Pivotable handle mechanism with mower

Abstract

A walk-behind mower may include a mower deck defining a housing configured to house at least one blade and a power source operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade. The walk-behind mower may also include a pair of pivotable handle mechanisms atached directly or indirectly to opposing sides of the mower deck, in which each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may be movable between a working position and a storage position. Each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may include a bracket affixed directly or indirectly to a respective opposing side of the mower deck, in which the bracket includes a bracket-protrusion extending towards the mower deck, and a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) including an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position.

Description

[0001] AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0002] PIVOTABLE HANDLE MECHANISM WITH MOWER

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Example embodiments generally relate to outdoor power equipment and, more particularly, relate to a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) having a pair of pivotable handle mechanisms that enables a handle assembly of the hover mower to be moved between a storage position and a working position, in which the pivotable handle mechanism also provides a controlled range of pivotable motion while in the working position.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hover mowers generally comprise a hood or mower deck that contains a volume of air that has been pressurized to be above atmospheric pressure during operation, thereby to provide a cushion of air on which the mower can hover. In this regard, this cushion of air makes the mower easier to move over a grassed (or similar) surface to be cut. A powered cutting element, such as a rotating blade, is housed within the mower deck and provided on the bottom surface, in order to cut the grass, typically driven for rotation on a drive axle by a power source (e.g., electric motor or internal combustion engine), potentially through a transmission.

[0007] Given the relative ease by which a hover mower may be moved during operation, the handle assemblies of hover mowers may often be purposefully limited in their range of motion for safety purposes. By limiting the pivotable range of the handle assembly on the hover mower, for instance, an operator may be less likely to inadvertently move the blade of the hover mower over their foot or an undesired location. However, traditional approaches to limiting the range of motion of the handle assembly for such safety considerations tends to prevent the handle assembly from being easily transitioned to storage position.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0009] Some example embodiments may therefore provide for improved walk-behind mower design by providing a pivotable handle mechanism configured to be directly or indirectly attached to a mower deck of a walk-behind mower, in which the pivotable handle mechanism allows for both (i) movement between a working position and a storage position, and (ii) a controlled range of pivotable motion of a handle assembly when the pivotable handle mechanism is locked or affixed in a working position that is associated with operation of theAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0010] walk-behind mower. The pivotable handle mechanism, in some example embodiments, includes a bracket having a bracket-protrusion that cooperates with an indent in a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC). In some example embodiments, the bracket-protrusion is housed or otherwise confined within the indent when the pivotable handle mechanism is in the working position and the storage position. In some example embodiments, the pivotable handle mechanism includes a clamp coupled to the bracket and configured to be moveable between a disengaged state and an engaged state. While in the disengaged state, the clamp is passive and the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other. While in the engaged state, the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state.

[0011] In some example embodiments, a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may be provided. The walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may include the following: (i) a mower deck defining a housing configured to house at least one blade; (ii) a power source operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade; and (iii) a pair of pivotable handle mechanisms attached directly or indirectly to opposing sides of the mower deck. Each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may be movable between a working position and a storage position and each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may comprise the following: (a) a bracket affixed directly or indirectly to a respective opposing side of the mower deck, wherein the bracket includes a bracket-protrusion extending towards the mower deck; (b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and wherein the PHEC is biased away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; and (c) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from theAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0012] storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, the walk-behind mower may further include a handle assembly operably coupled to the handle engagement end of the PHEC.

[0013] In still another example embodiment, a pivotable handle mechanism moveable between a working position and a storage position may be provided. The pivotable handle mechanism may include the following: (a) a bracket configured to be affixed directly or indirectly to a mower deck of a walk-behind mower, wherein the bracket includes a bracketprotrusion extending towards the mower deck; (b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; (c) a biasing member located between the PHEC and the mower deck, wherein the biasing member is configured to impart a biasing force against the PHEC away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; and (d) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 A illustrates a side view of a hover mower having a pivotable handle mechanism in a working position according to an example embodiment;

[0016] Figure IB illustrates a side view of a hover mower having a pivotable handle mechanism in a storage position according to an example embodiment;AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a pivotable handle mechanism in a working position according to an example embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a pivotable handle mechanism in a storage position according to an example embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective interior side view of a bracket for a pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 illustrates an interior side view of a bracket for a pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective interior view of a bracket coupled to a clamp in a disengaged state according to an example embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8A illustrates a perspective view of a PHEC including an indent and a pair of PHEC-protrusions according to an example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8B illustrates a magnified view of a pivoting end of the PHEC of Figure 8A; Figure 9A illustrates a side view of a PHEC including an indent and a pair of PHEC-protrusions according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9B illustrates a magnified view of a pivoting end of the PHEC of Figure 9A; Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 11 illustrates the pivoting nature of a clamp to an engaged state for the clamp, in which the clamp maintains a bracket-protrusion uncoupled from an indent of a PHEC, according to an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12A illustrates the relative positioning of a PHEC-protrusion and a clamp in an engaged state as well as interaction between the PHEC-protrusion and the clamp upon further pivoting of the PHEC according to an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 12B illustrates a pivotable handle mechanism attached to a mowing deck of a hover mower where the PHEC protrusion of the PHEC is adjacent the clamp according to an example embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 13 illustrates that range of motion of the PHEC between the working position and the storage position according to an example embodiment.AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, operable coupling 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.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) with one or more pivotable handle mechanisms that may be moved between a first position (e.g., a working position) and a second position (e.g., a storage position). The pivotable handle mechanism, in accordance with some example embodiments, may include a biasing element (e.g., a spring), a PHEC, a bracket, a first fixation implement (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.), a clamp, and a second fixation element (e.g., a pin, bolt, etc.). A fixation of the PHEC (as well as a handle assembly attached to the PHEC) in either of the working and / or storage positions may be achieved by a bracket-protrusion engaging with an indent on the PHEC near a pivot point or first axis of rotation about which the PHEC pivots. In some example embodiments, the geometrical shape of the indent in the PHEC enables the PHEC to be moved within a controlled or maximum angle of rotation, such as maximum angle of rotation from about 20 to 50° while being affixed in the working position, such as least about any of the following: 20, 25, 30, and 35°, and / or at most about any of the following: 50, 45, 40, and 35°. Stated somewhat differently, the PHEC may be locked (e.g., the bracket protrusion may be housed or otherwise confined within the indent) into the working position which allows for a controlled and / or maximum angle of rotation while remaining in the working position. In some example embodiments, the pivotable handle mechanism includes a claim that is moveable between and engaged state and a disengaged state. When the clamp is moved, such as manually, into the engaged state, the clamp interacts with the PHEC and moves the PHEC away from the bracket and towards a mower deck by a distance sufficient to remove or uncouple the bracket-protrusion from the indent of the PHEC. In this regard, the PHEC may be completely disconnected from the bracket while the clamp is in the engaged state. In some example embodiments the PHEC may be biased towards the bracket, but theAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0034] engagement of the PHEC by the clamp in the engaged state provides a sufficient force overcome the biasing force applied to the PHEC, such as by a biasing member (e.g., a spring) located between the PHEC and the mower deck, to move the PHEC away from the bracket and towards the mower deck by a distance sufficient to remove or uncouple the bracketprotrusion from the indent of the PHEC. While the clamp is in the engaged state, the PHEC may be rotated out of a first position (e.g., the working position) and begin transitioning to a second condition (e.g., the storage position). In some example embodiments, the PHEC includes one or more (e.g. a pair) of PHEC-protrusions, such as a first PHEC-protrusion and a second PHEC-protrusion, that may interact with the clamp during pivoting of the PHEC when the clamp is in the engaged state. While the clamp is in the engaged state, for example, one of the PHEC protrusions upon sufficient pivoting of the PHEC contacts the clamp and automatically triggers the clamp to reset back to the disengaged state. Upon such resetting of the clamp to the disengaged state, the PHEC may be fully pivoted to the opposing position (e.g., from the working position to the storage position or vice versa). Once the PHEC reaches the position of interest (e.g., the working or storage position), the bracket-protrusion drops back into the indent of the PHEC to affix the PHEC into the position of interest (e.g., the working or storage position). Such combination of features, therefore, eliminates the need for manual actuation of the clamp to the disengaged state.

[0035] In some example embodiments, for instance, the present disclosure provides a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) with a pivotable handle mechanism that allows the PHEC to be moved between working and storage positions in which fixation at a position of interest (e.g., the working or storage position) may be achieved by the interplay between the bracket-protrusion on the bracket engaging with the indent of the PHEC, in which the indent may be located on a pivoting end of the PHEC and include an orifice passing through the indent and aligning with an axis of rotation (or pivot point) about which the PHEC may pivot. Additionally, the interplay between the clamp, while in the engaged state, and PHEC-protrusions enable the automatic actuation of the clamp into the disengaged state and allow the PHEC to be fully pivoted to a new position of interest (e.g., the working or storage position) and the bracket-protrusion may drop back into the indent of the PHEC once the new position of interest (e.g., the working or storage position) is reached. By way of example only, the total angle of pivoting of the PHEC from one position to another position (e.g., from the working position to the storage position or vice versa) may be from about 90 to about 180°, such as at least about any of the following: 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, and 135°, and / or at most about any of the following: 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, and 135°.AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0036] In some example embodiments, a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may be provided. The walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may include the following: (i) a mower deck defining a housing configured to house at least one blade; (ii) a power source operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade; and (iii) a pair of pivotable handle mechanisms attached directly or indirectly to opposing sides of the mower deck. Each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may be movable between a working position and a storage position and each of the pivotable handle mechanisms may comprise the following: (a) a bracket affixed directly or indirectly to a respective opposing side of the mower deck, wherein the bracket includes a bracket-protrusion extending towards the mower deck; (b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and wherein the PHEC is biased away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; and (c) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, the walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may further include a handle assembly operably coupled to the handle engagement end of the PHEC.

[0037] As noted above, the pivotable handle mechanism may be implemented with a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower). For the sake of simplicity, the following figures and discussion may at times refer to a hover mower but this should not be viewed as limiting any part of the present disclosure to a hover mower.

[0038] The relative positioning of the pivotable handle mechanism in the working position and the storage position may be more clearly illustrated by Figures 1A, IB, 2, and 3. FigureAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0039] 1A illustrates a side view of a hover mower 1 having a pivotable handle mechanism 10 in a working position according to an example embodiment. The pivotable handle mechanism 10 is attached to a mower deck 3 of the hover mower 1. As illustrated by Figure 1A, when the pivotable handle mechanism 10 is in the working position the handle assembly is located proximate a rear portion 7 of the hover mower 1. Figure IB illustrates a side view of a hover mower 1 having a pivotable handle mechanism 10 in a storage position according to an example embodiment. As illustrated by Figure IB, when the pivotable handle mechanism 10 is in the storage position the handle assembly 8 is located proximate a front portion 3 of the hover mower 1. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a pivotable handle mechanism 10 in a working position according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the pivotable handle mechanism includes a bracket 10, a PHEC 40, and a claim 60, which is shown in the disengaged state. Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the pivotable handle mechanism 10 of Figure 2 in a storage position according to an example embodiment.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the PHEC and bracket may each include a respective orifice that align with each other to define a through-hole extending through the bracket and the PHEC. A first fixation implement (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.) may extends through the through-hole and define a first axis of rotation about which the PHEC pivots. In this regard, the PHEC may pivot about the first axis of rotation at the pivoting end of the PHEC. In some example embodiments, the bracket remains stationary while the PHEC may be pivoted with respect to the bracket. The orifice associated with the PHEC may, in accordance with some example embodiments, be located within the indent of the PHEC, such as at or proximate a central location of the indent.

[0041] The pivotable handle mechanism may also include a second fixation implement (e.g., a pin, bolt, etc.) that couples the bracket and the clamp. For example, the clamp may be pivotably coupled to the bracket, such that the clamp may be moved between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In some example embodiments, the second fixation implement may define a second axis of rotation about which the clamp pivots between the engaged state and the disengaged state. The second fixation implement, for example, may extend into and / or through a bracket passageway and into and / or through one or more aligned passageways of the clamp, in which the second fixation implement allows the clamp to be pivoted relative to the bracket about the second axis of rotation.

[0042] As noted above, the PHEC includes an indent configured to receive or otherwise house the bracket-protrusion of the bracket. In some example embodiments, the indent of the PHEC has a recessed surface and a plurality of mating surfaces positioned to define aAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0043] maximum range of pivotable motion of the PHEC when the bracket-protrusion is housed within the indent while the pivotable handle mechanism is in the working position. In this regard, the indent has an area larger than that of the bracket-protrusion such that the bracketprotrusion may be located within the indent and allow a controlled degree of pivotable motion by the PHEC while in the working position. In this regard, the pivotable handle mechanism provides the combination of affixing the PHEC into the working position while also allowing a controlled range of pivoting motion of the PHEC (and the handle assembly) while in the working position. This allows a user of the hover mower to at least partially pivot the handle assembly during operation of the hover mower. By way of example only, the PHEC may have a maximum range of pivotable motion when the pivotable handle mechanism is in working position from about 20 to about 50 degrees, such as at least about any of the following: 20, 25, 30, and 35°, and / or at most about any of the following: 50, 45, 40, and 35°.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may include one or more (e.g., a pair) of pivotable handle mechanisms in which the PHEC of each pivotable handle mechanism includes an orifice located in the indent. The indent, in some example embodiments, may have a symmetrical geometry about the orifice including a first indent portion extending in a first direction away from the orifice and second indent portion extending in a second direction away from the orifice. For example, the orifice of the PHEC may be generally located in a central location of the orifice while the first indent portion and the second indent portions extend in opposite direction away from the orifice. Additionally or alternatively, the indent may have a variable width along a first length of the first indent portion and along a second length of the second indent portion. In some example embodiments, the indent may have a smallest width proximate a center point of the orifice, and the indent extends outwardly in first and second directions, such as opposite directions, with an increasing width along both first and second directions. Additionally or alternatively, the first indent portion and the second indent portion may be mirror images of each other (e.g., have the same size and / or geometric configuration).

[0045] In some example embodiments, the plurality of mating surfaces may comprise sidewalls connecting the recessed surface to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC. In this regard, the side-walls may define a two-dimensional geometrical shape of the indent. In accordance with some sample embodiments, the sidewalls may include at least four (4) side-walls that may be contacted by a portion of the bracket protrusion upon a sufficient degree of pivoting of the PHEC, thereby preventingAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0046] further pivoting of the PHEC in that direction. Upon such a scenario, for example, the bracket-protrusion may contact two (2) side-walls that are located diagonally opposite each other relative to the orifice.

[0047] As noted above, the PHEC may include a first PHEC protrusion and a second PHEC protrusion each extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket. In some example embodiments, the first PHEC protrusion includes (i) a first clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a first inclined portion connecting a first outermost portion of the first PHEC protrusion to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent. In some example embodiments, the first clamp-engagement-surface may be substantially perpendicular to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC. In some example embodiments, the second PHEC protrusion includes (i) a second clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a second inclined portion connecting a second outermost portion of the second PHEC protrusion to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent. In some example embodiments, the second clamp-engagement-surface may be substantially perpendicular to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC. Additionally or alternatively, the first PHEC protrusion and the second PHEC protrusion may each extend in an arcuate orientation along an imaginary circular line, and wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface may be orientated with the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface facing towards each other along the imaginary circular line. Additionally or alternatively, the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface may define an angle therebetween (e.g., using the orifice of the PHEC as a center point for measuring the angle) from about 90° to about 150°, such as at least about any of the following: 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, and 130°, and / or at most about any of the following: 150, 145, 140, 135, and 130°.

[0048] In accordance with some example embodiments, during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state. In this regard, a user may manually actuate the clamp from the disengaged state to theAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0049] engaged state to uncouple the bracket-protrusion from the indent of the PHEC so that the PHEC may be transitioned from one position to the other (e.g., from the working position to the storage position or vice versa). As noted above, continued pivoting of the PHEC causes a PHEC-protrusion to engage the clamp after the indent of the PHEC has been oriented or otherwise relocated in a manner such that the bracket-protrusion and the indent are no longer overlapping. In this regard, the PHEC-protrusion automatically triggers the clamp and causes it to actuate into the disengaged state. At this point, the biasing force against the PHEC forces the PHEC back towards and in contact with the bracket. Since bracket-protrusion is no longer aligned or overlapping with the indent of the PHEC, the bracket-protrusion may slide across the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC until the PHEC arrives to the final position of interest (e.g., the working position or the storage position) at which moment the bracket-protrusion may drop or otherwise be inserted within the indent of the PHEC to affix the PHEC in the position of interest.

[0050] In still another example embodiment, a pivotable handle mechanism moveable between a working position and a storage position may be provided. In this regard, the pivotable handle mechanism may be provided as a stand-alone assembly or mechanism that may be acquired and installed on a separate walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower). For example, some walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower) may include different attachment mechanisms for a handle assembly that may be replaced with the pivotable handle mechanisms as described and disclosed herein. In some example embodiments, the pivotable handle mechanism may include the following: (a) a bracket configured to be affixed directly or indirectly to a mower deck of a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower), wherein the bracket includes a bracketprotrusion extending towards the mower deck; (b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; (c) a biasing member located between the PHEC and the mower deck, wherein the biasing member is configured to impart a biasing force against the PHEC away from the mower deck and towards the bracket; and (d) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent toAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0051] and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state. In some example embodiments, during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state. In this regard, the pivotable handle mechanism (e.g., stand-alone assembly or mechanism) may include one or more of the features of any pivotable handle mechanism disclosed and described herein, whether described as a stand-alone assembly / mechanism or as a component of a walk-behind mower (e.g., a hover mower or a wheeled mower).

[0052] The following discussion with reference to the remaining figures of the application illustrate particular features and cooperative relationships between individual components of the pivotable handle mechanism in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a pivotable handle mechanism 10 according to an example embodiment. In the example embodiment of Figure 4, the individual components of the pivotable handle mechanism 10 includes a bracket 20, a PHEC 40, a clamp 60, a biasing member 80 (e.g., spring), a first fixation implement 87, and a second fixation implement 85. In this regard, the PHEC 40 is located directly or indirectly between the bracket 20 and the biasing member 80 (and mower deck when attached to a hover mower).

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective interior side view of a bracket 20 for a pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment, while Figure 6 illustrates an interior side view of a bracket for a pivotable handle mechanism according to an example embodiment. As illustrated by each of these figures, the bracket 20 includes bracketprotrusion 24, which may have an oblong structure, including an outermost surface 26 facing towards the PHEC. The PHEC may include a base surface 28 that may lie proximate a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC when the bracketprotrusion 24 is confined within the indent of the PHEC. The bracket 20 includes orifice 23 extending through the bracket, in which the orifice may be generally centrally located within the bracket-protrusion and is sized or otherwise configured to receive the first fixation implement therethrough. As also illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the bracket 20 includes a bracket passageway 30 configured to allow the second fixation implement to pass therethrough for purposes of connecting the clamp to the bracket in a pivoting manner (e.g.,AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0055] the clamp may be pivotably coupled to the bracket). Figure 7 illustrates a perspective interior view of a bracket 20 coupled to a clamp 60 in a disengaged state according to an example embodiment. The clamp 60 shown in Figure 7 includes a passageway 63 that aligns with the bracket passageway 30 of the PHEC. In this regard, the second fixation implement may be positioned through the aligned bracket passageway 30 and the passageway(s) 63 of the clamp.

[0056] Figure 8A and 8B illustrate a PHEC 40 according to an example Figure 8A illustrates a perspective view of a PHEC including an indent and a pair of PHEC-protrusions according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figures 8A-8B, the PHEC 40 includes a handle engagement end 41 including a connection point 44 for attachment with the handle assembly 8, and a pivoting end 42. In this regard, an indent 50 is located in the pivoting end 42 of the PHEC 40. As shown in these figures, an orifice 43 may be located within the indent 50, such as being centrally located within the indent. This orifice 43 may be aligned with the orifice 23 of the bracket to define the through-hole extending through the bracket and the PHEC. In this regard, the first fixation element may be passed through the through-hole defined by the aligned orifices 23,43. The PHEC 20 also includes a first PHEC protrusion 47 and a second PHEC protrusion 57 each extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket 20. As illustrated in Figures 8A-B, the first PHEC protrusion 47 includes (i) a first clamp-engagement-surface 48 extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket 20, and (ii) a first inclined portion 49 connecting a first outermost portion of the first PHEC protrusion to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end 42 of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent 50. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first clamp-engagement-surface 48 may be substantially perpendicular to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end 42 of the PHEC 20. The second PHEC protrusion 57 includes (i) a second clamp-engagement-surface 58 extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket 20, and (ii) a second inclined portion 59 connecting a second outermost portion of the second PHEC protrusion to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end 42 of the PHEC 20 that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent. The second clamp-engagement-surface 58 may be substantially perpendicular to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end 42 of the PHEC 20. As further illustrated by Figures 8A-8B, he first PHEC protrusion 47 and the second PHEC protrusion 57 may each extend in an arcuate orientation along an imaginary circular line, and wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface 48 and the second clampengagement surface 58 may be orientated with the first clamp-engagement-surface and theAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0057] second clamp-engagement surface facing towards each other along the imaginary circular line.

[0058] Figures 8A-8B also illustrates a plurality of mating surfaces comprising side-walls 51.52.53.54 connecting the recessed surface of the indent 50 to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end 24 of the PHEC 40. In this regard, the side-walls 51.52.5.54 may define a two-dimensional geometrical shape of the indent 50. In accordance with such sample embodiments, the side-walls may include at least four (4) side-walls that may be contacted by a portion of the bracket protrusion upon a sufficient degree of pivoting of the PHEC, thereby preventing further pivoting of the PHEC in that direction. Upon such a scenario, for example, the bracket-protrusion may contact two (2) side-walls that are located diagonally opposite each other relative to the orifice, such as side-walls 51 and 54 or sidewalls 52 and 53.

[0059] Figure 9A illustrates a side view of a PHEC 40 showing a central body portion 45 located between the handle engagement end 41 and the pivoting end 42. The PHEC 40 includes an indent 50 and a pair of PHEC-protrusions 47,57 according to an example embodiment. Figure 9B illustrates a magnified view of a pivoting end 42 of the PHEC 20 of Figure 9A;

[0060] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled pivotable handle mechanism 10 and a stand-alone product according to an example embodiment. The pivotable handle mechanism 10 includes a bracket coupled to a PHEC 40, which is in the working position, and a first fixation implement is shown as extending through the bracket 20 and the PHEC 40. The pivotable handle mechanism also includes a clamp 60 that is pivotably connected to the bracket 20 via a second fixation implement 85, which allows actuation of the clamp between a disengaged state and an engaged state. The clamp 60 is shown in the disengaged state in Figure 10.

[0061] Figure 11 illustrates the pivoting nature of a clamp 60 to an engaged state for the clamp, in which the clamp maintains a bracket-protrusion 24 uncoupled from an indent 50 of a PHEC 40, according to an example embodiment. As illustrated by Figure 11, when the clamp 60 is in an upright position the clamp is in a disengaged state. That is, the clamp 60 does not contact or otherwise engage the PHEC 40 when in the disengaged state. As such, the PHEC 40 is biased towards the bracket 20 via the biasing member 80 such that the PHEC and bracket are adjacent and in contact with each other. When the clamp 60 is actuated to by pivoting the clamp downward about the second axis of rotation into the engaged state, the clamp physically engages the PHEC 40 and drives the PHEC away from the bracket with aAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0062] force that overcomes the biasing force provided by the biasing member 80 (e.g., the biasing member may become compressed). In this regard, the clamp 60 moves the PHEC 40 away from the bracket a distance sufficient to remove the bracket protrusion 24 from the indent 50 of the PHEC. Figure 11 also illustrates a PHEC protrusion 47 located near the clamp 60, but the PHEC protrusion has not yet engaged the clamp. Accordingly, the clamp remains in the engaged state.

[0063] Figure 12A illustrates the relative positioning of a PHEC-protrusion 47 and the clamp 60 as the PHEC is being pivoted towards the clamp such that the PHEC protrusion is approaching the clamp to trigger an automatic actuation of the clamp from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Figure 12B illustrates a pivotable handle mechanism attached to a mowing deck of a hover mower where the PHEC protrusion 47 of the PHEC is adjacent the clamp 60. In this regard, the bracket-protrusion 24 of the bracket 20 is non-aligned with the indent 50 of the PHEC 40. In this regard, as the PHEC 40 is further pivoted to from the right side of the page to the left side of the page on Figure 12B the PHEC protrusion 40 actuates the clamp and automatically actuates the clamp from the engaged state to the disengaged state upon which the biasing force from the biasing member moves the PHEC back towards that bracket and the outermost surface 26 of the bracket protrusion 24 slides across the top substantially planar portion of the PHEC until the PHEC is pivoted sufficiently far enough that the bracket-protrusion drops back into the indent 50 (e.g., the PHEC is affixed in the working or storage position). Figure 13 illustrates that range of motion of the PHEC 40 between the working position and the storage position according to an example embodiment.

[0064] 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 appreciatedAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082

[0065] 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

AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A walk-behind mower, comprising:(i) a mower deck defining a housing configured to house at least one blade;(ii) a power source operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade;(iii) a pair of pivotable handle mechanisms attached directly or indirectly to opposing sides of the mower deck, each of the pivotable handle mechanisms are movable between a working position and a storage position and each of the pivotable handle mechanisms comprise:(a) a bracket affixed directly or indirectly to a respective opposing side of the mower deck, wherein the bracket includes a bracket-protrusion extending towards the mower deck;(b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and wherein the PHEC is biased away from the mower deck and towards the bracket;(c) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state;wherein during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state; and(iv) a handle assembly operably coupled to the handle engagement end of the PHEC.AttyDktNo: 738004 / 010822. The walk-behind mower of claim 1, wherein the PHEC and bracket each include a respective orifice that align with each other to define a through-hole extending through the bracket and the PHEC, wherein a first fixation implement extends through the through-hole and defines a first axis of rotation about which the PHEC pivots.

3. The walk-behind mower of claim 1, further comprising a second fixation implement that couples the bracket and the clamp, and wherein the second fixation element defines a second axis of rotation about which the clamp pivots between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

4. The walk-behind mower of claim 1, wherein the indent of the PHEC has recessed surface and a plurality of mating surfaces positioned to define a maximum range of pivotable motion of the PHEC when the bracket-protrusion is housed within the indent while the pivotable handle mechanism is in the working position.

5. The walk-behind mower of claim 4, wherein the PHEC has a maximum range of pivotable motion when the pivotable handle mechanism is in working position from about 20 to about 50 degrees.

6. The walk-behind mower of claim 4, wherein the PHEC includes an orifice located in the indent, and wherein the indent has a symmetrical geometry about the orifice including a first indent portion extending in a first direction away from the orifice and second indent portion extending in a second direction away from the orifice, and wherein the indent has a variable width along a first length of the first indent portion and along a second length of the second indent portion.

7. The walk-behind mower of claim 6, wherein the indent has a smallest width proximate a center point of the orifice, and the indent extends outwardly in first and second directions with an increasing width along both first and second directions.

8. The walk-behind mover of claim 4, wherein the plurality of mating surfaces comprises side-walls connecting the recessed surface to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC.AttyDktNo: 738004 / 010829. The walk-behind mower of claim 1, wherein the first PHEC protrusion includes (i) a first clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a first inclined portion connecting a first outermost portion of the first PHEC protrusion to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent; and the second PHEC protrusion includes (i) a second clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a second inclined portion connecting a second outermost portion of the second PHEC protrusion to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent.

10. The walk-behind mower of claim 9, wherein the first PHEC protrusion and the second PHEC protrusion each extend in an arcuate orientation along an imaginary circular line, and wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface are orientated with the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface facing towards each other along the imaginary circular line.

11. The walk-behind mower of claim 10, wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface define an angle therebetween from about 90 to about 140 degrees. 11012. The walk-behind mower of claim 11, wherein during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state.

13. A pivotable handle mechanism moveable between a working position and a storage position, the pivotable handle mechanism, comprising:(a) a bracket configured to be affixed directly or indirectly to a mower deck of a walk- behind mower, wherein the bracket includes a bracket-protrusion extending towards the mower deck;AttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082(b) a pivotable handle engaging component (PHEC) having a handle engagement end and a pivoting end, wherein the pivoting end includes an indent configured to receive the bracket protrusion and selectively affix the PHEC to the bracket in the working position and the storage position, a first PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and a second PHEC protrusion extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket;(c) a biasing member located between the PHEC and the mower deck, wherein the biasing member is configured to impart a biasing force against the PHEC away from the mower deck and towards the bracket;(d) a clamp movable between a disengaged state and an engaged state, wherein the bracket protrusion and the indent are maintained in an uncoupled state when the clamp is in the engaged state, and wherein the bracket and the PHEC are adjacent to and in contact with each other when the clamp is in the disengaged state; wherein during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second PHEC protrusion contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state.

14. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a first fixation implement configured to extend through a through-hole formed by respective orifices of the PHEC and the bracket, wherein the through-hole defines a first axis of rotation about which the PHEC pivots.

15. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 13, further comprising a second fixation implement that couples the bracket and the clamp, and wherein the second fixation element defines a second axis of rotation about which the clamp pivots between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

16. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 13, wherein the indent of the PHEC has recessed surface and a plurality of mating surfaces positioned to define a maximum range of pivotable motion of the PHEC when the bracket-protrusion is housed within the indent while the pivotable handle mechanism is in the working position.AttyDktNo: 738004 / 0108217. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 16, wherein the PHEC has a maximum range of pivotable motion when the pivotable handle mechanism is in working position from about 20 to about 50 degrees.

18. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 16, wherein the PHEC includes an orifice located in the indent, and wherein the indent has a symmetrical geometry about the orifice including a first indent portion extending in a first direction away from the orifice and second indent portion extending in a second direction away from the orifice, and wherein the indent has a variable width along a first length of the first indent portion and along a second length of the second indent portion.

19. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 18, wherein the indent has a smallest width proximate a center point of the orifice, and the indent extends outwardly in the first and the second directions with an increasing width along both first and second directions.

20. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 18, wherein the plurality of mating surfaces comprises side-walls connecting the recessed surface to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC.

21. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first PHEC protrusion includes (i) a first clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a first inclined portion connecting a first outermost portion of the first PHEC protrusion to a top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent; and the second PHEC protrusion includes (i) a second clamp-engagement-surface extending away from the mower deck and towards the bracket, and (ii) a second inclined portion connecting a second outermost portion of the second PHEC protrusion to the top substantially planar surface portion of the pivoting end of the PHEC that surrounds a recessed surface of the indent.

22. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 21, wherein the first PHEC protrusion and the second PHEC protrusion each extend in an arcuate orientation along an imaginary circular line, and wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagementAttyDktNo: 738004 / 01082surface are orientated with the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clampengagement surface facing towards each other along the imaginary circular line.

23. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 22, wherein the first clamp-engagement-surface and the second clamp-engagement surface define an angle therebetween from about 90 to about 140 degrees. 11024. The pivotable handle mechanism of claim 23, wherein during transitioning from the working position to the storage position via pivoting of the PHEC from the working position to the storage position, the first clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state, and wherein during transition from the storage position to the working position via pivoting the PHEC from the storage position to the working position the second clamp-engagement-surface contacts the clamp and resets the clamp to the disengaged state

Images