Discharge stopper units for mower decks

#The present invention generally relates to mowing machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to discharge stopper units which plug discharge openings for mowing machine mower decks to mulch cut materials.

#Lawn tractors, push mowers and other mowing machines which cut grass, weeds and leaves are well known. Depending upon the type of mower assembly, these machines may discharge the cut material back on the ground or into a collection bag or hopper. In certain mowing machines, the mower deck and/or blades are adapted to mulch or finely chop the material. Returning this finely chopped material to the ground has been found to naturally fertilize lawns and vegetation. Also, mulching can eliminate the need to collect and dispose of the cut materials.

#Existing mowing machines provide mechanisms for discharging cut materials. One mechanism enables users to discharge cut material into a hopper, and another mechanism enables users to discharge cut material to the ground. The latter mechanism typically includes a discharge cover or plug which a user installs at the discharge opening on the mower deck.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mower assembly, discharge stopper and discharge chute (in fragmentary view) in one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mower assembly, discharge opening and discharge chute (in fragmentary view) in one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the discharge stopper unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

#With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, in one embodiment the discharge stopper unit 10 of the present invention is adapted to be installed in a mowing machine (not shown), preferably a lawn tractor such as a rear discharge lawn tractor. Specifically, the discharge stopper unit 10 is adapted to be removably installed in a mower assembly 12 which is connected to a mowing machine frame 14 of the mowing machine. The mower assembly 12 generally includes a mower deck 16 which cuts and mows grass, plants, leaves and other materials. The mower assembly 12 also includes a discharge chute 18 which directs the discharge material from the mower deck 16 to the rear of the mowing machine where the material can be discharged to the ground or into a collector such as a bag or hopper (not shown). Preferably, one or more hoppers are connected to the mowing machine frame 14 in order to receive the material discharged from the discharge chute 18. In the mower assembly 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fragmentary view of the discharge chute 18 is shown so that the discharge stopper unit 10 can be best illustrated. It should be understood that the discharge chute 18 extends to the mower deck 16, covering the discharge stopper unit 10.

#The mower deck 16 includes a discharge wall 20, which defines a discharge opening 22, and one or more cutting blades (not shown). As the blades cut the material, the cut material flows through discharge opening 22 when discharge stopper unit 10 is not installed on the mower deck 16. The discharge wall 20 preferably includes guide walls 20a and 20b which, as described below, assist the user in properly and quickly installing the discharge stopper unit 10 on the mower deck 16.

#The discharge chute 18 can include any suitable material director, tube or pipe having any suitable shape which directs discharge material into the hopper. Preferably, the discharge chute is a rectangular shaped tube constructed of a suitable material such as a hard rubber, polymer-based material or plastic.