Mulching blade including multiple cutting edges

• US 5,199,251 A
• Filed: 12/19/1991
• Issued: 04/06/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Snapper Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Snapper Power Equipment Division of Fuqua Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Rouse, Russell V., Powers, James R., Hancock, Frank H. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Suchfield, George A.
• Application Number:
  US07/810,816
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 56/255, 56/295
• US Class Current: 56/255
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/73 Cutting apparatus

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.

Claims

1. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

a mounting portion for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, said leading cutting member including an upturned foil portion for causing upward air and grass clippings flow upon rotation of said blade in its cutting direction, said foil portion having an upper edge portion which upon rotation of said blade travels in a path substantially parallel to the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge,

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge, a portion of said grass clippings are directed upwardly by said foil into the cutting path of said cutting edge, and then clipped a second time in midair by said trailing cutting edge.

2. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising

an elongate body for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, and said upturned foil being upturned from the main body of said leading cutting member,

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.

3. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

an elongate body for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, and said upturned foil including an upper edge which upon rotation of said blade travels in a path substantially parallel to the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge,

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.

4. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

an elongate body for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, said upturned foil including an upper edge which upon rotation of said blade travels in a path substantially parallel to the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge, and said trailing cutting member including a downturned and inwardly directed portion which directs air flow downwardly and inwardly toward the rotational axis of said blade,

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.

5. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

an elongate body for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, said upturned foil including an upper edge which upon rotation of said blade travels in a path substantially parallel to the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge, and said trailing cutting member including a downturned and inwardly directed portion which directs air flow downwardly and inwardly toward the rotational axis of said blade and which at least partially defines an outer cutting edge.

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.

6. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

an elongate body for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member and provided by a twist in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge,

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.

7. A grass cutting blade for cutting grass or other vegetation, comprising:

a mounting portion for mounting relative to a rotatable shaft;

a first end; and

a second end opposing said first end and including leading and trailing cutting members and an upturned foil included in said leading cutting member, said leading and trailing cutting members each defining corresponding leading and trailing cutting edges, said leading cutting edge being below said trailing edge, said trailing cutting member including a downturned and inwardly directed portion which during rotation directs air flow downwardly and inwardly toward the rotational axis of said blade and which portion at least partially defines an outer cutting edge.

such that as said blade rotates, grass is first clipped by said leading cutting edge and directed upwardly and airborne by said upturned foil into the cutting path of said trailing cutting edge.