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US 7,093,414 B2Granted
Articulated mower for mowing around fenceposts and other upright obstructions
OwnerAlan F. Washburninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation. The mower generally includes a rolling frame and a mowing deck. The deck is independently articulatable relative to the frame on two distinct pivot axes.
Claims17
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation, said mower configured to be pulled behind a vehicle and powered independently of the vehicle, said mower comprising:
- a frame presenting a fore end and an aft end:
- a hitch coupled to the fore end and configured to releasably couple the frame to the vehicle in a manner that permits pivoting of the frame relative to the vehicle;
- a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the aft end and adapted to rollingly support the frame on the ground;
- a mowing deck operable to cut vegetation when positioned proximate the ground;
- a support arm comprising a frame-side section rotatably coupled to the frame and a deck-side section rigidly coupled to the deck, said frame-side and deck-side sections being hingedly intercoupled;
- a motor rigidly coupled to the frame and drivingly connected to the deck, so as to power the deck independently of the vehicle;
- and
- a drive train for transferring power from the motor to the deck,
- said drive train including a first rotatable drive shaft, a second rotatable drive shaft, and a U-joint coupled between the first and second drive shafts.
6 more elements
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation, said mower configured to be pulled behind a vehicle, said mower comprising:
- a frame presenting a fore end and an aft end;
- a hitch coupled to the fore end and configured to releasably couple the frame to the vehicle in a manner that permits pivoting of the frame relative to the vehicle;
- a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the aft end and adapted to rollingly support the frame on the ground;
- a mowing deck operable to cut vegetation when positioned proximate the ground;
- a support arm comprising a frame-side section rotatably coupled to the frame and a deck-side section rigidly coupled to the deck, said frame-side and deck-side sections being hingedly intercoupled;
- a motor rigidly coupled to the frame for powering the deck;
- a drive train for transferring power from the motor to the deck,
- said drive train including a first rotatable drive shaft, a second rotatable drive shaft, and a U-joint coupled between the first and second drive shafts,
- said frame-side section being rotatable relative to the frame on a first pivot axis,
- said frame-side and deck-side sections being hingedly intercoupled on a second pivot axes,
- said first and second pivot axes being substantially perpendicular to one another,
- said first pivot axis being generally upright;
- and
- a mechanism operable to inhibit pivoting of the deck on the second pivot axis;
- said mechanism being operable to selectively inhibit downward pivoting of the deck on the second pivot axis.
12 more elements
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation, said mower configured to be pulled behind a vehicle, said mower comprising:
- a frame presenting a fore end and an aft end;
- a hitch coupled to the fore end and configured to releasably couple the frame to the vehicle in a manner that permits pivoting of the frame relative to the vehicle;
- a pair of laterally spaced wheels coupled to the aft end and adapted to rollingly support the frame on the ground;
- a mowing deck operable to cut vegetation when positioned proximate the ground;
- a support arm comprising a frame-side section rotatably coupled to the frame and a deck-side section rigidly coupled to the deck, said frame-side and deck-side sections being hingedly intercoupled;
- a motor for powering the deck;
- and
- a drive train for transferring power from the motor to the deck;
- said drive train including a first rotatable drive shaft, a second rotatable drive shaft, and a U-joint coupled between the first and second drive shafts,
- said motor being rigidly coupled to the frame so as to power the deck independently of the vehicle.
7 more elements
A pull-behind mower for cutting ground vegetation, said mower comprising:
- a frame adapted to be coupled to a vehicle and rollingly supported on the ground;
- a motor rigidly coupled to the frame;
- a mowing deck coupled to the frame for pivotal movement relative to the frame on first and second intersecting pivot axes;
- a drive train for drivingly coupling the motor to the deck so that the motor powers the deck;
- said drive train including a first rotatable drive shaft, a second rotatable drive shaft, and a U-joint coupled between the first and second drive shafts for rotation therewith,
- said U-joint being centered proximate the intersection of the first and second pivot axes.
- said deck being pivotable relative to the frame on the first pivot axis between a retracted position and an extended position,
- said deck being pivotable relative to the frame on the second pivot axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position,
- said first and second pivot axes being at least substantially perpendicular to one another,
- said first pivot axis being generally upright;
- and
- a mechanism operable to inhibit pivoting of the deck on the second pivot axis;
- and
- said mechanism being operable to selectively inhibit downward pivoting of the deck on the second pivot axis.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.