INTEGRATED PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM FOR A RIDE-ON LAWN CARE VEHICLE

Abstract

A ride-on lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a first brake assembly, and a first bias assembly. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the ride-on lawn care vehicle are operably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly includes a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers are operably coupled to respective drives of the first and second drive wheels via a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor, respectively, to facilitate turning of the ride-on lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers to control the first and second hydraulic motors.The first brake assembly is operatively coupled to the first hydraulic motor to enable a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first hydraulic motor in response to movement of the first steering arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. The first biasing assembly is configured to positively assist movement of the first steering arm between the inboard position and the outboard position in both directions.

Description

Technical FieldExample embodiments relate generally to riding lawn care vehicles, and more particularly to brake systems (e.g., parking brake systems) for riding lawn care vehicles.BackgroundLawn care tasks are typically performed with various tools and / or machines configured to perform corresponding specific tasks. Certain tasks such as grass cutting are normally performed by lawn mowers. Lawn mowers themselves may have many different configurations to meet consumers' needs and budgets. Hand-held lawn mowers are typically compact, have relatively small motors, and are relatively inexpensive. At the other end of the spectrum, riding lawn mowers, such as lawn tractors, may be quite large. Riding lawn mowers may sometimes also be configured with various functional accessories (e.g., trailers, ground milling cutters, and / or the like) in addition to grass cutting components. Riding lawn mowers offer the comfort of driving a vehicle as compared to a hand-guided model, as well as a typically larger mower deck.Riding lawn mowers naturally include steering assemblies used to control the movement of the riding lawn mowers. The steering assemblies often take the known form of a steering wheel. However, in some cases, steering levers have also been used. Recently, some mowers have been provided with very short (e.g., near zero) turning radii. Such mowers have utilized separate steering levers that are connected to the drive wheels on each respective side of the mower.The steering levers are typically disposed substantially in front of the operator to allow the operator to grasp and manipulate the steering levers (e.g., from a seated position). The steering levers are then movable in forward and rearward directions to rotate the respective wheels in respective directions to control the movement of the riding lawn mower. However, when the riding lawn mower is not being operated, such as when the driver intends to park the mower, it may be desirable to provide a convenient and effective mechanism by which a parking brake may be employed.Brief Summary of some EmbodimentsThe invention is defined by a riding lawn care vehicle having the features of claim 1.Some example embodiments of the present invention provide steering levers on a riding lawn care vehicle that are movable to an outboard position to activate a brake assembly. However, rather than applying braking directly to the wheels of the vehicle, some example embodiments may apply braking forces indirectly by applying braking forces through the transmission of the vehicle instead.In one embodiment of the invention, a riding lawn care vehicle is provided. The riding lawn care vehicle includes a frame, a steering assembly, a first brake assembly, and a first biasing assembly. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are operatively coupled to the frame. The steering assembly includes a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers are operatively coupled to respective drives of the first and second drive wheels via a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor, respectively, to effect turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on control of the drive speed of the first and second of the drive wheels according to positioning of the first and second steering levers to control the first and second hydraulic motors. The first brake assembly is operatively coupled to the first hydraulic motor to allow a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first hydraulic motor in response to movement of the first steering lever from an inboard position to an outboard position. The first biasing arrangement is configured to positively assist movement of the first steering lever between the inboard position and the outboard position in both directions.In an embodiment not encompassed by the claims, a biasing arrangement of a riding lawn care vehicle is provided. The riding lawn care vehicle includes first and second drive wheels, first and second steering levers, first and second hydraulic motors, and first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake assemblies may be operatively coupled to the first and second hydraulic motors to allow a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first and second hydraulic motors in response to movement of the first and second steering levers, respectively, from an inboard position to an outboard position. The riding lawn care vehicle may be steerable via the first and second steering levers to enable the riding lawn care vehicle to rotate based on a control of the drive speed of the first and second drive wheels in response to positioning the first and second steering levers in the inboard position. The biasing assembly may include a first portion configured to positively assist movement of the first and second steering levers from the inboard position to the outboard position and a second portion configured to positively assist movement of the first and second steering levers from the outboard position to the inboard position.Some example embodiments may improve an operator's experience with actuating brakes of a riding lawn care vehicle to launch, descend, and / or transport the vehicle. The user experience associated with operating and transporting the lawn transport vehicle can therefore also be improved.Brief Description of the Various Views of the FiguresHaving thus generally described some embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a riding lawn care vehicle according to an example embodiment; FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the riding lawn care vehicle according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a steering assembly having steering levers positioned to be retractable for reverse propulsion according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of some steering and braking components according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4, defined by FIGS. 4A and 4B, illustrates a front isolated view of the steering levers and components of a lever mount to show some isolated components of the lever mount, according to an example embodiment; FIG. 5, defined by FIGS. 5A and 5B, illustrates a perspective view of the steering levers and components of the lever mount isolated according to an example embodiment; FIG. 6, defined by FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrates various exploded perspective views of the connection between upper and lower pivot beams of the lever bracket according to an example embodiment; FIG. 7 illustrates an isolated view of biasing components associated with positioning of the steering levers according to an example embodiment; FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a hydraulic motor including components of the parking brake according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a motor shaft and a brake shaft according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of some other parts of the motor and brake assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.Detailed DescriptionSome example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Moreover, as used herein, the term "or" is to be interpreted as a logical operator that is true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, the term "operable connection" and variants thereof refers to a direct or indirect connection that in any case enables a functional connection of components that are operatively coupled together.Some example embodiments may improve an operator's ability to apply, engage, and / or otherwise activate brakes of riding lawn care vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers. In this regard, some example embodiments may provide a steering assembly and a brake assembly for use in a riding lawn care vehicle to brake the drive wheels via the transmission when the steering levers are moved outward. However, example embodiments may provide structure to do so in a manner that provides quality feel (i.e., less "play") to the steering levers in both the inboard position and the outboard position by also using a biasing arrangement. The brakes may therefore be easily applied to facilitate the descent, transportation, and / or launch of the vehicle while, for example, the parking brake is being applied. Moreover, the steering levers can feel securely at their respective positions when the brake is operated and when the brake is not operated.FIG. 1, including FIGS. 1A and 1B, illustrates a riding lawn care vehicle 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. FIG. 1B shows a top view of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The riding lawn care vehicle 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may be recognized as an example of a class of riding lawn mowers, often referred to as "zero turn circle" mowers. In some embodiments, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 may include a seat 20 that may be disposed in a central, rear, or front portion of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The riding lawn care vehicle 10 may also include a steering assembly 30 (e.g., a set of steering levers or the like) operatively connected to wheels 31 and / or 32 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 to enable the driver to steer the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The driver may sit on the seat 20, which may be disposed behind the steering assembly 30, to provide input via the steering assembly 30 for steering the riding lawn care vehicle 10. However, some models may be stand models in which the seat 20 is omitted. When the seat 20 is omitted, the operator may be standing at an operator station near the steering assembly 30.In an exemplary embodiment, the steering assembly 30 may include separately actuatable steering levers 34. The riding lawn care vehicle 10 may also include a mower deck 40 having at least one cutting blade (e.g., two or three cutting blades) mounted therein. The cutting deck 40 may be positioned substantially behind a pair of front wheels 31 and substantially in front of a pair of rear wheels 32 in a position that allows the operator to cut grass using the cutting blade(s) when the cutting blade(s) are rotated below the cutting deck 40 when the cutting deck 40 is in a cutting position. However, in some alternative examples, the mower deck 40 may be positioned forward of the front wheels 31. In some embodiments, a foot support 42 may also be positioned above the mower deck 40 in front of the seat 20 to allow the operator to rest his feet thereon while seated on the seat 20. In embodiments that do not include the seat 20, the footrest 42 may form the operator station from which a standing driver controls the riding lawn care vehicle 10. When mowing grass, the grass debris may be collected, gathered, or discharged from the mowing deck 40 via a side or rear discharge.In the depicted exemplary embodiment, an engine 50 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 is disposed behind a seated driver. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the motor 50 could be in various positions, such as in front of or under the operator. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the engine 50 may be operatively coupled to one or more of the wheels 31 and / or 32 to provide motive power to the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The engine 50 is an example of a propulsion unit (e.g., a gasoline engine) that could propel the riding lawn care vehicle 10, but other propulsion units (e.g., an electric motor) may be used in other example embodiments. The engine 50, steering assembly 30, mower deck 40, seat 20, and other components of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 may be operatively coupled to a frame 60 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The frame 60 may be a rigid structure configured to provide support, connectivity, and / or interoperability functions for various ones of the components of the riding lawn care vehicle 10.In some example embodiments, the steering assembly 30 may be embodied as an assembly of metallic and / or other rigid components that may be welded, bolted, and / or otherwise secured together and operatively coupled to the wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 to which steering inputs are provided (e.g., rear wheels 32). For example, the steering assembly 30 may include or otherwise be coupled to hydraulic motors that independently drive one or more drive wheels (e.g., rear wheels 32) on each respective side of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. When one of the steering levers 34 is pushed forward (e.g., away from the operator), the corresponding hydraulic motor may drive the corresponding wheel forward. When a steering lever 34 is pulled rearward (e.g., toward the operator as shown by directional arrows 68 in FIG. 2 ), the corresponding hydraulic motor may drive the corresponding wheel (i.e., one of the corresponding rear wheels 32) rearward. Thus, when both of the steering levers 34 are pushed forward by the same amount, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 is travelling forward substantially straight, since approximately the same amount of forward drive power is supplied to each drive wheel. When both of the steering levers 34 are pulled rearward by the same amount, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 is travelling substantially straight rearward (e.g., rearward) because approximately the same amount of rearward drive power is supplied to each drive wheel. When one steering lever 34 is pushed forward and the other steering lever 34 is retracted, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 begins to circle and / or turn. Right and left steering may be achieved by providing non-uniform inputs to the steering levers 34. In some alternative embodiments, other steering control systems may be used.Although the steering levers 34 are moved generally forward (i.e., opposite the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2 ) or backward (i.e., in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2 ) in any desired combination while in the operating positions of FIGS. 1 and 2, it should be appreciated that the steering levers 34 may also be moved to an outboard position (e.g., in an inoperative state) by moving the steering levers 34 outward in the direction shown by the arrows 70 in FIGS. 1B and 2. In this regard, each of the steering levers 34 may be operatively coupled to respective lever mounts that may pivot to allow the steering levers 34 to move outward (e.g., to the outboard position) or inward (e.g., to an inboard and / or operating position). In some embodiments, when at least one of the steering levers 34 is pivoted outward, the driver may easily sit or seat on and ride on or leave the seat 20.In many conventional riding lawn care vehicles, a brake lever separate and distinct from the steering assembly is provided to communicate with the brake assembly of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The brake lever may apply braking forces directly to the wheels (e.g., the rear wheels 32) of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. In contrast, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide for adjusting the brake assembly via applying brakes in the transmission. Additionally, the interface between the steering assembly 30 (e.g., the steering levers 34) and the brake assembly may be provided to provide the steering assembly 30 with a quality feel that lacks excessive backlash when moved in any direction.FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of some steering and braking components of an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the steering levers 34 may be operatively connected to a corresponding lever bracket 80. The lever mounts 80 may be operatively coupled to respective hydraulic motors 100 that drive the respective drive wheels (e.g., the rear wheels 32). A brake system having a brake arrangement 110 is also provided. However, as mentioned above, unlike a conventional system in which the brake assembly 110 is activated such that the brake acts directly on the wheels (e.g., the rear wheels 32), example embodiments may provide braking to a transmission of the hydraulic motor 100. The lever mount 80 may be configured to actuate the brake assembly 110 in a manner that provides each of the steering levers 34 with a feeling of quality over the range of motion between the inboard and outboard positions, while still permitting normal operation of the steering lever 34 for speed control by movement of the steering levers 34. Thus, as the lever mount 80 and corresponding steering lever 34 are moved forward and rearward on both sides, the hydraulic motor 100 and drive wheel on the respective side are actuated accordingly, the movement of the lever mount 80 and corresponding steering lever 34 to the outboard position (e.g., moving the steering lever 34 outward and / or laterally away from the longitudinal centerline A of the riding lawn care vehicle 10) will engage and / or otherwise activate the brake assembly 110 for a corresponding transmission in the respective hydraulic motor 100. In this regard, the brake assembly 110 may include, for example, a gear that may lock the transmission of a corresponding hydraulic motor 100 when the corresponding steering lever 34 is moved outward.To provide the quality feel for moving the steering levers 34 from the inboard position to the outboard position while simultaneously allowing the steering levers 34 to move forward and backward for normal operation of the hydraulic motor 100 when the steering levers 34 are in the inboard position, a biasing arrangement 82 may be provided. The biasing assembly 82 may be configured to operatively couple each of the steering levers 34 to its respective hydraulic motor 100 and brake assembly 110. However, the biasing assembly 82 may be further configured to positively assist movement in both directions (i.e., toward and from the outboard position and inboard position) after a predetermined amount of movement in a respective direction has been reached. For example, the biasing assembly 82 may be configured to bias the steering levers 34 toward the outboard position after the predetermined amount of movement is performed from the inboard position toward the outboard position, and bias the steering levers 34 toward the inboard position after the predetermined amount of movement is performed from the outboard position toward the inboard position.It should be noted that the brake assembly 110 is shown as a single assembly that can operate with respect to both the first and second sides of the components shown in FIG. 3. However, it should be appreciated that the brake assembly 110 may in some cases each have different interfaces that are in communication with the respective corresponding side. For example, the brake assembly 110 may include a first brake assembly that is in communication with a first biasing assembly (i.e., the biasing assembly 82 on one side of the block diagram of FIG. 3 ) and the corresponding first hydraulic motor (i.e., the hydraulic motor 100 on the same side as the first biasing assembly), and the brake assembly 110 may include a second brake assembly that is in communication with a second biasing assembly (i.e., the biasing assembly 82 on the opposite side of the block diagram of FIG. 3 ) and the corresponding second hydraulic motor (i.e., the hydraulic motor 100 on the same side as the second biasing assembly).FIGS. 4-7 show more detailed views of some portions of the lever mount 80 to illustrate an exemplary embodiment. In this regard, FIG. 4, defined by FIGS. 4A and 4B, shows an isolated front view of the steering levers 34 and components of the lever bracket 80 to show some isolated components of the lever bracket 80 according to an example embodiment. Note that FIG. 4A shows the steering levers 34 in the outboard position and FIG. 4B shows the steering levers 34 in the inboard position. Meanwhile, FIG. 5, which is defined by FIGS. 5A and 5B, shows a perspective view of the steering levers 34 and components of the lever bracket 80 isolated according to an example embodiment. In this regard, FIG. 5A shows the steering levers 34 in the outboard position and FIG. 5B shows the steering levers 34 in the inboard position. FIGS. 6A and 6B show various exploded perspective views of the connection between upper and lower pivot beams of the lever bracket 80 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an isolated view of biasing components associated with positioning of the steering levers 34 according to an example embodiment.Referring to FIGS. 4-7, each of the lever mounts 80 includes an upper pivot bracket 200 to which a corresponding one of the steering levers 34 is operatively coupled. In some cases, the steering lever 34 may be bolted, riveted, or otherwise secured to a lower end of the steering lever 34 at an outward facing upper portion of the upper pivot bracket 200. The upper pivot support 200 is operatively connected to a lower pivot support 210 at a first pivot axis 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper pivot support 200 is configured to pivot relative to the lower pivot support 210 about the first pivot axis 212. The first pivot axis 212 extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal center line of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the upper pivot carrier 200. The upper pivot support 200 rotates or pivots about the first pivot axis 212 in the direction of arrows 214 (i.e., the outboard position) to move the steering levers 34 from the inboard position (shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B ) to the outboard position (shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A ).The lower pivot bracket 210 is operatively coupled to a frame mounting bracket 220. The frame mounting bracket 220 may be operatively connected to the frame 60 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. For example, the frame mounting bracket 220 may be fixed to the frame 60. However, the lower pivot support 210 may be pivotally coupled to the frame mounting bracket 220 to rotate or pivot about a second pivot axis 222 that extends substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis 212.As can be seen from the above description, when the steering levers 34 are in the inner (or normal operating) position, the steering levers 34 can be pushed forward or pulled backward to rotate about the second pivot axis 222 due to the pivot rotation from the lower pivot support 210. The steering levers 34 may define a neutral position in which the lower pivot bracket 210 rests and does not rotate relative to the frame mounting bracket 220. In some cases, the neutral position may be selectable for different positions of the steering levers 34. However, the default neutral position may correspond to a position in which the steering levers 34 extend substantially perpendicular to the ground and are neither slightly inclined forward nor rearward. While the steering levers 34 are in the neutral position, the steering levers 34 may be rotated to the outboard position by rotating the upper pivot support 200 about the first pivot axis 212.The lower pivot support 210 may be operatively coupled to or otherwise include a bracket 216, which may be welded, bolted, or otherwise included as part of the lower pivot support 210. The bracket 216 may extend below the second pivot axis 222, while a portion of the lower pivot support 210 extends further upwardly from the second pivot axis 222 (e.g., at least to the first pivot axis 212). The bracket 216 can therefore pivot in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the corresponding steering lever 34. For example, when the steering lever 34 is moved forward, the bracket 216 may actually move backward on the opposite side of the second pivot axis. The bracket 216 may be operatively coupled to a link arm 230 that may extend between the bracket 216 and the hydraulic motor 100. Specifically, a distal (or lower) end of the bracket 216 may be connected to one end of the link arm 230, and the opposite end of the link arm 230 may be connected to an input bracket provided on the hydraulic motor 100. The movement of the steering lever 34, and therefore also the link arm 230, may therefore correspondingly control the direction and magnitude of the input provided to the hydraulic motor 100 to control the application of motive force to the riding lawn care vehicle 10.In an exemplary embodiment, a damper 240 may be operatively coupled between the lower pivot bracket 210 and the frame 60 to dampen movement of the steering levers 34 in forward and rearward directions. The damper 240 can therefore prevent any feeling of free or loose connection or rotation of the steering levers 34 while the steering levers 34 are in the inboard position and either in the neutral position or are actuated in the forward or rearward direction.As discussed above, the biasing assembly 82 may be configured to apply a bias for movement of the steering levers 34 toward and from the outboard position. To achieve this biasing, the upper pivot support 200 may include or otherwise be connected to the biasing assembly 82. In this regard, for example, the upper pivot bracket 200 may be defined by an outer wall 300 to which the steering lever 34 is attached and which faces outward with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The upper pivot support 200 may also include side walls 302 that extend inward and downward from the outer wall 300. The first pivot axis 212 may extend through the side walls 302 at a portion of the side walls 302 that is below a lower end of the outer wall 300. A cross member 304 may be operatively coupled between lower portions of the side walls 302 (e.g., on an opposite side of the side walls 302 relative to a portion of the side walls 302 to which the outer wall 300 is attached). In an exemplary embodiment, the cross member 304 may be a separate piece that is bolted, riveted, welded, or otherwise held to or near a distal end of the upper pivot support 200 relative to a proximal end thereof to which the steering levers 34 are attached.The cross member 304 may be configured to connect to a parking brake actuation assembly 310. The parking brake actuation assembly 310 may include a cable holder 312 that is secured to an outward facing wall of the lower pivot bracket 210 and to which an actuation cable 314 (e.g., a Bowden cable) is operatively coupled. The actuation cable 314 may include a sheath fixed by the cable holder 312 and a flexible member 315 (e.g., a stranded wire or the like) movable within the sheath. The flexible member 315 may be operatively coupled to a rod 316 passing through an opening provided in the cross member 304, with a brake tension spring 318 disposed on an opposite side of the cross member 304 with respect to the cable 314 and the cable holder 312.When the steering lever 34 is moved to the outboard position, the upper support 200 pivots about the first pivot axis 212 to move the cross member 304 away from the lower pivot support 210 (in response to the outward movement of the steering lever 34 and the corresponding inward movement of the cross member 304). Movement of the cross member 304 allows the rod 316 to move to some extent through the opening in the cross member 304 while the brake tension spring 318 is urged against a stop (e.g., a nut, washer, and / or other arrangement disposed at one end of the rod 316). The movement of the cross member 304 therefore pulls on the flexible member 315 within the actuation cable 314 via the movement of the rod 316 while compressing the brake tension spring 318. The flexible member 315 is operatively coupled to a clevis 320 and a rod 322 that are further operatively coupled to a parking brake return spring mount 330 that is attached to a portion of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 (e.g., an engine mounting plate). The parking brake return spring retainer 330 is operatively connected to the clevis 320 and the rod 322 via a parking brake return spring 332 and an eye bolt 334.The rod 322 includes a coupling member 323 that actuates the parking brake function when moved in response to movement of the flexible member 315 to move the rod in the direction of arrow 325 to activate, actuate, or otherwise adjust the brake assembly 110. When the tension on the flexible member 315 is released, the parking brake return spring 332 may return the rod 322 to a position corresponding to the inactive or deactivated brake assembly 110 by moving the rod 322 (and accordingly also the coupling member 323) in the direction of arrow 327. The movement of the coupling member 323 physically adjusts the parking brake via a locking member (e.g., a gear, a pawl, and / or the like) that applies a locking force to the transmission of the hydraulic motor 100.The amount of movement of the rod 316 is limited by the brake tension spring 318 during its compression. Thus, the amount of force applied to the brake assembly 110 may depend, at least in part, on the tension provided by the brake tension spring 318 (and therefore its positioning). As such, the brake tension spring 318 may effectively determine the force applied to the brake assembly 110, which may therefore be adjusted to meet all desirable legal or practical standards for braking force for the riding lawn care vehicle 10. Movement of the stop at the end of rod 316 can therefore be used to set the desired bias. When the steering levers 34 are moved to the inboard positions, the brake tension spring 318 may be decompressed and facilitate inward movement of the steering levers 34 while releasing the tension force on the flexible member 315. The parking brake return spring 332, which is extended in response to movement of the steering levers 34 to the outboard positions, also facilitates returning the parking brake return spring bracket 330 to its normal position (no brake applied) by relaxing toward its non-extended position.As discussed above, the biasing assembly 82 may be further configured to positively assist movement of the steering levers 34 between inboard and outboard positions in either direction. To facilitate this, high spring rate compression springs 400 may be used to maintain a "latch-in" feel when the steering levers 34 are moved to the inboard positions to release the brake assembly 110 (e.g., turn the parking brake "off"). The compression springs 400 may be disposed on the upper pivot support 200 in a spring receiving cavity formed between an upper member 410 and a lower member 420. The upper and lower members 410 and 420 may extend substantially perpendicular to (and / or between) the sidewalls 302 (and the outer wall 300). The upper and lower members 410 and 420 may include openings 412 and 422 for receiving spring mounts 430. The spring supports 430 may extend through approximately a longitudinal centerline of each of the compression springs 400 between the upper and lower members 410 and 420 to maintain compression of the compression springs 400. A spring retention bracket 440 may be positioned proximate an end (e.g., an upper end) of the compression springs 400. A center link 450 may be operatively connected to the spring retention bracket 440 proximate an end of the center link 450. An opposite end of the center link 450 may be operatively coupled to a fastener 460. The fastener 460 may be operatively coupled at a fixed location on the lower pivot bracket 210.In an exemplary embodiment, the center link 450 may have threaded engagement with the fastener 460 to allow the center link 450 to be further drawn into or away from the fastener 460. By further pulling the centrally disposed link 450 into the fastener 460, the spring retention bracket 440 is correspondingly pulled downwardly (e.g., toward the bottom member 420). Thus, the position of the spring retention bracket 440 (as determined by the center link 450) determines the degree to which the compression springs 400 compress when the steering levers 34 are in the inboard position (and the parking brake is off) and the point at which the compression springs 400 switch between compressed and extended states during the transition between the inboard position and the outboard position of the steering levers 34. This will also determine the degree to which compression springs 400 are relieved when the steering levers 34 are moved to the outboard positions (and the parking brake is engaged) and loaded (or compressed) to the inboard position. In an exemplary embodiment, the position of the spring retention bracket 440 (again determined by the center link 450) may be in a position where the compression springs in the inboard position are mostly relieved but remain compressed enough to balance the force exerted by the tension spring 318. Thus, the tension spring 318 may overcome the force of the compression springs 400 in the inboard position, but after the compression springs 400 reach the position beyond the transition point during movement of the steering levers 34 to the outboard position, the compression springs 400 disengage and facilitate movement of the steering levers 34 to the outboard position. Accordingly, in both the inboard and outboard positions, the tension spring 318 and compression springs 400 cooperate to provide the steering lever 34 with the feeling of quality to be biased toward the current position, with a transition point occurring during movement from the inboard position to the outboard position (and vice versa) at which the bias changes direction. Accordingly, a position of the spring retention bracket 440 defines a selectable transition point at which a transition occurs between the assist movement of the steering lever 34 toward the inboard position and the assist movement of the steering lever 34 toward the outboard position.Operation of the brake assembly in response to movement of the coupling member 323 will now be described with reference to Figs. 8-10. In this regard, FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a hydraulic motor 500 with components of the parking brake according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a motor shaft and a brake shaft according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of some other parts of the motor and brake assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.Referring to Figs. 8-10, the coupling member 323 is moved forward or backward to cooperate with a parking brake lever 510 and move the parking brake lever 510 in the directions of the double arrow 512 accordingly. The parking brake lever 510 is operatively coupled to a parking brake shaft 520 that rotates in response to movement of the parking brake lever 510. A puck cam 530 is operatively connected to the parking brake shaft 520 to move with the parking brake shaft 520 accordingly and engage a brake disc 540 operatively connected to a motor shaft 550 of the motor 500. When positioned by the movement of the parking brake shaft 520, the puck cam 530 may alternately allow or prevent interaction between the brake disc 540 and a gear 560 operatively coupled to the motor shaft 550 to allow or prevent movement of the motor shaft 550 (when there is no interaction) (when there is an interaction). When the gear 560 engages the brake disc 540, the motor shaft 550 must not rotate and the parking brake is engaged. When the gear 560 is not engaged with the brake disk 540, the motor shaft 550 is free to rotate forward and backward to the inward position based on the operation of the steering levers 34.Accordingly, some example embodiments may enable movement of one of the steering levers to be assisted in both inward and outward directions to control application of a parking brake or other brake arrangement to one of the drive wheels of a mower, such as a zero turn mower. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, a riding lawn care vehicle may be provided. The riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a first brake assembly, and a first biasing assembly. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may include a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers may be operatively coupled to respective drives of the first and second drive wheels via a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor, respectively, to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on the drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers to control the first and second hydraulic motors. The first brake assembly may be operatively coupled to the first hydraulic motor to allow a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first hydraulic motor in response to movement of the first steering lever from an inboard position to an outboard position. The first biasing arrangement may be configured to positively assist movement of the first steering lever between the inner and outer positions in either direction.The riding lawn care vehicle (or biasing assembly) of some embodiments may include additional features that may be optionally added either alone or in combination with one another. For example, in some embodiments (1), each of the first and second steering levers may be operatively coupled to a lever mount (e.g., a first lever mount and a second lever mount). The biasing arrangement (which is to be understood as corresponding to one side or the other of the vehicle and is therefore either a first or a second biasing arrangement) may be operatively coupled to the brake arrangement (again associated with a respective side of the vehicle), and the biasing arrangement may be part of or operatively coupled to the lever bracket. In some cases, (2) the lever bracket may include an upper pivot bracket, a lower pivot bracket, and a frame bracket. One of the first and second steering levers each may be operatively coupled to the upper pivot carrier. The upper pivot carrier may pivot relative to the lower pivot carrier about a first pivot axis responsive to movement of the respective first or second steering lever between the inboard position and the outboard position. The lower pivot bracket may pivot relative to the frame mounting bracket about a second pivot axis responsive to movement of the first or second steering levers forward or rearward while in the inboard position. In an exemplary embodiment, (3) the first pivot axis may be disposed proximate an end of the lower pivot support and the second pivot axis may be disposed at an opposite end of the lower pivot support. In some examples (4), the biasing assembly may include one or more compression springs disposed on a portion of the upper pivot support. The one or more compression springs may have a selectable over center position that forms a transition between the biasing arrangement that biases the respective first or second steering lever toward the inboard position on a first side of the selectable over center position and biases toward the outboard position on a second side of the selectable over center position. In an exemplary embodiment (5), the one or more compression springs may have a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upper pivot support.A spring retention bracket may be operatively coupled to the one or more compression springs to adjust the selectable over center position based on a position of a centrally disposed link operatively coupled between the spring retention bracket and the lower pivot support. In some examples, (6) the selectable over center position may be determined based on a degree to which the centrally disposed link is inserted into a fastener operatively coupled to the lower pivot bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, (7) the biasing assembly may further include a tension spring configured to bias the respective first or second steering levers toward the inboard position and apply a tension to the brake assembly to apply the braking force to the motor shaft. In some examples (8), the tension spring may be operatively coupled to a rod passing through a cross member disposed between the side walls of the upper pivot bracket. The rod may be operatively coupled to a flexible member operatively coupled to a coupling member that actuates the brake assembly. In an exemplary embodiment (9), the flexible member may be moved by the rod against a parking brake return spring disposed between the coupling member and a motor mounting plate.

Claims

A riding lawn care vehicle (10) comprising: a frame (60) operatively coupled to a first drive wheel (32) and a second drive wheel (32); a steering assembly (30) comprising a first steering lever (34) and a second steering lever (34), the first and second steering levers (34) operatively coupled to corresponding first and second drive wheels (32) via a first hydraulic motor (100) and a second hydraulic motor (100), respectively, to enable the riding lawn care vehicle (10) to turn based on a drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels (32) in response to positioning the first and second steering levers (34) to control the first and second hydraulic motors (100); a first brake assembly (110) operatively coupled to the first hydraulic motor (100) to enable a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft (550) of the first hydraulic motor (100) in response to movement of the first steering lever (34) from an inboard to an outboard position; and a first biasing assembly (82) configured to positively assist movement of the first steering lever (34) between the inboard and outboard positions in both directions, wherein the first steering lever (34) is operatively coupled to a first lever mount (80), wherein the first biasing assembly (82) is operatively coupled to the first brake assembly (110), and wherein the first biasing assembly (82) is a portion of or is operatively coupled to the first lever mount (80), wherein the first lever mount (80) includes an upper pivot bracket (200), a lower pivot bracket (210) and a frame mounting bracket (220), wherein the first steering lever (34) is operatively connected to the upper pivot bracket (200), wherein the upper pivot bracket (200) pivots about a first pivot axis (212) in response to movement of the first steering lever (34) relative to the lower pivot bracket (210) in response to movement of the first steering lever (34) between the inboard and outboard positions, and wherein the lower pivot bracket (210) pivots forward or rearward about a second pivot axis (222) while in the inboard position in response to movement of the first steering lever (34) relative to the frame mounting bracket (220), and wherein the upper pivot bracket (200) is defined by an outer wall (300), A steering lever (34) mounted to the steering lever and facing outward with respect to the longitudinal center line of the riding lawn care vehicle, and wherein the upper pivot support (200) has side walls (302) extending inward and downward from the outer wall (300), and wherein the first pivot axis (212) extends through the side walls (302) at a portion of the side walls (302) that is below a lower end of the outer wall (300).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis (212) is disposed adjacent an end of the lower pivot beam (210) and the second pivot axis (222) is disposed at an opposite end of the lower pivot beam (210).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 1, wherein the first biasing assembly (82) includes one or more compression springs (400) disposed on a portion of the upper pivot support (200), the one or more compression springs (400) being provided with a selectable over center position that forms a transition between the biasing assembly (82) biasing the first steering lever (34) toward the inboard position on a first side of the selectable over center position and toward the outboard position on a second side of the selectable over center position.The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 3, wherein the one or more compression springs (400) have a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the upper pivot support (200), and wherein a spring retention bracket (440) is operatively coupled to the one or more compression springs (400) to adjust the selectable over center position based on a position of a centrally disposed link (450) operatively coupled between the spring retention bracket (440) and the lower pivot support (210).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 4, wherein the selectable over center position is determined based on a degree to which the centrally disposed link (450) is inserted into a fastener (460) operatively coupled to the lower pivot bracket (210).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 3, wherein the first biasing assembly (82) further comprises a tension spring (318) configured to bias the first steering lever (34) toward the inboard position and apply a tension to the first brake assembly (110) to apply the braking force to the motor shaft (550).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 6, wherein the tension spring (318) is operatively coupled to a rod (316) passing through a cross member (304) disposed between the sidewalls (302) of the upper pivot bracket (200), the rod (316) operatively coupled to a flexible member (315) operatively coupled to a coupling member (323) that actuates the first brake assembly (110).The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of claim 7, wherein the flexible member (315) is moved by the rod (316) against a parking brake return spring (332) disposed between the coupling member (323) and an engine mounting plate.The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower pivot beam (210) is operatively coupled to a damper (240) configured to dampen movement of the respective first or second steering levers (34) forward or rearward while in the inboard position.The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the riding lawn care vehicle (10) is a zero turn mower.The riding lawn care vehicle (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a second brake assembly (110) operatively coupled to the second hydraulic motor (100) to allow a braking force to be selectively applied to a second motor shaft (550) of the second hydraulic motor (100) in response to movement of the second steering lever (34) from the inboard position to the outboard position; and a second biasing assembly (82) configured to positively assist movement of the second steering lever (34) between the inboard and outboard positions in both directions.

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