Sulky for outdoor power equipment unit
AssigneeThe Toro Company
InventorThomas K. Bricko
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, such as a wide area mower or WAM, comprises independent left and right foot platforms to support a standing operator. A ground engaging caster wheel is carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground during operation of the mower. The foot platforms are mounted to the mower by an axle with each foot platform being pivotally carried on the axle using a separate pivot hub. Thus, the foot platforms can pitch up and down separately from one another during operation of the mower over uneven terrain. Latches are provided for selectively holding the foot platforms in raised transport positions.
Claims18
A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit to allow a standing operator to ride behind the outdoor power equipment unit as the outdoor power equipment unit is driven over the ground, which comprises:
- (a) a pair of foot platforms with each foot platform being sized to receive one foot of the operator thereon such that the operator is supported in a standing position with one foot on one foot platform and the other foot on the other foot platform;
- (b) at least one ground engaging wheel or roller carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground;
- and
- (c) a substantially horizontal pivot on each foot platform to pivotally connect the foot platform to the outdoor power equipment unit such that each foot platform is able to pitch up and down relative to the outdoor power equipment unit as the outdoor power equipment unit traverses uneven terrain, wherein the foot platform pivots are independent of one another to permit the foot platforms to pitch up and down independently of one another.
A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, which comprises:
- (a) independent left and right foot platforms which support a standing operator;
- (b) a ground engaging caster wheel carried on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground;
- (c) a separate pivot between each foot platform and the outdoor power equipment unit to permit the foot platforms to pivot separately from one another during operation of the outdoor power equipment unit.
A sulky for a self propelled, outdoor power equipment unit, which comprises:
- (a) independent left and right foot platforms which support a standing operator;
- (b) at least one ground engaging wheel or roller on each foot platform to allow the foot platforms to roll over the ground;
- and
- (c) means for pivotally connecting the foot platforms to the outdoor power equipment unit to provide independent pivoting motion of the foot platforms relative to one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.