With Discharge Opening Patents (Class 56/320.2)
  • Patent number: 11910746
    Abstract: Assemblies allowing a repositionable discharge deflector to be added to a mower with a discharge chute are described. These assemblies include a base, a swing bracket, a discharge deflector, a motor, and a switch. The base is attached to the mower, and the motor is attached to the base and includes a rotating output shaft. The swing bracket is rotationally attached to the base and is rotationally coupled to the rotating output shaft of the motor. The discharge deflector is attached to the swing bracket and positionable via rotation of the rotating output shaft so as to at least partially block the discharge chute of the mower. The switch is in electrical communication with the motor and is able to cause the motor to rotate the rotating output shaft. The assemblies allow a user to modify the trajectory of mown material discharged from the discharge chute of the mower with a push of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Jeremiah J. Richards
  • Patent number: 11805727
    Abstract: A device for controlling the discharge of clippings from a chute in a mowing deck of a rotary lawn mower includes a mounting bracket secured to the rotary lawn mower a distance from the mower deck and a flap pivotally attached to the mower deck. The device includes a connecting member having a first end fixedly secured to the flap and a second end supported by the mounting bracket wherein the connecting member is sufficiently flexible to be formed into a selected configuration and sufficiently rigid to retain the selected configuration during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Engelen
  • Patent number: 11716932
    Abstract: A mower may have a frame, a cutting deck coupled to the frame, a side discharge opening on a lateral side of the cutting deck, a discharge chute coupled to the lateral side of the cutting deck, a mounting frame coupled proximate the discharge opening, the discharge chute movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A distal end of the discharge chute is spaced away from the side discharge opening in the extended position. The distal end of the discharge chute being positioned such that the top edge of the discharge chute is substantially parallel (e.g., +/?10 degrees) to the mounting frame in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gaeddert, Michael L. Webb
  • Patent number: 11553646
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a cutter blade that cuts grass, a body portion including a housing containing the cutter blade, and a grass clippings discharge passage that discharges grass clippings cut by the cutler blade from the housing, a grass clippings container that contain grass clippings, and an opening degree adjust valve. The grass clippings discharge passage includes an upstream opening connected to the housing, and a downstream opening for ejecting grass clippings to outside of the body portion. The opening degree adjust valve is provided at the downstream opening of the grass clippings discharge passage and adjusts an opening degree of the downstream opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Uchimi, Nobuo Yamazaki, Hajime Yoshimura, Kenta Kohigashi, Ryota Hisada
  • Patent number: 11234365
    Abstract: A mower deck includes a top deck, a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall and a first side wall. The first side wall extends between the front and rear walls. A front baffle assembly extends downwardly from the top deck. The front baffle assembly extends from the first side wall toward a discharge opening that is positioned between the front and rear walls at a discharge side of the top deck. The front baffle assembly is configured to urge cut grass and debris toward the discharge opening. A discharge baffle is positioned proximate a rear end of the discharge opening and extends downwardly from the top deck. The discharge baffle and the rear wall define a discharge gap. The discharge gap is positioned on an opposite side of the discharge baffle from the discharge opening. The discharge gap is configured to allow airflow into the mower deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Randy Hilgart, Mark J. Wegner, Jeff Zur, Anthony S. Weber
  • Patent number: 11089726
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mulch plug configured to attach to a lawnmower by one or more attachment points, including a snap-fit attachment point. The snap-fit provides a more secure attachment to the lawnmower than attachment mechanisms on existing mulch plugs, in turn providing more even distribution of mulch and less clogging and locking of mower wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher D Meeks, Steven J. Busjahn
  • Patent number: 10897845
    Abstract: Various types of lawnmowers are disclosed that include a cutter housing having a chamber wall and a discharge opening therein. A mulch gate can be provided with an interior scroll-shaped face and can be pivotably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between an opened gate position and a closed position. In the opened position, the mulch gate is positioned such that the discharge opening is opened to an exterior of the lawnmower to allow clippings to pass therethrough and out of the lawnmower. In the closed position the mulch gate closes the discharge opening to provide a mulch mode in which clippings remain in the cutter housing for added cutting by the lawnmower blade. When the mulch gate is in the closed gate position, the interior scroll-shaped face of the mulch gate can be substantially continuous with a wall interior surface of the chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher Todd Walker, Robert A. Recher, Shivang Desai, Teegan L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10368485
    Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey M. Weems, Edward R. Wright
  • Patent number: 10227029
    Abstract: A container holder attached to a utility vehicle and including a support member; an upper holding member attached to the support member and holding a side surface of a container; and a lower holding member attached to the support member and supporting a lower surface of a container; wherein the upper holding member is rotatable with respect to the support member between a first holding position of holding a container and a first accommodated position of holding no container, the lower holding member is rotatable with respect to the support member between a second holding position of holding a container and a second accommodated position of holding no container, the upper holding member located at the first accommodated position holds the lower holding member located at the second accommodated position, and the support member includes a fixing portion configured to fix the upper holding member at the first accommodated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maeda, Itsuo Takegami
  • Patent number: 9750179
    Abstract: A convertible mower deck has a plurality of cutting chambers with a rotary cutting blade in each chamber and a side discharge opening from one of the cutting chambers, pivoting gates between the adjacent cutting chambers, and a pivoting side discharge door between a cutting chamber and the side discharge opening. Each of the gates and side discharge door are movable between a discharge or collection position and a mulching position. A mulch on demand actuator includes a switch in an operator station that causes a pivot control plate on a shaft to rotate and move linkages between the gates and door between the discharge or collection position and mulching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas D. Korthals, Steven L. Dudzinski
  • Patent number: 9226448
    Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower including at least one cutting blade and at least first and second rear drive wheels. Hydro pumps are provided for controlling the drive wheels. Optionally, a grass collection system may be mounted on the mower, with much of the system being located laterally rearward of the rear drive wheels so that the center of gravity of the mower is shifted rearwardly. In order to compensate for such a center of gravity shift, the respective positions of the rear drive wheels are adjustable. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lateral position of the rear drive wheels may be selectively adjusted as desired by the operator (e.g., to move the center of gravity of the mower forward relative to the rear drive wheels in order to compensate for the added rear-heavy weight of the grass collection system).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Wright Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Wright, Luke B. Waesche, William R. Wright
  • Publication number: 20150143790
    Abstract: A mulching device for attachment to a lawnmower includes a cutting assembly separate from the mower blades, wherein the grass clippings are finely cut and then dispersed onto the ground surface. In one embodiment, the cutting assembly includes an auger that compresses the grass clippings prior to cutting them. The mulching device may also include a separation chamber for separating the grass clippings from the forced air exiting the mower deck, so that the grass clippings may be cut in an environment separate from the forced air. In another embodiment, the mulching device includes a dispersion assembly for spreading the cut grass clippings onto a ground surface. The dispersion assembly may include a chute extending from the forced air outlet to a position adjacent the cutting assembly, wherein the forced air exiting the separation chamber is directed onto the cut grass clippings to disperse the cut grass clippings onto the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Howard Nyboer
  • Patent number: 8950167
    Abstract: Riding lawn mower switchable between mulching and bagging modes includes: a delivery passage for delivering grass, cut by cutting blades in a housing, from the housing to a receptacle by delivering air; and a scroll guide provided in an entrance of the passage for directing the grass clippings to the passage. An overall shape of the scroll guide as viewed in top plan is a substantial isosceles triangle extending into the housing while tapering forward from a scroll guide's base section located in the entrance and as viewed in side elevation is a substantial triangle tapering forward from the base section. Left and right side surfaces of the scroll guide each comprises lower and upper slanting surfaces formed as different slants, each of which gradually increases in area from the distal end of the scroll guide toward the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Moroi, Makoto Uchimi
  • Publication number: 20150013298
    Abstract: A mower deck includes at least one cutting chamber with a spindle-mounted rotary cutting blade. The cutting chamber includes an upper wall and an outer extent bounded at least partially by a side wall. The side wall presents a discharge opening. A cut-off baffle extends between the spindle and the outer extent of the cutting chamber. The cut-off baffle adjusts between an open position in which the discharge opening is at least partially unobstructed and a closed position in which more of the discharge opening is obstructed. A spreader plate lies over the upper corner of the cutting chamber near the discharge opening. The spreader plate adjusts between a first retracted position spaced away from the discharge opening and a second extended position closer to the discharge opening. The cut-off baffle and the spreader plate may be adjusted to control the discharge of grass clippings from the cutting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas James Gaeddert, Derek Jordan Christophel
  • 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: 20140331634
    Abstract: A convertible mower deck has a plurality of cutting chambers with a rotary cutting blade in each chamber and a side discharge opening from one of the cutting chambers, pivoting gates between the adjacent cutting chambers, and a pivoting side discharge door between a cutting chamber and the side discharge opening. Each of the gates and side discharge door are movable between a discharge or collection position and a mulching position. A mulch on demand actuator includes a switch in an operator station that causes a pivot control plate on a shaft to rotate and move linkages between the gates and door between the discharge or collection position and mulching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas D. Korthals, Steven L. Dudzinski
  • Publication number: 20140318099
    Abstract: A multi-blade mower deck with mulch/side discharge conversion includes a mulch gate mounted under the mower deck and connected to a vertical hinge under the mower deck. The mulch gate extends to the right and rearwardly around a portion of a perimeter of the right cutting chamber. A mulch gate lever on top of the mower deck is connected to the vertical hinge and pivots the mulch gate between the mulching position and a side discharge position. A baffle is removably attached under the mower deck and blocks a portion of a flow passage through the side skirt at the right of the right cutting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher S. Thorman, Ryan A. Fergus, Earl E. Shore
  • 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: 8857145
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The blades are powered by a timed drive system that is carried by a horizontal apron that is part of a cast aluminum engine mount. The engine mount and the apron are bolted to a stamped steel deck shell that forms the cutting chamber in which the blades rotate. The mower has a side discharge mode in which a side discharge chute is releasably mounted over a side discharge opening. The chute carries a flow cutoff baffle having an inwardly protruding inner end that sticks through the side discharge opening to intercept and direct the clippings out through the side discharge opening and through the chute in the side discharge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Ryan J. Volovsek
  • Publication number: 20140260160
    Abstract: The present invention is a mulch plate assembly in a rotary lawnmower having a deck member featuring a discharge aperture wherein grass clippings and the like are discharged during use of the lawnmower, the mulch plate assembly comprising a rigid plate member, attachment means whereby the rigid plate is attached to the deck member in position to obstruct the discharge aperture, the attachment means capable of disengagement by a single unidirectional application of force by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: BRIAN BAKER
  • Publication number: 20140157747
    Abstract: There is provided a mower in which a guide member does not easily protrude on the side of the mower, and a grass mowing machine including the same. A mower for discharging mowed grasses from a discharge port provided in a side part of a mower deck to an exterior of the mower deck includes a flexible rubber sheet formed in a flat plate shape, a pivot frame, support frames, and a pivot shaft for attaching the rubber sheet to the mower deck oscillatably in the up and down direction, and fixing clips for fixing the rubber sheet to the mower deck in a state that the rubber sheet is bent into a shape capable of guiding the mowed grasses discharged from the discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke SHOJI, Satoshi OGATA, Akira MINOURA
  • Patent number: 8701377
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The blades are powered by a timed drive system that is carried by a horizontal apron that is part of a cast aluminum engine mount. The engine mount and the apron are bolted to a stamped steel deck shell that forms the cutting chamber in which the blades rotate. The mower has a side discharge mode in which a side discharge chute is releasably mounted over a side discharge opening. The chute carries a flow cutoff baffle having an inwardly protruding inner end that sticks through the side discharge opening to intercept and direct the clippings out through the side discharge opening and through the chute in the side discharge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Chris A. Wadzinski, Ryan J. Volovsek, Steven J. Svoboda, John O. Hurst
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8555608
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rear discharge lawn mower assembly having a rearwardly-directing mower deck, a plurality of cutting blades, and rear housing and clippings pathway adapted to direct clippings through the rear of the mower assembly while shrouding the rear drive elements and tires of the mower from flying debris. The rear housing comprises an enclosed volume that shrouds the axle and rear drive elements of the mower, while further providing a pair of downwardly suspended tire shields and a rear access panel for allowing access into the housing for mower maintenance purposes. The mower deck routes clippings through a rear discharge, wherein clippings and debris are then directed into a space defined by the rear housing lower surface shield and the tire shields. In this way, grass, wood chips, glass and other hardened debris is exited from the mower without damaging the tires or drive elements of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Carol Geiger
  • Patent number: 8539745
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The pair of cutting blades rotate in the same direction relative to a cutting chamber of the mower deck so that grass clippings cut by one blade merge with grass clippings cut by the other blade with the merged clippings forming a single common stream of clippings that is rearwardly directed along one side of the cutting chamber. The clippings enter a grass collection bag which is positioned between the handle tubes of a handle assembly of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Larry W. Schmidt, Steven J. Svoboda, Chris A. Wadzinski
  • Patent number: 8468788
    Abstract: A deck having a horizontally oriented top wall and a vertically oriented side wall and an opened bottom. The deck has a front and a back. A pair of front wheels extend from the side wall adjacent to the front. A pair of rear wheels extending from the side wall adjacent to the rear. An open front is formed in the side wall forwardly of the front wheels. An open side is formed in the side wall laterally between a front and adjacent rear wheel. An open rear is formed in the side wall rearwardly of the rear wheels. A motor is mounted in a central region of the deck with a rotatable drive shaft extending vertically downwardly therefrom. A rotatable blade is mounted on the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Laszlo Vastag
  • Publication number: 20130139485
    Abstract: A walk power mower has a mower deck that encloses a pair of rotary cutting blades with the grass clippings from the blades being discharged through a rearwardly extending grass discharge tunnel in a rear bagging mode of operation. The blades are powered by a timed drive system that is carried by a horizontal apron that is part of a cast aluminum engine mount. The engine mount and the apron are bolted to a stamped steel deck shell that forms the cutting chamber in which the blades rotate. The mower has a side discharge mode in which a side discharge chute is releasably mounted over a side discharge opening. The chute carries a flow cutoff baffle having an inwardly protruding inner end that sticks through the side discharge opening to intercept and direct the clippings out through the side discharge opening and through the chute in the side discharge mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Chris A. Wadzinski, Ryan J. Volovsek, Larry W. Schmidt, Steven J. Svoboda, John O. Hurst
  • Publication number: 20130097987
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for changing the mode of operation for a lawnmower can include a door assembly having a shutter door pivotably movable with respect to a discharge opening of the lawnmower between a closed position in which it obstructs the discharge opening and an open position in which the discharge opening is substantially unobstructed. A handle can be positioned adjacent to an upper surface of the mower deck of the lawnmower and coupled to the shutter door, wherein the handle is pivotably movable with respect to the upper surface to cause movement of the shutter door. A locking member can be positioned between the handle and the upper surface, the locking member being movable with respect to the handle and operable to retain the handle in one of a plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to the closed positions and open position of the shutter door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Scott J. Kaskawitz
  • Publication number: 20120324856
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rear discharge lawn mower assembly having a rearwardly-directing mower deck, a plurality of cutting blades, and rear housing and clippings pathway adapted to direct clippings through the rear of the mower assembly while shrouding the rear drive elements and tires of the mower from flying debris. The rear housing comprises an enclosed volume that shrouds the axle and rear drive elements of the mower, while further providing a pair of downwardly suspended tire shields and a rear access panel for allowing access into the housing for mower maintenance purposes. The mower deck routes clippings through a rear discharge, wherein clippings and debris are then directed into a space defined by the rear housing lower surface shield and the tire shields. In this way, grass, wood chips, glass and other hardened debris is exited from the mower without damaging the tires or drive elements of the mower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Carol Geiger
  • Publication number: 20120233975
    Abstract: Lawnmowers, in particular walk-behind lawnmowers, have a mulching function. A lawnmower discharge deflector guard for a lawnmower has a cutter blade rotatably mounted within a cutting cavity. The cutting cavity is in communication with a discharge chute and has a discharge chute outlet formed in a face of the lawnmower closable by a closure flap. The guard is configured for demountable attachment to the lawnmower adjacent the discharge chute outlet to enclose the outlet and receive, in use, grass cuttings therefrom. The guard forms a substantially air/grass cutting-tight seal with the face of the lawnmower. The guard has an operative inner surface having a substantially vertical portion forming a discharge aperture with the face of the lawnmower and extending below a cutting height of the lawnmower. A lawnmower incorporating the guard is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Adrian Coussins
  • Patent number: 8234849
    Abstract: A rotary lawnmower includes a shutter for switching a location to which grass cut by the blade is to be discharged, and a shutter operating mechanism for operating the shutter. The shutter operating mechanism has a first shaft, a second shaft, a first link arm, and a second link arm, a third link arm, and an operating lever. The first shaft is positioned on the housing. The first link arm is capable of swinging about the first shaft and has the operating lever. The second shaft is positioned adjacent to and parallel to the first shaft, is rotatably attached to the housing, and is linked to the shutter via the third link arm. The second link arm is attached to the second shaft in such a manner as to be restricted in relative rotation but capable of swinging about the second shaft, and is swing-driven by the first link arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Shimozono, Tetsuo Iida, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Hirose
  • Patent number: 8209837
    Abstract: A device constructed of a material strong enough to withstand the torque of a typical air wrench or cheater bar used by a lawn mower repair shop or a homeowner. One end of the device must have an opening and be of the size as to allow a lawn mower blade to be inserted inside of it. The portion containing the tip of the blade may include a leveler and/or retainer to raise the device to approximately the horizontal plane of the mower blade and the lower edge of the mower deck. The device includes a restriction leg to provide a prop against any protuberance on the side of a single-blade mower deck or on the side or within the deck on a multi-blade mower deck. To provide economics for manufacturing, one size should fit most blades and the device should require a limited quantity of materials and fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: George Henshaw
  • Patent number: 8186139
    Abstract: A rotary mower with a plurality of cutting blades is provided. The deck comprises two longitudinal baffles that direct grass clippings to the rear of the mower. The longitudinal baffles, in conjunction with right and left side blade guards, form three channels. A cutting blade is disposed within each channel. A lift frame assembly comprises swiveling linkages that allow rotation of the deck with respect to the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: King Kutter, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Phillip Fraley, John W. Davis, III
  • Patent number: 8171709
    Abstract: A multiblade lawn mower including a mower deck having a plurality of cutting blades rotatably disposed therein. A first baffle is positioned within the mower deck between the cutting blades and a front wall of the mower deck and extends substantially continuously between the sides of the mower deck. A second baffle is positioned in the mower deck rearwardly of the cutting blades. The first and second baffles each include a plurality of arcuate baffle portions which define at least one open throat portion therebetween. The first baffle includes at least first, second and third arcuate portions. A third baffle is positioned within the mower deck and extends from adjacent a discharge opening of the mower deck into a circular path defined by peripheral ends of a cutting blade adjacent the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Bedford, Anthony S. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120102906
    Abstract: A multiblade lawn mower including a mower deck having a plurality of cutting blades rotatably disposed therein. A first baffle is positioned within the mower deck between the cutting blades and a front wall of the mower deck and extends substantially continuously between the sides of the mower deck. A second baffle is positioned in the mower deck rearwardly of the cutting blades. The first and second baffles each include a plurality of arcuate baffle portions which define at least one open throat portion therebetween. The first baffle includes at least first, second and third arcuate portions. A third baffle is positioned within the mower deck and extends from adjacent a discharge opening of the mower deck into a circular path defined by peripheral ends of a cutting blade adjacent the discharge opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SCHILLER GROUNDS CARE, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lee BEDFORD, Anthony S. WEBER
  • Publication number: 20120067019
    Abstract: A push and release operator control for selectively opening or closing the discharge blocking flap of a lawnmower. The first portion of travel of the actuator raises the discharge blocking flap toward its balance point. As the blocking flap reaches the balance point the actuator is released which allows the blocking flaps momentum to carry it through the balance point where gravity takes over to finish the travel. The actuator is reset by the blocking flaps motion after passing the balance point. Once the actuator is reset by the blocking flaps travel the same push and release of the actuator will return the blocking flap to it original starting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: David W. Luking
  • Patent number: 8132396
    Abstract: A lawnmower capable of being switched between a bagging mode and a mulching mode is disclosed. The lawnmower includes a shutter mechanism provided on an internal peripheral surface of a housing which opens downward for storing a cutting blade. The shutter mechanism is switched, by the operation of the shutter mechanism, between a bagging mode for delivering cut grass from the housing to a cut grass storage container and a mulching mode for discharging the cut grass out below the housing. The shutter mechanism has a kicker on a shutter body positioned in the interior of the housing. The kicker guides the cut grass to the bottom of the housing during the mulching mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Minami, Kenzo Shimada, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Hojo, Shuhei Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8127522
    Abstract: A rotary cutting unit with a deflection baffle in the cutting chamber, the deflection baffle including a bottom plate attached to the wall at the rear of the cutting chamber and increasing in width in the direction of blade rotation, and a front plate joined to the bottom curved plate and extending from the wall at the rear of the cutting chamber and sloping radially inwardly toward the center spindle in the direction of blade rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Chad W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8117813
    Abstract: A riding type grass mower includes a right wheel and a left wheel, a rear-discharge type mower unit disposed forwardly of the right/left wheels, a driver's seat disposed between and upwardly of the right/left wheels, an engine mounted rearwardly of the driver's seat, an engine hood for covering the engine, and a restricting unit disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat and at an area downwardly of the engine hood, the restricting unit having a restricting face (including a mesh face) configured to restrict upward rising of cut grass discharged from the mower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Sugio, Osami Fujiwara, Yusuke Shoji, Yoshihiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 8104255
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing having a cutting chamber defined by a top wall and a circumferential sidewall. A side discharge opening is provided on the sidewall. A side discharge chute selectively opens and closes the discharge opening. The discharge chute has a side door pivoted to the sidewall about a vertical pivot axis and a top deflector pivoted to the side door about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. When the discharge chute is in an open position to open the discharge opening to the flow of grass clippings, the top deflector pivots downwardly on the side door into an inclined position to intercept the grass clippings and direct them downwardly towards the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: John O. Hurst, Chris A. Wadzinski
  • Patent number: 8099938
    Abstract: A rear discharge type mower apparatus includes: a blade housing having a top plate, a front wall and at least one side wall and a first front guide plate and a second front guide plate. Each of the first and second front guide plates are located rearwardly of the front wall and have a shape extending substantially along a rotation path of a corresponding blade. The mower apparatus also includes a first auxiliary plate and a second auxiliary plate. A portion of the second auxiliary plate and the first auxiliary plate extend parallel to each other such that an opening that is opposed to a mowed grass discharge opening is formed by the rearward ends of the linear portion and the first auxiliary plate. The lower edges of the first and second auxiliary plates are closer to the top plate than the corresponding blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masaji Kure, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Koji Fujiwara, Kazuo Samejima, Masatoshi Yamaguchi, Kazuo Koike, Yoshiyuki Esaki
  • Patent number: 8091332
    Abstract: A mower deck has a pair of adjacent cylindrical cutting chambers with rotary cutting blades. Each cutting chamber has a skirt with an air inlet next to a rear discharge chute centrally positioned between the two cutting chambers. A horizontal shield is over each air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: John Deere Enschede B.V.
    Inventors: Bert Hulsman, Bertjan Bieleman
  • 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: 8037669
    Abstract: A mower 10 is provided for cutting grass where the mower 10 includes a body 12 with a mower deck 16, a motor 14, a baffle 30, and a battery 52. The mower deck 16 has a downwardly-open interior within which grass is cut. The motor 14 is supported upon the mower deck 16 and supplies a motive force for a mowing operation where the motor 14 includes at least a portion operable by electrical energy. The baffle 30 is located within the interior of the mower deck 16 where the baffle 30 bounds an area within the mower deck 16. The battery 52 is located within the interior of the mower deck 16 and is located within the area bounded by the baffle 30. In another example, the mower deck 16 and the baffle 30 are configured for substantially restraining the movement of the battery 52. In an example method, the battery 52 is installed within a baffle 30 that is secured within an interior of the mower deck 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products N.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Hansen, Matthew Lambert
  • 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: 20110239616
    Abstract: A rotary lawnmower includes a shutter for switching a location to which grass cut by the blade is to be discharged, and a shutter operating mechanism for operating the shutter. The shutter operating mechanism has a first shaft, a second shaft, a first link arm, and a second link arm, a third link arm, and an operating lever. The first shaft is positioned on the housing. The first link arm is capable of swinging about the first shaft and has the operating lever. The second shaft is positioned adjacent to and parallel to the first shaft, is rotatably attached to the housing, and is linked to the shutter via the third link arm. The second link arm is attached to the second shaft in such a manner as to be restricted in relative rotation but capable of swinging about the second shaft, and is swing-driven by the first link arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Shimozono, Tetsuo Iida, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Nobuyuki Hirose
  • 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: 8015786
    Abstract: A lawnmower including a cut grass storage container for storing cut grass. The lawnmower also includes a cutting blade, a downwardly-opening housing, and a cut grass conveyor passage. The cut grass storage container is provided to the cut grass conveyor passage. Grass that has been cut is delivered to the cut grass conveyor passage while revolving about a shaft inside the housing. A guide member is provided inside the housing. The guide member guides the revolving grass to the cut grass conveyor passage while guiding the grass to the outer periphery of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Minami, Hiroshi Hojo, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Kenzo Shimada, Kazuki Shimozono
  • 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