OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories AUSTRALIAN Rotary Models COLLECT-O-MATIC - c1956

PART 4 - THE PATENT

The patent for what would become the Collect-O-Matic was lodged in late 1956, with the specification
Published and Accepted by mid-1958.

The Actual Inventor was George Albert Cumines, but the Applicant was G.M.F. Electric Motors Pty. Limited.

The patent relates to 'Improvements in or Relating to Rotary Type Lawnmowers'.
The main object of the patent was in providing for a grass catcher ('container') that was lighter,
larger, and more efficient at catching grass.

Most importantly, the patent envisaged 'flanged cutting blades' and an 'inclined open ended duct'.
That 'inclined duct', fitted to this machine, would later become known as a high-arch rotary lawnmower.
The Collect-O-Matic was ahead of its time.

The patent envisaged the concept of the 'velocity of air' needed in the design of the arch and even
discusses the possibility of engine exhaust assisting air flow!

The catcher would not be metal. It would be a flexible material (like canvas) for light weight,
although this design envisaged a metal support for the bag. This was an American-style 'bagger' mower,
and it would pre-empt the use of synthetic catchers used on many lawnmowers today.

Here is the Illustration that accompanied the Patent.
The full Patent Document is attached below.