Lawnmower with longitudinal support frame

Abstract

A rotary lawnmower of the type having an inverted pan-shaped housing generally surrounding a horizontal rotary blade affixed to a vertical shaft extending downwardly from a rotary power source mounted on the top of the housing. A pair of tubular longitudinal frame members extend bridgingly in horizontal position over and secured to the housing on opposite sides of the rotary power source with downward extensions secured to front and rear wheels. The downward extensions are also affixed to front and rear aprons extending horizontally from the lower edge of the side wall of the housing to provide mutual bracing. The lawnmower has a handle that is attached to the rear downward extensions of the longitudinal frame members so that forces developed in the handle incident to guiding the mower are transferred directly to the frame members and then directly to the wheels so that the housing is not stressed upon manipulation of the handle. The forces generated in the wheels when striking a bump or hollow are similarly by-passed around the housing. The rigidity gained by the attachment of a longitudinal frame members to the top of the housing and to the forward and rear aprons combined with the direct transfer of force from the handle to the wheel permits the housing to be stamped from lighter weight sheet metal.