Abstract:
A leaf rake for mounting to the chassis of a conventional lawn tractor. Frame kits for attaching the leaf rake to either the front or rear of the tractor for various manufacturers. The lawn tractor may be equipped with hydraulic systems for raising or lowering the leaf rake unit. A spring loaded locking hinge mechanism allows the unit to be raised. Designed leaf raking tines and a forward sweeping leaf rake collect the leaves and allow them to be piled up for disposal.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to lawn equipment and, more particularly, to a rake attachment for a riding lawn mower. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Of the many seasonal chores that people perform, the annual raking and disposal of fallen tree leaves is among the most popular and also the most despised. In performing this task, one is required to cover what is often a large area with a rake, collecting the leaves into piles for the disposal thereof. Both physically exerting and time consuming, this process can take several hours, leaving one extremely tired and worn-out. A solution to this task, just starting to find widespread use, is the leaf blower or leaf vacuum. This mechanism, while easier than raking, still requires much time to use, and in addition requires the user to stand for the entire duration. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which one can gather leaves into a pile in a quick and effective manner while the user sits down in a comfortable state. 
     In the related art, there exists some patents for leaf raking devices for attachment to a riding lawn mower as in the instant invention. However, none of them incorporate the forward sweeping side panels for collecting and directing the leaves or the novel leaf raking tines presented here. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 5,431,001 
                 Lange 
                 Jul. 11, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 2,898,724 
                 Robinson 
                 Aug. 11, 1959 
               
               
                   
                 5,123,236 
                 Bablitz 
                 Jun. 23, 1992 
               
               
                   
                 3,964,243 
                 Knipe 
                 June 22, 1976 
               
               
                   
                 4,987,731 
                 Cianciulli et al. 
                 Jan. 29, 1991 
               
               
                   
                 4,715,173 
                 Anderson 
                 Dec. 29, 1987 
               
               
                   
                 4,322,936 
                 Whitney 
                 Apr. 6, 1982 
               
               
                   
                 4,312,095 
                 Mullins 
                 Jan. 26, 1982 
               
               
                   
                 3,438,183 
                 Paretic 
                 Nov. 25, 1966 
               
               
                   
                 4,578,938 
                 Genesco 
                 Mar. 25, 1986 
               
               
                   
                 4,409,781 
                 Blackstone 
                 Oct. 18, 1983 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Consequently, the development of present invention fulfills these cited needs in a manner not otherwise addressed in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus to allows for quick clean up of fallen leaves. 
     It is another object of the present invention to allows a user to sit on a riding mower in relative comfort. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a U-shaped leaf rake to gather leaves. 
     It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide attachment arms to attach the leaf rake in a similar manner to that of snow plows. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to provide a raising mechanism that allows the leaf rake to be raised while backing up or leveling leaf pile. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, the Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, as its name implies, is an apparatus that attaches to the front of a riding lawn mower to aid in the gathering of fallen leaves from lawns, drives, and other similar surfaces. The invention is “U” shaped and is approximately 48 inches wide and 30 inches tall, with the lowest four inches comprising raking tines to gather leaves. The invention attaches to the riding mower by the use of two arms in a manner similar to that which a small snow plow would attach. A mechanism for raising the Riding Lawn Mower Leaf rake is provided as well. The invention functions by pushing leaves into a central pile in much the same manner as a conventional snow plow functions. With the use of the Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, a homeowner or gardener can keep a yard free of leaves in a quick, effortless manner, while sifting on a riding mower in relative comfort. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake installed on a conventional riding lawn mower, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded side perspective view of Riding Lawn Mower Leaf rake ready for installation on a conventional riding lawn mower, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 a  is a side view of one of the plurality of tines attached to the tine bar from a Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake; according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 b  is a side view of one of the plurality of tines attached via a quick release clip to the tine bar from a Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake; according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 7 c  is a side view of one of the plurality of tines snapped on to the tine bar from a Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake; according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                  5 
                 Lawn Tractor 
                 22b 
                 Tine 
               
               
                  6 
                 Hydraulic Cylinder 
                 22c 
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 10 
                 Riding Lawn Mower Leaf 
                 22d 
                 Attachment Means 
               
               
                   
                 Rake 
                 30 
                 Frame 
               
               
                 20 
                 Leaf Rake 
                 30a 
                 Right Frame Member 
               
               
                 20a 
                 Left Panel 
                 30b 
                 Middle Frame Member 
               
               
                 20b 
                 Center Panel 
                 30c 
                 Left Frame Member 
               
               
                 20c 
                 Right Sidewall 
                 40 
                 Frame Adapter 
               
               
                 20d 
                 Aperture 
                 40a 
                 Frame Plate 
               
               
                 20e 
                 Aperture 
                 40b 
                 Locking Hinge 
               
               
                 20f 
                 Cavity 
                 40c 
                 Rake Base Plate 
               
               
                 21 
                 Wheel Carriage 
                 40d 
                 Slot 
               
               
                 21a 
                 Wheel 
                 40e 
                 Aperture 
               
               
                 21b 
                 First Axle 
                 40f 
                 Locking Pin 
               
               
                 21c 
                 Second Axle 
                 40g 
                 Washer 
               
               
                 22 
                 Tine Assembly 
                 40h 
                 Locking Pin 
               
               
                 22a 
                 Tine Bar 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake  10  is shown, according to the present invention, for installation on a conventional riding lawn tractor  5 . For purposes of disclosure, only one means of attachment to lawn tractor  5  is shown for attachment to the front end via a frame assembly  30 . There may be other means for attachment according to the make and model of lawn tractor. The Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake  10  may also be attached to the rear of the lawn tractor  10  with appropriate attachment means. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the lawn tractor  5  is equipped with hydraulics on the front end as is customary for lawn tractors where a snow blade or grading blade may be attached. Typically, a hydraulic cylinder located underneath the tractor hood on both the right and left side is used to raise and lower the blade from ground level to about the level of the top of the hood. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a frame assembly to which the blade assembly is attached. The frame assembly is pivotally mounted on the tractor chassis. The extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder arms drive the frame assembly upward or downward. The hydraulic cylinders are fed by a hydraulic pump powered by a take-off from the tractor engine. A set of levers mounted near the driver give the driver control over the hydraulic cylinders and hence the height of the implement mounted on the frame assembly. The present invention would be mounted on the frame assembly as a snow plow or grading blade would typically be mounted. Other tractors may not have such an arrangement so another type frame assembly would be provided to mount the raking implement directly on the chassis. The design of the frame assembly would necessarily have to be made for the various lawn tractor manufacturers. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, shown is an exploded perspective view of a Riding lawn mower leaf rake  10 , showing the detail of how leaf rake  20  is connected to frame  30  via frame adapter  40 . As previously discussed, this is one means whereby leaf rake  20  may be connected to a lawn tractor  20 . The means would vary by lawn tractor manufacturer. The example given is adapted to attach to the frame commonly used for snow plow blades and grading blades on conventional lawn tractors. Adapter  40  is of a three piece steel construction consisting of frame plate  40   a,  locking hinge  40   b,  and rake base plate  40   c.  Frame plate  40   a  has a slot  40   d  milled along its rear edge along its entire width. The front edge of frame plate  40   a  is butt welded to one side of hinge  40   b.  The other side of hinge  40   b  is butt welded to rake base plate  40   c.  Slot  40   d  is designed to slide over middle frame member  30   b  of frame assembly  30 . Frame plate  40   a  is then secured to middle frame member  30   b  via a pair of pins  40   f  inserted into a pair of apertures  40   e  drilled in frame plate  40   a  and  30   d  in middle frame member  30   b.  Hinge  40   b  allows rake base plate  40   c  to rotate upward or downward relative to frame plate  40   a.  Hinge  40   b  is specially designed to allow this rotation upon release of a lever or button  40   k  and then lock it into the newly rotated position. The design of the locking and release mechanism is not important for this disclosure. A pair of threaded apertures  40   i  receive a pair of steel bolts  40   j  which hold leaf rake  20  securely to the front surface of rake base plate  40   c.    
     FIG. 3 shows a front view of leaf rake  20  with all the sub-components assembled thereon. Leaf rake  20  is of a three panel construction where the panels are cut from sturdy steel plating. The overall dimensions of leaf rake  20  will vary for the different sizes of lawn tractors. A typical set of dimensions would be 48″ inches wide and 30″ high. Leaf rake  20  is comprised of a left panel  20   a,  center panel  20   b,  and a right panel  20   c.  Leaf rake  20  is assembled so that left panel  20   a  and right panel  20   c  are swept forward in relation to center panel  20   b  to form a “U” shape. The angle of sweep will be determined upon further design and testing. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, left panel  20   a  and right panel  20   c  are butt welded to center panel  20   b.  Located along the bottom edge of leaf rake  20  is tine bar assembly  22  comprised of tine bar  22  for providing support to a plurality of downwardly pointing tines  22   b.  Tine bar  22   a  is a flat strip of steel with a plurality of apertures  22   c  along its length for securing tines  22   b.  A plurality of apertures  20   d  located along the bottom edge of leaf rake  20  are also provided for securing tine bar  22  to the bottom edge of leaf rake  20 . A plurality of bolts  20   d  and nuts  20   e  are used to secure tine bar  22  to the bottom edge of leaf rake  20  via a plurality apertures  20   d  and  22   c  drilled and aligned to match their counterpart on tine bar  22  and leaf rake  20 . Tine bar  22  is not designed to encompass the entire width of leaf rake  20 . This is so that a recess is left just to the right and left of tine bar  22 . This recess is to allow a wheel carriage  21  to be inserted into a cavity  20   f  located in the bottom corner of left panel  20   a  and right panel  20   c.  Wheel carriage  21  functions to support leaf rake  20  as it moves over the ground preventing tines  22   b  from touching and digging in to the earth. Wheel carriage  21  is comprised of triangular shaped body  21   a  with a shaft  21   b  protruding upwardly from the center of Its upper surface. A pair of axles  21   d  extend sidewardly from triangular shaped body  21   a  for receiving a wheel  21   b.  Shaft  21   c  is inserted and locked into cavity  20   f  of leaf rake  20 . The locking means is not important for this disclosure as well as the means where wheel  21   b  is secured to axle  21   d.  Wheel carriage is free to pivot about shaft  21   c  so that as leaf rake  20  is moved over the ground, the wheel carriage is free to pivot and still support leaf rake  20  as it moves through turns and deviations in the surface grade. 
     FIG. 5 shows the now completed assembly mounted on the front of a lawn tractor  5  via frame assembly  30  and frame adapter  40 . Wheel carriage  21  is shown supporting leaf rake  20  on the ground. Deviations in the grade will cause wheel carriage  21  to lift leaf rake  20  with the deviations in grade. To also accommodate the deviations in grade, locking hinge  40  is also designed to allow rake base plate  40   c  to rotate about frame plate  40 . To allow for this slight rotation yet keep leaf rake  20  in the proper position, it is envisioned that locking hinge  40  would be designed with a coil spring biased counterclockwise to allow a slight clockwise rotation yet force rake base plate  20   c  back to the prior position and hence leaf rake  20  on the ground. FIG. 5 also shows the contemplated installation of the Riding Lawn Mower Leaf Rake  10 . As previously discussed, frame assembly  30  is most cases can be pivotally mounted on the chassis of lawn tractor  5  with the hydraulic cylinder  6  pivotally connected to right frame member  30   a  and left frame member  30   c.  In this fashion, the lawn tractor operator can raise or lower leaf rake  20  via levers mounted near the operator panel in situations such as backing or pushing leaves into a pile. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of how leaf rake  20  is mounted onto frame assembly  30 . Slot  40   d  is slide onto middle frame member  30   b  and secured thereto via a pair of pins  40   f,  a washer  40   g,  and locking pin  40   h.  In this fashion, leaf rake  20  can quickly and easily be mounted or removed. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view showing the attachment of one of a plurality of tines  22   b  to tine bar  22   a.  Tine  22   b  is shaped as shown so that it will go underneath the leaf as leaf rake  20  traverses over the ground. The free end of tine  22   b  is actually lower than the pointed end so the pointed end acts as a leaf catcher and forces leaves upward as it moves over the ground. Tine  22   b  is made from spring steel so that it may flex up and down and back and forth as required. Tine  22   b  can be connected to tine bar  22   a  as shown with a nut and bolt as shown or 
     another other suitable means such as quick release clips, snap on, or machine screws threaded adapted for use with said aperture. Whatever the arrangement, each one of the plurality of tines  22   b  must be easily removed for replacement as required. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the present invention, one mounts it on the front of a conventional lawn tractor much like a snow plow or grading blade. The universal style leaf rake may be adapted to mount on a lawn tractor with or without conventional hydraulics. In either case, a kit is provided to mount the leaf rake assembly to the chassis of the lawn tractor. Optionally, kits will be made available to mount it on the rear of the lawn tractor. 
     Once assembled, the height and angle of the leaf rake is adjusted via a special hinge mechanism. Units mounted on tractors with hydraulic lifters can be adjusted after the tractor is in motion. In either case, it is desirable to have the leaf rake resting gently on the wheel carriage assemblies mounted on the bottom edge of the unit. Once in place, the tractor operator can proceed to rake leaves from a lawn by placing the tractor in either first or second gear. Excessive speed can damage the wheel carriages or the raking tines. It is most desirable to rake leaves by proceeding in rows and overlapping the previous row by about six inches. The sweeping tines and the forward sweep of the right and left panels force the leaves forward into a pile. Using this overlapping sweeping motion, an entire lawn can be cleared of leaves quickly and effortlessly. 
     In some cases it may be necessary to raise the unit slightly, especially where uneven terrain is expected. The spring loaded hinge mechanism can compensate for slight deviations in surface grade. The unit may be raised also by releasing the locking mechanism on the hinge assembly and lifting the unit. Releasing the locking mechanism lever will now lock the unit in place. The unit may be raised via the tractors hydraulics if so equipped. 
     The specially designed tines on the unit require no maintenance except for periodic individual replacement when breakage occurs. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.