Battery-powered lawn cutting system

• US 5,619,845 A
• Filed: 12/06/1995
• Issued: 04/15/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
• Original Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
• Inventors: Pfaff, Joseph L., Dykstra, Richard A., Tharman, Paul A., Reitman, William H., Bruener, Patrick J., Fiorenza, John A. II
• Primary Examiner(s): MELIUS, TERRY L
• Application Number:
  US08/567,897
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 56/11.9, 56/1, 56/16.7, 56/DIG. 9, 320/2
• US Class Current: 320/137
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 2034/6843 Control levers on the handle of the mower
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 2101/00 Lawn-mowers
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/6806 Driving mechanisms for the cutters A01D34/76
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/74 Cutting-height adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/78 electric
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/81 Casings; Housings A01D34/71 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/82 Other details
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/828 Safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 56/18 Handles

Abstract

The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery'"'"'s quick connect/disconnect terminals.

Claims

1. Apparatus that enables first and second rechargeable batteries to be simultaneously recharged, comprising:

a first electrical connector that engages a first charging connector on said first battery;

a second electrical connector that engages a second charging connector on said second battery;

a third electrical connector that engages a connector on a battery charger;

a first conductor interconnected between said first electrical connector and said third electrical connector;

a second conductor interconnected between said second electrical connector and said third electrical connector;

first blocking means for preventing current from leaving said first connector, wherein said blocking means is disposed in said first battery between said first charging connector and a terminal of said first battery; and

second blocking means for preventing current from leaving said second connector, wherein said second blocking means is disposed in said second battery between said second charging connector and a terminal of said second battery.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first blocking means includes a first diode, and wherein said second blocking means includes a second diode.