The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 22, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 02, 1997
Randy Edward Benway, Horicon, WI (US);
Deere & Company, Moline, IL (US);
Abstract
A locking mechanism for a lid which covers an opening in a mower deck directly above blades which rotate within the deck, the locking mechanism locks the lid in a position generally covering the opening and is releasable by an operator for allowing the operator to shift the lid to a position whereat the opening is generally uncovered. A chute extends laterally outwardly from the opening, is pivotable as the chute abuts obstructions during mowing operations. The locking mechanism remains locked as the chute pivots. The locking mechanism includes a rod member about which the lid is pivotable between open and closed positions. A torsion spring biases the lid to pivot to the closed position and biases the lid to shift laterally. A cam member fixed with the lid includes a finger portion which abuts a blocking member for blocking the cam member and lid from pivoting from the closed to the open position. The lid is shiftable by the operator for shifting the finger portion clear of the blocking member to allow the lid to be pivoted by the operator to its open position.