US 12,069,984 B2
Walk outdoor power equipment unit having handle mounted operational controls using compliant mechanisms
Chadwick A. Shaffer, Oakdale, MN (US); Chris A. Wadzinski, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US); Jeff Weber, Minneapolis, MN (US); and Shawn S. Monitor, Robbinsdale, MN (US)
Assigned to THE TORO COMPANY, Bloomington, MN (US)
Filed by The Toro Company, Bloomington, MN (US)
Filed on Sep. 29, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/488,643.
Prior Publication US 2023/0098509 A1, Mar. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. A01D 34/69 (2006.01); A01D 34/68 (2006.01); A01D 101/00 (2006.01)
CPC A01D 34/69 (2013.01) [A01D 34/6806 (2013.01); A01D 2034/6843 (2013.01); A01D 2101/00 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A walk outdoor power equipment unit comprising:
a frame movable over a ground surface;
a handle assembly provided on the frame to allow an operator to walk on the ground surface behind the handle assembly while operating the power equipment unit;
a traction drive and a powered implement carried by the frame;
a compliant mechanism comprising:
a fixed body portion rigidly coupled to the handle assembly; and
a movable body portion coupled to the fixed body portion; and
a traction control and an implement control connected to the movable body portion, wherein each of the traction control and the implement control are movable relative to the handle assembly by flexure provided by the compliant mechanism.