Various Improvements to Stump Cutting Tool Discs and Elements Thereof

Abstract

A rotating disc assembly for use on a stump grinder includes a rotating disc defining a peripheral edge, a first side and a second side, and a central axis positioned through a central position of the rotating disc; a first cutting bit mechanically connected to a first position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc; and a first shield assembly mechanically connected to a second position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc in front of the first cutting bit, wherein the first shield assembly comprises a first footprint formed by a first portion extending a first radial distance from the central position and extending a first axial distance from at least the first side or the second side, wherein a footprint of the first cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the first footprint of the first portion of the first shield assembly.

Claims

1. A rotating disc assembly for use on a stump grinder comprising: a rotating disc defining a peripheral edge, a first side and a second side, and a central axis positioned through a central position of the rotating disc; a first cutting bit mechanically connected to a first position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc; and a first shield assembly mechanically connected to a second position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc in front of the first cutting bit, wherein the first shield assembly comprises a first footprint formed by a first portion extending a first radial distance from the central position and extending a first axial distance from at least the first side or the second side, wherein a footprint of the first cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the first footprint of the first portion of the first shield assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second cutting bit mechanically connected to a third position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first shield assembly further comprises a second footprint formed by a second portion extending a second radial distance from the central position and extending a second axial distance from at least the first side or the second side, wherein a footprint of the second cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the second footprint of the second portion of the first shield assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a third cutting bit mechanically connected to a fourth position on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first shield assembly further comprises a third footprint formed by a third portion extending a third radial distance from the central position and extending a third axial distance from at least the first side or the second side, wherein a footprint of the third cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the third footprint of the second portion of the first shield assembly.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first cutting bit, the second cutting bit and the third cutting bit is structured, positioned and configured to cut in at least two directions.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first cutting bit, the second cutting bit and the third cutting bit is structured, positioned and configured to cut in three directions.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the first shield assembly tapers in a direction away from the first cutting bit from the first axial distance to a distance less than the first axial distance on at least the first side or the second side.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion of the first shield assembly is cobra head-shaped.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first shield assembly is wider at a front portion and narrower at a back portion closer to the first cutting bit.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the back portion forms a first surface extending in the radial direction, wherein the first surface intersects a second surface of the first cutting bit extending in the axial direction.

12. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a channel formed between the first portion of the first shield assembly and the second portion of the first shield assembly.

13. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second cutting bit mechanically connected to the first side of the rotating disc.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first shield assembly further comprises a second footprint formed by a second portion extending a second radial distance from the central position and extending a second axial distance from the first side, wherein a footprint of the second cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the second footprint of the second portion of the first shield assembly.

15. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a second shield assembly mechanically connected to the first side of the rotating disc.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second shield assembly further comprises a second footprint extending a second axial distance from the first side, wherein a footprint of the second cutting bit or the footprint of the first cutting bit is at least partially shielded by the second footprint of the second shield assembly.

17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first shield assembly is separately mechanically connected to a first shoulder formed on the peripheral edge of the rotating disc.

18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cutting bit further comprises a perimeter portion comprising at least one cutting surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a rotating disc assembly, according to a first embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 3-4 are perspective views of a rotating disc assembly, according to a second embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of a cutting bit shield/guard assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly shown in FIG. 5, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view schematic representation of a cutting bit shield/guard assembly, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0018] Turning to FIGS. 1-2, perspective views of a rotating disc assembly 100 are illustrated, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The rotating disc assembly 100 includes a rotating disc 7 which rotates to the left in the R direction as one looks at either FIG. 1-2, when the rotating disc assembly 100 is in operation. Rotating disc 7 is shown with a bit subassembly comprising a bit holder 5 securely attached to the perimeter or peripheral edge of the rotating disc 7, a cutting bit 15 positioned in front of the bit holder 5, and a bolt 3 securing the cutting bit 15 to the bit holder 5 together and the bit to the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. The cutting bit 15 is shown fitting within a recess of the bit holder 5, where a portion of the bit holder 5 is positioned behind, underneath and in front of the cutting bit 15. The cutting bit 15 is configured, structured, and/or attached to the rotating disc 7 to cut in three directionsto the left in the R direction as one looks at FIG. 1 (i.e., in a forward direction perspective to the user of the rotating disc assembly 100)and inside and outside of the page as one looks at FIG. 1 (i.e., in a side to side direction perspective to the user of the rotating disc assembly 100). In an exemplary embodiment, cutting bit 15 includes a cutting surface which can be sharper and/or more pointed than the rest of the cutting bit 15 around the perimeter P of the front of cutting bit 15. A cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is also shown attached to the rotating disc 7 preferably separate from (but not necessarily) and in front of the cutting bit 15 in FIG. 1, and shown detached from the rotating disc 7 in FIG. 2.

[0019] A purpose of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is to block a portion of the cutting bit 15 as it cuts in the forward direction (R direction) and in the side to side direction (essentially perpendicular to the R direction). In other words, the footprint of the cutting bit 15 can be shielded by the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10. The footprint of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 can be configured, structured, and/or attached to the rotating disc 7 to shield at least 50% of the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit 15, and preferably at least 90% of the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit 15.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 detached from the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. A shoulder configuration 9 (e.g., an L shaped cutaway area on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7, which can be any shaped cutaway or recess) is shown on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7 where the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 attaches near the bit subassembly. This shoulder configuration 9 assists with enabling the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 to maintain its secured position on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7 during operation. A plurality of these bit subassemblies and cutting bit shield/guard assemblies 10 can be placed around the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. The bit subassemblies and cutting bit shield/guard assemblies can be evenly spaced or randomly spaced around the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. The cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, as shown, can be wider at the front and narrower towards the back (closer to the cutting bit 15).

[0021] Turning to FIGS. 3-4, perspective views of a rotating disc assembly 200 are illustrated, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The rotating disc assembly 200 rotates to the left in the R direction as one looks at either FIG. 3-4, when the rotating disc assembly 200 is in operation. Rotating disc 7 is shown with a bit subassembly comprising a bit holder 5 securely attached to the perimeter or peripheral edge of the rotating disc 7, a cutting bit 15 positioned in front of the bit holder 5, and a bolt 3 securing the cutting bit 15 to the bit holder 5 together and the bit to the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. The cutting bit 15 is configured, structured, and/or attached to the rotating disc 7 to cut in three directionsto the left and in the R direction as one looks at FIG. 3 (i.e., in a forward direction perspective to the user of the rotating disc assembly 200)and inside and outside of the page as one looks at FIG. 3 (i.e., in a side to side direction perspective to the user of the rotating disc assembly 200). In an exemplary embodiment, cutting bit 15 includes a cutting surface which can be sharper and/or more pointed than the rest of the cutting bit 15 around the perimeter P of the front of cutting bit 15. A cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is also shown attached to the rotating disc 7 preferably separately from (but not necessarily) and in front of the cutting bit 15 in FIG. 3, and shown detached from the rotating disc 7 in FIG. 4

[0022] A purpose of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is to block a portion of the cutting bit 15 as it cuts in the forward direction (R direction) and in the side to side direction (essentially perpendicular to the R direction). In other words, the footprint of the cutting bit 15 can be shielded by the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10. The footprint of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 can be configured, structured, and/or attached to the rotating disc 7 to shield at least 50% of the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit 15, and preferably at least 90% of the corresponding footprint of the cutting bit 15.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 detached from the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. A shoulder configuration 9 (e.g., a stepped configuration cutaway on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7, which can be any shaped cutaway or recess) is shown on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7 where the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 attaches near the bit subassembly. The shoulder configuration 9 can also include a section of the perimeter 19 that is positioned in front of the shield/guard assembly, which can extend almost to the same height of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 (if not higher) when the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is positioned on the rotating disc 7. However, cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is preferably thicker than the rotating disc, at least at the front portion of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10. This shoulder configuration 9 assists with enabling the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 to maintain its secured position on the perimeter of the rotating disc 7 during operation. A plurality of these bit subassemblies and cutting bit shield/guard assemblies 10 can be placed around the perimeter of the rotating disc 7. The bit subassemblies and cutting bit shield/guard assemblies can be evenly spaced or randomly spaced. The cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, as shown, can be wider at the front and narrower towards the back (closer to the cutting bit 15). In an exemplary embodiment, it can be somewhat shaped like an arrow facing in the direction of rotation, as shown in FIGS. 1-2.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of a cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 is shown. The cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 includes at least one layer of a shock absorbing material 20. This material contains a material with a lower relative hardness value (i.e., softer) than the surrounding top portion 24 of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 and of the bottom portion 22 of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, which is the portion that attaches to the perimeter of a rotating disc 7, 7. When a rotating disc 7, 7 is spinning while in use, the shock absorbing material 20 can help absorb, spread out and/or dissipate the rotational energy when impacted by rocks, wood, or other debris.

[0025] Ideally, the inclusion of shock absorbing material 20 provides some very minor additional movement of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 from the point of the shock absorbing material 20 upon impact to preserve the useful life of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 (prevent fracture, chipping or other damage), while at the same time maintaining the protection of the cutting bit 15 via the cutting bit shield/guard assembly's 10 positioning, shape, configuration and associated functionality (as discussed above and shown in the previous Figures).

[0026] For example, upon a lateral impact, the shock absorbing material 20 is structured, configured, and positioned to allow at least a portion of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 to move in the direction of the lateral force an amount equal to 5% to 20% of its total width (while at the same time being in position to protect the cutting bit with which it is associated), and then to move back to its original position. Similarly, for example, upon impact from the front of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, the shock absorbing material 20 is structured, configured, and positioned to allow at least a portion of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 to move in the direction of the head-on force opposite the rotational force of the rotating disc 7, 7 in an amount equal to 5% to 20% of its total length, height or combination thereof (while at the same time being in position to protect the cutting bit with which it is associated) and then to move back to its original position. Such movement can be a compressive movement, a movement away from the center of the rotating disc 7, 7 or a combination thereof. Any of the movement discussed herein is preferably more movement than the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 would have without being damaged if no shock absorbing material 20 was part of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10.

[0027] The shock absorbing material can exist in an infinite number of various planar layers within the three dimensional cutting bit shield/guard assembly, in addition to the horizontal planar layers that are shown in FIGS. 5-6. For example, the shock absorbing material planar layers (which include a thickness, a length, and a width and can extend in a particular planar layer in order to sufficiently meet the purpose and functionality of the shock absorbing layer (including to absorb etc. part of a particular force coming from a particular direction) described herein), can exist in a planar vertical layer 20 and a planer angled layer 20 (which can be angled from the horizontal or from the vertical) as shown in FIG. 7 (which is a front schematic view of a cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, showing various shock absorbing material layers). Further, the shock absorbing material layers can exist together in a single cutting bit shield/guard assembly and can overlap, but do not have to. FIG. 7 does not take into account depth, so shock absorbing material layer 20, for example, can start from about the front of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10 and extend to the back of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10. Further, the horizontal shock absorbing material 20 layer does not have to extend from front to back of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10, and the vertical shock absorbing material 20 layer does not have to extend from top to bottom of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly 10. With such an infinite number of shock absorbing material layers, upon particular impacts, portions of a particular cutting bit shield/guard assembly can move in different directions as a result of the functionality of the shock absorbing material layers upon such impacts. For example, if there is a shock absorbing material vertical layer placed in the middle of a cutting bit shield/guard assembly, the part of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly in front of the shock absorbing material vertical layer could move to the left upon a right side impact while the rear portion of the cutting bit shield/guard assembly behind the shock absorbing material vertical layer could stay stationary.

[0028] As shown, the shock absorbing material 20 has a particular shape fraction where, for example, the at least one layer of the shock absorbing material 20 extends in a plane with a particular thickness that is not as wide as its length or width.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting bits may be made of a carbide material. In additional exemplary embodiment, the shock absorbing material may be made from a rubber with a durometer of about between 80 and 100 (shore A). In an alternative embodiment, the shock absorbing material may be made of a woven metal mesh material, which can be weaved and compressed, and can have the same properties of the shock absorbing material 20 made from the rubber with a particular high durometer. These particular exemplarily compositional configurations are preferably sufficient to meet the particular purposes/functionalities of the shock absorbing material discussed above (i.e., the durometer value and/or the weave and metal wire size of the woven mesh material can change, and long as the purposes/functionalities are met and maintained).

[0030] While several embodiments of the invention have been discussed, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Such modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.