Patent Publication Number: US-9414539-B2

Title: Door prop in a lawn mower

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/067,346 filed Oct. 30, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/146,114 filed Jan. 26, 2009 (now granted as U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,691 which issued on Nov. 12, 2013); which is a national phase entry of PCT/US2009/031996 filed Jan. 26, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a lawn mower, and more particularly, to a lawn mower that has a movable door that can either block a mower deck discharge or expose the discharge for mating of the discharge with an inlet of a collection bag. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Walk-behind lawn mowers are well-known. Such a lawn mower may have a discharge opening from a mower deck that directs cut grass into a collection bag. Also, the lawn mower may have a door to block the discharge opening. Often the door is kept closed to allow the lawn mower to operate in a mulching function. Often such a door is spring-biased to the closed position. 
     A common problem of removing and installing the collection bag on the walk-behind mower is the spring-biased door. The door must be held completely open while removing or installing the grass bag. Also, the door should be closed if the grass bag is not present and the mower is to be operated. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a walk-behind mower for cutting grass. The mower includes a cutting platform within which grass is cut and which has a rearwardly directed discharge for cut grass. A motor is located on the cutting platform for powering the grass cutting operation. A door is movably mounted to the cutting platform. The door has a first door position in which the door blocks the discharge and a second door position in which the door is away from the discharge. 
     The mower also includes a collection bag for receiving and retaining cut grass. The collection bag has an inlet mating to the discharge of the cutting platform with the collection bag attached to the cutting platform and with the door being away from the first position. A support is connected to the cutting platform. A door prop is movably mounted on the support and has a segment for engagement with the door. The door prop has a first prop position in which the segment of the door prop is not in engagement with the door to permit the door to be in the first door position and having a second prop position in which the segment of the door prop is in engagement with the door to retain the door in the second door position. A handle extends up from the cutting platform for gripping by an operator walking behind the mower in an operator location for operating the mower. An operable member is mounted on the handle and operable by the operator when the operator is in the operator location. A connector extends between the door prop and the operable member to transmit force from the operable member to the door prop and move the door prop from the second prop position to the first prop position when the operable member is operated, and releasing the door prop to move toward the second prop position when the operable member is released from operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a walk-behind mower that includes an example of the present invention and also shows an operator located at an operator position; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged partial view of the mower of  FIG. 1  showing the door prop in a first prop position, a door of the mower is in a first door position and a collection bag is removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but the door prop is in a second prop position and the door is in a second door position; 
         FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , but the door prop and door are in yet other positions and the bag is attached to the mower; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged and exploded view of a door prop of the mower shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mower of  FIG. 1  and shows the door prop and the door in the positions shown in  FIG. 3  and the bag removed for emptying; 
         FIG. 7  is an alternative example embodiment of the door prop; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an alternative example embodiment of the door prop of the mower shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged and exploded view of an alternative example embodiment of the door prop; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial view of the mower of  FIG. 1  showing the door prop in a first prop position, a door of the mower in a first door position and a collection bag is removed; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , but the door prop is in a second prop position and the door is in a second door position; 
         FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , but the door prop and door are in yet other positions. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements. 
     A walk-behind lawn mower  10  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1  along with an operator  12  located in an operator location. The lawn mower  10  includes a cutting platform  16  onto which a motor  18  is located. As can be appreciated, the motor  18  powers one or more cutting blades (not shown) that are located within the cutting platform  16  for cutting grass. In one example, the motor  18  drives the blade(s) to rotate. The blade(s) has sharpened portions. The rotating blade(s) are brought to bear against grass as the mower  10  is moved across a lawn. Thus, the motor  18  powers the grass cutting operation. The cutting platform  16  is generally supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels  20  (only one visible). These wheels  20  may be freely rotatable or may be powered via a drive connection to the motor. The motor  18  may be of various constructions and configurations such as electric, fuel-powered, or other. Also, the one or more blades may have various constructions and configurations. Still further, the cutting platform  16  may have various configurations and features. In general, the cutting platform  16 , motor  18 , cutting blades may have known structures and features and may also have additional structures and features that are not shown herein. 
     One feature that the cutting platform  16  does have is a rearwardly directed discharge  24  for cut grass. The orientation of rearwardly is with respect to the normal direction that the walk-behind mower  10  moves during the cutting operation. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a forward direction for the mower  10  would be to the left and the rearward direction would be to the right. It should be appreciated that the discharge  24  may have a variety of configurations, shapes, placements etc. on the rear side of the cutting platform  16 . 
     Also located at the rear side of the cutting platform  16  is at least one handle support  28  that is connected to the cutting platform. In the presented example, there are two supports  28  being located respectively on the left and right sides of the cutting platform  16 . The supports  28  may have any of various constructions and configurations. In the shown example, each support  28  is a generally plate-like structure which may have one or more reinforcement segments provided via bending or contouring of the material. Each support  28  is shaped very generally as the letter “L,” but with the letter turned on one side. In general, the material is typically metal. However, different materials such as plastic composite may be utilized. A plurality of mounting holes, apertures, studs, weld points or the like are located on each support. These holes, etc. on a lower portion of the respective support  28  provide means to connect each support to the cutting platform  16 . 
     An upper portion of each support  28  extends generally upwardly and rearwardly away from the cutting platform  16 . Attached to the upper portion of each support  28  is an operator handle  32 . In the presented example, the operator handle  32  extends upwardly in a general U-shape from the cutting platform  16 . The U-shape may be bifurcated to permit folding of the handle for storage. An upper portion of the handle  32  is at a generally ergonomic location to be held or gripped by the operator  12  who is located in an operator location directly behind the mower  10  and who is operating the mower. One or more operation components may be mounted upon the handle  32  for operation by the operator  12  to control the mower  10 . Examples of such components include throttle, speed control, and the like. Accordingly, the operator handle  32  may have any of several configurations and constructions. 
     Also located on the handle  32  adjacent to the upper portion of the handle is an operator presence bail or blade brake/clutch control member  34 . Specifically, such member  34  is pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the handle  32  such that the operator  12  moves the member  34  to an operation present position when the operator is at the operator location and intends to operate the walk behind mower for cutting grass. Thus, the member  34  is an operable member  34 . In the shown example, the member  34  is a movably mounted U-shaped member that is connected to the handle  32  via a movable mount. Specifically, the movable mount is a pivot mount such that the member  34  can pivot between a first position up/away from the grip area of the handle and a second position located against/adjacent to the grip area of the handle. Hereinafter, the member  34  is referred to as the operator presence bail  34  with the understanding that the structure may be different from the shown example. It is to be noted that  FIG. 1  shows the operator presence bail  34  in the second position (i.e., located against/adjacent to the grip area of the handle). The operator presence bail  34  is connected, via a cable  36  or the like, to one or more components of the mower  10  that concern operation of the mower. For example, a blade brake, and/or clutch mechanism may be provided such that the blade is only operated when the operator presence bail is actuated and in the second position as shown in  FIG. 1 . This occurs when the operator is in the operator presence position and gripping the handle  32  for operation. 
     Turning back to the cutting platform  16  and the rearwardly directed discharge  24  therein, a bag mount (not shown) is located on the cutting platform adjacent to the discharge. The bag mount is for attaching a collection bag  40  onto the rearward side of the cutting platform. It is to be appreciated that the bag mount may have any of several constructions and configurations, including a receiving means for receiving pins located on the collection bag, and the like. Also, it is to be appreciated that the collection bag  40  may have any of several constructions and configurations. In general, the collection bag receives the cut grass as the cut grass passes from the discharge  24 . Accordingly, the collection bag  40  merely has an inlet that mates with the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16  when the collection bag is located on the bag mount of the cutting platform. 
     A door  42  is movably mounted to the cutting platform  16 . In the shown example, the door  42  is pivotable about an axis  44  (see  FIG. 2 ) that runs horizontally along a rearward and upper edge of the cutting platform  16 . Thus, the door  42  is capable of pivoting in an arc about the rearward and upward edge of the cutting platform  16 . Specifically, the door  42  is pivotable to a first door position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) in which the door blocks the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16 . As can be appreciated, with the door  42  in the first door position, both ingress and egress through the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16  is prevented. This door position is useful for a mulching function. In the shown example, a spring bias means  46  is provided on the cutting platform at the door  42 . The spring bias means  46  biases the door  42  into the first door position in which the door blocks the discharge. The spring bias means  46  may have any construction or configuration. In one example, the spring bias means  46  is a torsion spring. The door  42  is pivotable upwardly and forwardly away from the first door position. The pivoting motion includes movement to at least a second door position (see  FIG. 3 ) in which the door is located away from the discharge. It should be appreciated that the door  42  may have other positions, such as the door position shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     A projecting portion  48  of the door  42  is located on the side of the door and projects to the side. In the shown example, the projecting portion  48  is on the closest side of the door  42 . The projecting portion  48  located a short distance from the pivot axis  44 . Thus as the door  42  pivots about the axis  44 , the projecting portion  48  travels in an arc about the axis  44 . 
     A door prop  50  ( FIG. 1 ) is movably mounted on one of the supports  28 . An example door prop  50  is shown in detail in  FIG. 5 . The door prop  50  has a first portion  52  for movably mounting the door prop on the support. The first portion  52  of the door prop has an aperture through which a fastener arrangement  54   a ,  54   b  extends. The fastener arrangement  54   a ,  54   b  also extends through the support such that the door prop  50  is pivotally moveable about the fastener arrangement  54   a ,  54   b . Thus, the fastener arrangement provides a pivot axis  56 . In the shown example, the fastener arrangement  54   a ,  54   b  has two portions that are secured together, such as by threaded engagement. It is to be understood that various other constructions or configurations could be used. 
     The example door prop  50  has a second portion  58  that extends away from the first portion  52  and thus extends away from the pivot location. In the shown example, the extending second portion  58  has a general arc shape. In particular, the extending second portion has a surface  60  that extends in an arc. 
     At a distal end of the extending second portion  58  is a generally hook-like portion  62 , which is a third portion of the door prop  50 . The hook-like third portion  62  has an inner surface  64  that has a generally one-half circle curved segment  66 , a generally straight forwardly-extending segment  68 , and a generally downwardly curved extending nose segment  70 . 
     It is to be noted that the second and third portions  58 ,  62  are located in generally the same vertical plane as the projecting portion  48  of the door  42 . Thus, the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  can engage with the second and third portions  58 ,  62  of the door prop  50 . In particular, the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  can move (e.g., slide) along the surface  60  of the second portion of the door prop  50 . Also, the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  can be located within and thus held by the hook-like third portion  62 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the door  42  in the downward position and the door prop  50  does not engage the projecting portion  48  of the door. This position of the door prop  50  can be referred to as a first door prop position. It should be appreciated that with the, door in the downward position, the door prop  50  cannot reach the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  and thus the position of the door prop  50  is not particularly relevant. 
       FIG. 3  shows the door  42  in a second, upward position and the projecting portion  48  is located within the hook-like third portion  62  of the door prop  50 . Thus, the door prop  50  holds the door in the second, upward position. This position of the door prop  50  can be referred to as a second door prop position. However, when the door prop  50  is pivoted upward (i.e., counterclockwise as shown in the drawings) and the projecting portion  48  is clear of the curved segment  66  the door  42  has the ability to pivot from the second, upward position back toward the first, downward position. It should be appreciated that the straight segment  68  and the downwardly curved segment  70  on the door prop  50  prevent the door  42  from being rotated so far such that the door prop ceases to be engaged with the projecting portion  48  on the door  42 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an intermediate location of the door  42  between the upward position and the downward position. This is the position in which the door  42  rests on top of the collection bag  40 . The door prop  50  can rest upon the projecting portion  48  of the door  42 . This possibility is shown in  FIG. 4 . However, since the door prop  50  is resting at its surface  60  of its second portion, the projecting portion is freely able to slide along this surface and the door prop does not prevent movement of the door  42 . 
     A spring bias means  72  operatively coupled between the support  28  and the door prop  50 . In the shown example, a spring bias means  72  is a torsion bias spring that has a first end engaged into an aperture on the support  28  and a second end that is in engagement with the door prop  50 . The bias spring  72  provides a rotational force to the door prop  50 . As shown in the Figures, the bias forces the door prop in the generally counter-clockwise direction about the axis  56  at the fastener arrangement  54   a ,  54   b.    
     The door prop  50  also has a mounting portion  76  for connection to a cable  78 . Within the shown example, the mounting portion  76  is shown at a location approximately at the mid-height of the door prop  50 . Specifically, the mounting portion  76  is located generally adjacent to the hook-like third portion  62  of the door prop  50 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a door prop  150  ( FIG. 8 ) is movably mounted on a bracket  180 . An example door prop  150  is shown in detail in  FIG. 9 . The bracket  180  is mounted to the support  128 , and it is shaped very generally as the letter “L,” but with the letter turned on one side. The bracket  180  defines an aperture with at least two distinct widths or diameters. The upper width of the aperture is smaller in comparison to the lower width. 
     The door prop  150  has a first portion  152  for movably mounting the door prop on the bracket  180 . The first portion  152  of the door prop  150  has an aperture through which a fastener arrangement  154   a ,  154   b . Thus the fastener arrangement provides a pivot axis  156 . In the shown example of  FIG. 9 , the fastener arrangement  154   a ,  154   b  has two portions that are secured together, such as by a metal keeper or by threaded engagement. It is to be understood that various other constructions or configurations could be used. Another possible configuration includes the bracket  180  being part of the support  128 . 
     The example door prop  150  has a second portion  158  that extends away from the first portion  152  and thus extends away from the pivot location. In the shown example, the extending second portion  158  defines an aperture  182 . The aperture  182  has a wider diameter at its lower end. A length of live conduit  184  is placed within the aperture. The live conduit  184  has a central aperture, a conduit sleeve  186  at its upper end, a collar  188  in the central portion, and hooks  190  at its lower end. These hooks  190  may be squeezed toward the center of the live conduit  184  so that the total width of the conduit and hooks is reduced. The live conduit  184  is placed into the door prop aperture  182 , and the hooks return to their normal width as they enter the wider diameter of the door prop aperture  182 , holding the live conduit in that position in the door prop aperture. A spring  192  is located between the collar  188  of the live conduit  184  and the door prop  150 . 
     Cable  78  is placed through the live conduit  184 , spring  192 , door prop aperture  182 , and the aperture in the bracket  180 . Cable  78  has an end cross section  194 , such as a ball shape which is larger than the cross section of the rest of the cable  78 . The end cross section  194  is placed in the wider, lower diameter of the bracket  180  aperture. The end cross section  194  of cable  78  is of greater width than the upper aperture diameter in the bracket  180 . 
     The distal end of the second portion  158  of the door prop  150  has a general arc shape. In particular, the extending second portion extends in an arc to form a generally hook-like third portion  162 . The hook-like third portion  162  has an inner surface  164  that has a generally one-half circle curved segment  166 . 
     The example door prop  150  has a fourth portion  157  that extends away from the first portion  152  in a direction opposite of the second portion  158  and thus extends away from the pivot location. In the shown example, the extending fourth portion  157  defines an aperture. 
     A spring bias means  172  operatively coupled between the bracket  180  and the door prop  150 . In the shown example, a spring bias means  172  is a tension spring that has a first end engaged into an aperture on the bracket  180  and a second end that is in engagement with the door prop  150 . The bias spring  172  provides a rotational force to the door prop  150 . As shown in the Figures, the bias forces the door prop in the generally counter-clockwise direction about the axis  156  at the fastener arrangement  154   a ,  154   b.    
     It is to be noted that the second and third portions  158 ,  162  are located in generally the same vertical plane as the projecting portion  148  of the door  142 . Thus, the projecting portion  148  of the door  142  can engage with the second and third portions  158 ,  162  of the door prop  150 . In particular, the projecting portion  148  of the door  142  can move (e.g., slide) along the surface  166  of the second portion of the door prop  150 . Also, the projecting portion  148  of the door  142  can be located within and thus held by the hook-like third portion  162 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the door  142  in the downward position and the door prop  150  does not engage the projecting portion  148  of the door. This position of the door prop  150  can be referred to as a first door prop position. It should be appreciated that with the door in the downward position, the door prop  150  cannot reach the projecting portion  148  of the door  142  and thus the position of the door prop  150  is not particularly relevant. 
       FIG. 11  shows the door  142  in a second, upward position and the projecting portion  148  is located within the hook-like third portion  162  of the door prop  150 . Thus, the door prop  150  holds the door in the second, upward position. This position of the door prop  150  can be referred to as a second door prop position. However, when the door prop  150  is pivoted downward (i.e., clockwise as shown in the drawings) and the projecting portion  148  is clear of the curved segment  166  the door  142  has the ability to pivot from the second, upward position back toward the first, downward position. 
       FIG. 12  shows an intermediate location of the door  142  between the upward position and the downward position. The operator presence bail  34  (not shown) is actuated, applying a force to cable  78 . The door prop  150  has been rotated in the clockwise direction, and the projecting portion  148  has cleared the curved segment  166  of the door prop  150 . Further rotation of door prop  150  will allow the door  142  to return to its first, downward position. 
     Relating to the example shown in  FIGS. 2 through 7 , the cable  78  extends upwardly along one leg of the handle  32  and extends to the operator presence bail  34  mounted on the handle. Actuation of the operator presence bail  34  transmits a pulling force through the cable  78  and to the door prop  50 . Thus, the cable  78  is a connector  78  extending between the door prop  50  and the operator presence bail (i.e., operable member)  34  to transmit force. The pulling force causes the door prop  50  to pivot about the axis  56  in the clockwise direction (with reference to the figures) 
     Relating to the example shown in  FIGS. 8 through 12 , the cable  78  extends upwardly along one leg of the handle  32  and extends to the operator presence bail  34  mounted on the handle. Actuation of the operator presence bail  34  transmits a pulling force through the cable  78 . If there is any slack in cable  78 , upward force pulls the wider cross section end of the cable into the aperture of the bracket  180 . The smaller upper diameter of the aperture prevents further movement. Force is then transmitted to the collar of the live conduit  184 , exerting a downward force onto the spring. The spring causes the door prop  150  to pivot downward (e.g., clockwise as shown in  FIGS. 8-12 ). Once the door prop  150  has pivoted sufficiently far, the projecting portion  148  of the door  142  is released from the hook-like third portion  162  of the door prop and the door is able to pivot downward under the bias of the spring  46 . 
     It is to be noted that in the shown example, the cable  78  for the door prop  50  is separate from the cable  36  associated with operation of the mower  10 . It is to be appreciated that the two cables  36  and  78  may be integrated into a single connector or cable, partially combined, or otherwise linked together. Thus at least a portion of a second connector that is connected to the operator presence bail  34  extends to at least one component of the mower  10  that concern operation of the mower. 
     It is to be appreciated that the door prop  50  does not even engage the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  when the door is on the downward position ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, the presence of tension in the cable from the operator presence cable does not affect the door  42 . With regard to the door  42  being held in the upward position by the door prop  50  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), the door will remain in this position so long as there is no applied tension on the cable  78 . Once tension is applied to the cable  78 , the tension causes the door prop  50  to pivot upward (e.g., clockwise as shown in the  FIGS. 1-7 ). Once the door prop  50  has pivoted sufficiently far, the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  is released form the hook-like third portion  62  of the door prop and the door is able to pivot downward under the bias of the spring  46 . This release will occur at least when the operator  12  ( FIG. 1 ) is ready to operate the mower since the operator will actuate the operator presence bail  34 . It is possible that the collection bag  40  will be attached to the rear of the cutting platform  16 . For such scenario, the door  42  will come to rest upon the top of the collection bag  40 . As mentioned, the door prop  50  may or may not rest upon the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  at the surface  60 . 
     Turning to operation of the walk-behind mower  10 , attention is first directed to  FIG. 2 . It should be appreciated that the mower may be utilized with the door  42  located in a first, downward position. With the door  42  in the downward position, the door blocks the discharge of cut grass from the cutting platform  16 . This position of the door  42  is useful for such operations such as grass mulching. It should be noted that that the door prop  50  does not engage the projecting portion  48  of the door  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the walk-behind mower  10  may be utilized with the collection bag  40  mounted onto the cutting platform  16 . The inlet of the collection bag  40  is mated to the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16  such that cut grass is directed into the bag. Of course, the door  42  needs to be pivoted upwardly to expose the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16  to the collection bag  40 . 
     The position of the collection bag  40  on the rear of the cutting platform  16  is shown in  FIG. 1 . It should be appreciated that with this bag-mounted condition, the mower  10  may be operated to cut grass and thus have the grass collected into the collection bag  40 . Of course, during such operation, the operator presence bail  34  is depressed and held against the handle of the mower to permit operation of the motor  18  and/or cutting blade within the cutting platform  16 . 
     At some point in time, it will become desirable to remove the collection bag  40  from the rear of the cutting platform  16 . Typically, this occurs when a sufficient amount of cut grass has accumulated within the collection bag  40 . 
     Normally during operation of the mower with the collection bag  40  attached, the door  42  merely rests upon the top of the bag due to the bias from the spring  46 . However, in order to efficiently remove the collection bag  40  from the cutting platform  16 , it is preferable to lift the door  42  off of the top of the collection bag. Upon lifting of the door  42 , the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  moves along the surface  60  of the door prop  50 . The door prop  50  is biased in the counter-clockwise direction so that engagement of the projecting portion  48  against the surface  60  of the door prop  50  is generally maintained. This is especially true if it is recalled that during removal of the collection bag  40 , the operator presence bail is released such that there is no tension being provided to the cable  78  to hold the door prop up. Eventually, the lifting of the door results in the projecting portion  48  moving to the hook-like third portion  62  at the distal end of the door prop  50 . Due to the bias provided by the spring  72 , the door prop  50  rotates in the counter-clockwise direction a small amount such that the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  is located in engagement with the curved segment  66 . With the door prop  50  in engagement with the projecting portion  48  of the door  42 , the door prop holds or props the door in the upward position. This is shown in  FIG. 6 . It is to be appreciated that  FIG. 6  shows that operator presence bail  34  is not actuated and thus the door  42  is being held up. 
     With the door  42  held upward, away from the collection bag  40 , the collection bag may be easily removed from the cutting platform  16 . Once the mowing operation is to resume, the operator  12  will of course actuate the operator presence bail  34 . Such actuation causes tension force to be applied to the cable  78 . The tensioned cable pulls the door prop  50  in the clockwise direction. Once the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  clears the curved segment  66  at the distal end of the door prop  50 , the spring  46  biases the door  42  and causes the door rotate in the clockwise direction. Thus, the door  42  can come again to rest on top of the collection bag  40 . 
     In the alternative, if the operator  12  wishes to operate the mower  10  with the door  42  in a downward position to block the discharge  24  of the cutting platform  16 , the operator will again actuate the operator presence bail  34  in order to operate the mower. At this point in time, the cable  78  again provides a pulling force to the door prop  50  such that the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  is released from the curved segment  66  at the distal end of the door prop  50 . The door  42  again rotates in the clockwise direction under the bias of the spring  46  engaged with the door. With the absence of the collection bag  40 , the door  42  continues to rotate in the clockwise direction until the door comes to rest against the cutting platform . 16  in the downward position to block the discharge  24  of the cutting platform. 
       FIG. 7  shows one possible alternative embodiment for the door prop  50 ′. Similar structures within the embodiment of  FIG. 7  are identified with the same reference numerals, but with “′” added. The embodiment of  FIG. 7  includes a lower hook  100  to entrap the projecting portion  48  of the door  42  during part of the travel of the projection portion relative to the door prop  50 ′. 
     Of course, many other specific applications, configurations, and constructions are contemplated. It is to be understood that all of the specific applications are intended to be within the scope of the subject invention. 
     From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.