Sliding battery cradle for ride-on lawn care vehicle

Abstract

A ride-on mower includes a battery cradle configured to support a plurality of batteries and electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system. Additionally, a slide assembly operable may be included that may be coupled to the battery cradle, the slide assembly being configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing, and, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle may be positioned away from the housing such that the battery cradle is accessible for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

Description

[0001] SLIDING BATTERY CRADLE FOR RIDE-ON LAWN CARE VEHICLE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 543,462 filed October 10, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] Example embodiments generally relate to lawn care vehicles and, more particularly, relate to battery-powered lawn care vehicles.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Lawn care tasks are commonly performed using various tools and / or machines that are configured to perform specific tasks. Some tasks, like lawn cutting or mowing, are typically performed by lawn mowers. Lawn mowers themselves may have many different configurations to support the needs and budgets of consumers. For example, a walk-behind lawn mower is typically light-weight and compact, has a comparatively small engines or motors, and is relatively inexpensive. Meanwhile, at the other end of the lawn care spectrum, riding lawn mowers, such as stand-on and sit-on mowers, can be large and heavy, have larger engines or motors, and can be more expensive. Riding lawn mowers provide the convenience of a ride-on vehicle as well as a larger cutting deck thereby requiring less passes than a walk- behind mower. As such, ride-on lawn care vehicles typically provide users with increased convenience and efficiency by enabling a user to perform the yard maintenance tasks faster without exerting effort to push or walk with the equipment.

[0008] As mentioned above, ride-on mowers are often larger and heavier than their walk- behind counterparts. As such, the lighter and smaller walk-behind mowers have been an earlier target for conversion from combustion engine power, with the power source being gasoline, to electric motor power, with the power source being a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable batteries required to power such a walk-behind mower can be conveniently sized with a reasonably weight for an average user to install and replace the rechargeable batteries for the walk-behind mower to perform a desirable amount of mowing (e.g., mowing a half-acre yard). However, due to their size, weight, and the added power needed for additional or larger cutting blades for their larger cutting deck and propulsion, ride-on mowers require additional, larger, and heavier rechargeable batteries. As a result, the batteries for a ride-on mower that are able to power the ride-on mower to perform a desirable amount of mowing (e.g., multiple half-acre yards or a multi-acre property) on a charge can be more cumbersome and difficult to install and replace. As such, there is a continued need for innovation in the area of battery installation and replacement, particularly when the batteries are larger and heavier, and in some cases more numerous, to support the higher power requirements of, for example, a ride-on lawn mower.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0010] According to some example embodiments, a ride-on mower is provided. The ride-on mower may comprise a frame, a mower deck, a plurality of wheels, a driver support assembly, a housing, a battery cradle, and a slide assembly. The mower deck may comprise a mower blade, and the mower deck may be operably coupled to the frame. The plurality of wheels may be operably coupled to the frame, and the plurality of wheels may comprise a first drive wheel that propels the ride-on mower. The driver support assembly may be configured to support a user of the ride-on mower above a ground surface during operation of the ride-on mower. The housing may be affixed to the frame, and the housing may comprise an internal battery compartment. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame, and the slide assembly may be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing, and, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle may be positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

[0011] A moveable battery interface system for a ride-on mower, according to some example embodiments, is also provided. In this regard, he moveable battery interface system may comprise a battery cradle and a slide assembly. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and configured to be operably coupled to a frame of the ride-on mower, and the slide assembly may be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between a retracted position and an extended position. The slide assembly may comprise a beam coupler, a first beam configured to be operably coupled to the frame, and a second beam operably coupled to the second beam and operably coupled to the first beam via the beam coupler. The first beam may be configured to be slidable relative to the frame, and the first beam and the second beam may be slidable within the beam coupler.

[0012] A work vehicle, according to some example embodiments, is also provided. The work vehicle may comprise a frame, a mower deck, a plurality of wheels, a driver support assembly, a housing, a battery cradle, and a slide assembly. The plurality of wheels may be operably coupled to the frame, and the plurality of wheels may comprise a first drive wheel that propels the work vehicle. The driver support assembly may be configured to support a user of the work vehicle above a ground surface during operation of the work vehicle, and the housing may be affixed to the frame. The housing may comprise an internal battery compartment. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the work vehicle to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame, and the slide assembly may be configured to extend from and retract into the internal battery compartment of the housing. The slide assembly may also be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing, and, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle may be positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0013] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates an example perspective side view of a stand-on, ride-on mower according to some example embodiments;

[0015] FIG. IB illustrates an example perspective rear view of a stand-on, ride-on mower according to some example embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with details of a sliding battery cradle in an operating position according to some example embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with details of a sliding battery cradle in an maintenance position according to some example embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a sit-on, ride-on mower with details of a sliding battery cradle in an operating position according to some example embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a sit-on, ride-on mower with details of a sliding battery cradle in an maintenance position according to some example embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective side view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with some components removed to provide an improved view of the battery cradle and a slide assembly according to some example embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with some components removed to provide an improved view of the battery cradle and a slide assembly according to some example embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with some components removed to provide an improved view of the battery cradle and a slide assembly according to some example embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective top view of a battery cradle according to some example embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of a battery cradle according to some example embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective top view of a battery cradle with installed batteries according to some example embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 5D illustrates a top view of a battery cradle with installed batteries according to some example embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a battery according to some example embodiments; FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of a battery according to some example embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of a battery cradle with connection interfaces according to some example embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of a stand-on, ride-on mower with some components removed to provide an improved view of the battery cradle and a slide assembly according to some example embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 8A illustrates a zoomed side view of a first beam and second beam of a slide assembly with a beam coupler, a fixed frame support, and stops according to some example embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded view of a fixed frame support according to some example embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective side view of a beam coupler according to some example embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 8D illustrates an exploded view of a beam coupler according to some example embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 9A illustrates a battery cradle and a beam assembly of a slide assembly in a configuration for the battery cradle to be in the operating position according to some example embodiments; and

[0035] FIG. 9B illustrates a battery cradle and a beam assembly of a slide assembly in a configuration for the battery cradle to be in the maintenance position according to some example embodiments.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0038] According to various example embodiments, a battery support and interface system is described in the form of, for example, a battery cradle with slide assembly, that permits a user to slide the battery cradle into and out of a housing of a ride-on mower or other work vehicle for battery installation and replacement. As such, the battery cradle may slide between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be retracted and stowed within an internal battery compartment of a housing of the ride- on mower, such that the battery cradle is enclosed and inaccessible to a user during operation of the mower. To move the battery cradle in to the maintenance position, a user may slide the battery cradle out the internal battery compartment, for example, horizontally. The slide assembly may be operably coupled between the battery cradle and a frame of the ride-on mower to support the weight of the batteries and the battery cradle. Additionally, the slide assembly may include beams and couplers that facilitate low friction sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position. Accordingly, when moved into the maintenance position, the battery cradle is in an extended position, away from the housing to provide convenient user access to the batteries for removal and installation. According to some example embodiments, the batteries used for a ride-on mower may be large and heavy, and therefore ease of access for removal and replacement is advantageous. As such, in the maintenance position, the user may lift out and lower in large and heavy batteries into their respective battery bays within the battery cradle without interference from the housing, the wheels, or other portions of the ride-on mower that might make access more difficult. According to some example embodiments, the process of installing a battery into a battery bay of the battery cradle may include engaging the battery terminals with terminal contacts of a battery bay connection interface disposed within the battery bay. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the battery bays may be sized or keyed to permit installation of a battery only in a manner that causes the battery terminals to make an electrical connection with the terminal contacts of the battery bay without the user having to take any additional action beyond simply placing the battery into the battery bay of the battery cradle.

[0039] As mentioned above, a slide assembly may be a component of the moveable battery interface system that facilitates the sliding movement of the battery cradle. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the slide assembly may comprise two beam assemblies, one for each side of the battery cradle, where each beam assembly may be constructed as a mirror image of the other to be affixed to a respective side of the battery cradle. According to some example embodiments, a beam assembly may comprise two beams. A first beam may be secured to the frame of the ride-on mower in a slideable manner. A second beam may be secured to the first beam via one or more beam couplers. Although the beam couplers may secure the second beam to the first beam, the beam couplers may permit the second beam to move relative to the first beam to increase an extendable length of the beam assembly in an extending configuration. The battery cradle may be affixed to the end of the second beam. As such, if starting in operating position and moving to the maintenance position, the first beam may slide towards the opening in the internal battery compartment, thereby extending away from the internal battery compartment such that movement of the first beam contributes to the movement of the battery cradle. Additionally, the second beam may slide relative to the first beam, and therefore, while still coupled to first beam, may move the battery cradle 152 beyond the extension of the first beam. As such, with the exception of a portion of overlap between the beams for support, the operation of the two beams increases the movement distance of battery cradle from the operating position to the maintenance position beyond what a single beam would provide to increase battery accessibility in the maintenance position. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, the connections to and between the beams may comprise isolation components that operate to inhibit the propagation of vibrations from the ride-on mower frame to the batteries. Such vibrations and other jarring movements can cause rattling and undesired noises and may also be damaging to the batteries. Additionally, the vibrations can cause connections to battery terminals to intermittently separate resulting high electrical resistance conditions and heating. As such, the inclusion of isolation components can operate to limit the amount of vibration that batteries experience. Such isolation components may be embodied as elastic members (e.g., elastic washers and sleeves) that are disposed at various points in the series of mechanical connections between the frame and battery cradle to inhibit the propagation of vibrations between the connected elements.

[0040] Having provided a brief general description of some example embodiments, reference is now made to FIGs. 1A and IB, which illustrate an example lawn care vehicle in the form of an example ride-on mower 10 that includes a movable battery interface system, as described herein. FIG. 1A provides a perspective front view of the ride-on mower 10, while FIG. IB provides a perspective back or rear view of the ride-on mower 10. In this regard, the ride-on mower 10 may be a stand-on mower that comprises a stand-on platform 61 at the back of the mower 10. Additionally, the ride-on mower 10 may be battery powered and, as such, rotation energy for a cutting blade to mow grass and wheels for propulsion may be provided by an electric motor that is part of an electrical system of the ride-on mower 10 and is powered by batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries).

[0041] In this regard, the ride-on mower 10 may comprise a plurality of wheels including front wheels 21 and rear wheels 20, where at least one of the wheels is a drive wheel to propel the ride-on mower 10. The front wheels 21 may be operably coupled to the frame 60 of the ride-on mower 10 via casters. As such, the front wheels 21 may be configured to freely rotate into a direction of travel of the ride-on mower 10 and the front wheels 21 need not been driven or powered. The rear wheels 20 may comprise large tires with tread and may be driven by a motor. In some example embodiments, each of the rear wheels 20 may be driven by a separate motor otherwise may be separately rotatable at different speeds. Via the control interface 40, a driver may independently control the motors that drive the respective rear wheels 20. As such, the rotation of the rear wheels 20 at different relative speeds may cause the ride-on mower 10 to turn. Accordingly, the rear wheels 20 may be drive wheels to propel the ride-on mower 10 in a desired direction and at a desired speed.

[0042] According to some example embodiments, the frame 60 may extend between the plurality of wheels and be a rigid structure to which various components of the ride-on mower 10 may be affixed for support. The frame 60 may, according to some example embodiments, support a deck 30, which may be a cutting deck affixed below the frame 60. The deck 30 may comprise a hood that covers a cutting blade that rotates to cut grasses and the like. The cutting blade may be driven by a blade motor that is controlled by the user via the control interface 40. The hood of the deck 30 may extend toward the ground to block the spread of debris that interact with the rotating cutting blade. To block such debris, the deck 30 and, more specifically the hood, may be formed of a metal such as steel and therefore the deck 30 be a relatively heavy assembly of the ride-on mower 10.

[0043] The frame 60 may also support a housing 50 that is affixed to a top side of the frame 60 and, as such, is positioned above the frame 60. The housing 50 may comprise a number of components, such as a one or more motors and control circuitry that is operably coupled to the control interface 40 and various controllable components of the ride-on mower 10. The control circuitry may be a component of an electrical system of the ride-on mower 10 that is powered by batteries that may be movably disposed in an internal battery compartment located within the housing 50. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the internal battery compartment may be accessed via a door 51 disposed at the rear of the ride- on mower 10 forward of the stand-on platform 61. According to some example embodiments, a lean pad 52 may be affixed to the housing 50 or the door 51. When affixed to the door 51 , the lean pad 52 may move with the door 51 when the door 51 is opened or closed.

[0044] Having described some general aspects of an example ride-on mower, according to some example embodiments, FIGs. 2A and 2B provide simplified illustrations of a side view of a ride-on mower 100 (with internal components shown in dotted lines) that is substantially similar to the ride-on mower 10 and comprises a moveable battery interface system. It is noted that FIGs 2A-3B illustrate just one side of the respective ride-on mowers and that complementary elements (e.g., another beam assembly) are also present on the other side of the mowers that is not in view. In this regard, the ride-on mower 100 may comprise front wheels 121 and rear wheels 120 operably coupled to a frame 160. A deck 130 may be supported below the frame 160 and a housing 150 may be supported above the frame 160. The housing 150 may support the control interface 140, which may be operated by a driver / user that may stand on the stand-on platform 161 disposed behind the housing 150. A blade motor 131 may be operably coupled to a cutting blade to rotate the cutting blade within the deck 130. The blade motor 131 may be a component of an electrical system of the ride- on mower 100 that is powered by batteries 153. In this regard, the blade motor 131 may comprise an electrical connector 132 that may be configured to electrically connect to a battery cradle 152 that carries the batteries 153.

[0045] The battery cradle 152 may comprise a plurality of battery bays, and each battery bay may be configured to receive and support a battery 153. The battery cradle 152 may comprise a base and external sidewalls. The external sidewalls may extend from the base to form, for example, a four-sided tray. According to some example embodiments, each battery bay may comprise a battery bay connection interface that connects to the terminals of the battery 153 when the battery 153 is placed into the battery bay.

[0046] The battery cradle 152 may be configured to slide between an operating position 190 (shown in FIG. 2A) and a maintenance position 191 (shown in FIG. 2B). In the operating position 190, the battery cradle 152 may be disposed within an internal battery compartment 162 of the housing 150. As such, the battery cradle 152 may be in a stowed position such that a user may operate the ride-on mower 100 and access to the batteries 153 is unavailable. In the operating position 190, the batteries 153 may, according to some example embodiments, be permitted to operate as a power source for an electrical system of the ride- on mower 100. As shown in FIG. 2A, the battery cradle 152, while in the operating position 190, may, according to some example embodiments, be in an electrical connection with one or more contacts of the electrical system of the ride-on mower 100, such as, for example, contacts associated with electrical connector 132 to provide power to the blade motor 131. According to some example embodiments, the electrical connectivity between the battery cradle 152 and the electrical system of the ride-on mower 100 may be maintained even in the maintenance position 191 through use of, for example, a connection harness that has slack to permit movement of the battery cradle 152 while maintaining an electrical connection.

[0047] Additionally, in the operating position 190, the battery cradle 152 may be secured within an enclosure formed by the housing 150 and the door 151, and access to the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153 may be limited or prevented. In this regard, the housing 150 may enclose the battery cradle 152 on all sides except an open side of the internal battery compartment 162. According to some example embodiments, the open side may be at a rear side of the internal battery compartment 162. However, the door 151 may close the open side of the internal battery compartment 162 to fully enclose the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153, while in the operating position 190. In this regard, the door 151 may be operably coupled to the battery cradle 152, and may, according to some example embodiments, be affixed to a rear side of the battery cradle 152. The door 151 may be, for example, formed of metal and take the shape of a plate or have a contoured surface that corresponds to an exterior of the housing 150. The door 151 may move with the battery cradle 152 such that the door 151 closes the open side of the internal battery compartment 162 when the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position 190.

[0048] Additionally, a lock mechanism 141 may be operably coupled to the battery cradle 152 or the door 151, and the lock mechanism 141 may be configured to lock the battery cradle 152 in the operating position 190. The lock mechanism 141 may engage between the door 151 and the housing 150 to secure the door 151 and the battery cradle 152 in the operating position 190. The lock mechanism 141 may have a latch that is movable between an engaged (i.e., locked) position and a disengaged (i.e., unlocked) position, and the latch may be movable by a knob or other control. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, the lock mechanism 141 may require a key or the like to move the latch from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The latch may also automatically move into the engaged position to automatically lock the door 151 in the closed position as the battery cradle 152 is moved from the maintenance position 191 to the operating position 190. According to some example embodiments, the door 151 may include one or more actuators that may latch when the door 151 is in the operating position 190. In this regard, prior to sliding the door 151 from a closed position (e.g., the operating position 190) to an open position (e.g., the maintenance position 191), and operator may be required to engage the one or more actuators to release the latching and permit sliding movement of the door 151.

[0049] According to some example embodiments, the lock mechanism 141 may include electrical components, such as sensors, to detect whether the door 151 is partially or fully open or closed. According to some example embodiments, a switch may be utilized that detects, via a plunger or leaf spring-type interface, whether the door 151 is open or closed. The switch, according to some example embodiments, may be electrically connected to, for example, the control interface 140. In this regard, the control interface 140 may include an output in the form of a light (e.g., via a light emitting diode (LED)) or a sound (via a sounder of the control interface 140) that alerts the operator of the status or position of the battery cradle 152. Additionally, the control interface 141 may be configured to control operation of the ride-on mower 101 such that certain functionalities (e.g., movement, blade operation, or the like) are prevented when the switch detects that the battery cradle 152 is in an open position (such as the maintenance position 191), and such functionalities may be permitted when the battery cradle 152 is in the closed or operating position 190. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the sensor in the form of, for example, a switch may be utilized to detect a status of the lock mechanism 141. As such, depending on the lock mechanism 141 being in a locked or unlocked state, an output of the control interface 140 may indicate the locked or unlocked state. Similarly, the control interface 141 may be configured to control operation of the ride-on mower 101 such that certain functionalities (e.g., movement, blade operation, or the like) are prevented when the switch detects that the lock mechanism 141 is not in a locked configuration, and such functionalities may be permitted when the battery cradle 152 is in the closed or operating position 190.

[0050] As mentioned above, the battery cradle 152 may also slideably move into the maintenance position 191 as shown in FIG. 2B. In the maintenance position 191, the battery cradle 152 is accessible to a user to permit the user to remove a battery 153 from or install a battery 153 into the battery cradle 152. Accordingly, the maintenance position 191 may maximize accessibility to the batteries 153 to permit the user to readily interface with batteries 153 for maintenance purposes (e.g., assessment, removal, installation, replacement, charging, or the like). In the maintenance position 191, the battery cradle 152 may be moved out of the internal battery compartment 162 of the housing 150 through the open side of the internal battery compartment 162 and away from the housing 150. According to some example embodiments, the battery cradle 152 may be located over or beyond the stand-on platform 161 of the ride-on mower 100. Additionally, at least a portion of the battery cradle 152 may be located beyond the rear wheels 120, such that the rear wheels 120 do not block access to the battery bays of the battery cradle 152 for the user. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, a most rearward portion of the battery cradle 152 may be located, for example, at least twelve inches beyond the most rearward portion of the rear wheels 120 to ensure sufficient access to the battery cradle 152 and ensure convenient battery removal and installation.

[0051] To slide between the operating position 190 and the maintenance position 191, the battery cradle 152 may be operably coupled to a slide assembly 170 of the movable battery interface system. The slide assembly 170 may be operably coupled between the battery cradle 152 and the frame 160. The frame 160 may provide foundational support to the slide assembly 170 and the battery cradle 152, and the slide assembly 170 may operate to allow the battery cradle 152 to readily move between the operating position 190 and the maintenance position 191, and also support the weight of the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153, particularly in the maintenance position 191 when the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153 are extended away from the frame 160. The slide assembly 170 may operate to permit the battery cradle 152 to move, for example, substantially horizontally (i.e., parallel to the ground surface) via the slide assembly 170, when the ride-on mower 100 is positioned on a horizontal surface. In this regard, the slide assembly 170 may extend to move the battery cradle 152 into the maintenance position 191 or retract to move the battery cradle 152 into an operating position 190.

[0052] According to some example embodiments, the slide assembly 170 may comprise various components to implement sliding movement of the battery cradle 152. According to some example embodiments, the slide assembly 170 may comprise a first fixed frame support 156, a second fixed frame support 157, first beam 154, second beam 155, a first beam coupler 158 and a second beam coupler 159.

[0053] The first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 may be attachment members that couple the first beam 154 to the frame 160 at a respective position of the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. The first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 may be fixedly coupled or attached to the frame 160 of the ride-on mower 100. As such, the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 may remain stationary relative to the frame 160 and do not move with the beams 154 or 155, or the battery cradle 152. However, while the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 may be secured to the first beam 154, the first beam 154 may still be movable, and more specifically slideable, relative to the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157, as well as the frame 160. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the first beam 154 may be horizontally slideable relative to the horizontal ground surface and the frame 160, while remaining secured to the frame 160 via the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. The first beam 154 may be slideable towards a front end of the ride-on mower 100 (e.g., moving toward the operating position 190) and also toward, and possibly past, a back end of the ride-on mower 100 (e.g., moving toward the maintenance position 191).

[0054] The first beam 154 may be operably coupled to the second beam 155 via the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159. According to some example embodiments, the second beam 155 may be stacked above the first beam 154 in the same plane for increased strength to support the torque placed on the beams when the battery cradle 152 is in the fully extended, maintenance position as described herein. The first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may each be secured between the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 to provide two points of support between the first beam 154 and the second beam 155. The second beam 155 may be affixed to the battery cradle 152 at one or more connections locations on the battery cradle 152. According to some example embodiments, the second beam 155 may be affixed to the battery cradle 152 at forward location of the battery cradle 152 and also at a rearward location of the battery cradle 152 to provide two points of the support for the battery cradle 152 on the second beam 155.

[0055] Additionally, while the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 are operably coupled to both the first beam 154 and the second beam 155, the first beam 154 and second beam 155 may be movable relative to the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159. As such, the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may be configured to, for example, provide vertical support between the first beam 154 and the second beam 155. However, the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may also permit horizontal sliding movement of the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 relative to the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159. Further, due to the ability to permit relative movement between both the first beam 154 and the second beam 155, the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may also be moveable relative to the frame 160. Also, through placement of stops on the first beam 154 or the second beam 155 and placement of the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 operating as stops, movement of the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may be limited due to contact with the stops. For example, stops may disposed at the ends of the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 to prevent the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 from becoming decoupled from the first beam

[0056] 154 or the second beam 155. Additionally, the stops, including those created by the positioning of the fixed frame supports, may be placed such that the rigidity of the assembly is maintained when the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 are fully extended (i.e., when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position 191).

[0057] While the movement of the first beam 154, second beam 155, first beam coupler 158, and second beam coupler 159 may occur in a variety of sequences during movement between the operating position 190 and the maintenance position 191, the configuration of the moveable components when the battery cradle 152 the final positioning of the components when the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position 190 or the maintenance position 191 can be described. For purposes of explanation, an example sequence of operations will now be described where the battery cradle 152 moves from the operating position 190 as shown in FIG. 2A to the maintenance position 191 as shown in FIG. 2B. In this regard, a user, standing behind the ride-on mower 100 may unlock the lock mechanism 141 and pull the door 151 , for example via a handle, rearward, towards and past a back or rear end 103 of the ride-on mower 100. In response, the battery cradle 152, which may be affixed to the door 151, may be urged rearward. Due to being affixed to the second beam 155, the second beam

[0058] 155 may also begin to move rearward. The first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may slide with second beam 155 relative to the first beam 154 until each of the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 reaches a respective stop disposed on the first beam 154. Upon engagement of the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 with the stops on the first beam 154, the continued pulling movement of the door 151 may cause the first beam 154 to begin sliding rearward, with the second beam 155. The first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may also continue moving rearward with the first beam 154 (but not relative to the first beam 154). The movement of the first beam 154 may continue until stops on the first beam 154 engage with the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157, thereby preventing any further sliding movement in the rearward direction. Accordingly, the battery cradle 152 may be positioned in the maintenance position 191. According to some example embodiments, the weight of the deck 130 may operate as a counterweight to the battery cradle 152 with the batteries 153 when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position 191 to avoid tipping of the ride-on mower 100 about the axis of the rear wheels 120. To return the battery cradle 152 to the operating position 190 within the internal battery compartment 162 of the housing 150, the user may push the door 151 in a forward direction towards a front end 102 of the ride-on mower 100. In response, the second beam 155 may be urged to slide in the forward direction because the door 151 is coupled to the battery cradle 152 and the battery cradle 152 is coupled to the second beam 155. Accordingly, the second beam 155 may slide into the internal battery compartment 162 until stops on the second beam 155 come into contact with the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159. Due to this engagement of the stops on the second beam 155, the continued forward movement of the battery cradle 152 may cause the first beam 154 to begin to slide in the forward direction due to stops on the first beam 154. In this regard, the second beam 155, the first beam 154, the first fixed frame support 156, and the second fixed frame support 157 may move in the forward direction with the first beam 154 sliding relative to the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. Movement in the forward direction may continue until, for example, the door 151 comes into contact with the exterior of the housing 151 or stops on the first beam 154 cause further sliding movement of the first beam 154 to cease (and thus movement of the second beam 155 also ceases, since the second beam 155 has already engaged its respective stops). At this point, the battery cradle 152 will be located in the operating position 190 within the internal battery compartment 162 of the housing 150.

[0059] In the maintenance position 191, the center of gravity of the battery cradle 152 may be positioned behind the axis of the rear wheels 120, whereas the center of gravity of the battery cradle 152 in the operating position 190 may be forward of the rear wheels 120 (e.g., between the rear wheel 120 and the front wheels 121. Such movement of the weight and center of the gravity of the battery cradle 152 from the operating position 190 to the maintenance position 191 (particularly when batteries 153 are installed in the battery cradle 152) causes movement of the center of gravity of the ride-on mower 100 rearward. According to some example embodiments, the repositioning of the center of gravity of the ride-on mower 100 due to movement of the battery cradle 152 with installed batteries 153 may be limited by the maximum extension distance of the battery cradle 152 when in the maintenance position 191 to prevent tipping of the ride-on mower 100. Stops included on slide assembly 170 may be positioned at selected locations to ensure that the center of gravity of the ride-on mower 101, when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position or the maximum extension position, the ride-on mower 101 does not tip when the ride-on mower 101 is on a flat or slightly inclined (e.g., fifteen degree) surface. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, the door 151 may include a locking assembly as further described herein. According to some example embodiments, the locking assembly may include or be coupled to a mechanical (e.g. pivoting weight) or electric tilt sensor that operates to prevent the locking assembly from permitting the door 151 to be opened with the ride-on mower 100 is determined to be on an incline that is more than a threshold incline (e.g., more than fifteen degrees). Accordingly, the ride-on mower 100 would need to be move to a more level location to permit the door 151 to be opened to avoid a tipping event.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the same or a similar beam assembly of the slide assembly 170 may be implemented in the context of another vehicle in the form of a ride-on mower 200 that is a sit-on mower as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, as opposed to the stand-on mower of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, rather than standing behind the door 151 and opening through which the battery cradle 152 passes during operation, for the ride-on mower 200, the user may, during operation of the ride-on mower 200, sit in front of or above the internal battery compartment and the opening through which the battery cradle 152 passes.

[0061] As such, the ride-on mower 200 may be similar to the ride-on mower 100 in many aspects, but may also differ in some. For example, with respect to the similarities, the rear wheel 120 and the front wheels 121 may be similar, but affixed to a different frame 260. The ride-on mower 200 may also include the deck 130 and the blade motor 131 that drives the blade or blades of the deck 130, however, an electrical connector 232 that electrically connects the battery cradle 152 to the blade motor 131 may be structured differently from the electrical connector 132 due to the differences in structure between the ride-on mower 100 and the ride-on mower 200. Additionally, while the housing 250 may be structured differently from the housing 150, for example, due to the positioning under or behind the seated user, the housing 250 may also include an internal battery compartment 262 within which the battery cradle 152 is received when the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position (i.e., operating position 290). As such, the structure and function of the sliding assembly comprising the first beam 154, the second beam 155, the first beam coupler 158, and the second beam coupler 159 may be the same. However, the first fixed frame support 256 and the second fixed frame support 257 may be structured differently due, for example, differences in the structure of the frame 260. Also, because of the differences in the housing 250, the door 251 may be structured differently. A clear difference, for purposes of these example embodiments, is that the ride-on mower 200 comprises a seat 261 instead of a stand- on platform 161. Moreover, the control interface 240 may be configured for seated operation via, for example, a steering wheel, pivoting lever control arms, or the like. As a result, the positions and operation of the control interface 140 may differ.

[0062] With that said, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the sliding movement of the battery cradle 152 between the operating position 290 and the maintenance position 291 is similar that described with respect to FIGs. 2A and 2B. In this regard, with the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153 in the operating position 290, a user may unlock the lock mechanism 241 and pull the door 251 rearward. The door 251 and the battery cradle 152 may slide rearward in the manner described above to arrive at the maintenance position 291. Again, the weight of the deck 130 may operate as a partial counterweight to the battery cradle 152 with the batteries 153 when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position 290. From the maintenance position 290, a user may conveniently perform the desired maintenance (e.g., replace one or more batteries 153) due to the extended position of the battery cradle 152 away from the housing 250. Additionally, upon completing the maintenance, the user may push the door 251 forward to cause the battery cradle 152 to move forward in the manner described above. The battery cradle 152 may ultimately return to the operating position 290 such that the batteries 153 are secured and electrically connected to the electrical system of the ride-on mower 200.

[0063] Now referring to FIGs. 4A to 4C, an example embodiment of a ride-on mower 101 is shown. The ride-on mower 101 is embodied as a stand-on mower and is therefore a variation of the ride-on mower 100. The ride-on mower 101 may include the components of the ride- on mower 100, however, in the form of a different embodiment. FIGs. 4A to 4C and FIG. 7 illustrate a variation of the ride-on mower 100, in the form of ride-on mower 101, with some but not all of the components of a complete ride-on mower 101 being shown in these figures. Note that in FIGs 4B and 4C, the control interface 140 is also omitted relative to the illustration of the ride-on mower 101 in FIG. 4A, and in FIG. 7, the control interface 140, the housing 150, and the door 151 are omitted relative to the illustration of the ride-on mower 101 as shown in FIG. 4A. Although not shown, the ride-on mower 101 may comprise a deck 130, a blade motor 131 and an electrical connector 132. Additionally, FIGs. 4A to 4C and FIG. 7 illustrate the battery cradle 152 in the maintenance position (i.e., fully extended away from the housing 150).

[0064] In this regard, similar to the ride-on mower 100, the ride-on mower 101 may comprise embodiments of a slide assembly 170, a frame 160, a housing 150, a control interface 140, and the like. In this regard, the ride-on mower 101 may comprise rear wheels 120, which may be driven by a motor, and the rear wheels 120 may be operably coupled to the frame 160 to support the ride-on mower 101. The ride-on mower 101 may also comprise front wheels 121 which may, for example, be smaller than the rear wheels 120 and need not be motor driven. According to some example embodiments, the rear wheels 121 may be operably coupled to the frame 160 via casters that freely turn, allowing the front wheels 121 to pivot into any position and rotate when the frame 160 is being urged in a direction by the real wheels 120. Accordingly, the frame 160 is operably coupled to the plurality of wheels to provide a support structure for the ride-on mower 101.

[0065] The housing 150 may be positioned on the frame 160, and the housing 150 may be affixed to the frame 160. The housing 150 may comprise an internal battery compartment 162, which receives the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153, when the battery cradle 152 is moved into the operating position 190. The housing 150 may be formed of a metal, such as steel, and may provide a support structure for the control interface 140. Additionally, the stand-on platform 161 may operably coupled to the frame 160 rearward of the housing 150, such that a user may be stand on the platform 161 and lean forward onto the housing 150 (or a pad affixed to the housing 150) while operating the ride-on mower 101.

[0066] The ride-on mower 101 may also comprise a slide assembly 170 that is operably coupled to a battery cradle 152 and a door 151. Via the slide assembly 170, the battery cradle 152 may be movable between a maintenance position 191 and an operating position 190. The door 151 may be affixed to the battery cradle 152 and may therefore move with the battery cradle 152. As such, when the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position 190, the door 151 may be positioned close the opening into the internal battery compartment 162 and generally conceal the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153 within the housing 151. As mentioned above, the door 151 may be contoured to complement contouring of the housing

[0067] 150 to tightly fit together when closed. According to some example embodiments, the door

[0068] 151 may also comprise a handle, which may be formed, for example, as a recessed handle or a protruding handle. The handle may be graspable by a user to pull or push the door 151 to cause the battery cradle 152 to move between the operating position 190 and the maintenance position 191. According to some example embodiments, the door 151 may include a hinge or may be readily removable to increase access to the batteries 153 when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position 191.

[0069] The battery cradle 152 may be a containment unit for a plurality of batteries 153 that may be removable and installable into the battery bays of the battery cradle 152. As further described below, each battery bay may comprise a respective connector to electrically connect a battery 153 installed into the battery bay to an electrical system of the ride-on mower 101. The batery cradle 152 may be supported by, and moveable via, the slide assembly 170. The slide assembly 170 may be operably coupled between the frame 160 and the batery cradle 152 to perform these functions.

[0070] In this regard, the slide assembly 170 may comprise two beam assemblies, i.e., a first beam assembly 171 and a second beam assembly 172. In FIGs. 4A and 4B, only the first beam assembly 171 can be seen on the right side of the batery cradle 152 and the right side portion of the frame 160. However, the first beam assembly 171 and the second beam assembly 172 may be mirror images of the each other and therefore a description of the first beam assembly 171 on the right side also provides a description of the second beam assembly 172 on the left side.

[0071] Following from the description of the slide assembly 170 provided above, the first beam assembly 171 of the slide assembly 170 may comprise the first beam 154 (best seen in FIG. 4C) and the second beam 155. The first beam 154 may be operably coupled to the frame 160 via the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. The first beam 154 may be operably coupled to the second beam 155 via the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159. Additionally, the second beam 155 may be affixed to the batery cradle 152 at connection points such that the batery cradle 152 moves with the second beam 155.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 4C, where the second beam assembly 172 is visible, the second beam assembly 172 may operate the same as, and in unison with, the first beam assembly 171, since both beam assemblies are coupled to each other through the batery cradle 152 and the frame 160. In this regard, the second beam assembly 172 may comprise a third beam 354 and a fourth beam 355. The third beam 354 may be operably coupled to the frame 160 via the third fixed frame support 356 and the fourth fixed frame support 357. The third beam 354 may be operably coupled to the fourth beam 355 via a third beam coupler 358 and a second beam coupler 359. Additionally, the fourth beam 355 may be affixed to the batery cradle 152 at connection points such that the batery cradle 152 moves with the fourth beam 255.

[0073] Within the context of the ride-on mower 101, FIGs. 5A and 5B illustrate the batery cradle 152 in isolation from other components of the ride-on mower 101. As can be seen, according to some example embodiments, the batery cradle 152 may comprise a base 310, a front wall 313, a rear wall 314, a first sidewall 311, and a second sidewall 312. According to some example embodiments, the base 310, the front wall 313, the rear wall 314, the first sidewall 311, and the second sidewall 312 may be formed of a metal, such as, steel or the like to support the weight of the batteries 153. The base 310, the front wall 313, the rear wall 314, the first sidewall 311, and the second sidewall 312 may be formed as flat plates. The front wall 313 may extend from the base 310 at a front side edge of the base 310 and extend across the front side edge for a length of front side edge. The front wall 313 may extend at about a perpendicular angle relative to the base 310. The rear wall 314 may extend from the base 310 at a rear side edge of the base 310 and extend across the rear side edge for a length of the rear side edge. The rear wall 314 may extend at about a perpendicular angle relative to the base 310. Additionally, the sidewalls 311 and 312 may extend from the base 310 at a respective side edge of the base 310 and for a length of the respective side edges of the base

[0074] 310. The sidewalls 311 and 312 may extend at about a perpendicular angle relative to the base 310. Accordingly, the base 310, the front wall 313, the rear wall 314, the first sidewall

[0075] 311, and the second sidewall 312 may form battery cradle 152 as a tray having exterior sides that extend upward to retain the batteries 153 stowed within the battery cradle 152.

[0076] According to some example embodiments, the first sidewall 311 and the second sidewall 312 may extend from the base 310 a short distance than the front wall 313 and the rear wall 314 to increase accessibility to the batteries 153 from the sides of the battery cradle 152. Additionally, the front wall 313 and the rear wall 314 may comprise forward and rearward beam connection members 315, respectively, which are configured to affix the second beam 155 and the fourth beam 355 to the battery cradle 152. According to some example embodiments, the beam connection members 315 may comprise a through hole through which the second beam 155 or the fourth beam 355 may pass through. Additionally, according to some example embodiments, clamps or stops may be placed on the second beam 155 and the fourth beam 355 on both sides of the beam connection members 315 to secure the beams 155 and 355 to the battery cradle 152.

[0077] As mentioned above, the battery cradle 152 may comprise a plurality of battery bays, according to some example embodiments. The example battery cradle 152 is shown as having four battery bays in FIGs. 5A and 5B. In this regard, the battery cradle 152 may comprise a first battery bay 320, a second battery bay 321, a third battery bay 322, and a fourth battery bay 323. The battery bays may be sub-compartments of the battery cradle 152 that are sized to receive a respective battery 153. According to some example embodiments, the battery bays may be keyed with the batteries 153 such that a battery 153 may only be installed in a battery bay when oriented properly relative to the battery bay. To form the battery bays 320, 321, 322, and 323, the battery cradle 152 may comprise a plurality of separator walls. The separator walls may formed of a metal, such as steel, and the separator walls may extend from and interior of the base 310 at about perpendicular angles to the base 310. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the separator walls may be comprised of individual component portions that only form a separation between two battery bays, or a continuous portion may extend to form a separator wall between multiple battery bays. For example, the separator wall 318 may extend from the front wall 313 to the rear wall 314 and may therefore separate the second battery bay 321 from the fourth battery bay 323, and the first battery bay 320 from the third battery bay 322. The separator wall 316 may extend from the first sidewall 311 to the separator wall 318 to separate the first battery bay 320 from the second battery bay 321. Similarly, the separator wall 317 may extend from the second sidewall 312 to the separator wall 318 to separate the third battery bay 322 from the fourth battery bay 323. Accordingly, via the separator walls 316, 317, and 318, four battery bays may be defined that form receiving locations for the batteries 153. Accordingly, FIGs. 5C and 5D illustrate the battery cradle 152 and the four battery bays with batteries 153 installed in each of the four battery bays.

[0078] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate example form factors for batteries 153 according to some example embodiments. In this regard, to provide power to a ride-on mower, high power capacity batteries are often necessary to permit the ride-on mower to operate for periods of time that are sufficient to perform a desired task (e.g., mowing a standard-sized residential lawn, such as, one-quarter to one-half of an acre). As such, the batteries 153 may have a relatively large form factor and may be heavy. Further, the batteries 153 may have various chemistries, such as, for example, lithium-ion. According to some example embodiments, the batteries 153 may have a battery capacity of about ten to forty kilowatt hours (kWh). Each battery 153 may be comprised of a plurality of battery cells that make up the battery 153.

[0079] The example embodiments of the batteries 153 shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate a battery exterior that is substantially formed as a rectangular cube. The battery 153 may comprise a canister 330 and a cap 331. The canister 330 may form an internal cavity for the battery cells and other battery components. The cap 331 may be sealed onto an open end of the canister 330 to encase the internal battery components. The cap 331, according to some example embodiments, may include a handle 333 configured for use when lifting and carrying the battery 153. According to some example embodiments, the cap 331 may house a physical connector that is configured to mate with the battery cradle 152 to secure the battery 153 into engagement with the battery cradle 152. The batery 153 may also comprise a batery connection interface 332. The batery connection interface 332 may include batery terminals 334 that are electrical connection points for the batery 153. In this regard, a batery 153 may comprise two terminals 334, i.e., a positive terminal and a negative terminal. According to some example embodiments, the batery connection interface 332 may include other connection points for batery monitoring and control via a batery management system of the ride-on mower 101. The terminals 334 may positioned on the batery 153 in a number of locations. According to some example embodiments, the batery terminals 334 may be positioned on a botom side of the batery 153, such that the batery 153 would connect with corresponding contacts in a batery bay located on the base 310 of the batery bay. Alternatively, the batery terminals 334 may be positioned on the top of the batery 153, such that a removable connection harness or the like is used to make contact with the batery terminals 334. Alternatively, the batery terminals 334 may be positioned on a side of the batery 153, such as in the manner shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B. In this regard, the batery connection interface 332 and the batery terminals 334 may by positioned on the cap 331, but may extend downward from a side protrusion of the cap 331. The side protrusion may comprise a beveled guide 335 that may be configured to assist a user with installation of the batery 153 by guiding the batery terminals 334 into position for connection with contacts of the batery cradle 152.

[0080] In this regard, referring to FIG. 6C, a side view of the batery cradle 152 is shown with batery bay connection interfaces 340 for each visible batery bay, noting that batery bay connection interfaces 340 may also be included in the batery bays on the opposite side of the batery cradle 152 this is not in view. Moreover, in the side view of FIG. 6C, the batery bays 320 and 321 are shown and it is understood that a similar configuration may be used with the other batery bays. In this regard, each batery bay may comprise a batery bay connection interface 340 that is positioned within the respective batery bay such that contacts 342 make a physical connection with the batery terminals 334 of the batery 153. In this regard, with the batery terminals 334 positioned as shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B, the batery bay connection interface 340 may be positioned one of the interior surfaces of the walls of the batery bay, such as, for example, the separator wall 318. The batery bay connection interface 340 may comprise terminal contacts 342 and a guide receiver 341. Accordingly, when the batery 153 is installed into, for example, batery bay 320, the beveled guide 335 may be aligned with the guide receiver 341, which is correspondingly shaped, to receive the guide 335 into the guide receiver 341. The alignment of the guide 335 with the guide receiver 341 may cause the batery terminals 334 to be aligned with the terminal contacts 342 of the battery bay connection interface 340 to make a physical and electrical connection between the battery terminals 334 and the terminal contacts 342. Each of the terminal contacts 342 may be connected to a respective conductor 343 that may be connected to a main power connector 354. The main power connector 354 may be hard-wired to the electrical system of the ride-on mower 101 or the main power connector 354 may comprise a plug that slides into connection with a complementary plug of the electrical power system when the battery cradle 152 is moved into the operating position.

[0081] Having described details of some example embodiments of the battery cradle 152 and the interfaces with the batteries 153, FIGs. 7 - 9B will now be described which provide further details of some example embodiments of the slide assembly 170 that may be used to support and slideably move the battery cradle 152. In this regard, FIG. 7 illustrates the ride- on mower 101 showing some select components including the rear wheel 120, the front wheels 121, the frame 160, the slide assembly 170, and the battery cradle 152 in the maintenance position 191. In the perspective view of FIG. 7, the first beam assembly 171 and the second beam assembly 172 can be seen. Again, although a description of the first beam assembly 171 is provided, it is understood that the second beam assembly 172 is structured and operates in the same manner.

[0082] According to some example embodiments, the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 may be formed of tubular members that may be constructed from a high-strength materials, such as steel, carbon-fiber, or the like. The tubular members may have a circular cross-section and therefore components that engage with the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 may wrap around the beams having a complementary circular engaging surface. While a circular cross-section for the beams is described herein, it is understood that other cross-sectional shapes could be alternatively used that support a sliding engagement such as, for example, a square cross-section, an I-beam cross-section, or the like.

[0083] As mentioned above, the first beam 154 may be operably coupled to the frame 160 via a first fixed frame support 156 and a second fixed frame support 157. According to some example embodiments, the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 may be structured and function the same, but placed in different locations to operably couple the first beam 154 to the frame 160. Additionally, the first beam 154 may be operably coupled to the second beam 155 via a first beam coupler 158 and a second beam coupler 159. According to some example embodiments, the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 may be structured and function the same, but placed in different locations to operably couple the first beam 154 to the second beam 155. With this in mind, FIG. 8A illustrates the first fixed frame support 156 operably coupled to the first beam 154 and the first beam coupler 158 operably coupled between the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 to facilitate a further description an example fixed frame support and an example beam coupler according to some example embodiments.

[0084] As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the first fixed frame support 156 may comprise a first support bracket 388 and a bracket slide sleeve 387. According to some example embodiments, the first support bracket 388 may be formed of a metal such as steel, and the bracket slide sleeve 387 may be formed of an elastic material that is configured to absorb vibrations, such as a rubber. Also referencing FIG. 8B, which illustrates an exploded view of the first fixed frame support 156, the first support bracket 388 may comprise a U-shaped member 392 having support flanges 389 extending from each side of the U-shaped member 392. The support flanges may comprise fastener holes for affixing the first support bracket 388 to the frame 160 of the ride-on mower 101. The U-shaped member 392 may have through holes 391 in each side, and the through holes 392 may be sized to receive the bracket slide sleeve 387 within the through holes 391 to support the bracket slide sleeve 387 at the associated two locations. The through holes 391 may have a circular shape and the exterior of the bracket slide sleeve 387 may have a complementary circular shape. According to some example embodiments, the bracket slide sleeve 387 may be sized to be press fit into the through holes 391 to be held in place with the first support bracket 388 by a frictional engagement (e.g., increased by a high friction surface of the elastic material of the bracket slide sleeve 387). However, according to some example embodiments, the bracket sleeve 387 may be welded into position in the through holes 391 of the first support bracket 388.

[0085] Accordingly, the bracket slide sleeve 387 may have a generally cylindrical shape with a central axial through hole or passageway 393. According to some example embodiments, because the bracket slide sleeve 387 may be comprised of an elastic material, the interior surface of the passageway 393 may also have a high coefficient of friction. Since the first beam 154 may be disposed in the passageway 393, the interior, high friction surface of the bracket slide sleeve 387 may be detrimental to the smooth and low force sliding movement of the first beam 154 within the bracket slide sleeve 387. To reduce the friction, according to some example embodiments, slide rings 390 may be disposed within the bracket slide sleeve 387. The slide rings 390 may be formed of or coated with a low friction material (e.g., a synthetic low friction substance such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) and may be disposed within the passageway 393 such that the first beam 154 comes into the contact with the slide rings 390 rather than the interior of the passageway 393 of the bracket slide sleeve 387. According to some example embodiments, the slide rings 390 may be disposed at both ends of the passageway 393, or the slide ring 390 may be a sleeve that extends the entirety of the passageway 393. Therefore, the engagement between the slide rings 390 and the first beam 154 may be a low friction engagement that facilitates siding movement of the first beam 154 within the bracket slide sleeve 387 when the battery cradle 152 is moved. Additionally, since the first support bracket 388 may be affixed to the frame 160 as a source of vibration (e.g., from the wheels), vibrations from the frame 160 may propagate to the first support bracket 388. However, because the bracket slide sleeve 387 may be formed of an elastic material, vibrations from the first support bracket 388 may be inhibited from propagating to the first beam 154 due to the series connection with the bracket slide sleeve 387, which contributes to lessening the vibrations that are propagated to the battery cradle 152 and the batteries 153 from the frame 160.

[0086] As mentioned above, the first beam coupler 158 is shown in FIG. 8 A as an example of a beam coupler configured to operably couple the first beam 154 to the second beam 155. The first beam coupler 158, as an example beam coupler, may also permit relative sliding movement between the first beam 154 and second beam 155, permit movement of the beam coupler relative to both the first beam 154 and the second beam 155, and perform a vibration dampening function. Also referencing the perspective view of the first beam coupler 158 in FIG. 8C and the exploded view of the first beam coupler 158 in FIG. 8D, a description of the first beam coupler 158 as an example of a beam coupler is provided below.

[0087] According to some example embodiments, the first beam coupler 158 may comprise a first coupler slide sleeve 385, a first beam connector link 383, an isolation assembly 382, a second beam connector link 384, and a second coupler slide sleeve 386. In this regard, first beam coupler 158 may be comprised of a series of connections from the first beam 154 to the second beam 155 to operably couple the beams in relative sliding and supported engagement, but also introduce multiple points of vibration dampening in the series of connections between the beams to further inhibit propagation of vibrations from the frame 160 to the batteries 153.

[0088] As such, according to some example embodiments, the first coupler slide sleeve 385 and the second coupler slide sleeve 386 may be structured and function in the same manner as the bracket slide sleeve 387. In this regard, the first coupler slide sleeve 385 and the second coupler slide sleeve 386 may be substantially cylindrical with an axial passageway 394 and 395, respectively. The first beam 154 may be received within the passageway 394 of the first coupler slide sleeve 385 and the second beam 155 may be received with the passageway of the second coupler slide sleeve 386. Although not shown, the first coupler slide sleeve 385 and the second coupler slide sleeve 386 may comprise slide rings 390 disposed within the passageways 394 and 395, in the same manner as passageway 393, to reduce friction with the first beam 154 and the second beam 155, respectively, as described above.

[0089] The first beam connector link 383 may comprised of a metal, such as steel, and may have a U-shape. In this regard, the first beam connector link 383 may comprise a cross member 402 and two side members 403 extending from opposite sides of the cross member 402 at about a perpendicular angle to the cross member 402. The cross member 402 may comprise a fastener hole 407. Similar to the first support bracket 388, the first beam connector link 383 may have through holes 405 in each side, and the through holes 405 may be sized to receive the first coupler slide sleeve 385 within the through holes 405 to support the first coupler slide sleeve 385 at the two associated locations. The through holes 405 may have a circular shape and the exterior of the first coupler slide sleeve 385 may have a complementary circular shape. According to some example embodiments, the first coupler slide sleeve 385 may be sized to be press fit into the through holes 405 to be held in place with the first beam connector link 383 by a frictional engagement (e.g., increased by a high friction surface of the elastic material of the first coupler slide sleeve 385). Between the through holes 405 and the cross member 402, the side members 403, may comprise cutouts 404 that provide open space for the second beam 155 and the second coupler slide sleeve 386 since the second beam 155 is stacked above the first beam 154 in the same plane. As such, due to the structure, the first beam connector link 383 extends from the first beam 154 to above the second beam 155 to engage with the isolation assembly 382.

[0090] The second beam connector link 384 may also be comprised of a metal, such as steel, and may have a U-shape. In this regard, the second beam connector link 384 may comprise a cross member 400 and two side members 401 extending from opposite sides of the cross member 400 at about a perpendicular angle to the cross member 400. According to some example embodiments, a width of the cross member 400 between the side member 401 may be larger than a width of the cross member 402 such that an upper portion of the first beam connector link 383 may fit within the side members 401 without contacting the side members 401. The cross member 400 may comprise a fastener hole 408. Similar to the first support bracket 388, the first beam connector link 383 may have through holes 406 in each side, and the through holes 406 may be sized to receive the second coupler slide sleeve 386 within the through holes 406 to support the second coupler slide sleeve 386 at the two locations. The through holes 406 may have a circular shape and the exterior of the second coupler slide sleeve 386 may have a complementary circular shape. According to some example embodiments, the second coupler slide sleeve 386 may be sized to be press fit into the through holes 406 to be held in place with the second beam connector link 384 by a frictional engagement (e.g., increased by a high friction surface of the elastic material of the first coupler slide sleeve 386). The second beam connector link 384 extends from the second beam 155 to above the second beam 155 to engage with the isolation assembly 382.

[0091] According to some example embodiments, the isolation assembly 382 may include at least one elastic member that is disposed between the engagement between the first beam connector link 383 and the second beam connector link 384 to dampen and inhibit the propagation of vibrations. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the isolation assembly 382 may comprise a first elastic member in the form of, for example, a first elastic washer 396 and a second elastic member in the form of, for example, a second elastic washer 397. The first and second elastic members may comprise an elastic material such as a rubber. The first elastic washer 396 and the second elastic washer may comprise though holes for through which a fastener such as, for example, a bolt 410 may be passed. The first elastic washer 396 and the second elastic washer 397 may be held on the bolt 410 by, for example, a nut 411.

[0092] As best shown in FIG. 8D, the first beam connector link 383 and the second beam connector link 384 may be operably coupled to the isolation assembly 382. In this regard, the first elastic washer 396 and the second elastic washer may be stacked on the bolt 410. According to some example embodiments, the first elastic washer 396 may be positioned on the head of the bolt 410 or the first elastic washer 396 may sit atop a metal washer disposed between the head of the bolt 410 and the first elastic washer 396. The bolt 411 may also pass through the fastener hole 407 of the first beam connector link 383 such that the first beam connector link 383 sits atop the first elastic washer 396. The second elastic washer 397 may sit atop the cross member 402 of the first beam connector link 383 on the bolt 410, and the cross member 400 of the second beam connector link 384 may sit atop the second elastic washer 397. The nut 411 may be tightened down on the stack of components, possibly with a metal washer being disposed between the nut 411 and the second elastic washer.

[0093] Accordingly, the first coupler slide sleeve 385, the second coupler slide sleeve 386, the first elastic washer 396, and the second elastic washer 397, as well as the bracket slide sleeve 387, each introduce vibration dampening functionalities to the slide assembly 170. As such, vibrations from motors or movement of the ride-on mower 101 may be inhibited from propagating from the frame 160 to the batteries 153 due to the mechanical series connections of these components between the frame 160 and the battery cradle 152. According to some example embodiments, further dampening components may be installed in the battery bays to provide additional vibration dampening (e.g., an elastic pad on the base 310, elastic bumpers on the internal walls of the battery bays, or the like). Additionally, these components also operate to dampen or inhibit propagation of vibrations that may occur during the sliding movement of the battery cradle 152, thereby creating a more smooth movement of battery cradle 152 when transitioning between positions.

[0094] Referring back to FIG. 8 A, example stops 380 and 381 are also shown. As shown, according to some example embodiments, and referring to stop 380 as an example, the stop 380 may comprise a stop sleeve and a fastener that affixes the stop 380 at a desired position on a beam, in this case the first beam 154. In this regard, the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 may have radial holes positioned at desired locations for a stop to be installed, and the fastener of the stop may be passed through the radial holes to secure the sleeve to the beam to form the stop. According to some example embodiments, as further described below, each beam may comprise, for example, three stops, noting that the fixed frame supports may also operate as stops.

[0095] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate the configuration of the slide assembly 170 when the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position 190 and the configuration of the slide assembly 170 when the battery cradle 152 is in the maintenance position 191, respectively. In this regard, referring to FIG. 9A, the relative positioning of the various components may be first described followed by a description of the operation of the slide assembly 170 when moving the battery cradle 152 from the operating position 190 to the maintenance position 191.

[0096] In this regard, moving from forward to rear, the first beam 154 may have a stop 370 positioned at the forward end of the first beam 154. Next on the first beam 154 moving in the rearward direction, the first fixed frame support 156 may be operably coupled to the first beam 154 and affixed to the frame 160 (not shown) such that the first fixed frame support 156 is stationary relative to the frame 160. Moving further rearward, the first beam coupler 158 may be operably coupled to the first beam 154, followed by a stop 380. Moving rearward from the stop 380, the second fixed frame support 157 may be operably coupled to the first beam 154 and affixed to the frame 160 (not shown) such that the second fixed frame support 157 is stationary relative to the frame 160 and provides a second support location for this first beam assembly 171 of the slide assembly 170. Rearward of the second fixed frame support 157, the second beam coupler 159 may be operably coupled to the first beam 154, followed by a stop 372 disposed at the rearward end of the first beam 154.

[0097] Now referring to the second beam 155 and moving from the forward end to the rearward end, a stop 371 may be disposed at the forward end of the second beam 155. Moving rearward from the stop 371, the first beam coupler 158 may be operably coupled to the second beam 155. Rearward of the first beam coupler 158, the second beam 155 may be operably coupled to abeam connection member 315 of the battery cradle 152. The beam connection members 315 may comprise a through hole through which the second beam 155 may pass to support the battery cradle 152. However, to prevent the battery cradle 152 from sliding on the second beam 155, a stop 381 may be disposed on the second beam 155 in a manner that prevents the battery cradle 152 from moving relative to the stop 381 and the second beam 155. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the beam connection member 315 may engage an exterior surface of the sleeve of the stop 381 (e.g., in a frictional engagement or in a groove formed in the sleeve) to prevent relative movement. Rearward of the stop 381, the second beam 155 may be operably coupled to the second beam coupler 159. At the rearward end of the second beam 155, a stop 373 may be affixed to the second beam 155 and a beam connection member 315 may be engaged with the stop 373 in that same manner as described with stop 381 to prevent movement of the battery cradle 152 relative to the second beam 155.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 9A, the battery cradle 152 has been pushed into the operating position 190. In this position, the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 are moved into their forward-most positions relative to the frame 160, as indicated by the positioning of the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. As can be seen, the length of the first beam 154 may be the same as the length of the second beam 155, according to some example embodiments. In the operating position 190, the ends of the first beam 154 and the second beam 155 may be aligned vertically. The positioning of the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 operate as stops, and, stops 380 and 381 are aligned vertically.

[0099] By pushing in the battery cradle 152 from the maintenance position 191 to the operating position 190, the stop 372 contacts the second beam coupler 159 and the stop 380 contacts the first beam coupler 158. Via these contact points, the first beam coupler 158 is pushed into contact with the second fixed frame support 157 and the first beam coupler 158 is pushed into contact with the first fixed frame support 156. Once these contacts with both the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157 are made, the battery cradle 152 is in the operating position 190.

[0100] Now with reference to FIG. 9B, the battery cradle 152 has been pulled into the maintenance position 191. As such, upon pulling the battery cradle 152 rearward, the second beam 155 may begin to move rearward. For example, the first beam 154 may slide rearward relative to the first beam coupler 158 and the second beam coupler 159 until the stop 371 comes into contact with first beam coupler 158 and the stop 381 comes into contact with the second beam coupler 159. At that point, the stop 371 will begin to pull the first beam coupler 158 rearward and, due to the engagement between the first beam coupler 158 and the stop 380, the rearward pulling on the battery cradle 152 will cause the first beam 154 to slide rearward relative to the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. In the same manner, stop 381 will begin to pull the second beam coupler 159 rearward and, due to the engagement between the second beam coupler 159 and the stop 381, the rearward pulling on the battery cradle 152 will cause the first beam 154 to slide rearward relative to the first fixed frame support 156 and the second fixed frame support 157. This movement of the first beam 154 will continue until the stop 370 comes into contact with the first fixed frame support 156 and the stop 380 comes into contact with the second fixed frame support 157 which stops the rearward movement of the second beam 155 and the first beam 154, and moves the battery cradle 152 into the maintenance position 191.

[0101] According to a first example embodiment, a ride-on mower is provided. The ride-on mower may comprise a frame, a mower deck, a plurality of wheels, a driver support assembly, a housing, a battery cradle, and a slide assembly. The mower deck may comprise a mower blade, and the mower deck may be operably coupled to the frame. The plurality of wheels may be operably coupled to the frame, and the plurality of wheels may comprise a first drive wheel that propels the ride-on mower. The driver support assembly may be configured to support a user of the ride-on mower above a ground surface during operation of the ride-on mower. The housing may be affixed to the frame, and the housing may comprise an internal battery compartment. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame, and the slide assembly may be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing, and, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle may be positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

[0102] The first example embodiment may include the feature that, when the battery cradle is in the maintenance position, a weight of the mower deck operates as a partial counter-balance to a weight of the battery cradle and the plurality of batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the battery cradle may comprise a plurality of battery bays, and each battery bay may be configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of batteries. The battery cradle may comprise a plurality of separator walls disposed between each of the battery bays. Additionally or alternatively, the connection assembly may comprise a plurality of battery connectors, and the plurality of connectors may comprise a first connector. The plurality of batteries may comprise a first battery and the plurality of battery bays may comprise a first battery bay having a first separator wall of the plurality of separator walls. The first connector may be disposed on the first separator wall of the first battery bay such that placement of the first battery by the user into the first battery bay causes terminals of the first battery to connect with the first connector.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, with respect to the first example embodiment and the individual or combined modifications described above, the driver support assembly may comprise a stand-on platform disposed at a rearward end of the ride-on mower. In this regard, when the battery cradle is in maintenance position, the battery cradle is positioned above the stand-on platform. Additionally or alternatively, the driver support assembly may comprise a seat for the driver. Additionally or alternatively, the slide assembly may comprise a beam coupler, a first beam, and a second beam. The first beam may be operably coupled to the frame via a fixed frame support, and the second beam may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and operably coupled to the first beam via the beam coupler. The first beam may be slidable within the fixed frame support, and the first beam and the second beam may be slidable within the beam coupler. Additionally, the beam coupler may comprise an isolation assembly, a first beam connector link, and a second beam connector link. The isolation assembly may be configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly. The first beam connector link may be operably coupled between the first beam and the isolation assembly, and the second beam connector link may be operably coupled between the second beam and the isolation assembly. The configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam may inhibit vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle.

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, with respect to the first example embodiment and the individual or combined modifications described above, the beam coupler may comprise and isolation assembly, a first beam connect link, and a second beam connector link. The isolation assembly may be configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly. The isolation assembly may comprise a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first beam connector link may be operably coupled to the first beam and may be affixed to the isolation assembly in contact with and between the first elastic member and the second elastic member. The second beam connector link may be operably coupled to the second beam and affixed to the isolation assembly in contact with the first elastic member. The configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam may inhibit vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle. Additionally or alternatively, the beam coupler may further comprise a first slide sleeve and a second slide sleeve. The first beam connector link may be operably coupled to the first beam via the first slide sleeve, and the first beam may be disposed within a passageway of the first slide sleeve. The second beam connector link may be operably coupled to the second beam via the second slide sleeve, and the second beam being disposed within a passageway of the second slide sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the beam coupler may comprise a first slide ring disposed within the passageway of the first slide sleeve to decrease friction between the first slide sleeve and the first beam during sliding movement of the first slide sleeve on the first beam. The beam coupler may comprise a second slide ring disposed within the passageway of the second slide sleeve to decrease friction between the second slide sleeve and the second beam during sliding movement of the second slide sleeve on the second beam. The first slide sleeve and the second slide sleeve may be formed of an elastic material to inhibit propagation of vibrations. Additionally or alternatively, the first beam and the second beam may be configured to move relative to the frame during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position. The first beam and the second beam may be configured to move relative to each other during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position. Additionally or alternatively, the beam coupler may be configured to move relative to the first beam and the second beam during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position. Additionally or alternatively, one of the plurality of wheels is a rear wheel, and the battery cradle may extend past the rear wheel in the maintenance position. Additionally or alternatively, the battery cradle may be operably coupled to a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the battery cradle in the operating position.

[0105] In a second example embodiment, a moveable battery interface system for a ride-on mower is also provided. In this regard, he moveable battery interface system may comprise a battery cradle and a slide assembly. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and configured to be operably coupled to a frame of the ride-on mower, and the slide assembly may be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between a retracted position and an extended position. The slide assembly may comprise a beam coupler, a first beam configured to be operably coupled to the frame, and a second beam operably coupled to the second beam and operably coupled to the first beam via the beam coupler. The first beam may be configured to be slidable relative to the frame, and the first beam and the second beam may be slidable within the beam coupler.

[0106] According to some example embodiments, the second example embodiment may be modified and combined with various features as described hereafter. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the beam coupler may comprise an isolation assembly, a first beam connector link, and a second beam connector link. The isolation assembly may be configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly. The first beam connector link may be operably coupled between the first beam and the isolation assembly, and a second beam connector link may be operably coupled between the second beam and the isolation assembly. The configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam may inhibit vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle. Additionally or alternatively, the beam coupler may further comprise a first slide sleeve and a second slide sleeve. The first beam connector link may be operably coupled to the first beam via the first slide sleeve, and the first beam may be disposed within a passageway of the first slide sleeve. The second beam connector link may be operably coupled to the second beam via the second slide sleeve. The second beam may be disposed within a passageway of the second slide sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the beam coupler may comprise a first slide ring disposed within the passageway of the first slide sleeve to decrease friction between the first slide sleeve and the first beam during sliding movement of the first slide sleeve on the first beam. The beam coupler may comprise a second slide ring disposed within the passageway of the second slide sleeve to decrease friction between the second slide sleeve and the second beam during sliding movement of the second slide sleeve on the second beam. The first slide sleeve and the second slide sleeve may be formed of an elastic material to inhibit propagation of vibrations.

[0107] According to a third example embodiment, a work vehicle is also provided. The work vehicle may comprise a frame, a mower deck, a plurality of wheels, a driver support assembly, a housing, a battery cradle, and a slide assembly. The plurality of wheels may be operably coupled to the frame, and the plurality of wheels may comprise a first drive wheel that propels the work vehicle. The driver support assembly may be configured to support a user of the work vehicle above a ground surface during operation of the work vehicle, and the housing may be affixed to the frame. The housing may comprise an internal battery compartment. The battery cradle may comprise a battery support surface and a connection assembly. The battery support surface may be configured to support a plurality of batteries, and the connection assembly may be configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the work vehicle to provide a source of electrical power. The slide assembly may be operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame, and the slide assembly may be configured to extend from and retract into the internal battery compartment of the housing. The slide assembly may also be configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position, the battery cradle may be positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing, and, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle may be positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

[0108] Many modifications to the example embodiment provided herein, as well as other example embodiments, will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these example embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the example embodiments are not to be limited to the specific ones disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required, or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A ride-on mower comprising: a frame; a mower deck comprising a mower blade, the mower deck being operably coupled to the frame; a plurality of wheels operably coupled to the frame, the plurality of wheels comprising a first drive wheel that propels the ride-on mower; a driver support assembly configured to support a user of the ride-on mower above a ground surface during operation of the ride-on mower; a housing affixed to the frame, the housing comprising an internal battery compartment; a battery cradle comprising a battery support surface and a connection assembly, the battery support surface being configured to support a plurality of batteries, the connection assembly being configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power; and a slide assembly operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame, the slide assembly being configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position; wherein, in the operating position, the battery cradle is positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing; wherein, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle is positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

2. The ride-on mower of claim 1 , wherein, when the battery cradle is in the maintenance position, a weight of the mower deck operates as a partial counter-balance to a weight of the battery cradle and the plurality of batteries.

3. The ride-on mower of claim 1, wherein the battery cradle comprises a plurality of battery bays, wherein each battery bay is configured to receive a respective one of the plurality of batteries;wherein the battery cradle comprises a plurality of separator walls disposed between each of the battery bays.

4. The ride-on mower of claim 3, wherein the connection assembly comprises a plurality of battery connectors, the plurality of connectors comprising a first connector; wherein the plurality of batteries comprises a first battery and the plurality of battery bays comprises a first battery bay having a first separator wall of the plurality of separator walls; wherein the first connector is disposed on the first separator wall of the first battery bay such that placement of the first battery by the user into the first battery bay causes terminals of the first battery to connect with the first connector.

5. The ride-on mower of claim 1 , wherein the driver support assembly comprises a stand-on platform disposed at a rearward end of the ride-on mower; wherein, when the battery cradle is in maintenance position, the battery cradle is positioned above the stand-on platform.

6. The ride-on mower of claim 1 , wherein the driver support assembly comprises a seat for the driver.

7. The ride-on mower of claim 1, wherein the slide assembly comprises: a beam coupler; a first beam operably coupled to the frame via a fixed frame support; and a second beam operably coupled to the battery cradle and operably coupled to the first beam via the beam coupler; wherein the first beam is slidable within the fixed frame support; wherein the first beam and the second beam are slidable within the beam coupler.

8. The ride-on mower of claim 7, wherein the beam coupler comprises: an isolation assembly configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly; a first beam connector link operably coupled between the first beam and the isolation assembly;a second beam connector link operably coupled between the second beam and the isolation assembly; wherein a configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam inhibits vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle.

9. The ride-on mower of claim 7, wherein the beam coupler comprises: an isolation assembly configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly, the isolation assembly comprising a first elastic member and a second elastic member; a first beam connector link operably coupled to the first beam and affixed to the isolation assembly in contact with and between the first elastic member and the second elastic member; a second beam connector link operably coupled to the second beam and affixed to the isolation assembly in contact with the first elastic member; wherein a configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam inhibits vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle.

10. The ride-on mower of claim 9, wherein the beam coupler further comprises a first slide sleeve and a second slide sleeve; wherein the first beam connector link is operably coupled to the first beam via the first slide sleeve, the first beam being disposed within a passageway of the first slide sleeve; wherein the second beam connector link is operably coupled to the second beam via the second slide sleeve, the second beam being disposed within a passageway of the second slide sleeve.

11. The ride-on mower of claim 10, wherein the beam coupler comprises a first slide ring disposed within the passageway of the first slide sleeve to decrease friction between the first slide sleeve and the first beam during sliding movement of the first slide sleeve on the first beam; wherein the beam coupler comprises a second slide ring disposed within the passageway of the second slide sleeve to decrease friction between the second slide sleeve and the second beam during sliding movement of the second slide sleeve on the second beam; wherein the first slide sleeve and the second slide sleeve are formed of an elastic material to inhibit propagation of vibrations.

12. The ride-on mower of claim 7, wherein the first beam and the second beam are configured to move relative to the frame during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position; and wherein the first beam and the second beam are configured to move relative to each other during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position.

13. The ride-on mower of claim 7, wherein the beam coupler is configured to move relative to the first beam and the second beam during sliding movement of the battery cradle between the operating position and the maintenance position.

14. The ride-on mower of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of wheels is a rear wheel; wherein the battery cradle extends past the rear wheel in the maintenance position.

15. The ride-on mower of claim 1, wherein the battery cradle is operably coupled to a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the battery cradle in the operating position.

16. A moveable battery interface system for a ride-on mower, the moveable battery interface system comprising: a battery cradle comprising a battery support surface and a connection assembly, the battery support surface being configured to support a plurality of batteries, the connection assembly being configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the ride-on mower to provide a source of electrical power; and a slide assembly operably coupled to the battery cradle and configured to be operably coupled to a frame of the ride-on mower, the slide assembly being configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the slide assembly comprises: a beam coupler; a first beam configured to be operably coupled to the frame; anda second beam operably coupled to the second beam and operably coupled to the first beam via the beam coupler; wherein the first beam is configured to be slidable relative to the frame; wherein the first beam and the second beam are slidable within the beam coupler.

17. The moveable battery interface system of claim 16, wherein the beam coupler comprises: an isolation assembly configured to inhibit propagation of vibrations through the isolation assembly; a first beam connector link operably coupled between the first beam and the isolation assembly; a second beam connector link operably coupled between the second beam and the isolation assembly; wherein a configuration of the beam coupler with the first beam and the second beam inhibits vibrations from the frame from propagating to the battery cradle.

18. The moveable battery interface system of claim 17, wherein the beam coupler further comprises a first slide sleeve and a second slide sleeve; wherein the first beam connector link is operably coupled to the first beam via the first slide sleeve, the first beam being disposed within a passageway of the first slide sleeve; wherein the second beam connector link is operably coupled to the second beam via the second slide sleeve, the second beam being disposed within a passageway of the second slide sleeve.

19. The moveable battery interface system of claim 18, wherein the beam coupler comprises a first slide ring disposed within the passageway of the first slide sleeve to decrease friction between the first slide sleeve and the first beam during sliding movement of the first slide sleeve on the first beam; wherein the beam coupler comprises a second slide ring disposed within the passageway of the second slide sleeve to decrease friction between the second slide sleeve and the second beam during sliding movement of the second slide sleeve on the second beam; wherein the first slide sleeve and the second slide sleeve are formed of an elastic material to inhibit propagation of vibrations.

20. A work vehicle comprising a frame; a plurality of wheels operably coupled to the frame, the plurality of wheels comprising a first drive wheel that propels the work vehicle; a driver support assembly configured to support a user of the work vehicle above a ground surface during operation of the work vehicle; a housing affixed to the frame, the housing comprising an internal battery compartment; a battery cradle comprising a battery support surface and a connection assembly, the battery support surface being configured to support a plurality of batteries, the connection assembly being configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of batteries to an electrical system of the work vehicle to provide a source of electrical power; and a slide assembly operably coupled to the battery cradle and the frame and configured to extend from and retract into the internal battery compartment of the housing, the slide assembly being configured to support the battery cradle and permit sliding movement of the battery cradle between an operating position and a maintenance position; wherein, in the operating position, the battery cradle is positioned within the internal battery compartment and enclosed within the housing; wherein, in the maintenance position, the battery cradle is positioned away from the housing and the battery cradle is accessible to the user for removal of one or more of the plurality of batteries from the battery cradle or installation of one or more of the plurality of batteries into the battery cradle.

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