Patent Publication Number: US-11032972-B2

Title: Triplex greensmower open foot platform cover

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to grass mowing machines, and more specifically to triplex greensmowers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Grass mowing machines used to mow golf courses, parks, and athletic fields where a high quality of cut is desired, may include three or more reel cutting units. Triplex greensmowers have two forward reel cutting units followed by a center or rear reel cutting unit positioned under the vehicle frame and in front of the operator station. Each reel cutting unit on a triplex greensmower may be mounted to a lift arm that may be used to raise and lower the cutting unit between a mowing position and a transport position. Reel cutting units have front and rear rollers, spiral cutting blades rotating in close proximity to a bedknife, and may have a removable grass catcher mounted in front of the cutting unit. 
     There is a need for a triplex greensmower that provides better quality of cut and reduces the tendency of reel cutting units to leave marks or step cuts on the turf. There is a need for a triplex greensmower that reduces the impact of each reel cutting unit when it is lowered to the mowing position with the front and rear rollers parallel to the ground to distribute the load evenly. There is a need for a triplex greensmower that eliminates the pendulum effect in which reel cutting units tend to swing from the lift arms. There also is a need for a triplex greensmower that provides improved access to the center or rear reel cutting unit for service, and for emptying and replacing the grass catcher. There also is a need for a triplex greensmower that provides improved access to the center or rear reel cutting unit while blocking or preventing debris discharged by the cutting unit from reaching the operator when a grass catcher is not used. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A triplex greensmower open foot platform includes a left platform section and a right platform section, each section removably attached to a triplex greensmower with a coupling extending rearwardly from the section and that is slidable into a frame member of the triplex greensmower. The left platform section and the right platform section define the perimeter of an opening in front of an operator seat on the triplex greensmower that has a larger length and width than a center reel cutting unit or a grass catcher attached thereto. The left platform section and the right platform section each include a foot rest and a narrower neck portion extending from the foot rest. The triplex greensmower open foot platform provides improved access to the center or rear reel cutting unit for service, and for emptying and replacing the grass catcher. The triplex greensmower open foot platform cover provides improved access to the center or rear reel cutting unit while blocking or preventing debris discharged by the cutting unit from reaching the operator when a grass catcher is not used. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a triplex greensmower according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded top view of a triplex greensmower open foot platform according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top view of a triplex greensmower open foot platform according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a triplex greensmower lift system on a left front reel cutting unit according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a triplex greensmower lift system on a left front reel cutting unit in the mowing position according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a triplex greensmower lift system on a left front reel cutting unit in the transport position according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a triplex greensmower open foot platform cover according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded top view of a triplex greensmower open foot platform cover according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In a first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , triplex greensmower  100  includes left and right front reel cutting units  102 ,  104  positioned side-by-side forwardly of left and right drive wheels  106 ,  108 , and center or rear reel cutting unit  110  positioned behind the drive wheels and in front of steerable rear wheel  112 . Grass catchers  114 ,  116  and  118  may be removably attached to the front of each of the reel cutting units. An electric or hydraulic motor may drive each cutting reel and may be mounted to one side of the reel cutting unit. The triplex greensmower may have operator seat  120  between the drive wheels and rear wheel, console  122  adjacent the operator seat, and roll over protection system or ROPS  124  attached to the frame behind and alongside the operator seat. Step  126  may be mounted to the frame of the triplex greensmower to the left side and below the operator seat, and steering wheel  128  may be mounted on steering column  130  to the right and in front of the operator seat. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , triplex greensmower  100  may include open foot platform  132  having a left platform section  134  and right platform section  136 . The left and right platform sections may be metal castings, molded plastic, composite or other materials that define the perimeter of an opening  138  in front of operator seat  120 . From the operator seat, an operator may have an unobstructed sight line through opening  138  in triplex greensmower open foot platform  132  for visibility of grass catcher  118  and center cutting unit  110 . An operator also may lift the grass catcher through the opening in the triplex greensmower open foot platform for emptying and replacement. Additionally, an operator may use the opening in the triplex greensmower open foot platform to service the center cutting unit, and may remove or replace the center cutting unit through the opening. The opening in the triplex greensmower open foot platform may have width and length dimensions larger than the width and length of the center reel cutting unit or grass catcher. For example, the opening may have side-to-side and front-to-back dimensions of 32 inches and 22 inches respectively, which may be larger than dimensions of the reel cutting unit or grass catcher. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platform may have a single platform section instead of left and right platform sections. The single platform section may extend partially or completely around the opening for the center cutting unit. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , triplex greensmower open foot platform  132  may include left and right plafform sections  134 ,  136 , at least one of the platform sections being removable from the triplex greensmower without requiring tools. For example, at least one of the platform sections may include a coupling  140  that extends rearwardly from the platform section and may be used by the operator to manually engage and disengage the platform section from the triplex greensmower frame. Each coupling  140  may include a base portion  142  and a post  144  extending from the base. Each post  144  may slide into one end of main frame support tube  146 , and each base portion  142  may slide into channel  148  extending over the end of the main frame support tube. The base portion and channel each may have rectangular cross sections to prevent twisting or pivoting of each coupling relative to the frame. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower open foot plafform  132  may be locked or secured to the triplex greensmower frame. For example, one or more locking members  150 ,  151  such as a bolt, pin or fastener, may be inserted through holes aligned in coupling  140 , and in main frame support tube  146  and/or channel  148 . 
     In one embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platform may include a latch  152  to lock or secure together the left and right platform sections  134 ,  136  when both sections are engaged to the triplex greensmower frame. For example, latch  152  may be provided on the forward end of right platform section  136  and may capture an abutment  153  on the forward end of left platform section  134 . Alternatively, a slot and tab or other mechanism may be used for securing or locking together the left and right platform sections. Securing or locking together the left and right platform sections also helps prevent disengagement of each coupling  140  from main frame support tube  146  and channel  148 . 
     In one embodiment, the triplex greensmower open foot platform may include left and right footrests  154 ,  156 , and neck portions  158 ,  160 ,  162  extending from or between the left and right footrests. The neck portions may be narrower than the footrests. Additionally, one or more openings  164 ,  166  may be provided through the neck portions to provide the operator with unobstructed sight lines and visibility to the front reel cutting units. For example, the neck portions may include parallel bars  168 ,  170  that are spaced apart. 
     In a second embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , triplex greensmower open foot platform  180  may include left and right platform sections  182 ,  184 , and opening  185 . In the second embodiment, the left and right platform sections may not be secured or locked together. The second embodiment also may not include a neck portion or latch extending between the left and right platform sections. Each of the left and right platform sections may include a coupling  186  that includes a base portion  188  and a post  190 . Each post  190  may slide into one end of main frame support tube  192 , and each base portion  188  may slide into channel  194  extending over the end of the main frame support tube. The base and channel may have rectangular cross sections to prevent twisting or pivoting of the coupling relative to the frame. One or more locking members  196 , such as a bolt, pin or fastener may lock either coupling to the frame. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , triplex greensmower  100  may include lift system  200  for each reel cutting unit. Each lift system  200  may allow each reel cutting unit to follow ground contours when mowing, and may be used to raise and lower a reel cutting unit between the mowing and transport position. Each lift system  200  may include roll axis  202  where upper lift arm  204  may be pivotably mounted to lower lift arm  206 . Roll axis  202  may be behind the reel cutting unit, at a height or elevation between the top of the cutting unit and the center of gravity (CG) of the cutting unit, and preferably within about 50 mm of the CG. Each lift system  200  may include yaw axis  208  which may be where yoke mount  224  is connected to the forward end of upper lift arm  204 , in front of the CG of the cutting unit. Each lift system  200  also may include lift axis  226  where lower lift arm  206  may be pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame behind the cutting unit, lifter support axis  228  where lifter support  228  may be pivotably mounted to lower lift arm  206 , and cutting unit mounting axis  230  where yoke mount  224  may be pivotably connected to the reel cutting unit side panels  232 ,  234 . Each axis may be positioned at a different location relative to the CG of the cutting unit. The triplex greensmower lift system also may include a pair of flexible linkages  212 ,  214  between lifter support  210  and the cutting unit to hold the cutting unit still when it is raised from the ground. Additionally, the lift system may include tension spring  216  connected between the forward end of upper lift arm  204  and triplex greensmower frame member  205  behind and above the reel cutting unit. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system  200  may include upper lift arm  204  that is pivotably mounted with bearings  220 ,  222  to lower lift arm  206  behind the reel cutting unit. The mounting location of the upper lift arm provides a roll axis  202  that is between the top of the cutting unit and the center of gravity (CG) of the cutting unit, and preferably within about 50 mm from the CG of the cutting unit. From roll axis  202 , upper lift arm  204  may extend forwardly and upwardly where it may be attached to yoke mount  224 . Positioning the roll axis in close proximity to the cutting unit&#39;s CG minimizes gravity-induced positional displacement of the cutting unit when mowing on hillsides, reduces the possibility of unlapping (leaving uncut strips between cutting units), and reduces the pendulum effect, which is the tendency of a cutting unit to swing when raised in the transport position. Tension spring  216 , connected between the forward end of upper lift arm  204  and triplex greensmower frame member  205 , may provide stability to the roll of the cutting unit and also may reduce the tendency of the cutting unit to leave marks on the turf by transfer of weight of the cutting unit to the vehicle frame. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system  200  may include yoke mount  224  which provides yaw axis  208  to give the reel cutting unit a full range of steering as the vehicle turns on an axis perpendicular to the ground plane. The location of the yaw axis is forward of the CG of the reel cutting unit and preferably at least about 90 mm forward of the CG of the cutting unit. Yoke mount  224  may be pivotably connected to a sleeve on the forward end of upper lift arm  204 . A vertical bolt or rod  242  may be inserted through the yoke mount and sleeve, enabling the yoke mount to pivot on vertical yaw axis  208 . The front of yoke mount  224  may include a pair of channels or groove where upper rod  244  and lower rod  246  may be secured and clamped with clamping member  248 . The yoke mount does not provide a pitch axis at this location. Instead, the yoke mount may include yoke arms  252 ,  254  attached to the ends of the upper and lower rods, and extending downwardly where they may be pivotably mounted to side panels  232 ,  234  of the reel cutting unit at cutting unit mounting axis  230 . Cutting unit mounting axis  230  provides a pitch axis for the reel cutting unit that is below and forward of the reel cutting unit&#39;s CG. Additionally, clamping member  248  may be loosened and releases to allow shifting the reel cutting unit left or right relative to the yoke mount. A stop may be provided on at least one of the rods to define a desired position. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system  200  may include lift axis  226  between lower lift arm  206  and the triplex greensmower frame, lifter support axis  228  between lifter support  210  and lower lift arm  206 , and cutting unit mounting axis  230  between yoke arms  252 ,  254  and the cutting unit side panels  232 ,  234 . Each of the lift axis  226 , lifter support axis  228  and cutting unit mounting axis  230  may provide a pitch axis that allows the reel cutting unit to follow ground contours by pitching on an axis that is horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of travel, and also may allow the reel cutting unit to stay approximately level when it is raised and lowered between the mowing position and transport position. Tension spring  216  also may bias the reel cutting unit upwardly relative to lift axis  226  and reduce ground pressure of the cutting unit on the turf during mowing. Preferably, the tension spring on the left front reel cutting unit may be connected at a location offset to the left side of the upper lift arm, and the tension spring on the right front reel cutting unit may be connected at a location offset to the right side of the upper lift arm. As a result, each of the tension springs may reduce ground pressure and prevent marks or step cuts by biasing the left side of the left front reel cutting unit upwardly during left turns, and biasing the right side of the right front reel cutting unit upwardly during right turns. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system  200  may include lifter support  210  and a pair of flexible linkages  212 ,  214  that hold the reel cutting unit approximately level and prevent swinging of the cutting unit while it is raised to the transport position. To raise the cutting unit to the transport position shown in  FIG. 6 , lift cylinder  236 , which may be a hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator, may be retracted. Lift cylinder  236  may be connected to lifter support  210 , and retraction of the lift cylinder pivots the lifter support upwardly on lifter support axis  228 . A pair of flexible linkages  212 ,  214 , such as a pair of chains, may connect each leg of the U-shaped lifter support  210  to the reel cutting unit behind the cutting unit&#39;s center of gravity (CG). Yoke arms  252 ,  254  may be pivotably connected to the reel cutting unit in front of its center of gravity. When the lift cylinder retracts, lifter support  210  may pull up the pair of flexible linkages  212 ,  214  to raise the rear of the cutting unit while the yoke arms the front of the cutting unit. The lifter support and pair of flexible linkages also may hold the cutting unit approximately level, and prevent swinging of the cutting unit. After the lifter support reaches a stop, the lift cylinder may retract further to pivot up lower lift arm  206  and upper lift arm  204  on lift axis  226  to raise the cutting unit to the transport position. Tension spring  216 , connected between the upper lift arm and frame member  205 , may assist the lift cylinder when raising the cutting unit to the transport position. 
     In one embodiment, triplex greensmower lift system  200  may hold the reel cutting unit approximately level and prevent swinging of the cutting unit while it is transported, and when it is lowered to the mowing position. To lower the reel cutting unit, lift cylinder  236  may be extended to pivot lower lift arm  206  and upper lift arm  204  downwardly together on lift axis  226 . Lifter support  210  and flexible linkages  212 ,  214  may hold the cutting unit approximately level so that the rear of the cutting unit and rear roller  238  reach the turf along with the front of the cutting unit and front roller  240 . Tension spring  216  may dampen or reduce the impact of the cutting unit on the turf. As the cutting unit reaches the turf, lift cylinder  236  may extend further to pivot lifter support  210  downwardly on lifter support axis  228 , removing any tension in the pair of flexible linkages so the cutting unit can roll, yaw and pitch during mowing. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show an embodiment of triplex greensmower  100  having open foot platform cover  270  removably attached to open foot platform  132 . Open foot platform cover may substantially cover opening  138  in front of operator seat  120 , including the forward portion of center or rear reel cutting unit  110 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the open foot platform cover may be positioned directly above at least the front roller  240  of center or rear reel cutting  110 , and also over any other parts of the center or rear reel cutting unit that extend in front of operator seat  120 . Open foot platform cover  270  may be a flexible semi-transparent fabric with a plurality of elastic bands or straps  272  at or adjacent its perimeter. The semi-transparent fabric should allow the center or rear reel cutting unit  110  to be visible to the operator while mowing. Hooks  274  may be attached to each of the elastic bands or straps for fastening the cover to open foot platform  132 . For example, the hooks may engage left and right platform sections  134 ,  136 , allowing easy removal of the cover from the open foot platform when servicing the center or rear reel cutting unit. The open foot platform cover may block grass and debris that is discharged from the front of the center or rear reel cutting unit while mowing without using a grass catcher. For example, the cover may block grass and debris from reaching the legs of an operator in the seated position. 
     Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.