The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 11, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 23, 1996
Amos G Hill, McDonough, GA (US);
John P Nelson, Naples, FL (US);
Richard J Wilkey, Hartland, WI (US);
Snapper, Inc., McDonough, GA (US);
Abstract
One or more replaceable cutting blade tips and a central mounting bar comprise a blade assembly. Each of the replaceable cutting blade tips can be selectively attached to the central mounting bar without the use of tools. During typical operation, the replaceable cutting blade tips snugly fit relative to the central mounting bar and little, if any, relative pivoting therebetween is evident. However, some relative pivoting can occur when exceptional loads are encountered by the replaceable cutting blade tips such as when an obstacle such as a rock is encountered. In such an instance, a tearable 'zipper' is provided which allows the blade tip to 'tear' its way through the zipper while pivoting, thus advantageously providing a means for dissipating energy. Also provided is a 'family of bars' concept which reduces inventory, reduces tooling expenses, and facilitates efficient and correspondingly low cost blade tips due to the volumes possible.