Patent Description:
Currently available riding lawn mowers, garden tractors, and the like permit the use of mounted implements, whether on the front or the rear of the lawn maintenance vehicle. When using such implements, many known fastening methods include the use of threaded fasteners and/or require separate hand tools for attachment. This can require additional time and effort to attach implements to the lawn maintenance vehicle.

Therefore, a need exists for an implement attachment system that does not require hand tools and reduces the amount of time needed to attach an implement to the lawn maintenance vehicle. Further information on the state of the art can be obtained from: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an implement attachment system for a lawn maintenance vehicle as defined in claim <NUM>.

The foregoing and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure 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 disclosure. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

Turning to <FIG>, an implement attachment system <NUM> for a lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> is shown. In the shown example, the implement attachment system <NUM> can be described as a "fast attach apparatus," as it eliminates the use of tools (e.g., hand tools such as screwdrivers, ratchet sets, wrenches, etc.) for operations such as attaching an implement to a lawn maintenance vehicle. Examples of a lawn maintenance vehicle include, but are not limited to, a riding mower, lawn tractor, or other utility vehicle. Any number of implements can be attached to the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> including, but not limited to, a cargo carrier, a spreader, a sprayer, a grass bagger, etc. Many of these implements are relatively light, and can be lifted by an operator to attach the implement to the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. In other examples, the implement may remain on the turf and be attached to the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> after the lawn maintenance vehicle drives to a close proximity to the implement.

The implement attachment system <NUM> includes a box-like structure <NUM>. The box-like structure <NUM> can be constructed of relatively rigid materials in order to withstand the demands of operation with a lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. The box-like structure <NUM> defines a hook <NUM> configured to cooperate with fasteners <NUM> located on the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM> can be generally cylindrical, but may also benefit from having a bolt-like formation with a bolt head <NUM> that is spaced from a surface <NUM> of the associated frame <NUM> located on the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>.

The implement attachment system <NUM> further includes a pin <NUM> that is attached to the box-like structure <NUM>. The pin <NUM> extends generally downward from the box-like structure <NUM> and is configured to cooperate with an aperture <NUM> defined by a portion <NUM> of the associated frame <NUM> located on the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> can be the "hitch hole" of the frame <NUM> located along the longitudinal centerline of the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can include a beveled end <NUM> that can ease the insertion process of the pin <NUM> into the aperture <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can also include a top <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) having a wider diameter than the aperture <NUM> such that it acts as a stop for the box-like structure <NUM> as it is attached to the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> to prevent further downward motion relative to the frame <NUM>.

The implement attachment system <NUM> still further includes a resilient force member <NUM> which can be, among other things, a coil spring. The resilient force member <NUM> is attached to the box-like structure <NUM> and to a latch rod <NUM>. The latch rod <NUM> can be termed an engagement structure and is attached to the resilient force member <NUM>. Additionally, the latch rod <NUM> is slidingly attached to the box-like structure <NUM>. With this construction, the latch rod <NUM> is urged toward an engaged position that will be further described below. The force to urge the latch rod <NUM> into the engaged position is provided by the resilient force member <NUM> (e.g., coil spring) and force provided by an operator moves the resilient force member <NUM> away from the engaged position toward a disengaged position.

In one example, the latch rod <NUM> includes a forked end <NUM>, that is configured to cooperate with the fasteners <NUM> to help secure the implement attachment system <NUM> to the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM>. The latch rod <NUM> is not secured in a rotational direction and is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). As such, the latch rod <NUM> can be freely rotated by an operator in particular positions along the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In another example, the latch rod <NUM> includes a curved handle <NUM> configured to both provide a ready handle for an operator and maintain the latch rod <NUM> in a disengaged position against a force supplied by the resilient force member <NUM> when in a first rotated position as shown in <FIG>. In other words, the latch rod <NUM> is maintained in the disengaged position in <FIG>, because the curved handle <NUM> is prevented from being urged toward the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> by the curved handle <NUM> being in contact with a rear side <NUM> of the box-like structure <NUM>.

A series of steps to attach the implement attachment system <NUM> will now be described. With the latch rod <NUM> maintained in the disengaged position in as described above and as shown in <FIG>, the operator moves to the first step as shown in <FIG>. The right rear tire of the lawn maintenance vehicle <NUM> has been removed in <FIG> for clarity. The operator moves the box-like structure <NUM> to a position where the pin <NUM> is in close proximity to the aperture <NUM> (e.g., the hitch hole). It may be helpful to tilt the box-like structure a bit toward the rear as shown in <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, the detail view of the pin <NUM> entering the aperture <NUM> is shown. The pin <NUM> interaction with the aperture <NUM> can be used as a point of rotation for the second step.

Turning to <FIG>, the box-like structure <NUM> can be rotated in the direction of arrow <NUM> in order to place the hooks <NUM> over the fasteners <NUM> as the second step. Note the latch rod <NUM> remains in the disengaged position. <FIG> shows the pin <NUM> now perpendicular to the axis of the aperture <NUM> and is in position to translate into greater engagement with the aperture <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the third step of the attachment process is the box-like structure <NUM> translating downward in the direction of arrow <NUM> (i.e., toward the ground). The fasteners <NUM> are fully engaged with the hooks <NUM>, and note that in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> is now fully engaged with the aperture <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the fourth step of the attachment process is shown. The operator can pull slightly rearward on the curved handle <NUM> to act against the resilient force member <NUM>. Then, the operator rotates the curved handle <NUM> such that the curved handle <NUM> is no longer in physical interference with the rear side <NUM> of the box-like structure <NUM>. In this way, the curved handle <NUM> is configured to release the latch rod <NUM> to an engaged position when in this second rotated position as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> clearly shows the curved handle <NUM> out of the first rotated position that holds the latch rod <NUM> in the disengaged position.

Turning to <FIG>, the fifth step of the attachment process is shown. The latch rod <NUM> has been urged to the engaged position by the resilient force member <NUM> and locks the box-like structure into attachment with the frame <NUM> to hold the implement(s) in place. Note that the interaction between the fastener <NUM> and the hook <NUM> prevents forward/backward translation. The enlarged diameter section of the pin <NUM> along with the hook <NUM>/fastener <NUM> interaction limit and/or eliminate downward translation. Lastly, rotation about an axis of the fastener <NUM> is limited and/or eliminated by the pin <NUM>/aperture <NUM> interaction.

Turning to <FIG>, we can see that the forked end <NUM> of the latch rod <NUM> encloses the fastener <NUM> within the hook <NUM> space and limits and/or eliminates relative motion between the box-like structure <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, particularly upward translational motion.

<FIG> show the implement attachment system <NUM> in use with various implements, such as a cargo carrier in <FIG>, a sprayer in <FIG>, and a spreader in <FIG>. Of course, other implements are also contemplated. Additionally, some of the implements can be used in combination with one another.

Turning to <FIG>, structure for a fast attach apparatus or implement attachment system <NUM> for a front-end of a lawn maintenance vehicle (not shown) will be described. In one example, at least two attachment clips <NUM> are located on alternate sides of the longitudinal centerline of the lawn maintenance vehicle proximate to a front end of the lawn maintenance vehicle. Each clip <NUM> is fastened to a portion of the lawn maintenance vehicle. The attachment points can be on the frame of the lawn maintenance vehicle. In one example, each clip <NUM> can define a cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may face forward and be configured to cooperatively interact with a portion of an implement (best seen in <FIG>).

Returning to <FIG>, the clip <NUM> can include a flat bracket <NUM> that is connected to the frame of the lawn maintenance vehicle. In one example, the flat bracket <NUM> is attached with threaded fasteners <NUM> as shown. In another example, the flat bracket <NUM> can be welded to the frame for a more permanent attachment method. Any suitable attachment method is contemplated.

The clip <NUM> can further include a receiver bracket <NUM> such that the flat bracket <NUM> and the receiver bracket form the cavity <NUM> that is previously described. The receiver bracket <NUM> can be attached to the flat bracket by threaded fasteners <NUM> as shown. Other attachment methods are also acceptable. The receiver bracket <NUM> defines at least one aperture <NUM>, wherein the aperture <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is configured to pass through the aperture <NUM> and through a portion of the implement to secure the associated implement to the lawn maintenance vehicle. In many cases, the pin <NUM> is inserted and removed without an associated hand tool.

In at least one example, the pin <NUM> can be translatably attachable to the implement or the clip <NUM>. The operator can then move the pin <NUM> or pins and removably attach the implement to the lawn maintenance vehicle. The pin <NUM> can be a clevis pin, or any other suitable pin. The pin <NUM> may be a spring-located pin that is urged out of the way by an operator, the implement is put in place, and then the operator releases the pin to have it move back into a position that constitutes a locked position for the implement.

Turning to <FIG>, in another example, the clips <NUM> are attached to a bumper <NUM> rather than the frame of the lawn maintenance vehicle, and the bumper <NUM> may be removably attached to the lawn maintenance vehicle.

Turning to <FIG>, the clips <NUM> are again shown attached to the bumper <NUM> and a brush guard implement <NUM> is shown in preparation for attachment to the clips <NUM>. The brush guard implement <NUM> is moved into place in the direction of arrows <NUM>. As noted previously, the cavity <NUM> faces forward and is configured to cooperatively interact with a portion <NUM> of the brush guard implement <NUM>. The portion <NUM> is configured to be the same general shape and size, albeit slightly smaller, than the cavity <NUM> to encourage a relatively snug fit between the clips <NUM> and the implement.

Turning to <FIG>, the brush guard implement <NUM> is now in full engagement with the clips <NUM> and the pin <NUM> to lock the implement in place.

Any number of suitable implements can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure including, but not limited to, a tractor lift, a brush guard, de-thatcher, snow plow, etc. Additionally, the implement may be placed proximate to the front end of the lawn maintenance vehicle prior to attachment.

The implement attachment system includes one of a post or an aperture located on the plate. The post or aperture interacts with the opposite structure (post or aperture) located on the lawn maintenance vehicle.

In another example, the implement attachment system <NUM> for a lawn maintenance includes a lifting device that attaches to the implement attachment system <NUM> and is configured to raise the front end of the lawn maintenance vehicle to ease underbody work on the lawn maintenance vehicle.

The described implement attachment system (fast attach apparatus) can provide several benefits. The structure can provide a convenient, quick, and inexpensive way to attach implements to a lawn maintenance vehicle without the use of separate hand tools such as screwdrivers, ratchet sets, wrenches, etc. The structure described can also provide a relatively strong connection between an implement and the lawn maintenance vehicle in comparison to other attachment methods and structures.

Claim 1:
An implement attachment system (<NUM>) for a lawn maintenance vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
an implement mounting structure (<NUM>), wherein the implement mounting structure is box-like and defines a hook (<NUM>) configured to cooperate with fasteners (<NUM>) located on the lawn maintenance vehicle;
a pin (<NUM>), wherein the pin is attached to the implement mounting structure and the pin extends in a downward direction from the implement mounting structure, the pin is configured to cooperate with an aperture (<NUM>) defined by a portion of an associated frame (<NUM>) located on the lawn maintenance vehicle;
a resilient force member (<NUM>), wherein the resilient force member is attached to the implement mounting structure; and
a latch rod (<NUM>), wherein the latch rod is attached to the resilient force member and the latch rod is slidingly attached to the implement mounting structure;
wherein the latch rod (<NUM>) includes a curved handle (<NUM>), the curved handle is configured to maintain the latch rod in a disengaged position against a force supplied by the resilient force member (<NUM>) when the curved handle is in a first rotated position, and
wherein the curved handle (<NUM>) is configured to release the latch rod to an engaged position when the curved handle is in a second rotated position,
characterized by the curved handle (<NUM>) being in contact with a rear side (<NUM>) of the box-like implement mounting structure (<NUM>), when the curved handle is in the first rotated position, to maintain the latch rod in the disengaged position by preventing the curved handle (<NUM>) from being urged toward the lawn maintenance vehicle (<NUM>).