Rotating-cutting-disk Type Patents (Class 56/255)
  • Patent number: 5761892
    Abstract: A rotary blade for a rotary mower that provides an equivalent cut with a substantial reduction in necessary driving power, and a method of implementing the same to reduce the necessary driving power of a preexisting mower. The rotary blade includes a support arm fixedly disposed symmetrically about a rotary drive shaft, at a height sufficient to avoid contact with vegetation cut by the blade, such that the rotary drive shaft rotates the support arm about an axis. The rotary blade also includes several cutting elements attached to the support arm which have respective longitudinal axes that project downward from the support arm to a predetermined distance such that the cutting elements are positioned to avoid contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Osvaldo R. Quiroga
  • Patent number: 5737908
    Abstract: A pre-pruning machine for trellised vines comprises a cutting module featuring superimposed tools each consisting of a cage and a cutting organ, and a feeding module consisting of superimposed feeding discs, it being possible to swivel the supports holding these modules by the action of a jack so that the said modules may interpenetrate each other in working phase. According to the invention, at least the motor of the cages is submitted to a slide drive limiting the torque, which is adjustable by the action of a pressure limiter (131; 133) within a calibrated range and selected by the operator in function of the working conditions (pruning type, advancing speed, etc.). Preferably, the motors of the cutting organs, feeders and cages are connected in series, the opening/closing device by means of the jack is connected in branch-off upstream of the feeder motor, and the feeder motor is also connected to a pressure limiter (131).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Binger France Sarl
    Inventor: Georges Andelfinger
  • Patent number: 5724796
    Abstract: An improved shape for the central drive hole of a rotary mowing blade, such shape including two pairs of teeth extending off of a central hole substantially displaced 30.degree. from the central axis of the mowing blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Plamper
  • Patent number: 5722172
    Abstract: A cutting attachment is provided having a first body member, a second body member and a plurality of pins spaced an equi-distance apart for connecting the first body member to the second body member to form a rigid body wherein at least a portion of the first and second body members are spatially disposed a distance apart, each of the pins having a bearing surface substantially corresponding in length to the distance between the first and second body members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Lebever Co.
    Inventor: Jack G. Walden
  • Patent number: 5713191
    Abstract: A replacement cutting head for a bump head cutter of a string trimmer which replacement head can also be utilized as a blade assembly replacement for a power lawn mower. The cutting head is conventionally attached to the drive shaft of the tool, and it features a whirling disk having a plurality of heavy gauge flexible members attached thereto. These members extend outwardly due to centrifugal force upon actuation of the tool and which due to the high rotational speed of the cutting head, cut through plants of all kinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Gopher Products, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Welton
  • Patent number: 5711141
    Abstract: A reversible mower blade is formed from an elongated length of bar stock, the end portions of the blade including respective outer segments twisted in opposite senses about the longitudinal axis of the blade's central portion and respective inner segments also twisted in opposite senses about the axis. The inner and outer segment which form an end portion of the blade are twisted about the axis in opposite sense relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Murray, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pitman, Paul L. Scott
  • Patent number: 5673545
    Abstract: A rotary cutter includes first and second pairs of blades pivotally mounted to opposite ends of a first blade holder, with the first pair of blades being spaced vertically above the second pair of blades. A third pair of blades for enhancing the shredding characteristic of the cutter are mounted to the opposite ends of a second blade holder having a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first blade holder. The third pair of blades are located to operate at a height in between the respective heights of operation of the first and second blades and are located to trace a path which is radially inward from that traced by the first and second blades. The second blade holder is mounted to the first blade holder exclusive of the drive shaft to which the first blade holder is coupled and may be removed or assembled without disturbing the mounting of the first blade holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Henry Friesen
  • Patent number: 5669213
    Abstract: A mulching mower is provided for mowing and mulching turf vegetation in order to reduce the size of the cut vegetation and more evenly distribute the vegetation once thus cut. Counterrotating, coaxial blade and mulching tool assemblies are provided. Each blade assembly is driven by a central shaft rotatably mounted through a drive barrel which drives the mulching tool. A belt drive assembly translates rotation at a driving sheave into rotation in two different directions at spindles positioned along the mower, each spindle including a blade and a mulching tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Allied Products Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Britton
  • Patent number: 5661962
    Abstract: A thatching attachment for lawn mowers that uses a pair of nylon bristle brushes that mount to a power mower. These soft brushes tend to vibrate the turf rather than tear it. Because the bristles are soft, compared to metal tines, there is no possibility that the turf can be torn up, even at high mower speeds or if the mower is stopped in one place for a short time. A second embodiment of the device uses a "U" shaped mounting bar to mount the brushes. This mounting bar allows the regular mower blade to be used as a vacuum to pick up debris and grass pulled out by the thatching process. The regular mower blade pulls the debris up and disposes of it through the discharge chute on the mower where it can be bagged and subsequently discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Monaco
  • Patent number: 5651243
    Abstract: A cutting and transporting mechanism for stalk harvesting products comprises at least one cutting disc, at least transporting disc arranged coaxially relative to the cutting disc and provided with a plurality of transporting prongs arranged on a circumference of the transporting disc, a rotatable reamer associated with the transporting prongs at a discharge location. The rotating reamer has a rotary axis located inside a circumference of the transporting disc and is driven in a direction corresponding to a direction of rotation of the transporting disc. The cutting discs carry on their outer sides catching strips extending at a flat angle .beta. to the tangent. They transport the cut product stalks radially inwardly and are inserted in depressions of the transporting discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Claas Saulgau GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Arnold, Anton Wicker, Hans Rauch, Josef Gebele
  • Patent number: 5642609
    Abstract: A multi-cutting edge mulching lawn mower blade including a central disk member having a central aperture formed therethrough. The central aperture is dimensioned for rotatable coupling with a spindle shaft of a lawn mower. A plurality of first blade members each have interior edges extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the central disk member. Each of the first blade members have a cutting edge formed on an interior edge thereof. A plurality of second blade members each have interior edges extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the central disk member. Each of the second blade members are positioned between the first blade members. Each of the second blade members have a cutting edge formed on an interior edge thereof wherein each cutting edge of the second blade members are disposed above each cutting edge of first blade members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald Steven Morrison
  • Patent number: 5640836
    Abstract: A blade assembly for weed trimmers for cutting heavy weeds, vines and underbrush comprises a seamless, one-piece, disk-shaped hub. Pivot pins attach two or more steel blades to the hub within a circumferential groove. The groove extends from the outside edge of the hub towards the center of the hub. The upper and lower portions of the hub above and below the groove support the blades vertically. The blades are free to pivot in a horizontal plane when they strike an object. The groove depth is at least one half of the blade width to provide vertical support. The blades are at least one half of the hub diameter. The blades are spaced equally around the circumference of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Weed Hog Inc.
    Inventor: Larry G. Lingerfelt
  • Patent number: 5626008
    Abstract: A mulching device which includes a mulching plate formed by a disk provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings disposed inwardly of the periphery of the disk. A cutting blade edge is located forward of a trailing edge of each opening, the cutting edges being axially spaced from a top surface of the disk. The mulching plate can be used in a lawn mower for replacing the conventional mower blade. A mulching adapter includes a hopper having a base for attachment to a top deck of a mower housing, the hopper having a lower tubular portion adapted to project through an opening in the deck, the tubular portion having a lower outlet end for positioning slightly above the path of travel of the cutting edges. The mulching plate is safer than conventional mower blades and achieves effective mulching of even coarse lawn and garden debris by using the power of the small engine of the conventional mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Michael T. Puszkar
  • Patent number: 5622035
    Abstract: The invention provides a quick blade attachment structure For quickly but securely attaching and detaching one or a plurality of blades to and from a mower. A rotary member (3) of a mower (1) includes a blade holder (4) and a support member (5) coaxially attached to the blade holder (4) to allow pivotal movement of the support member (5). A pair of blades (23,23) are supported by ends (9a, 9a) of rimmed pins (9,9) projected from a lower surface (4a) of the blade holder (4). A wave washer (16) is interposed between the support member (5) and a cap (17). When the rotary member (3) is assembled by a clamp screw (18), pressing force of the wave washer (16) allows the support member (5) to be rotated integrally with the blade holder (4). The support member (5) further has a pair of grooves (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kondo, Katsufumi Takeda, Hideki Okubo
  • Patent number: 5619846
    Abstract: A lawn mower blade, particularly suited for a rotary lawn mower is provided with at least two end tines at opposite ends. Each tine has a forward bevelled cutting surface. The rear most and lowest most end tines are in a common (lowest) plane while all other tines are respectively forward thereof and in planes above the common plane. There are preferably three tines at each end which, on rotation, trace out a grass cutting annulus. The tines rotate in this annulus, chopping up the grass cuttings into small pieces virtually consuming them. The cut grass clippings thus not accumulated to the underside of the lawn mower deck and then fall as clumps to leave an unsightly mess on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Danny J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5619847
    Abstract: A disposable rotary lawn mower blade is made from a one piece stamping with "V" shaped cutting edges on each opposite ends. The disposable blade is mounted on the original cutting blade such that original blade is placed within the inner side of the V-shaped cutting edge. The cutting and wear is on the V-shaped cutting edges of the disposable blade, which can be installed and removed in seconds without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Clifton A. Cox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5615542
    Abstract: A cutting blade for a rotary lawn mower to increase the mulching effectiveness of the mower comprises a generally rectangular blade having a central portion and radially outermost end portions. The blade is curved over its entire length to have a concavely curved upper surface across the width thereof from one end to the other. In addition, the radially outermost end portions of the blade are twisted reversely relative to one another to cause the leading edges thereof to slant downwardly as they extend from the central portion of the blade to the tip portions of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Thorud, Nathan J. Friberg
  • Patent number: 5609011
    Abstract: A mowing mechanism having a spindle rotatively driven by a power source, a blade having a radially inner portion coupled for rotation with the spindle and a radially outer portion for cutting vegetation, a housing within which the blade rotates, and a disc operatively carried within the housing for rotation with the blade and having a radially outer portion spaced above the blade. The disc includes an inner portion extending radially inwardly from the outer portion to a position proximate the blade, the inner and outer portions of the disc serving to confine air and clippings near the outer portion of the blade. The rotating disc prevents accumulation of the grass clippings beneath the disc and housing, and enhances airflow within the housing due to viscous drag or friction between the disc and the air within the housing. Deflectors carried by the disc are designed to further enhance airflows and generally deflect clippings back toward the blade for mulching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John B. Kuhn, Daniel J. Kettler, David K. Stricker
  • Patent number: 5606851
    Abstract: The improved battery-powered lawnmower includes a safety key that is automatically removed when the removable battery is removed, while at the same time blocking the battery recharger receptacle. The lawnmower also includes a control circuit that shuts off the lawnmower upon the occurrence of one or more of several predetermined conditions, including low battery voltage, the encountering of heavy grass for a period of 3 seconds or more, and high motor current that may occur when the cutting blade is jammed. The cutting blade is designed to move through any debris accumulated between the blade ends and the housing sidewall without sacrificing the lift for needed cutting and mulching. The invention also includes a unique height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the chassis, a handle attachment that allows the handle to be positively tightened to the lawnmower chassis, and a telescoping groove for the battery's quick connect/disconnect terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Bruener, Paul A. Tharman, John A. Fiorenza, II, Joseph L. Pfaff, Richard A. Dykstra, William H. Reitman
  • Patent number: 5581987
    Abstract: A rotary lawn mower includes a mower blade mounted below the deck which rotates about an axis generally centrally of the deck. The free end of the mower blade includes at least one channel shaped auxiliary cutter member mounted on its upper side. The auxiliary cutter member has a pair of spaced legs extending outwardly toward the underside of the deck. The legs are oriented generally radially on the blade with respect to the axis of rotation to form a path for air flow created by the rotating blade. Each of the legs has an inner edge which is tapered to comprise a sharpening edge for cutting clippings from cut grass and the like traveling in the path of air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: John P. Schuyler
  • Patent number: 5551220
    Abstract: A mechanism for cutting of stalks or stems of plants and/or grass-like vegetation, in an environmentally safe manner, has counter-blades arranged on a circular path and rotary blades positioned above the counter-blades. The ratio of the surface area of the counter-blades actually taking part in the cutting and the surface area of the free spaces between them, in relation to each other, is smaller than a value of one. A distance of "h" between the counter-blades and the rotary blades is a value between 0-2 mm, and the peripheral speed of the rotary blades is between 10 and 50 m/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Attila Suller, Arpad Toth
  • Patent number: 5546737
    Abstract: A mowing device for stalky stem products has a cutting disc rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, and a transporting disc rotatable coaxially to the cutting disc at a distance from the latter and having a plurality of pocket-shaped recesses on its periphery for receiving stalky stem products. The cutting disc and the transporting disc are driven in opposite directions. A drive drives the cutting disc and the transporting disc in different directions. Also, the cutting disc on the upper side over its periphery can be provided with approximately gap-less elements suitable for preventing falling of stem product stalks cut by the cutting disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Claas Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Moosbrucker
  • Patent number: 5537807
    Abstract: The new yard-care machine includes features of a mower, a mulching mower and a branch chipper. Such machine has a cutting blade in an enlarged lower blade chamber and a fan and a chipper plate in an enlarged upper fan chamber. A restriction separates the chambers and a leaf and grass-comminuting mulching blade is interposed in the restriction between the blade and the plate. The machine shroud has an exhaust port equipped with an optional diffuser for spreading finely-divided mulch on a lawn. The shroud also has an opening through which branches can be introduced to the chipper plate. The resulting branch chips are exhausted into a collection bag. Manual and self-propelled ("walk behind" or riding) versions and various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: The Patriot Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Gearing, Andrew W. Haver
  • Patent number: 5502958
    Abstract: An improved shape blade bell support for a rotary mowing blade, such blade bell support included on the underside of the mower blade between the blade bolt and blade, such blade bell support including two flexing outer support sections that hold the blade against an adaptor outwardly of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Plamper
  • Patent number: 5501068
    Abstract: A mulching blade for a gasoline- or electrically-powered rotary lawn mower having a housing, which blade is mounted on the shaft of the lawn mower motor below the deck of the housing. The blade has a central mounting area and inner and outer sections sharpened on their leading edges which extend radially from the mounting area. The outer section cuts the unmowed grass. All sections are pitched upwardly away from the direction of rotation of the blade to lift the clippings as they are cut by the outer section and to turbulently suspend the clippings within the housing while the inner sections re-cut them repeatedly, comminuting the clippings into a fine mulch which falls by gravity to the soil level under the grass. Preferably there are three inner sections which jointly form an arch between the mounting area and the outer section and act as a comminuting tubulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Foley/PLP Co.
    Inventor: William Martz
  • Patent number: 5479971
    Abstract: A dual action tree cutting apparatus includes a single generally planar blade mounted on a shaft at the forward end of a support frame, with the blade projecting forwardly therefrom. The blade has a cutting edge extending around the entire perimeter, and has two mirror image halves divided by a centerline passing through the shaft. Each blade half cutting edge increases in the distance between the cutting edge and the shaft along the perimeter from a rearward end of the centerline to a forward end of the centerline. A set of cutting teeth are formed on one blade half and oriented to cut a tree when the blade is rotated clockwise, while a second set of cutting teeth are oriented on the second blade half perimeter to cut a tree when the blade is rotated counterclockwise. A sprocket on the shaft is engaged by a pair of drive chains connected to operable cylinders, the cylinders operable to retract and pull one drive train to rotate the blade in each direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Lorry L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5473873
    Abstract: A mower blade suitable for bagging, side discharge and mulching is provided. A laterally upswept outboard cutting portion cuts the grass and sucks the clippings upwardly. The clippings are forced by the combined effects of the upswept outboard cutting portion and an upswept inboard cutting portion into an intermediate cutting portion where they are further comminuted and are then sucked back into both the outboard cutting portion and the inboard cutting portion. These double circulation paths result in excellent comminution and superior hiding of the clippings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 5454216
    Abstract: A spindle end/blade hole combination using a symmetrical six pointed star having differing radiused ends as the interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Myszka
  • Patent number: 5450714
    Abstract: A rotary cutter apparatus is provided for shredding coarse vegetation in order to generally reduce the size of cut vegetation and more evenly distribute the vegetation once thus cut. Counterrotating, coaxial blade assemblies are provided. One blade assembly is driven by a central shaft rotatably mounted through a drive barrel, which drives the other blade assembly. The central shaft can be mounted by only two bearing assemblies. Easy assembly and disassembly arrangements are also provided. The rotary cutter apparatus is characterized by simplified and cost-reduced manufacturing and by enhanced serviceability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Allied Products Corporation
    Inventor: Fred W. Lurwig
  • Patent number: 5435118
    Abstract: This invention is an improvement of the vertical shaft rotary lawn mower so that it can, besides cut grass, also vacuum and sweep lawns, driveways, and other hard-surfaced areas and to shred leaves and other shreddable materials. The improvement includes a rotatable sweeper brush in its own housing, a shredder with a number of uniformly twisted angularly radiating blades, and an inverted truncated conically shaped blower. Both shredder and blower are attached respectively near the top extremity and to the lower extremity of a rotatable spindle. In the sweeping and/or vacuuming operation, the sweeper brush, the spindle, the blower, and the mower blade revolve and leaves and other debris are sucked up into the brush housing by the rotating brush and by the rushing air, torn into small pieces by the revolving shredder, and the debris thrown upwardly sideward by the blower into the upper corner above the baffles, whirled, and thrown upward into the discharge chute and into the grass bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Alfredo P. Cobile
  • Patent number: 5394612
    Abstract: A cutter blade has a body portion with a central attaching hole for removable attachment to an output end of a powered tool. The blade has a pair of oppositely extending ends with beveled cutting edges on their leading edges. The body and end portions of the blade are curved upwardly for increasing the efficiency in the cutting operation of the blade. It is preferred that the radius of curvature of the blade be approximately 30 inches and that the sharpening bevels on the leading edges extend from a point adjacent the mid point of the blade to the tips of the blade. The cutting edges are progressively narrower from the mid point to the tips for increased cutting efficiency and blade strength. The cutter blade also has clearance bevels on the lower surface thereof at the trailing edges of the end portions. These clearance bevels extend from an inner area of the body portion short of the mid point of the blade to the respective tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Donald W. Wolfington
  • Patent number: 5383329
    Abstract: A combination lawn mower blade (1) with replaceable cutting edge pieces (2a, 2b) mounted on the forwardly rotating cutting surfaces (25a, 25b) of the blade (1). The elongated blade (1) has top and bottom surfaces (8) and (16), respectively, with tips (24a, 24b) in a centrally located hole (7) for attachment to an engine shaft of a rotary lawn mower or the like. The blade (1) has a set of grooves (12a, 12b, 15a, 15b) and steps (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) cut into the forward cutting surfaces (25a, 25b). The cutting edge pieces (2a, 2b) have a sharp cutting surface (10a, 10b, 22) which inclines upwardly on top to a flat top surface (20) and also have a flat bottom surface (11 ). A channel (26) in the cutting edge pieces (2a, 2b) is cut between the top and bottom surfaces (20, 11) and contains a set of groves and steps matching those on the blade (1) so the cutting edge pieces (2a, 2b) slide onto the blade (1) from the direction of the center of the blade (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Switchblade, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold P. Cornell, III, Philip T. Werginz
  • Patent number: 5375400
    Abstract: The peripheral mower blade is designed to cut and mulch grass at high volume. The blade is so designed to reduce back drag and require less horsepower. Peripheral blades will not throw objects out from under the mower deck they are mounted on, nor will they come apart creating a dangerous environment for those who are around the mower. The construction of the blade being one piece makes manufacture of it less expense and replacement of the blades less often.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: John A. Darden
  • Patent number: 5373687
    Abstract: A mulching blade for use with a rotary powered lawn mower. The mulching blade comprises a generally planar disk shaped mulching member having an outside perimeter defining mulching teeth and a center attachment opening. The mulching blade also has a generally planar attachment bridge spanning the center attachment opening and spaced away from the disk shaped mulching member in a generally parallel relationship. The attachment bridge is supported by bridge ends attached to the disk shaped mulching member. The attachment bridge has a drive shaft opening such that the cutting blade of the lawn mower may be slid between the attachment bridge and the disk shaped mulching member such that both may be mounted together onto the drive shaft of the rotary lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Walter J. J. Secord
  • Patent number: 5365725
    Abstract: A combination blade assembly is designed for use with a riding type lawn mower and the like. The combination blade assembly modifies the riding type lawn mower into a mulcher and chipper without prohibiting the lawn mower from being used for cutting grass. The combination blade assembly is permanently installed on the riding type lawn mower which eliminates the need for additional equipment. Due to the nature of the riding type lawn mower, the combination blade assembly creates a very mobile mulcher and chipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: John D. McCance
  • Patent number: 5363636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary lawn mower blade that is designed to make multiple cuts of grass or other material being cut as the lawn mower blade is advanced over a cutting area. This is achieved by providing a generally upturned cutting edge about each end of the lawn mower blade. Because the cutting edge is inclined outwardly and upwardly, it follows that the grass or other material being cut will be progressively cut and recut as the mower blade passes over underlying material to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: William R. Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 5363635
    Abstract: A mulching mower has at least one generally enclosed cutting chamber in which a rotatable cutting blade is carried for rotation in a generally horizontal cutting plane. A sidewall defines the circumferential boundary of the cutting chamber and the grass clippings exit the cutting chamber through an open bottom side thereof. An attachment is abutted against the bottom of the blade and is secured thereto by the same attachment bolt that holds the blade to the engine drive shaft to provide a plurality of winglets that rotate in unison with the blade. The winglets include forwardly inclined grass deflecting surfaces that extend over an inner portion of each blade half and help evacuate the grass clippings from the cutting chamber. The tip portions of the blade may also be cut away or chamfered in the range of 7.degree.-15.degree. relative to a square radial tip configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Donald M. White, III, Gregory P. Tonsager, Richard A. Thorud
  • Patent number: 5361570
    Abstract: A rotary brush and weed clearing blade for powered implements with a serrated disk and serrated axial elements projecting from one or both disk surfaces for multidirectional cutting and in-situ shredding. The axial cutting elements can be integral or separately mounted and provide efficient operation in blade work directions not possible with conventional blades. Recessed location of projecting cutting elements allows cutting depth calibration for powertrain protection. Staggered axial elements mounting results in a debris-clearing feature through centrifugal forces. Axially projecting cutting elements create a locating guide effect unique to the invention. Use of conventionally serrated cutting elements in new and unique applications transfers their inherent smoothness and yet aggressive efficiency, into this fully multidirectional blade.Design simplicity offers efficient manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Eckhard Bernardy
  • Patent number: 5357738
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and mulching lawns includes a shallow substantially cylindrical housing having an open bottom and adapted, in use, to have its axis perpendicular to a lawn to be cut; a blade, mounted within the housing to rotate about an axis co-axial with that of the housing, the blade extending radially from the axis and rotating in a plane near the bottom of the housing; a grass exit chute communicating with the inside of the housing; a source of rotational power in the form of an electric motor for rotating the blade; means for changing the direction of rotation of the blade; and means for allowing cut grass within the housing to pass out of the housing into the chute when the blade is rotating in a first direction and to prevent cut grass in the housing from entering the chute when the blade is rotating in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Southern Cross Industries (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Bruce Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5355666
    Abstract: A mulching rotary lawn mower that cuts and returns grass clippings to a lawn wherein the proportion of grass clippings that are finely cut by the rotating cutter blade can be selectively increased or decreased by provision of a collection chamber at the rear of the housing containing the rotating cutter blade, the collection chamber having a mulcher plate with a plurality of openings which can be pivoted from a substantially vertical position wherein the plate is tangential to the circle described by the cutting tips of the blade or moved rearwardly about a 45.degree. angle, thus effectively enlarging the collection chamber while closing the openings therein, so that a greater proportion of the grass clippings cut by the blade are received in the collection chamber, but which clippings, on the average, have been cut a lesser number of times and therefore are coarser than when the plate is in the vertical position. The position of the mulching plate is controlled by a handle readily available to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Yazoo Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Orville R. McDonner, James C. Welch, Troy Berry, John C. Sharp, Ricky J. Wynn
  • Patent number: 5353581
    Abstract: A grass or vegetation cutting blade is provided, which includes multiple cutting edges, including a leading cutting edge positioned below a trailing cutting edge. An upturned foil is provided behind the leading edge, such that grass initially cut by the leading edge is directed upwardly by the foil toward the trailing edge, to be cut in midair. An inturned spur is provided, which provides inward air and clipping flow toward the rotational axis of the blade. The blade is contemplated for use in conventional side- or rear-discharging housings, as well as mulching or recycling housings. The blade is resistant to clogging, and includes power-efficient properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Fugua Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell V. Rouse, Frank H. Hancock, Jr., James R. Powers
  • Patent number: 5345788
    Abstract: In the invention the blade is an "Z" like shaped plate consisting of two pitched or inclined edges for cutting grass with two opposite curved sides having series of vanes disposed on their top surface that increase the output of air power of the said blade, and a disposed through hole that accommodate the power lawn mower blade shaft for securing the blade thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Frederick L. Jerry
  • Patent number: 5343681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter blade for use on a rotary cutter of the tractor drawn type. Rotary cutters of this type usually have three or four cutter blades rotatably mounted on a blade carrier that can be rotated to induce cutter blade rotation and thereby permit cutting of grass. The cutter blade of the invention has a curved cutting edge with the section including the cutting edge being off-set with respect to the section whereby the blade is mounted on its blade carrier. The use of such cutter blades on a rotary cutter improves cutting efficiency, provides for an increased blade life and reduces the power requirements of the rotary cutter with which the blades are associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Falcon Equipment Limited
    Inventor: Gerard de Jong
  • Patent number: 5331795
    Abstract: A mowing cutter unit for a mower including a rotary cutter and a stationary cutter coaxially overlapped to each other, the rotary cutter is formed in an approximately polygonal shape in plan view and is formed with recessed cutting portions each being curved in an approximately doglegged shape toward the rotational direction at each vortex portion thereof; and the stationary cutter is formed with projecting cutting portions slidably contacted with respective recessed cutting portions of the rotary cutter on the peripheral edge in such a manner that it is shaped in a loosely circular arc from the cutting base to the cutting leading edge and a crossing angle at which the projecting cutting portion is rubbed with a grass pushing-out portion of the recessed cutting portion is larger than a crossing angle at which it is rubbed with a grass taking-in portion of the recessed cutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Ahresty Corporation
    Inventor: Hachiro Doi
  • Patent number: 5329752
    Abstract: A brush cutter work head (20) has a protective shroud (36) with a vertical side opening (40) to expose a portion of a circular cutting blade (42) to enable the blade (42) to cut brush. A spray nozzle (82) is mounted on a sliding member (74) that slides within a tubular housing (58) incorporated into the work head housing (28). The sliding member (74) has a retracted position in which the nozzle (82) is positioned above a portion of the housing (28), and a projecting use position in which the nozzle (82) is aligned with the opening (40) above and outward of the blade (42). A gripping thumb (44) is pivotally mounted on the work head housing (28) and is operated by an actuator (52) within the housing (28) to pivot between a flush nonuse position and a gripping position in which it opposes a jaw (38) formed by a lower portion of the shroud (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: David E. Milbourn
  • Patent number: 5327710
    Abstract: A mulching blade for a lawn mower including in combination a diagonal flange on the blade tip upwardly extending at a 20.degree., a neighboring cutout in the back of the blade, and a spaced downwardly extending flange section. These elements cooperate to recirculate the grass clippings in a circular manner through the region of the cutting edge so as to provide for a low inertia improved efficiency multi-purpose blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Plamper, Daniel Martens
  • Patent number: 5323593
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an unattended lawn mowing system in which multiple solar powered self propelled, random motion lawn mowers are used singly or in combination to mow a pre-defined lawn area. The mowing zone is defined as a region of grass bounded by naturally occurring or man made obstacles of infinite variation including, but not limited to, high grass, flowers, trees, fences and lawn edging. Each mowing unit is a solar powered, self-propelled, random motion lawn mower which comprises a frame with a set of drive and coaster wheels on the frame. A set of batteries and battery powered electric motors are mounted on said frame with output means from the motors to power drive wheels and a cutting mechanism on the frame. Photovoltaic panels are mounted on said frame to receive solar rays and convert them into electrical power to charge the batteries with means for controlling the orientation of the solar panels so as to face the direction of greatest solar intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventors: Lohn G. Cline, William F. Cline
  • Patent number: 5321940
    Abstract: A rotary, mulching lawn mower blade, comprising a central mounting portion having opposing ends and being for connection to an external drive structure, and a pair of end portions, one end portion being disposed at each central mounting portion end, the end portions each having at least two cutting members disposed at spatially vertically and horizontally separate locations with respect to each other, and the cutting members each having a cutting surface and a deflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd Peterson
  • Patent number: 5305587
    Abstract: A shredding disk for a lawn mower which attaches to the motor shaft and between the mower blade and the lawn mower deck. The shredding disk includes a disk member and a plurality of knives in a serrated fashion located inboard of the circumferential edge of the disk member. A feed tube is positioned on the top of the lawn mower deck and can be closed with a cap during regular mowing. The shredding disk is for shredding branches or twigs, such as those members which fall off trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen C. Johnson
  • Patent number: RE35393
    Abstract: The multi-purpose attachments for power lawn mower blades are designed to increase the efficiency and usefulness of the mower both to cut lawns and blow snow, leaves or debris from areas. The serrated cutter attachments allow replacement with ease, have longer lasting sharpness and the cutting surface is protected from foreign objects. In addition, the serrated cutters may be manufactured economically enough to allow used cutter attachments to be discarded. The blower attachments are designed to create adequate air pressure to remove snow, leaves and debris from select areas. The blower attachments are also designed to be resilient to assure safe use if foreign objects are struck during such use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: John H. Mohrman