Patent Description:
Lawnmowers are generally utilized to maintain the appearance of grass in a yard. Lawnmowers typically include one or more cutting implements which rotate to trim the grass. Different types of lawnmowers include push lawnmowers, self-propelled lawnmowers, and riding lawnmowers. Riding lawnmowers allow the operator to ride the lawnmower without having to push or walk behind the lawnmower. Some riding lawnmowers include seats upon which the operator can sit when using the lawnmower.

In certain instances, the seat of the lawnmower may be disposed over one or more areas of the lawnmower which require access. For example, the seat may be disposed over a battery of the lawnmower, a motor of the lawnmower, an engine of the lawnmower, circuits or electronics of the lawnmower, or the like. Access to this area may be desirable.

<CIT> refers to a motor vehicle seat having a support that includes upper guide rails and corresponding lower rails. A rocker lever assures the unlocking of the upper guide rails in relation to the corresponding lower rails to produce a relative displacement of upper rails in relation to lower rails. A base for holding the seat braces the upper rails. Each lower rail is provided with a front fork and a rear fork. The rear forks are provided with a catch and having a mouth opening facing the downward direction. The front forks having a catch and a mouth opening facing in the forward direction. A mounting floor for the seat has holes for receiving fastening rods that are rigidly fastened to the floor. The transverse separation of rods and their longitudinal offset is in correspondence with those of front forks and rear forks to connect the seat to the floor. By opening the catches removal of the seat from the floor is possible.

<CIT> refers to a removable seat that is lockingly secured to a floor of an automobile. Fixedly mounted on the bottom side of the seat are a pair of seat slide devices, each comprising a stationary lower rail and a movable upper rail slidably fitted in the lower rail. The upper rail being fixed on bottom wall of a seat cushion frame. Claw brackets and latch devices are each fixedly attached to depend from the bottom side of each of the two lower rails. A pair of forward strikers and a pair of backward strikers are provided in the floor. The two claw brackets are engageable over the respective two forward strikers and the two latch devices are latchingly engageable over the respective two backward strikers. The two claw brackets have an inclined forward opening for receiving one of the forward strikers. The latch devices have a downward extending V-shaped opening for receiving the respective backward strikers. The latch devices are provided with an openable hook like latch to fix it to the respective striker. The strikers are located in respective recessed areas in the floor.

<CIT> refers to a seat having a seat body that comprises two parallel longitudinal runners. Each runner has first rails and corresponding second rails. The second rails are provided with front links and a hook and a latch at the rear, respectively. The front links and have a forward facing opening to receive the corresponding rod located in the floor. The retractable latch engages a recess in the floor while the hook engages a slot in the floor.

<CIT> refers to a riding type mower according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. The mower has a vehicle body and a driver's seat. The driver's seat is arranged on an upper cover that is pivotable about an axis. The driver's seat is supported by the upper cover and is positionable and adjustable forward and backward.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved riding lawnmower. In particular, lawnmowers with a seat, which is removable to provide easy access to one or more storage areas of the lawnmower would be advantageous.

Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

The object of the present invention is solved by a riding lawnmower according to claim <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment, the riding lawnmower includes a frame; a walking element coupled to the frame to move the lawnmower relative to an underlying ground surface; and a seat selectively coupled to the frame, the seat comprising: one or more rails; a lower support adjustably coupled to the one or more rails; a backrest coupled to the lower support; and a latch coupled to the lower support through at least one of the one or more rails, the latch being selectively engageable with the frame to maintain the seat in a riding position, wherein the seat is removable from the frame by rotating the seat about a horizontal axis.

In accordance with another embodiment, the seat includes a one or more rails; a lower support adjustably coupled to the one or more rails; a backrest coupled to the lower support; and a latch coupled to the lower support through at least one of the one or more rails, the latch being selectively engageable with a frame of the lawnmower to maintain the seat in a riding position, wherein the seat is configured to be removable from the frame by rotating the seat about a horizontal axis.

A method of removing a seat from a lawnmower includes rotating the seat about an axis until the seat reaches a first threshold; upon reaching the first threshold, translating the seat in a first direction to reach a second threshold; and upon reaching the second threshold, translating the seat in a second direction angularly offset from the first direction.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or.

Terms of approximation, such as "about," "generally," "approximately," or "substantially," include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments.

In general, lawnmowers and seats for lawnmowers in accordance with embodiments described herein may allow an operator to quickly and easily remove the seat, e.g., to allow access to an underlying area of the lawnmower. In an embodiment, the seat may be rotatable about an axis between an in-use position and a first threshold position. The seat can then be translated in a first direction to reach a second threshold position. Upon reaching the second threshold position, the seat can be translated in a second direction angularly offset from the first direction to allow for removal of the seat from the lawnmower. In accordance with embodiments described herein, the operator can remove the seat without the use of tools and without moving, e.g., activating, any portion of the lawnmower other than the seat.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary lawnmower <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lawnmower <NUM> can generally include a frame <NUM> defining a supporting structure of the lawnmower <NUM>. A walking element <NUM>, such as one or more wheels, treads, or the like can be coupled to the frame <NUM>. The walking element <NUM> can permit movement of the lawnmower <NUM> relative to an underlying ground surface. A steering element <NUM> can be operatively coupled to the walking element <NUM> to allow selective redirection of the lawnmower <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the steering element <NUM> can include a steering wheel, a joystick, one or more lap bars, or the like. A mowing deck <NUM> can be supported by the frame <NUM> and house one or more cutting implements, such as one or more rotatable blades, which can cut grass and debris located at the underlying surface. The mowing deck <NUM> can be in fluid communication with a discharge chute <NUM> which can direct discharge from the mowing deck <NUM> to a side of the lawnmower <NUM>. While not illustrated, the lawnmower <NUM> can further include one or more motive devices, such as, e.g., one or more electric motors, one or more gas powered engines or a combination thereof, to drive either one or both of the walking element <NUM> and the one or more cutting implements. By way of non-limiting example, the motive device(s), or an energy source thereof (e.g., an electric battery or gas tank), can be disposed below a seat <NUM> of the lawnmower <NUM>.

The seat <NUM> can generally include a lower support <NUM> upon which the rider can sit when riding the lawnmower <NUM>, and a backrest <NUM> coupled to the lower support <NUM>. In certain instances, the backrest <NUM> can be statically coupled to the lower support <NUM>. In other instances, the backrest <NUM> can be dynamically coupled to the lower support <NUM> such that the backrest <NUM> is movable, e.g., rotatable or translatable, with respect to the lower support <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the seat <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The lower support <NUM> and backrest <NUM> of the seat <NUM> depicted in <FIG> are statically coupled together. The lower support <NUM> or backrest <NUM> can be coupled to one or more rails <NUM>. The rail(s) <NUM> can include, for example, one rail, two rails, three rails, four rails, or the like. In an embodiment, the rail(s) <NUM> can extend in a direction parallel, or generally parallel, with a length dimension of the lawnmower <NUM>.

The rail(s) <NUM> can allow the seat <NUM> to be adjusted relative to the frame <NUM> of the lawnmower <NUM>. For example, a distance between the seat <NUM> and the steering element <NUM> can be adjustable to fit riders of various sizes. By way of non-limiting example, the rail(s) <NUM> can include a first portion <NUM> coupled to the lower support <NUM> or backrest <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> moveable relative to the first portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be infinitely adjustable between two adjustment end points. Infinite adjustment may refer to instances where there are no preset stops or locked positions and instead the operator can adjust and lock the seat at any location between two end points of maximum travel. In another embodiment, the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjustable between a plurality of predetermined stop positions. To adjust the seat <NUM>, the operator can actuate an actuatable member <NUM>, such as a lever, to allow the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the rail(s) <NUM> to move relative to one another. Once reaching the desired location, the operator can release the actuatable member <NUM> to lock the first and second portions <NUM> and <NUM> together.

In an embodiment, the lower support <NUM> of the seat <NUM> can be coupled to a latch <NUM> through at least one of the rails <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the lawnmower <NUM> includes a plurality of latches <NUM>. The latches <NUM> can interact with the frame <NUM> to couple the seat <NUM> to the frame <NUM> and maintain the seat <NUM> in a riding position.

In an embodiment, the latches <NUM> can be coupled to the rails <NUM> through an intermediary member <NUM>. The intermediary member <NUM> can extend between and couple the rails <NUM> together. In another embodiment, the latches <NUM> can be coupled directly to the rails <NUM>.

The latches <NUM> can be aligned with one another in a lateral direction. For example, the latches may be similarly arranged with respect to one another relative to an axis <NUM>. As described below, the seat <NUM> can be removed from the lawnmower <NUM> by rotating the seat <NUM> forward about the axis <NUM>. Alignment of the latches <NUM> relative to the axis <NUM> facilitates rotation and removal of the seat <NUM>.

The latches <NUM> can be coupled to the frame <NUM> through one or more latch engagement mechanisms <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, each latch <NUM> is interfaced with a discrete latch engagement mechanism <NUM>. In another embodiment, at least two of the latches <NUM> can interface with a common latch engagement mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the latch engagement mechanism <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The depicted latch engagement mechanism <NUM> generally includes a first sidewall <NUM>, a second sidewall <NUM>, and a third sidewall <NUM>. In certain instances, the first, second and third sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can be formed from a continuous piece of material. The first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled to the frame <NUM>. For example, the first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> can be welded to the frame <NUM>, adhered to the frame <NUM> using adhesive, fastened to the frame <NUM> using one or more threaded or non-threaded fasteners (not illustrated), or the like. The third sidewall <NUM> can extend between the first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> at a rear location of the latch engagement mechanism <NUM>. The first, second and third sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can together define a receiving area <NUM> in which the latch <NUM> can be received. As described in greater detail below, the third sidewall <NUM> can define a stop which prevents the latch <NUM> (<FIG>) from translating out of the receiving area <NUM> in at least a rearward direction when the seat <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM>.

The latch engagement mechanism <NUM> can further include a stud <NUM> which interfaces with the latch <NUM> to couple the seat <NUM> to the frame <NUM> of the lawnmower <NUM>. The stud <NUM> can extend from at least one of the first or second sidewalls <NUM> or <NUM> into the receiving area <NUM> of the latch engagement mechanism <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stud <NUM> can extend between the first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> can each include an opening <NUM> through which the stud <NUM> passes. In this regard, the stud <NUM> can be supported by the first and second sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>. The stud <NUM> can form the axis <NUM> about which the seat <NUM> rotates to move between the in-use, riding position and the disengageable position.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the latch <NUM> interfaced with the latch engagement mechanism <NUM> as seen along Line A-A in <FIG> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As depicted, the latch <NUM> can define a stud receiving area <NUM> that receives the stud <NUM> to selectively couple the latch <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. In the in-use, riding position, the latch <NUM> can surround at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>. The amount of the circumference of the stud <NUM> surrounded by the latch <NUM> can be defined by an angular displacement of a radial line extending from the central axis <NUM> (<FIG>) which intersects the latch <NUM>. In an embodiment, in the in-use, riding position the stud <NUM> can contact the latch <NUM> at over at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as over at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud <NUM>, such as over at least <NUM>% of the circumference of the stud. Contact between the stud <NUM> and the latch <NUM> can be less than an amount of the circumference of the stud <NUM> surrounded by the latch <NUM>.

The stud receiving area <NUM> can be in open communication with an external environment via an opening <NUM> through which the stud <NUM> passes to enter the stud receiving area <NUM>. The stud receiving area <NUM> can define a height H and a length L. In an embodiment, a diameter D of the stud <NUM> can be in a range between and including <NUM> and <NUM>, such as in a range between and including <NUM> and <NUM>, such as in a range between and including <NUM> and <NUM>. In a more particular embodiment, the height H of the stud receiving area <NUM> can be approximately equal to the diameter D of the stud <NUM>. In this regard, the stud <NUM> can form a close fit with the stud receiving area <NUM> in the vertical direction when the seat <NUM> is in the riding position. Close fit between the stud <NUM> and stud receiving area <NUM> in the vertical direction can prevent the seat <NUM> from wobbling relative to the frame <NUM> when the lawnmower <NUM> encounters uneven, bumpy terrain. Use of a plurality of latches <NUM> and associated latch engagement mechanisms <NUM> spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction of the lawnmower <NUM> can prevent lateral roll of the seat <NUM> upon encountering uneven, bumpy terrain.

In an embodiment, the diameter D of the stud <NUM> can be less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>, such as less than <NUM>. In this regard, the stud <NUM> can translate relative to the latch engagement mechanism <NUM> in the length direction L of the stud receiving area <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, the stud <NUM> is at an engaged location with respect to the stud receiving area <NUM> as seen when the seat <NUM> is in the in-use, riding position. Translating the stud <NUM> forward within the stud receiving area <NUM> allows the stud <NUM> to be released from the stud receiving area <NUM>. However, as previously described, the third sidewall <NUM> can form a stop which prevents the latch <NUM> from translating rearwardly relative to the stud <NUM>. In this regard, the stud <NUM> is not releasable from the stud receiving area <NUM> when the seat <NUM> is in the in-use riding position. To move the seat <NUM> to a position where the stud <NUM> can pass through the opening <NUM> to exit the stud receiving area <NUM>, the seat <NUM> must be rotationally displaced in direction R<NUM> until a rear finger <NUM> of the latch <NUM> can clear the third sidewall <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the latch <NUM> rotationally displaced relative to the stud <NUM> about the axis <NUM>. Unlike in the position depicted in <FIG>, at the rotationally displaced position depicted in <FIG>, the rear finger <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is positioned such that translation of the latch <NUM> in a first direction D<NUM> is possible without being stopped by the third sidewall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rear finger <NUM> of the latch <NUM> can be curved to prevent the latch <NUM> from snagging against the third sidewall <NUM> in the rotated state when translated in the first direction D<NUM>. In an embodiment, rotational displacement from the in-use, riding position illustrated in <FIG> to the rotated, translatable position illustrated in <FIG> can be at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°. In certain instances, this rotation can occur in a forward direction of the lawnmower <NUM>, i.e., rotation of the seat <NUM> from the in-use riding position can occur by rotating the seat <NUM> towards the steering element <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a view of the latch <NUM> after being translated in the first direction D<NUM> until a front finger <NUM> of the latch <NUM> reaches the stud <NUM> at which point the latch <NUM> can be translated in a second direction D<NUM> to remove the latch <NUM> from the stud receiving area <NUM> through the opening <NUM> and remove the seat <NUM> from the frame <NUM>. While the latch <NUM> is depicted as having been moved in direction D<NUM> across the entire length L of the stud receiving area <NUM>, it may not be necessary to translate the latch across the entire length L as the opening <NUM> of the stud receiving area <NUM> may be accessible to the stud <NUM> prior to the front finger <NUM> reaching the stud <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second direction D<NUM> can be perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to the first direction D<NUM>. In this regard, removal of the latch <NUM> from the stud <NUM> can include initially rotating the latch <NUM> until the latch <NUM> reaches a first threshold. Upon reaching the first threshold, the latch <NUM> can be translated in a first direction D<NUM> to reach a second threshold. Upon reaching the second threshold, the latch <NUM> can be translated in a second direction D<NUM> angularly offset from the first direction D<NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the latch <NUM> engaged with the latch engagement mechanism <NUM> in the in-use riding position in accordance with an embodiment. As depicted, the latch <NUM> can rotate in a rearward direction R<NUM> until the latch <NUM> comes to rest against the third sidewall <NUM> at a stop point <NUM>. In such a manner, the seat <NUM> may pitch backwards by an allotted angular displacement during use. In an embodiment, the allotted angular displacement in the rearward direction R<NUM> can be at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°. Angular displacement of the seat <NUM> in the rearward direction R<NUM> can permit the seat <NUM> to dampen vibrations and impacts resulting from uneven, bumpy terrain. For instance, referring to <FIG>, the seat <NUM> may be coupled to one or more dampeners <NUM>. The one or more dampeners <NUM> can be disposed at a rear position of the seat <NUM>. The one or more dampeners <NUM> can include, for example, one or more of springs, hydraulic pistons, struts, or the like. In the depicted embodiment, the dampeners <NUM> include coil springs. As the lawnmower <NUM> encounters uneven, bumpy terrain, the lawnmower <NUM> may experience sudden movements, e.g., shocks, in the vertical direction. As the lawnmower <NUM> is displaced vertically, the dampeners <NUM> can absorb force from the lawnmower <NUM> prior to the force reaching the seat <NUM> so as to dampen the seat <NUM> and improve rider experience and comfort. Such dampening may require the seat <NUM> to deflect in a direction relative to the lawnmower <NUM> about the axis <NUM>. In particular, the seat <NUM> may rotate in the rearward direction R<NUM>. To permit such rearward rotation, the latches <NUM> can be configured to rotate in the direction R<NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The seat <NUM> may also be able to rotate in the opposite direction R<NUM> (<FIG>) to accommodate sudden movement, e.g., shocks, in the vertical direction without disengaging from the frame <NUM>.

It should be understood that in one or more non-illustrated embodiments, the latch can be part of the frame and the latch engagement mechanism can be part of the seat without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a method <NUM> of removing a seat from a lawnmower. The seat can include one or more latches (e.g., latch(es) <NUM>) that interface with one or more latch engagement mechanisms (e.g., latch engagement mechanism(s) <NUM>) coupled to a frame of the lawnmower. Prior to initiating the method <NUM>, the seat may be coupled to the frame of the lawnmower.

The method <NUM> can include a step <NUM> of rotating the seat about an axis until the seat reaches a first threshold. In an embodiment, the step <NUM> of rotating the seat can include rotating the seat in a forward direction, e.g., toward a steering element of the lawnmower. The seat can be rotated by an angular displacement of at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°. In certain instances, the step <NUM> of rotating the seat can terminate prior to the seat reaching a maximum angular displacement allowable by the seat and lawnmower. That is, step <NUM> may be completed without completely rotating the seat a maximum angular displacement. In other instances, the step <NUM> of rotating the seat can terminate upon the seat reaching a rotational stop which prevents further rotation of the seat. In certain instances, termination of the step <NUM> can be indicated by a tactile response, an audible response, or upon a visual indication.

Upon rotating the seat at step <NUM> to the first threshold, the method <NUM> can further include a step <NUM> of translating the seat in a first direction to reach a second threshold. In certain instances, translation of the seat at step <NUM> can include translating the seat in a generally linear direction. As shown in <FIG>, the linear direction can be in a generally upward direction. Translation of the seat at step <NUM> may be prevented prior to the seat reaching the first threshold by one or more surfaces of a latch engagement mechanism or another surface of the lawnmower <NUM>.

Upon reaching the second threshold at step <NUM>, the method <NUM> can further include a step <NUM> of translating the seat in a second direction. The second direction can be angularly offset from the first direction. In an embodiment, this angular offset between the first and second directions can be at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°, such as at least <NUM>°. In a particular embodiment, the angular offset can be approximately <NUM>°. Upon translating in the second direction, the latch of the seat can be clear of the latch engagement mechanism such that the seat can be removed from the lawnmower. With the seat removed, previously inaccessible portions of the lawnmower can become accessible.

As described above, removal of the seat from the lawnmower can occur without the use of tools. For example, removal of traditional seats often require the removal of one or more threaded fasteners, thus necessitating the use of a screwdriver, allen wrench, or the like. Instead, removal of seats in accordance with embodiments described herein can be performed without such tools, thereby allowing the operator to quickly access under-seat locations without requiring the operator to carry tools or return to a tool storage area to obtain required tools. In this regard, removal of the seat may be performed in less than <NUM> seconds, such as less than <NUM> seconds, such as less than <NUM> seconds, such as less than <NUM> seconds, such as less than <NUM> seconds, such as less than <NUM> seconds. Reinstalling the seat on the lawnmower can similarly be performed using a reverse operation which also does not require the use of tools.

Moreover, removal of the seat may not require movement of any portion of the lawnmower other than the seat. That is, for instance, removal of the seat can be performed without activating or undoing any latches, ties, switches, or the like which lock the seat to the frame. Instead, the operator can remove the seat simply by grabbing and moving only the seat as described above. This can reduce the time required to remove the seat and access under-seat locations and prevent the need to grab dirty portions of the lawnmower which may become covered in grass clippings and debris during mowing operations.

Further aspects are provided by one or more of the following examples:.

Example <NUM>. A riding lawnmower comprising: a frame; a walking element coupled to the frame to move the lawnmower relative to an underlying ground surface; and a seat selectively coupled to the frame, the seat comprising: one or more rails; a lower support adjustably coupled to the one or more rails; a backrest coupled to the lower support; and a latch coupled to the lower support through at least one of the one or more rails, the latch being selectively engageable with the frame to maintain the seat in a riding position, wherein the seat is removable from the frame by rotating the seat about a horizontal axis.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein the frame comprises a stud configured to selectively couple the latch to the frame, and wherein the latch surrounds at least <NUM>% of a circumference of the stud when the seat is coupled to the frame.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein the latch comprises a body defining a stud receiving area and an opening into which the stud passes to enter the stud receiving area.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein the stud is configured to pass through the opening only when the seat is angularly displaced from a riding position by at least <NUM>°, angular displacement of the seat being measured about an axis of the stud.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein the lawnmower comprises a latch engagement mechanism coupled to the frame, the latch engagement mechanism comprising: a first sidewall; a second sidewall; a stop coupled between the first and second sidewalls at a rear location of the latch engagement mechanism; and a stud extending from at least one of the first and second sidewalls, the stud configured to interface with the latch to couple the seat to the lawnmower, wherein the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the stop define a receiving area configured to receive at least a portion of the latch.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein the stop prevents the latch from translating in at least a rearward direction when the seat is coupled to the frame.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein removal of the seat requires rotational displacement of the seat followed by linear translation of the seat in at least two different directions.

Example <NUM>. The riding lawnmower of example <NUM>, wherein removal of the seat does not require movement of any portion of the lawnmower other than the seat.

Example <NUM>. A seat for a lawnmower, the seat comprising: a one or more rails; a lower support adjustably coupled to the one or more rails; a backrest coupled to the lower support; and a latch coupled to the lower support through at least one of the one or more rails, the latch being selectively engageable with a frame of the lawnmower to maintain the seat in a riding position, wherein the seat is configured to be removable from the frame by rotating the seat about a horizontal axis.

Example <NUM>. The seat of example <NUM>, wherein removal of the seat from the frame requires rotational displacement of the seat followed by linear translation of the seat in at least two different directions.

Example <NUM>. The seat of example <NUM>, wherein removal of the seat does not require movement of any portion of the lawnmower other than the seat.

Example <NUM>. The seat of example <NUM>, wherein the latch comprises a plurality of latches disposed along a same axis, and wherein each of the plurality of latches is coupled to one of the one or more rails through an intermediary member.

Example <NUM>. The seat of example <NUM>, wherein the seat is configured to be removed from the frame when the seat is angularly displaced from a riding position by at least <NUM>°.

Example <NUM>. The seat of example <NUM>, wherein the seat further comprises one or more dampeners, the one or more dampeners configured to prevent shock from being transferred to the lower support when the lawnmower is disposed on an uneven, bumpy surface.

Example <NUM>. A method of removing a seat from a lawnmower, the method comprising: rotating the seat about an axis until the seat reaches a first threshold; upon reaching the first threshold, translating the seat in a first direction to reach a second threshold; and upon reaching the second threshold, translating the seat in a second direction angularly offset from the first direction.

Example <NUM>. The method of example <NUM>, wherein rotating the seat is performed by moving the seat forward about a rotational axis associated with the stud.

Example <NUM>. The method of example <NUM>, wherein translating the seat in the first direction is performed in a direction generally parallel with one or more rails of the seat, and wherein translating the seat in the second direction is performed in a direction generally perpendicular with the one or more rails of the seat.

Example <NUM>. The method of example <NUM>, wherein the method of removing the seat is performed without the use of tools.

Example <NUM>. The method of example <NUM>, wherein reaching the first threshold requires a rotational displacement of at least <NUM>°.

Example <NUM>. The method of example <NUM>, wherein the seat is coupled to the frame through one or more rails, and wherein the seat is movable relative to the one or more rails to adjust a relative riding position of the seat.

Claim 1:
A riding lawnmower (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a walking element (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>) to move the lawnmower (<NUM>) relative to an underlying ground surface; and
a seat (<NUM>) selectively coupled to the frame (<NUM>), the seat (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more rails (<NUM>);
a lower support (<NUM>) adjustably coupled to the one or more rails (<NUM>); and
a backrest (<NUM>) coupled to the lower support (<NUM>),
a latch (<NUM>) coupled to the lower support (<NUM>) through at least one of the one or more rails (<NUM>), the latch (<NUM>) being selectively engageable with the frame (<NUM>) to maintain the seat (<NUM>) in a riding position, and
a latch engagement mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>), the latch engagement mechanism (<NUM>) comprising:
a first sidewall (<NUM>);
a second sidewall (<NUM>);
a stop coupled between the first and second sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the latch engagement mechanism (<NUM>); and
a stud (<NUM>) extending from at least one of the first and second sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>), the stud (<NUM>) configured to interface with the latch (<NUM>) to couple the seat (<NUM>) to the lawnmower (<NUM>),
wherein the seat (<NUM>) is removable from the frame (<NUM>) by rotating the seat (<NUM>) about a horizontal axis,
wherein the first sidewall (<NUM>), the second sidewall (<NUM>), and the stop define a receiving area configured to receive at least a portion of the latch (<NUM>), and
wherein the stop is configured to prevent the latch (<NUM>) from translating in at least a rearward direction when the seat (<NUM>) is coupled to the frame (<NUM>).