Patent ID: 7740091
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
Classification: A01D,B62D

Abstract:
1. A lawnmower system comprising: a. a mower frame that is movably supported for rolling over the ground by a pair of drive wheels; b. at least one pump and motor unit for driving the drive wheels; c. a handle bar assembly pivotally mounted to a control panel support positioned upwardly and rearwardly from said mower frame by at least one support member, said handle bar assembly operable for maneuvering and controlling the mower frame; d. a linkage mechanism connecting the handle bar assembly to the pump and motor unit, wherein rotating a portion of the handle bar assembly about a vertical axis increases a rotation of at least one drive wheel while decreasing the rotation of another drive wheel to steer the mower frame; and rotating a portion of the handle bar assembly about a horizontal axis increases or decreases the rotation of all drive wheels to control the forward or rearward speed of the mower frame; and e. a control assembly selectively engageable with said linkage mechanism to set a desired forward speed of the mower frame, said linkage mechanism further comprising a first upper crank and a second upper crank pivotally mounted on a bearing supported by said control panel support, each said crank having at least one arm; and a connecting rod operatively connecting said at least one arm of each said crank with a corresponding first lug and a second lug extending from said handle bar on opposite sides of said vertical axis.