Power mower with riding platform for supporting standing operator
US5809755A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2078
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.