US 12,402,559 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 Jul. 1, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/760,233.
Application 18/760,233 is a continuation of application No. 17/488,643, filed on Sep. 29, 2021, granted, now 12,069,984.
Prior Publication US 2024/0349641 A1, Oct. 24, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
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)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A power equipment unit comprising:
a frame movable over a ground surface;
one or more prime movers carried by the frame;
a handle assembly carried by the frame and configured for use by an operator;
a traction drive carried by the frame and operatively powered by one of the one or more prime movers for self-propelling the frame over the ground surface at a variable ground speed;
an implement carried by the frame and operatively powered by one of the one or more prime movers for performing a ground grooming or working operation;
a compliant mechanism comprising:
a fixed body portion operatively 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.