Operating unit joint for turf maintenance equipment
US5623817A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D75/30
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering operating unit joint (22) for connecting an operating unit (20) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). Operating unit (20) can be a reel-type turf cutting unit. Cutting unit joint (22) preferably includes a pivot knuckle (50) having a snout (66), suitably secured to the free end of lift arm (18); and a snout receiver (94) suitably secured to cutting unit (20). A pair of resilient elements (100) is interposed between snout (66) and snout receiver (94). Elements (100) act between snout (66) and snout receiver (94) to resist "yawing" of cutting unit (20), whereby cutting unit (20) can be automatically straightened once it is raised to its transport position. During transport, cutting unit (20) is maintained in a straight and level orientation so that the turf is not gouged when the cutting unit (20) is lowered to its operating position "on the fly."
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.