Operator control system for self-propelled vehicles

#The present invention relates generally to self-propelled, ground-working vehicles such as lawn mowers and, more particularly, to operator control systems for use with the same.

#Various types of lawn mowers are known. For example, small, walk-behind mowers are in general use by both homeowners and professionals alike. At the other end of the spectrum are large, riding mowers adept at mowing correspondingly large and typically unobstructed areas. Between these two categories lies what are commonly referred to as “mid-size” mowers.

#Generally speaking, mid-size mowers are self-propelled units having a cutting width of approximately 36-60 inches. While they may be configured as either riding (including ride-on and ride-behind) or walk-behind units, walk-behind mowers potentially offer greater maneuverability. For example, walk-behind mowers are particularly efficient when mowing large lawns having numerous obstacles (e.g., trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, and the like) which necessitate intricate trimming, or when mowing lawns which may otherwise be ill-suited to high-speed riding mowers. Moreover, walk-behind mowers are often used in areas with steep slopes which may pose traction or tipping problems for riding mowers. Furthermore, mid-size, walk-behind mowers are also, in general, less expensive than riding mowers. While the present invention is directed to control systems for use with either riding or walk-behind vehicles, it will, for the sake of brevity, be described with respect to mid-size, walk-behind mowers.

#The present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of a self-propelled vehicle, e.g., a mid-size, walk-behind mower, incorporating an operator control system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the operator control system of FIG. 1;

#In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

#FIG. 1 shows an operator control system 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as the latter may be incorporated on a self-propelled vehicle, e.g., a mid-size, walk-behind lawn mower 100. While, for the sake of brevity, the invention is herein described with respect to a particular mid-size, walk-behind lawn mower (hereinafter generically referred to merely as “walk-behind mower,” or, more generally, as “mower”), those of skill in the art will realize that the invention is equally applicable to other walk-behind mowers, ride-behind mowers (e.g., such as those utilizing sulkies), and conventional ride-on mowers as well as to most any other walk-behind, ride-behind, or ride-on self-propelled, ground working vehicle, e.g., skid-steer loader, aerator, snow thrower, tiller, etc.

#While the general construction of the mower 100 is not considered central to the invention, it will now be briefly described. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary mower 100 (shown primarily in broken lines) having a frame 102 supporting a prime mover, e.g., internal combustion engine 104. A pair of transversely opposing, ground engaging drive wheels 106 (only left wheel visible) may support the rear of the mower 100 in rolling engagement with the ground. Each drive wheel 106 may be powered by a hydraulic motor (not shown) which receives hydraulic power from a hydraulic pump 107 (best shown in FIG. 3) under the control of various operator-controlled valves. The hydraulic pumps 107, in turn, may be separately powered by the engine 104. While not illustrated, other drive systems, e.g., gear or pulley driven systems, are also within the scope of the invention.