Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: A blade holding assembly for use in changing a blade of a rotary cutting machine includes a blade fixing element which can be selectively moved between a storage condition, wherein the blade fixing element is mounted to the machine in an unobtrusive position, and an in-use condition, wherein the blade fixing element is remounted in a position which obstructs the rotation of the blade. More specifically, in the in-use condition, the blade fixing element preferably projects through or otherwise engages the blade to prevent the blade from rotating in either direction. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the blade fixing element is adapted to extend through a hole provided in the blade and is threadably attached to a retainer element carried by the rotary cutting machine to secure the blade against rotation in a hands free manner.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: A blade for a rotary cutting machine includes at least one polygonal shaped opening longitudinally spaced from a central portion of the blade. The polygonal shaped opening is adapted to receive a drive head of a conventional socket wrench, a standard Allen wrench, a Torx head type wrench or other similar tool. The polygonal shaped opening enables a user to generate sufficient torque to prevent the blade from being undesirably rotated while the blade is drivingly connected or disconnected from a driveshaft of the rotary cutting machine. In this fashion, the blade may be changed efficiently and effectively using standard tools.

Abstract: A blade holding assembly for use in changing a blade of a rotary cutting machine includes a blade fixing element which can be selectively moved between a storage condition, wherein the blade fixing element is mounted to the machine in an unobtrusive position, and an in-use condition, wherein the blade fixing element is remounted in a position which obstructs the rotation of the blade. More specifically, in the in-use condition, the blade fixing element preferably projects through or otherwise engages the blade to prevent the blade from rotating in either direction. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the blade fixing element is adapted to extend through a hole provided in the blade and is threadably attached to a retainer element carried by the rotary cutting machine to secure the blade against rotation in a hands free manner.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: A blade for a rotary cutting machine includes at least one polygonal shaped opening longitudinally spaced from a central portion of the blade. The polygonal shaped opening is adapted to receive a drive head of a conventional socket wrench, a standard Allen wrench, a Torx head type wrench or other similar tool. The polygonal shaped opening enables a user to generate sufficient torque to prevent the blade from being undesirably rotated while the blade is drivingly connected or disconnected from a driveshaft of the rotary cutting machine. In this fashion, the blade may be changed efficiently and effectively using standard tools.