Harvesters – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2001-07-31
Pezzuto, Robert E. (Department: 3671)
Harvesters
Miscellaneous
C056S016700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266949
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for a lawn mower, and more specifically to the art of methods and apparatuses for a lawn mower having an adjustable frame assembly.
II. Description of the Related Art
Walk-behind lawn mowers are well known. Such mowers are termed walk-behind because the operator walks behind the mower during its operation. Known walk-behind mowers have proven to be adequate for their intended purpose. However, they are also known to have a general lack of flexibility when exchanging implements. By implements it is meant any device that attaches to the mower and is operated by the mower. The most typical mower implement is a mower deck that contains at least one blade for cutting associated vegetation such as a lawn. Other possible implements would include a snow blower, for example.
One known problem deals with the difficulty in disengaging a first implement and then engaging a second implement. Typically, several nut and bolt combinations must be disconnected and then reconnected. Such connections are cumbersome and expend too much time.
Another problem is that the frames of known mowers are not readily adjustable. Thus, exchanging a first implement with a second implement of a different size or type is quite difficult if not impossible.
Still another problem deals with mowers using castor wheels. It may be desirable, for example when changing to a larger sized implement, to change the size of the wheels used on the mower. When castor wheels are used, it typically requires a change in axles to change the size of the castor wheels. This is also cumbersome and requires more than one axle for the same mower.
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for reducing these problems. The difficulties that are inherent in the art are therefore overcome in a way that is simple and efficient, while providing better and more advantageous results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, a mower includes a power head, an adjustable frame assembly for use in selectively supporting a first implement, frame connecting means for use in connecting the adjustable frame assembly to the power head, power connecting means for use in connecting power from the power head to the first implement, and implement connecting means for use in selectively connecting the first implement to the adjustable frame assembly. The adjustable frame assembly can be adjusted such that the mower can also support a second implement that may be of a different size or type. The power connecting means can also connect power from the power head to the second implement.
According to another aspect of the present invention, one or more quick release pins are used to connect the first and second implements to the adjustable frame assembly.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an adjustable axle assembly is provided for use with an associated frame. The adjustable axle assembly includes an axle member operatively connected to the associated frame and a first castor pivot member operatively connected to the axle member. The first castor pivot member has first and second castor openings for selectively receiving first and second associated castor wheels.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for exchanging a first implement operatively connected to a mower with a second implement. The mower includes a power head and a frame assembly. The method includes the steps of disengaging a first quick release pin operatively connecting the first implement to the frame assembly, disconnecting power connecting means that connects power from the power head to the first implement, removing the first implement, moving the second implement into place with respect to the frame assembly, engaging the first quick release pin thereby operatively connecting the second implement to the frame assembly and connecting the power connecting means from the power head to the second implement.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for exchanging a first castor wheel operatively connected to an adjustable axle assembly with a second castor wheel is provided. The adjustable axle assembly is operatively connected to an associated frame and includes a first castor pivot member operatively connected to an axle member. The first castor pivot member has first and second openings for selectively receiving the first and second castor wheels. The method includes the steps of disconnecting the first castor wheel from the first opening of the first castor pivot member, adjusting the position of the axle member with respect to the associated frame, and connecting the second castor wheel to the second opening of the first castor pivot member.
One advantage of the present invention is that the adjustable frame assembly permits implements to be easily exchanged on the mower.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the use of one or more quick release pins makes it very easy to disengage a first implement and then engage a second implement.
Another advantage of the present invention is that implements of various sizes and types can be connected to this same adjustable frame assembly.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that castor wheels can be easily exchanged. This is especially beneficial when the castor wheels are of different size.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3040590 (1962-06-01), Smithburn
patent: 3603162 (1971-09-01), Gohler
patent: 4325211 (1982-04-01), Witt et al.
patent: 4914894 (1990-04-01), Geiger
patent: 5020310 (1991-06-01), Oshima et al.
patent: 5251428 (1993-10-01), Gay
patent: 5251429 (1993-10-01), Minato et al.
patent: 5355665 (1994-10-01), Peter
patent: 5742977 (1998-04-01), Hoofe, III
Eavenson Jimmy N.
Lasley David
Bennett Timothy D
Commercial Turf Products, Ltd.
Emerson Roger D
Emerson & Skeriotis
Pezzuto Robert E.
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