Donald G Erickson

US Patent:

6572125, Jun 3, 2003

Filed:

Aug 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/922109

Inventors:

Donald G. Erickson - Antioch TN
Joseph G. Crabtree - Franklin TN

Assignee:

Murray, Inc. - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

B62D 312

US Classification:

280 93514, 280 93507

Abstract:

A pinion mounted at the lower end of a steering column engages a rack which is supported for movement laterally of the longitudinal axis of a riding lawnmower. Opposite ends of the rack have respective drag links pivotally mounted thereto. Free ends of the drag links are connected to the ends of respective spindle arms, each of which is rotatable about a vertical axis. Each spindle arm supports a ground-engaging wheel. When a steering wheel joined to the steering column is turned, the pinion displaces the rack. The drag links impart pivotal movement to the spindle arms to cause the wheels to turn in the direction the steering wheel has been turned.

US Patent:

6067783, May 30, 2000

Filed:

May 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/084495

Inventors:

Thomas A Burdsall - Nashville TN
Donald G Erickson - Antioch TN
James F Peterson - Franklin TN

Assignee:

Murray, Inc. - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

A01D 3464

US Classification:

56 173

Abstract:

A device is secured to the deck of a multi-blade rotary mower at a location forwardly of the blades in relation to the direction the mower moves as vegetation in being cut. The device deflects the grass laterally into the cutting paths of the rotating blades.

US Patent:

55094961, Apr 23, 1996

Filed:

Jun 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/255966

Inventors:

Donald G. Erickson - Antioch TN
Joseph P. Deschamps - Franklin TN
Lindell R. Flynn - Old Hickory TN
John A. Burns - Franklin TN
Richard D. Williams - Brentwood TN

Assignee:

Murray, Inc. - Brentwood TN

International Classification:

B60K 1700

US Classification:

180307

Abstract:

A mechanism for controlling the direction and speed of an off-road vehicle having a frame, an operator seat, a steering wheel, an engine and a variable speed transmission coupled for driving at least one of a plurality of ground wheels. The mechanism comprises a floor plate carried by the vehicle for receiving the heel portion of an operator's foot, a pedal operatively connected to the variable speed transmission and pivotally mounted above the floor plate for movement between a forward zone for controlling the forward speed of the vehicle, a neutral zone wherein the vehicle is in neutral, and a reverse zone for controlling the reverse speed of the vehicle. The pedal has first and second portions generally inclined with respect to one another and each are adapted for engagement by a forward portion of the individual's foot so that engagement of the first portion with a predetermined amount of force moves the pedal into the forward zone of movement, and engagement with the second portion with a predetermined amount of force moves the pedal into the reverse zone of movement. The pedal is arranged relative to the floor plate in a manner which enables the individual to selectively access the first and second portions with the forward portion of the foot by pivoting the heel on the floor plate. The pedal has at least the second portion thereof disposed outboard of a side edge of the floor plate.