IMPLEMENT ATTACHMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract: An implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) is provided for use with a lawn and garden tractor and an implement (70). The implement (70) has first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) having first and second holes and first and second slots respectively. The lawn and garden tractor inlcudes a frame (12) having first and second surfaces with first and second openings respectively. The tractor also includes a plurality of wheels operatively connected to said frame (12), an engine (20) for use in providing locomotion to said plurality of wheels and, first and second extension members extending from said first and second surfaces of said frame (12). The implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) includes first and second pins as well as securing means for securing said first and second pins in place. The first and second slots of the implement (70) receive the first and second extension members respectively. The first and second holes of the implement (70) and the first and second openings of the frame (12) selectively receive the first and second pins respectively.

Description: IMPLEMENT ATTACHMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD Technical Field This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for attaching implements to a vehicle, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for attaching implements to a lawn and garden tractor without the need for tools. Background Art It is well known to provide implements that can be attached to lawn and garden tractors. A vast range of implements including grass bags, plows, snow blowers, bumpers, etc. are commonly used. The implements may be attached at various places such as the front, the back, and the midsection of the lawn and garden tractor. A problem well known in the art deals with the difficulty involved in attaching and detaching such implements. Typically, tools, such as wrenches, screw drivers, socket sets, hammers and the like, are required to secure the particular implement to the tractor. While such methods are effective, they require considerable time and energy. The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for quickly and easily attaching and detaching implements without need of tools. The difficulties inherit in the art are therefore overcome in a way that is simple and efficient while providing better and more advantageous results. Disclosure of the Invention According to one aspect of this invention, a lawn and garden tractor and implement are provided. An implement attachment apparatus is used to attach the implement to the lawn and garden tractor. The lawn and garden tractor includes a frame having first and second surfaces that are laterally spaced with first and second openings respectively, a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, and a pair of extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame. The implement includes a main body portion and first and second laterally spaced attachment brackets operatively connected to the main body and having first and second holes and first and second slots respectively. The first and second slots are adapted to receive the first and second extension members respectively. The implement attachment apparatus includes first and second pins and securing means for securing the first and second pins in place. The first and second holes in the implement and the first and second openings in the frame receive the first and second pins respectively. According to another aspect of this invention, a method of attaching the implement to the lawn and garden tractor is provided. First the implement is positioned such that the first slot receives the first extension member and the second slot receives the second extension member. Then the implement is pivoted about the first and second extension members until the first hole in the implement is oriented concentrically with the first opening in the frame and the second hole in the implement is oriented concentrically with the second opening in the frame. Next, the first pin is inserted within the first hole in the implement and the first opening in the frame. Similarly, the second pin is inserted within the second hole in the implement and the second opening in the frame. Finally, the first and second pins are secured into place using cotter pins that fit within pin holes in the first and second pins. According to still another aspect of this invention, another embodiment for attaching an implement to a lawn and garden tractor is provided. The lawn and garden tractor includes a frame having first, second and third surfaces. The third surface has an opening and the first and second surfaces are laterally spaced. The lawn and garden tractor also includes a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame, an engine operatively mounted to the frame for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, and first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame. The implement includes a main body portion and first, second and third attachment brackets operatively connected to the main body. The first and second attachment brackets are laterally spaced and have first and second slots respectively. The slots are adapted to receive the first and second extension members respectively. The third attachment bracket has a hole. The implement attachment apparatus includes a first pin and securing means for securing the first pin in place. The hole in the third attachment bracket and the opening in the third surface receive the first pin. According to yet another aspect of this invention, a method of attaching the implement just described is provided. First, the implement is positioned such that the first slot receives the first extension member and the second slot receives the second extension member. Then, the implement is pivoted about the first and second extension members until the hole in the third attachment bracket is oriented concentrically with the opening in the third surface. Next, the first pin is inserted within the hole and the opening. Finally, the first pin is secured into place. One advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to manufacture and can be made economically. Another advantage of the present invention is that implements can be attached and detached without the use of tools. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: FIGURE 1 is a left side elevation view of a lawn and garden tractor equipped with an implement attachment apparatus of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a right side elevation view of the lawn and garden tractor equipped with the implement attachment apparatus of the present invention. FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective left side view of the lawn and garden tractor looking forward and showing the front bumper attached to the front end of the frame. FIGURE 4 is a perspective left side view of the lawn and garden tractor looking backward and showing the grass bag attached to the back end of the frame and to the mower deck. FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective back view of the lawn and garden tractor showing the back end of the frame with the extension member having a head. FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the pin and cotter pin used with the implement attachment apparatus of this invention. FIGURE 7 is a perspective schematic representation of an implement showing the first and second attachment brackets. FIGURE 8 is a perspective schematic representation of the front end of the frame showing the first and second extension members. FIGURE 9 is a perspective schematic representation of another implement showing the first, second and third attachment brackets. FIGURE 10 is a perspective schematic representation of the back end of the frame showing the first, second and third surfaces. Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGURES 1-2 shows a lawn and garden tractor 10 that is equipped with an implement attachment apparatus 50 according to this invention. The implement attachment apparatus 50 is used in selectively attaching and detaching an implement 70. This preferred embodiment is directed to a lawn and garden tractor but the invention is applicable to other mowers, other vehicles, and other applications as well. It should be noted that the implement attachment apparatus 50 is intended for use with any appropriately equipped implement 70 such as bumpers, plows, grass bags, mowers, buckets, snow plows, etc. It should also be noted that the implement attachment apparatus 50 is useful with any appropriately equipped portion of the lawn and garden tractor 10. Different specific embodiments will be described below. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-2, the lawn and garden tractor 10 as shown includes a frame 12 having front and back ends 26, 34, an operator seat 14 and a steering mechanism 16 for steering front wheels 18. An engine 20, mounted to the frame 12, is used to drive back wheels 22 and to rotate one or more cutting blades (not shown) within a mower deck 24. The mower deck 24 is supported from the frame 12. The operation of the cutting blades is well known in the art and thus will not be discussed further in this specification. With reference now to FIGURES 1-2 and 6, the implement attachment apparatus 50 includes one or more pins 52. These pins 52 may be formed of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment and may be shaped as desired. Preferably, the pins 52 are cylindrically shaped. Securing means 56 may be used to secure the pins 52 in place once they have been properly inserted. The securing means 56 can be of any type chosen with sound engineering judgment but in this preferred embodiment includes cotter pins 58 that fit within pin holes 60 as is commonly known in the art. With reference now to FIGURES 1-3 and 7-8, a first embodiment will now be discussed. In this first embodiment, the implement 70 is a front bumper 72 that is selectively attachable to the front end 26 of the frame 12. The front end 26 has first and second surfaces 27, 28 each having first and second openings 29, 30 respectively. The first and second openings 29, 30 are shaped to receive the previously described pins 52. As shown, the first and second surfaces 27, 28 are substantially parallel and laterally spaced a distance Dl. First and second extension members 31, 32 extend outwardly from the first and second surfaces 27, 28 respectively. Preferably the first and second extension members 31, 32 are substantially collinear and circular in cross section to permit the implement 70 to easily pivot about the first and second extension members 31, 32. It is also preferred that the first and second extension members 31, 32 have heads 33 that assist in maintaining the implement 70 in operative connection with the frame 12. As shown in FIGURE 8, the extension members 31, 32 extend out from the surfaces 27, 28 a distance Tl before the heads 33 are positioned. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-3 and 7-8, the front bumper 72 includes a main body portion 73 operatively connected to first and second attachment brackets 74, 75. The first and second attachment brackets 74, 75 have first and second holes 76, 77 and first and second slots 78, 79 respectively. The holes 76, 77 are shaped to receive the previously described pins 52 and the slots 78, 79 are shaped to receive the previously described extension members 31, 32. It should be noted that though the slots 78, 79 are positioned at the distal ends of the attachment brackets 74, 75 and the holes 76, 77 are positioned between the main body portion 73 and the slots 78, 79, this particular arrangement is not necessary for this invention. It is also here contemplated that the slots 78, 79 could be positioned between the main body portion 73 and the holes 76, 77. The slots 78, 79 may be shaped and oriented in any manner chosen with sound engineering judgment. The orientation of the slots 78, 79 may be at an angle A with respect to a centerline CL of the attachment brackets 74, 75. Preferably angle A is between 5° and 60°. The slots 78, 79 may have a linear shape or a curvilinear shape. As shown in FIGURE 7, the brackets 74, 75 have a thickness T2 in the area of the slots 78, 79. The inside surfaces of the first and second attachment brackets 74, 75 are preferably substantially parallel and are laterally spaced a distance D2 where distance D2 is substantially equal to distance Dl. This provides for a snug fit of the implement 70 (in this case the front bumper 72) to the frame 12 (in this case the front end 26 of the frame 12). Still referring to FIGURES 1-3 and 7-8, a method for attaching the front bumper 72 to the front end 26 of the frame 12 will now be discussed. First the inside surfaces of the first and second attachment brackets 74, 75 are positioned along the first and second surfaces 27, 28 of the frame 12 respectively. The front bumper 72 is then urged along the frame 12 till the first and second slots 78, 79 engage the first and second extension members 31, 32 respectively. By engage it is meant that the extension members 31, 32 are fully received within the first and second slots 78, 79 respectively. Preferably, the thickness T2 is less than or equal to the distance Tl. When this is true, the attachment brackets 74, 75 fit between the heads 33 of the extension members 31, 32 and the first and second surfaces 27, 28 of the frame 12 and the heads 33 of the extension members 31, 32 extend outwardly beyond the first and second slots 78, 79. In this way, the heads 33 help to secure the implement 70 to the frame 12. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-3 and 7-8, the front bumper 72 is then pivoted about the first and second extension members 31, 32 until the first and second holes 76, 77 in the first and second attachment brackets 74, 75 are positioned concentrically with the first and second openings 29, 30 in the frame 12 respectively. This pivoting of the front bumper 72 may be either in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIGURES 1-2, as preferred by the operator. One of the pins 52 is then inserted through the first hole 76 and the first opening 29. Similarly, another pin 52 is inserted through the second hole 77 and the second opening 30. Finally, the pins 52 are secured in place preferably by inserting the cotter pins 58 within the pin holes 60. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-3 and 7-8, to detach the front bumper 72 from the front end 26 of the frame 12, the cotter pins 58 are first removed from the pins 52. The first pin 52 is then removed from the first hole 76 and first opening 29. The second pin 52 is similarly removed from the second hole 77 and the second opening 30. Finally, the front bumper 72 is removed from the frame 12. With reference now to FIGURES 1-2, 4-5 and 9-10, a second embodiment will now be discussed. In this second embodiment, the implement 70 is a grass bag 80 that is selectively attachable to the back end 34 of the frame 12. The back end 34 has first, second, and third surfaces 35, 36, 37. The third surface 37 has an opening 38 shaped to receive one of the previously described pins 52. As shown, the first and second outer surfaces 35, 36 are substantially parallel and laterally spaced a distance D3. The third surface 37 can be oriented with respect to the other surfaces 35, 36 in any manner chosen with sound engineering judgment. In the preferred embodiment shown, the third surface 37 is oriented at a substantially right angle with respect to the first and second surfaces 35, 36. First and second extension members 31, 32 extend from the first and second surfaces 35, 36 respectively. Preferably the first and second extension members 31, 32 are shaped and oriented as the previously described extension members on the front end 26 of the frame 12. Thus, the extension members 31, 32 extend outward from the surfaces 35,36 a distance Tl before heads 33 are positioned. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-2, 4-5 and 9-10, the grass bag 80 includes a main body portion 81 operatively connected to first, second and third attachment brackets 82, 83, 84. The first and second attachment brackets 82, 83 have first and second slots 85, 86 respectively and the third attachment bracket 84 has a hole 87. The hole 87 is shaped to receive one of the previously described pins 52 and the slots 85, 86 are shaped to receive the previously described extension members 31, 32. The shape, orientation and position of the slots 85, 86 can vary as the slots 78, 79 discussed above. The inside surfaces of the first and second attachment brackets 82, 83 are preferably substantially parallel and are laterally spaced a distance D4 where distance D4 is substantially equal to distance D3. This provides for a snug fit of the implement 70 (in this case the grass bag 80) to the frame 12 (in this case the back end 34 of the frame 12). As shown in FIGURE 9, the brackets 82,83 have a thickness T2 in the area of the slots 85, 86. The third attachment bracket 84 can be oriented with respect to the first and second attachment brackets 82, 83 in any manner chosen with sound engineering judgment. In the preferred embodiment shown, the third attachment bracket 84 is oriented at a substantially right angle with respect to the first and second attachment brackets 82, 83. It is most preferred that the third attachment bracket 84 be oriented to be substantially parallel to the third surface 37 of the frame 12 when the grass bag 80 is to be attached to the lawn and garden tractor 10. Still referring to FIGURES 1-2, 4-5 and 9-10, a method for attaching the grass bag 80 to the back end 34 of the frame 12 will now be discussed. First the inside surfaces of the first and second attachment brackets 82, 83 are positioned along the first and second surfaces 35, 36 of the frame 12. The grass bag 80 is then urged along the frame 12 till the first and second slots 85, 86 engage the first and second extension members 31, 32 respectively. Preferably, the thickness T2 is less than or equal to the distance Tl. When this is true, the attachment brackets 82,83 fit between the heads 33 of the extension members 31, 32 and the surfaces 35, 36 of the frame 12 and the heads 33 of the extension members 31, 32 extend outwardly beyond the first and second slots 85, 86. In this way, the heads 33 help to secure the implement 80 to the frame 12. The grass bag 80 is then pivoted about the first and second extension members 31, 32 until the hole 87 in the third attachment bracket 84 is positioned concentrically with the opening 38 in the frame 12. The pin 52 is then inserted through the hole 87 and the opening 38. The pin 52 may be secured in place by inserting a cotter pin 58 within the pin hole 60. It should be noted that additional assembly may be required to fully connect the grass bag 80 to the lawn and garden tractor 10. In particular, it may be necessary to attach a chute 89 of the grass bag 80 to a discharge portion 25 of the mower deck 24. This attachment may be by any means known in the art. With continuing reference to FIGURES 1-2, 4-5 and 9-10, to detach the grass bag 80 from the back end 34 of the frame 12, the chute 89 is detached from the discharge portion 25 of the mower deck 24. Next, the cotter pin 58 is removed from the pin 52 and the pin 52 is then removed from the hole 87 and opening 38. Finally, the grass bag 80 is removed from the frame 12. The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

Claims: CLAIM 1. An apparatus (50) that includes a vehicle and an implement (70), the vehicle including a frame (12), a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame (12), and an engine (20) operatively mounted to the frame (12) for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, the implement (70) including a main body portion and first and second laterally spaced attachment brackets (74, 75) operatively connected to the main body, the apparatus (50) being characterized by: the frame (12) having first and second surfaces with first and second openings respectively, the first and second surfaces being laterally spaced; first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12); the first and second laterally spaced attachment brackets (74, 75) having first and second holes and first and second slots respectively, the first and second slots being adapted to selectively receive the first and second extension members respectively; and, an implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) including, A) first and second pins, the first and second holes of the implement (70) and the first and second openings of the frame (12) selectively receiving the first and second pins respectively; and, B) securing means for securing the first and second pins in place. 2. The apparatus (50) of claim 1 wherein, the first and second surfaces of the frame (12) are substantially parallel and laterally spaced a distance Dl; and, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) have inside surfaces that are substantially parallel and are laterally spaced a distance D2 where distance D2 is substantially equal to distance Dl. 3. The apparatus (50) of claim 2 wherein the first and second extension members are substantially collinear, each of the first and second extension members further comprising: a head. 4. The apparatus (50) of claim 3 wherein, each of the first and second extension members extend out from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12) a distance Tl before the head is located; and, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) have a thickness T2 in the area of the first and second slots, the thickness T2 being less than or equal to the distance Tl. 5. The apparatus (50) of claim 1 wherein the first and second holes are positioned between the main body and the first and second slots respectively. 6. The apparatus (50) of claim 5 wherein the first and second slots are oriented at an angle A with respect to a centerline CL of the attachment brackets (74, 75) and the angle A is between 5° and 60°. 7. The apparatus (50) of claim 1 wherein the first and second pins each have a pin hole, the securing means comprising: first and second cotter pins that fit within the pin holes within the first and second pins. 8. The apparatus (50) of claim 2 wherein the implement (70) is a front bumper and the first and second extension members extend from the first and second surfaces of a front end of the frame (12). 9. The apparatus (50) of claim 8 wherein the vehicle is a lawn and garden tractor that further comprises: a mower deck having at least one cutting blade and being supported from the frame (12); and, wherein the engine (20) also for use in rotating the at least one cutting blade. 10. A method of attaching an implement (70) to a vehicle, the method including the steps of providing a vehicle that includes a frame (12), a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame (12), and an engine (20) for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, providing an implement (70) that includes a main body portion and first and second attachment brackets (74, 75), the method being characterized by the steps of: providing the vehicle frame (12) with first and second surfaces having first and second openings respectively, and first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12), the first and second surfaces being laterally spaced; providing the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) with first and second holes and first and second slots respectively, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) being laterally spaced; providing an implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) that includes first and second pins and securing means for securing the first and second pins in place; positioning the implement (70) such that the first slot receives the first extension member and the second slot receives the second extension member; pivoting the implement (70) about the first and second extension members until the first hole in the implement (70) is oriented concentrically with the first opening in the frame (12) and the second hole in the implement (70) is oriented concentrically with the second opening in the frame (12); inserting the first pin within the first hole in the implement (70) and the first opening in the frame (12); inserting the second pin within the second hole in the implement (70) and the second opening in the frame (12); and, securing the first and second pins into place. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: de-securing the first and second pins; removing the first pin from the first hole in the implement (70) and the first opening in the frame (12); removing the second pin from the second hole in the implement (70) and the second opening in the frame (12); moving the implement (70) such that the first extension member on the frame (12) is removed from the first slot in the implement (70) and the second extension member on the frame (12) is removed from the second slot in the implement (70); and, removing the implement (70) away from the vehicle. 12. An apparatus (50) that includes a vehicle and an implement (70), the vehicle including a frame (12), a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame (12), and an engine (20) operatively mounted to the frame (12) for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, the implement (70) including a main body portion, the apparatus (50) being characterized by: the frame (12) of the vehicle having first, second and third surfaces, the third surface having an opening, the first and second surfaces being laterally spaced; first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12); the implement (70) including first, second and third attachment brackets (74, 75) operatively connected to the main body, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) being laterally spaced and having first and second slots respectively adapted to selectively receive the first and second extension members respectively, the third attachment bracket having a hole; and, an implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) including, A) a first pin, the hole in the third attachment bracket and the opening in the third surface selectively receiving the first pin; and, B) securing means for securing the first pin in place. 13. The apparatus (50) of claim 12 wherein, the first and second surfaces of the frame (12) are substantially parallel and laterally spaced a distance D3; the third surface of the frame (12) is oriented at a substantially right angle with respect to the first and second surfaces of the frame (12); the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) have inside surfaces that are substantially parallel and are laterally spaced a distance D4 where distance D4 is substantially equal to distance D3; and, the third attachment bracket is oriented at a substantially right angle with respect to the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75). 14. The apparatus (50) of claim 13 wherein the first and second extension members are substantially collinear, each of the first and second extension members further comprising: a head. 15. The apparatus (50) of claim 14 wherein, each of the first and second extension members extend out from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12) a distance Tl before the head is located; and, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) have a thickness T2 in the area of the first and second slots, the thickness T2 being less than or equal to the distance Tl. 16. The apparatus (50) of claim 13 wherein the implement (70) is a grass bag and the first and second extension members extend from the first and second surfaces of a back end of the frame (12). 17. The apparatus (50) of claim 16 wherein the vehicle is a lawn and garden tractor that further comprises: a mower deck having at least one cutting blade and being supported from the frame (12); and, wherein the engine (20) also for use in rotating the at least one cutting blade. 18. A method of attaching an implement (70) to a vehicle, the method including the steps of providing a vehicle that includes a frame (12), a plurality of wheels operatively connected to the frame (12), and an engine (20) for use in providing locomotion to at least one of the plurality of wheels, providing an implement (70) that includes a main body portion, the method being characterized by the steps of: providing the vehicle frame (12) with first, second and third surfaces, first and second extension members extending from the first and second surfaces of the frame (12), the first and second surfaces being laterally spaced, the third surface having an opening; providing the implement (70) with first, second and third attachment brackets (74, 75) operatively connected to the main body, the first and second attachment brackets (74, 75) being laterally spaced and having first and second slots respectively, the third attachment bracket having a hole; providing an implement (70) attachment apparatus (50) that includes a first pin and securing means for securing the first pin in place; positioning the implement (70) such that the first slot receives the first extension member and the second slot receives the second extension member; pivoting the implement (70) about the first and second extension members until the hole in the third attachment bracket is oriented concentrically with the opening in the third surface; inserting the first pin within the hole and the opening; and. securing the first pin into place. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the vehicle is a lawn and garden tractor and the implement (70) is a grass bag, the method further comprising the steps of: providing the lawn and garden tractor with a mower deck having at least one cutting blade and being supported from the frame (12); and, attaching a chute of the grass bag to a discharge portion of the mower deck. 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the steps of: de-securing the first pin; removing the first pin from the and the opening; moving the implement (70) such that the first extension member on the frame (12) is removed from the first slot in the implement (70) and the second extension member on the frame (12) is removed from the second slot in the implement (70); and, removing the implement (70) away from the vehicle.

Inventors: BORLING AL, KASANIC JOE, BORLING, AL, KASANIC, JOE
Applicants: BORLING AL, KASANIC JOE, MTD PRODUCTS INC, BORLING, AL, KASANIC, JOE
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A01B59
IPC codes: A01B59, A01D34, A01D75