Abstract:
Coupling systems and methods enable adjustable utilization of counterweights and other components on vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers. A mounting bracket and pivoting locking plate are operable to releasably secure a component, such as a counterweight, to a vehicle without the use of tools. Responsive to insertion of the component into the mounting bracket, the locking plate pivots to secure the mounting bracket to the vehicle.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to weight distribution, and in particular, to systems and methods for adjustable weight distribution, for example in vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Vehicles (e.g., outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers and lawn tractors) are often configured with adjustable weight distribution systems. The systems are typically included in order to, for example, provide increased traction in wet or inclined conditions, offset weight in a different part of the vehicle, and/or the like. 
         [0003]    However, prior weight distribution systems have been unable to overcome various difficulties. For example, certain prior weight distribution systems have required various tools for installation and/or modification. Other prior weight distribution systems have been excessively expensive and/or excessively complex. Yet other weight distribution systems have been undesirably large and/or interfered with the vision of an operator of a vehicle. As such, a long-felt need exists for an adjustable weight distribution system. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This disclosure relates to systems and methods for weight distribution, for example weight distribution on outdoor power equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, a counterweight system for a riding lawn mower comprises a counterweight, and a mounting bracket configured with a first trench and a second trench. The first trench is configured to receive a portion of the riding lawn mower, and the second trench is configured to receive a portion of the counterweight. The counterweight system further comprises a locking plate pivotable with respect to the mounting bracket. At least a portion of the locking plate is disposed within the second trench. Responsive to insertion of at least a portion of the counterweight into the second trench, the locking plate pivots to extend at least partially into the first trench and releasably couples the mounting bracket to the riding lawn mower. 
         [0005]    In another exemplary embodiment, a coupling system comprises a locking plate configured with a flange, and a mounting bracket comprising a cavity having a front wall and a back wall. The cavity is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the locking plate between the front wall and the back wall. The coupling system further comprises a pivot arm coupled to the mounting bracket. The pivot arm is configured to allow the locking plate to pivot about the pivot arm. Responsive to insertion of at least a portion of a coupled object into the cavity between the locking plate and the back wall, the locking plate pivots in a first direction about the pivot arm to releasably couple the mounting bracket to a target object. 
         [0006]    In another exemplary embodiment, a method for coupling a coupled object to a target object comprises placing a mounting bracket into contact with the target object. The mounting bracket comprises a trench having a front wall and a back wall, and the trench is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a locking plate between the front wall and the back wall. The locking plate is configured with a flange. The method further comprises inserting at least a portion of the coupled object into the trench to cause the locking plate to pivot in a first direction about a pivot arm and releasably couple the mounting bracket to the target object. 
         [0007]    The contents of this summary section are provided only as a simplified introduction to the disclosure, and are not intended to be used to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    With reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary weight distribution system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate an exemplary outboard mounted weight distribution system utilized in connection with a riding lawn mower in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2C and 2D  illustrate an exemplary inboard mounted weight distribution system utilized in connection with a riding lawn mower in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate components of an exemplary weight distribution system and operation of an exemplary weight distribution system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate block diagrams of exemplary methods of using an exemplary weight distribution system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The following description is of various exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, many of the manufacturing functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection. 
         [0015]    For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for mechanical system construction, management, operation, measurement, optimization, and/or control, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical adjustable weight distribution system. 
         [0016]    Principles of the present disclosure reduce and/or eliminate problems with prior weight distribution systems. For example, various weight distribution systems configured in accordance with principles of the present disclosure are able to be installed, uninstalled, and/or adjusted by hand, without the need for (or with minimal) tools. Other weight distribution systems configured in accordance with principles of the present disclosure are mountable to a vehicle in various locations, for example in order to reduce interference with the vision on a vehicle operator. Yet other weight distribution systems configured in accordance with principles of the present disclosure are manufacturable at a reduced expense as compared to certain prior weight distribution systems, for example by eliminating or reducing various mounting hardware, fasteners and/or other components. 
         [0017]    In various exemplary embodiments, a riding lawn mower is configured with a weight distribution system. As used herein, a “weight distribution system” may generally include components capable of increasing and/or decreasing the weight of a vehicle at a particular location, for example in order to modify the center of gravity of the vehicle, compensate for weight added or removed elsewhere on the vehicle, and/or the like. 
         [0018]    With reference to  FIG. 1  A, weight distribution system  100  may comprise weight component  110  and coupling component  130 . Weight component  110  may comprise metal (e.g., lead, iron, and/or the like) and/or other components, structures, and/or materials configured with suitable characteristics such as density. Coupling component  130  may comprise various housings, brackets, flanges, fasteners, and/or the like, and/or any other materials and/or structures configured to detachably couple weight component  110  to a vehicle, for example to frame component  160 . Moreover, weight distribution system  100  may be configured with any suitable components, for example various housings, couplings, weights, and/or the like, configured to modify the weight of a vehicle at a particular location. 
         [0019]    With reference now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in various exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  (i.e., weight component  110  and coupling component  130 ) may be coupled to a riding lawn mower. In certain exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  may be coupled to the riding lawn mower in an “outboard” configuration, wherein weight distribution system  100  extends from a mounting location on the riding lawn mower substantially outward toward the edge of the riding lawn mower. In this configuration, weight distribution system  100  facilitates improved operator visibility in the generally forward direction from the seat of the riding lawn mower. Such a configuration may be desirable, for example, when the operator is utilizing the riding lawn mower to mow long straight paths. 
         [0020]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2C and 2D , in exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  may be coupled to the riding lawn mower in an “inboard” configuration, wherein weight distribution system  100  extends from a mounting location on the riding lawn mower substantially inward toward a centerline of the riding lawn mower. In this configuration, weight distribution system  100  facilitates improved operator visibility to the side of the riding lawn mower. Such a configuration may be desirable, for example, when the operator is mowing around obstacles, when smaller cutting decks (e.g., cutting decks having a total width of less than about twice the frame width) are installed on the riding lawn mower, and/or the like. In one example, an “inboard” configuration may be desirable when the total cutting deck width of a riding lawn mower is less than about 38 inches and the frame width of the riding lawn mower is less than about 19 inches. 
         [0021]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3A-3D , in an exemplary embodiment, weight component  110  comprises counterweight  312 . Counterweight  312  is configured with trench  313  configured to admit a portion of mounting bracket  332 . Moreover, counterweight  312  may comprise various weights, housings, extensions, trenches, geometries, and/or the like, for example in order to facilitate coupling to mounting bracket  332 . Counterweight  312  may be coupled to and decoupled from mounting bracket  332  in order to add and/or remove weight from a vehicle. 
         [0022]    Coupling component  130  may comprise mounting bracket  332 , flanged locking plate  334  configured with flange  335  having tube  339  coupled thereto, bolt  338 , nut  340 , and ball detent retention pin  342 . Coupling component  130  couples weight component  110  to a desired location. 
         [0023]    In an exemplary embodiment, mounting bracket  332  comprises components configured to facilitate coupling of counterweight  312  to a desired location, for example a location on frame tube  362  of a vehicle. Mounting bracket  332  may comprise steel, aluminum, plastic, and/or any other suitable structural material and/or combinations of the same. Mounting bracket  332  may be monolithic. In an embodiment, mounting bracket  332  may comprise multiple components coupled together. Moreover, mounting bracket  332  may be cast, pressed, sintered, die-cut, machined, stamped, bonded, laminated, polished, smoothed, bent, rolled, molded, plated, coated, and/or otherwise shaped and/or formed via any suitable method and/or apparatus. Mounting bracket  332  may be configured with one or more surfaces approximating the dimensions of a portion of frame tube  362  where counterweight  312  is desired to be coupled. For example, mounting bracket  332  may be configured with a first cavity, such as trench  333  configured to receive a portion of rectangular frame tube  362  and contact frame tube  362  on three sides. Mounting bracket  332  may also be configured with a second cavity, for example a trench configured to admit a portion of counterweight  312 . 
         [0024]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 3A-3D , and with particular reference to  FIG. 3A , mounting bracket  332  may be coupled to various components in order to provide the ability of flanged locking plate  334  to pivot with respect to mounting bracket  332 . In an exemplary embodiment, bolt  338  and nut  340  are coupled to mounting bracket  332  in order to provide a pivot point for flanged locking plate  334  and/or couple flanged locking plate  334  to mounting bracket  332 , for example by bolt  338  passing through tube  339 . In other exemplary embodiments, mounting bracket  332  may be configured with integrated components (e.g., flanges, bars, extensions, knobs, and/or other suitable protrusions) about which flanged locking plate  334  may pivot, as desired. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, flanged locking plate  334  is configured to releasably engage frame component  160  responsive to rotation of flanged locking plate  334 , for example rotation of flanged locking plate  334  about a pivot provided by tube  339  rotating about bolt  338 . Flanged locking plate  334  may be configured with one or more surfaces approximating the dimensions of a portion of frame tube  362  where counterweight  312  is desired to be coupled, including a surface approximating the dimensions of a portion of frame tube  362  not approximated by a surface of mounting bracket  332  (for example, the “top” side of trench  333 ). Stated another way, mounting bracket  332  and flanged locking plate  334  are configured to contact frame tube  362  on at least one different side and/or surface of frame tube  362 . Thus, flanged locking plate  334  and mounting bracket  332 , in combination, may at least partially surround frame tube  362  on multiple sides, for example at least partially on all four sides of a frame tube  362  having a substantially rectangular cross-section. In this manner, flanged locking plate  334  cooperates with mounting bracket  332  to releasably couple mounting bracket  332  to frame tube  362 . 
         [0026]    In various exemplary embodiments, flanged locking plate  334  is configured with flange  335 . Flange  335  is coupled to tube  339 , for example by welding, in order to allow flanged locking plate  334  to pivot about bolt  338 . In an exemplary embodiment, tube  339  is welded to flange  335 . In other exemplary embodiments, tube  339  is welded to flanged locking plate  334  in other locations. Additionally, flange  335  may be configured with various suitable dimensions, extensions, and angles, for example in order to allow a force to be applied to flange  335  to cause flanged locking plate  334  to pivot about bolt  338  in a particular direction (for example, a direction substantially opposite the direction flanged locking plate pivots responsive to insertion of counterweight  312  into mounting bracket  332 ). In one example, flange  335  is sized and/or angled such that flange  335  may be depressed by a human hand. 
         [0027]    In various exemplary embodiments, mounting bracket  332  is configured to couple with ball detent retention pin  342 . Ball detent retention pin  342  may comprise any suitable components and/or mechanisms configured to retain counterweight  312  in contact with mounting bracket  332 . Ball detent retention pin  342  may further comprise various components configured to facilitate use, for example flanges to assist a user in inserting and/or removing ball detent retention pin  342 . Moreover, in various exemplary embodiments, counterweight  312  may be at least partially retained in contact with mounting bracket  332  via a clevis pin and hair pin, a bolt and wing nut, a rubber strap, and/or any other suitable retention apparatus and/or system. 
         [0028]    Frame component  160  may comprise frame tube  362 . Frame tube  362  may be rectangular, oval, circular, and/or any other suitable shape configured to facilitate connecting with coupling component  130 . Frame tube  362  may comprise one or more of steel, aluminum, titanium, iron, and/or other suitable metals and/or alloys thereof, and/or other suitable structural materials and/or components. Frame tube  362  may form part of a vehicle, for example a riding lawn mower, lawn tractor, or other outdoor power equipment, a truck, a tractor, and/or any other suitable vehicle. 
         [0029]    In an exemplary embodiment, with reference now to  FIGS. 3B-3D  and  4 A, weight distribution system  100  may be utilized to secure a weight to a particular location on a vehicle, as follows: 
         [0030]    Mounting bracket  332  is placed over frame tube  362  (step  410 ). Counterweight  312  may be positioned in the top opening of mounting bracket  332  and a portion of counterweight  312  may be inserted into trench  313  (step  420 ). Responsive to counterweight  312  engaging mounting bracket  332  via trench  313 , flanged locking plate  334  is forced against the side of frame tube  362  (step  430 ). This creates a positive lock between mounting bracket  332  and flanged locking plate  334 . Once counterweight  312  is engaged, ball detent retention pin  342  may be installed (step  440 ), for example in order to prevent counterweight  312  from bouncing and/or vibrating out of mounting bracket  332 . 
         [0031]    Weight distribution system  100  may be removable and/or repositionable, as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, with reference now to  FIG. 4B , weight distribution system  100  may be removed from a particular location on a vehicle as follows: 
         [0032]    Ball detent retention pin  342  is pulled from mounting bracket  332  (step  450 ). Counterweight  312  may then be lifted to remove it from engagement with mounting bracket  332  (step  460 ). After counterweight  312  is removed, pressure may be applied to flange  335  of flanged locking plate  334 , allowing flanged locking plate  334  to pivot about bolt  338  and at least partially away from frame tube  362  (step  470 ). While pressure is kept on flange  335 , mounting bracket  332  may be lifted away from frame tube  362  (step  480 ). In this manner, weight distribution system  100  may be removed from a first location on a vehicle (for example, a generally frontal position) and/or relocated to a second location on a vehicle (for example, a position above the rear axle). Moreover, weight distribution system  100  may be entirely removed from the vehicle, as desired, for example in order to allow unimpeded operator visibility. 
         [0033]    In various prior weight distribution systems, installing, adjusting, and/or uninstalling a counterweight and/or coupling components therefore typically required the use of time-consuming tools. In contrast, in various exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  may be configured to be rapidly installed, relocated, and/or uninstalled on a vehicle, for example a riding lawn mower. In one exemplary embodiment, weight distribution system  100  may be separated from a riding lawn mower in less than  30  seconds, and without tools. 
         [0034]    In certain exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  may be employed to compensate for weight accruing in a collection system of a riding lawn mower. For example, as the riding lawn mower operates, cut grass and other debris may accumulate in a collection area, such as a rear-mounted bag. As the weight of the debris increases, the increased weight in the rear of the riding lawn mower may have adverse affects on steering, cutting performance, and/or the like, for example by making the front end feel “light” and/or increasing the tendency of the front wheels to bounce off the ground responsive to rough terrain. To compensate, weight distribution system  100  may be utilized toward the front of the riding lawn mower in order to reduce, minimize, and/or eliminate such undesirable effects. 
         [0035]    In other exemplary embodiments, weight distribution system  100  may be utilized to increase traction for a riding lawn mower. For example, in wet and/or slippery conditions, increased weight above the drive axle may be desirable in order to more forcefully engage the tires and the ground. Thus, weight distribution system  100  may be utilized in an area above the drive axle in order to provide additional weight in that area. 
         [0036]    In yet other exemplary embodiments, principles of the present disclosure may be utilized to couple components other than counterweights to a vehicle. For example, accessories such as collection hoppers, snow plows, mirrors, and/or the like may be coupled to a vehicle via mounting brackets, locking plates, and/or the like in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. 
         [0037]    While principles of this disclosure have been shown in various embodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions, the elements, materials and components, used in practice, which are particularly adapted for a specific environment and operating requirements may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and may be expressed in the following claims. 
         [0038]    The present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. When language similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims or specification, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.