Apparatus for traversing a terrain in a predetermined pattern
First Claim
1. Apparatus for traversing a terrain in a predetermined pattern, comprising a self-propelled vehicle, a line adapted to be arranged over the terrain in the desired pattern, means for anchoring the opposite ends of the line to the terrain to hold it tautly when so arranged, means adapted to be anchored to the terrain for yieldably urging intermediate portions of the line downwardly to a position close to the terrain, and upwardly biased follower means attached to the vehicle and having a laterally extending flange which is slidably engageable with the bottom portion of the line, for moving beneath and along the line so as to guide said vehicle in said pattern as it moves over the terrain, and means responsive to upward movement of the follower means relative to the vehicle, in the event of a break in the line, for interrupting the power by which the vehicle is self propelled.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus is disclosed in which a self-propelled vehicle is caused to traverse a terrain by following a line arranged over the terrain in a predetermined manner, and means are provided for normally holding the line in a position close to terrain and thus out of the way of persons and objects in and around the terrain.
10 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for traversing a terrain in a predetermined pattern, comprising a self-propelled vehicle, a line adapted to be arranged over the terrain in the desired pattern, means for anchoring the opposite ends of the line to the terrain to hold it tautly when so arranged, means adapted to be anchored to the terrain for yieldably urging intermediate portions of the line downwardly to a position close to the terrain, and upwardly biased follower means attached to the vehicle and having a laterally extending flange which is slidably engageable with the bottom portion of the line, for moving beneath and along the line so as to guide said vehicle in said pattern as it moves over the terrain, and means responsive to upward movement of the follower means relative to the vehicle, in the event of a break in the line, for interrupting the power by which the vehicle is self propelled.
- 10. A system for causing a self-propelled vehicle to traverse a terrain in a predetermined pattern, comprising a line adapted to be arranged over the terrain in the desired pattern, means anchoring the opposite ends of the line to the terrain when so arranged, means adapted to be anchored to the terrain for yieldably urging the line downwardly to a position close to the terrain intermediate its end, upwardly biased follower means attachable to the vehicle and having a laterally extending flange which is slidably engageable with the bottom portion of the line for moving beneath and along the line so as to guide said vehicle in said pattern as it moves over the terrain, and means responsive to upward movement of the follower means relative to the vehicle, in the event of a break in the line, for interrupting the power by which the vehicle is self propelled.
Specification