ADJUSTABLE BOARD CUTTING APPARATUS, ADJUSTABLE BLADE MOUNT, AND CORRESPONDING METHOD

An apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped article into slats includes a housing having a plate-shaped article entrance for receiving the article to be cut into slats, an exit from which the slats are expelled, and a conveying path extending between the article entrance and exit. A cutting device mounted in the housing across the conveying path and which includes a rotating shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, at least one circular blade mounted to the shaft, an adjustable blade mount for each one of the at least one circular blade, mounted to the shaft so as to be translatable and adjustable along the shaft, and a motor operatively connected to the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft. A method for cutting a plate-shaped article into slats having predetermined widths is also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to board cutting apparatuses for cutting plate-shaped articles, for example drywall and gypsum boards, into slats of a selected dimension, such as width. It also relates to a method for cutting plate-shaped articles, for example gypsum boards, into slats of a selected dimension.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Several types of devices exist in the prior art for cutting plate-shaped articles, for instance boards or sheets of material. These systems are sometimes used as part of a continuous factory line configured to cut a manufactured board into shorter boards of an appropriate length to be delivered to sites where the product may be further processed to serve a customer's specific needs. Other systems exist on a smaller scale to allow end users to arrange plate-shaped articles into the dimensions of their choosing. The most common ways used by the end users to cut and size these boards, such as gypsum boards, is simply the use of different types of saws such as table saws, circular saws and even an “exacto” knife (e.g., X-Acto™)

It is understood that many reasons can lead to configuring a plate-shaped product, whether in construction, art, design, and manufacturing. For instance, in the sectors of construction and renovation, boards of construction material, such as gypsum, plywood, glass and ceramic are routinely manipulated to finish and/or cover structural elements. As such, larger articles of material can be purchased from a manufacturer or retailer to subsequently carve out slats of appropriate dimensions as required onsite. In some cases, these tasks must be repeated, and can consume a significant amount of time.

Already known in the prior art are tools designed to assist in cutting substantially flat articles of a certain material into a desired shaped and, more particularly slats of selected width(s). Some devices are designed to be used by hand. Even if accurate, these devices are generally slower in comparison to specially purposed machines. There is still a need for improved cutting apparatuses, which can quickly and accurately cut plate-shaped articles into slats of a desired dimension, such as the slat width.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to at least partially satisfy the above-mentioned need.

More particularly, a cutting apparatus and a blade mounting system, all of which satisfy the above-mentioned need, are provided.

According to a general aspect, there is provided an apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped article into slats. The apparatus comprises: a housing and a cutting device. The housing includes a plate-shaped article entrance, a slat exit; and a conveying path extending between the plate-shaped article entrance and the slat exit. The cutting device is at least partially located in the housing across the conveying path. The cutting device comprises: a rotating shaft; at least one adjustable blade mount mounted to the rotating shaft and configured to be displaceable along the rotating shaft; and at least one circular blade secured to a respective one of the at least one adjustable blade mount and being engaged in rotation with the rotating shaft.

In an embodiment, the cutting device further comprises a worktable extending upstream of the plate-shaped article entrance of the housing and configured to support the plate-shaped article as it is received in the housing via the plate-shaped article entrance.

In an embodiment, the housing further comprises a lip adjacent to the plate-shaped article entrance and extending substantially parallel to the worktable and vertically spaced-apart therefrom, the lip being configured to stabilize the plate-shaped article during introduction of the plate-shaped article into the housing.

In an embodiment, the cutting device comprises an additional rotating shaft, a motor and a gear assembly. The additional rotating shaft is mounted in a spaced apart and parallel configuration with the rotating shaft with a section of the conveying path extending inbetween. The motor is operatively connected to the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft. The gear assembly mechanically connects together the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft to rotate in opposing rotational directions whereby when the plate-shaped article reaches the cutting device, the plate-shaped article is automatically entrained between the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft to be cut into slats.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one circular blade comprises a first half-disc and a second half-disc. Each one of the at least one adjustable blade mount comprises: a first half collar and a second half collar. Each one of the first and second half collars comprises an inner portion engageable with the rotating shaft and a support plate protruding outwardly from and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft when mounted thereto. The cutting device further comprises mechanical fasteners engageable with a respective one of the first and second half-discs and a respective one of the first and second half collars to secure the first and second half-discs to the respective one of the first and second half collars.

In an embodiment, the at least one adjustable blade mount further comprises a shaft locking assembly for detachably securing the first and second half collars at a selected longitudinal position along the rotating shaft.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a carrier on which the housing is mountable for carrying and displacing the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the carrier comprises one or more framing structures for surrounding at least partially the housing and the cutting device and protecting same.

According to another general embodiment, there is provided an adjustable blade mount for a rotating shaft of a board cutting apparatus. The board cutting apparatus comprises: a first half collar and a second half collar engageable with the rotating shaft of the board cutting apparatus and mechanical fasteners. Each one of the first and second half collars includes an inner portion superposable against the rotating shaft and a support plate protruding outwardly from the inner portion and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft when mounted thereto. Each support plate having a cutting blade-receiving face adapted to support at least a portion of a circular cutting blade having respective first and second half-discs. The mechanical fasteners being engageable with a respective one of the first and second half-discs and the cutting blade-receiving face of the support plate of a respective one of the first and second half collars to secure the first and second half-discs to the respective one of the first and second half collars.

In an embodiment, the adjustable blade mount further comprises a shaft locking assembly for detachably securing the first and second half collars at a selected longitudinal position along the rotating shaft.

According to still another general aspect, there is provided a board cutting apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped article into slats. The board cutting apparatus comprises: a housing, a cutting device and at least one cutting blade assembly. The housing defines a plate-shaped article entrance for receiving the plate-shaped article, a slat exit opposite of the plate-shaped article entrance to expel the slats, and a conveying path extending between the plate-shaped article entrance and the slat exit. The cutting device includes at least one rotating shaft at least partially located in the housing and across the conveying path. The at least one cutting blade assembly is mounted to the at least one rotating shaft, engageable in rotation therewith, and securable thereto in at least two longitudinally spaced-apart positions.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one cutting blade assembly comprises at least one adjustable blade mount and at least one circular blade. The at least one adjustable blade mount is detachably securable to the at least one rotating shaft and configured to be displaceable along the least one rotating shaft. The at least one circular blade is detachably secured to a respective one of the at least one adjustable blade mount and being engaged in rotation with the at least one rotating shaft when the at least one blade mount is secured thereto.

In an embodiment, the board cutting apparatus further comprises a worktable extending upstream of the plate-shaped article entrance of the housing and configured to support the plate-shaped article as it is received in the housing via the plate-shaped article entrance.

In an embodiment, the housing further comprises a lip adjacent to the plate-shaped article entrance and extending substantially parallel to the worktable and vertically spaced-apart therefrom, the lip being configured to stabilize the plate-shaped article during introduction of the plate-shaped article into the housing.

In an embodiment, the boarding cutting device comprises: an additional rotating shaft, a motor and gear assembly. The additional rotating shaft is mounted in a spaced apart and parallel configuration with the rotating shaft with a section of the conveying path extending inbetween. The motor is operatively connected to the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft. The gear assembly mechanically connects together the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft to rotate in opposing rotational directions whereby when the plate-shaped article reaches the cutting device, the plate-shaped article is automatically entrained between the rotating shaft and the additional rotating shaft to be cut into slats.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one circular blade comprises a first half-disc and a second half-disc. Each one of the at least one adjustable blade mount comprises: a first half collar and a second half collar. Each one of the first and second half collars comprises an inner portion engageable with the rotating shaft and a support plate protruding outwardly from and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft when mounted thereto. The at least one cutting blade assembly further comprises mechanical fasteners engageable with a respective one of the first and second half-discs and a respective one of the first and second half collars to secure the first and second half-discs to the respective one of the first and second half collars.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a method for cutting a plate-shaped article into slats having predetermined widths. The method comprises: adjusting a longitudinal position of at least one cutting blade assembly along a rotating shaft of a cutting device in accordance with the predetermined width of the slats; securing the at least one cutting blade assembly at the longitudinal position; engaging the rotating shaft having the at least one cutting blade assembly secured thereto in rotation; and translating the plate-shaped article along a conveying path to engage the at least one cutting blade assembly and be cut into the predetermined width slats.

In an embodiment, the at least one cutting blade assembly comprises at least two cutting blade assemblies, and wherein the adjusting of the respective longitudinal position of the at least one cutting blade along the rotating shaft in accordance with the predetermined width of the slats further comprises distributing the at least two cutting blade assemblies according to an irregular configuration wherein a distance between adjacent ones the at least two cutting blade assemblies is variable.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of adding and removing a respective one of the at least two cutting blade assemblies to the rotating shaft.

In an embodiment, the adjusting of the respective longitudinal position of the at least one cutting blade assembly along the rotating shaft in accordance with the predetermined width of the slats further comprises selectively untightening a shaft locking assembly of the at least one cutting blade assembly and sliding the at least one cutting blade assembly along the rotating shaft, and wherein securing the at least one cutting blade assembly at the longitudinal position comprises tightening the shaft locking assembly of the at least one cutting blade assembly with the rotating shaft.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, non-limitative embodiments of the adjustable apparatus for cutting a plate-shaped article are described. Although these embodiments of the apparatus and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the apparatus, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above,” “below,” “left,” “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

Furthermore, in the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only.

In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms “including,” “comprising,” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may,” “might,” “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Adjustable Apparatus for Cutting Plate-Shaped Articles

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to the embodiment shown inFIGS.1to3, an adjustable board cutting apparatus20is used to cut a plate-shaped article10into at least two parallel and longitudinally-extending slats12. The board cutting apparatus20includes a housing30, a cutting device50with at least one circular blade assembly56to cut the plate-shaped article10, and a worktable70mounted upstream the cutting device50. In the embodiment shown, the cutting device50of the board cutting apparatus20includes a motor60operatively connected to the cutting device50.

It will be noted that the “plate-shaped article”10(i.e., the article10) can be understood as any article having compatible characteristics (e.g., dimensions and material composition) with the specifications of the board cutting apparatus20. The term “plate-shaped” designates an article with a substantially flat structure and, more particularly a board. A non-limiting list of plate-shaped article10contemplated in this disclosure includes a sheet of drywall/gypsum, a board of plywood, a plate of aluminum. In other words, the apparatus disclosed is designed to cut an array of articles, only some of which are described hereunder, but additional uses are envisioned.

It will also be noted that for the purpose of this disclosure, a “slat”12can be understood as an elongated portion having been sectioned (i.e., cut) from the plate-shaped article10by the board cutting apparatus20. Finally, it is understood that the number of slats12produced depends on the number of circular blade assemblies56being configured in the cutting device50.

For the sake of simplicity, the rest of the disclosure will refer to a singular circular blade assembly56, even if a plurality of blade assemblies56can be envisioned fora given embodiment, as will be explained in more detail below.

Housing

The housing30includes a plate-shaped article entrance40(i.e., an entry slot, or entry) through which the plate-shaped article10is received, a slat exit42from which the slats12are ejected or expelled from the housing30to be collected thereafter and a conveying path44extending between the plate-shaped article entrance40and the slat exit42, on which the article10is conveyed to be cut into longitudinally-extending slats12by the cutting device50described in more detail below.

Referring to the embodiment of the housing30illustrated inFIGS.1,3and5b, the housing30can include a top wall31, a front wall33, a rear wall, and two side walls35a,35b. In the embodiment shown, the article entrance40is defined in the front wall33of the housing (in a lower portion thereof) (or below the front wall33of the housing30), and the slat exit42is defined in the rear wall section (not visible in the figures) (or below the rear wall of the housing30). It is to be noted that the shape and the configuration of the housing30can vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore, the shape, the configuration, and the locations of the article entrance40and the slat exit42can vary from the embodiment shown.

It is to be noted that the conveying path44(represented by a hollow and dotted arrow inFIGS.2,3and5b) represents the normal path of motion of the plate-shaped article10as it is being transported or conveyed throughout the cutting device50from the article entrance40to the slat exit42of the housing30. In other words, the conveying path44can be understood as a horizontal plane levelled with the article entrance40of the housing30such that the plane of the conveying path44encounters circular blades560(FIG.7) of the blades assemblies56of the cutting device50(or a single circular blade560), and extends from the article entrance40to the slat exit42. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used in the context of the conveying path44.

It is to be noted that one function of the housing30is to prevent unintended foreign objects from accidentally interacting with or being ejected from the cutting device50. As such, the housing30can prevent jamming or damage to the cutting device50, safeguard the operator (or any other individual) from accidental contact with the cutting device50, and shield the operator from debris that may be ejected as a result of the relatively high-speed sawing operation in the conveying path44.

It is to be noted that the expressions “in operation,” “during operation” and “mode of operation” are to be understood as the period during which a plate-shaped article10is being cut (or is about to be cut) by the cutting device50of the board cutting apparatus20.

As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.1to3and6, for ease of operation of the board cutting apparatus20, it will be appreciated that the top, front31,33and rear wall sections of the housing30can be made at least partially of glass, or other transparent materials, to provide an operator with a clear line of sight of the conveying path44and/or the cutting device50. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the housing30comprises a metal frame supporting transparent panels.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and5b, the worktable70is adjacent to the article entrance40of the housing30, upstream thereof. The worktable70at least partially supports the plate-shaped article10as it is being received in the article entrance40. As illustrated inFIG.3, a plate-shaped article10can be long comparatively to the housing30, hence the utility of the worktable70to provide support to the article10, adjacent to the article entrance40. The surface of the worktable70can be levelled with the article entrance40of the housing30and can extend upstream therefrom. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the worktable70can vary from the embodiment shown.

Additionally, as better shown inFIGS.1and5b, the housing30can include a lip46, which extends perpendicularly from the front wall33and outwardly thereof, so that the lip46extends substantially parallel to the worktable70, but vertically spaced-apart therefrom. A distance between an upper surface of the worktable70and the lip46can correspond to a thickness of the plate-shaped article10inserted in the board cutting apparatus20. The lip46may stabilize the plate-shaped article10during its introduction into the housing30, by interfering with any undesirable upward motion of the article10that occurs during the cutting operation. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the lip46can vary from the embodiment shown. Furthermore, it is appreciated that, in an embodiment, the lip46can be adjustable in height if the board cutting apparatus20is designed to receive plate-shaped articles10of different thicknesses.

Carrier

Advantageously, in an embodiment, the board cutting apparatus20may comprise a carrier90onto which the housing30and the worktable70can be mounted, for carrying and displacing the cutting device50and its housing30. It is to be understood that the carrier90can be a monolithic element or embodied by a plurality of assembled components. In some embodiments, the carrier90can also serve as a protective frame for the apparatus as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to the embodiment shown inFIGS.1to5b, and more specifically toFIG.4, the carrier90can be a modular tube frame (i.e., a tube chassis) which has the advantage of being relatively light weight and can require few parts to assemble. The carrier90shown is provided with legs96a,96b,96cto support the cutting device50and wheels92a,92bto allow easy placement and movement of the apparatus. A handle94is also provided to facilitate handling of the carrier90. With these elements, an operator can transport the cutting device50by lifting the carrier90by the handle94to roll the cutting device50and its housing30on its wheels92a,92b. In the embodiment shown, the motor60is mounted to the carrier90on one side thereof. It is to be noted that wheels92a,92bcan be advantageously located on the same side as the motor60to distribute the load of the board cutting apparatus20more efficiently during transportation.

The carrier90shown inFIGS.1to5b, and more particularlyFIG.4, also comprises a framing structure98afor surrounding at least partially the housing30, and thus protecting same, and also additional framing structures98b,98cfor supporting the motor60and the worktable70. With this implementation, if the board cutting apparatus20inadvertently rolls over, or otherwise tips from its normal standing position, or collides with a large foreign object, the carrier90can at least partially protect the cutting device50.

The embodiment of the carrier90shown in the Figures is non-limitative. It is understood that alternative embodiments to protect the housing30, the motor60, and/or the worktable70can be foreseen. For instance and without being limitative, the carrier90implemented by a tube frame can alternatively be replaced, at least partially, with a chassis of a similar shape.

Cutting Device

The cutting device50includes a rotating shaft52mounted in the housing30across the conveying path44, i.e., the rotating shaft52extends normal to the conveying path44. The embodiment shown in the drawings comprises two rotating shafts52a,52b(a first shaft52aand an additional shaft52b, also referred as the second shaft) mounted one above each other (seeFIG.5b). However, other embodiments not illustrated may include a single rotating shaft and also allow a plate-shaped article to be cut into multiple elongated slats. Each one of the cutting blade assemblies of the cutting device50includes at least one circular blade560mounted to the rotating shaft52to cut the plate-shaped article10and an adjustable blade mount58for each circular blade560mounted to the shaft52. As shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.1to3, the cutting device50is at least partially confined in the housing30.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1to3, the rotating shafts52a,52bare rotatably mounted in the housing30and, more particularly, mounted to the sidewalls35a,35b, such that they can freely rotate about their rotation axis. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the rotating shafts52a,52bcan vary from the embodiment shown.

As best shown inFIG.5b, according to this embodiment, the additional or second rotating shaft52bis configured to be spaced apart and parallel in relation with the first rotating shaft52a, the first shaft52aextending just below the conveying path44and the second shaft extending just above same.

In the embodiment shown, including two rotating shafts52a,52bwith the conveying path44extending inbetween, the two rotating shafts52a,52brotate in opposed rotation direction, i.e., a first one of the shafts rotates in the clockwise direction while a second one of the shafts rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

One end of one of the first rotating shaft52ais operatively connected to the motor60to provide the required torque to the shaft52a. In the embodiment shown, the motor60is located adjacent to the left of the housing30(i.e., adjacent to the left sidewall35a). Alternatively, a plurality of motors60may be mounted adjacent to both side walls35a,35bsuch that both ends of the shaft52aare rotatably connected to a respective motor60. In an alternative embodiment, each one of the shafts52a,52bcan be driven by its own motor60.

In the non-limitative embodiment shown, a gear assembly (or gearing)62is provided to operatively connect both shafts52a,52band ultimately provide power to the shaft that is not directly driven by the motor60, in this case the second shaft52b. It is to be understood that the gear assembly62of the cutting device50is configured such that the shafts52a,52brotate in opposing rotational directions. Consequently, when the plate-shaped article10reaches the conveying path44, the plate-shaped article10is automatically entrained (or is at least substantially entrained, with minimal physical intervention from an operator) by the two rotating shafts52a,52b, and transported in and out of the housing30, which can reduce the effort expanded by an operator and/or cut the article10more quickly. It is noted that the term “entrained” used herein is to be understood as the act to draw in and transport a plate-shaped article10along the conveying path44. For instance, in the embodiment shown inFIG.6, the gear assembly62can be implemented with two spur gears64a,64b, each connected to one of the rotating shafts52a,52b. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the gear assembly62can vary from the embodiment shown. As a non-limiting example, the gear assembly62could be implemented inside or outside of the housing30.

Referring to the embodiment shown inFIG.5b, the two rotating shafts52a,52bcan be fixed to additional attachments connected to the housing30, to better secure and stabilize the shafts52a,52bduring operation.

As described above, the motor60is operatively connected to the rotating shaft52ato provide the required torque to cut the plate-shaped article10. The motor60can be combined to a transmission system, such as a worm gearbox, to translate the torque provided by the motor60to the rotational shaft52aat a desired speed. The motor60itself may be embodied by a 0.75 hp motor. The motor60can be entirely or partially electric (i.e., hybrid electric). To this end, the board cutting apparatus20can comprise a support drive68(e.g., a variable frequency drive and/or control setup) shown inFIGS.1,2,5aand5b. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the motor60can vary from the embodiment shown.

Circular Blade

At least one circular blade assembly56is used to cut the plate-shaped article10across the conveying path44of the housing30. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the cutting device50of the board cutting apparatus20includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart blade assemblies56mounted to the rotating shafts52a,52b. Each one of the circular blade assemblies56includes a circular blade560and a blade mount58. It is understood that the diameter of the circular blade560is such that the blade extends from the adjustable blade mount58enough to reach the conveying path44and cut through the article10. The circular blade560can be made of any material suitable for cutting a provided article10. It is envisioned by the present disclosure that several sets of circular blades560of varying characteristics (e.g., diameter, material, thickness and sharpness) can be provided so that an operator may interchange a set of circular blades560with another to operate the apparatus according to different specifications.

Referring to the embodiments shown inFIGS.5band7, it is shown that the circular blades560can be two-pieces circular blades including two separable half-discs562a,562b, which can be fixed to their respective blade mount58without detaching/untightening the blade mount58from the rotating shaft52, as will be described in more detail below. Referring specifically to the embodiment ofFIG.7, it is shown that blade mounting apertures566acan be provided and evenly distributed along a circle around the center of the circular blade560to insert mechanical fasteners (intentionally not represented), such as screws, bolts, rivets, through the circular blade560blade to fix the blade560to a corresponding blade mount58. However, the number, location and type of the fastener mounting apertures566aand the fasteners can vary. As will be explained in detail below, the mounting apertures566acan have corresponding blade mounting apertures566blocated on each blade mount58. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the circular blade560can vary from the embodiment of the two-piece blade560shown.

In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the cutting device50includes two rotating shaft52a,52b. In the embodiment shown, the circular blades560mounted to the two rotating shafts52a,52bare aligned with one another. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the circular blades560mounted to the two rotating shafts52a,52bcould not be aligned with one another.

Adjustable Blade Mount

The adjustable blade mount58is mounted to the rotating shaft52and is configured to be detachably/removably mounted to the rotating shaft52. It is also configured to be displaceable, such as slidable and/or translatable, along the rotating shaft52so as to easily and quickly adjust its longitudinal position along same. Each one of the blade mounts58is also configured to receive and support a respective one of the two-piece circular blade560as described above.

Thus, each one of the blade mounts58can be secured to the rotating shaft52at a first longitudinal position, detached from the rotating shaft52, displaced along the rotating shaft52and secured to another longitudinal position along the shaft52, spaced-apart from the first longitudinal position. Therefore, since a respective one of the circular blade560is mounted to the blade mount58, the longitudinal position of the circular blade560is modified simultaneously. A width of the slats12cut into the article10can be adjusted in accordance with the user's needs by adjusting the longitudinal position(s) of the blade mount(s)58along the shaft(s)52, as will be described in more details below.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.8to10, the blade mount58can include a two-piece collar580having separable first and second half collars582a,582b.

Each one of the half collars582a,582bincludes an inner portion581a,581band a support plate588a,588bprotruding outwardly from the respective inner portion581a,581b. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the inner portion581a,581bof each half collars582a,582bis characterized by a smaller diameter than a diameter of the support plate588a,588b. Each one of the support plates588a,588bcircumscribes a corresponding one of the inner portions581a,581b. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, the inner portion581a,581band the support plate588a,588bof one of the half collars582a,582bare a single piece. The inner portions581a,581bare configured to secure the two half collars582a,582btogether while each one of the support plates588a,588bis configured to support a respective portion of the two-piece blade560. Particularly, in the embodiment shown, each one of the support plates588a,588bhas a cutting blade-receiving face590a,590badapted to support at least a portion of a respective one of the half-discs562a,562b. More particularly, a portion of a respective one of the half-discs562a,562bis superposed to a respective one of the cutting blade-receiving face590a,590bwhen mounted thereto.

Thus, the first and second half collars582a,582bare configured to be fastened to one another, along and around the rotating shaft52, with half collars securing means586(i.e., a half collars interlocking assembly586). The half collar securing means586can be partially embodied by two parallel fastener-receiving channels defined in each of the half collars582a,582b, one on each side of the inner portion581a,581bof the half collars582a,582b. Thus, mechanical fastening elements (not shown), such as a screws and bolts, can be used to be removably inserted in the half collar securing means586to secure the half collars582a,582bof the two-piece collar580together.

In addition, the tolerance of the inner portions581a,581bof the two-piece collar580can be configured such that the adjustable blade mount58can be displaced along the rotating shaft52without difficulty when being repositioned to a desired position on the shaft52. In other words, according to one non-limitative embodiment, when the fasteners inserted in the half collar securing means586or when a shaft locking assembly are untightened, the tolerance of the diameter of the inner portion581a,581bis sufficient to allow the blade mount58to be translated longitudinally along the rotating shaft52without substantial frictional interference with the shaft52. More specifically, the adjustable blade mount58can be displaced, such as by translation, along the rotating shaft52without having to separate the two half collars582a,582b, provided that the blade mount58is unlocked from the rotating shaft52, as detailed below. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the two-piece collar580can vary from the embodiment shown.

Moreover, each first and second half collar582a,582bincludes one of the support plates588a,588bextending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft52when mounted thereto. Each support plate588a,588bincludes blade mounting apertures566bcorresponding in number, compatibility, and relative location to the previously discussed mounting apertures566alocated on the two-piece circular blade560, so that blade fasteners can be inserted into the aligned mounting apertures566a,566bto detachably secure the two-piece blade560to its adjustable blade mount58. It is to be understood that the type of mechanical fasteners and the shape of the mounting apertures566a,566bused in the blade560and the support plates588a,588bcan vary from one embodiment the next and that any mechanical fastener or attachments [fixture] suitable for fixing the blade560to its blade mount58is envisioned herein. For instance, the mounting apertures566a,566bmay be hollow holes, so that a screw can be inserted therein to fix a bolt at the back of the support plates588a588b. Alternatively, the blade mounting apertures of the support plates566a,566bcan be mounting apertures having a threaded inner wall configured to receive a screw inserted into the blade mounting apertures of the blade560.

As previously mentioned, the adjustable blade mount58is configured to be displaceable and adjustable along the rotating shaft52. The adjustability of the blade mount58is characterized by its ability to displace (e.g. translate when unsecured) a respective circular blade560along the rotating shaft52, or to remove or add circular blade assemblies56altogether if fewer or more blades560are required to cut the article10into slats12. To provide this flexibility, according to one embodiment, the adjustable blade mount58can include a detachable locking assembly592for locking the blade mount58at a determined longitudinal position along the rotating shaft52. The shaft locking assembly592can conversely be untightened or unlocked to allow the translation/displacement, the addition or the removal of at least one of the circular blade assemblies56along the shaft52.

As illustrated in the embodiment of the adjustable blade mount58shown inFIGS.8to10, the detachable locking assembly592can be embodied by a shaft locking channel defined in the first half collar582aand a corresponding elongated groove522(i.e., the shaft locking groove) extending longitudinally along the rotating shaft52shown inFIG.11a. The shaft locking channel592and the shaft locking groove522have substantially the same width and are substantially aligned when the blade mount58is secured to the shaft52, so that a mechanical fastener, such as a screw, for instance, can be inserted and fixedly locked into the shaft locking groove522, such that the blade mount58is secured to the shaft52at a predetermined longitudinal position. It is to be understood that the locking groove522at least partially prevents the adjustable blade mount58from rotating about and sliding along the shaft52, which could hinder the proper rotation of the corresponding circular blade560.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, the implementation of the detachable shaft locking assembly592described here above can also be implemented to an adjustable blade mount58that includes a monolithic collar (i.e., an adjustable blade mount58without separable pieces) configured to be loosened so as to displace the blade mount58along the shaft52and tightened at a desired longitudinal position thereto without entirely dismantling the blade mount58. It is to be noted that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the detachable locking means592to detachably secure the blade mounts58to the shaft52can vary from the embodiment shown.

In use, an operator wishing to cut a plate-shaped article10, such as a gypsum/drywall sheet, into two or more slats of a predetermined/selected width is required to first select the number and longitudinal position(s) of circular blades560along the shaft. Then, the operator positions and secures a corresponding number of adjustable blade mounts58on the rotating shaft(s)52. The circular blades560, such as the half-discs562a,562bcan be secured to the respective blade mount58when the latter is secured to the shaft52. For instance, referring to the illustration ofFIG.3, to cut fifteen slats12out of a plate-shaped article10which has a maximum width that can be received by the article entrance40of the housing30, an operator can secure fourteen adjustable blade mounts58mounted with their respective circular blade560in series along the rotating shaft(s)52, all equidistant from each other. How an adjustable blade mount58is mounted to the rotating shaft52depends on the embodiment. For instance, if the adjustable blade mount58includes the two-piece collar580and is fixed to the two-piece blade560, the detachable shaft locking assembly592can be adjusted to remove, add or translate the two-piece collar580along the rotating shaft52to the desired longitudinal position, all without detaching the half-discs562a,562bfrom their respective blade mounts58. Also, additional circular blades560can be added to increase the number of slats12cut simultaneously. Alternatively, if the two-piece circular blade560is provided, its half-discs562a,562bcan be detached and removed directly from the adjustable blade mount58without untightening the detachable shaft locking assembly592securing the blade mount58to the rotating shaft52.

Once the desired number of circular blades560is mounted in an equidistant or irregular configuration along the rotating shaft52, the motor60of the cutting device50can be activated. For better control and safety, it is expected that the operator stands in front of the worktable70to gradually insert (e.g., push and slide) the plate-shaped article10into the cutting device50. Then, the article10can be gradually inserted into the article entrance40of the housing30at a desired speed as it is being supported by the worktable70and its vertical displacement is limited by the lip46. As the article10moves through the conveying path44of the housing30, the article10meets the rotating circular blades560, which cut the article10into slats12. If the cutting device50includes two rotating shafts52a,52bas previously described, the article10can be automatically entrained into the conveying path44when it reaches the cutting device50. Regardless of the embodiment of the cutting device50, the slats12leave the housing30through the slat exit42wherefrom they can be recovered.

As disclosed above, the blade mounts58are adjustable along the shaft52. Therefore, the position of the circular blade assemblies56along the rotating shaft(s)52can be easily adjusted depending on the cutting specifications. The board cutting apparatus20can be used to cut a plate-shaped article10(e.g., sheet, plate, or board) and obtain slats12to the desired specifications (e.g., desired width(s) of slats). Depending on the desired configuration, an operator may cut an article10into as few as two slats, or into as many slats as the maximum number of blade mounts58that can be mounted to its rotating shaft52(or plurality hereof). Consequently, the board cutting apparatus20can offer a wide range of configurations to modulate the size and number of the slats12that can be produced simultaneously. The above disclosure provides implementations of the blade mount58and the circular blade560mounted to the blade mount58designed to be adjustable along the rotating shaft52. In some configurations, a plurality of circular blade assemblies56can be provided in series along the rotating shaft(s)52to cut the article10into a relatively large number of slats12by a single continuous operation. According to some embodiments wherein the board cutting apparatus20includes a plurality of rotating shafts52, the cutting device50can be configured to entrain (i.e., to draw in and transport) the plate-shaped article10in and out of the housing30along the conveying path44. Moreover, in some embodiments, a housing/cutting device carrier90can provided to facilitate the transport thereof.