WO2010030280A1

WO2010030280A1 - Mower with foot operated parking brake

Info

Publication number: WO2010030280A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/076133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Bednar
Original assignee: Husqvarna U.S. Holding, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-09-12
Filing date: 2008-09-12
Publication date: 2010-03-18

Abstract

A mower (100) that includes a frame (101), the frame (101), an axle assembly (501), the axle assembly (501) being connected to the frame (101) and configured to support the attachment of at least one tire (107) for movement of the mower (100), and a foot operated parking brake (601), the foot operated parking brake (601) being attached to the axle assembly (501) and configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with at least one tire (107) of the mower (100) independent of a mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower (100).

Description

MOWER WITH FOOT OPERATED PARKING BRAKE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is related to mowers, and more specifically to a mower with foot operated parking brake.

[0002] Current walk behind mowers have the capacity to change the height of cut of the mower. However, on these walk behind mowers, the drive axle must be repositioned to change the height of cut. This requires the parking brake linkage to have to be readjusted when the height of cut changes. This results in extra time and effort every time a user of the walk behind mower desires to change a height of cut.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mower includes a frame, the frame being configured to support an engine, an axle assembly, the axle assembly being connected to the frame and configured to support the attachment of a least one tire for movement of the lawn mower, and a foot operated parking brake, the foot operated parking brake being attached to the frame and configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with at least one tire of the mower independent of a mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower. [0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a foot operated parking brake includes a parking brake assembly, the parking brake assembly that includes a second element, the second element being moveably attached to a frame of a device and comprising an elongated cylindrical center portion and two end portions, one at each end of the center portion, each end portion being configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with one tire of the device, and a first element, the first element being connected to the second element substantially perpendicular to the second element, and a pedal, the pedal being connected to the first element and configured to be depressed to engage the end portions with the tires of the device independent of the device axle position or the cutting height setting of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non- limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram of a mower with a foot operated parking brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0007] Figure 2 is a diagram of a foot operated parking brake in a disengaged position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0008] Figure 3 is a diagram of an engaged foot operated parking brake with a mower in a low cut setting position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 4 is a diagram of an engaged foot operated parking brake with a mower in a high cut setting position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 5 is a diagram of an exploded view of a frame and an axle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0011] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a foot operated parking brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0012] Figure 7 is a diagram of a rear view of a mower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 8 is a diagram of a parking brake according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 9 shows diagram of a front view of a mower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0015] Figure 10 shows a diagram of a bottom view of a mower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016] Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a foot operated parking brake that maintains the same relationship to the tires of a mower regardless of an axle position of the mower. This provides a simpler, less expensive mechanism to engage the brake that does not need to be readjusted when changing a height of cut of a mower. The foot operated parking brake may be engaged or disengaged with the tires of a mower independent of the mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower. Although embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated following with the foot operated parking brake being attached to a mower, embodiments of the present invention are not limited only to use of the parking brake on a mower as the parking brake being used on any type of device is within the scope of the present invention. [0017] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a mower with a foot operated parking brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mower 100 may include a frame 101. The frame 101 may include various subparts and may support an engine and other items and devices normally found supported by a frame of a mower. The mower 100 may also include a foot operated parking brake 103 that may include a pedal 104 and a parking brake assembly 601 that includes a first element 105 and a second element 602 (not shown here). The pedal 104 may be attached at one end of the first element 105. The other end of the first element 105 may be interconnected to the second element 602 substantially perpendicular to the first element 105. Although not shown here, the second element 602 may include an elongated cylindrical center portion 603 that runs and may be attached underneath the mower 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the center portion 603 has two end portions 106, one at each end of the center portion 603. The end portions 106 may be integral with the center portion 603 or separate pieces attached to the center portion 603. The cylindrical center portion 603 of the second element 602 may be attached to an axle assembly (501) of the mower 100 in a manner allowing rotation of the center portion 603 and the end portions 106 within the axle assembly (501).

[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, a foot operated brake 103 may be configured to cause the end portions 106 of the parking brake assembly 601 to engage a tire 107 of the mower upon depression of the pedal 104 by a foot of a user of the mower 100, or other method to move the pedal. The pedal 104 when depressed in a downward fashion causes each end portion 106 to engage and contact a tire 107 of the mower 100. Further, according to embodiments of the present invention, the pedal 104 may be depressed downward to a position where a notch 108 on an edge of the pedal 104 engages a member 109 causing the foot operated brake 103 to lock into a parking position where each end portion 106 is in contact with a tire 107 of the mower 100. The parking position prevents movement of the tires 107 and thus the mower 100. [0019] Moreover, according to embodiments of the present invention a mower 100 may be configured to have an adjustable cutting height by attaching an axle assembly 501 (not shown here) to the frame 101 at various positions on the frame 101. The frame 101 may include holes 110-113 representing different cutting height settings in a front end of the frame, on opposite sides of a width of the frame 101 that allow attachment of the axle assembly 501 to one of these positions thereby adjusting a cutting height of the mower 100. In this example embodiment, the axle assembly 501 may be connected to a cutting height setting 110 that represents a lowest cutting height for the mower. Alternatively, at the other extreme, the axle assembly 501 may be connected to a cutting height setting 113 representing a highest cutting height for the mower 101. [0020] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a foot operated parking brake in a disengaged position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The diagram shows a side view of the mower 101 where a foot operated parking brake 103 is illustrated in a disengaged position as shown by the lack of contact of the end portions 106 with the tires 107 of the mower. In the disengaged position, the tires 107 may move freely supporting movement the mower. [0021 ] Figure 3 shows a diagram of a foot operated parking brake engaged with a mower in a low cut position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this diagram, the foot operated parking brake is locked causing the end portions 106 to be engaged with the tires 107 of the mower. A notch 108 of the pedal 104 is engaged with a member 109 causing the foot operated parking brake to be locked into an engaged position. The member 109 may be attached to an axle assembly that is attached to the frame of the mower. In this exemplary embodiment, the cutting height of the mower is shown set at a cutting height setting 110 signifying a lowest cutting height for the mower. The axle assemble may be moved to adjust the cutting height of the mower by attachment of an end of the axle assembly to one of the cutting height settings 110- 113 on the frame. According to embodiments of the present invention, the foot operated parking brake may be engaged or disengaged with the tires of a mower independent of the mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower. [0022] Figure 4 shows a diagram of foot operated parking brake engaged with a mower in a high cut setting position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this diagram, the foot operated parking brake is locked causing the end portions 106 to be engaged with the tires 107 of the mower. A notch 108 of the pedal 104 is engaged with a member 109 causing the foot operated parking brake to be locked into an engaged position. The member 109 may be attached to a frame of the mower or another portion of the mower (e.g., an axle assembly) that is attached to the frame. In this exemplary embodiment, the cutting height of the mower is shown set at a cutting height setting 113 signifying a highest cutting height for the mower. As noted previously, the axle assemble may be moved to adjust the cutting height of the mower by attachment of an end of the axle assembly to one of the cutting height settings 110- 113 on the frame. According to embodiments of the present invention, the foot operated parking brake may be engaged or disengaged with the tires of a mower independent of the mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower. [0023] Figure 5 shows a diagram of an exploded view of a frame and an axle assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a mower frame 101 and an axle assembly 501. A member 109 may be attached to the axle assembly 501. A notch 108 on a foot pedal 104 of the parking brake engages the member 109 to lock the parking brake. When assembled, the axle assembly 501 may reside under the frame 101 approximately under a notch 502 of the frame 101. The axle assembly 501 may include side members 503 each having a hole in the middle where portions from the center of a wheel or tire may extend into such as, for example, a motor portion, control portion, cabling, wires, etc. The axle assembly 501 may be rotatably attached to the frame 101 at an end portion 504 of each of the side members 503. Each end portion 504 of the side members 503 may be attached to the frame 101 allowing movement of the axle assembly 501 in an up and down direction. This allows holes 505 that exist at an opposite end from the end portions 504 of each side member 503 to be attached to any of various cutting setting positions 110 - 113 on the mower frame 101. As the axle assembly 501 is attached to the frame 101 at different cutting height positions 110 - 113 by the holes 505 (and associated connecting devices such, for example, a screw, bolt, peg, pin, etc.), the member 109 may move accordingly due to its attachment to the axle assembly 501. [0024] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a foot operated parking brake according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The parking brake 103 may include a parking brake assembly 601 and a pedal 104. The parking brake assembly 601 may include a second element 602 that includes an elongated cylindrical portion 603 and a first element 105 connected to the second element 602 near one end and substantially perpendicular to the second element 602. The second element 602 may also include two end portions 106, one at each end of the cylindrical center portion 603. The center portion 603 may be rotatable causing the end portions 106 to rotate and make contact with a tire of the mower. The end portions 106 in this exemplary embodiment may be flat, rectangular members where an edge of the flat, rectangular end portion 106 makes contact with a tire of a mower when the parking brake 103 is engaged (i.e., downward movement of the first element 105). However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the end portions being in a flat, rectangular shape. [0025] The pedal 104 may have a notch 108 on an edge of the pedal 104 for engaging the parking brake 103 in a locked position. The pedal 104 may be attached to an end of the first element 105 opposite the end connected to the center portion 603. An anti-skid pad 604 may be attached to the top of the pedal 104 to prevent slipping during depression of the pedal 104 by a foot of an operator of the mower. The parking brake assembly 601 may be attached to an axle assembly (501) of the mower in any of many various ways. In this exemplary embodiment, clamps 605 are shown supporting the center portion 603 for attachment of the parking brake assembly 601 to an axle assembly (501) of the mower. A spring 606 may be attached onto a stud or bolt 607 of the first element 105 and onto a stud or bolt on member 109 for returning the pedal 104 and first element 105 to an unengaged position when the parking brake is released from attachment to the member 109 via disengagement of the notch 108 of the pedal 104. [0026] Figure 7 shows a diagram of a rear view of a mower according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This view shows the parking brake assembly 601 where each end portion 106 is configured to be positioned behind one of the tires 107 of the mower. Upon depression of the pedal 104, each end portion 106 moves towards the tire 107 and engages the tire 107. Upon release of the pedal 104 and disengagement of the notch 108 on the pedal 104, the end portions 106 move away from the tire releasing each tire 107 allowing movement. [0027] Figure 8 shows a diagram of a parking brake according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The parking brake 103 may include a spring 606 connected between the first element 105 of the parking brake assembly 601 and a member 109 attached to an axle assembly 501. When the pedal 104 is depressed enough to engage the end portions 106 with the tires 107, the spring 606 expands. Once the pedal 104 is disengaged from the member 109, the tension from the spring 606 may cause the pedal 104 to rise and return to a non-engaged position and disengage the end portions 106 with the tires 107. [0028] Figure 9 shows a diagram of a front view of a mower according to an example embodiment of the present invention. This diagram shows the axle assembly 501 being connected to a frame 101. The frame 101 is shown with a series of holes on each side of the frame 101 for adjusting the cutting height of the mower to different cutting height settings 110 - 113. An end portion 505 of the axle assembly 501 may be connected to any of the various cutting height settings 110 - 113 by attachment to the appropriate hole in the frame 101 to adjust a cutting height of the mower.

[0029] Figure 10 shows a diagram of a bottom view of a mower according to an example embodiment of the present invention. This view illustrates that the axle assembly 501 includes side members 503 that attach to the frame 101 at via holes 505 at an end of each side member 503 of the axle assembly 501. Also shown is the bottom view of the parking brake assembly illustrating the pedal 104, first element 105 and end part 106 of the parking brake assembly 601. The member 109 that engages the pedal 104 is also shown and is attached to the axle assembly 501.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0031] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mower (100) comprising: a frame (101); an axle assembly (501), the axle assembly (501) being connected to the frame (101) and configured to support the attachment of a least one tire (107) for movement of the lawn mower (100); and a foot operated parking brake (103), the foot operated parking brake (103) being attached to the axle assembly (501) and configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with at least one tire (107) of the mower (100) independent of a mower axle position or a cutting height setting of the mower (100).

2. The mower (100) according to claim 1, the foot operated parking brake (103) further comprising: a parking brake assembly (601), the parking brake assembly (601) comprising a second element (602), the second element (602) being moveably attached to the axle assembly (501) and comprising an elongated cylindrical center portion (603) and two end portions (106), one at each end of the center portion (603), each end portion (106) being configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with one tire (107) of the mower (100); and a first element (105), the first element (105) being connected to the second element (602) substantially perpendicular to the second element (602); and a pedal (104), the pedal (104) being connected to the second element (602) and configured to be depressed to engage the end portions (106) with the tires (107) of the mower (100) independent of the mower axle position or the cutting height setting of the mower (100).

3. The mower (100) according to claim 2, further comprising an antiskid pad (604) attachable to the pedal (104).

4. The mower (100) according to claim 2, further comprising the pedal (104) comprising a notch (108) for locking the foot operated parking brake (103) in an engaged position with the tires (107).

5. The mower (100) according to claim 1, further comprising the foot operated parking brake (103) comprising a notch (108) for locking the foot operated parking brake (103) in an engaged position with the tires (107).

6. The mower (100) according to claim 1, further comprising the notch

(108) engaging at least one of a member (109) attached to the axle assembly (501) or the frame (101) to lock the foot operated parking brake (103) in the engaged position with the tires (107).

7. The mower (100) according to claim 1, further comprising the foot operated parking brake (103) being engaged with the tire (107) of the mower (100) responsive to downward movement of the foot operated parking brake (103). .

8. A foot operated parking brake (103) comprising: a parking brake assembly (601), the parking brake assembly (601) comprising a second element (602), the second element (602) being moveably attached to an axle assembly (501) of a device (100) and comprising an elongated cylindrical center portion (603) and two end portions (106), one at each end of the center portion (603), each end portion (106) being configured to be one of engaged or disengaged with one tire (107) of the device (100); and a first element (105), the first element (105) being connected to the second element (602) substantially perpendicular to the second element (602); and a pedal (104), the pedal (104) being connected to the second element (602) and configured to be depressed to engage the end portions (106) with the tires (107) of the device (100) independent of the device axle position or the cutting height setting of the device (100).

9. The mower (100) according to claim 8, further comprising an antiskid pad (604) attachable to the pedal (104).

10. The mower (100) according to claim 8, further comprising the pedal (104) comprising a notch (108) for locking the foot operated parking brake (601) in an engaged position with the tires (107).