Abstract:
An operator actuated electro-mechanical drag mat lift assembly that mounts on the rear of existing lawn equipment that provides a platform for mounting lawn care products requiring deployment for use The Banko Manufacturing International design allows the lawn equipment operator the ability to deploy the assembly while remaining seated with just the flip of a switch. Other manufacturers&#39; designs have failed to consolidate the elements necessary into a comprehensive semi-automated concept. In addition, the innovative drag mat design, when used with the lift assembly, provides an effective method of distributing both dry and damp grass clippings improving turf appearance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   As best as can be determined, no other mechanism exists that is designed to perform precisely as the Banko Manufacturing International operator actuated electromechanical drag mat lift assembly. While many other lawn care maintenance products are available, none employ the concept of incorporating multiple features into a consolidated system. In addition, an electric movement of the structure can be changed from an electric to hydraulic or mechanical system should the user so wish. The Banko Manufacturing International operator actuated electro-mechanical drag mat assembly is designed for use primarily in the lawn care maintenance industry, more specifically, the golf course sector. Though the most common type of equipment to which the assembly will be attached is anticipated to be commercial grade turf mowers, the design will allow the user, with modifications, to equip other mechanical devices, such as lawn type tractors, with the Banko Manufacturing International mat. The design of the hitch mount will vary to accommodate several manufacturers&#39; equipment so that a range of mounting options is possible. 
   Past designs have failed to incorporate a significant degree of automation, a valuable feature in a labor-intensive industry where time and facility of use are important factors. A more automated system allows the operator the freedom to concentrate on other aspects of the task at hand without having to depart the comfort and relative safety of his seat in order to raise the lift and its attached implement. A manual system, using a design similar to that of the Banko Manufacturing International operator actuated model, is an anticipated option. 
   Another advantage of the Banko Manufacturing International design over other related manufacturer&#39;s systems is the effectiveness of the performance of the combined lift and drag mat accessory under adverse conditions. After field-testing on golf ranges, the Banko Manufacturing International device has been found to dramatically improve newly mowed range turf appearance and condition when compared to those adjacent areas not employing the device. Problems observed using other manufacturer&#39;s attachments, specifically the drag mat, demonstrated a pronounced ineffectiveness when used on damp or water-saturated turf. The Banko Manufacturing International drag mat, used in conjunction with the lift assembly, performs well under most conditions due to the unique combination of the drag materials used, which greatly reduces the turf build-up and piling observed in previous designs. In addition, the overall dimension of the design is shorter, allowing a tighter turning radius of the equipment without compromising the performance of the drag mat. Overall, the Banko Manufacturing International device is designed to be a self-contained unit requiring minimal effort to attach, use and store. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The objective of the Banko Manufacturing International operator actuated electro-mechanical lift assembly is to provide an easy, effective method of attaching a variety of lawn care related devices which can be used as the applied equipment is operated. 
   The operator actuated electro-mechanical drag mat lift assembly is 8 feet, 1 inch in width, 44¼ inches in height when in an upright position, 43 inches in length when in a deployed position, 24 inches in length upright when not deployed, with or without an attachment, and is composed of the following elements:
         1. A plug-in hitch constructed of heavy wall metal box tubing welded to drilled metal plating capable of reversal for greater flexibility of use.   2. A mount bar constructed of box tubing which links the plug-in hitch to the modified A-frame assembly.   3. A metal tubular-constructed, welded reinforced modified A-frame style frame extending behind the implement being used.   4. An electrical, hydraulic or mechanical actuator attached to a post on the forward position at a mid-section of a tubular reinforcement bar by means of a bolt-mounted pivoting “split T” bracket for the purpose of raising the device.   5. A tubular or box tubing rear accessory bar welded horizontally on the plane of the implement axle which employs either eye bolt, hook or clip attachment points for mounting a variety of optional devices.       

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts a top-rear perspective of one embodiment of the present invention. The diagram shows, from the top of the page down, the mount post, insertion and mount bar, modified A-frame and drag mat. Not included in the illustration are the hardware, actuator, electrical switches, linkage or attachment devices which are not unique and may be modified. Compression of the elements in the illustration will demonstrate how each separate component connects to form an integrated unit. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the mount post as viewed from a reversed perspective, the drilled mounting plate being the forward part. Not depicted are the bolts used to attach the post to the rear of the equipment being used. The positioning of the drill holes will vary depending upon the manufacture and type of equipment on which the device is to be mounted. 
       FIG. 3  is a top-rear perspective of a mount bar usable embodiment of the present invention. Not shown are connecting pins. 
       FIG. 4  shows the a modified A-frame as seen from the top-rear. Not depicted is the hardware used to attach the drag mat or other accessories, which will vary. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the combined drag mat netting and chain linkage. The view is from the top-rear. Not illustrated is the method of attaching the mat to the frame, which will vary. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The purpose of the Banko Manufacturing International operator actuated electro-mechanical drag mat lift assembly is to provide a semi-automatic platform on which to install a variety of accessories. The anticipated application of the system is in the lawn care sector where it is desirable to be able to attach accessories to lawn care equipment in a quick and easy manner. The primary use of the lift will be an assembly on which to mount drag mats, sweeps, rakes or lawn brushes. 
   The illustrated embodiment of the implement lift  10  is preferably composed of three main sections which, when connected, comprise the assembly. These sections are the mount post  20 , insertion and mount bars  35  and  30  respectively, and a modified A-frame  40 . A separate section, the drag net  60 , is one accessory option attached to the unit for a specific purpose. (see  FIGS. 1-6 ) 
   Mount Post 
   Installation of the system is such that the user will bolt a receiver mounting bracket or post  20  to the rear of the equipment  5  to be used so that subsequent connections and disconnections may be facilitated. (see  FIG. 6 ) By way of example, the receiver post  20  ( FIG. 2 ) may be constructed of 3″×3″×{fraction (3/16)}″ box tubing, 8 inches in length, is drilled through horizontally, MIG welded to ⅜″×3″ cold rolled flat bar, having 4 each drilled-through holes not shown. 
   Insertion and Mount Bar 
   The lift insertion bar  35  (FIG.  3 ), an element of the mount bar  30 , is preferably constructed of 2½″×2½″×1/4″ box tubing, square cut 12 inches in length, is capped on one end  36  and is drilled through horizontally. The bar  35  slides into the receiver bracket  22  of mount post  20  and is locked into position using a 3″ hinge pin and clip passing through the drilled, aligned positioning holes. 
   The mount bar  30 , for example 48 inches in length, is preferably constructed of 1½″×1½″ box gauge  11  tubing, and is connected, for example by MIG welding, transversely to the capped end  36  of the insertion bar  35  at it&#39;s mid point. Two hinge assemblies  38 , for example constructed of schedule 80¾″ carbon steel pipe, cut 1¼ inches in length, are connected, for example by MIG welding, to the ends of the mount bar facing the rear. A drilled through actuator mounting bracket  39  is connected, foe example by MIG welding, to the top of the mount bar at it&#39;s mid-point using ⅜″ cold rolled flat bar. (see  FIG. 3 ) 
   Modified A-frame 
   The modified A-frame portion  40  of the assembly ( FIG. 4 ) is comprised of a forward transverse hinge bar  42 , two angled side-support arms  44 , two reinforcement bars  46 , a center mounted reinforcement bar  48 , a forward pivoting actuator mounting bracket  50 , a stationary rear actuator mount bracket  52 , and a rear accessory mount bar  54 . In one embodiment, the outer frame elements are constructed of 1″×1″×¼″ tubing and are MIG welded to form a modified trapezoidal framework onto which the actuator and accessory will be attached. 
   The front hinge bar  42 , for example 48 inches in length, has two hinges  43 , constructed of schedule 80¾″ carbon steel pipe cut 2 inches in length, and is connected, for example by MIG welding, facing forward, to the ends at a distance corresponding to the matching hinge elements  38  on the mount bar  30 . A hinge pin (not shown), passes through each of the welded hinge pipes, ties the assembled modified A-frame components to the mount bar allowing a range of movement in the frame. 
   Three reinforcement bars  46  and  48 , 26 inches in length, for example by MIG welding, at right angles to the hinge bar  42 , provide support to the modified A-frame assembly  40  as well as providing an anchor point for the electro-mechanical actuator and mount bracket  50 . The center of the reinforcement bars, positioned parallel 23½ inches from the outer reinforcement bars, is drilled-through to allow an actuator mounting mechanism  50  a degree of perpendicular movement. (see  FIGS. 4-5 ) 
   The rear accessory bar  54 , for example 8 feet, 1 inch in length, is connected, for example by MIG welding, at each end to three reinforcement bars  46  and  48  at a 90 degree angle, and to two additional reinforcement bars  44  at 2¼ inches from the front end of the outer reinforcement bars at a 45 degree angle as measured at the rear attachment point, and at a 45 degree angle as measured from the front attachment point. In one embodiment, nine holes  55  are drilled-through horizontally, equidistant at 12 inch centers, to provide a point of accessory attachment. 
   The electro-mechanical actuator  70 , for example a 12 volt stroke actuator, is preferably attached by bolting each end of the unit to mount brackets using ½″ cap screws. The forward end  72  is placed into the front mounting bracket  39  on the mount bar allowing the actuator and frame to swivel downward as the actuator piston is extended, lowering the rear portion of the modified A-frame assembly. ( FIG. 6 ) The hind end  74  of the actuator  70  is bolted to a receiving mechanism or bracket  50  located on the center reinforcement bar. Preferably the actuator is wired to a double-pole, double-throw “momentary on” toggle-type switch, or an equivalent reversal switch, and is connected to a customer supplied power source via a quick connector. 
   The height adjustment mechanism, constructed using 3/8 ″ cold rolled flat bar, compensates for the variable stroke of the actuator piston. Three drill-through holes positioned, from the top respectively 3/4″, 8¼″ and 9½″ on center, provide adjustment in the mounting of the actuator for varying height requirements. The height adjustment bar is of a welded split “T” design comprised of two parallel, drilled flat bar upright elements, connected by a welded 1″×1″ drilled-through block placed at the top of the mechanism, which pivots in forwards and backwards by means of a securing bolt, located at the mid drill through hole, passing through the reinforcement bar 13 inches from the rear accessory bar. 
   Drag Mat 
   The drag mat  60 , the purpose of which is to groom turf or sod, for example, measures 8 feet in length and 3 feet in length. This component is comprised of a netting material  62 , a drag chain system  64 , and an attachment cable. In one embodiment, the netting is constructed of 2½ inch 3/8″ braided nylon twine cut 3′×8′ having selvaged edges, or an equivalent material. The drag chain is 3/16″ grade 30 ISO proof coil chain arranged in a three-tier fashion by repair links. The length of each cut chain piece varies from 40″ to 45″ so that, when draped, the overall chain system  64  has a symmetrical appearance. In all, preferably 11 linked chains comprise the chain drag system  64  and are attached, for example, using chain repair links eye bolts, on the accessory bar  54 . A net attachment cable  66 , for example, cut 8 feet, 5 inches in length, 3/16 vinyl coated stainless cable or an equivalent, is passed through the netting material  62  at alternating openings at it forward edge. The cable ends are looped through an attachment device, typically an eyebolt fastened to the mount bar  54 , and is crimped using cable ferrels or their equivalent. ( FIG. 5 )