Abstract:
An assembly is provided for towing first and second push-type lawn mowers behind a riding mower. A base plate attachable to the rear of the riding mower releasably holds a tow bar. First and second tow arms are releasably coupled to the tow bar and are each adapted for pivoting motion relative to and in an arc defined by the tow bar. The first and second tow arms are received in respective first and second couplers that are attachable to the first and second push-type mowers, respectively. The first and second couplers allow releasable attachment of the respective first and second tow arms. Each coupler is configured to allow rotational movement thereof relative to the tow arm such that respective first and second mowers to which the first and second couplers are attached can follow the contours of the terrain, thereby providing an even cut. The towing assembly is easily disassembled and re-connectable. Likewise, each push-type mower is easily removed from the towing assembly for quick use. A mowing path width gauge may be provided on the riding mower.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to devices for towing lawn mowers behind a riding mower for mowing a wider path during a mowing pass. 
   2. Background Information 
   The prior art has long recognized the desirability of towing one or more lawn mowers by a riding lawn mower or tractor in order to cut a wider swath or path during a particular pass. A lawn is thereby mowed more quickly than with a single riding mower or typical push-type lawn mower. As such, various towing assemblies have been proposed for ganging and/or towing a plurality of typical lawn mowers behind a riding mower or tractor for providing a wider mowing path during a single mowing pass. 
   With these prior art towing devices, however, it is time-consuming and/or difficult to disconnect even one of the towed lawn mowers from the towing device for ready use. The ready use of one of the towed lawn mowers would be desirable since it is typically not possible to mow very close to objects in the mowing area during mowing by a riding mower and towed mowers. In this situation, it is necessary to mow closer to the object which would be easily accomplished with a typical push-type lawn mower like those being towed. Additionally, it may be desirable to use such a typical push-type lawn mower to trim mow in places that are just not reachable with a combined riding lawn mower, towing device and towed lawn mowers. 
   Moreover, the prior art devices are not flexible. Particularly, the prior art devices are not easy to disassemble. Because many people have limited storage area, it is not practical to keep a towing device hooked onto the riding mower during storage. Also, the prior art devices are not easy to assemble once disassembled. 
   Still further, these prior art devices do not allow the towed mowers much freedom of movement. Particularly, such prior art towing device do not allow the towed mowers to navigate the terrain and still keep the mower level with the terrain to provide an even cut. 
   It is therefore evident from the above that there is a need for a lawn mower towing device that provides for quick and/or easy disconnection of the towed lawn mowers from the towing device. 
   It is further evident from the above that there is a need for a lawn mower towing device that provides for quick and/or easy connection/reconnection of disconnected towed lawn mowers to the towing device. 
   It is yet further evident from the above that there is a need for a lawn mower towing device that is easily disassembled from the towing mower. 
   It is still further evident from the above that there is a need for a lawn mower towing device that is easily connectable once disassembled. 
   It is even further evident from the above that there is a need for a lawn mower towing device that allows the towed mowers greater freedom of movement in order for the towed mowers to navigate the terrain and provide an even cut. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An assembly is provided for towing push-type lawn mowers behind a riding mower and is particularly suited for towing first and second push-type lawn mowers behind the riding mower. The towing assembly allows quick and easy disconnection and reconnection of either one or both of the first and second lawn push-type mowers. The towing assembly is also quickly and easily disassembled and reassembled for storage. 
   A base plate attachable to the rear of the riding mower releasably holds a tow bar. First and second tow arms are releasably coupled to the tow bar and are each adapted for pivoting motion relative to and in an arc defined by the tow bar. The first and second tow arms are received in respective first and second couplers that are attachable to the first and second push-type mowers, respectively. The first and second couplers allow releasable attachment of the respective first and second tow arms. Each coupler is configured to allow rotational movement thereof relative to the tow arm such that respective first and second mowers to which the first and second couplers are attached can follow the contours of the terrain, thereby providing an even cut. The towing assembly is easily disassembled and re-connectable. Likewise, each push-type mower is easily removed from the towing assembly for quick use. 
   In one form, there is provided an assembly for towing first and second push-type mowers behind a riding mower. The assembly includes a base plate, a tow bar, a first tow arm, a second tow arm, a first coupling and a second coupling. The base plate is configured for attachment to a hitch of the riding mower and includes a channel situated axially behind right and left rear wheels of the riding mower. The tow bar is releasably disposed in the channel of the base plate and includes a first attachment flange and a second attachment flange. The first tow arm is releasably connected to the first attachment flange and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along a horizontal of an axis of the tow bar. The second tow arm is releasably connected to the second end of the tow bar and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along the horizontal of the axis of the tow bar. The first coupling is attachable to a front of the first push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the first tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the first coupling relative to the first tow arm. The second coupling is attachable to a front of the second push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the second tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the second coupling relative to the second tow arm. 
   In another form, there is provided an assembly for towing first and second push-type mowers behind a riding mower. The assembly includes a base plate, a tow bar, a first tow arm, a second tow arm, a first coupling and a second coupling. The base plate is configured for attachment to a hitch of the riding mower and includes a channel situated axially behind right and left rear wheels of the riding mower. The tow bar is composed of a middle section, a separate first side section and a separate second side section. The middle section is releasably disposed in the channel of the base plate and has a first middle section end and a second middle section end. The first side section is coupled to the first middle section end via a first shear pin structure. The second side section is coupled to the second middle section end via a second shear pin structure. The first shear pin structure is configured to allow detachment of the first side section from the middle section upon the first push-type mower impacting an object. The second shear pin structure is configured to allow detachment of the second side section from the middle section upon the second push-type mower impacting an object. The first tow arm is releasably connected to the first side section and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along a horizontal of an axis of the tow bar. The second tow arm is releasably connected to the second side section and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along the horizontal of the axis of the tow bar. The first coupling is attachable to a front of the first push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the first tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the first coupling relative to the first tow arm to provide terrain contour following movement by the first push-type mower. The second coupling is attachable to a front of the second push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the second tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the second coupling relative to the second tow arm to provide terrain contour following movement by the second push-type mower. 
   In yet another form, the present invention is an assembly for towing first and second push-type mowers behind a riding mower that includes a base plate, a tow arm, first and second tow arms, first and second couplings, and a mowing path gauge. The base plate is configured for attachment to a hitch of the riding mower and includes a channel situated axially behind right and left rear wheels of the riding mower. The tow bar is releasably disposed in the channel of the base plate and includes a first attachment flange and a second attachment flange. The first tow arm is releasably connected to the first attachment flange and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along a horizontal of an axis of the tow bar. The second tow arm is releasably connected to the second end of the tow bar and is configured for pivoting side to side movement along the horizontal of the axis of the tow bar. The first coupling is attachable to a front of the first push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the first tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the first coupling relative to the first tow arm. The second coupling is attachable to a front of the second push-type mower and is configured for releasable coupling with the second tow arm and to allow rotational movement of the second coupling relative to the second tow arm. The mowing path gauge is connectable to a front of the riding mower and is adapted to physically show the overall mowing width of the riding mower and the first and second push-type lawn mowers. 
   A feature of the present invention is the ease of assembly (connection) and disassembly (disconnection) that allows the easy and quick independent use of one of the push mowers being towed. 
   The present invention will be more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present towing device connected between a riding mower and two push-type lawn mowers; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of various components of the present exemplary towing device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the base plate of the towing device taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a portion of the present exemplary towing device of  FIG. 1  illustrating the manner of attachment and movement between a main towing arm of the towing device and one of the push-type lawn mowers; 
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a front portion of one of the push-type lawn mowers having a connecting portion of the present exemplary towing device illustrating the connecting portion in an unattached state; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates alternative embodiments of a main towing arm for the present towing device; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a riding mower towing two push-type lawn mowers over variable terrain via the present towing device particularly illustrating the ability of the present towing device to allow each push-type lawn mower to mow different variable terrain; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a push-type lawn mower coupled to the present towing device wherein a dead-man cable of the push-type lawn mower is operatively attached to the front bracket of the present towing device, the dead-man cable situated so as to allow the push-type lawn mower to operate during towing; and 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the push-type lawn mower wherein the front bracket of the present towing device is disconnected from the remainder of the present towing device and the dead-man cable is situated so as to stop the push-type lawn mower. 
   

   Like reference numerals, if any, tend to indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a typical riding lawn mower, tractor or the like  10  having a towing device  20  fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The towing device  20  is shown coupled to and thereby towing a first push-type or walk behind lawn mower  12  and a second push-type or walk behind lawn mower  14 . The lawn mowers  12  and  14  may be of any type. 
   The towing assembly  20  includes a base plate  22  that is attachable to a rear of the riding mower  10 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the base plate  22  is at least attachable to a hitch of the riding mower (not seen) by a bolt  23  that extends through a hole of the hitch and is secured by a nut or the like on the underside thereof. Particularly, and referring additionally to  FIG. 2 , the plate  22  is formed by a body  38  that is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of a metal. The body  38  has a middle portion  39  and two side portions  40  and  41  that are separate from and axially upwardly spaced relative to and from the middle portion  39  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The middle portion  39  includes a bore  42  through which the bolt  23  is passed for securing the plate  22  to the riding mower  10 . The two side portions  40 ,  41  each have a respective bore  25 ,  27  through which bolts (not shown) may be passed and through the rear of the riding mower  10  for providing additional securing of the plate  22  to the riding mower  10 . Particularly, the existing hitch plate of the riding mower extends between the middle portion  39  and the two side portions  40 ,  41 . 
   The plate  22  includes a channel, trough or the like  34 . When the plate  22  is attached to the riding mower  10 , the channel is oriented essentially parallel to or coaxially with the axles of the riding mower  10 . A tow bar  24  of the towing assembly  20  is releasably disposed in the channel  34 . The tow bar  24  is thus behind and essentially parallel with or coaxial to the rear axle of the riding mower  10 . 
   The body  38  of the plate  22  has an elongated U-member  44  that defines the channel  37 . Referring additionally to  FIG. 3 , the U-member  44  is shown from the side such that the channel  37  is more easily discerned. A pin or post  46  is disposed in the channel  37 . The post  46  extends from the base of the U-member  44  perpendicular to the base thereof. A bore  47  is disposed through the post  46 . The post  46  has a height that exceeds the height of the U-member  44  with the bore  47  also exceeding the height thereof such that when the tow bar  24  is disposed in the channel  37 , the bore  47  and thus the post  46  are above the tow bar  24 . In this manner, a cotter pin, quick release pin, spring pin or the like  50  is releasably receivable in the bore  47  to retain the tow bar  24  in place. 
   Additionally, the plate  22  includes a hitch flange  48  extending from the U-member  44 . The hitch flange  48  includes a bore  49 . The hitch flange  48  and bore  49  are configured as an alternative hitch since the original hitch of the riding mower  10  is used to attach the plate  22 . An optional pad, foam piece or the like  120  may be provided for covering the end of the flange  48 . 
   The tow bar  24  is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of metal. The tow bar  24  is sized and/or configured to be received in the channel  34 . The channel  34  is of sufficient length to provide lateral stability to the tow bar  24  when towing the first and second mowers  12  and  14 . While the channel  34  and tow bar  24  are depicted as and preferably are rectangular in cross-section, other configurations may be used. The tow includes a bore  54  that is sized to be received onto the pin  46  of the plate  22 . 
   A first flange  56  is disposed at one end of the tow bar  24 . The first flange  56  includes a bore  57 . A second flange  58  is disposed at another end of the tow bar  24 . The second flange  58  includes a bore  59 . The first and second flanges  56 ,  58  provide attachment or coupling platforms for first and second tow arms  26  and  28  of the tow assembly  20 . The first tow arm  26  is formed of a rod  62  that is preferably, but not necessarily, metal. A front end of the rod  62  has a U-bracket  64  with bore  65  through both legs thereof. The U-bracket  64  is configured to receive the first attachment flange  56  within the U-bracket  64  and provide alignment between the bores  65  of the U-bracket  64  and the bore  57  of the flange  56 . A handled pin  74  provides quick and easy coupling of the U-bracket  56  to the flange  56  along with coupling pin  122  that provides a quick release attachment to the end or shaft of the handled pin  74 . The configuration and handled pin  74  allow the tow arm  26  to pivot from left to right in a plane defined by the tow bar (as represented by the double-headed arrow). 
   Likewise, the second tow arm  28  is formed of a rod  68  that is preferably, but not necessarily, metal. A front end of the rod  68  has a U-bracket  70  with bore  71  through both legs thereof. The U-bracket  70  is configured to receive the second attachment flange  58  within the U-bracket  70  and provide alignment between the bores  71  of the U-bracket  70  and the bore  59  of the flange  58 . A handled pin  76  provides quick and easy coupling of the U-bracket  70  to the flange  58  along with coupling pin  124  that provides quick release attachment to the end or shaft of the handled pin  76 . The configuration and handled pin  76  allow the tow arm  28  to pivot from left to right in a plane defined by the tow bar (as represented by the double-headed arrow). 
   The two arms  26 ,  28  are preferably different lengths such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . The difference in lengths is such that the discharge from the mower  14  does not interfere with and/or discharge into the mower  12 . In view of the direction of discharge of the mower  14  relative to the mower  12 , the mower  12  is ahead of the mower  14  by virtue of the tow arm  26  being shorter than the tow arm  28 . The tow arms may, however, be the same length if desired, or may be different than that shown. 
   The rod  62  of the first tow arm  26  has a threaded end  66  that is adapted to be received in a first coupling  30 . Likewise, the rod  68  of the second tow arm  28  has a threaded end  72  that is adapted to be received in a second coupling  32 . The first coupling  30  is formed of a front plate  78  and a rear plate  80  that are pivotally coupled to one another by a hinge  79 . The front and rear plates  78 ,  80  are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of metal. The front plate  78  includes a tow arm receptor  82  that is configured to receive and retain an end of the tow arm  26 . The tow arm receptor  82  has a first sleeve  83  that is essentially tubular and configured to slidingly receive and pass the threaded end  66  therethrough. The tow arm receptor  82  also includes a second sleeve  84  that is also essentially tubular in configuration but is also internally threaded to threadedly receive the threaded end  66  of the tow arm  26 . The rear plate  80  of the first coupling  30  includes two bores  85  for receiving screws, bolts or the like for mounting the first coupling  30  to the first push-type lawn mower  12 . A spring  132  or other biasing element is connected between the front and rear plates  78 ,  80 . The spring  132  biases the plates  78  and  80  into a closed position (the open position of which is depicted in  FIG. 2 ). 
   The second coupling  30  is formed of a front plate  88  and a rear plate  90  that are pivotally coupled to one another by a hinge  89 . The front and rear plates  88 ,  90  are preferably, but not necessarily, formed of metal. The front plate  88  includes a tow arm receptor  92  that is configured to receive and retain an end of the tow arm  28 . The tow arm receptor  92  has a first sleeve  93  that is essentially tubular and configured to slidingly receive and pass the threaded end  72  therethrough. The tow arm receptor  92  also includes a second sleeve  94  that is also essentially tubular in configuration but is also internally threaded to threadedly receive the threaded end  72  of the tow arm  28 . The rear plate  90  of the second coupling  32  includes two bores  95  for receiving screws, bolts or the like for mounting the second coupling  32  to the second push-type lawn mower  14 . A spring  134  or other biasing element is connected between the front and rear plates  88 ,  90 . The spring  134  biases the plates  88  and  90  into a closed position (the open position of which is depicted in  FIG. 2 ). 
   The first and second couplings  30 ,  32  fixedly attach to the first and second mowers  12 ,  14  respectfully. Particularly the rear plate of each coupling is fixedly attached to the mower deck of the respective mower by bolts, screws or the like via the bores in the rear plate. Each coupling  30 ,  32  is thus fixed to the respective mower  12 ,  14  such that the coupling moves with the mower as the mower moves with the change in terrain. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the coupling  32  is shown mounted to the mower  14 . The tow arm  28  is received in the rod receptors. Once coupled to the tow bar  24 , the tow arm  28  is fixed against rotation. However, since the tow arm  28  is threadedly received in the second tube and the tow arm  28  is freely rotatable relative to the first tube, the coupling  32  is free to rotate relative to the tow are  28  as the mower  14  moves from side to side (as represented by the double headed arrow). Therefore, as the mower  14  navigates over variable terrain, the mower is free to rotate relative to the tow arm  28 . As well, since the coupling  32  is hinged, the mower may move forward and back relative to the tow arm. The spring  134  causes pressure to be exerted on the front of the mower  14  which compensates for the moment created by the handle of the mower  14 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a feature of the present invention, again with respect to the mower  14 . Particularly, when the tow arm  28  is disconnected from the coupling  32 , the front plate  88  is biased by spring  134  to move backward toward the rear of the mower. In this manner the coupling  32  does not hinder normal operation of the mower  14  when the mower  14  is disconnected from the tow arm. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6  alternative embodiments or features of a tow bar  100  are depicted. The tow bar  100  is formed of a middle section  102  that releasably fits into the channel of the U-member  44  of the plate  22  in like manner to the tow bar  24 . The tow bar  100 , however, has a separate right side section  104  and a separate left side section  106 . The right side section  104  is pivotally connected to the middle section  102  by a hinge or hinge structure  108 . The left side section  106  is pivotally connected to the middle section  102  by a hinge or hinge structure  110 . The hinge  108  allows the right side section  104  to pivot back from the middle section  102 . The hinge  110  allows the left side section  106  to pivot back from the middle section  102 . 
   Pivoting of the right side section  104  is managed by use of a shear structure  128  disposed opposite to the hinge  108 . The shear structure  128  comprises a shear pin held by brackets formed on the end of sections  102 ,  104 . The shear pin of the shear structure  128  is of an appropriate shear strength such that sufficient force exerted onto the right side section  104  (and/or its appendages) such as upon contacting an object, causes the shear pin to shear or break. This allows the end  104  and thus the push mower being towed to pivot back. 
   Pivoting of the left side section  106  is managed by use of a shear structure  130  disposed opposite to the hinge  110 . The shear structure  130  comprises a shear pin held by brackets formed on the end of sections  102 ,  106 . The shear pin of the shear structure  130  is of an appropriate shear strength such that sufficient force exerted onto the left side section  106  (and/or its appendages) such as upon contacting an object, causes the shear pin to shear or break. This allows the end  106  and thus the push mower being towed to pivot back. Each side section  104 ,  106  is easily reconnected by pivoting the structure then replacement of the shear hinge pin. 
   Additionally or separate from the above modification, the tow bar  100  may include adjustable length ends. Particularly a right inner rod  112  is telescopingly received in the right side section  104  such that the right inner rod  112  provides length adjustment by moving the right inner rod  112  in and out of the right side section  104  accordingly. A set screw  116 , mounted to the bar by a threaded nut or the like, sets the desired length. The right inner rod  112  would include the attachment flange  56  for coupling the tow arm rod  62 . In like manner a left inner rod  114  is telescopingly received in the left side section  106  such that the left inner rod  114  provides length adjustment by moving the left inner rod  114  in and out of the left side section  106  accordingly. A set screw  118 , mounted to the bar by a threaded nut or the like, sets the desired length. The left inner rod  114  would include the attachment flange  58  for coupling the tow arm rod  68 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the towing assembly  20  may include a mowing gauge. The mowing gauge is characterized by a rod or the like  150  that is mounted to the front of the riding mower  10 . Preferably, the gauge  150  is releasably mounted to the front of the riding mower  10 . This may be accomplished by first and second mounting clips, magnets or the like  152 ,  154 . The mowing gauge  150  is sized (in length) to span the mowing path covered by the riding mower  10  and the first and second mowers  12 ,  14 . Particularly, the gauge  150  is of a length that spans from an outside of the mower  12  to the outside of the mower  14 . In this manner, the rider or operator of the riding mower  10  knows the mowing path width of each pass without having to look rearward. 
   Additionally, the rod  150  of the mowing gauge may be length adjustable in like manner as the tow bar  100  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . This accommodates the use of the adjustable tow bar  100 . 
     FIG. 7  depicts the riding mower  10  towing the two push-type lawn mowers  12  and  14  over uneven terrain. The two push-type lawn mowers  12  and  14  encountering different uneven terrain wherein the front brackets of the present towing device allowing the two push-type lawn mowers to articulate as appropriate for the terrain in order to conform to the surface being mowed. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9  depict a manner of attaching a dead-man cable for a dead-man feature of the push-type lawn mower  14  such that the dead-man feature is operative with the use of the present towing device. Particularly, if desired, a dead-man cable (e.g. Bowden cable)  200  from the dead-man feature of the mower  14  has an internal wire cable  202  that is attached at  204  to the end  88  of the front bracket  32 . When the end  88  of the bracket  32  is attached to the towing rod as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the mower is operative. When the end  88  of the bracket  32  is disengaged from the towing arm, the end plate swings upward under spring force as depicted in  FIG. 9 . This position actuates (releases) the dead-man feature to stop the mower  14 . 
   It should also be appreciated that another towing assembly or portions thereof may be used on one or more of the push-type mowers. The towing assembly would be mounted to the push-type mower and itself tow one or two more push-type mowers. Various configurations are contemplated. 
   While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.