초록 ▼

A compact safety control apparatus and method for powered lawnmowers having a cable actuated clutch between the motor and blade thereof is provided which includes a “dead man”function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of th

A compact safety control apparatus and method for powered lawnmowers having a cable actuated clutch between the motor and blade thereof is provided which includes a “dead man”function along with an operating mechanism requiring two distinct steps for engaging the clutch and initiating rotation of the lawnmower blade. The control apparatus preferably includes a shiftable handle, a coupler responsive to shifting of the handle, a depressible push button for moving the coupler into engagement with an end fitting on the actuating cable, and a pivotally mounted ramp for selectively disengaging the coupler and the end fitting. In operation, the coupler is moved by operation of the handle into a position adjacent the end fitting of the actuating cable, the push button is depressed to engage the coupler with the end fitting, and the handle is shifted to move the coupler, cable end fitting and cable, thereby engaging the clutch. The cable is releasably locked in position by the interengagement of the coupler and the cable end fitting as long as the handle is held in position by the operator. Upon release of the handle, the cable shifts under influence of a biasing spring, and the ramp interposed in the path of travel of the cable end fitting and coupler serves to disengage the coupler and cable end fitting.

대표청구항 ▼

A power lawnmower control apparatus for connection to a disengageable clutch coupling the lawnmower motor and blade, said apparatus comprising: movable operating means; shiftable handle means; cable means for operative connection to said clutch including an end portion biased to a first position cor

A power lawnmower control apparatus for connection to a disengageable clutch coupling the lawnmower motor and blade, said apparatus comprising: movable operating means; shiftable handle means; cable means for operative connection to said clutch including an end portion biased to a first position corresponding to the disengaged position of said clutch and shiftable to a second position corresponding to the engaged position of said clutch; and operating mechanism, including－ coupling means operatively connected to said handle means and shiftable to a position adjacent said cable end portion wherein said coupling means is engageable by said operating means upon movement thereof for coupling said coupling means with said cable end portion for thereafter causing movement of the cable end portion from said first to said second position thereof upon shifting of the handle means; and means engageable with said coupling means for disengaging said coupling means from said cable end portion when said handle means is released and said cable end portion moves from said second toward said first position thereof.