U.S. patent application number 12/604898 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for grass catcher.
Invention is credited to James H. Keene, III, James Michalski, Ronald Walton.
Application Number | 20100095643 12/604898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41279545 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100095643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keene, III; James H. ; et
al. |
April 22, 2010 |
GRASS CATCHER
Abstract
A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting
device includes a covered frame and a support defining an aperture
for receiving debris from the grass cutting device. The covered
frame may be pivotally coupled with the support for one or more of
collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed
position and emptying the debris when the covered frame is in an
opened position.
Inventors: |
Keene, III; James H.;
(Omaha, NE) ; Michalski; James; (Omaha, NE)
; Walton; Ronald; (Omaha, NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUITER SWANTZ PC LLO
14301 FNB PARKWAY, SUITE 220
OMAHA
NE
68154
US
|
Family ID: |
41279545 |
Appl. No.: |
12/604898 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11503845 |
Aug 14, 2006 |
7617663 |
|
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12604898 |
|
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60707737 |
Aug 12, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
56/10.1 ;
56/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 43/0635
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
56/10.1 ;
56/202 |
International
Class: |
A01D 34/00 20060101
A01D034/00; A01D 43/06 20060101 A01D043/06 |
Claims
1. A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting
device, comprising: a covered frame; and a support defining an
aperture for receiving debris from the grass cutting device, the
covered frame pivotally coupled with the support for one or more of
collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed
position and emptying the debris when the covered frame is in an
opened position.
2. A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting
device, comprising: a covered frame; a first support portion
defining an aperture for receiving debris from the grass cutting
device; and a second support portion pivotally coupled with the
first support portion, the first support portion both fixedly
connectable and rotationally connectable to the second support
portion, and the covered frame pivotally coupled with the first
support portion for one or more of collecting the debris when the
covered frame is in a closed position and emptying the debris when
the covered frame is in an opened position.
3. The grass catcher assembly of claim 2, wherein the covered frame
comprises a frame constructed from a rigid material covered by a
flexible covering material.
4. The grass catcher assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible
covering material allows air to pass through.
5. The grass catcher assembly of claim 2, wherein the first support
portion comprises a plate.
6. The grass catcher assembly of claims 2, wherein a coupling for
connecting to a discharge tube of a lawnmower is disposed about the
perimeter of the aperture defined by the first support portion.
7. The grass catcher assembly of claim 2, wherein the covered frame
is connected to at least one motor for providing an electrically
operated dump function.
8. The grass catcher assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one
motor is operably connectable to at least one switch for operating
the dump function.
9. The grass catcher assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one
motor is operably couplable to the first support portion and the
covered frame.
10. The grass catcher assembly of claim 2, wherein the first
support portion is operatively couplable to the second support
portion via a set of pins, where the set of pins allow the first
portion to rotate with respect to the second portion.
11. The grass catcher assembly of claim 2, wherein the first
support portion is operatively couplable to the second support
portion via a set of pins, where the set of pins prevent the first
portion from rotating with respect to the second portion.
12. A method, comprising: covering a frame; defining an aperture in
a support for receiving debris from a grass cutting device;
pivotally coupling the covered frame with the support for (A)
collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed
position and (B) emptying the debris when the covered frame is in
an opened position.
13. A grass cutting device, comprising: a mower deck for supporting
a cutting blade for cutting grass and producing debris; a first
motor connected to the mower deck and coupled with the cutting
blade for powering the cutting blade; a discharge tube connected to
the mower deck for receiving the debris produced by the cutting
blade; a first support portion defining an aperture for receiving
the debris from the discharge tube; a coupling for connecting the
discharge tube to the first support portion, the coupling disposed
about the perimeter of the aperture defined by the first support
portion; a covered frame; a second support portion pivotally
coupled with the first support portion, the first support portion
both fixedly connectable and rotationally connectable to the second
support portion, and the covered frame pivotally coupled with the
first support portion for one or more of collecting the debris when
the covered frame is in a closed position and emptying the debris
when the covered frame is in an opened position; a second motor
connected to the first support portion and coupled with the covered
frame for providing an electrically operated dump function; and at
least one switch connected to the second motor for operating the
dump function.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part of and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/503,845, filed Aug. 14, 2006, entitled
"DISCHARGE APPARATUS," now pending, which in turn claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/707,737, filed Aug. 12, 2005. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/503,845 and U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/707,737 are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of
accessories for grass cutting devices, and more particularly to a
grass catcher for collecting and/or broadcasting grass clippings
and debris while mowing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Some grass cutting devices provide for the attachment of a
grass catcher for collecting grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and
other debris as the lawn is mowed. During use of such grass cutting
devices, foliage such as grass clippings and other debris may exit
the device through a discharge chute for collection in a grass
clipping bag. When full, the grass catcher is removed from the
grass cutting device and emptied. This typically requires the
operator of the grass cutting device (e.g., a riding lawnmower) to
dismount and manually empty the foliage. In some instances, it may
be desirable to have a container that does not require manual
removal of grass catcher contents.
SUMMARY
[0004] A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting
device may include a covered frame and a support defining an
aperture for receiving debris from the grass cutting device. The
covered frame may be pivotally coupled with the support for one or
more of collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed
position and emptying the debris when the covered frame is in an
opened position.
[0005] A grass catcher assembly for coupling with a grass cutting
device may include a covered frame, a first support portion
defining an aperture for receiving debris from the grass cutting
device, and a second support portion pivotally coupled with the
first support portion. The first support portion may be both
fixedly connectable and rotationally connectable to the second
support portion. The covered frame may be pivotally coupled with
the first support portion for one or more of collecting the debris
when the covered frame is in a closed position and emptying the
debris when the covered frame is in an opened position.
[0006] A method may include covering a frame, defining an aperture
in a support for receiving debris from a grass cutting device, and
pivotally coupling the covered frame with the support for (A)
collecting the debris when the covered frame is in a closed
position and (B) emptying the debris when the covered frame is in
an opened position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better
understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating a grass catcher in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the grass catcher is shown in a
closed position for collecting the discharge from a grass cutting
device;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the grass catcher is shown in an
opened position for broadcasting the discharge from a grass cutting
device;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating another grass
catcher in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the grass catcher is shown in a
closed position for collecting the discharge from a grass cutting
device;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the grass catcher is shown in an
opened position for broadcasting the discharge from a grass cutting
device;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the grass catcher is shown in a
closed position for collecting the discharge from a grass cutting
device; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the grass catcher
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the grass catcher is shown in an
opened position for manually emptying the discharge from a grass
cutting device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter
disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0017] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 3, a grass catcher
assembly 100 is described in accordance with the present
disclosure. The grass catcher assembly 100 comprises a container
assembly for containing foliage, debris, and/or other materials
delivered into the grass catcher assembly 100 from a grass cutting
device (e.g., a riding lawnmower 102) via a chute or tube operably
coupling the grass catcher assembly 100 and the riding lawnmower
102. The grass catcher assembly 100 includes a frame 104, which may
be constructed from metal or another rigid material selected for
supporting a lighter-weight material covering the frame 104, such
as a covering 106. The covering 106 may be constructed from fabric,
or another light-weight material.
[0018] The frame 104 is pivotally coupled to a support 106, which
may include a plate 108 and a second, generally U-shaped frame 110.
The plate 108 and the second frame 110 may be constructed from
metal or another rigid material selected for supporting a
lighter-weight material, such as a panel 112, supported by the
plate 108 and the second frame 110. The panel 112 may be
constructed from plastic, or another light-weight material.
Together, the covering 106, the plate 108, and the panel 112 define
a container for retaining clippings and debris within the grass
catcher assembly 100, while allowing air to pass through the grass
catcher assembly 100, such as through the covering 106.
[0019] The plate 108 may include a coupling 114 for collecting
debris from the riding lawnmower 102. The debris may pass through
an aperture defined by the plate 108 within the limits of the
periphery of the coupling 114, such that debris may pass through
the aperture and into the grass catcher assembly 100. For example,
the grass catcher assembly 100 may be coupled with the riding
lawnmower 102 via a discharge tube 116. The discharge tube 116 may
receive exhaust from the riding lawnmower 102 including foliage,
debris, and/or other materials (e.g., as part of a delivery system
including a hose fed by a trimming implement of the riding lawn
mower, such as a cutting blade, or the like).
[0020] The frame 104 may be pivotally coupled to the support 106
via one or more pins, which may be connected to one or more motors,
such as motor 118. The motor 118 may be operatively coupled to a
switch 120 for providing an electrically operated dump function
(i.e., an operator may have the ability to dump the contents of the
grass catcher assembly 100 while still operating the riding
lawnmower 102). For example, the switch 120 may be located within
reach of the operator while the operator is in a seated position on
the riding lawnmower 102. Operating the switch 120 may pivot the
frame 104 about the plurality of pins connecting it to the support
106. In a specific embodiment, the frame 104 may be pivoted up to
45 degrees with respect to the support 106.
[0021] In this manner, the grass catcher assembly 100 may comprise
a dump-from-the-seat attachment for the riding lawnmower 102. It
will be appreciated that the switch 120 may be actuated to pivot
the frame 104 while the riding lawnmower 102 is in motion (e.g.,
for broadcasting clippings across a cut surface) and/or while the
riding lawnmower 102 is relatively stationary (e.g., for dumping
the contents in a waste area, or the like.
[0022] It will be appreciated that the first frame 104 and/or the
second frame 110 may comprise rails, pipe sections, or the like
which may be welded together. Frame assembly components may be
substantially fabricated from a durable material such as aluminum,
steel, reinforced plastics, composites, or a combination thereof
suitable for coupling with the grass cutting device. For example,
one or more cylindrical components may be welded to one or more
other cylindrical components comprising the frame assembly.
Additionally, the plate 108 may be substantially fabricated from a
durable material such as a durable fabric, aluminum, steel,
reinforced plastic, composite, or a combination thereof. Further,
it will be appreciated that the panel 112 may be substantially
comprised of a durable fabric, flexible plastic, or like durable
material suitable such as steel or other such metal allow suitable
for providing a rigid container for containing collected foliage
and other material.
[0023] If desired, an operator may remove the grass catcher
assembly 100 from the riding lawnmower 102 and manually discharge
container assembly contents. Manual discharge of container contents
may be accomplished by detaching the grass catcher assembly 100
from the grass cutting device. Additionally, an apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may be
utilized with any grass cutting device configured to receive a
manual discharge bag collection system by removing the bags and
installing the apparatus. In this manner, the grass catcher
assembly 100 may be configured to fit any desired grass cutting
device.
[0024] It is contemplated that grass catcher assembly 100 may be
attached to any type of a grass cutting device. For instance, the
grass catcher assembly 100 may be mounted to a mower assembly, in
particular a riding lawn mower, or the like, for trimming grass and
other vegetation from which clippings are generated. Riding
lawnmower may be a seated or stand-up type lawnmower and may be
suitable for receiving an attaching releasable material collecting
device. Additionally, it is contemplated that a riding lawnmower
may be adapted to receive an attaching releasable material
collecting device such as an embodiment of the grass catcher
assembly 100. For example, a grass catcher assembly 100 in
accordance with the present disclosure may be coupled to a Hustler
Z.TM. mower, a Hustler Super Z.TM. mower, a Hustler Mini Z.TM.
mower, a Hustler Super Mini Z.TM. mower, a Land Pride Razor Pro.TM.
mower, or the like. The clippings generated by the riding lawn
mower may be collected and stored by the grass catcher assembly
100, or, alternatively, may be broadcast while operating the
mower.
[0025] Referring generally to FIGS. 4 through 8, a grass catcher
assembly 200 is described in accordance with the present
disclosure. The grass catcher assembly 200 comprises a container
assembly for containing foliage, debris, and/or other materials
delivered into the grass catcher assembly 200 from a grass cutting
device (e.g., a riding lawnmower 202) via a chute or tube operably
coupling the grass catcher assembly 200 and the riding lawnmower
202. The grass catcher assembly 200 includes a frame 204, which may
be constructed from metal or another rigid material selected for
supporting a lighter-weight material covering the frame 204, such
as a covering 206. The covering 206 may be constructed from fabric,
or another light-weight material.
[0026] The frame 204 is pivotally coupled to a first support
portion 208, which may include a plate 210 and a second, generally
rectangular-shaped frame 212. The first support portion 208 is
pivotally coupled to a second support portion 214, which may
include a third, generally U-shaped frame 216. The second support
portion 214 and the third frame 216 may be constructed from metal
or another rigid material selected for supporting a lighter-weight
material, such as a panel 218, supported by the second support
portion 214 and the third frame 216. The panel 218 may be
constructed from plastic, or another light-weight material.
Together, the covering 206, the plate 210, and the panel 218 define
a container for retaining clippings and debris within the grass
catcher assembly 200, while allowing air to pass through the grass
catcher assembly 200, such as through the covering 206.
[0027] The plate 210 may include a coupling 220 for collecting
debris from the riding lawnmower 202. The debris may pass through
an aperture defined by the plate 210 within the limits of the
periphery of the coupling 220, such that debris may pass through
the aperture and into the grass catcher assembly 200. For example,
the grass catcher assembly 200 may be coupled with the riding
lawnmower 202 via a discharge tube 222. The discharge tube 222 may
receive exhaust from the riding lawnmower 202 including foliage,
debris, and/or other materials (e.g., as part of a delivery system
including a hose fed by a trimming implement of the riding lawn
mower, such as a cutting blade, or the like).
[0028] The frame 204 may be pivotally coupled to the first support
portion 208 via one or more pins, which may be connected to one or
more motors, such as first and second motors 224 and 226. The
motors 224 and 226 may be operatively coupled to a switch 228 for
providing an electrically operated dump function (i.e., an operator
may have the ability to dump the contents of the grass catcher
assembly 200 while still operating the riding lawnmower 202). For
example, the switch 228 may be located within reach of the operator
while the operator is in a seated position on the riding lawnmower
202. Operating the switch 228 may pivot the frame 204 about the
plurality of pins connecting it to the first support portion 208.
In a specific embodiment, the frame 204 may be pivoted up to 45
degrees with respect to the first support portion 208.
[0029] The first support portion 208 may be pivotally coupled to
the second support portion 214 via one or more pins. For example, a
first set of pins may be provided for establishing a pivot around
which the first support portion 208 may rotate. A second set of
pins or the like may be utilized to lock the first support portion
208 in place with respect to the second support portion 214. Thus,
while operating the riding lawnmower 202, the second set of pins
may be utilized to maintain the first support portion 208 in a
substantially vertical orientation (as seen in FIG. 7). However,
when an operator of the grass catcher assembly 200 wishes to
manually empty the contents of the container, the second set of
pins may be removed, allowing the first support portion 208 and the
frame 204 to pivot and release the contents of the covering 206 (as
seen in FIG. 8). In a specific embodiment, the first support
portion 208 may be pivoted up to 45 degrees with respect to the
second support portion 214.
[0030] In this manner, the grass catcher assembly 200 may comprise
a dump-from-the-seat attachment for the riding lawnmower 202. It
will be appreciated that the switch 228 may be actuated to pivot
the frame 204 while the riding lawnmower 202 is in motion (e.g.,
for broadcasting clippings across a cut surface) and/or while the
riding lawnmower 202 is relatively stationary (e.g., for dumping
the contents in a waste area, or the like. Alternatively, the
operator may manually empty the contents of the grass catcher
assembly 200 by removing one or more pins or the like, and allowing
the first support portion 208 to pivot around the second support
portion 214 for emptying the contents of the covering 206.
[0031] It will be appreciated that the first frame 204, the second
frame 212, and/or the third frame 216 may comprise rails, pipe
sections, or the like which may be welded together. Frame assembly
components may be substantially fabricated from a durable material
such as aluminum, steel, reinforced plastics, composites, or a
combination thereof suitable for coupling with the grass cutting
device. For example, one or more cylindrical components may be
welded to one or more other cylindrical components comprising the
frame assembly. Additionally, the plate 210 may be substantially
fabricated from a durable material such as a durable fabric,
aluminum, steel, reinforced plastic, composite, or a combination
thereof. Further, it will be appreciated that the panel 218 may be
substantially comprised of a durable fabric, flexible plastic, or
like durable material suitable such as steel or other such metal
allow suitable for providing a rigid container for containing
collected foliage and other material.
[0032] If desired, an operator may remove the grass catcher
assembly 200 from the riding lawnmower 202 and manually discharge
container assembly contents. Manual discharge of container contents
may be accomplished by detaching the grass catcher assembly 200
from the grass cutting device. Additionally, an apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may be
utilized with any grass cutting device configured to receive a
manual discharge bag collection system by removing the bags and
installing the apparatus. In this manner, the grass catcher
assembly 200 may be configured to fit any desired grass cutting
device.
[0033] It is contemplated that grass catcher assembly 200 may be
attached to any type of a grass cutting device. For instance, the
grass catcher assembly 200 may be mounted to a mower assembly, in
particular a riding lawn mower, or the like, for trimming grass and
other vegetation from which clippings are generated. Riding
lawnmower may be a seated or stand-up type lawnmower and may be
suitable for receiving an attaching releasable material collecting
device. Additionally, it is contemplated that a riding lawnmower
may be adapted to receive an attaching releasable material
collecting device such as an embodiment of the grass catcher
assembly 200. For example, a grass catcher assembly 200 in
accordance with the present disclosure may be coupled to a Hustler
Z.TM. mower, a Hustler Super Z.andgate. mower, a Hustler Mini Z.TM.
mower, a Hustler Super Mini Z.TM. mower, a Land Pride Razor Pro.TM.
mower, or the like. The clippings generated by the riding lawn
mower may be collected and stored by the grass catcher assembly
200, or, alternatively, may be broadcast while operating the
mower.
[0034] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its
attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing
description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be
made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components
without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without
sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is
merely explanatory.
* * * * *