Catchers Patents (Class 56/202)
  • Patent number: 11771004
    Abstract: A mower includes a cutting deck supporting a cutting blade having a fixed blade sail and a door having a first position in which the door covers an opening through which grass clippings can pass, and a second position in which the door does not cover the opening. The mower also has a switch configured to send a mode signal indicating that the door is in the first position or the second position. The mower also has a controller configured to receive the mode signal and adjust the cutting blade to rotate at a first speed when the mode signal indicates that the door is in the first position, and a second speed when the mode signal indicates that the door is in the second position. The mower also includes an electric battery to power rotation of the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Chadwick Aaron Shaffer, Todd Allen Porter, John Orville Hurst, Ryan Mark Petersen
  • Patent number: 11197423
    Abstract: An article such as grass clippings collected by work equipment, such as a lawn mower, and stored in a container is allowed to be transported to an area for discarding such a collected article in an energy and work efficient way without imposing any undue burden on the operator. A collected article container device provided with a collected article container and capable of traveling autonomously is detachably connected to a work equipment main body that has a work unit such as a cutting blade device and is able to travel, the container device being configured to travel in a detached state to a collected article destination by itself. The work equipment main body is provided with a container lifting device that lifts the container device in a connected state to the work equipment main body so as to raise the front and rear wheels from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Runa Kaneko
  • Patent number: 11134622
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for cleaning artificial turf comprising a frame (1) supported on four wheels (2), an electric motor (5), a roller axle (8), a transmission for transmitting the rotation of the electric motor (5) to the roller axle (8) and at least one brush roller (9) on the roller shaft (8), such that the brush roller (9) comprises a plurality of bristles (10) distributed in one direction on one half of the brush roller (9) and in the opposite direction on the other half of the brush roller (9), and such that the wheels (2) are connected to a front axle (3) and to a rear axle (4) in pairs, the front axle (3) being a pivoting axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Comercial Carma, S.A.
    Inventor: Lisardo Carballal Camacho
  • Patent number: 11044846
    Abstract: A lawn mower and a cutter housing assembly can include a cutter housing, a first and second rotation arms, and first and second plates pivotably attached to the cutter housing. The first plate and second plate can be selectively rotatable between: (a) a discharge mode in which the plates are positioned a first distance from the front wall of the cutter housing to provide a first gap, and (b) a mulch mode in which the plates are positioned a second distance greater than the first distance from the front wall to provide a decreased gap. A first actuator and second actuator can be connected to the first and second rotation arms to cause rotation of the first and second rotation arms when actuated. Actuation of the first actuator and second actuator can cause the first plate and second plate to move between the discharge mode and the mulch mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teegan L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10959375
    Abstract: A catcher bag for ground tending machine such as a power lawn mower. The catcher bag is constructed of biodegradable perforated paper and replaces an O.E.M. fabric catcher bag. The disclosed catcher bag can mount on a variety of O.E.M. catcher bag frames of O.E.M. rear discharge lawn mowers, and greatly eases the effort of collecting and disposing of lawn clippings and leaf debris by eliminating labor-intensive, cumbersome, and often messy/dusty steps in transferring debris from a fabric catcher bag into a standard paper lawn refuse disposal bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Lee Howard, II, Chase Richard Howard
  • Patent number: 10687467
    Abstract: A grass mower includes a mower unit (8) provided on the traveling machine body (10), a grass container (4) provided on a rear portion of the traveling machine body (10) for storing cut grass from the mower unit (8), a rod lever unit (6) capable of undergoing displacement between a first operation position and a second operation position, and a swing mechanism (5) for swinging the grass container (4) between a cut grass storage position and a cut grass discharge position by utilizing operational displacement of the rod lever unit (6). The rod lever unit (6) includes a base rod (61) coupled to the swing mechanism (5), a grip rod (62) extending in a direction offset from an extending direction of the base rod (61), and a coupling portion (63) through which the base rod (61) and the grip rod (62) are coupled so as not to be capable of being rotated relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tada, Hironobu Nishihara, Taylor Clark, Fahmid Sharkar, Benjamin A. Morris
  • Patent number: 10334782
    Abstract: A grass collection chute fastener includes a lever that tensions a strap that engages the grass collection chute and mower deck. A hook attached to the strap is insertable into a hole adjacent a side discharge opening of a multi-blade mower deck to secure the grass collection chute over the side discharge opening by rotating the lever to an over center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & Company
    Inventor: Allen F. Swan
  • Patent number: 10292328
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame, a prime mover supported by the mower frame, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck to cut vegetation under the mower deck, and a bagger assembly releasably coupled to the mower frame. The bagger assembly includes a receptacle for collecting cut vegetation. The receptacle has a lid. The bagger assembly also includes a latch supported by the receptacle and operable to engage the mower frame. The latch is moveable between a first position, in which the latch is secured to the mower frame, and a second position, in which the latch is released from the mower frame. The bagger assembly further includes a cord positioned on the lid and coupled to the latch. The cord is operable to move the latch from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 10064334
    Abstract: A bag assembly for a utility machine includes a bag for collecting lawn debris and a frame supporting the bag. The frame defines a mouth configured to receive the lawn debris from the utility machine. The frame is expandable to vary a size of the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Anne Jarvey, Alex Huss, Paul Ferrier, Thomas E. Phillip
  • Patent number: 9807929
    Abstract: A mower deck side discharge chute mounting includes a wire form hinge having a first leg, a second leg that is collinear with the first leg, and an intermediate mounting portion attached directly to a multi-blade mower deck between the first leg and the second leg. A side discharge chute pivots on the wire form hinge and can be installed or removed from the wire form hinge only if the chute is in a raised position relative to the mower deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Ivan Jesus Lopez, Juan Luis Lara, Kyle T. Ressler
  • Patent number: 9699963
    Abstract: A mulch kit control lever with a detent plate attached to the top surface of a mower deck, and a vertically oriented pivot pin extending through the detent plate and through the mower deck and engaging a mulch gate. A pivoting handle connected to the pivot pin moves the mulch gate between a side discharge position and a mulching position. A detent pin on the handle abuts a first stop on the detent plate in the side discharge position and a second stop on the detent plate in the mulching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle T. Ressler, Derek M. Woody, Melissa Tolson
  • Patent number: 9648803
    Abstract: A foldable top cover for an agricultural mower that includes first and second generally planar cover portions connected by an intermediately positioned hinge that reduces the required overhead clearance necessary for opening the top cover. The hinge connection axis is offset in a first direction from the from plane of the cover portions and further includes hinge stops on the first and section portions that limit the hinge motion so that the first and second portions are maintained in a generally co-planar arrangement when in an operating position but may be folded in a direction opposite to the offset direction of the hinge connection thereby allowing the top cover to be compactly repositioned for service access to the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, Todd A. Becker
  • Patent number: 9622410
    Abstract: A material collection parking system having a hopper connected to a rear discharge chute from a mower deck on a lawn tractor. The system includes a pair of front and a pair of rear parking support legs, at least one of the pairs of legs being independently moveable between a stowed position along a side wall of the hopper and a deployed position supporting the hopper on a ground surface. The material collection system has a low dump configuration and a high dump configuration providing unobstructed sight lines and rear visibility for the operator during rear collection in the stowed position on the lawn tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: William J Holz, Christopher Krajnik, Patrick Shaver
  • Patent number: 9510510
    Abstract: A material collection system sensor includes a paddle pivotably mounted to a tunnel on a collection container floor. The forward end of the paddle is adjacent a front of the collection container and the rearward end is adjacent a rear of the collection container. A switch mounted to the tunnel under the paddle has an actuator extending above the tunnel that is actuatable by downward pivotal movement of the paddle. A sensitivity adjuster attached to the tunnel under the paddle has a sensitivity adjustment knob outside the collection container which compresses or relaxes a spring extending upwardly against the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: William J Holz, Patrick J Shaver, Christopher A Krajnik
  • Patent number: 9433148
    Abstract: A device comprises a collection bin and a stationary front plate pivotably coupled with the bin via a hinge mechanism. The bin is rotatable relative to the front plate between a first position, wherein the bin's front end is closed by the front plate, and a second position, wherein the front end is spaced from the front plate for releasing debris out of the bin. An actuator is operatively connected to the hinge mechanism, which includes a bar interconnected between the bin and front plate. The bar is attached to the front plate and the bin. Actuator actuation rotates the bar and the bin in an arcuate motion from the first to the second position, and retraction of the actuator returns the bar and bin to the first position. Rotation of the bin defines a center of rotation on the opposite side of the front plate from the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Scheffler, Randy Hilgart, Anthony S. Weber, Guillaume Labbe, Remi Poulin
  • Patent number: 9414539
    Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Clint N. Lahey, Lennie D. Rhoades, Nicholas B. Hansen, Matthew M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 9179602
    Abstract: A row unit (10) for a cornhead comprises a frame (12), a pair of stalk rolls (14) and a pair of stripper plates (16) forming a stripper gap (20). At least one of the stripper plates (16) is a shiftable stripper plate (16) that is shiftable in a horizontal direction transversely to the longitudinal extent of the stripper gap (20). A spring (32, 32?) has a central helical part (34) winding around a pin (40) connected to the shiftable stripper plate (16) and outer end parts (36) abutting a respective one of two members (44, 54) connected to the frame (12) on opposite sides of the pin (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L Vandeven, Nathan E Krehibiel
  • Patent number: 9137950
    Abstract: A bag loader apparatus for filling an elongated bag may comprise a base assembly, and a bag interface assembly for removably mounting a bag thereon and forming a tunnel with a rear opening for fluid communication with the bag. A primary auger assembly has an output opening in communication with the tunnel of the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, a bag mounting assembly may be configured to lift a bag onto the bag loader apparatus into a position for loading the bag by the apparatus. In some embodiments, a plurality of bag securing elements on the bag interface assembly may be configured to secure a portion of the bag to the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, an auxiliary auger assembly carried on the base assembly may be configured to feed material into the primary auger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Sioux Steel Company
    Inventors: Leroy B. Stumpe, Scott L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9107343
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting grass collection bags to a riding lawn mower includes a mounting assembly fixed to a riding lawn mower frame and a lid assembly for carrying removable grass clippings collection bags. The mounting assembly includes slotted brackets that are adapted to receive transverse base pins that are fixed to the lid assembly. An operator may hang the lid assembly by its transverse base pins on the mounting assembly slotted brackets in a hanging position and then rotate the lid assembly up into a raised, operating position. As the lid assembly is rotated to the raised, operating position, a releasable latch mechanism connected to the mounting assembly receives and captures the lid assembly latch pins. With this grass clippings collection unit, a single operator can install or remove the lid assembly, making it possible to rapidly reconfigure the mower for collecting clippings or for not collecting clippings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gaeddert, Steven P. Tieszen
  • Patent number: 9084393
    Abstract: An attachment for a lawn device with a debris discharge opening having a transfer tube that carries the lawn debris generally upward to an air permeable fill chute which directs the debris into the collector bag; the fill chute allowing the air carrying the debris to vent, yet sufficiently enclosed to contain lawn debris; and the fill chute being flexible, allowing the collector bag to overfill, so that the operator of the device does not have to stop as often to either empty the bag or to tamp down debris into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew M. Singleton
  • Patent number: 9066469
    Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes: a delivery passage for delivering cut grass from a housing to a receptacle; and a shutter mechanism provided on a lower portion of the delivery passage for switching the mower between a bagging mode in which cut grass is delivered from the housing to the receptacle and a mulching mode in which cut grass is discharged downward of the housing. The shutter mechanism includes a horizontal pivot shaft disposed on the lower portion of the delivery passage, and a shutter plate pivotable about the pivot shaft between a fully closed position where the shutter plate closes the delivery passage to place the mower in the mulching mode and a fully opened position where the shutter plate is laid down toward a discharge side of the delivery passage to place the mower in the bagging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kimura, Toshiro Uchida, Kohei Akazawa, Takahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9032701
    Abstract: A grass collection system may have an impeller with a through-shaft that mechanically couples power take off (PTO) energy to the mower deck. The PTO shaft may pass through the impeller and blower housing to power the mower deck, resulting in a compact mechanism. The PTO shaft may pass through a grass tunnel that connects between the blower housing and the mower deck, then may be connected to the mower deck to power the mower blades. The grass collection system may be deployed on a front mounted deck tractor that has front wheel drive. The front wheels may each have a hydrostatic pump and gearbox, and the PTO shaft may pass between or under the front wheel drive systems in connecting to the mower deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Walker Manufacturing
    Inventor: Dean M. Walker
  • Patent number: 9027317
    Abstract: A reel mower grass catcher carrier includes a bail having side rods under the left and right sides of a grass catcher, a front link having an inverted U-shape and having connected to the left and right side rods and a central portion extending forwardly in front of the grass catcher, and a hanger extending forwardly over the grass catcher and connected to the central portion of the front link. The grass catcher can be installed or removed from the side of the carrier while the bail, front link and hanger stay connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard D Thier, James E. Roach, Tracy T. Lanier, Michael J. Buchheit, Brent G. Rinholm, Daniel R. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9003753
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes: a cutting blade provided in a housing; a cut grass receptacle provided rearward of the housing; and a chute connecting between the housing and the cut grass receptacle, grass cut by the cutting blade being delivered, by cut grass delivering air, to the cut grass receptacle via the chute. The cut grass receptacle has a bottom plate detachably attachable thereto, and the cut grass receptacle is constructed to allow the bottom plate detached from the receptacle to be accommodated within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamamoto, Tomokazu Kimura, Kohei Akazawa
  • Publication number: 20150068182
    Abstract: A material collection system sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor mounted in a collection container above a discharge chute from a lawn and garden tractor mower deck. The ultrasonic sensor provides data to an electronic control unit representing the distance between a material pile in the collection container and the ultrasonic sensor. The electronic control unit filters out data that fails to meet certain pre-specified criteria and correlates the distance data to a fill level of the collection container. A fill level indicator such as a visual display is connected to the electronic control unit and displays information about any fill level of the collection container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. DECOSTER, JAMES W. MUSSER
  • Publication number: 20140373499
    Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Clint N. Lahey, Lennie D. Rhoades, Nicholas B. Hansen, Matthew M. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20140318096
    Abstract: Active collection disposable lawn and leaf bag is disclosed. Our invention makes disposing of grass and leaves a simple process of inserting a bag into a lawnmower bag and once the bag is full remove it (or removing the disposal bag from the connection device). Once removed you already have the grass and leaves for disposal in a bag for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Erik William Lukas, Kirk Lukas, John Lukas
  • Patent number: 8869499
    Abstract: A mowing machine includes a cutting unit, a conveying unit for conveying grass clippings away from the cutting unit, and a packing unit including a paper-rolling module and a paper-dispensing module. The paper-rolling module defines an accommodation space for collecting grass clippings from the conveying unit, and includes scrolling axles spaced apart from each other by a gap, and movable between an opened position, where the gap has a predetermined width for allowing passage of the grass clippings from the conveying unit through the gap into the accommodation space, and a closed position, where the scrolling axles rotate to pack the grass clippings with the paper dispensed from the paper-dispensing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tien-Chen Chen
    Inventors: Tien-Chen Chen, Wei-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 8857142
    Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Clint N. Lahey, Lennie D. Rhoades, Nicholas B. Hansen, Matthew M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8793891
    Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AG Growth International, Inc.
    Inventor: Imre Varro
  • Patent number: 8695315
    Abstract: A draper header has a transverse main frame supporting center, left side and right side belt conveyors and including a plurality of transversely spaced knife support members that extend forwardly beneath the belt conveyors from right and left lower rear main frame members and have forward ends on which a transversely extending knife is supported. Each belt conveyor includes a frame disposed within an endless belt and having a rear side hinged to a respective lower rear main frame member for pivoting upwardly between operating and belt-changing positions. Brackets are removably fixed across the length of the knife and have rear edges extending above front edges of the belts when the conveyors are in their operating positions. At least one height adjuster is mounted between the main frame and each conveyor frame for moving each conveyor to its belt-changing position once the associated brackets are removed from the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steve Coon, Benjamin Lovett, Shane Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140059998
    Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a rear discharge and a bagging attachment. The rear discharge may be disposed at a rear of the riding lawn care vehicle. The bagging attachment may be configured to attach to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle to receive debris discharged via the rear discharge. The bagging attachment may include an adjustable member that is accessible by an operator external to the bagging attachment to enable adjustment of a pivot point of the bagging attachment relative to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS N.A., INC.
    Inventor: Eric Canonge
  • Patent number: 8590100
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for cleaning objects, such as refrigeration coils and the like, by placing a first end of a bag over one side of the coils, and placing a second end of the bag over a suction hose of a vacuum. When the vacuum is activated and compressed air (or other gas or liquid) is blown into a second, opposite, side of the refrigeration coils, the dirt removed therefrom is directed toward the interior of the bag and into the vacuum and contained therein. Baffles within the bag direct the flow of dirt and debris toward the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Agorichas
  • Patent number: 8578691
    Abstract: A mower for cutting grass includes a platform with a motor located thereon. A door on the platform has a first position blocking a discharge and a second door position away from the discharge. A bag has an inlet that mates to a discharge. A support is connected to the platform and a door prop is movably mounted on the support. The door prop has a first position not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first position and having a second position in which a segment of the door prop engages with the door to retain the door in the second position. A handle extends up from the platform. An operable member is mounted on the handle. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force to move the door prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Lahey, Lennie Dorrian Rhoades, Nicholas Brian Hansen, Matthew Michael Lambert
  • Publication number: 20130283750
    Abstract: A vacuum pickup attachment for a riding lawn mower and method of using the attachment includes the vacuum pickup attachment being removably attached to the riding lawn mower for receiving lawn refuse. The vacuum pickup attachment has a first position where a mouth of the vacuum pickup attachment is disposed at a first elevated location that is out of the way of the free flow of material that is moving through an exit portal of a cutter deck away from rotating blades disposed under the cutter deck of the riding lawn mower. The vacuum pickup attachment has a second position where the mouth of the vacuum pickup attachment is disposed at a second elevated location that is in the path of the stream of material that is being ejected through the exit portal by the rotating blades disposed under the cutter deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Bernard Dominic Giannetti, IV
  • Patent number: 8429887
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting yard waste, and a collection apparatus for receiving the yard waste, are provided. A yard waste collection system for connection with a tractor, the system which optimizes air flow comprising a collection apparatus including a cage suspension frame, a plurality of collapsible portions, and at least a rigid bottom portion, the rigid bottom portion having a drop door that opens and closes relative to the cage suspension frame to allow access to an interior space of the collection apparatus; a cage suspension frame operably connected to the tractor, the collection apparatus being pivotably suspended from the cage suspension frame; and a conduit for allowing passage of yard waste ejected from the tractor to the interior space of the collection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Alan E. Sadler
  • Publication number: 20120260619
    Abstract: The invention relates to safety improvements for mowers incorporating a chipper, and/or catcher. In one aspect the invention provides safety improvements that only allow operation of the chipper when the mower is below a predetermined threshold ride height. In another aspect, the mower includes one or more side skirts to prevent body parts from entering the cutting zone under the mower. In a still further aspect, the mower has a rear flap including a sub-flap. The mower is arranged so that the sub flap remains closed when a catcher is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Agron Haraqia, David McKay, Gordon Boswell
  • Publication number: 20120198806
    Abstract: A lawn debris collection assembly comprising a bag and a plurality of eyelets disposed thereon. The bag comprises a front panel, a back panel, and two side panels for defining an interior portion of the bag. The bag further comprises a neck portion extending from an end portion of the bag. The neck portion is configured to removably secure to an exhaust portion of the garden tool to receive the lawn debris in the interior portion of the bag. Furthermore, the bag comprises a plurality of perforations configured on the front panel, the back panel and the two side panels of the bag for allowing air received from exhaust portion of the garden tool to escape from the bag while retaining the lawn debris in the interior portion of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: JERALD SHAY, LISA SHAY
  • Patent number: 8122695
    Abstract: A lawn mower is provided wherein mowed grass is discharged from a mower device into a grass collector, with turnover of a traveling body being prevented, with the grass in the grass collector deposited in a container. The lawn mower has a mower device mounted on a traveling body provided with right and left rear wheels, a grass collector for collecting the mowed grass, a discharge duct for discharging the mowed grass from the mower device to the grass collector, and a lift mechanism having right and left fixed masts for supporting the grass collector that is lifted up and down. The lift mechanism lifts the grass collector to discharge the mowed grass therein. The lift mechanism is disposed widthwise between the right and left grass collector sides. The discharge duct connects to the grass collector between the right and left fixed masts, and is disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Suhara
  • Patent number: 8109355
    Abstract: A hydraulically driven vehicle comprises: a first transaxle disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle, wherein the first transaxle incorporates a first hydraulic motor for driving a first axle; a second transaxle disposed at the other of the rear or front portion of the vehicle, wherein the second transaxle incorporates a second hydraulic motor for driving a second axle; a hydraulic pump for supplying fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors; a mower; a duct for transferring grass mowed by the mower, wherein the first transaxle is disposed above the duct; and a vertical power train interposed between the first axle and an axial center shaft of a wheel driven by the first axle, wherein the power train is disposed on a lateral outside of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Iwaki, Norihiro Ishii, Fumitoshi Ishino
  • Publication number: 20110302899
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a lawnmower, includes a cutting device and a chassis for carrying the cutting device. The chassis includes a chassis body, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel mounted on the chassis body. A handle is fixedly connected to the chassis and includes a handle body positioned above and behind the cutting device. The apparatus provides a stable support deck by having a body portion of the support deck extend rearwards and upwards from the front wheel to the handle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CHERVON (HK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Keith Park
  • Patent number: 8065866
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a base, a motor that drives a cutting assembly, and a catcher removably coupled to the base. Grass is cut by the blades of the cutting assembly, with the grass being propelled along a channel extending angularly beneath the base of the lawn mower. An exit channel portion delivers the cut grass to a rear opening that communicates with the catcher. A pivotally mounted flap opens and closes the exit channel portion to switch the lawn mower between a catching operational mode and a mulching operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Victa Lawncare Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Dominic Tamas, Patrick Anthony Doyle, Daniel Paul Seidel
  • Patent number: 8051635
    Abstract: A lawn mower for mowing lawn. There is: a lawn mower base, having a first transport hole; an external collection container, having a second transport hole and a first transport flap; and an internal collection container having a third transport hole and a first elongated ductile connection member. There is also a second elongated ductile connection member coupled to the internal collection container. The transport flap is removably coupled to the external collection container by zipping. The internal collection container comprises a plurality of slit portions. The external connection container comprises a plurality of connection hooks, and the internal collection container comprises a plurality of connection bands. The internal collection container comprises a plurality of ventilation holes opposite the third transport hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Donna Vineis
  • Patent number: 8033086
    Abstract: A lawn mower is provided with a lawn mowing mechanism, a grass collection box receiving grass mowed by the lawn mowing mechanism, a lift mechanism for lifting the grass collection box high, and a rear lid plate structured such as to openably close an opening in the rear surface of the grass collection box wherein an improvement is achieved in the stability of a support at a time of lifting up the grass collection box high in the case of discharging the mowed grass in the grass collection box in a state of lifting up the grass collection box high, and also achieves a downsizing and a weight saving. A bottom portion of the grass collection box is opened, the opened bottom portion being operably closed by a bottom lid plate, and the mowed grass is discharged from the grass collection box by an opening actuation of the bottom lid plate and the rear lid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fukumoto, Kazuma Moriguchi, Koji Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20110239613
    Abstract: A lawnmower comprises a chassis having wheels (front wheels, a rear wheel) and capable of moving at least in a predetermined forward direction; a motor provided on the chassis, having a rotor, a stator and an output shaft and positioned with the axial line of the output shaft substantially vertical; a rotary blade connected to the output shaft; a handle arranged separated from the chassis; and a connecting piece (retractable pipes) connecting the chassis and the handle. The rotor comprises coil disks that have a plurality of annular coils arranged in a circumferential direction about the output shaft as viewed from the direction of the axial line of the output shaft. The stator comprises a magnetic flux generation mechanism that generates magnetic flux passing through the coil disks in the direction of the axial line of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Masahiro Isono, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Ai Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8015785
    Abstract: A combination grass discharge and mulch plug insert apparatus and method are provided where the insert can include a first end configured for communication with a discharge opening of a lawnmower and a second end also configured for communication with the discharge opening. The first end can be configured for preventing discharge of grass clippings from the lawnmower, whereas the second end can be configured for allowing discharge of grass clippings through the second end. Further, the insert can be reversible such that it can be oriented in either a first position in which the first end is inserted into the discharge opening or a second position in which the second end is attached to the discharge opening. As a result, the lawnmower can be easily converted between mulching and side- or rear-discharge modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Walker, Christopher W. Vaughn, Vincent Andrew Prinzo
  • Patent number: 8006473
    Abstract: A mowed grass amount detecting apparatus for a grass collection container of a grass mowing includes a pivotal sensor plate (62) constituting a portion of a boundary wall for holding the mowed grass charged into the grass collection container. The pivotal sensor plate has a receiving face which receives the weight of mowed grass. The apparatus also includes a detecting unit (66) for detecting an amount of pivotal movement of the sensor plate (62) from a home position. The receiving face of the pivotal sensor plate (62) is configured so as to close a sensor opening portion formed downwardly of a mowed grass charging portion of the grass collection container communicated and connected with the conveying duct, so that the receiving face of the pivotal sensor plate receives the weight of mowed grass held within the grass collection container (32) through the sensor opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kuramoto, Nobuyuki Yamashita, Hironobu Nishihara
  • Publication number: 20110197560
    Abstract: A lawn mower is provided wherein mowed grass can be simply discharged from a mower device to the inside of a grass collector, turnover of a traveling body can be simply prevented, and the mowed grass in the grass collector can be simply discharged to a container etc. The lawn mower comprises a mower device mounted on a traveling body provided with right and left rear wheels, a grass collector for collecting the grass mowed by the mower device, a discharge duct for discharging the mowed grass from the mower device to an inside of the grass collector, and a lift mechanism having right and left fixed masts for supporting on the traveling body the grass collector to be lifted up and down. The grass collector is lifted by the lift mechanism to discharge the mowed grass in the grass collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Suhara
  • Publication number: 20110197559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grass-collection container for attachment to a lawn mower, wherein said grass-collection container comprises: (a) an open mounting portion, said open mounting portion configured to interface with a grass clipping discharge chute of the lawn mower, and to allow transport therethrough of the grass clippings discharged by the chute; and (b) a bag portion for receiving the grass clippings, said bag portion including discharging means configured to permit discharge of the grass clippings from the bag portion while the grass is being cut by said lawn mower. The present invention also relates to a lawn mower comprising the grass-collection container of the invention and to a new method of mowing grass using the grass-collection container of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus Gordon BIRCH
  • Patent number: 7992373
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism (60) is provided for detachably connecting A grass collecting unit (30) to a chassis (4), and the connecting mechanism (60) includes a connecting unit (40) at the grass collecting unit side provided in a support frame assembly (31), and a connecting unit (50) at the vehicle body side provided in the chassis (4). The support frame assembly is vertically movable by the driving unit with the grass container (32) being supported to the ground through a support (70), which selectively achieves a connecting operation performed by the connecting mechanism (60) for connecting the connecting unit (40) at the grass collecting unit side to the connecting unit (50) at the vehicle body side, and a releasing operation performed by the connecting mechanism (60) for releasing connection between the connecting unit (40) at the grass collecting unit side and the connecting unit (50) at the vehicle body side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogata, Yoshio Tomiyama