Patent Publication Number: US-2018049368-A1

Title: Ride-on vehicle with operator access assist bar

Description:
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to ground maintenance vehicles such as riding lawn mowers, and, more particularly, to apparatus for assisting an operator with stepping onto, and/or off of, the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ground maintenance vehicles for performing a variety of tasks are known. For instance, vehicles configured for mowing, fertilizing, aerating, dethatching, vacuuming/blowing, and the like are common. While embodiments of the present invention may be applicable to a variety of such vehicles, they will, for the sake of brevity, be described with respect to riding lawn mowers. 
     Traditional riding mowers, e.g., those generally having four wheels wherein the front wheels are conventionally steerable by a steering wheel or the like, are in common use by homeowners and professionals alike. However, for professional landscape contractors and others mowing lawns having numerous obstacles, tight spaces, and/or intricate borders, mowers having zero-turning-radius (ZTR) capability are often preferred. As the name implies, “ZTR” generally indicates a vehicle having a zero or comparatively small turning radius, i.e., a vehicle that is highly maneuverable. 
     ZTR vehicles such as riding mowers typically include a chassis and at least one drive wheel located on each side (left and right) of the chassis. The drive wheels may be independently powered by a vehicle engine (e.g., via a hydraulic motor) so that, while one wheel may rotate in a first direction at a first speed, the other wheel may rotate in the same or different direction at the same or different speed. Rotating one drive wheel for forward motion while simultaneously rotating the other drive wheel for rearward motion, may cause the mower to spin generally about a turning center located between the drive wheels, thus executing a sharp turn. 
     While configurations vary, the drive wheels are often controlled by a twin lever control system. In this configuration, pivoting motion control levers are provided and positioned side-by-side and slightly forward of an operator&#39;s seat. Each control lever may be operatively connected to (and thus independently control) a particular drive wheel (e.g., the left lever may control the speed and direction of the left drive wheel, while the right lever may provide the same control for the right drive wheel). When the control levers are advanced forwardly in unison from a neutral position (e.g., via pivoting about an axis transverse to the direction of travel), the drive wheels may cause the mower to move forwardly in a straight line. Similarly, when the control levers are retracted in unison from the neutral position, the drive wheels may cause the mower to move in the reverse direction. Steering may be accomplished by differential movement of the control levers. 
     ZTR control levers are often configured to additionally pivot, when in the neutral position, about an axis parallel to the direction of travel of the mower from an operative position to an inoperative position. Movement to the inoperative position may move the levers to a location that better allows operator access to the seat. However, as a result of these multiple degrees of freedom, the control levers are not universally perceived as providing a useful gripping structure (as compared, for example, to a conventional mower steering wheel) to assist the operator when climbing on, and off of, the mower. As a result, the operator may seek to grab other mower structure such as the seat or seat armrest. However, because the seat/armrest is located aft of the control levers, grasping the seat structure may not be convenient when entering the mower from the typical access location forward of the control levers. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may overcome these and other issues by providing, in one embodiment, a ground maintenance vehicle configured to accommodate a ride-on operator, wherein the vehicle includes at least one movable control member operable to control one or both of a direction and a speed of the vehicle. The vehicle includes: a frame; an operator platform attached to the frame; and an assist handle operatively attached to the frame. The assist handle includes a grip portion movable between: a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, the platform; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation. 
     In another embodiment, a lawn mower configured to accommodate a ride-on operator is provided, wherein the mower includes at least one movable lever operable to control one or both of a direction and a speed of the mower. The mower includes: a frame; an operator seat attached to the frame and configured to accommodate an operator in a sitting position; and an assist handle having a first tube operatively attached to the frame, and a second tube telescopingly received within the first tube. The second tube includes a grip portion, the grip portion movable between: a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, the seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation. 
     In yet another embodiment, a zero-turning-radius riding lawn mower is provided and includes: a frame; an operator seat attached to the frame and configured to accommodate an operator in a sitting position; and two control levers positioned forward of the seat and accessible by the operator from the seat. Each of the levers is configured to pivot relative to the frame about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the mower to control direction and speed of the mower. Each lever is further configured to pivot, relative to the frame about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, between an operative position and a seat access position. The mower further includes: an assist handle having a first tube operatively attached to the frame; and a second tube telescopingly received within the first tube. The second tube includes a grip portion, the grip portion movable between: a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a deployed elevation and forward of the control levers to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, the seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is located at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The present invention will be further described with reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a left front perspective view of a ground maintenance vehicle, e.g., a zero-turning-radius (ZTR) lawn mower having dual control levers shown in a inoperative position, the mower incorporating an operator assist handle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, wherein the handle is shown with a grip portion of the handle in a first or deployed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1 , but with the grip portion of the handle shown moved to a second or stowed position and the control levers shown moved to an operative position; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged left rear perspective view of the mower of  FIG. 1  illustrating the exemplary handle in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the exemplary handle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged, partial right rear perspective view of the mower of  FIG. 1  illustrating the exemplary handle; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial side elevation view of the exemplary handle of  FIG. 1  when the grip portion is in the deployed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 1  separated from the mower and with the grip portion shown in the deployed position; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 7 , but with the grip portion shown in the stowed position. 
     
    
    
     The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure/components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of the depicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure/components is not necessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The lack of illustration/description of such structure/components in a particular figure is, however, not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Generally speaking, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an assist handle configured to assist an operator with climbing onto, and off of, a ground maintenance vehicle. While assist handles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may find use on most any ground maintenance vehicle, they may be advantageously utilized with a ZTR ride-on vehicle for reasons further described below. 
     As used herein, “longitudinal axis” or “longitudinal direction” refers to a long axis of the mower  100 , e.g., a centerline axis  101  extending in the travel or fore-and-aft direction as shown in  FIG. 1 . “Transverse” or “transverse axis” refers to a direction or axis extending side-to-side, e.g., a horizontal axis that is normal or transverse to the longitudinal axis  101  of the vehicle. 
     It is further noted that the terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanying description and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” forward,” “aft,” “rear,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective observed in the particular figure, or as observed when the apparatus is in a typical use orientation (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
     Moreover, the suffixes “a” and “b” may be used throughout this description to denote various left- and right-side parts/features, respectively. However, in most pertinent respects, the parts/features denoted with “a” and “b” suffixes are substantially identical to, or mirror images of, one another. It is understood that, unless otherwise noted, the description of an individual part/feature (e.g., part/feature identified with an “a” suffix) also applies to the opposing part/feature (e.g., part/feature identified with a “b” suffix). Similarly, the description of a part/feature identified with no suffix may apply, unless noted otherwise, to both the corresponding left and right part/feature. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a ground maintenance vehicle, e.g., ZTR mower  100 , configured to accommodate a ride-on operator, the mower, having a chassis or frame  102  supporting a power source or prime mover, e.g., internal combustion engine  104  (shown diagrammatically). A pair of transversely opposing, ground-engaging drive members, e.g., first and second drive wheels  106  (only left drive wheel  106   a  visible in  FIG. 1 ), may be coupled for powered rotation to opposing sides of the frame  102  to support and propel the mower  100  relative to a ground surface  103 . A pair of front swiveling castor wheels  108   a  and  108   b  may also be provided to support the front end of the mower  100  relative to the ground surface  103 . 
     Each drive wheel  106  may be powered, e.g., by a hydraulic drive unit (not shown) as is known in the art. While not illustrated, other drive systems, e.g., mechanical gear or pulley driven systems, may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, other power sources, e.g., one or more electric motors, could be substituted in place of the engine  104 . 
     Although the illustrated mower has the drive wheels  106  in the rear, this configuration is not limiting. For example, other embodiments may reverse the location of the drive wheels, e.g., drive wheels in front and castor (or steerable wheels) in the back. Moreover, other configurations may use different wheel configurations altogether, e.g., a tri-wheel configuration. Still further, while embodiments of the invention are herein described with respect to riding ZTR lawn mowers (hereinafter generically referred to merely as a “mower”), those of skill in the art will realize that the invention is equally applicable to other types of ride-on mowers, as well as to most any other ride-on power utility or maintenance vehicle (e.g., tractor). 
     A cutting deck  114  may be attached to a lower side of the frame  102  generally between the drive wheels  106  and the castor wheels  108  in what is commonly referred to as a mid-mount configuration. The cutting deck  114  may form a downwardly-opening enclosure that defines a cutting chamber. The cutting chamber may enclose one or more rotatable cutting blades (not shown) that are each attached to a spindle journalled for rotation to an upper surface of the cutting deck. The cutting blades may be operatively powered, via the spindles, by the engine  104 . During operation, power is selectively delivered to the spindles of the cutting deck  114 , whereby the blades rotate at a speed sufficient to sever grass and other vegetation as the mower travels over the ground surface  103 . In some embodiments, the cutting deck  114  includes deck rollers or anti-scalp wheels  115  to assist with supporting the cutting deck  114  relative to the ground surface. 
     The mower  100  may also include an operator platform, e.g., seat  112 , attached to the frame to accommodate the operator in a sitting position during mower operation. From the seat  112 , the operator may have access to various controls, e.g., engine throttle, deck engagement, engine ignition, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , movable operator directional/speed control members, e.g., left and right drive control levers  110   a ,  110   b  (referred to herein merely as “control levers”), may also be provided to permit control of mower speed and direction by the operator  109  (hands only of the operator shown in  FIG. 2 ) from the seat  112 . Each control lever  110  may be pivotally coupled relative to the frame  102  about a first, e.g., transverse, pivot axis  116 . When the levers  110  are in an operative position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , they may move fore-and-aft. That is, each lever  110  may pivot from a first or neutral position “N” in a first direction  118  to a second or full forward position “F” corresponding to a maximum potential forward output or velocity of the respective drive wheel  106 . Each control lever  110  may also pivot about the pivot axis  116  in a second direction  120  to a third or full reverse position “R” corresponding to a maximum potential reverse output or velocity of the respective drive wheel. During operation, each control lever may move incrementally in either direction  118  or  120  to any position between the neutral position and the full forward position (as well as the full reverse position). As those of skill in the art may appreciate, powering one drive wheel  106  in the forward direction and slowing, stopping, or powering the opposite drive wheel in the reverse direction, will allow the mower to change direction. 
     Each control lever  110  may also pivot about a second or longitudinal axis  117  (the axis  117  being parallel to the longitudinal axis  101  of the mower  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Pivoting of each lever  110  about the axis  117  may move the lever from the operative position of  FIG. 2 , to an inoperative or seat access position as shown in  FIG. 1 . When the levers are in the inoperative position as shown in  FIG. 1 , improved operator access to the seat  112  (i.e., ingress to/egress from the seat) is provided. 
     While described herein as using a twin lever control system, it is to be understood that this configuration is not limiting as embodiments of the present invention may find application to vehicles having other, e.g., single, control lever configurations or to configurations using other types of control members. 
     With this introduction, an exemplary assist handle  200  will now be described. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the assist handle  200  may be operatively attached to the frame  102  and further include a grip portion  202  movable between: a deployed position as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a stowed position as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, a centerline axis of the grip portion  202  may be oriented vertically when the grip portion is in the deployed and/or stowed positions as shown in the figures. 
     When in the deployed position of  FIG. 1 , the grip portion  202  may be located at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, the platform (e.g., seat  112 ). Conversely, when the grip portion  202  is in the stowed position of  FIG. 2 , the grip portion may be located at a stowed elevation (e.g., an elevation lower than the deployed configuration) selected to reduce potential visual interference from the operator platform (e.g., seat  112 ). That is, when in the stowed position, the grip portion  202  may be located to reduce potential line-of-sight interference (if otherwise present) to the operator when the operator is sitting in the seat  112 . 
     In one embodiment, the assist handle includes an elongate first (e.g., lower) tubular member (e.g., first tube  204 ) operatively attached to the frame  102  of the mower  100 , and an elongate second (e.g., upper) tubular member (e.g., second tube  206 ), wherein the second tube may define the grip portion  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second tube  206  is telescopingly received within the first tube  204 , i.e., the grip portion  202  is movable from the deployed position to the stowed position by telescoping of the second tube within the first tube. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the handle  200  may, in one embodiment, be part of an assembly that also includes an auxiliary step  208 . As further described below, the step  208  may be an integral part of the handle  200 , e.g., it may be attached (e.g., welded) with a lower end of the first tube  204  such that, when the step  208  is secured to the frame  102  (e.g., with fasteners  210 ), the handle  200  is also operatively attached to the frame and extends upwardly from the step. Alternatively, in embodiments without the step, the handle, e.g., first tube  204 , could be attached directly to the frame  102  such that it similarly extends in a vertical direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  200  (e.g., the grip portion  202  and first tube  204 ) may be located forward of the platform (e.g., seat  112 ) and the control levers  110 , and, in one embodiment, located lateral to the longitudinal axis  101  of the vehicle  100  as shown in the figures. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the handle  200  illustrating the component parts in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in this view, the first tube  204  may be, as stated above, fixed to the step  208  to form a base  212 . The base  212  may include a right angle plate  214  having one surface that forms the step  208  and a second surface that forms attachment structure  216  to permit attachment of the base  212  to the frame  102  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The first tube  204  may, in one embodiment, be welded to one or both of the step  208  and the attachment structure  216 , e.g., via welds  218 . The attachment structure  216  may be attached to the frame  102  via any acceptable method, e.g., fasteners  210  (only one shown in  FIG. 4 , but see  FIGS. 1-3 ) passing through openings  222  of the attachment structure  216  and threadably engaging the frame  102 . As further shown in  FIG. 4 , the first tube  204  may also include one or more slots  224  formed through a wall of the first tube. The slot  224  may be configured to support the second tube  206 , e.g., the grip portion  202 , at the deployed and stowed elevations. 
     A flanged bushing  226  may be secured, e.g., press-fit, into an upper end  228  of the first tube  204 . The bushing  226  may define an inner diameter configured to receive an outer diameter of the second tube  206  when a lower end  230  of the second tube is inserted through the bushing  226  into the upper end  228  of the first tube. 
     An aperture  232  may be formed in the second tube  206 , e.g., at a location near but spaced-apart from the lower end  230 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  232  extends completely through opposite walls of the second tube  206 . Once the lower end  230  of the second tube  206  is inserted into the upper end  228  of the first tube  204 , the second tube may be positioned so that the aperture  232  aligns with the slot  224 . A transverse pin, e.g., roll pin  234 , may then be press fit into the aperture  232  through the slot  224 . The roll pin  234  is preferably of a length sufficient to extend or protrude radially outward past an outer diameter of the first tube  204  and into the slot  224 . Moreover, a width of the slot  224  may be selected to receive with clearance the protruding ends of the roll pin  234 . As a result, movement of the second tube  206  relative to the first tube  204  may be restrained by contact of the roll pin  234  with walls of the slot  224 . 
     In one embodiment, the grip portion  202  of the second tube  204  may be covered with a soft sleeve  235  to provide a more comfortable gripping surface for the operator. For example, the sleeve  235  may be made from plastic, e.g., textured polyvinyl chloride, or other materials such as foam and rubber. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the slot  224  may be provided on both sides of the first tube  204 . That is the roll pin  234  may protrude from each side of the first tube  204  when the handle is assembled. However, embodiments wherein the pin  234  extends from only a single side of the first tube  204 , e.g., wherein a slot  224  is provided on only a single side of the first tube, are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the slot  224  is illustrated in detail in  FIG. 6 . As shown herein, the slot  224  may define a first longitudinal portion  236  having a first length and a second longitudinal portion  238  having a second length shorter than the first length. The second longitudinal portion  238  may be angularly offset (e.g., offset around the circumference of the first tube  204  as shown in  FIG. 6 ) from the first longitudinal portion  236 . The slot  224  may also include a circumferential portion  240  connecting the first longitudinal portion to the second longitudinal portion (e.g., near the tops of the first and second longitudinal portions). Once again, as illustrated in this view, the roll pin  234  is captivated within the slot  224 , limiting the relative movement of the second tube  206  relative to the first tube  204 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate movement of the grip portion  202  between the deployed position ( FIG. 7 ) and the stowed position ( FIG. 8 ). When desired, the grip portion  202  may be extended to the deployed elevation shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7  to provide assistance to the operator with climbing onto, and off of, the mower  100 . Accordingly, the operator  109  may grasp the grip portion  202 , e.g., with a left hand as shown in  FIG. 3 , and pull himself (or herself) up to a standing position on a foot plate  209  of the mower (e.g., using the step  208 ) before sitting in the seat  112 . To maintain the grip portion  202  in the deployed position, the roll pin  234  may rest, via gravity, against a bottom surface  242  of the second longitudinal portion  238  of the slot  224  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     Once the operator has climbed onto the mower, or the assist handle  200  is no longer being used, the operator may move the grip portion  202  from the deployed position to the stowed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip portion  202  may be moved from the deployed to the stowed position by first displacing the grip portion upwardly, e.g., in the direction  244  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Upward movement of the grip portion  202  causes the roll pin  234  to move from the second longitudinal portion  238  into the circumferential portion  240  of the slot  224  (see  FIG. 6 ). Once the grip portion  202  is sufficiently raised (e.g., once the roll pin  234  is located within the circumferential portion  240 ), the grip portion  202  may be rotated, as permitted by contact of the roll pin  234  within the circumferential portion  240  (e.g., in the direction  246  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), until the roll pin enters the first longitudinal portion  236  of the slot  224  (see  FIG. 6 ). At this point, the grip portion  202  (e.g., the second tube  206 ) may be pushed (or fall under its own weight) downwardly (e.g., in the direction  248  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) until the roll pin rests against a surface  250  defined by a lower end of the first longitudinal portion  236  of the slot  224  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The grip portion  202  of the handle is then positioned at the stowed elevation selected to reduce interference, if any, with the operator&#39;s line-of-sight when seated in the seat  112  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ). The control levers  110  may then be moved to the operative position of  FIG. 2  and the mowing operation commenced. 
     At the completion of the mowing operation, the operator may reverse the steps identified above to return the grip portion  202  of the handle  200  to the elevated position (see  FIG. 7 ) and the control levers  110  to the inoperative position of  FIG. 1 , thereby configuring the handle to assist with stepping down from the mower after the engine  104  is turned off. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may thus provide a handle to assist an operator with climbing aboard a ground maintenance vehicle such as a ZTR mower. Handles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may also be reconfigurable to a stowed position when not in use. 
     Illustrative embodiments of this invention are described and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this invention. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below, and equivalents thereof.