Motor vehicles – Transmission mechanism – Tire directly driven
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-23
2004-04-13
Dickson, Paul N. (Department: 3616)
Motor vehicles
Transmission mechanism
Tire directly driven
Reexamination Certificate
active
06719086
ABSTRACT:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to friction drive transmissions.
2. Description of Prior Art
Present and prior walk-behind lawnmowers that use large rear wheels (commonly referred to as high-wheel mowers) use a drive system consisting of a rotating cog shaft or driveshaft that directly engages a pair of rear wheels.
In the disengaged position the driveshaft does not contact the rear tires. To engage the drive the driveshaft is moved into the rear tires. The driveshaft is mounted on a pair of bearing supports that pivot on one end to allow for this movement into the rear tires.
Present and prior constructions use a complex belt and roller chain arraignment to rotate the driveshaft and allow for a linear movement of the driveshaft assembly that is required to move the driveshaft into the tires.
The present and prior drive system does not allow for a multiple speed transmission. Changing the ground speed of a mower utilizing this present and prior system requires that the mower be stopped and disassembled to replace certain parts, changing the ratio between rotating parts.
The present system of moving the driveshaft cogs into the wheels does not lend itself to utilization of a friction drive, as a friction wheel must not be moved in a front-rear direction that was heretofore necessary to facilitate engagement between driveshaft and wheel.
I have not found any prior art in the patent records, therefore I have included an informal drawing of the present and prior art FIG.
1
.
Operation; Prior Art
An engine
36
rotates a main pulley
42
via a main belt
30
. This rotation is transferred into a twisted drive belt
44
. Twisted drive belt
44
rotates a jackshaft
46
. Jackshaft
46
rotates a driveshaft
20
via a drive chain
48
. Driveshaft
20
is mounted on a pair of driveshaft supports
50
. The lower end of driveshaft supports
50
is allowed to pivot on a pair of pivot bolts
52
. A pair of drive cogs
26
are attached directly to driveshaft
20
. To propel the mower the entire driveshaft
20
is pulled into a pair of ground engaging wheels
24
via an engagement rod
54
; causing the ground engaging wheels
24
to rotate and propel the mower.
Reference Numerals in FIG.
1
Prior Art
20
driveshaft
22
driveshaft bearing
24
ground engaging wheels
26
cog
30
main belt
36
engine
42
main pulley
44
twisted belt
46
jackshaft
48
drive chain
50
driveshaft supports
52
pivot bolts
54
engagement rod
Objects and Advantages
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide a drive system that will easily allow multiple drive ratios (ground speeds);
(b) to provide a drive system that will allow ratios to be changed while in operation;
(c) to provide a drive system that is simple to manufacture;
(d) to provide a drive system that is easy and simple to use and maintain;
(e) to provide a drive system with fewer moving parts;
(f) to provide a drive system that utilizes a friction drive;
Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides a multi-ratio friction wheel drive system suitable for use on high-wheel lawnmowers and other small vehicles.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3613814 (1971-10-01), Prien, Jr.
patent: 3678770 (1972-07-01), Enters et al.
patent: 4020619 (1977-05-01), Massaro
patent: 4498552 (1985-02-01), Rouse
patent: 4502344 (1985-03-01), Klug
patent: 5353578 (1994-10-01), Irby et al.
patent: 6502335 (2003-01-01), Prochnow et al.
Dickson Paul N.
Fleming Faye M.
LandOfFree
Variable speed friction drive for lawnmower does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Variable speed friction drive for lawnmower, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Variable speed friction drive for lawnmower will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3230438