Importance

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Abstract

A safety device for a self-propelled machine with a steering rod guided by an operator's handle includes a safety handle positioned proximately below the operator's handle in parallel to at least a portion of the operator's handle for grasping by the operator. The safety handle has first and second arms projecting vertically downward. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the steering rod below the safety handle, and a sleeve is journalled on the shaft. The first and second arms of the safety handle are rigidly attached to opposite ends of the shaft. An operating disc for controlling the motion of the machine is rotatably mounted in the steering rod. A spring normally biases the operating disc to maintain the machine in a stationary position. A locking arm is rigidly attached to the sleeve and engages teeth in the operating disc for securing the operating disc in a fixed position whereby the motion of the machine is constant. The locking arm distributes the mass of the elements pivotal with the safety handle whereby the torque produced by gravitational forces acting upon the safety handle is practically zero when the safety handle is positioned in contact with the operator's handle.

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First Claim