Mower and mower accessory

Abstract

A mowing machine and a mowing machine accessory, wherein a discharge accessory for a mowing machine includes an inlet end and a hook disposed at the inlet end. The hook defines a channel. A lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel, and a protrusion is disposed in the channel. The protrusion extends in a first direction transverse to the channel and the lever arm, and the protrusion extends in a second direction transverse to the channel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 231,677, filed on August 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to lawn mowers and, more particularly, to discharge attachments for lawn mowers. Utility Model Content

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a discharge attachment for a lawn mower. The discharge attachment includes an inlet end and a hook disposed at the inlet end. The hook defines a channel. A lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel, and a protrusion is disposed in the channel. The protrusion extends in a first direction transverse to the channel and the lever arm, and the protrusion extends in a second direction transverse to the channel.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mulching plug attachment for a lawn mower. The mulching plug attachment includes: a curvilinear plug wall having a convex side; a plurality of alignment legs extending along the convex side of the curvilinear plug wall; and a post extending from the convex side of the curvilinear plug wall. Each alignment leg has a distal end including a stop flange.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a lawn mower comprising: a body comprising a discharge port having an internal opening and an external opening; a mounting interface disposed adjacent to the external opening; and a discharge attachment removably coupled to the mounting interface. The mounting interface comprises a first rib, a second rib spaced apart from the first rib, and a recess defined between the first rib and the second rib. The discharge attachment comprises an inlet end configured to align with the external opening; and a hook disposed at the inlet end and configured to couple to the mounting interface, between the first rib and the second rib. The hook defines a channel configured to receive a portion of the mounting interface in the channel when the discharge attachment is coupled to the mounting interface. The discharge attachment further comprises a protrusion disposed in the channel. The protrusion is configured to be received within the recess when the discharge attachment is coupled to the mounting interface.

[0007] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lawn mower including a discharge attachment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of a lawn mower with the discharge attachment removed.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of a lawn mower with the discharge attachment removed.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A detailed plan view of the mower, depicting the mounting interfaces.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of a lawn mower depicting the mounting interface and connector for the discharge attachment.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the discharge accessory.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the discharge accessory.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Detailed top plan view of a portion of the discharge annex.

[0016] Fig. 9 of Figure 6 A detailed side elevation view of a portion of an exhaust accessory.

[0017] Fig.10 Partially mounted on the lawn mower Figure 6 Detailed side elevation view of the discharge attachment.

[0018] Fig.11 It is fully mounted on the lawn mower Figure 6 Detailed side elevation view of the discharge attachment.

[0019] Fig.12 A rear perspective view of a lawn mower including a discharge attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A bottom perspective view of a lawn mower.

[0021] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 Rear elevation view of a lawn mower.

[0022] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 Front perspective view of the exhaust accessory.

[0023] Fig.16 yes Fig.12Rear perspective view of the exhaust accessory.

[0024] Before explaining any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 A lawn mower 10 is shown with a discharge attachment 14, which is depicted as being removably attached to a side discharge assembly of the lawn mower. The lawn mower 10 includes: a body 18; a motor 22, which is mounted to the body 18; and a plurality of wheels 26 for supporting the body 18. The motor 22 is coupled to a blade (not shown) and is configured to rotate the blade about an axis to physically cut grass or other vegetation during use of the lawn mower 10. The motor 22 of the lawn mower 10 shown is an electric motor powered by one or more batteries (not shown). However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, an internal combustion engine or other form of power may be used to rotate the blade relative to the body 18.

[0026] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the body 18 includes a discharge port 30 through which grass and other vegetation can be discharged during use. The discharge port 30 includes an elongated channel 34 that extends between an inner end or opening 38 adjacent to the blade and an outer port or opening 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer opening 42 is positioned adjacent to a side (e.g., a rear side) of the lawn mower 10 from which a user can control the lawn mower 10 during use. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the outer opening 42 can be positioned adjacent to other sides of the lawn mower 10. In each embodiment, the discharge port 30 extends from within the body 18 to the exterior of the body 18. The perimeter of the outer opening 42 defines a boundary 46 adjacent to which the discharge attachment 14 is positioned during use.

[0027] A mounting interface (e.g., a mount) 50 is coupled to the body 18 adjacent the perimeter 46 of the exterior opening. In some embodiments, the mount 50 can be integrally formed with the body 18. The mount 50 defines an attachment point for the drain accessory 14 and includes a ridge 54 extending along a portion of the perimeter 46, a first rib 58 and a second rib 60 spaced apart (e.g., offset) from one another along the length of the ridge 54, and a recess 62 extending into the ridge 54. A mounting area 64 of the ridge 54 is defined between the first rib 58 and the second rib 60, and the recess 62 is positioned in the mounting area 64. More particularly, the recess 62 is positioned in the mounting area 64, centered between the first rib 58 and the second rib 60 (e.g., at the midpoint of the mounting area 64). During use, the ridge 54, the first rib 58 and the second rib 60, and the central recess 62 position and secure the drain accessory 14 relative to the exterior opening 42.

[0028] refer to Figure 5 The mounting member 50 includes a pair of markers (depicted as arrows 66) positioned outside the mounting area 64, adjacent to the first rib 58 and the second rib 60, respectively. The arrows 66 point inward (e.g., toward the mounting area 64) to assist the user in identifying the mounting area 64.

[0029] refer to Figures 6 to 9 , the discharge attachment 14 includes a body 70 for receiving and redirecting grass and other vegetation discharged from the discharge port 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 70 includes an inlet end 72 through which grass and other vegetation enter the discharge attachment 14; and an outlet end 73 through which grass and other vegetation exit the discharge attachment 14. The outlet end 73 is misaligned relative to the inlet end 72 so that the grass and other vegetation along the discharge port 30 is not discharged. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end 72 and the outlet end 73 are transverse. In other words, an axis passing through the inlet end 72 and perpendicular to the face of the inlet end 72 is transverse to an axis passing through the outlet end 73 and perpendicular to the face of the outlet end 73. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the inlet end 72 and the outlet end 73 can be in other orientations relative to each other, or even aligned with each other.

[0030] Connector 74 connects discharge accessory 14 to mounting member 50 ( Figure 5 ) releasably coupled. The connector 74 is disposed at the inlet end 72 and includes a hook 78 forming a channel 82. The channel 82 is sized and shaped to receive the ridge 54 therein. The protrusion 80 is disposed in the channel 82, and a lever arm 84 extends from the hook 78 in a direction transverse to the channel 82.

[0031] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The hook 78 includes a support 88 and a flange 92 extending transversely to the support 88. The channel 82 is partially defined by the space between the flange 92 and the support 88. The support 88 forms the upper surface of the hook 78, and the flange 92 forms the side surface of the hook 78. The length of the hook 78 is L H , which length corresponds to the mounting area 64. In other words, the length L of the hook 78 H The width of the hook 78 is W. H , depth D H , which width and depth correspond to the ridge 54 so that the ridge 54 can be received in the channel 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W H is the depth D H twice the size of flange 92 (eg, support member 88 is twice the size of flange 92).

[0032] The protrusion 80 is centrally located within the channel 82 to align with the recess 62 when the discharge attachment 14 is coupled to the lawn mower 10. In addition, the protrusion 80 is sized to be received within the recess 62 when the discharge attachment 14 is coupled to the lawn mower 10. The protrusion 80 extends from the support 88 (e.g., the inside of the support 88) in a first direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis A1 of the channel 82 and the lever arm 84. The protrusion also extends in a second direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis A1 of the channel 82 but not transverse to the lever arm 84. In other words, the protrusion extends a length L P to channel 82 and extends a width W P In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of the protrusion 80 is P and width W P equal.

[0033] The lever arm 84 extends from the hook 78 and acts as a lever when the discharge attachment 14 is mounted on the lawn mower 10. The lever arm 84 extends from the flange 92 in a direction away from the channel 82 and is aligned with the support member 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arm 84 includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs 96 disposed between the lever arm 84 and the flange 92. The length L parallel to the hook 78 H The length L of the lever arm 84 is measured (eg, parallel to the longitudinal axis A1) A , and in the illustrated embodiment, the length of the lever arm is less than the length L of the hook 78 H . Parallel to the width W of the hook 78 H Measure the width W of the lever arm 84 A The width W of the lever arm 84 is Ais the distance that the lever arm 84 extends from the flange 92 and forms the working length of the lever arm 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of the lever arm 84 is A Greater than the width W of the lever arm 84 A More specifically, the length L A is the width W A However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the length L A With width W A The ratio can vary.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the discharge accessory 14 includes a pair of indicators (shown as arrows 94) located on opposite sides of the hook 78. The arrows 94 face outward and correspond and align with the arrows 66 of the mounting member 50 to assist the user in aligning the connector 74 and the mounting member 50. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, particularly in Figure 6 , the discharge attachment 14 includes a handle 98 extending from the body 70. The handle 98 can be grasped by a user to help the user manipulate the discharge attachment 14 (eg, attach and detach the discharge attachment 14 to and from the lawn mower 10).

[0035] The drain attachment 14 described above is formed as a unitary piece. More particularly, the drain attachment 14 is formed as a single injection molded plastic piece. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the drain attachment 14 may be formed of other materials or methods and / or formed as multiple parts joined together.

[0036] Figure 10 to Figure 11 The step-by-step installation of the discharge attachment 14 on the lawn mower 10 is shown. First, the connector 74 of the discharge attachment 14 is aligned with the mounting member 50 of the lawn mower 10 (e.g., arrow 94 is aligned with arrow 66). More specifically, the hook 78 is positioned between the first rib 58 and the second rib 60 so that the protrusion 80 is aligned with the recess 62. The lever arm 84 is inserted through the mounting member 50 at a certain angle to be positioned under a portion of the lawn mower 10. Next, the user uses the lever arm 84 to leverage to rotate the discharge attachment 14 to snap-fit ​​the connector 74 onto the mounting member 50. At this time, the ridge 54 is received into the channel 82 of the hook 78, and the protrusion 80 is received into the recess 62. When the discharge attachment 14 is coupled to the lawn mower 10, the inlet end 72 is aligned with the outer opening 42 of the discharge port 30 to receive cut grass and other vegetation from the discharge port 30 and redirect the grass and other vegetation toward the side of the lawn mower 10. To remove the discharge attachment 14, these steps are performed in reverse.

[0037] Figure 12 to Figure 14A lawn mower 10b is shown according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein like parts have like reference numerals with the letter "b" appended thereto, and the following differences are explained below. Rather than including a side discharge attachment, the lawn mower 10b includes a mulching plug 100 that is removably attached to the discharge port 30b. Once installed, the mulching plug 100 prevents grass and other vegetation from passing through the discharge port 30b.

[0038] like Fig.13 and Fig.15 As shown, the cover plug 100 includes a curvilinear plug wall 104 that corresponds in shape to the interior of the body 18b. The perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall 104 is similar in shape to the interior opening 38b of the discharge port 30b, and the perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall is sized to fit within the interior opening 38b to close the discharge port 30b. In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.16 1, a plurality of ribs 106 extend along the convex side 108 of the curvilinear plug wall 104 to reinforce the wall 104. In addition, a plurality of alignment legs 112 extend from the convex side 108 of the curvilinear plug wall 104. Each alignment leg 112 extends from the perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall 104, and in the illustrated embodiment, from a corner of the perimeter. Each alignment leg 112 includes a stop flange 120 that is configured to engage the boundary 46b of the exterior opening 42b to prevent the cover plug 100 from being inserted too far into the discharge port 30b. Thus, when mounted on the lawn mower 10b, the alignment legs 112 orient the cover plug 100 relative to the discharge port 30b.

[0039] The cover plug 100 further includes a post 116 extending from the convex side 108 of the curvilinear plug wall 104. The post 116 is positioned within the perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall 104 and closer to the center than the alignment leg 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the post 116 is oblong when taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post 116. The lawn mower 10b includes a cover 124 rotatably coupled to the body 18b and a spring biased toward the closed position. The cover 124 includes a recess 128 configured to engage the post 116 to help retain the cover plug 100 in the discharge port 30b. When in the closed position, the external opening 42b is closed by the cover 124, and the cover 124 applies a fixing force to the cover plug 100 by driving the post 116 into the discharge port 30b, thereby causing the stop flange 120 to engage the boundary 46b of the external opening 42b. To install the cover plug 100 , the user inserts the cover plug 100 into the discharge port 30 b such that the convex side 108 faces the exterior opening 42 b .

[0040] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure described.

[0041] Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A discharge attachment for a lawn mower, characterized in that The emissions annex includes: Entrance end; a hook disposed at the inlet end, the hook defining a passage; a lever arm extending from the hook in a direction transverse to the channel; and A protrusion is disposed in the channel, the protrusion extending in a first direction transverse to the channel and the lever arm, and the protrusion also extending in a second direction transverse to the channel.

2. The discharge attachment according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion is centrally located in the channel.

3. The discharge attachment according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion extends an equal distance along the first direction and along the second direction.

4. The discharge attachment according to claim 1, wherein: The hook includes a support and a flange extending transversely to the support, and wherein the channel is defined as a space between the flange and the support.

5. The discharge attachment according to claim 4, wherein: The lever arm extends from the flange in a direction away from the channel, and wherein an outer surface of the lever arm is aligned with an outer surface of the support member.

6. The discharge attachment of claim 4, wherein: The protrusion extends from an inner surface of the support member opposite to an outer surface of the support member.

7. The discharge accessory of claim 1, wherein: The lever arm extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

8. The discharge attachment of claim 7, wherein: The length of the lever arm is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel, wherein the width of the lever arm is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel, and wherein the width of the lever arm defines a working distance of the lever arm.

9. The discharge accessory of claim 8, wherein: The length of the lever arm is greater than the width of the lever arm.

10. The drain accessory of claim 1, further comprising an outlet end that is not aligned with the inlet end.

11. The discharge accessory of claim 1, wherein: The drain attachment is formed as a single piece.

12. The discharge accessory of claim 1, wherein: The hook includes a plurality of markings configured to guide a user when the discharge attachment is coupled to the lawn mower.

13. The discharge accessory of claim 12, wherein: These markers include arrows.

14. The drain accessory of claim 1, further comprising a handle configured to be grasped by a user.

15. A mulching plug attachment for a lawn mower, characterized in that The cover plug comprises: a curvilinear plug wall having convex sides; a plurality of alignment legs extending in a direction away from the convex side of the curvilinear plug wall, each alignment leg having a distal end including a stop flange; and A post extends in a direction away from the convex side of the curvilinear plug wall.

16. The covering plug accessory of claim 15, wherein: Each alignment leg of the plurality of alignment legs extends from a location on the perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall.

17. The covering plug accessory of claim 16, wherein: The post extends from a location within the perimeter of the curvilinear plug wall.

18. The covering plug accessory of claim 17, wherein: The column is oblong in cross-section.

19. The cover plug attachment of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of ribs extending from the convex side.

20. A lawn mower, characterized in that: include: a body including a discharge port having an interior opening and an exterior opening; A mounting interface is arranged adjacent to the external opening, and the mounting interface comprises First rib, a second rib spaced apart from the first rib, and a recess defined between the first rib and the second rib; as well as A drain accessory removably coupled to the mounting interface, the drain accessory comprising an inlet end configured to align with the exterior opening, a hook disposed at the inlet end and configured to be coupled to the mounting interface, between the first rib and the second rib, the hook defining a channel configured to receive a portion of the mounting interface therein when the drain accessory is coupled to the mounting interface, and A protrusion is disposed in the channel, the protrusion being configured to be received within the recess when the drain accessory is coupled to the mounting interface.

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