Lawn care vehicle control lever adjustment assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to adjustment assembly (200) for adjusting a position of one of a pair of steering levers (34) of a riding lawn care vehicle (10) that has first and second drive wheels (32) and includes a lever mount (80), a base portion (82) and a pivot coupling (204). The pivot coupling includes a roller cam assembly (300) comprising a base member (302) that has a guide slot (304) through which a shaft (306) extends, a cam member (400) pivotable about an axis (B) of rotation and a biasing member (308) operably coupled to the shaft (306) to bias the shaft to slide within the guide slot (304). The cam member engages with the shaft along a cam profile (402) when the cam member (404) rotates.

Description

[0001] LAWN CARE VEHICLE CONTROL LEVER ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to lawn care vehicles and, more particularly, to such vehicles that use control levers, and a lever adjustment assembly that is configured to utilize a structure that takes advantage of an over-centering force with respect to pivoting levers between inboard and outboard positions.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Lawn care tasks are commonly performed using various tools and / or machines that are configured for the performance of corresponding specific tasks. Certain tasks, like grass cutting, are typically performed by lawn mowers. Lawn mowers themselves may have many different configurations to support the needs and budgets of consumers. Walk-behind lawn mowers are typically compact, have comparatively small engines, and are relatively inexpensive. Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, riding lawn mowers, such as lawn tractors, can be quite large. Riding lawn mowers can sometimes also be configured with various functional accessories (e.g., trailers, tillers, and / or the like) in addition to grass cutting components. Riding lawn mowers provide the convenience of a riding vehicle as well as a typically larger cutting deck as compared to a walk-behind model.

[0006] By their very nature, riding lawn mowers include steering assemblies that are used to direct the movement of the riding lawn mowers. The steering assemblies often take the familiar form of a steering wheel. However, handlebar assemblies have also been used in some cases. More recently, some mowers have been provided with very short (e.g., near zero) turning radiuses. Such mowers have employed separate steering levers that interface with the drive wheels on each respective side of the mower.

[0007] When these separate steering levers are employed, it is common for a drive wheel on each side of the vehicle to be controlled by a corresponding lever on the same side of the vehicle. The operator therefore sits in the seat of the vehicle (or sometimes stands at an operator station), and has the steering levers disposed in a convenient location for the operator to grasp. The operator then pulls the steering levers back, or pushes them forward, in order to control the direction and magnitude of drive power to be applied to each respective wheel. This adjustment is typically performed when the steering levers are in an operating or inboard position. By pivoting the steering levers outward to an outboard position, a parking brake is typically engaged and entering and exiting the seat is made easier. The pivoting of the levers between inboard and outboard positions can be accomplished by any number of structures. However, there is room for improvement in relation to how steering levers are adjusted between inboard and outboard positions.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0009] Some example embodiments of the present invention provide steering levers on a riding lawn care vehicle with an improved adjustment assembly that takes advantage of an overcentering force during adjustment (or pivoting) of the steering levers between inboard and outboard positions. This arrangement, as will be discussed in greater detail below, tends to provide an improved operator experience during employment of the riding lawn care vehicle.

[0010] In one example embodiment, a riding lawn care vehicle is provided. The riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame to which at least a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable, a steering assembly and an adjustment assembly. The steering assembly may include a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers may be operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding 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 along a first direction when the first and second steering levers are in an operating position. The adjustment assembly may provide for adjusting a position of one of the first or second steering levers. The adjustment assembly may include a lever mount operably coupled to one of the first steering lever or the second steering lever, a base portion movable in the forward and rearward directions to provide the drive speed control, and a pivot coupling. The pivot coupling may operably couple the lever mount to the base portion to enable the steering levers to be pivoted about an axis of rotation in inward and outward directions. The pivot coupling may include a roller cam assembly. The roller cam assembly may include a base member that has a guide slot through which a shaft extends, a cam member pivotable about an axis of rotation and a biasing member operably coupled to the shaft to bias the shaft within the guide slot. The cam member may engage with the shaft along a cam profile when the cam member rotates about the axis of rotation.

[0011] In another example embodiment, an adjustment assembly for adjusting a position of one of a pair of steering levers of a riding lawn care vehicle that has first and second drive wheels is provided. The adjustment assembly may include a lever mount, a base portion and a pivot coupling. The steering levers may be operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second drive wheels to selectively control the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the steering levers along forward and rearward directions. The lever mount may be operably coupled to one of the steering levers and the base portion may be movable in the forward and rearward directions to provide the drive speed control. The pivot coupling may operably couple the lever mount to the base portion to enable the steering levers to be pivoted about an axis of rotation in inward and outward directions. The pivot coupling may include a roller cam assembly. The roller cam assembly may include a base member that has a guide slot through which a shaft extends, a cam member pivotable about an axis of rotation and a biasing member operably coupled to the shaft to bias the shaft within the guide slot. The cam member may engage with the shaft along a cam profile when the cam member rotates about the axis of rotation.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0013] Having thus described some embodiments of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a riding lawn care vehicle according to an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. IB illustrates a top view of the riding lawn care vehicle according to an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a steering assembly with steering levers positioned to be pulled back for rearward propulsion according to an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of some steering assembly components according to an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a roller cam assembly with a shaft positioned at a first retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly with the shaft positioned at the first retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of a cam member of the roller cam assembly in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the roller cam assembly with the shaft positioned at a second retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly with the shaft positioned at the second retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the roller cam assembly with the shaft positioned at a third retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0023] FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly with the shaft positioned at the third retention slot in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Some example embodiments now will 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 pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, the phrase “operable coupling” and variants thereof should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0026] Some example embodiments may improve the ability of an operator to pivot or adjust the position of the steering levers of lawn care vehicles such as, for example, zero-turning radius lawn mowers, between inboard and outboard positions. In this regard, some example embodiments may provide an adjustment assembly that employs a pivot coupling with a roller cam assembly to utilize over-centering forces during adjustment of the control levers.

[0027] FIG. 1, which includes FIGS. 1A and IB, illustrates a riding lawn care vehicle 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1 A illustrates a perspective view of the riding lawn care vehicle 10, and FIG. IB illustrates a top view of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 may include a seat 20 that may be disposed at a center, 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) functionally connected to wheels 31 and / or 32 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 to allow the operator to steer the riding lawn care vehicle 10.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a steering assembly with steering levers positioned to be pulled back for rearward propulsion according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operator may sit on the seat 20, which may be disposed to the rear of the steering assembly 30 to provide input for steering of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 via the steering assembly 30. However, some models may be stand-up models that eliminate the seat 20. If the seat 20 is eliminated, the operator may stand at an operator station proximate to the steering assembly 30. In an example embodiment, the steering assembly 30 may include separately operable steering levers 34 (which may be alternatively referred to as “control sticks,” “control levers,” or simply “sticks”) shown specifically in FIG. IB and FIG. 2.

[0029] The riding lawn care vehicle 10 may also include a cutting deck 40 having at least one cutting blade (e.g., three cutting blades) mounted therein. The cutting deck 40 may be positioned substantially rearward of a pair of front wheels 31 and substantially forward of a pair of rear wheels 32 in a position to enable 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 cutting deck 40 may be positioned in front of the front wheels 31. In some embodiments, a footrest 42 may also be positioned above the cutting deck 40 forward of the seat 20 to enable the operator to rest his or her feet thereon while seated in the seat 20. In embodiments that do not include the seat 20, the footrest 42 may form the operator station from which a standing operator controls the riding lawn care vehicle 10. When operating to cut grass, the grass clippings may be captured by a collection system, mulched, or expelled from the cutting deck 40 via either a side discharge or a rear discharge.

[0030] In the pictured example embodiment, an engine 50 of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 is disposed to the rear of a seated operator. However, in other example embodiments, the engine 50 could be in different positions such as in front of or below the operator. As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 50 may be operably coupled to one or more of the wheels 31 and / or 32 to provide drive power for the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The engine 50, the steering assembly 30, the cutting deck 40, the seat 20, and other components of the riding lawn care vehicle 10 may be operably connected (directly or indirectly) 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.

[0031] 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 attached to each other and operably 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 with hydraulic motors that independently power one or more drive wheels (e.g., rear wheels 32) on each respective side of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. The steering levers 34 may be operable to move forward (i.e., in a direction opposite arrow 68 in FIG. 2) and rearward (i.e., in the direction shown by arrow 68 in FIG. 2) while in the inboard position (shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0032] When a steering lever 34 is pushed forward (e.g., away from the operator an opposite the direction of arrow 68), 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 the direction of arrows 68 in FIG. 2), the corresponding hydraulic motor may drive the corresponding wheel backward. Thus, when both steering levers 34 are pushed forward the same amount, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 travels forward in substantially a straight line because approximately the same amount of forward drive input is provided to each drive wheel. When both steering levers 34 are pulled back the same amount, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 travels backward (e.g., rearward) in substantially a straight line because approximately the same amount of rearward drive input is provided to each drive wheel. When one steering lever 34 is pushed forward and the other steering lever 34 is pulled back, the riding lawn care vehicle 10 begins to turn in a circle and / or spin. Steering right and left may be accomplished by providing uneven amounts of input to the steering levers 34. Other steering control systems may be employed in some alternative embodiments such as, for example, electric motor control.

[0033] Although the steering levers 34 are generally moved forward (i.e., opposite the direction of the arrows 68 shown in FIG. 2) or backward (i.e., in the direction of the arrows 68 shown in FIG. 2) in any desirable combination while they are in the operating positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it should be appreciated that the steering levers 34 may also be moved to an outboard position (e.g., in a non-operational state) by moving the steering levers 34 outwardly in the direction shown by arrows 70 in FIG. IB. In this regard, although the steering levers 34 are shown in the inboard (or operational) position in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering levers 34 may be moved in the direction of arrows 70 (i.e., outboard) relative to their inboard position and into a non-operational position. In some cases, each of the steering levers 34 may be operably coupled to respective lever mounts 80 that may pivot to enable the steering levers 34 to move outwardly (e.g., to the outboard position) or inwardly (e.g., to an inboard and / or operating position). In some embodiments, when at least one (and sometimes both) of the steering levers 34 is pivoted outwardly, brakes may be applied and the operator may easily mount or dismount the riding lawn care vehicle 10 and sit in or leave the seat 20.

[0034] In some conventional riding lawn care vehicles, a brake lever separate and distinct from the steering assembly is provided to interface with the brake assembly of the vehicle. In others, as noted above, the steering levers 34 are moved outwardly to the outboard position, and the outward movement to the outboard position is used to operate a let of linkages or other operable coupling to set the brake assembly.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of some steering and braking components of an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, each one of the steering levers 34 may be operably coupled to a corresponding one of the lever mounts 80. The lever mounts 80 may be operably coupled to corresponding hydraulic motors 100 that power respective ones of the drive wheels (e.g., the rear wheels 32) via a base portion 82 of the lever mount 80. A brake system including a brake assembly 110 is also provided in which, for example, the brake assembly 110 is activated via outboard movement of the steering levers 34. To accomplish this, a brake linkage assembly 120 may be provided to operably coupled each respective steering lever 34 and / or lever mount 80 to the brake assembly 110 to activate brakes (electrically or mechanically) on the rear wheels 32 based on moving a position of the steering lever 34 and / or lever mount 80 to the outboard position.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the brake linkage assembly 120 is provided to operably couple the lever mounts 80 to the brake assembly 110 via operation of an adjustment assembly 200 of an example embodiment. In some cases, the brake linkage assembly 120 can be split into right side and left side linkages that are independent of each other. However, in other cases, the right and left side linkages may also be tied together so that they operate in tandem, or movement of one steering lever 34 carries the other. In either case, if the lever mount 80 on either side may be pivoted to the outboard position, the brake linkage assembly 120 may operate to activate the brake assembly 110 so that brakes are applied at the rear wheels 32.

[0037] As noted above, the lever mounts 80 may further include (or be operably coupled to) the base portion 82 such that the lever mount 80 can pivot or rotate between inboard and outboard positions via operation of an adjustment assembly 200 of an example embodiment. The adjustment assembly 200 may provide for pivoting of the steering levers 34 between inboard and outboard positions via a pivot coupling 204 that is or employs a cam roller assembly of an example embodiment described in greater detail below. Thus, it may be understood that the pivot coupling 204 (and the cam roller assembly) may pivotably couple the base portion 82 and the lever mount 80.

[0038] The adjustment assembly 200, and the pivot coupling 204, could take a number of different forms. One such form is shown in the examples of FIGS. 4-8B. In this regard, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of some components of the pivot coupling 204 in accordance with an example embodiment. In this regard, the pivot coupling 204 may be embodied as a roller cam assembly 300 with a shaft 306 that is alternately positionable in one of multiple retention slots that may be formed in a cam profile 402. FIG. 5 specifically shows a perspective view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at a first retention slot 404 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the first retention slot 404. The roller cam assembly 300 may include a base member 302 with a guide slot 304 through which the shaft 306 extends. The roller cam assembly 300 also includes a cam member 400, which includes the cam profile 402. The cam member 400 may be pivotable about an axis of rotation B that is defined by a bolt 310 operably coupling the cam member 400 to the base member 302. The roller cam assembly 300 also includes a biasing member 308 operably coupled to the shaft 306. The base member 302 may be disposed at a distal end of the base portion 82, while the cam member 400 is disposed at a proximal end of the lever mount 80. As the cam member 400 pivots, the shaft 306 may slide within the guide slot 304 and engage with the cam profile 402 of the cam member 400, enabling pivoting inboard or outboard of the lever mount 80 about the axis of rotation B via engagement of the shaft 306 with the cam profile 402 through movement between the first retention slot 404 and a second retention slot 406. The first retention slot 404 is part of the cam profile 402 and is disposed at a first end of the cam profile 402. The second retention slot 406 may be disposed at another portion of the cam profile 404. In an example embodiment, a distance dl between the shaft 306 at the first retention slot 404 and the axis of rotation B may be about 1.8 inches, but the scale may vary on different sized models. A distance between the shaft 306 and the second retention slot 406 may be substantially the same as the distance dl. The biasing member 308 may apply a force to bias the shaft 306 within the guide slot 304 toward the axis of rotation B, ensuring smooth and controlled movements during the adjustment process via the provision of over-centering forces through interaction with the shaft and the cam profile 402. In this regard, the biasing member 308 may be a helical spring (or other spring) that is attached at one end to the bolt 310 and attached at the other end to the shaft 306.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 both show that the shaft 306 is positioned in the first retention slot 404, which holds the steering lever 34 in an inboard or “sticks in” position. The inboard position may be the position in which drive speed controls of the first and second drive wheels (e.g., the rear wheels 32) is provided responsive to the positioning of the steering levers 34 along forward and rearward directions. In some embodiments, at least one roller 312 may be mounted on one or both ends of the shaft 306 to operatively contact the cam profile 402 of the cam member 400, and extend outside the guide slot 304. The roller 312 (or rollers) may facilitate smooth movement of the shaft 306 along the cam profile 402, reducing friction and wear, thereby enhancing the longevity and reliability of the adjustment assembly 200. The incorporation of the roller 312 onto the shaft 306 allows for smoother transitions between the different positions along the cam profile 402.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the roller cam assembly 300 may include the bolt 310 and at least one nut 314, which operably couple the cam member 400 to the base member 302, defining the axis of rotation B. The bolt 310 may pass through the cam member 400 and be secured by the nut 314, allowing the cam member 400 to pivot about the axis of rotation B. The shaft 306 may include a first groove around a circumference of the shaft 306 where a first end of the biasing member 308 is attached, and the bolt 310 may include a second groove around a circumference of the bolt 310 where a second end of the biasing member 308 is attached. These grooves, which are optionally employed, may provide secure attachment points for the biasing member 308, ensuring that it maintains the necessary tension to keep the shaft 306 engaged with the cam profile 402 when positioned in the first retention slot 404.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the cam member 400 in isolation according to an example embodiment. The cam member 400 may include the cam profile 402 designed to engage with the shaft 306. The cam profile 402 may include three retention slots: the first retention slot 404 disposed at the first end of the cam profile 402, the second retention slot 406 disposed at another portion of the cam profile 402, and a third retention slot 408 disposed at a second end of the cam profile 402. Between the first and second retention slots, a first projection portion 410 is disposed, with a distance (d2) from the first projection portion 410 to the axis of rotation B being larger than the distance (dl) from the axis of rotation B to the first retention slot 404 and the second retention slot 406.

[0042] The cam profile 402 may have an asymmetric shape to manage the forces for maintaining the "sticks in" and "sticks out" (i.e., outboard) positions. The first projection portion 410 may include an apex that defines a transition in slope directions along the cam profile 402. A first engagement section extends to the apex of the first projection portion 410 from the first retention slot 404 and has a first slope, while a second engagement section extends to the apex from the second retention slot 406 and has a second slope. The first slope may be greater than the second slope and is opposite in direction to the second slope to increase the necessary force applied to leave the first retention slot 404 and prevent accidental displacement of the shaft 306 out of the first retention slot 404. Once the shaft 306 overcomes the first slope, the shaft 306 may reach the apex of the cam profile 402, where the slope reverses, causing the force direction to switch and pull the steering levers 34 outward via overcentering forces applied by the biasing member 308. The apex on the cam profile 402 may be positioned closer to the first retention slot 404 than to the second retention slot 406 in order to make it such that as the steering levers 34 separate, they are forced outward fully, which can kill the engine 50 in an event of the operator falling off the riding lawn care vehicle 10. As can be appreciated from the description above, an asymmetric shape of the cam profile 402 is helpful because the forces required to keep the steering levers 34 in the "sticks in" position are greater than the forces needed to keep them in the "sticks out" position, due to gravity.

[0043] A second projection portion 412 is disposed between the second retention slot 406 and the third retention slot 408. The distance from the second projection portion 412 to the axis of rotation B is larger than the distance from the axis of rotation B to the third retention slot 408. Furthermore, the distance from the axis of rotation B to the third retention slot 408 is less than the distance from the axis of rotation B to the first retention slot 404 and the distance from the axis of rotation B to the second retention slot 406. Moreover, when the shaft 306 is disposed in the third retention slot 408, the biasing member 308 may not be under tension, which may enable removal or installation of the biasing member 308.

[0044] Further analyzing the cam member 400, a distance d2 can be defined. The distance d2 may be measured from a farthest tangential point on the circumference of the bolt 310, which defines the axis of rotation B, to a farthest tangential point on the shaft 306 when it is positioned at the apex. In one example embodiment, the distance d2 is about 2.25 inches. Additionally, an angle 01 is formed between a lower engagement surface of the first retention slot 404 and the shaft 306 at the apex of the cam profile 402. In one example embodiment, the angle 01 is about 12 degrees. In another example embodiment, the angle 01 may vary depending on the position of the apex of the cam profile 402.

[0045] FIG. 7, which includes FIGS. 7A and 7B, illustrates the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the second retention slot 406 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7 A illustrates a perspective view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the second retention slot 406, and FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the second retention slot 406 according to an example embodiment. When the shaft 306 is positioned at the second retention slot 406, it corresponds to the "sticks out" or outboard position of the steering levers 34. In this position, the steering levers 34 are outwardly oriented, away from the operational position, allowing for disengagement of the drive wheels (e.g., rear wheels 32) and / or application of braking forces, and facilitating the operator sitting or getting out of the riding lawn care vehicle 10. During positioning of the shaft 306 at the first and the second retention slots 404 and 406, the biasing member 308 is in a tensioned state. The tensioned state occurs when the shaft 306 is positioned at one of the first and second retention slots 404 and 406 and when sliding along the first and second projection portions of the cam profile 402. In one example embodiment, a distance d3 between the shaft 306 at the second retention slot 406 and the axis of rotation B is about 1.8 inches.

[0046] FIG. 8, which includes FIGS. 8A and 8B, illustrates the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the third retention slot 408 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 8 A illustrates a perspective view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the third retention slot 408, and FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of the roller cam assembly 300 with the shaft 306 positioned at the third retention slot 408 according to an example embodiment. When the shaft 306 is positioned at the third retention slot 408, the biasing member 308 may be in an un-tensioned state. The biasing member 308 is configured to be slidable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft 306 and the pivot 310 when in the untensioned state, or may be attached or removed. When in the un-tensioned state at the third retention slot 408, the biasing member 308 is at its free length.

[0047] Accordingly, some example embodiments may provide an adjustment assembly that may enable movement of a steering lever in a reverse (or forward) direction to alter a neutral position of the steering lever. In particular, some examples may employ one instance on each lever for a riding lawn care vehicle. The riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame to which at least a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable, a steering assembly and an adjustment assembly. The steering assembly may include a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers may be operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding 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 along a first direction when the first and second steering levers are in an operating position. The adjustment assembly may provide for adjusting a position of one of the first or second steering levers. The adjustment assembly may include a lever mount operably coupled to one of the first steering lever or the second steering lever, a base portion movable in the forward and rearward directions to provide the drive speed control, and a pivot coupling. The pivot coupling may operably couple the lever mount to the base portion to enable the steering levers to be pivoted about an axis of rotation in inward and outward directions. The pivot coupling may include a roller cam assembly. The roller cam assembly may include a base member that has a guide slot through which a shaft extends, a cam member pivotable about the axis of rotation, and a biasing member operably coupled to the shaft to bias the shaft within the guide slot. The cam member may engage with the shaft along a cam profile as the cam member rotates about the axis of rotation, allowing for fine adjustment of the steering levers.

[0048] The riding lawn care vehicle (or adjustment assembly) of some embodiments may include additional, optional features, and / or the features described above may be modified or augmented. Some examples of modifications, optional features and augmentations are described below. It should be appreciated that the modifications, optional features and augmentations listed below may each be added alone, or they may be added cumulatively in any desirable combination. For example, in some embodiments, the cam member may be operably coupled to the base member using a bolt defining the axis of rotation. The biasing member may extend from the bolt to the shaft to bias the shaft toward the axis of rotation as the shaft engages the cam profile. In an example embodiment, the cam profile may include a first retention slot disposed at a first end of the cam profile, and a second retention slot disposed at another portion of the cam profile. A first projection portion may be disposed between the first and second retention slots. A distance from the first projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and a distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot. In an example embodiment, the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot is equal to the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot. The cam profile may include a third retention slot disposed at a second end of the cam profile. A second projection portion is disposed between the third and second retention slots. A distance from the second projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot. In an example embodiment, the distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot is less than the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot. The biasing member may be in an un-tensioned state when the shaft is positioned at the third retention slot. The biasing member may be in a tensioned state when the shaft is positioned in either of the first and second retention slots and when sliding along the first and second projection portions. In an example embodiment, the first projection portion may include an apex defining a transition in slope directions along the cam profile. A first engagement section extending to the apex from the first retention slot may have a first slope, and a second engagement section extending to the apex from the second retention slot may have a second slope. The first slope is greater than the second slope and is opposite in direction to the second slope. The apex on the cam profile is closer to the first retention slot than the second retention slot. In an example embodiment, the base member may be formed or disposed at a distal end of the base portion, and the cam member is disposed at a proximal end of the lever mount. At least one roller may be mounted on one or both ends of the shaft to operatively contact the cam profile of the cam member.

[0049] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. An adjustment assembly for adjusting a position of one of a pair of steering levers of a riding lawn care vehicle, wherein the riding lawn care vehicle comprises first and second drive wheels, and the steering levers are operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second drive wheels to selectively control the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the steering levers along forward and rearward directions, the adjustment assembly comprising: a lever mount operably coupled to one of the steering levers; a base portion movable in the forward and rearward directions to provide the drive speed control; and a pivot coupling operably coupling the lever mount to the base portion to enable the steering levers to be pivoted about an axis of rotation in inward and outward directions, the pivot coupling comprising a roller cam assembly comprising: a base member comprising a guide slot through which a shaft extends, wherein the shaft is slidable within the guide slot; a cam member pivotable about the axis of rotation, wherein the cam member engages with the shaft along a cam profile of the cam member when the cam member rotates about the axis of rotation; and a biasing member operably coupled to the shaft to bias the shaft within the guide slot.

2. The adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the cam member is operably coupled to the base member using a bolt defining the axis of rotation, wherein the biasing member extends from the bolt to the shaft to bias the shaft toward the axis of rotation as the shaft engages the cam profile.

3. The adjustment assembly of claim 2, wherein the cam profile comprises a first retention slot disposed at a first end of the cam profile, and a second retention slot disposed at another portion of the cam profile, wherein a first projection portion is disposed between the first and second retention slots, and wherein a distance from the first projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and a distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

4. The adjustment assembly of claim 3, wherein the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot is equal to the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

5. The adjustment assembly of claim 3, wherein the cam profile comprises a third retention slot disposed at a second end of the cam profile, wherein a second projection portion is disposed between the third and second retention slots, and wherein a distance from the second projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot.

6. The adjustment assembly of claim 5, wherein the distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot is less than the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

7. The adjustment assembly of claim 6, wherein the biasing member is in an untensioned state when the shaft is positioned at the third retention slot, and wherein the biasing member is in a tensioned state when the shaft is positioned in either of the first and second retention slots and when sliding along the first and second projection portions.

8. The adjustment assembly of claim 3, wherein the first projection portion comprises an apex defining a transition in slope directions along the cam profile, wherein a first engagement section extending to the apex from the first retention slot has a first slope, and a second engagement section extending to the apex from the second retention slot has a second slope, and wherein the first slope is greater than the second slope and is opposite in direction to the second slope.

9. The adjustment assembly of claim 8, wherein the apex on the cam profile is closer to the first retention slot than the second retention slot.

10. The adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member is formed or disposed at a distal end of the base portion, and wherein the cam member is disposed at a proximal end of the lever mount.

11. The adjustment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one roller is mounted on one or both ends of the shaft to operatively contact the cam profile of the cam member.

12. A riding lawn care vehicle comprising: a frame to which at least a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are attachable; a steering assembly comprising a first steering lever and a second steering lever, wherein the first and second steering levers are operably coupled to the first and second drive wheels respectively to facilitate turning of the riding 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 along a first direction when the first and second steering levers are in an operating position; and an adjustment assembly for adjusting a position of one of the first or second steering levers, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises: a lever mount operably coupled to one of the steering levers; a base portion movable in the forward and rearward directions to provide the drive speed control; and a pivot coupling operably coupling the lever mount to the base portion to enable the steering levers to be pivoted about an axis of rotation in inward and outward directions, the pivot coupling comprising a roller cam assembly comprising: a base member comprising a guide slot through which a shaft extends, wherein the shaft is slidable within the guide slot; a cam member pivotable about the axis of rotation, wherein the cam member engages with the shaft along a cam profile of the cam member when the cam member rotates about the axis of rotation; and a biasing member operably coupled to the shaft to bias the shaft within the guide slot.

13. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 12, wherein the cam member is operably coupled to the base member using a bolt defining the axis of rotation,wherein the biasing member extends from the bolt to the shaft to bias the shaft toward the axis of rotation as the shaft engages the cam profile.

14. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 13, wherein the cam profile comprises a first retention slot disposed at a first end of the cam profile, and a second retention slot disposed at another portion of the cam profile, wherein a first projection portion is disposed between the first and second retention slots, and wherein a distance from the first projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and a distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

15. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 14, wherein the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot is equal to the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

16. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 14, wherein the cam profile comprises a third retention slot disposed at a second end of the cam profile, wherein a second projection portion is disposed between the third and second retention slots, and wherein a distance from the second projection portion to the axis of rotation is larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot.

17. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 16, wherein the distance from the axis of rotation to the third retention slot is less than the distance from the axis of rotation to the first retention slot and the distance from the axis of rotation to the second retention slot.

18. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 17, wherein the biasing member is in an un-tensioned state when the shaft is positioned at the third retention slot, and wherein the biasing member is in a tensioned state when the shaft is positioned in either of the first and second retention slots and when sliding along the first and second projection portions.

19. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 14, wherein the first projection portion comprises an apex defining a transition in slope directions along the cam profile, wherein a first engagement section extending to the apex from the first retention slot has a first slope, and a second engagement section extending to the apex from the second retention slot has a second slope, and wherein the first slope is greater than the second slope and is opposite in direction to the second slope.

20. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 19, wherein the apex on the cam profile is closer to the first retention slot than the second retention slot.

21. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 12, wherein the base member is formed or disposed at a distal end of the base portion, and wherein the cam member is disposed at a proximal end of the lever mount.

22. The riding lawn care vehicle of claim 12, wherein at least one roller is mounted on one or both ends of the shaft to operatively contact the cam profile of the cam member.

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