thrown about by the tool in operation. A method of modifying a standard grass trimmer having a horizontally disposed cutting head to form the tool of the present invention, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Dudley R. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5197265
    Abstract: A power lawn mower of a mulching type with no opening for releasing mowed pieces sidewardly and having a housing with a short peripheral side wall with an inwardly protruding at a rear substantially half portion of a lower edge of the peripheral wall in the direction of forward movement of the lawn mower. The protruding portion temporarily retains mowed lawn pieces, or cuttings within the housing for chopping by a cutter rotatable in the housing. Chopped lawn pieces or cuttings are dropped through a lawn drop opening defined by the peripheral wall and deposited between blades of the cut lawn grass. The moved pieces are chopped to a moderate extent and dropped through the blades of the cut lawn grass to promote growth of the lawn grass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenjiro Hiratsuna, Masatoshi Harumatsu, Kazuhiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5181372
    Abstract: A support for mounting an implement engine onto an implement and supporting the engine crakshaft which has an extending end. The support is attached to the engine base and presents a rotation support for the engine shaft and presents an additional rotation support for the implement tool. The support serves the dual purpose of resisting shaft bending and providing a simplified attachment for the engine on the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Hayek
  • Patent number: 5181371
    Abstract: An improved flexible joint assembly is disclosed for use in connecting partition members for use in lawn mower drag shields. One of the members includes a receiving groove made of a rigid and heat bondable material. The other partition member includes a resiliently flexible portion which protrudes from a marginal edge thereof. The protruding portion is placed in interfitting heat bonded engagement with the rigid receiving groove so that the latter interfaces and encompassing a substantial area of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company
    Inventor: Sam DeWorth
  • Patent number: 5179823
    Abstract: A motor-powered mulching mower and edger apparatus (20) with dual rotary mower blades (33,35), a mower deck (21) and a side-mounted edger attachment (75) adapted by a clutch mechanism (110,111) for simultaneous operation therewith. An adjustable mulching control valve (60) mounted at the inlet of a discharge chute (39) from the deck (21) allows variation of the proportions of mulching to clippings bagging in the range of zero to one hundred percent during mower operation. The dual rotary blades (33,35) are mounted in vertically spaced relation and select leading-angle trailing-angle relationship and are cooperable with an internal deck-mounted air stream deflector (68) for deflecting multiple cuttings of grass clippings in an inwardly directed spiral path such that after the initial cutting, each of the clippings is disposed to at least two more cuttings to produce a finer mulch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Sang H. Pace
  • Patent number: 5174101
    Abstract: A cover for use on the outer surface of a skid plate of a combine grain head comprises a plurality of side-by-side cover panels, each cover panel corresponding to a specific skid plate panel of the skid plate. The inner surface of each cover panel is configured to matingly engage the outer surface of its corresponding skid plate panel, while the outer surface of each cover panel is substantially parallel to its inner surface and has formed therein a first living hinge adjacent and parallel to the leading edge of the cover panel and a second living hinge adjacent and parallel to the trailing edge of the cover panel. The living hinges permit the angles of the leading and trailing edges to be adjusted to accommodate tolerances in the manufacture of the skid plate panels and to accommodate deformations which occur in the cover panels due to the passage of time and variations in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Thermon D. Rabitsch
  • Patent number: 5165485
    Abstract: An edger having a main frame, at least one front wheel fastened in the front portion of the main frame, two rear wheels fastened in the rear portion of the main frame, a rotary blade disposed in the front portion of either side of the main frame and capable of conducting edging, an engine mounted on the main frame and a driving device for operating the rotary blade with the engine, the edger comprising: a resin cover fastened to a circular flange on the rotary-blade supporting shaft for covering a portion of the rotary blade. A structure for fitting the rotary blade cover includes a thin metal plate having an outer diameter larger than the flange, and fastening members for clamping the inner portion of the cover between the flange and the thin metal plate. Bolt assemblies are provided for fastening the thin metal plate and the cover together at a position outside the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuzo Fujikawa, Makizo Hirata, Shigeharu Ohama, Michio Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5144748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blade-protecting device (13, 14) for cleaning units (1) being provided with a rotary cutter or blade (3) which is supported on a shaft (6) and which can be rotated by means of a motor (11). The shaft (6) is mounted in a body (8). The blade-protecting device (13, 14) comprises a hub part (13) having a diameter being smaller than the diameter or the largest dimension of the rotatable blade (3). This hub part (13) is arranged substantially coaxially with the shaft (6) adjacent the blade (3) and is freely rotatable relatively to the body (8). A number of fixed, substantially radially oriented arms (14) are rigidly attached to the hub part and extend past the periphery of the blade or of the circle described by the rotating blade, said arms (14) preferably being arranged in locations spaced equiangularly around the hub part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: FMG Timberjack AB
    Inventor: Bror Hult
  • Patent number: 5133176
    Abstract: A multi-bladed mulching mower comprises a cutting deck beneath which a plurality of cutting blades are carried. The cutting blades are shrouded so that each cutting blade is confined within a generally circular cutting chamber. Kicker members are located in each of the cutting chambers to help deflect cut grass particles downwardly into the uncut grass. Thus, a mower is provided suited for mowing relatively large areas which is also capable of dispensing the cut grass clippings into the cut grass path to serve as mulch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: James R. Baumann, Richard A. Thorud, Raymond H. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5133175
    Abstract: A safety device for mowing equipment is disclosed which, when used in combination with a mower housing that controls the random direction of propelled objects, will further control the direction and distance over which the objects are propelled, while not restricting the efficient discharge of grass clippings from the mower housing. More specifically, the invention provides a safety device that is adjustable, without presenting an inconvenience or hazard to the equipment operator, in the degree to which it will restrict the direction and distance of propelled objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: James A. Dumbrell
  • Patent number: 5101617
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a protective flap assembly to the deck housing of a lawn and garden device is disclosed. The deck housing includes a horizontal support member having an open end and a closed end at opposite lateral edges thereof. The properties flap assembly has an upper socket portion adapted to surroundingly capture the support member upon inward sliding insertion onto the open end thereof. A lower portion of the protective flap assembly extends downwardly toward the ground. The support member is adapted to inhibit removal of the flap assembly following installation on the deck housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Hare, Kristoffer A. Hess, Ronald A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5048279
    Abstract: A leaf mulcher is an attachment to a rotary blade power lawnmower. The mulcher has a screen surrounded by a frame with a flange extending from the frame to provide attachment means to the lawnmower. The mulcher is mounted so that the screen transverses a grass outlet on the lawnmower while leaving a space between the outlet and the screen to allow some of the cuttings to escape from the outlet without passing through the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventors: George W. Badawey, Theodore M. deRuiter
  • Patent number: 5022420
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing over head shade protection to an operator of a lawn mower is set forth to include a plurality of spaced U-shaped mounds for securement to handles of an associated lawnmower wherein the mounds telescopingly are associated with support rods, the support rods pivotally mount at each respective end thereof first canopy rods wherein the first canopy rods movably receive U-shaped canopy sliders wherein the organization is formable into a conveniently stored organization and easily errected and secured to the associated lawn mower. Further, the invention includes a storage container secured to the canopy wherein the storage container provides a tethered pair of ear protective devices for use in association with a lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Walter L. Brim
  • Patent number: 5003757
    Abstract: A close-trim discharge deflector for a lawn mower is disclosed. The deflector is pivotable both horizontally and vertically at its leading edge using a T-shaped swivel. The shaft of the T provides one hinge pin and the cross piece incorporates the other. A single spring attached between the mower deck and the deflector biases the deflector in a horizontal and extended position. During mowing, objects that contact the deflector either swing it back or up out of the way. Also, the deflector may be swung up out of the way of a bagger attachment. In addition, the deflector may be latched back to take up less storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Amos G. Hill
  • Patent number: 4996832
    Abstract: A rotary mower is provided with a side guard preferably along the left side of the housing and extending fore-and-aft to the outboard sides of the left-hand front and rear wheels at about axle height for the purpose of protecting the mower against obstacles at that side. The guard is extended in J fashion at its front and rear ends to extend around the front of the front wheel and in back of the rear wheel and each J portion has a short leg for affixation to existing parts of the mower, such as the housing, front and rear axles and the like. The guard is adjustable fore-and-aft to compensate for differences in spacing of the front and rear axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Leslie W. McKeever
  • Patent number: 4930298
    Abstract: A plastic cover for a rotary deck. A preferred cover (54a) is connected to a wing deck (28a) by magnetic latches and mechanical securing means. The magnetic latches preferably include magnets (69) connected to the deck and magnetic plates (66) fixed to the underside of the deck cover (54a). The mechanical securing means preferably includes a pair of pins (70) extending upwardly from the deck proximate magnets (69), wherein the deck cover (54a) forms a pair of apertures (72) for receiving pins (70). Pins (70) and apertures (72) prevent horizontal or shearing motion of deck cover (54a) relative to deck (28a), whereas the magnetic latches prevent vertical movement of cover (54a) relative to deck (28a). Hooks (64) or a flange (73) can be used to secure one of the edges of cover (54a), as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Michael N. Zenner
  • Patent number: 4916813
    Abstract: In a scrub-clearing tool of the type comprising a tube, a blade supported for rotation at one end of the tube, a motor for driving the blade and transmission shaft for connecting the drive motor to the blade, a disc is provided for protecting the blade and is mounted for rotation on the shaft of the blade with the interposition of a bearing. The protective disc has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the blade and has a plurality of recesses around its periphery, the inner edges whereof are spaced from the center of the disc by a distance less than the radius of the outer circumference of the blade. The protective disc is normally rotated together with the blade. It stops when it comes into contact with the ground or with some obstacle, while the blade can continue to rotate by virtue of the presence of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
    Inventor: Pietro Elia
  • Patent number: 4903465
    Abstract: A mower has features that allow it to mow directly over a flexible marker shaft without damage to the shaft. The mower has front and rear rollers mounted directly in front and behind each blade. These rollers engage the ground in rolling contact and support the housing. The rollers are spaced together a distance less than the height of the marker. The front roller contacts the marker and causes it to bend over. Before the front roller leaves the marker, the rear roller will be in contact with the marker to keep it in a prone position until the mower passes from the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes
  • Patent number: 4897988
    Abstract: A material deflector is provided for a lawn mower. The deflector is swingably carried by the mower housing and need not be removed when a bagger attachment is used. The deflector is shiftable between a first position above and biased against the mower grass bagger and a second position in registry with the mower discharge outlet. When the deflector is in registry with the rear discharge outlet, it deflects the cut material to the side of the mower. The deflector includes two adjoining material deflector surfaces, the first surface sloping downwardly and to the side and the second surface sloping rearwardly and to the side. The two surfaces meet to form a generally right angle or L-shape material deflector rather than a traditional tubular channel for conveying of the cut material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Schweitz, Dean W. Benter
  • Patent number: 4864808
    Abstract: A lawn mower attachment that allows the lawn mower to pulverize the lawn clippings into a mulch. The mulching attachment mounts over the opening to the discharge chute (90). It consists of equally spaced rods (30) that form a grid. This grid permits air to escape while filtering the mulched material. Each rod (30) is suspended such that it is free to rotate about its longitudinal axis, move vertically in response to the terrain, and pivot about the suspended end. The pivot motion is constrained in angular displacement so as not to decrease the mulching capability. The vertical, rotating, and pivoting motion of the rods act to cleanse the grid and return the residue for further trituration. Limiting the grid rod motion insures grid integrity thus insuring that only properly prepared residue escapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: John H. Weber
  • Patent number: 4802327
    Abstract: A mower attachment for use on farm and highway equipment such as tractors. A cutting head assembly is mounted on an extensible boom supported from the tractor. The cutting head assembly can be moved in three dimensions without changing the position of the tractor. The cutting head assembly has a guard for the cutting chain and has a window therein. A door can open and close the window. It is especially useful for cutting brush along fence rows. It can be useful for cutting and trimming trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: Charles A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4761901
    Abstract: A safety guard device for a power tool discharge chute which includes a shaft attached to the chute and extending across the opening of the chute. There are a plurality of elongate spaced-apart blade elements mounted to the shaft for pivoting within the chute and one or more springs or other resilient elements are provided for biasing the blade elements into a closed condition within the chute to prevent operator access through the opening of the chute and permitting the blades to pivot into an open condition so that bulky material may be discharged through the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Henry Szafarz