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Operator presence control for self-propelled implements

  • US 4,835,949 A
  • Filed: 06/29/1987
  • Issued: 06/06/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1983
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A self-propelled, walk behind lawn mower comprising a frame having a rearward end, a drive wheel which supports said frame for movement over the ground, an engine supported by said frame, said engine operating at a relatively constant rpm, a rotary cutting blade driven by said engine, a handle extending rearwardly from said frame, said handle including a lower portion having a lower end connected to said frame, and an upper end, and said handle also including a rearmost portion pivotally mounted on said upper end of said handle lower portion, extending substantially above said upper end of said lower portion and adapted to be held by a mower operator for guiding said lawn mower, and transmission means operably connected between said engine and said drive wheel for variably and controllably effecting sustained rotation of said drive wheel at any speed within a speed range between zero and substantially above zero, said transmission means including an output element mounted on said frame in spaced relation to and drivingly connected to said drive wheel, an input element mounted on said frame and driven by said engine, means biasing said elements away from each other, cable means operbly connected between said handle rearmost portion and one of said elements, said cable means having an upper end and a lower end, a spring connected between said upper end of said cable means and said handle rearmost portion such that movement of said handle rearmost portion toward said forward position causes elongation of said spring, and means for connecting said lower end of said cable means to said one of said elements such that the force exerted by said spring on said upper end of said cable means is translated into a load biasing said elements into engagement.

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