LAWNMOWER ACCESSORY MOUNT FOR TRIMMER AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A mount assembly for a mower with a support frame, a frame attachment device to affix to the support frame having a pivot actuator, a horizontal member connected to said pivot actuator, a vertical member connected to said horizontal member and having a vertical actuator, a string trimmer head connected to said vertical actuator, said string trimmer head cantilevered from said support frame to position the string trimmer for trimming and edging operation around landscapes and borders while mowing.

Claims

1. A mount assembly for a mower with a mower deck, said mount assembly comprising: a mower having a support frame; a frame attachment device, said frame attachment device is configured to affix to said support frame said frame attachment device having a pivot actuator; a horizontal member having a first horizontal member end and a second horizontal member end, said first horizontal member end connected to said pivot actuator; a vertical member having a first vertical member end and a second vertical member end, said first vertical member end connected to said second horizontal member end, said vertical member having a vertical actuator; and a string trimmer head connected to said vertical actuator, said string trimmer head is cantilevered from said support frame.

2. The mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said vertical actuator is configured to raise and lower a trimmer extension rod relative to said support frame.

3. The mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said pivot actuator is configured to pivot said horizontal member relative to said support frame.

4. The mount assembly of claim 2, wherein said pivot actuator is configured to pivot said trimmer extension rod relative to said support frame.

5. The mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said frame attachment device is configured as a U-shaped clamp.

6. The mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said frame attachment device further comprising a vertical post is formed integral thereto and said first horizontal member end further comprises a collar hingedly connected thereto.

7. The mount assembly of claim 6, wherein said collar is removeably affixed to said vertical post to connect the mount assembly to the mower.

8. The mount assembly of claim 1, wherein said first horizontal member end is connected to said frame attachment device by a hinge assembly.

9. A method of edging landscapes borders, said method comprising the steps of: providing a mower having a support frame; providing a string trimmer with a string trimmer head and a trimmer extension rod; providing a mount assembly having a frame attachment device, said frame attachment device is configured to affix to said support frame, said frame attachment device having a pivot actuator, a horizontal member having a first horizontal member end and a second horizontal member end, said first horizontal member end connected to said pivot actuator, a vertical member having a first vertical member end and a second vertical member end, said first vertical member end connected to said second horizontal member end, said vertical member having a vertical actuator; and connecting said string trimmer to said vertical actuator to cantilever the string trimmer therefrom said frame attachment device.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of adjusting said vertical actuator to vertically adjust said trimmer extension rod relative to said support frame.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of adjusting said pivot actuator to rotationally adjust said trimmer extension rod relative to said support frame.

12. The method of claim 9, edging landscapes while seated thereon said mower.

13. A mount assembly for a mower with a support frame, said mount assembly comprising: a frame attachment device to affix to the support frame, said frame attachment device having a pivot actuator; a horizontal member connected to said pivot actuator; a vertical member connected to said horizontal member, said vertical member having a vertical actuator; and a string trimmer head connected to said vertical actuator, said string trimmer head is cantilevered from said support frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present lawnmower attachment device or mount for a string trimmer and methods of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the front of a lawnmower with front wheels and an attachment device or mount for a string trimmer according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the attachment device or mount for a string trimmer according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the attachment device or mount for a string trimmer showing the mount thereto lawnmower with front wheel according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternate attachment device or mount for a string trimmer according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view of the front of a lawnmower with front wheels shown with foot pedal and throttle cable therebetween according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of installation and use of a lawnmower, string trimmer mount assembly, and string trimmer according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of a lawnmower with front wheels shown with automatic raise and lower and/or pivot of string trimmer head relative to first swivel caster wheel and/or mower deck according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 6 is a top view of the front wheels of a lawn mower shown with automatic raise and lower and/or pivot of string trimmer head relative to first swivel caster wheel and/or mower deck according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.

[0035] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3 and 4 specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2A by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a front section or portion 10 of a lawn tractor, preferably a riding lawnmower, such as a zero turn lawnmower LM. Lawnmower front section 10 may include a deck, such as foot rest 12 for providing a flat platform to stand while mounting lawnmower LM and a place to position feet while seated on lawnmower LM. Deck, such as foot rest 12 may preferably support an under carriage, such as mower deck 14 housing a rotating mower blade (not shown). Mower deck 14 may include a hingeable discharge flap, such as discharge chute 16 hingedly connected thereto mower deck 14. Moreover, mower deck 14 may include one or more forward positioned frame extensions 20, such as left or first front frame extension 21 and right or second front frame extension 22, whereby first front frame extension 21 may include a left or first swivel caster and wheel assembly 30, such as left or first swivel caster wheel 31 and a right or second swivel caster and wheel assembly 30, such as right or second swivel caster wheel 32. It is contemplated herein that one or more forward positioned frame extensions 20 may be configured as square tube, rounded tube, angle or channel iron, aluminum or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, lawnmower LM may include an accessory attachment or assembly, such as string trimmer mount assembly 100. String trimmer mount assembly 100 may include a frame attachment device, such as mounting 110 configured to removeably attach or affix thereto one or more forward positioned frame extensions, such as wheel support frame 20 for wheel assembly 30. Mount 110 may be configured to fit or conform to the shape of one or more forward positioned wheel support frame 20 whether square tube, rounded tube, angle or channel iron or the like. For example, mount 110 may in a preferred embodiment be configured as a U-shaped clamp having a set screw 114 to removeably attach or affix mounting clamp 110 to one or more forward positioned wheel support frame 20. Mount 110 may further include an extension, mount, or stub, such as vertical post 111 formed integral thereto mount 110. It is contemplated herein that first vertical post 111 may be bolted, welded or otherwise bonded thereto wheel support frame 20 or wheel assembly 30. Moreover, mount 110 may further include a tubular extension, such as collar 112 configured with a similar but larger cross section or diameter so as to be connected, adapted to receive, slide over, and encompass vertical post 111 to enable removeability, pivot, and/or swivel, such as rotation A3 therebetween or thereabout stationary vertical post 111 and removeable second vertical mount extension 112. A locking pin and key or bolt and nut assembly or the like, such as attachment device 113 may be utilized to connect or affix vertical post first vertical mount extension 111 and second vertical mount extension 112. It is contemplated herein that other removeable attachment mechanisms may be incorporated between stationary mount, such as vertical post 111 and removeable or detachable mount, such as second vertical mount extension 112. String trimmer mount assembly 100 is preferably removeably connected there lawnmower LM when second vertical mount extension 112 is slipped over or removeably connected thereto vertical post 111. A locking pin and key, bolt and nut assembly, set screw or the like, such as attachment device 114 may be utilized to secure, connect, or affix mounting clamp 110 to one or more forward positioned wheel support frame 20.

[0039] String trimmer mount assembly 100 may further include a horizontal extension or linkage, such as horizontal member 120 having first horizontal member end 121 and second horizontal member end 122. First horizontal member end 121 may be hingedly or pivotably and/or removeably affixed to mounting clamp 110 or more specifically to vertical post 111 or most specifically to second vertical mount extension 112 via swivel, pivotable connector or the like. First horizontal member end 121 may include a pronged end or two piece tongue to hingedly engage (a pivot mechanism or connector, such as first hinge assembly 123) mounting clamp 110 or more specifically to vertical post 111 or most specifically to second vertical mount extension 112 via insertion of a pin and key or bolt and nut assembly or the like, such as attachment device 114 therebetween more specifically to vertical post 111 or most specifically to second vertical mount extension 112. Moreover, hinge assembly 123 may be configured to enable second horizontal member end 122 to travel, float up (raised) and down (lowered), or move up and down, relative thereto first horizontal member end 121, mounting clamp 110, and vertical post 111, such as in pivoting along arc or direction 124 and capable of traversing terrain, such as ground line GL. Furthermore, hinge assembly 123 may be configured to enable first horizontal member 120 to fold or hinge (movement in direction A4) between an up position or non-engaged mode of operation of string trimmer (non-operational trimmer position) where lawnmower LM may mow or travel, or a down position or engaged string trimmer mode of operation where string trimmer 180 is operational (operational trimmer position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) while lawnmower LM may mows or performs edging operations around landscapes and borders (edge operation).

[0040] Still further, hinge assembly 123 may be configured to enable second horizontal member end 122 may be configured to travel, float up and down, or move up and down, relative thereto first horizontal member end 121, mounting clamp 110, and vertical post 111, such as in pivoting along arc or direction 124 and capable of traversing terrain, such as ground line GL.

[0041] Second horizontal member end 122 may have attached thereto string trimmer wheel assembly 130, such as grade wheel 131 to support second horizontal member end 122, provide horizontal stability for string trimmer 180, and to enable string trimmer 180 to traverse ground line GL similar thereto a first swivel caster wheel 31 (a designated height for string trimmer 180). String trimmer wheel assembly 130 may include a plate, such as platform 132 affixed thereto second horizontal member end 122 to provide additional area to attach or removeably attach grade wheel 131 thereto platform 132 via weld, screw, bolt and nut, assembly or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, vertical support extension end 142 may be affixed to a string trimmer extension or cradle, such as string trimmer base 150 affixed thereto second vertical support extension end 141.2 and positioned with an angle, such as base angle A2 similar thereto (approximately equal) an angle, such as trimmer angle A1 between string trimmer and trimmer extension rod 190 of string trimmer 180. String trimmer 180 may be clamped, affixed, or removeably affixed thereto string trimmer base 150 by one or more attachment clasps or devices, such as one or more string trimmer clasps 160 capable of clamping, gripping, clasping, or removeably attaching thereto string trimmer 180.

[0043] Alternatively, second vertical support extension end 142 may include a molded base, such as string trimmer base 150 capable of receiving and clamping, clasping, gripping, or removeably attaching thereto string trimmer 180. String trimmer base 150 may include first string trimmer clasp 161 and second string trimmer clasp 162 capable of clamping, gripping, or removeably attaching thereto first attachment point 181 and second attachment point 182 thereon string trimmer 180.

[0044] Furthermore, string trimmer mount assembly 100 may include one or more vertical extensions or linkages, such as vertical support extensions 140 extending therefrom horizontal member 120 or platform 132. More specifically, one or more vertical support extensions 140 may include first vertical support extension 140.1 affixed or removeably affixed proximate thereto first horizontal member end 121. Moreover, second vertical support extension 140.2 may be affixed proximate thereto second horizontal member end 122 or more specifically affixed to platform 132. Furthermore, first vertical support extension 140.1 and second horizontal member end 140.2 may include string trimmer clasps 160 capable of clamping, gripping, clasping, or removeably attaching thereto string trimmer 180, and more specifically first vertical support extension 140.1 and second horizontal member end 140.2 may affix thereto string trimmer extension rod 190, proximate first string trimmer extension rod end 191 and second string trimmer extension rod end 192, respectively.

[0045] Alternatively, first vertical support extension 140.1 and second horizontal member end 140.2 may include a molded base, such as string trimmer base 150 capable of receiving and clamping, clasping, gripping, or removeably attaching thereto string trimmer extension rod 190. String trimmer base 150 may include first string trimmer clasp 161 and second string trimmer clasp 162 capable of clamping, gripping, or removeably attaching thereto string trimmer extension rod 190, proximate first string trimmer extension rod end 191 and second string trimmer extension rod end 192, respectively and positioned with base angle A2 similar thereto angle A1 of string trimmer 180.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 3 by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a front section or portion 10 of a lawn tractor, preferably a riding lawnmower, such as a zero turn lawnmower LM, string trimmer mount assembly 100, and string trimmer 180. String trimmer mount assembly 100 may include throttle cable 320 having first throttle cable end 321 and second throttle cable end 322. Moreover, string trimmer mount assembly 100 may include throttle pedal 310 positioned thereon lawnmower LM, and more specifically proximate foot rest 12 or alternatively affixed thereto foot rest 12.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a flow diagram 400 of a method of use of an exemplary embodiment of lawnmower LM for edging landscapes borders having string trimmer mount assembly 100, and string trimmer 180. In block or step 410, providing lawnmower LM, string trimmer mount assembly 100, and string trimmer 180 as set forth in any of the embodiments discussed herein, and/or shown in FIGS. 1-3. In block or step 415 attaching mounting clamp 110 and pivot actuator 560 to one or more forward positioned wheel support frame 20, vertical post 111, mower deck 14, or the like. In block or step 420 connecting second vertical mount extension 112 thereto vertical post 111 or connecting first horizontal member 120 to mounting clamp 110. In block or step 425 folding horizontal member 120 (movement in direction A4) about first hinge assembly 123 to an up position (raised), non-engaged, non-operational mode of operation of string trimmer to enable lawnmower LM mow or travel thereabout. In block or step 430 folding first horizontal member 120 (movement in direction A4) about first hinge assembly 123 to a down position (lowered), engaged, or operational string trimmer mode of operation where string trimmer 180 is operational while lawnmower LM may mows or traverses. In block or step 432, connecting assembly of string trimmer extension rod 190 thereto first horizontal member 120. In block or step 434, adjusting string trimmer extension rod 190 and string trimmer 180, vertically to raise and lower R/L and/or rotationally to rotate L/R RT via hydraulic actuator 540 and/or pivot actuator 560 relative to frame assembly, such as wheel assembly 30, proximate an outer edge of mower deck 14, or the like. In block or step 435 performing edging operations (trim grass outside of mower wheel path) around landscapes and borders moving or traverse across ground line GL while seated therein lawnmower LM.

[0048] In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a front section or portion 10 of a lawn tractor, preferably a riding lawnmower, such as a zero turn lawnmower LM, string trimmer mount assembly 100, and string trimmer 180. String trimmer mount assembly 100 may include horizontal member 120 pivotably connected thereto fame assembly, such as first swivel caster wheel 31, wheel support frame 20, mower deck 14, or the like via a frame mounting device, such as mounting clamp 110. Horizontal member 120 may connect thereto vertical support extensions 190 to support string trimmer 180 in front thereof wheel assembly 30 and proximate an outer edge of mower deck 14.

[0050] String trimmer mount assembly 100 may further include a device to manually or automatically raise and lower R/L string trimmer 180, such as vertical actuator 540 fitted thereto vertical support extensions 140 and having extension and retraction of trimmer extension rod 190 (to adjust or raise and lower R/L vertically) to enable vertical movement of string trimmer head relative to fame assembly, such as first swivel caster wheel 31, wheel support frame 20, mower deck 14, or the like. Vertical actuator 540 may be powered by hydraulic pump 510 hydraulically connected thereto vertical actuator 540. It is contemplated herein the hydraulic lines, controls, valves, actuators like throttle pedal 310, and the like may be used to enable operation of vertical actuator 540.

[0051] String trimmer mount assembly 100 may further include a device to manually or automatically pivot (to adjust or rotate L/R RT rotationally) string trimmer 180, such as pivot actuator 560 fitted thereto a horizontal member 120 and having rotation left and right L/R of horizontal member 120 to enable horizontal movement of string trimmer head 180 relative to fame assembly, such as first swivel caster wheel 31, wheel support frame 20, mower deck 14, or the like. Pivot actuator 560 may be powered by hydraulic pump 510 hydraulically connected thereto hydraulic actuator 540. It is contemplated herein the hydraulic lines, controls, valves, actuators like throttle pedal 310, and the like may be used to enable operation of pivot actuator 560.

[0052] It is further contemplated herein that vertical actuator 540 and pivot actuator 560 may be motorized via other known technologies whether hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or otherwise.

[0053] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.