WO2019078873A1

WO2019078873A1 - Climate regulation system for unenclosed mowers

Info

Publication number: WO2019078873A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/057436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Orville B. Reynolds
Original assignee: B & D Technologies, LLC
Priority date: 2017-10-19
Filing date: 2017-10-19
Publication date: 2019-04-25
Also published as: WO2019078906A1

Abstract

A climate regulation system for unenclosed mowers is provided. The system is designed for installation on unenclosed mowers to provide an enclosed, air-conditioned cabin that shelters operators from environmental and weather conditions during mower operation. The system comprises an enclosed cabin and an air conditioning unit, which collectively define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower. The enclosed cabin comprises a cabin frame having a lower frame configured to secure to the frame of the mower and an upper frame secured to the lower frame. The cabin frame is enclosed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a ceiling wall, a front wall, and a back wall. The air conditioning unit is secured in proximity to the enclosed cabin frame such that the air conditioning unit's evaporator unit partially defines the back wall of the enclosed cabin.

Description

CLIMATE REGULA TION SYSTEM FOR UNENCLOSED MOWERS

by

Orville B. Reynolds

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure refers generally to a climate regulation

system for unenclosed mowers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Individuals and business entities alike spend countless hours maintaining and beautifying the lawns and general landscape of their property. Whether as a matter of personal pride and expression or as a means of enticing clientele, landowners often manicure the grass, plant and maintain flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees, and clear fallen debris from the ground in order to enhance the aesthetic qualities of their property. On properties with large areas of grass, lawnmowers that enable users to sit while mowing are commonly utilized to reduce both the physical energy and duration of time spent cutting grass. For increased mowing speed and precision, zero-turn mowers are frequently used for commercial and non-commercial mowing applications alike because of the reduced turning radius offered by such mowers.

[0003] However, the duration of time in which users can operate mowers in an outside

environment is often limited by the weather due to the generally unenclosed design of such mowers. Generally, while operating a mower, the user is completely exposed and subject to the environmental and weather conditions present in the area being mowed. In turn, during summer months, when grass growth and lawn maintenance are generally at their highest, operators of these mowers are often exposed to extreme heat and potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation for extended periods of time. The operator is also completely subjected to any dust, dirt, or allergens that may be kicked up by the mower or otherwise present within the mowing area. As a result, operators of mowers are often forced to retreat to an indoor area to escape the environmental and weather conditions present within the area being mowed, thereby prolonging both the time and effort spent mowing.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system for unenclosed mowers that enables users to operate mowers during adverse environmental and weather conditions.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a climate regulation system for unenclosed mowers in accordance with the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are reflected in the dependent claims. The claimed invention can be better understood in view of the

embodiments described and illustrated in the present disclosure, viz. in the present specification and drawings. In general, the present disclosure reflects preferred embodiments of the invention. The attentive reader will note, however, that some aspects of the disclosed embodiments extend beyond the scope of the claims. To the respect that the disclosed embodiments indeed extend beyond the scope of the claims, the disclosed embodiments are to be considered supplementary background information and do not constitute definitions of the invention per se.

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, a climate regulation system for unenclosed mowers is provided. The system of the present disclosure is designed for installation on an unenclosed mower to provide an enclosed, air conditioned cabin that shelters operators from environmental and weather conditions during operation of the mower. The system generally comprises an enclosed cabin and an air conditioning unit, which, when installed, define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower. The air conditioning unit may be secured to the enclosed cabin frame, the frame of the mower, or both. In some embodiments, the air conditioning unit, or components thereof, may be secured to the frame of the mower via an air conditioning frame. The air conditioning unit has an evaporator unit through which conditioned air is emitted into the interior volume. The enclosed cabin comprises a cabin frame having a lower frame configured to secure to a frame of the mower and an upper frame secured to the lower frame. The lower frame may be shaped to match the design of the front and side portions of the mower's frame. To provide increased visibility of the ground surface immediately adjacent the mower, the lower frame may have side rails with a curved portion that extends outwardly from the mower's frame when the lower frame is secured to the mower's frame. To provide a physical barrier between the operator and the external environment, the cabin frame is enclosed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a ceiling wall, a front wall, and a back wall. Each wall enclosing the cabin frame may comprise one or more panels secured to the lower frame and/or upper frame. The back wall may be defined by a rear panel and the evaporator unit of the air conditioning unit. In some embodiments, the rear panel may have an opening therein through which the evaporator unit may be inserted at least partially therethrough.

7] To facilitate entry into and exit from the interior volume, the enclosed cabin frame may have a door hingedly secured to the upper frame. Because the steering controls, frame design, mower deck, and/or discharge chute of zero-turn mowers may obstruct or otherwise make side entry into the interior volume difficult, the front wall of the enclosed cabin frame may at least partially comprise a door. In order to reduce the extent to which users must lift or stretch their legs to enter the interior volume, the system may further comprise a step configured to secure to the frame of the mower at a location subjacent to the door. To prevent debris kicked up by operation of the mower or system from entering the interior volume, in some embodiments the system may further comprise a sheet configured to be disposed on the floor of the mower adjacent the back wall of the enclosed cabin frame and beneath an operator seat within the mower. The system may further comprise an enclosure secured in relation to an exterior of the back wall such that the enclosure and back wall define an exterior volume that may be occupied by certain components of the air conditioning unit.

[0008] The foregoing summary has outlined some features of the system of the present

disclosure so that those skilled in the pertinent art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features that form the subject of the claims will be described hereinafter. Those skilled in the pertinent art should appreciate that they can readily utilize these features for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the system disclosed herein. Those skilled in the pertinent art should also realize that such equivalent designs or modifications do not depart from the scope of the device and methods of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of enclosed cabin frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2a is a left-side cut-away environmental view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2b is a right-side cut-away environmental view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective environmental view of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side environmental view of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front cut-away environmental view of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6a is a rear cut-away environmental view of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6b is a rear environmental view of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an evaporator unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an isolated view of a compressor embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure mechanically connected to an engine of a mower.

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a front, partial view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a cabin frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12b is an elevated rear view of a cabin frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure disassembled.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 18 is an elevated side view of a system embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure installed on an unenclosed mower.

FIG. 19 is a magnified view of a lower frame and side panel having features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a back wall of an enclosed cabin frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an elevated view of a sheet embodying features consistent within the principles of the present disclosure disposed on the floor of a mower an adjacent to a back wall of an enclosed cabin embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22a shows a front perspective view of certain components of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure secured to the frame of a mower via an air conditioning frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22b is a back view of certain components of an air conditioning unit embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure secured to the frame of a mower via an air conditioning frame embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00010] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[00011] The term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, a system "comprising" components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. [00012] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

[00013] The term "removably secured" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean the joining of two components in a manner such that the two components are secured together, but may be detached from one another and re-secured together without requiring the use of specialized tools. The term "fastener" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean a device or instrument configured to secure or connect one object to another. Examples of a fastener include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, nails, rivets, or any other suitable device or instrument which may be used to secure the components of the system of the present disclosure in the manner described herein.

[00014] It can be appreciated that, although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, and that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Relative terms such as "front" or "rear" or "left" or "right" or "top" or "bottom" or "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, feature or region to another element, feature or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Additionally, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "secured" to another element, it can be directly secured to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly secured" or "secured directly" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It should also be understood that the sizes and relative orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale, and in some instances they have been exaggerated for purposes of explanation.

[00015] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. l-22b, illustrate embodiments of a climate

regulation system for unenclosed lawn mowers (the "system") 10. The system 10 of the present disclosure may be installed on lawn mowers 100 having features including, but not limited to, tires 110, a mower deck 115, a seat 120, an engine 135 having an output shaft 136, an engine cover 130, and a structural frame 140 which may include a rearwardly positioned roll bar 125. As shown within the drawings, the system 10 of the present disclosure may be designed for installation on zero-turn mowers. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that various components of the system 10, as described herein, may be designed and adapted such that the system 10 may installed on other type of unenclosed mowers including, but not limited to, lawn tractors.

[00016] The system 10 generally comprises an enclosed cabin 20 and an air conditioning unit 50 designed for installation on an unenclosed lawn mower 100. When the system 10 is installed, the enclosed cabin 20 and air conditioning unit 50 define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower 100. As such, when the system 10 is installed, the enclosed cabin 20, the air conditioning unit 50, and a floor of the mower 100 establish a physical barrier between the interior volume and an outside environment, thus sheltering the operator from the environmental and weather conditions present within the outside environment. The air conditioning unit 50, or at least certain components thereof, may be positioned behind a driver's seat 120 of the mower when the system 10 is installed such that conditioned air 82 produced by the air conditioning unit 50 is emitted through an evaporator unit 52 of the air conditioning unit 50 into the interior volume. Accordingly, by engaging the air conditioning unit 50, the operator can regulate the temperature of the interior volume and continue operating the mower 100 regardless of outside temperature.

17] The enclosed cabin 20 comprises a cabin frame 21 that is enclosed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a ceiling wall, a front wall, and a back wall, as shown in FIGS. l-2b, 11, 14-18, and 20. As shown best in FIGS. 12b-12b, the cabin frame 21 is defined by an upper frame 22 secured to a lower frame 40. The upper frame 22 and the lower frame 40 of the cabin frame 21 may comprise a metal material, such as metal railing made from flat or angled metal stock, for increased durability. However, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other materials, such as wood, plastic, or any other suitable material may be used to construct the upper frame 22 and the lower frame 40 without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. The upper frame 22 of the cabin frame 21 may comprise a plurality of horizontal support members 22a and a plurality of vertical support members 22b, as best shown in FIGS. 12a-12b. Each vertical support member 22b has a first end secured to at least one horizontal support member 22a and a second end secured to the lower frame 40. As further shown in FIGS. 12a-12b, some of the upper frame's 22 horizontal members 22a may be secured to one or more other horizontal members 22a and curved or bent to either shape or match the contours of the roof panel 25 disclosed herein. Alternatively, the upper frame 22 may comprise only vertical support members 22b secured to and extending upwardly from the lower frame 40.

18] The lower frame 40 is configured to secure to the frame 140 of the mower 100 and thus serves to anchor the enclosed cabin frame 20 to an unenclosed mower 100 when the system 10 is installed. To this end, the lower frame 40 may be shaped to rest upon or fit within certain portions of the frame 140 of the mower 100. As shown best in FIGS. 12a-12b, the lower frame 40 may be defined by a front rail 41, a first side rail 42, and a second side rail 43 secured together. The front rail 41, the first side rail 42, and the second side rail 43 may be permanently secured together as a welded assembly. Alternatively, the constituent parts of the lower frame 40 may be removably secured together using a plurality of fasteners 80. The lower frame 40 may be shaped to correspond to the frame 140 of the mower 100 such that first side rail 42 and the second side rail 43 track the contours of the frame 140 of the mower 100 when installed, as best shown in FIGS. l-2b. In other instances, the lower frame 40 may be shaped such that the first and second side rails 42, 43 each have a curved portion 42a, 43a that extends outwardly from the sides of the frame 140 of the mower 100 when installed, as shown best in FIGS. ll-12b and 19. As shown in FIG. 19, the curved portion 42a, 43a, of the first and second side rails 42, 43, may provide for increased visibility of ground surfaces immediately adjacent the mower 100 and/or certain components of the mower 100, such as the mower deck 115 or discharge chute (typically attached to the mower deck 115). In such embodiments, one or more side panels, as disclosed herein, may be secured between the curved portion 42a, 43a of the first and second side rails 42, 43 and the frame 140 of the mower 100 via fasteners 80 or otherwise, as further shown in FIG. 19

[00019] The lower frame 40 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 using a plurality of fasteners 80. As such, the lower frame 40 may have a plurality of openings therein to facilitate passage of the fasteners 80 through the lower frame 40. Alternatively, the lower frame 40 may be permanently secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100, via welding or otherwise.

[00020] The cabin frame 21 is assembled by securing the upper frame 22 to the lower frame 40.

The upper frame 22 may be permanently secured to the lower frame 40 as a welded assembly or otherwise, as shown best in FIGS. 12a-12b. Alternatively, the upper frame 22 and the lower frame 40 may be removably secured together via a series of fasteners 80. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual dimensions of the cabin frame 21, as well as the size and profile of the lower frame 40 and/or upper frame 22, may vary depending upon the size, type, and/or model of lawn mower 100 to enable the cab frame 21 to be retrofittable to various popular lawn mowers 100 by securing to the respective frames 140 of such mowers without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. As such, the cabin frame 21 may retain a variety of cuboidal shapes. For instance, in some embodiments the cabin frame 21 may retain a generally rectangular cuboid shape, as best in FIGS. l-2b, whereas in other embodiments, the cabin frame 21 may retain a more obtuse cuboidal shape, as shown in FIGS. 12a-12b.

[00021] The cabin frame 21 has a front end 21a, a first side 21b, a second side 21c, a back end

21d, and a top end 21e, as shown best in FIGS. 12a-12b. As shown in FIGS. l-2b, 10-11, 14-16, 18, and 20, the front end 21a of the cabin frame 21 is enclosed by a front wall, the first side 21b of the cabin frame 21 is enclosed by a first sidewall, the second side 21c of the cabin frame 21 is enclosed by a second sidewall, the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 is enclosed by a back wall, and the top end 21e of the cabin frame 21 is enclosed by a ceiling wall. Accordingly, when the system 10 is installed, the front wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the back wall, and the ceiling wall define an enclose interior volume that may be occupied during operation of the mower 100.

[00022] The first sidewall is defined by at least one primary side panel 32a secured to the upper frame 22 and/or lower frame 40, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2b, and 13-14b. The second sidewall is defined by at least one secondary panel 32b secured to the upper frame 22 and/or the lower frame 40, as shown in FIGS. 2a, 11, 13, and 18. The primary and secondary side panels 32a, 32b may be transparent to permit the operator of the mower 100 to see through the sides of the enclosed cabin 20 while operating the mower 100. The ceiling wall is defined by at least one roof panel 25 secured to the upper frame 22. Each of the above-described panels may be secured to the cabin frame 21 using a plurality of fasteners 80, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 18. To prevent conditioned air 82 emitted by the air conditioning unit 50 from escaping the interior volume, insulating material 16, such as seal brushes, may be secured between the above-described panels and the cabin frame 21, as best shown in FIG. 15. To shield the interior volume from ultraviolet radiation and the thermal energy associated therewith, the roof panel 25 may be opaque.

[00023] To facilitate entry and exit to and from the interior volume, the enclosed cabin 20 has a door 24 hingedly secured to the upper frame 22. Alternatively, the door 24 may be secured to the lower frame 40. The door 24 may include a flat metal panel having a large central window 28 therein pivotally attached to the upper frame 22 by a hinge 26. The door 24 may include a door latch 30 along an edge opposite the door hinge 26. Because the seat 120, steering controls, frame 140 design, and/or discharge chute of the mower 100 may obstruct or otherwise impede operator entry into the enclosed cabin 20 via the sides of the enclosed cabin 20, the front wall may at least partially comprise the door 24. The front rail 41 of the lower frame 40 and the upper frame may be designed as to provide an entryway having a width of approximately two feet, as best shown in FIG. 12a, that is covered by the door 24 when the door 24 is placed in a closed configuration. The door 24 may define the entirety of the front wall when placed in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, or the door 24 may be but one component serving to define the front wall. For instance, as shown in FIG. 16, the front wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined by the door 24 and one or more front panels 23 secured to the upper frame 22 and/or the lower frame 40. In such embodiments, each front panel 23 may be transparent to enable the operator of the mower 100 to see therethrough.

[00024] Alternatively, the door 24 may be hingedly secured to the first side or the second side of the cabin frame 21 such that the door 24 partially defines the first sidewall or the second sidewall of the enclosed cabin 20, as shown in FIG. 18. In such embodiments, the front wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined entirely by one or more front panels 23 secured to the upper frame 22 and/or the lower frame 40. However, because entering the enclosed cabin 20 from the side may require users to step on or over the mower deck 115 and/or discharge chute— thus subjecting such integral components of the mower 100 to additional wear and tear— it may prove beneficial that the front wall of the enclosed cabin 20 at least partially comprise the door 24. The primary side panels 32a, secondary side panels 32b, front panels 23, and window 28 are may be made of a durable, clear or tinted plastic, e.g., LEXAN®, PLEXIGLASS®, or the like. The roof panel may comprise plastic, metal, wood, rubber, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.

[00025] As shown best in FIGS. 5, 10-11, and 20, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined by rear panel 90 and one or more components of the air conditioning unit 50. The rear panel 90 may be secured to the lower frame 40 and/or upper frame 22 such that the rear panel 90 partially encloses the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21. Alternatively, the rear panel 90 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 immediately adjacent the cabin frame 21 such that the rear panel 90 partially encloses the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21. In one such embodiment, the rear panel 90 may be secured to the roll bar 125 portion of the mower's 100 frame 140. In some instances, the rear panel 90 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via an air conditioning frame 210, i.e., the rear panel 90 is secured to the air conditioning frame 210 and the air conditioning frame 210 is subsequently secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 in the manner disclosed herein.

[00026] The rear panel 90 may be secured to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21, the air

conditioning frame 210, or the roll bar 125 of the mower 100 via a plurality of fasteners 80. Alternatively, the rear panel 90 may be permanently secured to the same as a welded assembly or otherwise. As shown best in FIGS.3 and 5, the rear panel 90 may be shaped and designed to only enclose a limited portion of the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21. For instance, the rear panel 90 may be shaped as to only enclose either an upper or lower portion of the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21, as shown in FIGS.3 and 5. In such embodiments, the condenser 65 and the evaporator unit 52 of the air conditioning unit 50 disclosed herein may substantially enclose the remainder of the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21. The rear panel 90 may be shaped and sized to substantially enclose the entire back end 21d of the cabin frame 21, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 20.

[00027] Depending on the mower 100 type and model, the rear panel 90 may be shaped to bend or curve around the mower's 100 engine 135 when the enclosed cabin 20 is installed, as best shown in FIGS.18 and 21. In some instances, the rear panel 90 may have one or small apertures therein to facilitate passage certain wiring or tubing associated with the mower 100 to pass therethrough. The rear panel 90 may comprise a metal material for increased durability. However, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the rear panel 90 may be constructed of any suitable material including but not limited to, rubber, wood, plastic, or combinations thereof without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Because the engine 135 and/or air conditioning unit 50 may generate heat during operation of the mower 100 and system 10, the rear panel 90 may be configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated form the engine 135 and air conditioning unit 50. To this end, the rear panel 90 may comprise a heat- resistant or non-flammable material.

28] FIGS. 3, 4, 5-6a illustrate various views of the system 10 depicting one embodiment of the air conditioning unit 50. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various portions of the lawn mower 100 and enclosed cabin frame 20 have been omitted in the foregoing figures for clarity sake. The air conditioning unit 50 is configured to produce and introduce cooled air 82 into the enclosed cabin 20. The air conditioning unit 50 may comprise a plurality of refrigeration components including, but not limited to, an evaporator unit 52, a condenser 65, a compressor 68, and a condenser fan 84. To filter contaminants, the air conditioning unit 50 may further comprise a dryer canister 66 that is configured to adsorb liquid contaminants and to provide physical filtration. To filter air approaching the condenser 65, the condenser 65 may have a grill 62 secured thereto, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 10. The grill 62 may comprise a corrugated metal sheet shaped in a manner that matches or is similar to the shape of the condenser 65. To permit airflow through the grill 62, the grill 62 has a plurality of perforations therein. In some embodiments, the grill 62 may be secured to the condenser 65 via a grill hinge 63 such that the grill 62 may be transitioned from a closed configuration to an open configuration to access the condenser 65, or vice versa. Certain components of the air conditioning unit 50, such as the compressor 68, the dryer canister 66, the condenser 65, and the evaporator unit 52, may be interconnected via refrigeration hoses 70, as shown in FIG. 4.

[00029] As shown best in FIGS. 7 and 20, the evaporator unit 52 may comprise one or more first fan vents 54a, one or more second fan vents 54b, an evaporator 55 configured to absorb heat from the interior of the enclosed cabin 20, an evaporator fan 55a, a fan control knob 56, and a temperature control knob 57. The evaporator unit 52 may further comprise a housing 51 to which the vent fans, evaporator 55, evaporator fan 55a, fans speed knob 56, and temperature control knob 57 may be secured to and/or housed within. The first and second fan vents 54a, 54b may include rectangular and circular apertures, respectively. Each fan vent within the evaporator unit 52 may be designed such that an operator may adjust the direction of conditioned air 82 emitted by the air conditioning unit 50 by engaging certain air-directing features of the fan vents 54a, 54b. The fan speed knob 56 and temperature knob 57 provide conventional fan speed and coolant flow control respectively, thereby providing selectable control of the conditioned air 82 entering the enclosed cabin 20. As evidenced by FIGS. 7 and 20, the shape and design of the evaporator unit 52 can vary without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[00030] The evaporator unit 52 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from a power source, such as a 12-volt battery, associated with the mower 100 via interconnecting wiring 53, which is used to power the evaporator fan 55, as best shown in FIG. 3. As shown best in FIGS. 7 and 9, refrigeration hoses 70 are connected to evaporator unit 52 to supply a flow of coolant through the evaporator 55. The evaporator fan 55a provides a flow of air to the evaporator 55 for conveyance into the enclosed cabin 20. The evaporator fan 55a may be a centrifugal fan. In some instances, a first refrigeration hose may interconnect the condenser 65 and the evaporator unit 52 such that coolant exiting the condenser 65 is directed to the evaporator 55, and a second refrigeration hose may interconnect the evaporator 55 and the compressor 68 such that coolant exiting the evaporator 55 is directed to the compressor 68, as illustrated best by FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the dryer canister 66 may bisect the connection between the evaporator 55 and the condenser 65. The compressor 68 and the condenser 65 may be

interconnected via a refrigeration hose 70 such that coolant exiting the compressor 68 is directed to the condenser 65. As shown best by FIGS. 6a, 9, and 22b, a condenser fan 84 is secured behind the condenser 65 such that the condenser fan 84 draws air from the external environment surrounding the mower 100 over the condenser 65. The condenser frame 60 may be used to secure the condenser fan 84 to the mower's 100 roll bar 125 or an air conditioning frame 210, as shown in FIG. 22b. Alternatively, a fan mounting plate 86 may be used to secure the condenser fan 84 to the mower's 100 roll bar 125 or to an air conditioning frame 210, as best shown in FIG. 6a

31] The air conditioning unit 50 may include a self-contained system which may be powered by the output shaft 136 of the mower engine 135, as shown best in FIG. 8. To this end, the compressor 68 may include pulley driven unit (e.g., substantially similar to those manufactured by SANDEN CO.® and other manufacturers) that is powered by the engine 135 of the mower 100 and is in mechanical communication therewith via an interconnecting drive belt 92, as shown in FIGS. 8-9. The system 10 may include an integral pulley 69 of the compressor 68 being arranged at a ninety-degree angle with respect to an engine pulley 94 mounted to an output shaft 136 of the mower's 100 engine 135, as further shown in FIG. 8. The engine pulley 94 can be slip-fitted to the output shaft 136 using a key 137. The compressor 68 can be in mechanical communication with the engine pulley 94 via a drive belt 92 that is held in tension using a spring-type tension mechanism including a pair of tension pulleys 93a, corresponding stationary pulley arm 93b and tension pulley arm 93c, and a tension spring 93d. In this way, the compressor 68 may receive rotating mechanical power from the engine 135 of the mower 100 via the drive belt 92 and corresponding tension pulleys. The mechanical power received by the compressor 68 in the foregoing manner may be utilized by the compressor 68 to pump coolant to the condenser 65. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 8 is for illustration and that different models and/or configurations of the system 10 can be introduced including drive components which correspond to various engine 135 arrangements without deviating from the teachings of the disclosed system 10, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. Moreover, depending on the design, model, and type of engine 135, the compressor 68, drive belt 92, tension pulleys 93a, stationary pulley arm 93b and tension pulley arm 93c, and/or tension spring 93d may be secured in different locations or arrangements around the engine 135. For instance, in some

embodiments, the compressor 68, drive belt 92, tension pulleys 93a, stationary pulley arm 93b and tension pulley arm 93c, and/or tension spring 93d may be secured above the engine 135, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6a. In other embodiments, the compressor 68, drive belt 92, tension pulleys 93a, stationary pulley arm 93b and tension pulley arm 93c, and/or tension spring 93d may be secured below the engine 135, as shown in FIG. 15.

32] The compressor 68 may be secured in relation to the mower's 100 engine 135 and be configured to receive mechanical power derived therefrom via a compressor drive assembly (not shown). The compressor drive assembly may comprise a first pulley configured to receive rotary motion from the engine 135, a ninety-degree gearbox having a first and second pulley secured thereto, and a first and second belt. In such embodiments, the first pulley may be mechanically connected to the first pulley of the ninety-degree gearbox via the first belt and the second pulley of the ninety-degree gearbox may be mechanically connected to the integral pulley 69 of the compressor 68. The compressor 68 may be mechanically connected to an alternator configured to supply electricity to one or more components of the mower 100 including but not limited to the mower's 100 battery. In such embodiments, the compressor 68 may be mechanically connected to the alternator via a third belt extending between the integral pulley 69 and the alternator such that as the integral pulley 69 is rotated via the second belt the motion of the integral pulley 69 causes a pulley associated with the alternator to rotate which subsequently causes the alternator to generate electricity.

33] A shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 20 the air conditioning unit 50 may be secured to the cabin frame 21 and/or the frame 140 of the mower 100 such that certain components of the air conditioning unit 50, in conjunction with the rear panel 90, define the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20. As shown best in FIGS. 2a-3, 5, and 10, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined by the evaporator unit 52, the condenser 65, and the rear panel 90. In one such embodiment, the evaporator unit 52, the condenser 65, and/or the rear panel 90 may be secured to the roll bar 125 of the mower's 100 frame 140. As shown in FIG. 5, the mower's 100 roll bar 125 may comprise a horizontal member having two vertical members extending downwardly therefrom. The evaporator unit 52 may be secured to the mower's 100 roll bar 125 via a plurality of fasteners 80 such that the evaporator unit 52 is secured subjacent to a horizontal member of the roll bar 125. The condenser 65 may be positioned below the evaporator unit 52 and secured between the vertical members of the mower's 100 roll bar 125 using a plurality of fasteners 80 in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5. The condenser 65 may be secured directly to the mower's roll bar 125 or may be secured to the same via a condenser frame 60. [00034] In some embodiments, the condenser frame 60 may be integral and extend outwardly from the perimeter edges of the condenser 65 such that the condenser 65 may be held in a fixed position by securing a first side of the condenser frame 60 to a first vertical member of the roll bar 125 and securing a second side of the condenser frame 60 to a second vertical member of the roll bar 125. Alternatively, the condenser frame 60 may comprise a sheet of material having an opening 60a centrally disposed therein and being a length sufficient to span the distance between the first and second vertical members of the roll bar 125. In such embodiments, the opening 60a within the condenser frame 60 may be shaped or sized such that the condenser 65 may be inserted at least partially therethrough, as shown in FIG. 5. The opening 60a within the condenser frame 60 may be shaped or sized such that a front side of the evaporator unit 52 may be inserted at least partially therethrough, as shown in FIG. 22a. To prevent the condenser 65 or evaporator unit 52 from becoming dislodged after insertion through the opening 60a within the condenser frame 60, one or more straps 61 may be used to strap the condenser 65 or evaporator unit 52 in place, as shown in FIG. 22b. In some embodiments, the condenser 65 and/or condenser frame 60 may be further supported via a support shelf 72 having a first end secured to a fist vertical member of the mower's 100 roll bar 125 and a second end secured to a second vertical member of the mower's 100 roll bar 125, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6a. The support shelf 72 may also serve to provide a secure mounting surface for other components of the air conditioning unit 50, such as the dryer canister 66. The support shelf 72 may be removably secured to the mower's 100 roll bar 125 using fasteners 80 or permanently secured thereto via welding or adhesives.

[00035] In instances where the mower 100 either does not have a roll bar 125 or the mower's 100 existing roll bar 125 cannot facilitate installation of certain components of the system 10, the system 10 may further comprise an air conditioning frame 210 designed to secure the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 to the frame 140 of the mower 100 in the same manner as the mower's 100 roll bar 125 described above. In instances where the mower 100 is equipped with a roll bar 125, the use of an air conditioning frame 210, as described herein, may nonetheless prove beneficial in order to ensure the structural integrity of the mower's 100 roll bar 125 is not adversely affected by the rear panel 90, air conditioning unit 50, or components of the same. As such, in some instances, the mower 100 may have both a roll bar 125 and an air conditioning frame 210. The air conditioning frame 210 may comprise a horizontal support member having a first end with a first vertical support member extending downwardly therefrom and a second end with a second vertical support member extending downwardly therefrom, as shown in FIG. 10. As shown best in FIGS. 10 and 22b, the air conditioning frame 210 may be configured to also secure the condenser fan 84, the condenser frame 60, the dryer canister 66, and/or the compressor 68 to the frame 140 of the mower 100. The base of the air conditioning frame 21 may be defined by one or more foot plates 215 with openings therein through which fasteners 80 may be inserted therethrough to secure the air conditioning frame 210 to the frame 140 of the mower 100 in an upright position, as shown best in FIG. 22b. To further secure the air conditioning frame 210 in a fixed, upright position, the air conditioning frame 210 may be further secured to the lower frame 40 and/or upper frame 22 of the cabin frame 21.

36] In yet another embodiment, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be established by securing the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 directly to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21. In such embodiments, the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 may be secured to upper frame 22 and/or lower frame 40 of the cabin frame 21 using a plurality of suitable fasteners 80. Alternatively, the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 may be permanently secured to the upper frame 22 and/or lower frame 40 of the cabin frame 21 via adhesives or welding. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, when the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 are secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 and/or the cabin frame 21 in the manner described above, the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 are generally positioned above and adjacent to the engine 135 of the mower 100. As, further shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, in some embodiments, the evaporator unit 52 may define an upper portion of the back wall, the condenser 65 may define a middle portion of the back wall, and the rear panel 90 may define a lower portion of the back wall. Although the rear panel 90 may be secured near the engine 135 to insulate heat produced thereby from entering the interior volume, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the condenser 65, the evaporator unit 52, and the rear panel 90 may be secured in different arrangements without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

37] As shown best in FIGS. 11, 16, 20, and 22a, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined by the rear panel 90 and the evaporator unit 52. In such embodiments, the rear panel 90 may be shaped and sized to substantially enclose the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 such that the only portion of the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 not enclosed by the rear panel 90 is equal to the circumference of an opening 91 within the rear panel 90. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, the opening 91 is shaped and sized such that at least a front side of the evaporator unit 52 may be inserted therethrough. In this way, the evaporator unit 52 and rear panel 90 may be secured in combination to prevent conditioned air 82 from escaping the interior volume via the back wall. To establish an airtight seal between the rear panel 90 and the evaporator unit 52, a gasket or rubber seal may be present on the rim of the opening 91 within the rear panel. The rear panel 90 and the evaporator unit 52 may be secured directly to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 or to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via the mower's 100 roll bar 125 or the air conditioning frame 210 in the manner disclosed above. The evaporator unit 52 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via the air conditioning frame 210. In such embodiments, the evaporator unit 52 may be secured to the air conditioning frame 210 via the condenser frame 60. As shown in FIG. 22a, the condenser frame 60 may be secured to the first and second vertical support member of the air conditioning frame 210 and the front side of the evaporator unit 52 is inserted through the opening 60a centrally disposed within the condenser frame 60. In some instances, the condenser frame 60 may be secured to the air conditioning frame 210 via brackets and fasteners 80, as shown in FIG. 22a. To prevent the front side of the evaporator unit 52 from dislodging from the opening within the condenser frame 60, the back side of the evaporator unit 52 may be secured to the condenser frame 60 using one or more straps 61 or any other suitable fastener 80, as shown in FIG. 22b. As further shown in FIG. 22b, other components of the air conditioning unit 50 such as the condenser 65, the condenser fan 84, and/or the dryer canister 66 may be secured to the condenser frame 60 using fasteners 80. Depending on the mower's 100 engine 135 design, in some instances, the compressor 68 may also be secured to the condenser frame 60.

38] Once the evaporator unit 52 is secured to the air conditioning frame 210, the opening 91 within the rear panel 90 is aligned with the front side of the evaporator unit 52 and the rear panel 90 is secured to the air conditioning frame 210 such that the front side of the evaporator unit 52 extends through the opening 91, as shown best in FIG. 20. In some instances, brackets and fasteners 80 may be used to secure the rear panel 90 to the condenser frame. To prevent the rear panel 90 from completely covering the condenser 65, thereby impeding the flow of ambient air thereto, the condenser 65 may be angled away from the rear panel 90. The condenser 65 may be positioned above the evaporator unit 52 and secured to the top side of the condenser frame 60 at an angle such that the distance between the air conditioning frame 210 and the condenser 65 increases as the condenser 65 extends upwards, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 22a. One of skill in the art will, however, appreciate that the condenser 65 may be positioned and secured in other arrangements or manners without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[00039] To enclose the back end 21d of the cabin 21, thereby establishing the back wall of the enclosed cabin frame 20, the air conditioning frame 210 is placed on the frame 140 of the mower 100 in an upright position and secured thereto, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22a-22b. The foot plates 215 of the air conditioning frame 210 may be used to removably secure the air

conditioning frame 210 to the frame 140 of the mower 100 using suitable fasteners 80.

Alternatively, the foot plates 215 may be permanently secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via welding or otherwise. In some instances, the air conditioning frame 210 may be further secured to the cabin frame 21 and/or the roll bar 125 of the mower 100 via brackets and fasteners 80. As shown in FIGS. 11, 16, and 20, when the air conditioning frame 210 is secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100, the rear panel 90 and evaporator unit 52 are positioned behind the mower's 100 seat 120 and roll bar 125 (if present) and opposite the front wall. As such, in some embodiments, the evaporator unit 52 may be positioned in parallel and opposite to the door 24.

[00040] In another embodiment, the rear panel 90 may be secured directly to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 while the evaporator unit 52 and other components of the air conditioning unit 50 are secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via the air conditioning frame 210. In yet another embodiment, the rear panel 90 may be secured directly to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21 and the evaporator unit 52 and other components of the air conditioning unit 50 may be secured directly to a back side of the rear panel 90. In such embodiments, the rear panel 90 and evaporator unit may be installed by securing a front side of the rear panel 90 to the back end 21d of the cabin frame 21.

[00041] Alternatively, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may be defined solely by one or more rear panels 90. In such embodiments, instead of defining the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20, the air conditioning unit 50, or certain components thereof, may be secured to, disposed within, or secured adjacent to the roof panel 25. For instance, in some embodiments, the roof panel 25 may have one or more openings therein through which certain components, e.g., the evaporator unit 52, may be inserted at least partially therethrough such that the roof panel 25 and certain components of the air conditioning unit 50 act to define the ceiling wall of the enclosed cabin 20. In such embodiments, conditioned air 82 emitted from the air conditioning unit 50 may be emitted downwardly from the ceiling wall of the enclosed cabin 21 to an operator occupying the interior volume. In some embodiments, each component of the air conditioning unit 50 except for the compressor 68 may be secured to or disposed adjacent the roof panel 25. In such embodiments, one or more refrigeration hoses 70 may extend upwardly from the compressor 68 and secure to those components of the air conditioning unit 50 secured to, disposed within, or secured adjacent to the roof panel 25. In other embodiments, some components of the air conditioning unit 50 may be secured to or adjacent to the rear panel 90, e.g., the condenser 65, or elsewhere where on the enclosed cabin 20 or frame 140 of the mower 100 while other components of the air conditioning unit 50, e.g., the evaporator unit 52, are secured to, disposed within, or secured adjacent to the roof panel 25.

[00042] As shown in FIGS. 3, 6b, 13-15, and 17-18, the system 10 may further comprise an

enclosure 58 configured to shelter components of the air conditioning unit 50 from

environmental and weather conditions during operation of the mower 100. When installed, the enclosure 58 may be positioned behind the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 and above the engine 135 of the mower 100, as best shown in FIG.15. To install the enclosure 58, the enclosure 58 is secured to the exterior of the rear panel 90 and/or to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via a plurality of fasteners 80. Alternatively, the enclosure 58 may be permanently secured to the exterior of the rear panel 90 and/or the frame 140 of the mower 100 via adhesives or as a welded assembly. The enclosure 58 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower via the air conditioning frame 210, i.e., the enclosure 58 is secured to the air conditioning frame 210 and the air conditioning frame 210 is subsequently secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100.

Alternatively, the enclosure 58 may be secured to the upper fame 22 and/or lower frame 40 of the cabin frame 21. The enclosure 58 may comprise a sheet metal or molded plastic structure shaped to accommodate the mower's 100 engine 135 or engine cover 130. As shown in FIGS.3 and 6b, in one embodiment, the enclosure 58 may be defined by a first side, a second side, a top, and a back side. In such embodiments, first side, second side, and back side of the enclosure 58 may extend downwardly such that the bottom edge of the enclosure 58 is flush with an engine cover 130 of the mower 100.

43] In another embodiment, the enclosure may be defined by a first side, a second side, a top, a back side, and a bottom, as shown best in FIGS.13-15 and FIGS.17-18. In such embodiments, when the enclosure 58 is installed, the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 and the enclosure 58 may define an exterior volume which may be occupied by certain components of the air conditioning unit 50. Components of the air conditioning unit 50 which may be disposed within the exterior volume include, but are not limited to, the condenser 65, the condenser fan 84, and the evaporator unit 52. To facilitate entry of ambient air into the exterior volume to the condenser 65, the top of the enclosure 58 may have an opening 58a therein, as shown in FIG.18. When installed, the top of the enclosure 58 may be adjacent to the exterior of the rear panel 90 and the exterior of the of the ceiling wall and the back of the enclosure 58 is substantially parallel to the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20. The back side of the enclosure 58 may also have one or more openings 59 therein to permit warm exhaust air generated by the air conditioning unit 50 to exit the exterior volume. As shown in FIGS. 2a-2b and 6b, the one or more openings 59 within the back side of the enclosure 58 may be defined by a series of louvers, as shown in FIGS. 2a-2b and 6b, or may be defined by a screened opening disposed opposite the condenser fan 84, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15, and 17. In some cases, the bottom of the enclosure 58 may also have an opening therein (not shown) to permit one or more refrigeration hoses 70 or wiring to extend from an area outside of the exterior volume into the exterior volume, as evidenced in FIG. 15.

[00044] In instances where one or more components of the air conditioning unit 50 are secured to, disposed within, or adjacent to the roof panel 25, the enclosure 58 may be secured to the roof panel 25. In such embodiments, when installed, the enclosure 58 may be positioned above the ceiling wall of the enclosed cabin 20 such that the enclosure 58 defines the uppermost portion of the enclosed cabin 20. To install the enclosure 58 in such embodiments, the enclosure 58 may be secured to the exterior of the roof panel 25 and/or upper frame 22 of the cabin frame 21 via a plurality of fasteners 80. Alternatively, the enclosure may be permanently secured to the exterior of the roof panel 25 and/or upper frame 22 of the cabin frame 21 via adhesives or as a welded assembly.

[00045] As the lowermost portion of the entryway into the enclosed cabin 20 defined by the upper frame 22 and the lower fame 40 may be elevated above a ground surface, the system 10 may further comprise a step 15 configured to secure to the frame 140 of the mower 100 subjacent to the door 24, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 16. The step 15 may be secured to the frame 140 of the mower 100 via one or more fasteners 80 or permanently secured thereto via welding or adhesives. The step 15 provides an intermediate foothold between a ground surface and the interior volume that reduces the extent to which an operator must stretch or lift their leg in a single instance to enter the cabin. In this way, the step 15 may serve prevent injuries which otherwise may be incurred while entering and exiting the interior volume. Depending on the model and type of mower 100, certain components of the mower 100, such as fluid tanks, batteries, and wiring, may be disposed beneath or directly behind the seat 120 of the mower 100. In turn, mowers 100 are often designed such that the portion of the portion of the mower's 100 floor located beneath or behind the seat 120 has an opening therein to provide access to certain components of the mower 100 for maintenance or otherwise. At least one primary side panel 32a or at least one secondary panel 32b may be hingedly secured to the upper frame 22 such that the panel can transition between an open and closed configuration to provide access to those components disposed beneath or behind the seat 120 of the mower, as shown in FIG. 15. In the event of an emergency, the that least one primary side panel 32a or the at least one secondary panel 32b may double as an escape hatch for the operator of the mower 100.

46] Depending on the mower 100, during operation of the mower 100 and the system 10, the opening within the floor of the mower beneath or behind the seat 120 may allow entry of debris from outside the enclosed cabin 20 to enter into the interior volume. To prevent entry of such debris, the system 10 may further comprise a sheet 17 configured to be disposed on or secured to the floor of and beneath or behind the seat 120 of the mower 100. The sheet 17 is sized and shaped to cover the opening within the floor of the mower, as shown in FIG. 21. The sheet 17 may have one or more openings therein that permit certain components of the mower 100 to extend therethrough. For instance, as shown in FIG. 21, the sheet 17 may have one or more openings therein that permit fluid container caps 105 and a locking mechanism 107 for the seat 120 of the mower 100 to pass through the sheet 17. Because certain components of the mower 100 positioned beneath the seat 120 may generate heat, the sheet 17 may comprise a nonflammable material and is configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated by such components. To this end, the sheet 17 may comprise a rubber material, though one of skill in the art will appreciate that the sheet 17 may comprise other suitable materials without departing from the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[00047] As the back wall of the enclosed cabin 20 may obstruct operator visibility behind the mower 100 when the system 10 of the present disclosure is installed, it can be appreciated that a user may choose to purchase and equip the lawn mower 100 with a closed-circuit rear-view system comprising a camera and a display means to further enhance visibility.

[00048] It is understood that versions of the inventive subject matter of the present disclosure may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one of skill in the art would appreciate these forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:

1) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising:

an enclosed cabin comprising:

a lower frame,

wherein the lower frame is configured to secure to a frame of the mower;

an upper frame secured to the lower frame;

a first sidewall;

a second sidewall; a ceiling wall;

a front wall,

wherein the front wall comprises a door hingedly attached to the upper frame; and a back wall,

wherein the back wall partially comprises a rear panel having an opening therein, and wherein the rear panel is adjacent an engine of the mower when the lower frame is secured to the frame of the mower; and

an air conditioning unit having an evaporator unit,

wherein the air conditioning unit is secured to at least one of the cabin frame and the frame of the mower such that the evaporator unit and the rear panel define the back wall and the evaporator unit is positioned opposite the door, wherein the enclosed cabin frame and the evaporator unit define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower, and wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to emit conditioned air through the evaporator unit into the interior volume.

The system of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall is defined by at least one primary side panel secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame, the second sidewall is defined by at least one secondary side panel secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame, and the ceiling wall is defined by at least one roof panel secured to the upper frame. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one panel within at least one of the at least one primary side panel and the at least one secondary side panel is hingedly secured to the upper frame.

The system of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated by the air conditioning unit and the engine of the mower. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower frame is defined by a front rail, a first side rail, and a second side rail,

the first side rail and the second side rail each having a first end secured to the front rail, a second end opposite the first end, and a curved portion between the first end and the second end,

wherein the curved portion of the first side rail extends outwardly from a first side of the frame of the mower when the lower frame is secured to the frame of the mower, and wherein the curved portion of the second side rail extends outwardly from a second side of the frame of the mower when the lower frame is secured to the frame of the mower.

The system of claim 1 further comprising a step configured to secure to the frame of the mower subjacent to an exterior of the front wall.

The system of claim 1 further comprising a sheet configured to secure to the floor of the mower beneath a seat of the mower and adjacent to the back wall of the cabin frame,

wherein the sheet is configured to prevent debris from entering the interior volume. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper frame comprises a plurality of horizontal support members and a plurality of vertical support members,

wherein each vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members has a first end secured to at least one horizontal support member of the plurality of horizontal support members and a second end secured to the lower frame.

The system of claim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises:

a condenser;

a condenser fan; and the evaporator unit, and

wherein the system further comprises an enclosure secured to at least one of the frame of the mower and an exterior of the rear panel such that the back wall and the enclosure define an exterior volume to be occupied by at least the condenser and the condenser fan.) The system of claim 9, wherein the enclosure has a top with a first opening therein to provide entry of ambient air into the exterior volume and a back with a second opening therein to direct heated exhausted air out of the exterior volume.

) The system of claim 9 further comprising an air conditioning frame secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame in an upright position,

wherein the air conditioning frame is configured to secure the condenser, the condenser fan, and the evaporator unit to the frame of the mower above the engine of the mower.) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising:

an enclosed cabin comprising:

a cabin frame having a front end, a back end, a top end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the cabin frame is defined by a lower frame configured to secure to a frame of the mower and an upper frame secured to the lower frame;

at least one primary side panel secured to the first side of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one primary side panel at least partially defines a first sidewall enclosing the first side of the cabin frame;

at least one secondary side panel secured to the second side of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one secondary side panel at least partially defines a second sidewall enclosing the second side of the cabin frame;

at least one roof panel secured to the top end of the cabin frame, wherein the at least one roof panel defines a ceiling wall enclosing the top end of the cabin frame;

at least one front panel secured to the front end of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one front panel at least partially defines a front wall enclosing the front end of the cabin frame; and

a rear panel secured to at least one of the back end of the cabin frame and the mower frame,

wherein the rear panel has a first end, a second end, and an opening between the first end and the second end; and

an air conditioning unit having an evaporator unit with a front side and a back side,

wherein the air conditioning unit is secured to at least one of the cabin frame, the rear panel, and the frame of the mower such that the front side of the evaporator unit is disposed within the opening of the rear panel, wherein the rear panel and the front side of the evaporator unit define a back wall enclosing the back end of the cabin frame, wherein the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the ceiling wall, the front wall, and the back wall define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower, and wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to emit conditioned air through the front side of the evaporator unit into the interior volume.

13) The system of claim 12, wherein the enclosed cabin frame further comprises a door hingedly secured to the upper frame.

14) The system of claim 13, wherein the door is hingedly secured to the front end of the cabin frame such that the door is opposite the front face of the evaporator unit, and

wherein the at least one front panel and the door define the front wall. ) The system of claim 12, wherein the rear panel is configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated by the air conditioning unit and the engine of the mower.

) The system of claim 12 further comprising a sheet configured to be disposed on the floor of the mower such that the sheet is disposed beneath the seat of the mower and adjacent the back wall,

wherein the sheet is configured to prevent debris from entering the interior volume.) The system of claim 12, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises:

a condenser;

a condenser fan; and

the evaporator unit, and

wherein the system further comprises an air conditioning frame secured to the back end of the cabin frame in an upright position, wherein the air conditioning frame has a foot plate configured to secure to the frame of the mower, and wherein the air conditioning frame is configured to secure the condenser, the condenser fan, and the evaporator unit to the frame of the mower.

) The system of claim 17 further comprising:

an enclosure secured to the air conditioning frame such that the back wall and the enclosure define an exterior volume to be occupied by at least the condenser, the condenser fan, and the back side of the evaporator unit.

) The system of claim 17, wherein the enclosure has a top with a first opening therein to provide entry of ambient air into the exterior volume and a back with a second opening therein to direct heated exhaust out of the exterior volume.

) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising: an enclosed cabin comprising:

at least one primary side panel secured to the first side of the cabin frame,

at least one roof panel secured to the top end of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one roof panel defines a ceiling wall enclosing the top end of the cabin frame;

a door hingedly secured to the upper frame,

wherein the door at least partially defines a front wall enclosing the front end of the cabin frame; and

a rear panel secured to at least one of the back end of the cabin frame and an air conditioning frame,

wherein the rear panel has a first end, a second end, and an opening between the first end and the second end, and wherein the rear panel is adjacent an engine of the mower when the rear panel is secured to the at least one of the cabin frame and the air conditioning frame;

an air conditioning unit comprising: a condenser;

a condenser fan; and

an evaporator unit having a front side and a back side,

wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to emit conditioned air through the front side of the evaporator unit; and

conditioning frame secured to the back end of the cabin frame in an upright position, wherein the air conditioning frame is configured to secure the condenser, the condenser fan, and the evaporator unit to the frame of the mower such that the condenser, the condenser fan, and the back side of the evaporator unit are substantially parallel to the rear panel and the front side of the evaporator unit is disposed within the opening of the rear panel opposite the door, and wherein the rear wall and the front side of the evaporator unit define a back wall enclosing the back end of the cabin frame, and wherein the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the ceiling wall, the front wall, and the back wall define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising:

an enclosed cabin comprising:

a lower frame,

wherein the lower frame is configured to secure to a frame of the mower; an upper frame secured to the lower frame;

a first sidewall;

a second sidewall;

a ceiling wall;

a front wall,

an air conditioning unit having an evaporator unit,

wherein the air conditioning unit is secured to at least one of the cabin frame and the frame of the mower such that the evaporator unit and the rear panel define the back wall and the evaporator unit is positioned opposite the door, wherein the enclosed cabin frame and the evaporator unit define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower, and wherein the air conditioning unit is configured to emit conditioned air through the evaporator unit into the interior volume. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall is defined by at least one primary side panel secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame, the second sidewall is defined by at least one secondary side panel secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame, and the ceiling wall is defined by at least one roof panel secured to the upper frame. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one panel within at least one of the at least one primary side panel and the at least one secondary side panel is hingedly secured to the upper frame.

The system of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated by the air conditioning unit and the engine of the mower.

The system of claim 1, wherein the lower frame is defined by a front rail, a first side rail, and a second side rail,

The system of claim 1 further comprising a sheet configured to secure to the floor of the mower beneath a seat of the mower and adjacent to the back wall of the cabin frame, wherein the sheet is configured to prevent debris from entering the interior volume.

8) The system of claim 1, wherein the upper frame comprises a plurality of horizontal support members and a plurality of vertical support members,

9) The system of claim 1, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises:

a condenser;

a condenser fan; and

the evaporator unit, and

wherein the system further comprises an enclosure secured to at least one of the frame of the mower and an exterior of the rear panel such that the back wall and the enclosure define an exterior volume to be occupied by at least the condenser and the condenser fan.

10) The system of claim 9, wherein the enclosure has a top with a first opening therein to provide entry of ambient air into the exterior volume and a back with a second opening therein to direct heated exhausted air out of the exterior volume.

11) The system of claim 9 further comprising an air conditioning frame secured to at least one of the lower frame and the upper frame in an upright position,

wherein the air conditioning frame is configured to secure the condenser, the condenser fan, and the evaporator unit to the frame of the mower above the engine of the mower.

12) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising:

an enclosed cabin comprising:

at least one primary side panel secured to the first side of the cabin frame,

at least one roof panel secured to the top end of the cabin frame,

at least one front panel secured to the front end of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one front panel and the door define the front wall.

15) The system of claim 12, wherein the rear panel is configured to insulate the interior volume from heat generated by the air conditioning unit and the engine of the mower.

16) The system of claim 12 further comprising a sheet configured to be disposed on the floor of the mower such that the sheet is disposed beneath the seat of the mower and adjacent the back wall,

wherein the sheet is configured to prevent debris from entering the interior volume.

17) The system of claim 12, wherein the air conditioning unit comprises:

a condenser;

a condenser fan; and

the evaporator unit, and

18) The system of claim 17 further comprising:

19) The system of claim 17, wherein the enclosure has a top with a first opening therein to

provide entry of ambient air into the exterior volume and a back with a second opening therein to direct heated exhaust out of the exterior volume.

20) A climate regulation system for an unenclosed mower, the system comprising:

an enclosed cabin comprising:

at least one primary side panel secured to the first side of the cabin frame,

at least one roof panel secured to the top end of the cabin frame,

wherein the at least one roof panel defines a ceiling wall enclosing the top end of the cabin frame; a door hingedly secured to the upper frame,

an air conditioning unit comprising:

a condenser;

a condenser fan; and

an evaporator unit having a front side and a back side,

the air conditioning frame secured to the back end of the cabin frame in an upright position, wherein the air conditioning frame is configured to secure the condenser, the condenser fan, and the evaporator unit to the frame of the mower such that the condenser, the condenser fan, and the back side of the evaporator unit are substantially parallel to the rear panel and the front side of the evaporator unit is disposed within the opening of the rear panel opposite the door, and wherein the rear wall and the front side of the evaporator unit define a back wall enclosing the back end of the cabin frame, and wherein the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the ceiling wall, the front wall, and the back wall define an interior volume to be occupied by an operator of the mower.