Compact collection bag storage

Abstract

A walk-behind lawn mower (100) includes a work chassis (120) having a front end stow element (128) and a motor housing stow element (125). The walk-behind lawn mower (100) also includes a collection bag assembly (140) including a collection bag frame (155) and a collection bag (142). The collection bag frame (155) includes a lower support stow element (148) and an upper support stow element (150). In an operational configuration, the collection bag assembly (140) is removably attached to a rear end (122) of the work chassis (12) to capture clippings. In a stowed configuration, the collection bag frame (155) of the collection bag assembly (140) is removably attached to the work chassis (120) by engagement of the lower support stow element (148) with the front end stow element (128) and engagement of the upper support stow element (150) with the motor housing stow element (125).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary implementations typically relate to lawn and garden power equipment, and more specifically, to walk-behind mowers with collection bags. Background Technology

[0002] Push-powered lawnmowers have become a key component of most lawn and garden equipment sets used in commercial and residential settings. These push-powered lawnmowers offer flexibility for both large and small lawns. In some cases, the smaller size and weight of push-powered lawnmowers compared to ride-on mowers increase mobility and allow access to more restricted areas that ride-on mowers cannot reach.

[0003] However, like all lawn and garden equipment, push mowers need to be folded up when not in use. While the overall size of a push mower may be smaller than that of a ride-on mower, it includes components extending beyond the mower chassis (such as the push handle and collection bag), which increases its volume in a shed, garage, or trailer. A large portion of the volume occupied by a push mower is empty space (e.g., space associated with the handle and collection bag). Therefore, if a push mower is folded up in an operating configuration, it occupies a relatively large amount of space. While some solutions have been developed to reduce the storage space occupied by push mowers, such as folding the push handle, there is still a need for improved storage technology that not only reduces storage volume but also secures removable components in a fixed manner, allowing for easy reconfiguration from a folded state to an operating state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some exemplary embodiments, a push lawnmower is provided. The push lawnmower may include a chassis comprising: a front retraction element disposed at the front end of the chassis; and a motor housing including a motor housing retraction element. The push lawnmower may also include a collection bag assembly comprising a collection bag frame and a collection bag coupled to and supported by the collection bag frame. The collection bag frame may include a lower support retraction element and an upper support retraction element. In an operating configuration of the push lawnmower, the collection bag assembly may be removably attached to the rear end of the chassis to capture cut material. In a retracted configuration of the push lawnmower, the collection bag frame of the collection bag assembly may be removably attached to the chassis via engagement of the lower support retraction element with the front retraction element and engagement of the upper support retraction element with the motor housing retraction element.

[0005] According to some exemplary embodiments, another exemplary embodiment of a push mower is provided. The push mower may include a chassis comprising: a front retraction element disposed at the front end of the chassis; and a motor housing including a motor housing retraction element. The push mower may also include a collection bag frame including a lower support retraction element on a cantilever assembly and an upper support retraction element on an upper bag support. In an operating configuration of the push mower, the collection bag frame may be removably attached to the rear end of the chassis to capture cut material. In a retracted configuration of the push mower, the collection bag frame may be removably attached to the chassis via engagement of the lower support retraction element with the front retraction element and engagement of the upper support retraction element with the motor housing retraction element. In addition, the connection between the cantilever assembly and the upper bag support is elastic, such that the elastic force pushes the lower support retracting element toward the front retracting element and the upper support retracting element toward the motor housing retracting element, thereby securing the collection bag assembly to the working chassis. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Some exemplary embodiments have been described in general terms. Now, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 A side view of a push lawnmower in an operational configuration according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective top view of a collection bag frame according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective bottom view of a collection bag frame according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective top view of another collection bag frame according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 A perspective rear view of the working chassis of a push lawnmower according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective side view of the working chassis of a push lawnmower according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0013] Figure 7 An enlarged front view of the working chassis of a push lawnmower according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0014] Figure 8A cross-sectional side view is shown showing the collection bag frame joining the dashed outline of the work chassis in a stowed configuration, according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0015] Figure 9 A perspective side view of a retracted push handle according to some exemplary embodiments is shown; and

[0016] Figure 10 A push lawnmower in an upright, stowed configuration is shown according to some exemplary embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the exemplary embodiments. In fact, the examples described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals throughout refer to the same elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is interpreted as a logical operator that results in a true value if one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to refer to a direct or indirect connection in any case that enables components operably connected to each other to be functionally interconnected.

[0018] According to some exemplary embodiments, a push lawnmower is provided, which includes a collection bag assembly configured for both an operating configuration and a stowed configuration. In the operating configuration, the collection bag assembly can be removably attached to the rear end of the push lawnmower's chassis to capture cut material (e.g., cut grass clippings). In the stowed configuration, the collection bag assembly can be removably attached to the chassis in a compact and secure manner for storage of the push lawnmower. In this regard, the collection bag assembly may include a collection bag frame configured to be removably attached between a fixing element on the motor housing and the front end of the chassis. The collection bag frame can provide a support structure for supporting the collection bag in the operating configuration and facilitates compact storage of the collection bag in the stowed configuration. In this regard, since the collection bag is empty when stowed, it can be folded and attached to the top of the chassis. The motor housing can be positioned relative to the collection bag assembly such that the motor housing is located within the volume presented by the collection bag when fully extended (as in the operating configuration). Therefore, by folding the collection bag and securing the collection bag assembly to the work chassis, the space required to store the push lawnmower is greatly reduced.

[0019] Therefore, the collection bag assembly and the working chassis may include a corresponding retraction element operable to removably attach the collection bag assembly to the working chassis in a fixed manner. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, the components of the collection bag frame may be formed of a material with a certain degree of elasticity (e.g., metal, such as steel). When in the retracted configuration, this elasticity can operate to generate a retaining force that holds the collection bag assembly between the motor housing and the front end of the working chassis.

[0020] Some aspects of the exemplary embodiments have been described in general terms, and reference will now be made to... Figure 1 The image shows a side view of a push lawnmower 100 in an operational configuration according to some exemplary embodiments. The push lawnmower 100 may include a work chassis 120, a collection bag assembly 140, and a push handle 160. According to... Figure 1 In the operating configuration, the push handle 160 extends and rotates via the handle rotation assembly 161 to a position allowing the user to walk behind the lawnmower 100 and push the lawnmower. Additionally, the collection bag assembly 140 is removably attached to the work chassis 120 at the rear end 122 to capture cuts during operation of the push lawnmower 100. The collection bag assembly 140 may include a collection bag frame 155 and a collection bag 142 supported by the collection bag frame 155.

[0021] The working chassis 120 may have a front end 121 and a rear end 122. The front end 121 may be in a forward position when the user pushes the mower in a forward direction, as indicated by the forward-pointing arrow 103. The rear end 122 may be opposite the front end 121, and this rear end may be the end of the working chassis 120 closest to the user when the push mower 100 is being operated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the working chassis 120 may be configured to throw cut material toward the rear end 122 during operation. Thus, if the collection bag assembly 140 is attached in the operating configuration, the cut material can be collected within the collection bag 142.

[0022] The work chassis 120 may include a platform 123, a motor housing 124, and wheels 127. The platform 123 may be the lower portion of the work chassis 120, and may house cutting blades or other cutting tools. The motor housing 124 may be located above the platform 123 and may be an outer housing for a pneumatic or electric motor. According to some exemplary embodiments, the motor housing 124 may be located above the platform 123 and the cutting blade to allow a straight drive shaft to extend downward from the motor, thereby driving the cutting blade without the need for gears or belts to transmit the motor's rotational energy. According to some exemplary embodiments, the motor housing 124 may also house a rechargeable battery configured to power the motor of the push lawnmower 100 and any other electronic equipment.

[0023] Furthermore, the push lawnmower 100 may include a plurality of wheels 127. According to some exemplary embodiments, the push lawnmower 100 may include four wheels 127, including two front wheels and two rear wheels. The wheels 127 may be configured to rotate freely in response to a user's thrust, or the wheels 127 may be driven by a propulsion system that rotatably drives the wheels 127 to reduce the thrust provided by the user.

[0024] As described above, the chassis 120 may include attachment or securing features to allow the collection bag assembly 140 to be removably attached to the chassis 120 in both the operating and stowed configurations. For the stowed configuration, the motor housing 124 may include a motor housing stowage element 125 configured to engage with a corresponding feature on the collection bag assembly 140. The motor housing stowage element 125 may be disposed on the motor housing 124. According to some exemplary embodiments, the motor housing stowage element 125 may be positioned on the back or rear portion of the motor housing 124 and may face rearward (i.e., toward the rear end 122 of the chassis 120). Furthermore, the chassis 120 may include a front stowage element 128 for use when the push lawnmower 100 is in the stowed configuration. The front stowage element 128 may be positioned at the front end 121 of the chassis 120, for example, on the front bumper or front surface of a forward extension extending beyond the front wheel 127.

[0025] Specific features of the work chassis 120 for securing the collection bag assembly 140 in the operating configuration will be further described below. However, when the push handle 160 is in the operating configuration, the collection bag assembly 140 is configured to be removably attached to the rear end 122 to extend behind the rear wheel 17 and below the push handle 160. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, the work chassis 120 may include a bag flap 129, which can be spring-biased to a closed position when the collection bag assembly 140 is not attached to the rear end 122, but is raised and rests on top of the collection bag assembly 140 when the collection bag assembly 140 is attached to the rear end 122 in the operating configuration. The collection bag assembly 140 may be attached to the work chassis 120 such that the upper bag support 141 of the collection bag frame 155 extends rearward, and the collection bag 142 is suspended from and positioned below the upper bag support 141. According to some exemplary embodiments, a cantilever structure may be used to support the upper bag support 141. According to some exemplary embodiments, the collection bag assembly 140 may include a bag handle 143 positioned to assist a user in attaching and removing the collection bag assembly 140 to and from the rear end 122, particularly when the collection bag 142 is full of cut-off material.

[0026] The collection bag 142 can be made of a durable cloth (e.g., canvas) or other durable but soft material. According to some exemplary embodiments, the material of the collection bag 142 can be a breathable material that allows some airflow through the bag but retains the yard cuts that have been cut by the cutting blade and thrown into the bag. In this respect, the material of the collection bag 142 can be a mesh, such as a polyester mesh or nylon mesh. According to some exemplary embodiments, the surface of the collection bag material can be textured with a relatively high coefficient of friction. Thus, when the collection bag material is pressed between two surfaces, it tends to remain in place due to friction and does not slip.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the collection bag frame 155 is shown. Figure 2 A perspective side view of the collection bag frame 155 is provided, while Figure 3 A perspective bottom view of the collection bag frame 155 is provided. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The collection bag 142 is not shown in the image to allow for a better view of the specific features of the collection bag frame 155.

[0028] The collection bag frame 155 may include an upper bag support 141 and a cantilever assembly 145. According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper bag support 141 may be a rigid structure configured to extend generally horizontally when the collection bag frame 155 is coupled to the work chassis 120. As described above, the upper bag support 141 can serve to support the collection bag 142, which can be secured to the upper bag support 141 such that the collection bag 142 is suspended below the upper bag support 141. Figure 3 As best shown, the upper bag support 141, more specifically the shell 157, may include a clamp 159 for securing the collection bag 142 to the shell 157 and the collection bag frame 155. In this respect, the upper bag support 141 may include a rigid shell 157, which may be formed of plastic, such as polycarbonate plastic. Thus, the shell 157 may be concave and have sidewalls 158 extending downward from the upper surface.

[0029] The upper bag support 141 may include a bag handle 143, which is locating along a longitudinal bisecting plane passing through the longitudinal axis 104 of the collection bag frame 155 and the housing 157. According to some exemplary embodiments, the collection bag frame 155 may be bilaterally symmetrical about this plane, which may intersect the bag handle 143, the upper support retracting element 150, and the lower support protrusion 154, as further described herein. Arranging the bag handle 143 along this central longitudinal axis naturally balances the collection bag 142 (…). Figure 2 The weight of the cut item (not shown). As further described below, arranging the handle along the longitudinal axis also facilitates the attachment of the receiving bag assembly 140 in the collapsible configuration.

[0030] The upper bag support 141 may include an upper support retractable element 150. The upper support retractable element 150 may be positioned at the rear of the housing 157 (opposite to the cantilever assembly 145). According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper support retractable element 150 may be disposed on the same longitudinal axis 104 (i.e., intersecting with the associated bisecting plane). According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper support retractable element 150 may be disposed on the inner surface of the housing 157. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, the upper support retractable element 150 may be formed as an upper support lip 156. The lip 156 may be realized or included by the inner surface of the sidewall 158. According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper support lip 156 may have a different shape than the other sidewalls 158. For example, the upper support lip 156 may include recesses, protrusions, curvatures, etc., to facilitate secure engagement with the work chassis 120 when in a retracted configuration. Furthermore, although not shown, the material of the collection bag 142 may be provided on or adjacent to the upper support retracting element 150, thereby facilitating the fixed engagement of the upper support retracting element 150 with the working chassis 120 (e.g., via the aforementioned friction aspect).

[0031] The upper bag support 141 may also include a chassis fixing element 149 disposed within the chassis fixing portion 144. In this respect, the upper bag support 141 may include features complementary to those on the work chassis 120 to removably attach the collection bag frame 155 to the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120 in an operational configuration. The chassis fixing portion 144 may be in the form of a cut-out that narrows the housing 157 for fitting between the handle rotating assembly 161 of the work chassis 120. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, the chassis fixing element 149 may be a recess on the underside of the housing 157 that corresponds to a corresponding bag assembly fixing element 130 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The bag assembly 140 is engaged to secure the collection bag assembly 140 to the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120. In this respect, the bag assembly retaining element 130 may be a post extending upward to receive within the recess of the chassis retaining element 149 to hold the collection bag assembly 140 to the work chassis 120.

[0032] According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper bag support 141 may further include means for connecting the upper bag support 141 to the cantilever assembly 145. In this regard, the upper bag support 141 may include an upper support arm 151 attached to the housing 157. Figure 3As best shown, the upper support arm 151 can be positioned inside the housing 157 on opposite sides of the housing 157. According to some exemplary embodiments, the upper support arm 151 can be a metal (e.g., steel) rod or bar secured to the housing 157 by fasteners 152. The upper support arm 151 can extend into the housing 157. The upper support arm 151 can be secured to the housing 157 by a plurality of fasteners 152 to provide a rigid connection with the housing 157.

[0033] The upper support arm 151 may be integrally formed with or connected to a transition support bend 153, which operatively connects the upper bag support 141 to the cantilever assembly 145. The support bend 153 may be a bend in a steel bar or rod forming the cantilever assembly 145. According to some exemplary embodiments, the support bend 153 may be, for example, bent at a right angle or ninety degrees to transition from a generally horizontal extension of the upper bag support 141 to a generally downward vertical extension of the cantilever assembly 145. Furthermore, as discussed in further detail below, the support bend 153 may provide a degree of elasticity to the collection bag frame 155, which can be used to generate an elastic force that tends to hold the collection bag assembly 140 in a folded configuration.

[0034] The cantilever assembly 145 may include a lower support arm 146. Each lower support arm 146 extends vertically downward from a corresponding support bend 153 connected to the upper support arm 151. While the relationship between the lower support arm 146 and the upper support arm 151 may be a right angle or near a right angle according to some exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that a non-right angle relationship may be used. Specifically, a slightly acute angle (e.g., greater than 85 degrees) between the upper bag support 141 and the cantilever assembly 145, which is less than a right angle, may generate a higher elastic force to better secure the collection bag assembly 140 in the stowed configuration.

[0035] When the collection bag assembly 140 is in the operational configuration, the lower support arm 146 of the cantilever assembly 145 can engage with the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120. This engagement can be secured by a clamp or the like, or the weight of the upper bag support 141 can be sufficient to securely push the cantilever assembly 145 against the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120. According to some exemplary embodiments, a large portion of the weight of the collection bag frame 155 can be borne by the bag assembly fixing element 130 on the work chassis 120. Based on the positioning of the bag assembly fixing element 130 adjacent to and above the wheel 127 (… Figure 5 and Figure 6 The weight of the upper bag support 141 (and the collection bag 142 when attached) will be transferred to the wheel 127. Thus, the cantilever assembly 145 may be subjected to the force generated by the moment around the support bend 153 due to the weight of the upper bag support 141.

[0036] The cantilever assembly 145 may further include a lower support retraction element 148, which supports the cantilever function in an operational configuration and facilitates removable attachment of the collection bag assembly 140 to the work chassis 120 in a retracted configuration. In this regard, the lower support retraction element 148 may include a lower support crossarm 147. The lower support crossarm 147 may be integrally formed with or connected to the lower support arms 146. Thus, the lower support crossarm 147 may be connected between the lower support arms 146. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lower support crossarm 147 may be configured to be at a right angle to the lower support arms 146.

[0037] In the operating configuration, the lower support crossarm 147 can also contact the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120 to support the cantilever function of the cantilever assembly 145. Therefore, the lower support crossarm 147 can be fixed to the rear end 122 by clamps or the like, or the weight of the upper bag support 141 can be sufficient to securely push the lower support crossarm 147 against the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120.

[0038] As further described below, the lower support crossarm 147 can be attached to the work chassis 120 in a collapsed configuration to retain the collection bag assembly 140 in the collapsed configuration. However, to improve engagement in the collapsed configuration, the lower support collapse element 148 may also include a lower support protrusion 154. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lower support protrusion 154 extends from the lower support crossarm 147 in a generally horizontal and rearward direction. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lower support protrusion 154 may be a C-shaped or U-shaped welded rod extending from the lower support crossarm 147. Alternatively, according to some exemplary embodiments, the lower support protrusion 154 may be a rearwardly extending projecting bend in the lower support crossarm 147. The lower support protrusion 154 may engage with a corresponding feature on the work chassis 120 configured to securely engage with the lower support protrusion 154 to retain the collection bag assembly 140 in the collapsed configuration.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 4An alternative embodiment of the collection bag frame 255 is shown. The collection bag frame 255 does not include the shell 157. Instead, the collection bag frame 255 can be formed by welding and / or bending rods or bars of the structure of the collection bag frame described herein. In this regard, the upper bag support 241 may include parallel rods 251 to which the collection bag 142 can be suspended. The chassis fixing element 249 may be formed as a U-shaped extension of the outer side of the rods 251. For example, the chassis fixing element 249 may have an internal opening into which the bag assembly fixing element 130 can be received to support the upper bag support 241. Furthermore, the upper bag support 241 may include an upper support crossbar 252 extending between the two rods 251 at the rear end of the collection bag frame 255.

[0040] The upper support retraction element 250 can be configured to be fixed to the upper support crossbar 252. In this respect, the upper support retraction element 250 may include a protrusion 256 that extends downward in an arc shape to facilitate engagement with a corresponding feature on, for example, the motor housing 124 of a push lawnmower 100.

[0041] Similar to the collection bag frame 155, the collection bag frame 255 may also include a support bend 253 that transitions the upper bag support 241 to the cantilever assembly 245. Also similar to the collection bag frame 155, the cantilever assembly 245 may include two lower support arms 246 that extend vertically downward relative to the horizontal extension of the upper bag support 241. The lower support arms 246 can be used to provide cantilever support to the upper bag support 241. The cantilever assembly 245 may also include a lower support retraction element 248. The lower support retraction element 248 may include a lower support crossarm 247 connected between the lower support arms 246 and supporting the cantilever function in the operating configuration and the engagement in the retraction configuration. Furthermore, the lower support retraction element 248 may also include a lower support engagement feature 254. In this respect, the lower support engagement feature 254 may be a ring forming an opening, rather than a protrusion. According to some exemplary embodiments, the opening may be configured, for example, to receive a corresponding protrusion disposed on the front end of a push lawnmower to secure the collection bag frame 155 in a stowed configuration.

[0042] Now for reference Figures 5 to 7Various views of the working chassis 120 of a push lawnmower 100 are shown. First, it should be noted that the bag assembly fixing element 130 is shown at the rear end 122 of the working chassis 120. As previously described, the bag assembly fixing element 130 is formed as an upwardly extending post configured to be received in a chassis fixing element 149, which is formed as a corresponding recess for supporting the collection bag assembly 140 (or collection bag frame 255). Furthermore, in an operating configuration, the cantilever assembly 145 can contact the rear end 122 of the working chassis 120. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, the bag cap 129 is in the closed position, and therefore the rear end surface of the cantilever assembly 145 is positioned below the bag cap 129. To install the collection bag assembly 140, the bag cap 129 can be pivoted to an upright position, and then the collection bag assembly 140 can be mounted on the bag assembly fixing element 130. After being positioned accordingly, the spring-biased bag cap 129 can be released, and due to the bias, the bag cap 129 can remain on top of the collection bag assembly 140, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0043] also, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The motor housing retraction element 125 is shown in the diagram. From Figure 5 As can be seen more clearly, the motor housing retractable element 125 can take the form of a motor housing protrusion 133 that extends rearward toward the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120. The extension of the motor housing protrusion 133 may be below the motor housing protrusion 133 and create a gap 126 between the motor housing protrusion 133 and the platform 123. According to some exemplary embodiments, although the motor housing protrusion 133 extends rearward, it does not extend beyond the rear end 122 of the work chassis 120. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As best shown, the motor housing protrusion 133 may include a motor housing handle 134. In this respect, the motor housing handle 134 may have a dual function, serving both as a handle for lifting the push mower 100 in the operating configuration and as a handle for securely engaging with the collection bag frame 155 when in the stowed configuration.

[0044] Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the front-end retraction element 128 can be implemented in... Figure 7 This is best seen in the enlarged front view. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, the front retractable element 128 may include a crossarm receiving slot 131 configured to receive the lower support crossarm 147 of the collection bag frame 155. In this respect, the lower support crossarm 147 may be fitted into a recess in the crossarm receiving slot 131 to securely hold the lower support crossarm 147 in the recess. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, the crossarm receiving slot 131 may have the same length as the lower support crossarm 147.

[0045] The front retraction element 128 may also include a protruding receiving slot 132. The protruding receiving slot 132 may be disposed on the front end 121 of the working chassis 120, and for example, at a central location on the front end 121 of the working chassis 120. According to some exemplary embodiments, the protruding receiving slot 132 may be disposed within the crossarm receiving groove 131. However, according to some exemplary embodiments, the front retraction element 128 may include only the protruding receiving slot 132 (i.e., excluding the crossarm receiving groove 131). In exemplary embodiments that include the crossarm receiving groove 131 positioned at the same location as the protruding receiving slot 132, the protruding receiving slot 132 may have a depth greater than the depth of the crossarm receiving groove 131.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the collection bag frame 155 is shown, and the dashed outline of the working chassis 120 is shown, wherein the collection bag frame 155 is in a retracted configuration. In this respect, when the collection bag frame 155 is in the retracted configuration, the collection bag frame 155 of the collection bag assembly 140 is removably attached to the working chassis 120 by engagement of the lower support retracting element 148 with the front retracting element 128 and engagement of the upper support retracting element 150 with the motor housing retracting element 125.

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, to install the collection bag frame 155 in the retracted configuration, the user can, for example, engage the lower support retracting element 148 with the front retracting element 128. In this regard, for example, the lower support crossarm 147 can be inserted into the crossarm receiving slot 131. Furthermore, the lower support protrusion 154 can be aligned with and inserted into the protrusion receiving slot 132. The user can then, for example, engage the upper support retracting element 150 with the motor housing retracting element 125 while grasping the bag handle 143. To do this, the user can pull the collection bag frame 155 back so that the upper support lip 156 passes over and engages with the motor housing protrusion 133 to form an attachment. Although not shown, the material of the collection bag 142 can be folded onto the motor housing 124, and a portion of the material can be disposed between the motor housing protrusion 133 and the upper support lip 156 to facilitate a material-related frictional engagement of the collection bag 142.

[0048] Furthermore, during the process of pulling the upper bag support 141 past the motor housing protrusion 133, the support bend 153 may bend, causing some potential energy to be loaded into the collection bag frame 155. Due to the elasticity in the support bend 153 and the pushing force to return to the original unloaded state, the collection bag frame 155 applies an elastic force to the working chassis 120. Thus, the elastic force can push the lower support crossarm 147 and the lower support protrusion 154 backward using the elastic force component in direction 101, and can push the upper support lip 156 forward using the elastic force component in direction 102. The presence of these forces, along with the fixed engagement between the collection bag assembly 140 and the working chassis 120, serves to maintain a removable attachment between the components when in the retracted configuration.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 9 The push handle 160 is shown in a retracted state for use in a stowed configuration. In this respect, the push handle 160 may include a side lever 165 that can telescopically retract into a handle extension lock 163. As described above, the push handle 160 can pivot via a handle rotation assembly 161, which may include a handle rotation element 162 of the push handle 160. Furthermore, the push handle 160 may include a user controller 164 configured to control the operation of the push lawnmower 100.

[0050] Figure 10 A push lawnmower 100 in a retracted configuration is shown. In this configuration, a collection bag assembly 140 is removably attached to a chassis 120, with a lower support retracting element 148 engaging with a front retracting element 128, and an upper support retracting element 150 engaging with a motor housing retracting element 125. Furthermore, the push handle 160 is retracted and pivoted above the chassis 120, allowing the collection bag assembly 140 to pass between the side bars 165 of the push handle 160. In this configuration, the width between the side bars 165 of the push handle 160 may be greater than the width of the collection bag assembly 140. Finally, the push lawnmower 100 can be erected to an upright position, with the rear end 122 engaging the ground 170 to reduce the coverage area of ​​the retracted lawnmower. In this position, the collection bag assembly 140 does not contact the ground 170. Additionally, two of the four wheels 127 (i.e., the front wheels 127) do not contact the ground 170.

[0051] According to a first exemplary embodiment, a push lawnmower is provided. The push lawnmower may include a chassis comprising: a front retraction element disposed at the front end of the chassis; and a motor housing including a motor housing retraction element. The push lawnmower may further include a collection bag assembly comprising a collection bag frame and a collection bag coupled to and supported by the collection bag frame. The collection bag frame may include a lower support retraction element and an upper support retraction element. In an operating configuration of the push lawnmower, the collection bag assembly may be removably attached to the rear end of the chassis to capture cut material. In a retracted configuration of the push lawnmower, the collection bag frame of the collection bag assembly may be removably attached to the chassis via engagement of the lower support retraction element with the front retraction element and engagement of the upper support retraction element with the motor housing retraction element.

[0052] According to a second exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with the first exemplary embodiment, the collection bag frame may include an upper bag support and a cantilever assembly including a lower support arm connected to the upper bag support. Furthermore, in an operating configuration, the upper bag support can support the collection bag from above, and the collection bag frame can be supported by bag assembly fixing elements of the work chassis. The lower support arm can be connected to the rear end of the work chassis to provide cantilever support for the upper bag support.

[0053] According to a third exemplary embodiment of the push lawnmower, which can be combined with the second exemplary embodiment, the lower support retraction element may include a lower support crossarm connected between the lower support arms. Furthermore, in the retraction configuration, the lower support crossarm may be disposed within a crossarm receiving slot of the front retraction element.

[0054] According to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the push lawnmower, which can be combined with the third exemplary embodiment, the lower support retraction element may further include a lower support protrusion extending from the lower support crossarm. Furthermore, in the retraction configuration, the lower support protrusion may be disposed within a protrusion receiving slot of the front retraction element. The depth of the protrusion receiving slot may be greater than the depth of the crossarm receiving slot.

[0055] According to a fifth exemplary embodiment of a push mower, which can be combined with a second, third, or fourth exemplary embodiment, the connection between the cantilever assembly and the upper bag support is elastic, such that when the push mower is in a retracted configuration, the elastic force pushes the lower support retracting element toward the front retracting element and the upper support retracting element toward the motor housing retracting element to securely attach the collection bag assembly to the work chassis.

[0056] According to a sixth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with any of the first to fifth exemplary embodiments, the motor housing retraction element may include a motor housing protrusion extending away from the motor housing toward the rear end of the work chassis. Furthermore, the upper support retraction element may include an upper support lip, and in the retraction configuration, engagement between the upper support retraction element and the motor housing retraction element may include engaging the motor housing protrusion with the upper support lip.

[0057] According to a seventh exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with a sixth exemplary embodiment, the upper bag support of the collection bag assembly may include a concave shell with an inner sidewall including an upper support lip. According to an eighth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with a sixth or seventh exemplary embodiment, the motor housing protrusion does not extend beyond the rear end of the work chassis. According to a ninth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with sixth through eighth exemplary embodiments, the motor housing protrusion includes a motor housing handle.

[0058] According to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the push lawnmower, which can be combined with any of the first to ninth exemplary embodiments, the push lawnmower may also include four wheels. Furthermore, in the folded configuration, the rear end of the work chassis may contact the ground, and the collection bag assembly and two of the four wheels may not contact the ground.

[0059] According to an eleventh embodiment of the push mower, which can be combined with any of the first to tenth embodiments, the push mower may further include a push handle pivotally coupled to the working chassis. In a retracted configuration, the push handle can be pivoted to a position above the working chassis, such that the collection bag assembly passes between the side bars of the push handle.

[0060] According to a twelfth embodiment of the push mower, which can be combined with the eleventh embodiment, the side bar of the push handle is telescopically retracted. According to a thirteenth embodiment of the push mower, which can be combined with any of the first to twelfth embodiments, the collection bag frame may include a bag handle aligned along the longitudinal axis of the collection bag frame with the lower support retraction element and the upper support retraction element to facilitate the installation of the collection bag assembly into the retraction configuration.

[0061] According to a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with any of the first to thirteenth exemplary embodiments, in a retractable configuration, a portion of a collection bag is disposed and engaged between an upper support retractable element and a motor housing retractable element. Furthermore, the material of the collection bag can provide frictional engagement between the upper support retractable element and the motor housing retractable element.

[0062] According to a fifteenth exemplary embodiment, another exemplary embodiment of a push mower is provided. The push mower may include a chassis comprising: a front retraction element disposed at the front end of the chassis; and a motor housing including a motor housing retraction element. The push mower may also include a collection bag frame including a lower support retraction element on a cantilever assembly and an upper support retraction element on an upper bag support. In an operating configuration of the push mower, the collection bag frame may be removably attached to the rear end of the chassis to capture cut material. In a retracted configuration of the push mower, the collection bag frame may be removably attached to the chassis via engagement of the lower support retraction element with the front retraction element and engagement of the upper support retraction element with the motor housing retraction element. Furthermore, the connection between the cantilever assembly and the upper bag support is elastic, such that the elastic force pushes the lower support retracting element towards the front retracting element and the upper support retracting element towards the motor housing retracting element, thereby securing the collection bag assembly to the work chassis.

[0063] According to a sixteenth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with any of the fifteenth exemplary embodiments, the cantilever assembly may include a lower support arm coupled to an upper bag support. Furthermore, in an operating configuration, the upper bag support can support the collection bag from above, and the collection bag support frame is supported by bag assembly fixing elements of the work chassis. Additionally, the lower support arm may be coupled to the rear end of the work chassis to provide cantilever support to the upper bag support.

[0064] According to a seventeenth embodiment of a push-type lawnmower, which can be combined with a sixteenth embodiment, the lower support retraction element may include a lower support crossarm connected between the lower support arms. In the retraction configuration, the lower support crossarm may be disposed within a crossarm receiving slot of the front retraction element.

[0065] According to the eighteenth embodiment of the push-type lawnmower, which can be combined with the seventeenth embodiment, the lower support retraction element may further include a lower support protrusion extending from the lower support crossarm. Furthermore, in the retraction configuration, the lower support protrusion may be disposed within a protrusion receiving slot of the front retraction element. Additionally, the depth of the protrusion receiving slot is greater than the depth of the crossarm receiving slot.

[0066] According to a nineteenth exemplary embodiment of a push lawnmower, which can be combined with any of the fifteenth to eighteenth exemplary embodiments, the motor housing retraction element may include a motor housing protrusion extending away from the motor housing toward the rear end of the work chassis. Furthermore, the upper support retraction element includes an upper support lip, and in the retraction configuration, engagement between the upper support retraction element and the motor housing retraction element may include engaging the motor housing protrusion with the upper support lip.

[0067] According to the twentieth exemplary embodiment of the push lawnmower, which can be combined with the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, the upper bag support of the collection bag frame may include a concave shell with an inner sidewall including an upper support lip.

[0068] Those skilled in the art, having benefited from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and related drawings, will conceive of many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions in the foregoing description and related drawings, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, for example, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some exemplary embodiments but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered essential, necessary, or indispensable to all embodiments or the contents claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A push-type lawnmower (100), comprising: A working chassis (120) includes: a front retraction element (128) disposed at the front end (121) of the working chassis (120); and a motor housing (124) including a motor housing retraction element (125); and The collection bag assembly (140) includes a collection bag frame (155, 255) and a collection bag (142), the collection bag being connected to and supported by the collection bag frame (155, 255); The collection bag frame (155, 255) includes a lower support and retraction element (148, 248) and an upper support and retraction element (150, 250). In the operating configuration of the push mower (100), the collection bag assembly (140) is removably attached to the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120) to capture the cut material; In the retracted configuration of the push lawnmower (100), the collection bag frame (155, 255) of the collection bag assembly (140) is removably attached to the work chassis (120) by the engagement of the lower support retracting element (148, 248) with the front retracting element (128) and the engagement of the upper support retracting element (150, 250) with the motor housing retracting element (125). The collection bag frames (155, 255) include: Upper bag support components (141, 241); and The cantilever assembly (145, 245) includes a lower support arm (146, 246) connected to the upper bag support (141, 241). In the operation configuration: The upper bag support members (141, 241) support the collection bag (142) from above, and the collection bag frame (155, 255) is supported by the bag assembly fixing element (130) of the working chassis (120); and The lower support arms (146, 246) are connected to the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120) to provide cantilever support for the upper bag support (141, 241).

2. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The lower support retractable elements (148, 248) include lower support cross arms (147, 247) connected between the lower support arms (146, 246). In the retractable configuration, the lower support crossarm (147, 247) is disposed within the crossarm receiving slot (131) of the front retractable element (128).

3. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The lower support retractable element (148) also includes a lower support protrusion (154) extending from the lower support crossarm (147). In the retractable configuration, the lower support protrusion (154) is disposed within the protrusion receiving slot (132) of the front retractable element (128); The depth of the protruding receiving slot (132) is greater than the depth of the horizontal arm receiving slot (131).

4. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The connection between the cantilever assembly (145, 245) and the upper bag support (141, 241) is elastic, such that when the push mower (100) is in the retracted configuration, the elastic force pushes the lower support retracting element (148, 248) toward the front retracting element (128) and the upper support retracting element (150, 250) toward the motor housing retracting element (125) to securely attach the collection bag assembly (140) to the work chassis (120).

5. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The motor housing retraction element (125) includes a motor housing protrusion (133) that extends away from the motor housing (124) toward the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120); The upper support retractable element (150, 250) includes an upper support lip (156, 256). In the retracted configuration, the engagement between the upper support retracting element (150, 250) and the motor housing retracting element (125) includes engaging the motor housing protrusion (133) with the upper support lip (156, 256).

6. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The upper bag support (141) of the collection bag assembly (140) includes a concave shell (157) with an inner sidewall (158) including the upper support lip (156).

7. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The motor housing protrusion (133) does not extend beyond the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120).

8. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The motor housing protrusion (133) includes a motor housing handle (134).

9. The push lawnmower (100) according to claim 1 further includes four wheels (127). in, In the retracted configuration, the rear end (122) of the work chassis (120) is in contact with the ground (170), and the collection bag assembly (140) and two of the four wheels are not in contact with the ground (170).

10. The push lawnmower (100) according to claim 1 further includes a push handle (160) pivotally connected to the working chassis (120). in, In the retracted configuration, the push handle (160) pivots to a position above the work chassis (120) such that the collection bag assembly (140) passes between the side bars (165) of the push handle (160).

11. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The side rod (165) of the push handle (160) retracts telescopically.

12. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The collection bag frame (155) includes a bag handle (143) aligned along the longitudinal axis of the collection bag frame (155) with the lower support retracting element (148) and the upper support retracting element (150) to facilitate the installation of the collection bag assembly (140) into the retracting configuration.

13. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 1, wherein, In the retractable configuration, a portion of the collection bag (142) is disposed and engaged between the upper support retractable element (150, 250) and the motor housing retractable element (125); The material of the collection bag (142) provides frictional engagement between the upper support retractable element (150, 250) and the motor housing retractable element (125).

14. A push-type lawnmower (100), comprising: A working chassis (120) includes: a front retraction element (128) disposed at the front end (121) of the working chassis (120); and a motor housing (124) including a motor housing retraction element (125); and The collection bag frame (155, 255) includes a lower support retraction element (148, 248) on the cantilever assembly (145, 245) and an upper support retraction element (150, 250) on the upper bag support (141, 241). In the operating configuration of the push mower (100), the collection bag frame (155, 255) is removably attached to the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120) to capture the cut material; In the retractable configuration of the push lawnmower (100): The collection bag frames (155, 255) are removably attached to the work chassis (120) through the engagement of the lower support retracting elements (148, 248) with the front retracting element (128) and the engagement of the upper support retracting elements (150, 250) with the motor housing retracting element (125); and The connection between the cantilever assembly (145, 245) and the upper bag support (141, 241) is elastic, such that the elastic force pushes the lower support retracting element (148, 248) toward the front retracting element (128) and the upper support retracting element (150, 250) toward the motor housing retracting element (125) to securely attach the collection bag assembly (140) to the working chassis (120). The cantilever assembly (145, 245) includes a lower support arm (146, 246) connected to the upper bag support (141, 241). In the operation configuration: The upper bag support (141, 241) supports the collection bag (142) from above, and the collection bag frame is supported by the bag assembly fixing element (130) of the working chassis (120); and The lower support arms (146, 246) are connected to the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120) to provide cantilever support for the upper bag support (141, 241).

15. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 14, wherein, The lower support retractable elements (148, 248) include lower support cross arms (147, 247) connected between the lower support arms (146, 246). In the retractable configuration, the lower support crossarm (147, 247) is disposed within the crossarm receiving slot (131) of the front retractable element (128).

16. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 15, wherein, The lower support retractable element (148) also includes a lower support protrusion (154) extending from the lower support crossarm (147). In the retractable configuration, the lower support protrusion (154) is disposed within the protrusion receiving slot (132) of the front retractable element (128); The depth of the protruding receiving slot (132) is greater than the depth of the horizontal arm receiving slot (131).

17. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 14, wherein, The motor housing retraction element (125) includes a motor housing protrusion (133) that extends away from the motor housing (124) toward the rear end (122) of the working chassis (120); The upper support retractable element (150, 250) includes an upper support lip (156, 256). In the retracted configuration, the engagement between the upper support retracting element (150, 250) and the motor housing retracting element (125) includes engaging the motor housing protrusion (133) with the upper support lip (156, 256).

18. The push-type lawnmower (100) according to claim 17, wherein, The upper bag support (141) of the collection bag frame (155) includes a concave shell (157) with an inner sidewall (158) including the upper support lip (156).

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