US 8,141,886 B1Granted

Selectively extendible operator's platform for stand-on lawnmower

AssigneeMetalcraft of Mayville, Inc.

InventorsDavid J. Sugden, Matthew J. Mugan

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A selectively deployable extender is provided on the rear of a platform assembly of a stand-on lawnmower so as to permit an operator to position his or her feet further from the rear wheels than would otherwise be possible in order to increase operator comfort and/or to improve traction and/or maneuverability. By making the platform selectively deployable as opposed to simply providing a longer platform, the length of the machine can be reduced for storage and transport, and the risk of making damaging contact with an obstruction or with the ground while traveling up a hill is reduced. The extender may, for instance, be a plate or similar device pivotally attached to a rear end of a main platform and the main platform can be resiliently mounted to or at least partially isolated from a frame of the stand-on lawnmower.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A stand-on lawnmower, comprising:

(A) a frame;
(B) an engine mounted on the frame;
(C) a cutter deck supported on the frame and including at least one blade powered by the engine;
(D) wheels that support the frame and that include at least one driven wheel and at least one steered wheel;
(E) a steering mechanism that can be manipulated to steer the lawnmower;
and
(F) a riding platform assembly extending rearwardly from the frame and having;
(i) a stationary support assembly attached to the frame;
(ii) a main platform operably coupled to the stationary support assembly and presenting a first support surface that is configured to support at least a portion of an operator's weight when the operator is operating the steering mechanism;
and
(iii) an extender that is attached to the main platform and that is selectively deployable to a deployed position to present a second support surface which is located behind the first support surface and on which at least a portion of the operator's weight can be supported when the operator is operating the steering mechanism.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/434,201Filed 1 May 2009 · us provisional application
Priority: 2 May 2008
Granted: 27 Mar 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

B62D 51/02
Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated: the driver standing in the vehicle
A01D 34/82
Having cutters rotating about a vertical axis: other details
A01D 75/20
Accessories for harvesters or mowers: devices for protecting men or animals
B62D
Motor vehicles