Cutting line with improved degradability for brush cutters and edge trimmers

• US 6,061,914 A
• Filed: 07/21/1998
• Issued: 05/16/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Speed France
• Original Assignee: Speed France
• Inventors: Legrand, Emmanuel
• Primary Examiner(s): Rada, Rinaldi I.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FLORES SANCHEZ, OMAR
• Application Number:
  US09/120,363
• Time in Patent Office: 665 Days
• Field of Search: 30/347, 30/345, 30/276, 56/12.7, 56/289, 56/12.5, 56/294, 83/433, 428/373, 428/395, 428/143, 428/141, 525/437, 525/54.3
• US Class Current: 30/347
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/4168 Constructional details of the flexible lines

Abstract

This cutting line intended to trim and cut vegetation can be used in rotary-head implements such as brush cutters and edge trimmers. The cutting line consists of a core made of biodegradable and/or photodegradable substance which is covered with a coating or "skin" made of a synthetic substance such as polyamide or polyurethane, forming the exterior surface of the line. Such a line can thus be broken down more rapidly after use, while at the same time retaining excellent mechanical qualities while it is being used.

Claims

1. A cutting line for a vegetation cutter having a rotary head, said cutting line consisting of:

a core composed of at least one material selected from the group which consists of biodegradable and photodegradable substances; and

a coating on said core forming an exterior surface of said cutting line and composed of a synthetic substance selected from the group which consists of polyamide and polyurethane.

2. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core consists of a single element running through said cutting line.

3. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core consists of a plurality of elements running through said cutting line.

4. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core is a single pure biodegradable synthetic resin.

5. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core consists of a biodegradable synthetic resin listed with another substance.

6. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core is made of a polycaprolactone-based biodegradable resin.

7. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core comprises a synthetic substance containing a filler selected from the group which consists of rutile titanium oxide, anatase titanium oxide and cerium sterarate as a filler.

8. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core consists of a photodegradable substance and said coating is transparent.

9. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core has a round cross section.

10. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core has ribs extending along it.

11. The cutting line defined in claim 1 wherein said core has a star-shaped cross section.

12. The cutting line defined in claim 3 wherein said elements are parallel filaments embedded in said coating.

13. A method of making a cutting line for a vegetation cutter having a rotary head, said method comprising coextruding a core developed of at least one material selected from the group which consists of biodegradable and photodegradable substances, a coating on said core forming an exterior surface of said cutting line and composed of a synthetic substance selected from the group which consists of polyamide and polyurethane.