초록 ▼

A platform included as part of a mower, the platform providing a surface upon which an operator stands while operating the mower. The platform is springably or suspendably mounted on the frame of the mower to cushion the operator and thereby decrease the amount of physical exertion which may be expe

A platform included as part of a mower, the platform providing a surface upon which an operator stands while operating the mower. The platform is springably or suspendably mounted on the frame of the mower to cushion the operator and thereby decrease the amount of physical exertion which may be experienced by the operator over long periods of operation. The platform is further associated with a power control mechanism operatively connected with the platform whereby operation of the mower attachment(s) are selectively controllable by the operator stepping onto or off of the platform.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A vehicle comprising:a) a frame;b) a platform having a top surface, the platform being mounted with the frame, and including at least one aperture;c) a member connected to the platform, the member comprising at least one upstanding portion which is extendable through the at least one aperture and

1. A vehicle comprising:a) a frame;b) a platform having a top surface, the platform being mounted with the frame, and including at least one aperture;c) a member connected to the platform, the member comprising at least one upstanding portion which is extendable through the at least one aperture and movable to a position substantially at or below the top surface of the platform in response to the placement of a force thereupon; andd) a power control mechanism operatively associated with the platform and the member, and adapted for connection with a power source, the control mechanism being operable between at least two positions for controlling the flow of power between the power source and an associated device, movement from one of the at least two positions to the other thereof being caused in response to movement of the at least one upstanding portion. 2. The vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein:the platform comprises at least a set of apertures and the member comprises at least a set of upstanding portions. 3. The vehicle as recited in claim 2 wherein:the at least one set of apertures are similarly arranged and the at least one set of upstanding portions are similarly arranged. 4. The vehicle as recited in claim 3 wherein:the apertures and the upstanding portions are arranged in rows. 5. The vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein:the power control mechanism is a switch adapted for connection with the power source carried by the vehicle. 6. The vehicle as recited in claim 1 further comprising:at least one spring associated with the frame and the platform. 7. The vehicle as recited in claim 6 wherein:the platform is mounted with the frame, and the at least one spring extends between the platform and the frame for permitting movement of the platform relative to the frame. 8. The vehicle as recited in claim 7 wherein:the platform is adapted for supporting an operator, the associated weight thereof representing the force to be placed on the platform and the at least one upstanding portion. 9. The vehicle as recited in claim 1 wherein:the platform is adapted for supporting an operator, the associated weight thereof representing the force to be placed on the platform and the at least one upstanding portion. 10. The vehicle as recited in claim 9 wherein:the platform comprises multiple apertures and the member comprises multiple upstanding portions, each of the upstanding portions being extendable through a respective one of the apertures. 11. The vehicle as recited in claim 10 wherein:the upstanding portions are spaced generally across the width of the platform such that placement of the operator's weight on the platform depresses the upstanding portions to a position substantially at or below the top surface of the platform, thereby moving the power control mechanism to one of its positions to permit the flow of power between the power source and the associated device. 12. A vehicle comprising:a) a frame; andb) an operator station mounted with the frame, the operator station comprisinga platform mounted to the frame for providing a surface on which an operator may stand, the platform being supported upon at least one spring so as to be movable in response to a force applied thereon, the platform comprising apertures therethrough;a member connected with the platform, the member comprising substantially upstanding portions extending from the member which project through the apertures, the upstanding portions being movable into and out of the apertures in response to the application of a force thereon; anda power control mechanism mounted with the platform and the member, and adapted for connection with a power source, movement of the upstanding portions in proximity to the apertures permitting operation of the control mechanism so as to control the flow of power associated with the power source. 13. A vehicle comprising:a) a frame having front and rear portions, and being supported upon ground engaging wheels; andb) an operator st ation comprisinga platform for supporting an operator of the vehicle, the platform being mounted to the rear portion of the frame,a plurality of springs mounted with the frame and the platform, the platform being suspended on the springs so as to accommodate at least vertical movement above the frame in response to a force thereon, the platform further including sets of similarly arranged slots therethrough;a bar connected with the platform, the bar including sets of upstanding ribs, the ribs being depressable within the slots in response to the application of force thereon; anda switch connected with the platform and the bar, and adapted for connection with a power source, the switch and the bar comprising an operator presence control, the switch being operable to a first position to activate the power source, or, to a second position to deactivate the power source, activation of the power source being caused by movement of the switch to its first position in which the ribs are depressed to a position which is substantially at or below a top surface of the platform, deactivation of the power source being caused by movement of the switch to its second position in which the ribs are free from force thereon such that they extend above the platform.