A riding device for lawn mowing and pressure surface cleaning

Abstract

A riding device and method for mowing and pressure surface cleaning. The riding device, similar to a riding lawnmower, has a chassis, body, seat, and controls. A mowing platform is mounted to the chassis. A spindle is mounted to the mowing platform. The spindle allows connection to mowing blades, a water supply device, and nozzles for pressure surface cleaning. The spindle shaft has vertical and horizontal holes forming a T-shaped path for the water supply device. A rotary joint connects to the top of the spindle and to a high-pressure hose. Two L-shaped tubes extend from two openings in the horizontal hole and provide attachment for the nozzles. A high-pressure pump is capable of supplying water or steam. When not used for cleaning, the nozzles and the hose from the rotary joint can be removed, and the riding device can be used for mowing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 586,239, filed September 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a riding device for mowing and pressure surface cleaning, and more specifically, to a riding and zero-steering device for mowing and cleaning using brushless surface cleaning technology and wastewater recycling. Background Technology

[0004] Lawn mowers have always been an essential tool for maintaining gardens and parks. While lawn mowers have been used for decades, progress in improving their usability has been minimal. Zero-steering lawn mowers have become very popular today due to their maneuverability. Typically, zero-steering lawn mowers consist of a hydrostatic transmission driven by a hydraulic pump. Each rear wheel has its own independent drive motor, allowing the mower to turn forward, backward, and with a small radius. The mower has a vertical shaft gasoline motor that powers the hydraulic pump and the pulleys attached to the main shaft. The main shaft is constructed of a solid steel axle with multiple bearings enclosed in a housing bolted to the mower. A pulley is located at the top of the main shaft, and the mowing blades are located at the bottom. Each zero-steering motor has two levers, a right lever and a left lever, which activate each wheel independently from the driver's seat. The mower has a fuel tank, battery, and control panel with a key for starting the mower. The control panel also has a power take-off (PTO) button for engaging the pulleys. Each control panel has a throttle control for accelerating the motor, and each lawnmower has a mechanism for raising and lowering the platform. These zero-steering lawnmowers are all built on steel frame assemblies painted in various colors.

[0005] Zero-steering lawnmowers are expensive, but their practicality is limited. Therefore, there is a need to improve lawnmowers to increase functionality and overcome any limitations in practicality.

[0006] It should be noted that the phrases “pressure surface rinsing” and “pressure surface cleaning” are used interchangeably in this document and refer to surface cleaning using room temperature water, cold water, hot water, and / or steam. The water may include any additives that enhance cleaning efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, a riding device for mowing and pressure surface cleaning is disclosed. A riding and zero-steering device is disclosed that allows the end user to mow grass, pressure clean hard surfaces, and simultaneously discharge wastewater into a storage tank for wastewater recycling.

[0008] In one aspect, a riding device is disclosed that can use hot water, room temperature water and steam for pressure surface cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings further explain the principles of the invention and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a riding device for mowing grass or for pressure surface cleaning using room temperature water, hot water or steam, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 A spindle shaft with vertical and horizontal holes is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vertical and horizontal holes forming an L-shaped or T-shaped path for water to pass through for pressure surface cleaning.

[0012] Figure 3 A high-pressure rotary joint is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a device having a single spindle and a single mowing blade according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a device having two spindles and two mowing blades according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The subject matter will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. However, the subject matter can be embodied in many different forms, and therefore, the covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Similarly, the subject matter intended to be claimed or covered has a reasonably broad scope. Among other things, the subject matter can be embodied as a method, apparatus, component, or system, for example. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense.

[0016] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. Similarly, the term "embodiments of the invention" does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0017] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments 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 “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “comprising” as used herein specify the presence of the 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 combinations thereof.

[0018] The following detailed description includes the best mode currently contemplated for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. This description should not be construed in a limiting sense, but is made merely to illustrate the general principles of the invention, as the scope of the invention will be best defined by the claims of any final patent.

[0019] A ride-on, zero-steering device is disclosed for both lawn mowing and pressure surface cleaning, simultaneously recycling wastewater and discharging it into a storage tank. The disclosed ride-on device can use hot water, cold water, ambient temperature, and / or steam for pressure surface cleaning. When not used for pressure surface cleaning, the disclosed ride-on device can be used for lawn mowing. Similarly, the disclosed ride-on device can be used for pressure cleaning hard surfaces. This significantly increases the practicality of the disclosed ride-on device, making it versatile and cost-effective.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 This illustration shows an exemplary embodiment of a riding device 100 according to the present invention. The riding device 100 has a chassis 110, to which a mowing platform 130 is mounted via one or more spindles. The device also includes a body, a seat 120, steering levers 140, a transmission, wheels, and similar components known to be used in riding lawnmowers. Each rear wheel of the riding device has its own independent drive motor, which allows the riding device to be operated forward, backward, and to turn with a small radius. Two steering levers 140 are used to turn the riding device to the right and left. These levers can activate the two wheels independently of each other. When seated in the riding device, the driver can operate the two levers to turn the device to the right or left.

[0021] Instead of left and right joysticks, the disclosed riding device may include a steering wheel, similar to those used in automobiles. A joystick can also be used to operate the riding device. Furthermore, more than one steering mechanism can be incorporated into the riding device, and these steering mechanisms can be used interchangeably. It should be noted that any steering mechanism is within the scope of this invention. Additionally, a control panel including various controls for operating the riding device can be located near the seat, within reach of an operator seated and operating the riding device. The control panel may include an ignition switch or an on / off switch. The control panel may also include a PTO button for engaging the platform pulley to the power transmission mechanism. The control panel may also have a throttle control for the accelerator motor. The riding device may also include a device for raising and lowering the platform, and controls for operating this device can be located near the seat. The riding device may include a hydrostatic transmission driven by a hydraulic pump. The device may include a fuel tank, a battery, and similar components known for use in automobiles.

[0022] The device features a vertical shaft gasoline motor that powers the hydraulic pump and the platform pulley. It should be noted that any other means of driving the riding device and the platform pulley are within the scope of this invention. The platform pulley is operatively coupled to the main shaft on the platform for rotating the mowing blades.

[0023] Figure 2 A spindle 200 according to the invention is shown. The spindle is constructed of a solid steel shaft 210 with multiple bearings enclosed in a housing connected to a table. A table pulley is capable of being connected to the top ribbed portion 230 of the shaft and secured by a threaded nut. A mowing blade is capable of being connected to the bottom threaded portion 240 of the shaft. The spindle and drive pulley are capable of transmitting motion from a power transmission mechanism to the blade to rotate it. It should be understood that certain parts of the spindle, such as the portion for mounting the blade and drive pulley, can be varied without departing from the scope of the invention. The top ribbed portion, also referred to as the second portion, can have any structure other than a ribbed design.

[0024] The improvement according to the invention relates to a spindle. The spindle includes a vertical bore 250 drilled from the top of the shaft to a bottom portion, which is just above a mowing blade coupled to the spindle or a bottom threaded portion 240. A horizontal bore 260 passes through the shaft and the vertical bore, near the end of the vertical bore. The horizontal bore may have an opening, forming a T-shaped path in the shaft. Alternatively, preferably, the horizontal bore passes completely through the shaft and the vertical bore, forming a T-shaped path.

[0025] The top portion 270 of the shaft above the top ribbed portion 230 can be tapped and has threads. Figure 3The high-pressure rotary joint 300 shown can be fastened to the top portion. First, the drive pulley can be installed and secured, and then the high-pressure rotary joint is secured to the top portion. The high-pressure rotary joint can be removably fastened to the spindle. When needed, the high-pressure rotary joint can be more easily removed from the spindle; that is, the high-pressure rotary joint can be easily accessed for installation or removal. The high-pressure rotary joint is used to attach a high-pressure hose, allowing water to flow through the hose, the high-pressure rotary joint, and into the spindle.

[0026] Reference Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the main shaft 200 mounted to the mower 400. A drive pulley 460 is connected to the top portion of the main shaft 200 and is also connected to a drive mechanism 470. Such drive pulleys and drive mechanisms are known in devices such as ride-on lawnmowers and therefore will not be described here. A high-pressure rotary joint 300 is connected to the top of the main shaft 200. A high-pressure hose 310 is connected to the high-pressure rotary joint 300.

[0027] Figure 4 An L-shaped tube 410 extending from the spindle 200 is also shown. The L-shaped tube 410 may have a proximal end and a distal end. The long arm of the L-shaped tube terminates at the proximal end, and the short arm of the L-shaped tube terminates at the distal end. The proximal end of the L-shaped tube is fluidly connected to a horizontal bore in the spindle shaft. Preferably, a watertight seal is formed connecting the L-shaped tube to the shaft. For example, the horizontal bore in the spindle shaft may be threaded, and the proximal end of the L-shaped tube may have a corresponding thread for fastening to the horizontal bore. The L-shaped tube is fluidly connected to a fluid path in the spindle shaft formed by the vertical and horizontal bores.

[0028] The length of the long arm corresponds to the length of the blade 420. When installing the L-shaped tube, the long arm extends close to the tip of the blade 420, and the short arm extends downward toward the blade 420. For example, the long arm can extend up to one inch from the tip of the blade 420. A hole can be made in the blade 420 for the distal end of the tube to pass through. The long arm extends perpendicular to the shaft and parallel to the blade, and then the short arm extends downward through the hole in the blade. The short arm fits snugly into the hole. It should be understood that a single tube can be bent to form an L-shape, or two tubes can be connected using an elbow joint. The tube can be a quarter-inch steel tube.

[0029] The distal end of the L-shaped tube can also be threaded for connecting the high-pressure nozzle 430. It should be understood that any means other than threads for connecting the high-pressure nozzle to the distal end of the L-shaped tube are within the scope of this invention.

[0030] With the horizontal hole passing through the shaft, resulting in two holes and forming a T-shaped path, the second L-shaped tube 412 can be connected to the second opening of the horizontal hole in the shaft and installed in a similar manner to the first L-shaped tube 410. The second L-shaped tube can be installed on another part of the blade, as shown. Therefore, the long arms of the two L-shaped tubes 410 and 412 are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The second nozzle 432 can be connected to the distal end of the L-shaped tube 412.

[0031] In some embodiments, holes can be drilled in the middle of each half of the blade. The blade is divided into two halves at the point of attachment to the shaft. Two nozzles extend downward from the blade. High-pressure water or steam from a T-shaped path can be ejected from the two nozzles for pressure surface cleaning. Since the blade is driven by a motor via a drive pulley, it is not necessary to angle the nozzles. Because the two nozzles point vertically downward, a significant improvement in cleaning efficiency has been observed. Cleaning efficiency has been found to be more than 50% higher compared to conventional surface cleaners. It should be noted that one or more nozzles are within the scope of this invention.

[0032] The device may also include a pressure washer pump 495 as a high-pressure water source for pressure surface cleaning. For example, a pressure washer pump with a minimum flow rate of 4 gallons / minute @ 3000 psi can be used. It should be noted that any external pressure washer pump can be used with this device, and any such pressure washer pump is within the scope of this invention. This ride-on device can be driven by the operator at a higher rate for pressure surface cleaning. Due to its novel architecture, this device reduces water consumption for pressure surface cleaning by 80% compared to conventional pressure surface cleaners.

[0033] The disclosed riding-type device has the advantages of improved cleaning effect, reduced water waste, reduced fatigue factors and reduced water pollution, because the nozzle rotates faster and points vertically downward.

[0034] The riding-type equipment may also include a hose management system 150. The hose management system can be connected to the rear of the chassis of the riding-type equipment. A hose from the high-pressure pump can be attached to the hose management system. The free end of the hose can include a quick-connect coupling 490 for attachment to the hose management system. The structure and function of the quick-connect coupling are well known in surface cleaning machines.

[0035] The hose management system connects a hose from the high-pressure hose to another hose 452 in the hose management system 150. This hose 452 passes through a pipe approximately 2 meters long. 1 / 2 feet, with a diameter of 1 1 / 12The hose is 1 inch long and has a 6-inch 90-degree bend. This hose will fit in a saddle or a larger hose bolted to the rear of the equipment chassis. The hose will be attached to a 5000 PSI half-inch ball valve 440 via a 3 / 8 quick-connect fitting. The ball valve 440 can be bolted to one side of the control panel 480, allowing the operator to easily open and close it. A high-pressure hose 310 extends from the discharge side of the ball valve to the high-pressure connector on the rotary joint. This is how high-pressure water reaches the high-pressure nozzles on the blades. When the riding equipment turns, the hose management system can rotate 180 degrees, keeping the hose off the ground and preventing the rear wheels from running over it.

[0036] Reference Figure 5 This illustrates another implementation of the disclosed riding device. Figure 5 A device with two mowing blades 510 and 520 is shown, which are respectively mounted to two spindles 530 and 540, which are mounted to a platform 500. A high-pressure hose 550 connects the two spindles in series to a ball valve 560. Its operation is... Figure 4 The equipment shown is similar, so it will not be repeated here. Using two mowing blades and therefore four nozzles speeds up the mowing or cleaning process.

[0037] When the riding device is not in use, or when it is to be used for mowing, the nozzle on the blade can be removed and the opening can be plugged with a cap. For example, a 1 / 4-inch hex head can be screwed in instead of the nozzle. The high-pressure rotary joint at the top of the spindle can also be loosened and the opening can be sealed with a 1 / 4-inch hex head plug. The hose from the pressure washer pump can also be removed from the hose management system. The quick-connect coupling allows for quick and easy removal of the hose from the hose management system.

[0038] The hose management system can also be lifted from its saddle. This allows the operator to mow freely until the operator needs to clean hard, flat surfaces. This conversion process from a lawnmower to a drivable surface cleaner with a hose management system requires two wrenches, one 1... 3 A 9 / 16 inch socket wrench and an 8 / 8 inch open-end wrench are available, and the conversion can be completed in just a few minutes.

[0039] The ride-on equipment can also include an additional power take-off (PTO). A higher-horsepower motor can be used to support the mowing function and power a generator (220V-110V and 20 amp service). This generator allows for the addition of several additional functions to the ride-on equipment. For example, a specially designed electric vacuum system with a scraper can be towed to the back of the ride-on equipment. This system can collect water, dirt, oil, etc., while cleaning and pump them out to a storage tank simultaneously. This vacuum system can recover 95% of liquids, preventing them from flowing down into the rainwater drain and thus preventing contamination. An electric trimmer for cutting lawn edges can also be added. An electric lawnmower and an electric blower can also be added.

[0040] Typically, in gasoline vertical shaft driven lawnmowers, the fan is mounted on top of the motor armature and secured in place by bolts screwed into the top of the motor crankshaft. This can be improved by extending the crankshaft, for example, by adding a 1-inch keyed steel shaft approximately 9 to 10 inches long. A machine is available at one end to mate with the bolts securing the fan to the top of the crankshaft, allowing the shaft to be screwed onto the top of the crankshaft. This allows for the placement of a pulley with blades, so that when the motor is running, it draws in outside air and forces it into the fan on the motor without obstructing airflow. This pulley will allow power to the generator via a belt-driven system (clutch generator on / off), providing 220V 20A service and two 120V outlets.

[0041] This invention is advantageous because cleaning efficiency is increased by 50% due to the nozzle orientation. Water consumption is significantly reduced, thereby reducing contamination. The laborious task of pressure surface cleaning becomes easy and quick, significantly eliminating fatigue factors from pushing the machine and dragging the high-pressure hose. The operator maintains a good distance from the area being cleaned and therefore will not get wet. The water evacuated is discharged into a storage tank almost in real time and can be recycled.

[0042] The noise level is significantly reduced compared to a 25-horsepower gasoline-powered vacuum blower (which uses hundreds of feet of vacuum hose and reels, and is used in large trailers and trucks for transporting heavy equipment). A single operator can operate the disclosed ride-on equipment, thus saving labor costs. The ride-on equipment can include additional features such as an electric trimmer operable from the driver's seat, a lawnmower operable from the driver's seat, a blower operable from the driver's seat, and many more features that can be added.

[0043] It should be noted that the disclosed riding device can be used for surface cleaning with cold water, hot water and steam. Therefore, any reference to liquids, water or steam for surface cleaning using the disclosed riding device refers to the use of cold water, hot water or steam.

[0044] While the foregoing written description of the present invention enables those skilled in the art to make and use the content, which is currently considered to be the best mode thereof, those skilled in the art will understand and recognize the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples herein. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments, methods, and examples described above, but should be limited to all embodiments and methods within the claimed scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A riding device for mowing and pressure surface cleaning, the riding device comprising: Chassis; A lawn mowing platform mounted to the chassis; as well as The main shaft mounted to the lawn mower includes an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the elongated shaft is configured to mount a high-pressure rotary joint. A second portion of the shaft adjacent to the top end is configured to mount a drive pulley. The bottom end of the shaft is configured to mount a mowing blade. A vertical hole in the shaft extends from the top end to near the bottom end, and a horizontal hole passes through the shaft and the vertical hole near the bottom end.

2. The riding device according to claim 1, wherein, The riding device also includes the mowing blade mounted to the bottom portion.

3. The riding device according to claim 2, wherein, The riding device also includes a first L-shaped tube, the proximal end of which is connected to a first opening of the horizontal hole, and the distal end of which extends downward into a first hole in the left side of the mowing blade.

4. The riding device according to claim 3, wherein, The riding device also includes a first nozzle connected to the distal end of the first L-shaped tube.

5. The riding device according to claim 4, wherein, The riding device also includes a second L-shaped tube, the proximal end of which is connected to a second opening of the horizontal hole, and the distal end of which extends downward into a second hole in the right side of the mowing blade.

6. The riding device according to claim 5, wherein, The riding device also includes a second nozzle connected to the distal end of the first L-shaped tube.

7. The riding device according to claim 6, wherein, The riding device includes a high-pressure rotary joint connected to the top portion, and a first high-pressure hose extending from the high-pressure rotary joint to the ball valve.

8. The riding device according to claim 7, wherein, The riding device also includes the ball valve, wherein the ball valve is configured to open and close the water or steam supply to the first high-pressure hose.

9. The riding device according to claim 8, wherein, The riding device also includes a hose management system, with a second high-pressure hose extending between the hose management system and the ball valve.

10. The riding device according to claim 9, wherein, The riding device also includes a high-pressure pump for supplying water or steam, and a third high-pressure hose connects the high-pressure pump to the hose management system.

11. A method for mowing and pressure surface cleaning using a riding device, the method comprising: Provide a chassis for the riding-type device; Install the lawn mowing platform onto the chassis; The main shaft is mounted to the mower, wherein the main shaft includes an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end, the elongated shaft having a top end portion, a second portion adjacent to the top end portion, and a bottom end portion, a vertical hole in the elongated shaft extending from the top end portion to near the bottom end portion, and a horizontal hole passing through the shaft and the vertical hole near the bottom end portion; Install the drive pulley to the second part; and After installing the drive pulley, connect the high-pressure rotary joint to the top portion.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: Install the lawnmower blade onto the bottom portion.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: A first L-shaped tube is connected to the main shaft, wherein the proximal end of the first L-shaped tube is connected to the first opening of the horizontal hole, and the distal end of the first L-shaped tube extends downward into the first hole in the left side of the mowing blade.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes: Connect the first nozzle to the distal end of the first L-shaped tube.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: The second L-shaped tube is connected to the main shaft, wherein the proximal end of the second L-shaped tube is connected to the second opening of the horizontal hole, and the distal end of the second L-shaped tube extends downward into the second hole in the right side of the mowing blade.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: Connect the second nozzle to the far end of the first L-shaped tube.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The method includes: The first high-pressure hose is connected to the high-pressure rotary joint, wherein the other end of the first high-pressure hose is connected to the ball valve.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: Connect the second high-pressure hose between the hose management system and the ball valve.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: A third high-pressure hose is connected between the high-pressure pump and the hose management system via a quick-connect coupling for supplying water or steam.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes: Operate the ball valve to open and close the water or steam supply from the high-pressure pump to the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

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