Mower cutting deck with pivoting flow-control baffles
A two-chamber rotary mower deck that routes clippings from side-by-side blades into a single rear exit tunnel, fitted with two operator-adjustable, pivotal baffles positioned ahead of the tunnel mouth. Operators use the baffles to partially block or open the tunnel mouth to slow or speed loading of an attached rear grass collector; a removable mulching plug with a forward separator vane converts the deck to mulching mode. Intended users are commercial and residential riding-mower operators and equipment manufacturers.
(57) What the patent covered
This write-up was generated by AI from the patent's text and may contain mistakes, so check it against the original patent before relying on it.
The main independent claim covered a rotary mower deck with two side-by-side cutting chambers whose blades discharge into a common rear exit tunnel, plus a pair of operator-selectable baffles placed ahead of the tunnel mouth that, when closed, collectively block at least part of the tunnel mouth and are symmetrically arranged about the mouth centerline. A further independent claim required that the baffles also have an open position inboard over the blade orbits while remaining above blade level to clear rotation.
Distinguishing feature: Operator-positioned, pivoting baffles ahead of a common exit tunnel that partially block the tunnel mouth to regulate flow into a rear collector and that fold inward over blade orbits when open.
Novelty 3/5. Partial flow-control baffles for a shared rear discharge combined with a removable mulching plug was a practical improvement on conventional single-exit decks that simply routed clippings rearward; multi-blade common-discharge decks and mulching plugs were already common.
Manufacturing
Stamped and formed steel deck and tunnel components, laser- or die-cut parts, welded subassemblies, formed steel baffles pivoted with pins or rivets, heat-treated blades, and final mechanical assembly and balancing.
Materials: Stamped steel deck and tunnel panels, Stamped or formed steel baffles, Steel blade(s) (hardened), Fasteners and pivot pins (steel).
Manufacturability 4/5. Several stamped/formed steel parts and blades plus baffle pivots require tooling and jigs; assembly is straightforward but requires balancing blades and robust welds for deck and tunnel joints.
Market demand
No demand check has been run for this patent. Likely search terms: two-blade mower deck rear discharge, adjustable baffle mower deck, mulching plug common exit tunnel. The links in the sidebar open these searches.
Buyers: Riding-mower owners, landscape contractors, small commercial mower fleets.
Before manufacturing
This patent has 1 related US patent (continuation, divisional or parent) that may remain in force: US 7,823,373. Review their claims before proceeding.
Claim scope focused on the specific arrangement of two symmetric, pivotal baffles ahead of a common rear tunnel and their open/closed positions; patent has lapsed but clearance and current prior art status should be checked by counsel if needed.
This patent's full term ends on Oct 25, 2026. A patent that has run its full term cannot be revived. This page is a research lead, not legal advice. Obtain a freedom-to-operate opinion before manufacturing.