Patent Description:
Reel mowers are typically constructed with a set of four to ten heavy steel blades fixed in a cylindrical form and rotated about the axis of the cylinder parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the mower. The blades are generally twisted in a helical form, and positioned to graze the leading edge of a horizontal cutter bar or blade suspended at the desired cutting distance above the ground. As the mower is pushed forward, the blades of grass are swept against the horizontal blade and sheared between the horizontal blade and the passing helical blade. In such situations, it is common for objects such as sticks, pinecones, acorns, and the like to become lodged between the helical blades and the horizontal blade, thus inhibiting the desired cutting operation of the mower. <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> disclose known mowers.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a mower according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM>. The mower includes a frame, a reel, and a blade subassembly. The reel is supported by the frame for rotation about a first axis extending in a first direction. The blade subassembly is supported by the frame and extends along a second axis extending in the first direction. At least one of the reel or the blade subassembly is configured to move relative to the other of the at least one of the reel or the blade subassembly in a second direction transverse to the first direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The release mechanism includes (i) a first mechanism coupled to one of the frame or the blade subassembly, and (ii) a second mechanism coupled to the other of the frame or the blade subassembly. The first mechanism is releasably coupled to the second mechanism in the engaged position.

Further aspects of the disclosure are defined in the dependent claims.

The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some implementations, a mower <NUM> includes a frame assembly <NUM>, one or more wheels <NUM>, and a cutter assembly <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the mower <NUM>, including the cutter assembly <NUM>, may be designed to facilitate the cutting of grass, weeds, and the like during use. In this regard, while the mower <NUM> is generally shown and described herein as being a manual reel mower, it will be appreciated that the mower <NUM> may include other forms (e.g., motorized reel mower) within the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the frame assembly <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> and a chassis <NUM> coupled to the handle <NUM> such that a force applied to the handle <NUM> by, for example, a user is transmitted to the chassis <NUM>. In some implementations, the handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the chassis <NUM> such that an orientation of the handle <NUM> relative to the chassis <NUM> can be changed or otherwise adjusted by the user. The wheel(s) <NUM> may be coupled to one or both of the frame assembly <NUM> or the chassis <NUM> such that, upon application of a force on the frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., by a user, a motor, etc.), a user is able to roll and/or steer the mower <NUM> on the wheel(s) <NUM> along a ground surface.

The chassis <NUM> may include a pair of opposed side panels <NUM> and one or more support members <NUM> extending between the side panels <NUM>. In this regard, each support member <NUM> may include two ends, each coupled to one or both of the chassis <NUM> (e.g., one of the side panels <NUM>). The support members <NUM> are configured to provide structural support and rigidity to the frame assembly <NUM> of the mower <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, one or both of the side panels <NUM> may include flange <NUM> extending inwardly toward the other of the side panels <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, during use of the mower <NUM>, the flange <NUM> may engage a portion of the cutter assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the cutter assembly <NUM> may include a reel <NUM> and a blade subassembly <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, during use of the mower <NUM>, the reel <NUM> may engage the blade subassembly <NUM> to cut a blade of grass or other items disposed between the reel <NUM> and the blade subassembly <NUM>.

The reel <NUM> is supported by the frame assembly <NUM> for rotation about a first axis A1 extending in a first direction. The reel <NUM> may include an axle <NUM> and one or more reel blades <NUM>. The axle <NUM> extends in the first direction along, and about, the first axis A1. As illustrated in <FIG>, the axle <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM>-<NUM> and an opposed distal end <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the proximal and distal ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> is coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> such that the axle <NUM> may rotate about the first axis A1. In this regard, the axle <NUM> is configured to rotate about the first axis A1 as the wheels <NUM> move along the ground surface. For example, as the wheels <NUM> rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the axle <NUM> may rotate about the first axis A1 in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In some implementations, the mower <NUM> includes a chain <NUM>, or other suitable drive mechanism (e.g., gears), that is coupled to the wheels <NUM> and the reel <NUM> to cause the reel <NUM> to rotate about the axis A1 upon rotation of the wheels <NUM>.

The reel blades <NUM> may be coupled to the axle <NUM>. In particular, the reel blades <NUM> may be coupled to, and/or otherwise form, an outer surface of the axle <NUM> and extend in a helical configuration along, and about, the length of the axle <NUM>. The reel blades <NUM> rotate about the first axis A1 as the axle rotates about the first axis A1. The reel blades <NUM> are configured to position the blades of grass between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade subassembly <NUM>.

The blade subassembly <NUM> may include a blade <NUM>, a blade bar <NUM>, one or more biasing members <NUM>, one or more arms <NUM>, a release mechanism <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>. The blade <NUM> extends along a second axis A2 extending in the first direction. In this regard, in some examples, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> is substantially parallel (e.g., +/-<NUM> degrees) to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> may include a sharp surface that faces and/or engages the reel <NUM>, such that, upon rotation of the reel <NUM>, the blade <NUM> and the reel <NUM> cooperate to shear the blades of grass disposed between the blade <NUM> and the reel blades <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be coupled to the blade bar <NUM> to allow the user to selectively move the blade subassembly <NUM> between an engaged position (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), in which the blade <NUM> engages, or disposed a first distance from the reel blades <NUM>, and a disengaged position (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), in which the blade <NUM> is disengaged from, or disposed a second distance, different (e.g., greater) than the first distance, from the reel blades <NUM>.

In some implementations, the blade subassembly <NUM> is configured to pivot relative to the frame assembly <NUM>. In this regard, the blade <NUM> may include opposed proximal and distal ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and the arms <NUM> may each include opposed first and second ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The proximal and distal ends <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the blade <NUM> may each be coupled to one of the arms <NUM>. In particular, the first end <NUM>-<NUM> may be pivotally coupled to one end <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the blade <NUM>, and the second end <NUM>-<NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., one of the side panels <NUM>). In some implementations, the arms <NUM> are pivotally coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> and the blade <NUM> for rotation about a third axis A3 (referred to as the second axis in the claims) extending in the first direction. The third axis A3 may be parallel to, and/or aligned with, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> and to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM>. In some implementations, the third axis A3 is offset from the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> and/or the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in a direction transverse to the first direction. During use of the mower <NUM>, the arms <NUM> can rotate about the third axis A3. In particular, the arms <NUM> can rotate about the third axis A3 to allow the blade <NUM> to move (e.g., pivot) during use (e.g., during rotation of the reel <NUM>) between the engaged position and the disengaged position, as described in more detail below. In particular, movement of the blade <NUM> may include pivoting about the third axis A3 between the engaged position and disengaged position.

In the examples described herein, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> remains static and the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> moves (e.g., translates, pivots, etc.) relative to the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In some implementations, however, the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> remains static and the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> moves (e.g., translates, pivots, etc.) relative to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in the second direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, in some examples, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> moves (e.g., translates, pivots, etc.) relative to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in the second direction and the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> also moves (e.g., translates, pivots, etc.) relative to the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> in the second direction. The first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be parallel to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in both of the engaged position and disengaged position.

The first axis A1 of the mower <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 by a first distance in a first orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In particular, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> by the first distance while the blade <NUM> is in the first orientation (e.g., engaged position). The first axis A1 of the mower <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 by a second distance in a second orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). That is, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> by the second distance while the blade <NUM> is in the second orientation (e.g., disengaged position).

As previously described, at least one of the reel <NUM> or the blade <NUM> is configured to move relative to the other of the reel <NUM> or the blade <NUM> between the first orientation and the second orientation, such that the first axis A1 is spaced from the second axis A2 by the second distance in the second orientation. The second distance (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>) may be greater than the first distance defined by the first orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). That is, when the blade <NUM> moves relative to the reel <NUM> from the first orientation (e.g., engaged position) to the second orientation (e.g., disengaged position) the distance between the blade <NUM> and the reel <NUM> may increase from the first distance to the second distance.

In some implementations, the blade <NUM> (i) engages the reel <NUM> in the engaged position and (ii) defines a void V (<FIG>) relative to the reel <NUM> in the disengaged position. In particular, in the engaged position, the blade <NUM> is configured to cut blades of grass or other items disposed between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade <NUM>. In the disengaged position, the void V between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is such that the blades of grass or other items disposed between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade <NUM> are not cut by the blade <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some implementations, the blade subassembly <NUM> further includes one or more projections <NUM>. For example, a projection <NUM> may extend from one or both of the arms <NUM> toward one of the side panels <NUM> in the first orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). During use of the mower <NUM>, the projection(s) <NUM> may engage the flange <NUM> to inhibit movement (e.g., rotation) of the blade subassembly <NUM> about the third axis A3 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), while allowing movement (e.g., rotation) of the blade subassembly <NUM> about the third axis A3 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite the first direction. In this way, the flange <NUM> and the projection <NUM> ensure that the blade subassembly <NUM> moves to a predetermined position upon moving from the second orientation to the first orientation.

The one or more biasing members <NUM> may be coupled to the frame assembly <NUM> and the blade subassembly <NUM>. As will be describe in more detail below, during use of the mower <NUM>, the biasing member <NUM> may provide a biasing force upon at least one of the frame assembly <NUM> or the blade subassembly <NUM> in order to bias the blade subassembly <NUM> in to the first orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In particular, the biasing force from the one or more biasing members <NUM> biases the blade <NUM> into the engaged position. When the blade <NUM> moves to the disengaged position, the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM> urges the blade <NUM> to the engaged position. While the biasing member <NUM> is generally shown and described herein as being coupled to and applying the force to the blade <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the biasing member <NUM> may additionally and/or alternatively be coupled to and apply the force to the reel <NUM> in order to move (e.g., pivot, translate, etc.) the reel <NUM> in the manner previously described. In some examples, the biasing member <NUM> is positioned between second end <NUM>-<NUM> of the arm <NUM> and the frame assembly <NUM>.

In some implementations, the biasing member <NUM> includes a spring (e.g., a torsion spring, leaf spring, etc.) that biases the blade <NUM> into the engaged position. In some implementations, the blade subassembly <NUM> may be formed without the biasing members <NUM>, such that blade subassembly <NUM>, including the blade <NUM>, pivots from the disengaged position (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), in which the blade <NUM> is disengaged from the reel blades <NUM>, to the engaged position (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>), in which the blade <NUM> engages the reel blades <NUM>, by the force of gravity or by the application of a force on the blade subassembly (e.g., on the handle <NUM>) by the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some implementations, the release mechanism <NUM> may include one or more first mechanisms <NUM> coupled to one of the blade subassembly <NUM> or the frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the side panels <NUM>), and one or more second mechanisms <NUM> coupled to the other of the blade subassembly <NUM> or the frame assembly <NUM>. For example, the first mechanism(s) <NUM> may be coupled to the arm(s) <NUM>, and the second mechanism(s) <NUM> may be coupled to the side panel(s) <NUM>.

The first mechanism <NUM> may include a housing a nut <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a set screw <NUM>, a biasing member <NUM>, and a protrusion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> may be secured to one of the side panels <NUM> and define a threaded aperture <NUM>, The housing <NUM> may include a proximal end <NUM>, a distal end <NUM>, a threaded outer surface <NUM>, and an aperture <NUM> extending between (e.g., through) the proximal and distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In some implementations, the aperture <NUM> is threaded between the proximal and distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> may define an opening <NUM> in the proximal end <NUM> and an opening <NUM> in the distal end <NUM>. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> defines a first cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) and the opening <NUM> and/or the remainder of the aperture <NUM> defines a second cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension defined by the opening <NUM>, such that the housing <NUM> defines an inwardly-extending lip <NUM> proximate the opening <NUM>.

The set screw <NUM> may be disposed within the aperture <NUM>. In some implementations, the set screw <NUM> defines a threaded outer surface that is threadably-coupled to a threaded inner surface defining the aperture <NUM>. In this regard, the location of the set screw <NUM> between the proximal and distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be changed by rotating and threading the set screw <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>. It will be appreciated, however, that in other implementations, the location of the set screw <NUM> within the aperture <NUM> may be determined and/or changed by other techniques, such as a press-fit configuration.

The biasing member <NUM> may include a helical compression spring having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may include a ball bearing defining a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension defined by the opening <NUM> and larger than the cross-sectional dimension defined by the opening <NUM>.

In the assembled configuration, the biasing member <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> may be disposed within the aperture <NUM> such that the proximal end <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> engages the protrusion <NUM>, and the distal end <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> engages the set screw <NUM>. The threaded surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be threadably-disposed within the threaded aperture <NUM> of the nut <NUM>, such that the protrusion <NUM> extends a distance X1 from the one of the arm <NUM> or the frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., side panel <NUM>) in a direction parallel to the axis A2. As will be explained in more detail below, in some implementations, the protrusion <NUM> includes a convex end <NUM> that engages the second mechanism <NUM> in the first orientation (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In this regard, the first mechanism <NUM> may engage the second mechanism <NUM> to constrain and allow movement of the blade subassembly <NUM> relative to the chassis <NUM>. In some implementations, a user may adjust the distance X1 by threading the housing <NUM> within the nut <NUM>. Similarly, by threading the set screw <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>, the user may adjust a force applied by the biasing member <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis A2.

The second mechanism <NUM> may include a nut <NUM> and a bolt <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the nut <NUM> may be secured to the blade <NUM> and define a threaded aperture <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> may include a threaded outer surface <NUM> threadably-disposed within the threaded aperture <NUM> of the nut <NUM>, such that the bolt <NUM> extends a distance X2 from the arm <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis A2. In some implementations, the second mechanism <NUM> is configured to receive the first mechanism <NUM>. For example, the bolt <NUM> may include a detent (e.g., a concave end <NUM>-<NUM>) that faces the convex end <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The second mechanism <NUM> may extend in in a direction parallel to the axis A2 through the arm <NUM>, the blade bar <NUM>, and the nut <NUM>. In this example, the concave end <NUM>-<NUM> of the bolt <NUM> faces the side panel <NUM> and is positioned between the arm <NUM> and the frame assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, the bolt <NUM> may be threadably coupled to the arm <NUM> or the blade <NUM> to allow a user to adjust the distance X2.

As shown in <FIG>, the release mechanism <NUM> may include the first mechanism <NUM> on the frame assembly <NUM> and the second mechanism <NUM> on the arm <NUM>. In other implementations, the release mechanism <NUM> may include the second mechanism <NUM> on the frame assembly <NUM> and the first mechanism <NUM> on the arm <NUM>. In some examples, the mower <NUM> may include more than one release mechanism <NUM>. In particular, each of the one or more release mechanisms <NUM> (e.g., one release mechanism <NUM> on each of the side panels <NUM> and each of the arms <NUM>).

By adjusting one or both of the distances X1, X2 (e.g., by rotating the housing <NUM> and/or the bolt <NUM>) the user can adjust the distance X1, X2, respectively, and therefore adjust the distance by which the first mechanism <NUM> (e.g., the convex end <NUM>) extends into the second mechanism <NUM> (e.g., the concave end <NUM>-<NUM>). For example, the user may rotate the first housing <NUM> on the frame assembly <NUM> clockwise. As the user rotates the first housing <NUM> in the clockwise direction, the distance by which the convex end <NUM> is disposed within the detent (e.g., concave end <NUM>-<NUM>) of the second mechanism <NUM> changes. Conversely, as the distance X1, X2 decreases, the distance by which the convex end <NUM> is disposed within the detent (e.g., concave end <NUM>-<NUM>) of the second mechanism <NUM> decreases.

Similarly, a user can rotate the set screw <NUM> within the aperture <NUM> to adjust a force applied by the biasing member <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis A2. As the distance between the protrusion <NUM> and the set screw <NUM> decreases, the force applied by the biasing member <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM> may increase, thus increasing the frictional force imported by the bolt <NUM> (e.g., concave end <NUM>-<NUM>) on the protrusion <NUM> (e.g., convex end <NUM>) as the blade subassembly <NUM> rotates about the axis A3 from the first position (e.g., engaged position) to the second position (e.g., the disengaged position). Conversely, as the distance between the protrusion <NUM> and the set screw <NUM> increases, the force applied by the biasing member <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM> may decrease, thus decreasing the frictional force imported by the bolt <NUM> (e.g., concave end <NUM>-<NUM>) on the protrusion <NUM> (e.g., convex end <NUM>) as the blade subassembly <NUM> rotates about the axis A3 from the first position (e.g., engaged position) to the second position (e.g., the disengaged position).

While the release mechanism <NUM> is generally shown and described herein as including a mechanical configuration, it will be appreciated that the release mechanism can include other implementations within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, at least one of the first or second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> includes a magnet that is operatively engaged with the other of the first or second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> in the first position (e.g., the engaged position) and operatively disengaged from the other of the first or second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> in the second position (e.g., the disengaged position). In particular, the housing <NUM> and/or the protrusion <NUM> may include a magnet that is selectively coupled to the bolt <NUM> in the first position. Similarly, the bolt <NUM> may include a magnet that is selectively coupled to the housing <NUM> and/or the protrusion <NUM> in the first position. By adjusting one or both of the distances X1, X2 (e.g., by rotating the housing <NUM> and/or the bolt <NUM>) the user can adjust the distance X1, X2, respectively, and therefore adjust the distance between the first mechanism <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> and/or the protrusion <NUM>) and the second mechanism <NUM> (e.g., the bolt <NUM>). For example, the user may rotate the first housing <NUM> on the frame assembly <NUM> clockwise. As the user rotates the first housing <NUM> in the clockwise direction, the distance between the first and second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, in a direction parallel to the axis A2, changes, thereby changing (i) the magnetic force between the first and second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> and (ii) the amount of torque required to rotate the blade subassembly <NUM> about the axis A3 from the first position (e.g., engaged position) to the second position (e.g., the disengaged position).

Referring now to <FIG>, a mower 10a is provided and includes a frame assembly 14a, one or more wheels <NUM>, and a cutter assembly 16a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the mower 10a with respect to the mower <NUM>, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (e.g., "a") are used to identify those components that have been modified.

As will be described in more detail below, the mower 10a, including the cutter assembly 16a, may be designed to facilitate the cutting of grass, weeds, and the like during use. In this regard, while the mower 10a is generally shown and described herein as being a manual reel mower, it will be appreciated that the mower 10a may include other forms (e.g., motorized reel mower) within the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the frame assembly 14a may include the handle <NUM> and a chassis 20a coupled to the handle <NUM> such that a force applied to the handle <NUM> by, for example, a user is transmitted to the chassis 20a. In some implementations, the handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the chassis 20a such that an orientation of the handle <NUM> relative to the chassis 20a can be changed or otherwise adjusted by the user. The wheel(s) <NUM> may be coupled to one or both of the frame assembly 14a or the chassis 20a such that, upon application of a force on the frame assembly 14a (e.g., by a user, a motor, etc.), a user is able to roll and/or steer the mower 10a on the wheel(s) <NUM> along a ground surface.

The chassis 20a may include a pair of opposed side panels 22a and one or more support members <NUM> extending between the side panels 22a. In this regard, each support member <NUM> may include two ends, each coupled to one or both of the chassis 20a (e.g., one of the side panels 22a). The support members <NUM> are configured to provide structural support and rigidity to the frame assembly 14a of the mower 10a. As illustrated in <FIG>, one or both of the side panels 22a may include the flange <NUM> extending inwardly toward the other of the side panels 22a. As will be described in more detail below, during use of the mower 10a, the flange <NUM> may engage a portion of the cutter assembly 16a.

The cutter assembly 16a may include the reel <NUM> and a blade subassembly 30a. As will be described in more detail below, during use of the mower 10a, the reel <NUM> may engage the blade subassembly 30a to cut a blade of grass or other items disposed between the reel <NUM> and the blade subassembly 30a.

The blade subassembly 30a may include the blade <NUM>, the blade bar <NUM>, one or more pins 44a, and the handle <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the blade subassembly 30a is configured to translate relative to the frame assembly 14a. In this regard, the blade <NUM> may include opposed proximal and distal ends <NUM>-1a, <NUM>-2a coupled to one of the pins 44a. For example, the frame assembly 14a (e.g., the side panels 22a) may include one or more tracks <NUM> each extending along a third axis A3a. In some implementations, the track(s) <NUM> include, and/or otherwise define, one or more slots formed in and/or through the side panel(s) 22a. In this regard, the track(s) <NUM> may be referred to herein as slots <NUM>. While the slots are generally illustrated as extending linearly along the third axis A3a, it will be appreciated that the slots <NUM> may extend in an arcuate manner within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, the axis A3a may be curved such that the slots <NUM> may define a concave profile facing the reel <NUM>.

In the assembled configuration, a portion of the pin(s) 44a may be disposed within the slot(s) <NUM> for movement along the third axis A3a. For example, as will be described in more detail below, during operation of the mower 10a, the pin(s) 44a may translate within the slot(s) <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the third axis A3a. In particular, the pins 44a may slide along the third axis A3 to allow the blade <NUM> to move (e.g., translate) during use (e.g., during rotation of the reel <NUM>) between the engaged position (<FIG>) and the disengaged position (<FIG>), as described in more detail below. In this regard, the blade <NUM> may translate along a linearly and/or curvilinear path in a direction transverse to the axis A1 between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

In the examples described herein, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> remains static and the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> moves (e.g., translates) relative to the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In some implementations, however, the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> remains static and the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> moves (e.g., translates) relative to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in the second direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, in some examples, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> moves (e.g., translates) relative to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in the second direction and the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> also moves (e.g., translates) relative to the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> in the second direction. The first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be parallel to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> in both of the engaged position and disengaged position.

The first axis A1 of the mower 10a may be spaced from the second axis A2 by a first distance in a first orientation (e.g., <FIG>). In particular, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> by the first distance while the blade <NUM> is in the first orientation (e.g., engaged position). The first axis A1 of the mower 10a may be spaced from the second axis A2 by a second distance in a second orientation (e.g., <FIG>). That is, the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> may be spaced from the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> by the second distance while the blade <NUM> is in the second orientation (e.g., disengaged position). The second distance (e.g., <FIG>) may be greater than the first distance defined by the first orientation (e.g., <FIG>). That is, when the blade <NUM> moves relative to the reel <NUM> from the first orientation (e.g., engaged position) to the second orientation (e.g., disengaged position) the distance between the blade <NUM> and the reel <NUM> may increase from the first distance to the second distance.

In some implementations, the blade <NUM> (i) engages the reel <NUM> in the engaged position and (ii) defines a void Va (<FIG>) relative to the reel <NUM> in the disengaged position. In particular, in the engaged position, the blade <NUM> is configured to cut blades of grass or other items disposed between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade <NUM>. In the disengaged position, the void V between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is such that the blades of grass or other items disposed between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade <NUM> are not cut by the blade <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some implementations, the blade subassembly 30a further includes the one or more projections <NUM>. For example, a projection <NUM> may extend from one or both ends of the blade <NUM> toward one of the side panels 22a in the first orientation (e.g., <FIG>). During use of the mower 10a, the projection(s) <NUM> may engage the flange <NUM> to inhibit movement (e.g., translation) of the blade subassembly 30a along the third axis A3 in a first direction (e.g., toward the reel), while allowing movement (e.g., translation) of the blade subassembly 30a along the third axis A3 in a second direction (e.g., away from the reel) opposite the first direction. In this way, the flange <NUM> and the projection <NUM> can ensure that the blade subassembly 30a moves to a predetermined position upon moving from the second orientation to the first orientation. Operation of the cutter assembly <NUM>, 16a will now be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG>illustrate the blade subassembly <NUM>, 30a in the engaged position. The user can apply a force to the handle <NUM> perpendicular to the first and second axes A1, A2. Upon application of force by the user on the handle <NUM>, the user is able to roll the mower <NUM>, 10a on wheel(s) <NUM> along the ground surface. As the mower <NUM>, 10a rolls along the ground surface, the wheels <NUM> and the reel <NUM> may rotate, and blades of grass may be positioned between the reel blades <NUM> and the blade <NUM> allowing the blade <NUM> to shear the blades of grass.

In some implementations, the biasing member <NUM> (e.g., torsional spring) may exert a biasing force upon the blade subassembly <NUM> to bias the blade subassembly <NUM> into the engaged position (e.g., <FIG> and <FIG>). In other implementations, gravity may cause the blade subassembly <NUM>, 30a to rotate or translate into the engaged position from the disengaged position (<FIG> and <FIG>). As previously described, in some implementations, the projection(s) <NUM> may engage the flange <NUM> to inhibit movement (e.g., rotation or translation) of the blade subassembly <NUM>, 30a about or along the third axis A3 or A3a, respectively, when the blade subassembly <NUM>, 30a is in the engaged position, maintaining the first distance between the first axis A1 of the reel <NUM> and the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may apply a force upon the protrusion <NUM> to bias the protrusion <NUM> into engagement with the lip <NUM>. As previously described, the user may change the force of the biasing member <NUM> on the protrusion by changing the position (e.g., by threading) of the set screw <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the reel blades <NUM> may define a diameter D1 (e.g., an outermost diameter) of the reel <NUM>. In the engaged position, the blade <NUM> may engage the reel blades <NUM> at a location X1 disposed on the diameter D1. The diameter D1 may define a tangent T1 extending through the location X1. In a view along a direction parallel to the axis A1, the tangent T1 may define a first side S1 and a second side S2 (e.g., relative to the views in <FIG> and <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, the axis A1 and the axis A3 are disposed on the first side S1 of the tangent T1. A first line L1 may extend through the axis A1, the axis A3, and a location X2 on the tangent T1 when the blade <NUM> is in the engaged position. A second line L2 may extend through the axis A1 and the location X1 when the blade <NUM> is in the engaged position. A third line L3 may extend vertically through (e.g., relative to the view in <FIG>) center of gravity C when the blade <NUM> is in the engaged position. The outer diameter D1 may also define a vertical tangent T2 having a first side S3 and a second side S4. In some implementations, the axis A3 and/or the axis A2 are disposed on the same side (e.g., S3) of the vertical tangent T2. In some implementations, the axis A3 is disposed above (e.g., relative to the view in <FIG>) the axis A1 and between (e.g., relative to the view in <FIG>) the line L2 and the line L3.

With reference to <FIG>, the third axis A3a may define an angle α relative to a horizontal line L1a extending through the location X1 at which the blade <NUM> engages the reel <NUM> in the engaged position. The angle α may be between zero degrees and ninety degrees. In some implementations, the angle α is equal to forty-five degrees (+/- five degrees). In some implementations, the axis A3a is substantially parallel to the tangent T1.

In some examples, during use, an object (e.g., pinecone) engages the blade <NUM>, while the blade <NUM> is in the engaged position, applying a torque N1 about the axis A3 (e.g., <FIG>) or a force N1a along the axis A3a (e.g., <FIG>). In particular, the object may apply a force F through the location X1 causing the torque N1 about the axis A3 and/or the force N1a along the axis A3a. As the reel <NUM> rotates about the axis A1, the reel blades <NUM> increase the torque N1 about the axis A3, or the force N1a along the axis A3a, applied by the foreign object on the blade <NUM>. When the torque N1 and/or force N1a produced by the force F of the reel blades <NUM> on the foreign object is greater than the opposing torque N2 and/or force W produced by gravity and/or the frictional or other force between the first and second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the frictional force between the protrusion <NUM> (e.g., distal end <NUM>) and the bolt <NUM> (e.g., concave end <NUM>-<NUM>)), the blade <NUM> can move (e.g., pivot about the third axis A3 or move along the third axis A3a) along a path P, P1a from the engaged position to the disengaged position in real-time (e.g., during use of the mower <NUM>, 10a to cut grass and/or without the application of a force on the blade subassembly other than the torque applied by the object, such as a pinecone, for example, engaging the blade subassembly and the reel blade), thereby increasing the distance between the second axis A2 and the first axis A1. In this regard, upon application of a force on the protrusion <NUM> by the bolt <NUM> (e.g., the concave end <NUM>-<NUM>), the bolt <NUM> may cause the protrusion <NUM> to overcome the biasing force produced by the biasing member <NUM>, and to move towards the set screw <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, thereby allowing the torque produced by force of the reel blades <NUM> on the foreign object to overcome the opposing torque produced by the frictional force between the first and second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus allowing the blade <NUM> to pivot about the third axis A3, or move along the third axis A3a, from the engaged position to the disengaged position, where the foreign object can be removed (e.g., by the force of gravity) from engagement with blade <NUM> and the reel blades <NUM>.

In particular, the blade <NUM>, attached to the one or more arms <NUM> or pins 44a, rotates about the third axis A3, or moves along the third axis A3a, to the disengaged position, such that in the disengaged position the distance between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is the second distance. The second distance between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM> is greater than the first distance between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM>. The second distance between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM> defines the void V, Va that allows the foreign object to expel from the void V, Va between the reel <NUM> and the blade <NUM>. After the foreign object expels from the void V, Va between the blade <NUM> and the reel <NUM>, the force perpendicular from the reel blades <NUM> to the second axis of the blade reduces. The weight W of the blade <NUM> through its center of gravity C, the biasing force from the biasing member <NUM>, and/or a force applied by the user (e.g., on the handle <NUM>) can allow the blade <NUM> to pivot about the third axis A3, or translate along the third axis A3a, back to the engaged position.

In some implementations, where the force from the foreign object applied to the second axis A2 of the blade <NUM> is low enough (e.g., when the foreign object is grass or thick weeds), the biasing force from the biasing member <NUM>, the weight W of the blade <NUM>, and/or the frictional or other force between the first and second mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, keeps the blade <NUM> in the engaged position.

The adjustability of the distances X1, X2, as previously described, and the adjustability of the force produced by the biasing member <NUM>, as previously described, allows the release mechanism <NUM> to provide a consistent holding force between the blade subassembly <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> relative to rotation of the blade subassembly about the axis A3, and maintain the blade <NUM> in its proper working position (e.g., <FIG>) until impact from a foreign object overcomes that holding force, as previously described. Similarly, in some implementations, the biasing force from the biasing member <NUM> may be adjusted by the user.

Claim 1:
A mower (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a reel (<NUM>) supported by the frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a first axis (A1); and
a blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) supported by the frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a second axis (A3) between an engaged position and a disengaged position;
wherein the reel (<NUM>) defines an outer diameter (D1) relative to the first axis (A1) and engages the blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) at a contact location (X1) in the engaged position, the outer diameter (D1) defining a tangent (T1) at the contact location (X1),
characterized in that
a force (F) on the blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) in a direction substantially parallel to the tangent (T1) is operable to produce a first torque (N1) on the blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) in a first direction about the second axis (A3) when the blade sub-assembly is in the engaged position, and
wherein the weight of the blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) is operable to produce a second torque (N2) in a second direction about the second axis (A3) when the blade sub-assembly (<NUM>) is in the engaged position.