Lawn care device and mowing platform for a lawn care device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lawn care device and a mowing deck for a lawn care device. The lawn care device (1100) includes a high efficiency mowing deck (100). The lawn care device includes a frame, a plurality of drive wheels rotatable about a drive wheel rotational axis, at least one of an operator seat or a standing platform secured to the frame, an operator control for a lawn care device operator to initiate a function, and a mowing deck (100) secured to the frame. The mowing deck includes a plurality of mowing spindles (310), wherein each of the plurality of mowing spindles is configured to drive one or more mowing blades (320), and the mowing deck includes at least one baffle with a W-shaped baffle (210) that reduces a space around the one or more mowing blades of at least one of the plurality of mowing spindles.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 408,308, filed September 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and used for all purposes. The following are also incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, and used for all purposes: U.S. Patent Application 16 / 782,409, filed February 5, 2020; U.S. Patent Application 17 / 693,727, filed March 14, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 907,992, filed September 30, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 801,202, filed February 5, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 160,524, filed March 12, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 213,646, filed June 22, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 408,308, filed September 20, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed subject matter relates to devices and methods for lawn maintenance apparatus having an efficient mowing platform and / or cutting system as discussed herein, and relates to such lawn maintenance apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Manufacturers of power equipment for outdoor maintenance applications offer a wide variety of machines for general maintenance and mowing. These machines can come in various forms, depending on the application, ranging from general urban or suburban lawn maintenance and rural farm and field maintenance to professional applications. Even within professional applications, there can be significant differences. For example, a mowing machine designed for sporting events requiring generally precise turf (such as football fields or baseball outfields) may not be suitable for events requiring very high-precision surfaces, such as golf course greens or tennis courts.

[0005] Lawn maintenance equipment can employ a variety of blades and / or mowing platforms, some of which are dedicated to various purposes. As an example, different blades and / or mowing platforms can be used to shred grass compared to bagging it (e.g., where smaller grass clippings may be needed). In some cases, the same mowing platform can be reused for multiple purposes, such as by adding or removing the shredding kit and / or changing the blades for a specific application. Generally, the longer the grass clippings recirculated by the cutting system, the greater the power consumed by the lawn maintenance equipment. While this may be intentional in some systems and scenarios (e.g., shredding, etc.), repeated recycling of grass clippings within the mowing chamber can be inefficient and may increase power consumption. Utility Model Content

[0006] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not a comprehensive overview of this disclosure. It is not intended to identify key / important elements or to depict the scope of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure include efficient lawn mowing platforms and cutting systems, as well as lawn maintenance equipment including efficient lawn mowing platforms and cutting systems. One exemplary embodiment includes a lawn maintenance equipment comprising: a frame; a plurality of drive wheels rotatable about a drive wheel rotation axis; at least one of an operator's seat or stand fixed to the frame; operator controls for operator activation of the lawn maintenance equipment; and a lawn mowing platform fixed to the frame, wherein the lawn mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive one or more mowing blades, wherein the lawn mowing platform includes at least one baffle that reduces the space around the one or more mowing blades of at least one of the plurality of mowing spindles, and wherein the at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle having a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein on each associated arc, the W-shaped baffle is at a substantially constant distance from the rotation axis of the mowing spindle of that associated arc in the plane of the one or more mowing blades of that spindle.

[0008] A second exemplary embodiment includes a lawn maintenance device comprising: a frame; a plurality of drive wheels rotatable about a drive wheel rotation axis; at least one of an operator's seat or stand fixed to the frame; an operator control for an operator initiation function of the lawn maintenance device; and a mowing platform fixed to the frame, wherein the mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive two associated mowing blades, the two associated mowing blades including four equidistantly spaced associated blade ends.

[0009] A third exemplary embodiment includes a mowing platform for a lawn maintenance device, comprising: a bottom formed of a first single stamped sheet, wherein the bottom includes a first plurality of spindle holes, each of the first plurality of spindle holes being shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle among the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein the bottom includes at least one baffle configured to reduce the space around one or more mowing blades of the plurality of mowing spindles; and a top formed of a second single stamped sheet, wherein the top includes a second plurality of spindle holes configured to align with the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein each of the second plurality of spindle holes is shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein the top includes one or more raised regions raised relative to one or more non-raised regions of the top, and wherein the one or more raised regions of the top serve as reinforcing features to prevent or mitigate at least one of deformations of the mowing platform.

[0010] A fourth exemplary embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a mowing platform for lawn maintenance equipment, comprising: stamping a first single sheet to form a bottom of the mowing platform, wherein the bottom includes at least one baffle configured to reduce the space around one or more mowing blades of a plurality of mowing spindles; cutting a first plurality of holes in the bottom, wherein the first plurality of holes include a first plurality of spindle holes, wherein each of the first plurality of spindle holes is shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle among the plurality of mowing spindles; stamping a second single sheet to form a top of the mowing platform, wherein the top includes one or more raised regions that are raised relative to one or more non-raised regions of the top, and wherein the one or more raised regions of the top serve as reinforcing features to prevent or mitigate at least one of deformation of the mowing platform; cutting a second plurality of holes in the top, wherein the second plurality of holes include a second plurality of spindle holes configured to align with the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein each of the second plurality of spindle holes is shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle among the plurality of mowing spindles; and welding the top to the bottom at a plurality of welding locations.

[0011] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, certain illustrative aspects of this disclosure have been described herein in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these aspects indicate only a few of the various ways in which the principles of this disclosure may be employed, and this disclosure is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and features of this disclosure will become apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, based on the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1A top perspective view of an example lawn mowing platform according to the various embodiments discussed herein is shown.

[0013] Figure 1A Images are shown of the top plate, the bottom plate, and the mowing platform formed by the top plate and the bottom plate, according to the various aspects discussed herein.

[0014] Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of an example lawn mowing platform according to the various embodiments discussed herein is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A bottom perspective view (top view) and a side view (bottom view) of an assembled embodiment of an example mowing platform having a mowing spindle, mowing blades and wheels according to the various embodiments discussed herein are shown.

[0016] Figure 4 Exemplary blade end pairs formed on lawn mowing blades made from a single piece of metal strip material, according to the various embodiments discussed herein, are shown.

[0017] Figure 5 A bottom perspective view and a side view of a mowing platform according to the various embodiments discussed herein, which employs a teardrop-shaped main shaft baffle surrounding the mowing main shaft, are shown.

[0018] Figure 6 A front view (top view) and a bottom view (bottom view) of an example embodiment of a lawn mowing platform according to the various embodiments discussed herein are shown.

[0019] Figure 7 A first front view (top), a bottom view (middle), and a second front view (bottom) of an example embodiment of a lawn mowing platform according to the various embodiments discussed herein are shown.

[0020] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of a grass-chopping platform according to the various aspects discussed herein is shown.

[0021] Figure 9 A bottom view (top view) and a side cross-sectional view (bottom view) of an example mowing platform with a tapered spindle cup or baffle according to the various embodiments discussed herein are shown.

[0022] Figure 10 A bottom view and a side perspective view of an exemplary lawn mowing platform including a teardrop-shaped spindle baffle according to the various embodiments discussed herein are shown.

[0023] Figure 11 Left perspective (top) and right (bottom) views of exemplary embodiments of a lawn maintenance device in a seated configuration, according to various aspects discussed herein, are shown.

[0024] Figure 12 Top (top) view and front (bottom) view of an exemplary embodiment of the seated configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein are shown.

[0025] Figure 13 The rear (top) and left (bottom) views of an exemplary embodiment of the seated configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein are shown.

[0026] Figure 14 The left (top) and right (bottom) perspective views of an example embodiment of a standing construction according to the various aspects discussed herein are shown.

[0027] Figure 15 The illustrations show a top (top) view and a front (bottom) view of an example embodiment of a standing structure according to the various aspects discussed herein.

[0028] Figure 16 The illustration shows a rear (top) and left (bottom) view of an example embodiment of a standing construction according to the various aspects discussed herein.

[0029] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. For clarity and convenience in the drawings, the relative dimensions and proportions of the parts have been enlarged or reduced. The same reference numerals are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar features in different embodiments, unless it is clear from the context that the same reference numerals refer to different features. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following terms are used throughout this specification, and their definitions are provided herein to aid in understanding various aspects of this disclosure.

[0031] As used in this application, the terms “outdoor power equipment,” “outdoor power appliance machine,” “power equipment,” “maintenance machine,” and “power appliance machine” are used interchangeably and are intended to refer to any of the following: robots, partially robotic riding machines, rear-mounted machines, trailer-mounted machines, autonomous machines, and semi-autonomous machines (e.g., user-assisted automation). Remote controls or multi-functional variations of any of the following: motorized vehicles and handcarts, lawn mowers, lawn and garden tractors, lawn trimmers, lawn edging machines, lawn and leaf blowers or sweepers, hedge trimmers, pruning machines, high-branch machines, chainsaws, rakes, pole saws, tillers, cultivators, sanders, log splitters, stake diggers, trenchers, stump grinders, snow blowers (or any other snow or ice cleaning or removal tools), lawn, wood, and leaf shredders and chippers, lawn and / or leaf vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, lawn equipment, garden equipment, driveway sprayers and pavers, and sports field marking equipment.

[0032] Various embodiments may include lawn maintenance equipment comprising an efficient mowing platform and cutting system according to the aspects discussed herein and / or such an efficient mowing platform and cutting system (exemplary embodiments may provide approximately 30%-50% power reduction compared to other mowing platforms, etc.). The lawn maintenance equipment according to the aspects discussed herein can be any of various configurations of a riding-type lawn maintenance device, such as a seated lawn maintenance device, a standing lawn maintenance device, or a convertible seated / standing lawn maintenance device, for example, in conjunction with the following... Figure 11-16 An exemplary lawn maintenance device is described.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 This image shows a top perspective view of an exemplary lawn mowing platform 100 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. The lawn mowing platform 100 may include a top plate 110 (e.g., stamped and cut from a first single sheet), which may be welded to a bottom plate 120 (e.g., stamped and cut from a second single sheet). The top plate 110 may include one or more raised regions 112 that rise above one or more non-raised regions, and the raised regions 112 may provide reinforcement and structural support to the lawn mowing platform 100 to resist or mitigate deformation of the lawn mowing platform 100 without requiring additional reinforcing features to be welded to the lawn mowing platform 100. Figure 1 The unmarked, vertically oriented piece welded to the top plate 110 shown is a connector for raising and lowering the lawnmower platform 100.

[0034] refer to Figure 1A Images of a top plate 110, a bottom plate 120, and a mowing platform 100 formed by the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 are shown, according to various aspects discussed herein. The top plate 110 can be formed by stamping a first sheet (e.g., steel, etc.) and then cutting (e.g., with a 3D laser, etc.) the stamped first sheet to create multiple openings, such as an opening 130T for the mowing spindle, an opening for attachment mounting, an opening for welding points 122, etc. The bottom plate 120 can be formed by stamping a second sheet (e.g., steel, etc.) and then cutting (e.g., with a 3D laser, etc.) the stamped second sheet to create multiple openings (e.g., an opening 130B for the mowing spindle, an opening for fasteners, etc.).

[0035] The top plate 110 can also be used to mount accessories, such as side-packing machines and power-assisted bagging machines. Accessories can be mounted to the top plate 110 through openings in it, whereas the bottom plate 120 does not have corresponding openings. Accessories can be mounted onto the mowing platform 100 without needing to be mounted on top of the cutting chamber (defined by the bottom plate 120), unlike existing mowing platforms. Additionally, a form is added to the top plate 110 to serve as a drainage hole for E-coating (electrophoretic coating) and / or paint.

[0036] The top plate 110 can be welded to the bottom plate 120 at multiple welding locations or welding points 122. The welding locations or welding points 122 may include one or more welding points 122 around the outer edge of the top platform 110 and / or one or more welding points 122 through openings in the surface of the top plate 110 (e.g., near...). Figure 1 The two right-angled protrusions 112 shown. The openings 130T in the top plate 110 and 130B in the bottom plate 120 can be aligned to form three openings 130 for the lawnmower spindle, which can be arranged in a shallow V-shape or an obtuse triangle, wherein the central lawnmower spindle is closer to the front of the mowing platform 100 (and any lawn maintenance equipment including the mowing platform 100) than the two outer spindles.

[0037] Various embodiments of the lawn mowing platform 100 (e.g., and other lawn mowing platforms, etc., according to the various aspects discussed herein) may have various nose designs (e.g., see...). Figure 1-7 Various nose designs can employ a multi-depth nose design 120, which may include front baffles of multiple heights (e.g., to prevent objects from entering under the mowing platform 100 and / or to control airflow within the mowing platform 100, etc.).

[0038] The mowing platform 100 may also include multiple wheel mounts 140 to accommodate wheels. When the mowing platform 100 is mounted on a lawn maintenance device, the wheels can provide additional support for the mowing platform 100, as well as provide anti-turfing protection and prevent the mowing blades from hitting the ground.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 This image shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary lawn mowing platform 100 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. The lawn mowing platform 100 (e.g., and other lawn mowing platforms discussed herein) may include a tapered W-shaped baffle 210. The W-shaped baffle 210 may have a curved, stamped shape that can track the mowing blade (…). Figure 2 Not shown in the image, but see [link / reference]. Figure 3 and 4The mowing blades are mounted on the mower spindle through each opening 130 at the outer edge of the radius of the blades (e.g., maintaining a substantially constant distance from each radius on the arc), while allowing a gap between the radius and the W-shaped baffle 210 on the plane of rotation of the mowing blades. The horizontal cross-section of the W-shaped baffle 210 may include multiple arcs, wherein each point on each arc has the same radial distance from the center of the associated mowing spindle (or the opening 130 for the mowing spindle). Adjacent arcs may meet at the toes of the W-shaped baffles that curve in opposite directions and may have relatively small radii (e.g., 2-2.5”, 1.5-3”, etc.), which may depend on the size of the mowing platform 100 (e.g., an exemplary 48” embodiment and an exemplary 54” embodiment have a radius of approximately 2.125” for the W-shaped baffle toe 212, while an exemplary 60” embodiment has a radius of 2.375” for the W-shaped baffle toe 212, etc.). The vertical cross-section of the W-shaped baffle 210 may have a curved shape, curving inward toward the top of the W-shaped baffle 210 (e.g., above the plane of rotation of the mowing blade) (e.g., toward the opening 130 and / or the front of the mowing platform 100). And it curves outward (e.g., away from opening 130 and / or the front of mowing platform 100) toward the bottom of the W-shaped baffle 210 (e.g., below the plane of rotation of the mowing blades). The W-shaped baffle 210 can reduce the space within the mowing platform 100, thereby reducing the extra space above the mowing blades at the rear of the mowing platform 100, thus improving airflow and efficiency of the mowing platform 100. Additionally, the shape of the W-shaped baffle 210 (e.g., closer to the mowing shaft at the top and further away from the mowing shaft at the bottom) can guide at least a portion of the air and grass clippings downward and outward along the surface of the W-shaped baffle 210, and thus away from under the mowing platform 100, thereby saving energy that would otherwise be required to recycle those grass clippings. Figure 2 As can be seen, the front of the mowing platform 100 may include one or more generally vertical front baffles that are closer to the mowing spindle that is farther from the grass discharge port 150 of the mowing platform 100 and closer to the mowing spindle that is closer to the grass discharge port 150.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 The diagram shows a bottom perspective view (top view) and a side cross-sectional view (bottom view) of an assembled embodiment of a mowing platform 100 having a mowing spindle 310, mowing blades 320 and wheels 330 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. Figure 3 Also shown is a discharge bracket 340, which helps prevent grass recirculation and is combined below. Figure 6 Let's discuss this in more detail. (See references.) Figure 3This illustrates an exemplary pair of blade ends 322 formed on a mowing blade 320 made from a single piece of metal strip material, according to the various embodiments discussed herein. The mowing platform 100 may include three mowing spindles 310, each mowing spindle 310 being compatible with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the openings 130 shown is aligned. Each mowing spindle 310 may have a plurality of mowing blades 320 mounted on the mowing spindle 310 (each mowing blade 320 includes one or more blade tips 322). In one exemplary embodiment, each mowing blade 320 mounted on a given spindle 310 may be formed from a stamped metal rod (e.g., steel strip material, etc.), and each mowing blade may include a blade tip 322 at each end (e.g., having a relatively low lift, such as the height 326 of the end of the blade wing being raised about 1 inch relative to the bottom edge of the blade wing, but other embodiments may employ blade tips with a larger or smaller height 324 value, such as 0.75-1.25 inches, etc.), and each mowing spindle 310 has four blade tips 322. In various embodiments, various shapes of mowing blades 320 and blade tips 322 can be employed. One example embodiment has a blade front area 324 (the area of ​​region 324, shown in black, when projected onto a vertical plane) of 1-2 in2 (e.g., 1.1-1.5 in2, 1.2-1.4 in2, approximately 1.331 in2, etc.). In various embodiments, two stamped metal rods can be identical mowing blades 320 having identical blade tips 322 and stacked vertically such that one pair of blade tips 322 is higher than the other pair of blade tips 322 by a material thickness (e.g., 6-gauge steel strip, the thickness of which can be approximately 0.1943”, etc.). In various embodiments, the mowing blades 320 for a given spindle can be arranged substantially perpendicular to each other (e.g., at a 90° angle, within ±5°, ±10°, ±15°, ±20°, ±25°, ±30°, etc. of a 90° angle).

[0041] The substantially equidistant blade tips 322 may rotate at a speed lower than the MA (maximum permissible) (according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) permissible blade speed) speed (19,000 ft / min). (For example, in various embodiments, the blade speed may vary based on the cutting mode (e.g., side discharge, shredding, or bagging) and / or performance or grass difficulty mode (e.g., low, medium, or high performance / grass difficulty), but may be approximately 60-85% of the MA for low performance / grass difficulty, approximately 60-68% of the MA for medium performance / grass difficulty, approximately 68-76% of the MA for medium performance / grass difficulty, and / or approximately 76-85% of the MA for high performance / grass difficulty.)

[0042] The rotational speed of the embodiments discussed herein can also be lower than that of other lawn maintenance appliances (e.g., operating at 95-98% or greater of their maximum value, such as two-blade ends, four-blade ends grouped into two closely spaced pairs, etc.) (e.g., thus providing energy savings, etc.), while still providing an improvement of approximately 33% in reducing the amount of new grass entering the platform between the consecutive blade ends. Specific example RPM ranges can vary based on platform size and mowing blade radius / diameter.

[0043] In various embodiments, substantially equally spaced blade tips can rotate at a lower RPM, using less energy, while also cutting more efficiently (less new grass per blade tip) than other lawn maintenance equipment. Because the W-shaped baffle 210 provides significantly improved grass removal compared to other mowing platforms, the mowing blades 320 can be configured to improve energy and cutting efficiency, and the combination of the mowing platform 100 and the mowing blades 320 can provide improved grass removal and energy efficiency compared to other mowing platforms employing blade configurations selected to improve grass removal (e.g., two blade tips, four blade tips grouped into two closely spaced pairs, etc.).

[0044] In some embodiments, different mowing spindles may rotate at different angular velocities in terms of rotation direction and / or rotation speed. For example, for shredding applications, while some mowing spindles (e.g., the left and right mowing spindles in a 3-spindle platform as described above) may rotate at the speeds discussed above, one or more mowing spindles (e.g., the center spindle, etc.) may rotate their associated blades at a higher speed than discussed above, but this speed may still be lower than that of other lawn maintenance equipment. In the same or other embodiments, the rotation direction of the first mowing spindle may differ from that of the second mowing spindle (e.g., rotating a side spindle in one mode in two different directions, etc.), which may alter the flow of air and grass clippings below the mowing platform 100, including the amount of grass clippings leaving the mowing platform 100 along the W-shaped baffle 210 relative to the amount leaving the mowing platform 100 via the grass discharge port 150.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, each mowing blade 320 may have the same shape and lift, but in some embodiments, the mowing blades may differ from one another. Additionally, although Figure 3 The mowing blade 320 shown has the shape shown for a mowing platform 100 with a grass discharge port 150 (e.g., on the side, top, top, etc.), but other shapes and / or lifting devices may be used on the same or other mowing platforms (e.g., the grass-chopping mowing platform 800 discussed below, etc.).

[0046] The lawn mower blade 320 can be formed from various materials and / or thicknesses. The exemplary embodiment shown in the figure has a lawn mower blade 320 formed from 6-gauge steel strip material (although it can be made with larger or smaller thicknesses) and can be used in conjunction with a battery-powered lawn maintenance device to provide a thicker lawn mower blade than other battery-powered lawn maintenance devices (e.g., some other lawn maintenance devices use blades that are about 0.15” thick, which is about the thickness of 9-gauge steel, etc.).

[0047] In various embodiments, additional baffles may be used around the mowing spindle to further reduce the additional space inside the mowing platform around the mowing blades. Different embodiments may employ spindle baffles of different shapes. (See reference) Figure 5 The diagram shows a bottom perspective and a side view of a mowing platform 100 according to various embodiments discussed herein, which employs a teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 surrounding the mowing spindle 310. The teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 reduces the extra space around the mowing blades 320, improving airflow and mower efficiency. Additionally, the teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 can be shaped to direct airflow (e.g., or the flow of air and grass clippings during operation) toward the grass discharge port 150 of the mowing platform 100. In various embodiments, the spindle baffle 510 can be a rolled insert with a generally vertical profile.

[0048] refer to Figure 6 The diagram shows a front view (top view) and a bottom view (bottom view) of an example embodiment of the lawn mowing platform 100 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. Figure 6 An outer front baffle 610 is shown (which can provide a lower outer surface to the mowing platform 100, for example, to block obstacles, etc.). In various embodiments or parts thereof, the outer front baffle 610 and the inner front baffle 620 may be separate (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 6 (As shown on the left side of the bottom diagram, etc.). Or it may include a single front bezel (e.g., as shown on the left side of the bottom diagram). Figure 6 (As shown on the right side of the bottom image, etc.). Figure 6As shown in the bottom diagram, the inner front baffle 620 (or a single front baffle, etc.) can be pulled back toward the circle of the mowing blade 320, reducing air movement below the mowing platform 100 and improving airflow and efficiency. In some embodiments, the front of the mowing platform 100 may include an optional gap 630, which can help increase airflow into the mowing platform 100. The gap between the blade tip 322 of the mowing blade 320 and the inner front baffle 620 can vary and is typically larger closer to the grass discharge port 150. In some embodiments, the gaps at positions 622, 624, 625, and 626 may be similar to each other (e.g., 0.5–1”, 0.7–0.8”, about 0.76”, etc.), while the gap at position 621 may be smaller (e.g., 0.3–0.7”, 0.4–0.6”, about 0.51”, etc.), and the gap at position 623 may be larger (e.g., 2–3”, 2.25–2.75”, about 2.575”, etc.). Between the inner front baffle 620 and the mowing blade 320 The relatively open space, especially the space closer to the chute 150 (e.g., compared to the relatively enclosed space between the W-shaped baffle 210 and the mowing blades), allows air and grass clippings to travel from the area around the mowing spindle 310 furthest from the chute 150 toward the area in front of the central mowing spindle 310, from the area around the central mowing spindle 310 toward the area in front of the mowing spindle 310 closest to the chute 150, and from the area around the nearest mowing spindle 310 away from the chute 150.

[0049] Various embodiments may also include a discharge support 340, which may be located near the discharge port 150 and extend from the discharge port 150 toward the mowing spindle 310 closest to the discharge port 150. Figure 6 The leftmost mowing spindle 310 in the bottom diagram extends (when viewed from above, the rightmost mowing spindle 310). When viewed from below (as shown in the image below...). Figure 6 As shown in the bottom diagram), the mowing blade 320 can rotate counterclockwise to expel air and grass clippings from the mowing spindle 310 furthest from the grass discharge port 150. Figure 6 The mowing spindle 310 on the far right of the bottom diagram (and the mowing spindle 310 on the far left when viewed from above) is guided to the middle mowing spindle 310, and from the middle mowing spindle 310 to the mowing spindle 310 closest to the discharge port 150. Without the discharge bracket 340, most of the air and grass clippings would recirculate one or more times around the mowing spindle 310 closest to the discharge port 150 toward the rear of the platform before being discharged via the discharge port 150. By including the discharge bracket 340, which blocks most of the space above the mowing blades 320 on the mowing spindle 310 closest to the discharge port 150, a significantly larger portion of the air and grass clippings are guided out of the discharge port 150, thereby reducing the energy consumed in recirculating the air and grass clipping mixture.

[0050] refer to Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a first front view (top), a bottom view (middle), and a second front view (bottom) of exemplary embodiments of a lawn mowing platform 100 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. In various embodiments, the lawn mowing platform 100 may include an optional air intake 710, which can ensure sufficient airflow within the lawn mowing platform 100 for more efficient cutting. In various embodiments, the heights of the front baffles 610 and 620 may vary, with the outer front baffle 610 closer to the ground (e.g., to prevent obstacles and foreign objects from entering under the lawn mowing platform 100) and the inner front baffle 620 further from the ground to allow sufficient air to mix with the grass cut by the lawn mowing platform 100. The increased height of the inner front baffle 620 also provides greater exhaust distance and performance than in alternative embodiments where the inner front baffle 620 is lower than or at the same height as the outer front baffle 610.

[0051] refer to Figure 8This illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a grass-chopping platform 800 according to the various aspects discussed herein. Compared to the mowing platform 100, the grass-chopping platform 800 may omit (or be partially blocked by the grass-chopping kit to convert the mowing platform 100 into the mowing platform 800) the grass outlet 150 to maintain air and cut grass circulating within the grass-chopping platform 800 for a longer period, thereby allowing the cut grass to be cut into smaller sizes. Additionally, the grass-chopping platform 800 may have a stamped shape including a W-shaped baffle 210 and a front W-shaped baffle 810, the front W-shaped baffle 810 following the shape of the mowing blade 320 at the front of the grass-chopping platform 800, similar to the W-shaped baffle 210 at the rear of the mowing platform 100 or the grass-chopping platform 800 (e.g., leaving a small gap at the height of the mowing blade 320, curving inward above the mowing blade 320 and outward below the mowing blade 320). In some embodiments, the front W-shaped baffle 810 may be part of a shredder kit that can be installed as a separate component to convert another mowing platform (e.g., mowing platform 100) into mowing platform 800. The shape formed by the W-shaped baffle 210 and the front W-shaped baffle 810 reduces unused air space below the shredder mowing platform 800, keeping air and grass clippings close to the mowing blades 320 for repeated cutting, while allowing air and grass clippings to be pushed downwards after the grass clippings have been adequately cut. In various embodiments, the shredder mowing platform 800 may be a standalone mowing platform or may be formed by combining a mowing platform such as mowing platform 100 with a shredder kit that may include a shredder plug for blocking the grass discharge port 150 and one or more baffles that reduce the space between the mowing blades and the front of mowing platform 100. In some embodiments, these front baffles may be vertical, while in other embodiments, they may have an inclined or curved shape, such as Figure 8 As shown (e.g., including the front W-shaped baffle 810).

[0052] refer to Figure 9 The diagram shows a bottom view (top view) and a side cross-sectional view (bottom view) of an example mowing platform 100 with a tapered spindle cup or baffle 910 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. The tapered spindle cup / baffle 910 is another option for a baffle (which in various embodiments may be included around the mowing spindle 310) that can further reduce the space above and around the mowing blade 320, particularly when combined with other baffles (e.g., a rear W-shaped baffle 210, a front baffle, etc.). Figure 9 As shown in the bottom diagram (the top of the mowing platform 100 is at the bottom of the image), the tapered spindle cup / baffle 910 can be wider closer to the top of the mowing platform 100 (e.g., further above the mowing blade 320) and can narrow as the tapered spindle cup / baffle 910 approaches the mowing blade 320.

[0053] Both the teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 and the tapered spindle baffle 910 reduce the space around the mowing blade 320, and either can be combined with the W-shaped baffle 210 to further reduce this space, thereby improving efficiency and the flow of the air / grass mixture to the discharge port 150. Reference Figure 10 The diagram shows a bottom view and a side perspective view of an exemplary lawnmower platform 100 including a teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 according to the various embodiments discussed herein. Figure 10 As shown in the top figure, the teardrop-shaped spindle baffle 510 can be shaped to point towards the grass discharge port 150, and the rotation direction of the mowing blade 320 and the shape of the spindle baffle 510 can effectively guide air and grass clippings out of the grass discharge port 150. In various embodiments (e.g., see...), Figure 5-7 (and 10), the main shaft baffle 510 closest to the grass discharge opening 150 may include a connector that extends from the rolled shape of the baffle 510 to the edge of the grass discharge opening 150 to further guide grass clippings out of the grass discharge opening 150. Additionally, although in various embodiments (e.g., as...) Figure 5 and 7 As shown), the main shaft baffle 510 closest to the grass discharge port 150 can have a teardrop shape similar to other main shaft baffles 510, but in other embodiments, the main shaft baffle 510 can have a more rounded profile.

[0054] The following Figure 11-16 Various views of exemplary embodiments of a convertible seated / standing lawn maintenance device are shown, which may employ a mowing platform and / or cutting system according to any of the embodiments discussed herein. Figure 11-16 It shows a seated configuration ( Figure 11-13 ) and standing structure ( Figure 14-16 Line drawing of an example embodiment of lawn maintenance equipment 1100. Figure 11 A left perspective (top) view and a right perspective (bottom) view of an exemplary embodiment 1100 in a seated configuration according to various aspects discussed herein are shown. Figure 12 Top (top) view and front (bottom) view of an exemplary embodiment 1100 in a seated configuration according to various aspects discussed herein are shown. Figure 13 The rear (top) view and left (bottom) view of an exemplary embodiment 1100 in a seated configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein are shown. Figure 14 The left perspective (top) view and right perspective (bottom) view of an example embodiment 1100 in a standing configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein are shown. Figure 15 The illustrations show a top (top) view and a front (bottom) view of an example embodiment 1100 in a standing configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein. Figure 16The illustration shows a rear (top) view and a left (bottom) view of an example embodiment 1100 in a standing configuration according to the various aspects discussed herein.

[0055] Example 1100 is an exemplary lawn maintenance device that may include or employ a mowing platform as discussed herein (e.g., mowing platform 100, etc.), with the exceptions and / or additions discussed below. Example 1100 may be powered by an engine (e.g., gas, diesel, etc.), hybrid power, or other electric power sources. The prime mover (not shown) of Example 1100 may power various power components of Example 1100, such as mowing platform 1140 and drive wheels 1150. Example 1100 may also include one or more non-drive wheels 1160, which may be casters and / or active steering wheels, etc.

[0056] Embodiment 1100 includes a lawnmower control 1110 (e.g., a bumper-mounted, armrest-mounted control, etc.), which can be moved along a control mount 1120 by pressing a trigger 1124 on a handle 1122 and pushing or pulling the control 1110 to a seated (forward) or standing (backward) position, wherein the control mount 1120 can be locked back into place. A control adjustment mechanism includes a user handle or grip 1122 and a trigger or actuator 1124 for adjusting the control 1110 between a standing mode operation in a rearward position and a seated mode operation in a forward position.

[0057] Additionally, in embodiment 1100, the display screen 1130 and keyboard 1132 can be mounted from the rollover protection (ROP) bar 1170, thereby allowing access in both seated and standing operation modes.

[0058] Regarding the various functions performed by the aforementioned components, machines, devices, processes, etc., unless otherwise stated, the terminology used to describe these components (including references to "device") is intended to correspond to any component (e.g., a functional equivalent) that performs the specified function of the described component, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, and performs the functions of the exemplary aspects of the embodiments shown herein. In this regard, it will also be appreciated that the embodiments include systems configured to implement the functions, as well as electronic hardware, or computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing actions or events of the various processes.

[0059] Furthermore, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Moreover, the terms “comprising” and “including” and their variations, as used in the specific embodiments or claims, are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “containing.”

[0060] As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, “X adopts A or B” is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, “X adopts A or B” is satisfied if X adopts A; X adopts B; or X adopts both A and B. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted as meaning “one or more” unless otherwise stated or clearly pointed to in the context.

[0061] In other embodiments, combinations or sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments can be advantageously performed. Furthermore, the embodiments described in a particular drawing or group of drawings should not be limited to these illustrations. Rather, any suitable combination or subset of elements from one or more drawings can be applied to other embodiments in other drawings, where it is suitable for those skilled in the art to achieve the purposes disclosed herein, known in the art, or reasonably conveyed to those skilled in the art by the context provided in this specification. In use, block diagrams or flowcharts of the disclosed embodiments are grouped for ease of understanding. However, it should be understood that combinations of blocks, additions of new blocks, rearrangements of blocks, etc., are contemplated in alternative embodiments of this disclosure.

[0062] The following examples relate to further embodiments.

[0063] Example 1 is a lawn maintenance device comprising: a frame; a plurality of drive wheels rotatable about a drive wheel rotation axis; at least one of an operator's seat or stand fixed to the frame; an operator control for operator activation of the lawn maintenance device; and a mowing platform fixed to the frame, wherein the mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive one or more mowing blades, wherein the mowing platform includes at least one baffle that reduces the space around the one or more mowing blades of at least one of the plurality of mowing spindles, and wherein the at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle having a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein on each associated arc, the W-shaped baffle is at a substantially constant distance from the rotation axis of the mowing spindle of the associated arc in the plane of the one or more mowing blades of that spindle.

[0064] Example 2 includes any variation of the subject matter of Example 1, wherein, for each of the plurality of mowing spindles, the W-shaped baffle is closer to the axis of rotation of the mowing spindle above the plane of one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle than the substantially constant distance, and is farther from the axis of rotation of the mowing spindle below the plane of one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle than the substantially constant distance.

[0065] Example 3 includes the subject of any variation of any of Examples 1-2, wherein at least one baffle includes one or more front baffles in front of multiple mowing spindles.

[0066] Example 4 includes any variation of the subject matter of Example 3, wherein the one or more front fenders are substantially vertical and include one or more straight segments.

[0067] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 3-4, wherein the one or more front fenders include an outer front fender and an inner front fender.

[0068] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Embodiment 5, wherein the outer front fender extends downward below the bottom of the inner front fender.

[0069] Example 7 includes the subject of any variation of any of the examples 1-6, wherein, for each mowing spindle, one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle include two mowing blades of the mowing spindle, wherein the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle include four blade ends of the mowing spindle.

[0070] Example 8 includes any variation of the subject of Example 7, wherein, for each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades of the mowing spindle are equidistant.

[0071] Example 9 includes any variation of the subject of Example 8, wherein, for each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades of the mowing spindle are arranged at the ends of the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle, wherein the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0072] Example 10 includes the subject of any variation of any of the examples 7-9, wherein for each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades of the spindle have the same shape.

[0073] Example 11 includes a subject that is a variation of any of the examples in Examples 1-10, wherein each mowing spindle is configured to rotate at an angular velocity between 60% and 85% of the maximum permissible angular velocity.

[0074] Example 12 is a lawn maintenance device comprising: a frame; a plurality of drive wheels rotatable about a drive wheel rotation axis; at least one of an operator's seat or stand fixed to the frame; an operator control for operator activation of the lawn maintenance device; and a mowing platform fixed to the frame, wherein the mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive two associated mowing blades, the two associated mowing blades including four equidistant associated blade tips.

[0075] Example 13 includes the subject of any variation of Example 12, wherein, for each mowing spindle, the four associated blade ends of the mowing spindle are arranged on two associated mowing blades of the spindle, wherein the two associated mowing blades of the mowing spindle are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0076] Example 14 includes any variation of the subject of Example 13, wherein, for each mowing spindle, the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle are formed from 6-gauge steel strip material.

[0077] Example 15 includes the subject of any variation of any of the examples 12-14, wherein each mowing spindle is configured to rotate at an angular velocity between 60% and 85% of the maximum permissible angular velocity.

[0078] Example 16 includes any variation of the subject of Example 15, wherein, for each mowing spindle, the mowing spindle is configured to rotate at an angular velocity that depends on at least one of a cutting mode or a performance mode.

[0079] Example 17 includes the subject of any variation of any of the examples 12-16, wherein for each mowing spindle, the four associated blade ends of the spindle have the same shape.

[0080] Example 18 includes any variation of the subject matter of Example 17, wherein for each mowing spindle, each associated blade end includes a wing that is angled relative to the plane of motion of the associated mowing blade including the associated blade end, wherein the wing has a frontal area of ​​1.1-1.5 in2.

[0081] Example 19 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 12-18, wherein a first mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles is configured to rotate at a first angular velocity, and wherein a second mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles is configured to rotate at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity.

[0082] Example 20 includes any variation of the subject of Example 19, wherein the first angular velocity has a different amplitude than the second angular velocity.

[0083] Example 21 includes the subject of any variation of any of Examples 19-20, wherein the first angular velocity has a different direction than the second angular velocity.

[0084] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 19-21, and also includes at least one battery configured to provide power to a plurality of drive wheels and a plurality of mowing spindles.

[0085] Example 23 is a mowing platform for a lawn maintenance device, comprising: a bottom formed of a first single stamped sheet, wherein the bottom includes a first plurality of spindle holes, each of the first plurality of spindle holes being shaped to receive associated mowing spindles of a plurality of mowing spindles, wherein the bottom includes at least one baffle configured to reduce the space around one or more mowing blades of the plurality of mowing spindles; and a top formed of a second single stamped sheet, wherein the top includes a second plurality of spindle holes configured to align with the first plurality of spindle holes, each of the second plurality of spindle holes being shaped to receive associated mowing spindles of the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein the top includes one or more raised regions that are elevated relative to one or more non-raised regions of the top, and wherein the one or more raised regions of the top serve as reinforcing features to prevent or mitigate at least one of deformations of the mowing platform.

[0086] Example 24 includes any variant of the theme of Example 23, where the top is welded to the bottom.

[0087] Example 25 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 23-24, wherein the at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle having a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein, on each associated arc, the distance of the associated arc from the center of the spindle hole is substantially constant for each point on the associated arc at a given height.

[0088] Example 26 includes any variation of the subject of Example 25, wherein, on each associated arc, the distance of the associated arc from the center of the spindle hole decreases with height.

[0089] Example 27 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 23-26, wherein the at least one baffle comprises one or more substantially vertical front baffles.

[0090] Example 28 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 23-27, wherein the first plurality of shaft holes comprises three shaft holes arranged in a triangle, wherein the central main shaft hole of the three shaft holes is in front of the other two shaft holes of the three shaft holes.

[0091] Example 29 is a method of manufacturing a mowing platform for lawn maintenance equipment, comprising: stamping a first single sheet to form a bottom of the mowing platform, wherein the bottom includes at least one baffle configured to reduce the space around one or more mowing blades of a plurality of mowing spindles; cutting a first plurality of holes in the bottom, wherein the first plurality of holes include a first plurality of spindle holes, wherein each of the first plurality of spindle holes is shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles; stamping a second single sheet to form a top of the mowing platform, wherein the top includes one or more raised regions that are raised relative to one or more non-raised regions of the top, and wherein the one or more raised regions of the top serve as reinforcing features to prevent or mitigate at least one of deformation of the mowing platform; cutting a second plurality of holes in the top, wherein the second plurality of holes include a second plurality of spindle holes configured to align with the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein each of the second plurality of spindle holes is shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles; and welding the top to the bottom at a plurality of welding locations.

[0092] Example 30 includes any variation of the subject of Example 29, wherein the multiple welding locations include multiple locations along the outer edge of the top.

[0093] Example 31 includes the subject matter described in any variation of any of Examples 29-30, wherein the second plurality of holes includes a plurality of weld holes, and wherein the plurality of weld locations include a plurality of weld holes.

[0094] Example 32 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 29-31, wherein the at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle having a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein, on each associated arc, the distance of the associated arc from the center of the spindle hole is substantially constant for each point on the associated arc at a given height.

[0095] Example 33 includes any variation of the subject of Example 32, wherein, on each associated arc, the distance of the associated arc from the center of the spindle hole decreases with height.

[0096] Example 34 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 29-33, wherein the at least one baffle comprises one or more substantially vertical front baffles.

[0097] Example 35 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 29-34, wherein the first plurality of shaft holes comprises three shaft holes arranged in a triangle, wherein the central main shaft hole of the three shaft holes is located in front of the other two shaft holes of the three shaft holes.

[0098] Example 36 includes the subject matter of any variation of any of Examples 29-35, wherein cutting a plurality of first holes in the bottom includes cutting a plurality of first holes with a laser, and wherein cutting a plurality of second holes in the top includes cutting a plurality of second holes with a laser.

[0099] Based on the foregoing, it should be understood that the embodiments and implementation methods described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and various modifications or changes thereto will be suggested to those skilled in the art and are included within the spirit and scope of this application and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lawn maintenance device, characterized in that, include: frame; Multiple drive wheels, which can rotate around the drive wheel rotation axis; At least one of an operator's seat or standing platform, which is fixed to the frame; Operator control for the operator activation function of the lawn maintenance equipment; and A lawn mowing platform, fixed to the frame, wherein the lawn mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive one or more mowing blades. The mowing platform includes at least one baffle that reduces the space around one or more mowing blades of at least one of the plurality of mowing spindles. The at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle having a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the plurality of mowing spindles, wherein on each associated arc, the W-shaped baffle is at a substantially constant distance from the axis of rotation of the mowing spindle of the associated arc on the plane of one or more mowing blades of the spindle.

2. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, For each of the plurality of mowing spindles, the W-shaped baffle is closer to the axis of rotation of the mowing spindle above the plane of the one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle than the substantially constant distance, and is farther from the axis of rotation of the mowing spindle below the plane of the one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle than the substantially constant distance.

3. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one baffle includes one or more front baffles in front of the plurality of mowing spindles.

4. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one or more front fenders are generally vertical and include one or more straight sections.

5. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The one or more front fenders include an outer front fender and an inner front fender.

6. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer front fender extends downward below the bottom of the inner front fender.

7. The lawn maintenance equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the one or more mowing blades of the mowing spindle include two mowing blades of the mowing spindle, wherein the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle include four blade ends of the mowing spindle.

8. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades of the mowing spindle are equidistantly spaced.

9. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades of the mowing spindle are positioned at the ends of the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle, wherein the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle are substantially perpendicular to each other.

10. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the ends of the four blades on the spindle have the same shape.

11. The lawn maintenance equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Each mowing spindle is configured to rotate at an angular velocity between 60% and 85% of the maximum permissible angular velocity.

12. A lawn maintenance device, characterized in that, include: frame; Multiple drive wheels, which can rotate around the drive wheel rotation axis; At least one of an operator's seat or standing platform, which is fixed to the frame; Operator control for the operator activation function of the lawn maintenance equipment; and A mowing platform fixed to the frame, wherein the mowing platform includes a plurality of mowing spindles, each of the plurality of mowing spindles being configured to drive two associated mowing blades, the two associated mowing blades including four equidistant associated blade tips.

13. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the ends of the four associated blades of the mowing spindle are positioned on two associated mowing blades of the spindle, wherein the two associated mowing blades of the mowing spindle are substantially perpendicular to each other.

14. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the two mowing blades of the mowing spindle are formed from 6-gauge steel strip material.

15. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each mowing spindle is constructed to rotate at an angular velocity between 60% and 85% of the maximum permissible angular velocity.

16. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the mowing spindle is configured to rotate at an angular velocity that depends on at least one of a cutting mode or a performance mode.

17. The lawn maintenance equipment according to any one of claims 12-16, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, the ends of the four associated blades of that spindle have the same shape.

18. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that, For each mowing spindle, each associated blade tip includes a wing that is angled relative to the plane of motion of the associated mowing blade including the associated blade tip, wherein the wing has a length of 1.1-1.5 inches. 2 The frontal area.

19. The lawn maintenance equipment according to any one of claims 12-16, characterized in that, The first mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles is configured to rotate at a first angular velocity, and the second mowing spindle of the plurality of mowing spindles is configured to rotate at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity.

20. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first angular velocity has a different amplitude than the second angular velocity.

21. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first angular velocity has a different direction than the second angular velocity.

22. The lawn maintenance equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes at least one battery configured to provide power to the plurality of drive wheels and the plurality of mowing spindles.

23. A lawn mowing platform for lawn maintenance equipment, characterized in that, include: The bottom is formed from a first single stamped sheet, wherein the bottom includes a first plurality of spindle holes, each of the first plurality of spindle holes being shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle among a plurality of mowing spindles, wherein the bottom includes at least one baffle configured to reduce the space around one or more mowing blades of the plurality of mowing spindles; and The top, formed from a second single stamped sheet, includes a second plurality of spindle holes configured to align with the first plurality of spindle holes, each of the second plurality of spindle holes being shaped to receive an associated mowing spindle among the plurality of mowing spindles, and the top includes one or more raised regions that are elevated relative to one or more non-raised regions of the top, and the one or more raised regions of the top serving as reinforcing features to prevent or mitigate deformation of the mowing platform.

24. The lawnmower platform according to claim 23, characterized in that, The top is welded to the bottom.

25. The lawnmower platform according to claim 23, characterized in that, The at least one baffle includes a W-shaped baffle with a non-vertical cross-section, the W-shaped baffle including an associated arc for each of the first plurality of spindle holes, wherein on each associated arc, for each point on the associated arc at a given height, the distance from the center of the spindle hole of the associated arc is substantially constant.

26. The lawnmower platform according to claim 25, characterized in that, On each associated arc, the distance from the center of the spindle hole of that associated arc decreases with height.

27. The lawnmower platform according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that, The at least one baffle includes one or more substantially vertical front baffles.

28. The lawnmower platform according to any one of claims 23-26, characterized in that, The first plurality of spindle holes includes three spindle holes arranged in a triangle, wherein the central spindle hole of the three spindle holes is in front of the other two spindle holes of the three spindle holes.

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