Patent Publication Number: US-11382265-B1

Title: Removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/679,706, filed on 11 Nov. 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,284,563, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/253,290, filed on 22 Jan. 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,364, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/623,630 filed 30 Jan. 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated, in their entireties, by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus and method. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment, the invention relates to a removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus consisting of a cutting deck, a mounting plate, a main pivot point in the mounting plate and a main adjustable arm with a first end connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and positions in between. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A problem exists with regard to the use of cutting devices. By way of example only and not by limitation, large cutting devices available in the prior art are fixed devices in operation. That is, the cutting devices are not manipulable in any manner except for minor movements up and down. No known cutting devices include the ability to mechanically rotate the cutting device for cutting at an angle, for example only and not by limitation. Further, known cutting devices generally are permanently attached to a machine and are not capable of being removed from one machine and attached to another machine. Those few known cutting devices that are removable are only attachable to one particular machine. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a cutting device that is adjustable for attachment to, and use with, a variety of other machines and that is adjustable up and down and that is mechanically rotatable for use from horizontal to vertical, and positions in between as well, as desired. 
     It therefore is an object of this invention to provide an improved removably attachable adjustable cutting device that is connectable with a variety of machines, that is adjustable both up and down and is rotatable such that cutting at an angle, from horizontal to vertical and positions in between, is provided and that is easy to use and economical in construction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the a removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus of the present invention, according to one embodiment, includes a cutting deck, a mounting plate, a main pivot point in the mounting plate and a main adjustable arm with a first end connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and to any position in between. 
     All terms used herein are given their common meaning as easily understood with reference to the Figures described herein and the description that follows. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate further includes machine attachment devices for connecting the mounting plate to a machine. In one aspect, the machine attachment devices are configured so as to connect with machines that are selected from a group of machines attachment devices consisting of; SSQA machines and JOHN DEERE brand machines. 
     In one aspect, the apparatus further includes a blade carrier in the cutting deck. In another aspect, the apparatus further includes at least one cutting blade connected with the blade carrier. 
     In another aspect, the apparatus further includes rotation adjustment holes at the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin to lock the cutting deck at a selected position. 
     According to another embodiment, the removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus includes a cutting deck, a mounting plate where the mounting plate further includes machine attachment devices for connecting the mounting plate to a machine, and a main pivot point in the mounting plate. A main adjustable arm is provided with a first end connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point and with a second end connected with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and to positions in between. 
     Also, a blade carrier is provided in the cutting deck and at least one cutting blade is connected with the blade carrier. 
     In a further aspect, the machine attachment devices are configured so as to connect with machines that are selected from a group of machines consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices. As is known SSQA machines and JOHN DEERE brand machines, for example only and not by limitation, use different devices for connection, as in the plates used in the SSQA system and the hook and pin system for others. 
     In one aspect, the apparatus further includes rotation adjustment holes at the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin to lock the cutting deck at a selected position. 
     In another aspect, the invention further includes an adjustment support arm with a first end and a second end where the first end is connectable with the main adjustable arm and the second end is connectable with the cutting deck such that the cutting deck is supported by the adjustment support arm. 
     In one aspect, the invention further includes a main adjustment hinge connected with the cutting deck where the second end of the main adjustable arm is connected with the main adjustment hinge. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention further includes a pair of deck supports connected with the cutting deck where a first deck support includes an adjustment support arm connection and where the second deck support includes a main adjustment hinge. 
     In still another aspect, the invention further includes a first lock bracket on the main adjustable arm and a second lock bracket on the cutting deck and a spaced apart pair of tower locks on the cutting deck where the first lock bracket and the second lock bracket are both configured to fit within and connect with the pair of tower locks. 
     According to another embodiment, a removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus more particularly includes a cutting deck where the cutting deck further includes a main adjustment hinge connected with the cutting deck. A mounting plate is provided where the mounting plate further includes machine attachment devices for connecting the mounting plate to a machine. The mounting plate includes a main pivot point and a main adjustable arm with a first end is connected with the mounting plate at the main pivot point. The main adjustable arm has a second end that is connected with the main adjustment hinge such that the cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and to positions in between. Further, an adjustment support arm is provided that is connectable with the main adjustable arm and the cutting deck. Also, a blade carrier, connected with a motor, is located in the cutting deck and at least one cutting blade connected with the blade carrier. 
     In a further aspect, the machine attachment devices are configured so as to connect with machines that are selected from a group of machine attachment devices consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices. 
     In one aspect, the invention further includes rotation adjustment holes at the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin to lock the cutting deck at a selected position. 
     In another aspect, the invention further includes a pair of deck supports connected with the cutting deck where a first deck support includes an adjustment support connection and where the second deck support includes the main adjustment hinge. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention further includes a first lock bracket on the main adjustable arm and a second lock bracket on the cutting deck and a spaced apart pair of tower locks on the cutting deck where the first lock bracket and the second lock bracket is configured to fit within and connect with the pair of tower locks. 
     According to another embodiment, a removably attachable adjustable cutting method consists of: 
     a. providing a cutting deck; a mounting plate connected with the cutting deck; a main pivot point in said mounting plate; a main adjustable arm with a first end connectable with said mounting plate at said main pivot point and with a second end connected with said cutting deck such that said cutting deck is adjustable from a horizontal to a vertical position and positions in between; and 
     b. connecting the first end of the main adjustable arm with the main pivot point. 
     In one aspect, the mounting plate further includes machine attachment devices for connecting the mounting plate to a machine and where the machine attachment devices are configured so as to connect with machines that are selected from a group of machine attachment devices consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices and further comprises the step of connecting the mounting plate to a machine using one of the machine attachment devices selected from the group. 
     In another aspect, the method further includes providing rotation adjustment holes at the main pivot point for use in combination with a locking pin to lock the cutting deck at a selected position. 
     In one aspect, the method further includes providing an adjustment support arm with a first end and a second end where the first end is connectable with the main adjustable arm and the second end is connectable with the cutting deck such that when connected the cutting deck is supported by the adjustment support arm. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 1  showing the cutting deck extended horizontally to one side; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 1  with the cutting deck extended horizontally to one side and rotated to a vertical position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 1  with the cutting deck extended horizontally and to one side and partially rotated in one direction; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 4  with the cutting deck partially rotated in an opposite direction; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the cutting deck of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the cutting deck of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the mounting plate of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the mounting plate of the invention of  FIG. 1  illustrating SSQA and hook and pin attachment devices; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the main adjustable arm of the invention of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the invention of  FIG. 1  including a push plate of one design; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a push plate of another design; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the push plate of  FIG. 14  after contact with material. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including equivalent constructions to those described herein insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For example, the specific sequence of the described method may be altered so that certain processes are conducted in parallel or independent, with other processes, to the extent that the processes are not dependent upon each other. Thus, the specific order of steps described herein is not to be considered implying a specific sequence of steps to perform the method. In alternative embodiments, one or more process steps may be implemented by a user assisted process and/or manually. Other alterations or modifications of the above processes are also contemplated. 
     In addition, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention. 
     It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, may be utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative configurations are possible. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in  FIGS. 1-15 . With specific reference to  FIG. 1 , removably attachable adjustable cutting apparatus  10  consists of a cutting deck  12 , a mounting plate  14 , a main pivot point  16  in the mounting plate  14  and a main adjustable arm  18  with a first end  20  connected with the mounting plate  14  at the main pivot point  16  and with a second end  22  connected with the cutting deck  12  such that the cutting deck  12  is adjustable from a horizontal position (See  FIG. 1 ) to a vertical position (See  FIG. 3 ) and any position in between (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     In one aspect, the apparatus  10  further includes a blade carrier  24  in the cutting deck  12 . In another aspect, the apparatus further includes at least one cutting blade  26  connected with the blade carrier  24  (See  FIG. 4 ). Blade carrier  24  is configured to support cutting blade(s)  26  as the rotate below cutting deck  12 . Further, as is known, blade carrier  24  is configured to connect with a motor  28  for operation of cutting blade(s)  26 . 
     In another aspect, the apparatus  10  further includes rotation adjustment holes  30  at, in close proximity to, the main pivot point  16  for use in combination with a locking pin (not shown) to lock the cutting deck  12  at a selected position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate  14  further includes machine attachment devices  32  for connecting the mounting plate  14  to a machine (not shown). In one aspect, the machine attachment devices  32  are configured so as to connect with machines using attachment devices that are selected from a group of machine attachment devices consisting of: Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment devices and hook and pin attachment devices. Machine attachment devices  32  are described more fully and illustrated in the accompanying  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
       FIGS. 2-5  illustrate the range of motion of the invention including side to side and horizontal ( FIG. 2 ); side to side and vertical ( FIG. 3 ) extended away from mounting plate  14  horizontally and rotated ( FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 , adjustment support arm  34  with a first end  36  and a second end  38  is illustrated where the first end  36  is connectable with the main adjustable arm  18  and the second end  38  is connectable with the cutting deck  12  such that the cutting deck  12  is supported by the adjustment support arm  34 . Applicant has found that adjustment support arm  34  provides increased stability and enhanced operability of cutting deck  12  when in a none horizontal position as shown in the figures. 
     By way of continued description, referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 ,  FIG. 6  shows the combination of cutting deck  12  connected at main pivot point  16  in mounting plate  14  by means of the connection of the first end  20  of main adjustable arm  18  at main pivot point  16 . In operation, any connection that allows main adjustable arm  18  to rotate around main pivot point  16  is suitable, as are known in the art and not described more fully. Connection of second end  22  of main adjustable arm  18  to cutting deck  12  ensures that movement of the main adjustable arm  18  results in movement of cutting deck  12  from any position desired between horizontal and vertical and positions in between as shown. Importantly, this motion is enhanced by the use of a main adjustment hinge  40  connected with the cutting deck  12  where the second end  22  of the main adjustable arm  18  is connected with the main adjustment hinge  40  such that the second end  22  connection rotates within the main adjustment hinge  40  for precise movement and positioning of cutting deck  12 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , in yet another aspect, the invention  10  further includes a pair of deck supports connected with the cutting deck  12  where a first deck support  42  includes an adjustment support arm connection  44  and where the second deck support  46  includes the main adjustment hinge  40 . One deck support  42  is located on one side of blade carrier  24  and one deck support  44  is located on the other side of blade carrier  24  as shown. 
     In still another aspect, referring to  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 , the invention  10  further includes a first lock bracket  48  on the main adjustable arm  18  and a second lock bracket  50  on the mounting plate  14  and a spaced apart pair of tower locks  52  on the cutting deck  12  where the first lock bracket  48  and the second lock bracket  50  are both configured to fit within and connect with the pair of tower locks  52 . In this manner, cutting deck  12  is capable of being secured in the horizontal position without fear of rotation or movement. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the bottom of cutting deck  12  including a pair of cutting blades  26  attached to blade carrier  24  which in turn is connected with motor  28  (not shown). Motor  28  may be an independent motor attached directly to cutting deck  12  or operated by pulley attachments with a motor on a machine or elsewhere (not shown) as is known in the art. 
       FIG. 8 , for clarity, shows the elements of the top of the cutting deck  12  without the main adjustable arm  18 . 
       FIG. 9  shows, for clarity the elements of mounting plate  14  without the main adjustable arm  18 . Also,  FIGS. 9, 10 and 11  show two forms of machine attachment devices  32 . One form is a Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) attachment device  54  (more clearly shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and one form is a hook  56  and pin  58  attachment device. The SSQA attachment device  54  is known in the art and as illustrated included extended plates that connect on machines adapted therefor. Attaching SSQA device to the back of mounting plate  14  or attaching hook  56  and pin  58  combinations to the back of mounting plate  14  is all that is required for enabling the present invention to be easily attached to and removed from any and all types of machines. Certainly, any type of connection devices now known or hereafter developed that serve the same function are included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , main adjustable arm  18  is the main connection between mounting plate  14  and the cutting deck  12 . This connection is made by attaching the main adjustable arm  18  to the mounting plate  14  at the main pivot point  16  (not shown in this figure) and attaching the cutting deck  12  to the main adjustable arm  18 , preferably by means of main adjustment hinge  40  as described and shown herein. This allows the cutting deck  12  to move 180 degrees from directly in front of a tractor or other machine (not shown) to the vertical and offset positions as desired all while remaining attached to the mounting plate  14  attached to a machine. Once in any desired location, the main adjustable arm  18  is supported by the adjustment support arm  34  (see  FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 ) so as to stabilize the apparatus. 
     Preferably, main adjustable arm  18  includes a hinge connection  60  that connects with main adjustment hinge  40 . This allows the cutting deck  12  to move 180 degrees around the main adjustable arm  18  from the horizontal “home position” to the vertical position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , Applicant has found that a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a “push plate”  62 . Push plate  62  as shown in the figures, is attached to the front of cutting deck  12  and serves, when present as the main point of contact for all material prior to the material being impacted by the cutting blades  26 . Push plate  62  acts as a guard for the exposed blades  26  when the blades  26  extend past the front of cutting deck  12  and as a guide to compress material for more consistent cutting prior to contact with the cutting blades  26 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 13 , here push plate  62  is connected to cutting deck  12  by means of a pair of guide cylinders  64  which are connected to cutting deck  12 . Guide cylinders  64  are connected with push plate  62  by means of guide pins  66  within a pair of load springs  68 , where the guide pins  66  are connected with push plate  62  on one end and enter into guide cylinders  64  as load springs  68  are compressed and push plate  62  moves inward over the top of cutting deck  12  (the position indicated by dotted lines) by impacting material (not shown for clarity). Load springs  68  expand in the absence of contact with material and allow push plate  62  to return to an extended position as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Preferably, this aspect of the invention push plate  62  further includes a rear safety guard  70  positioned to contact rear brace  72  attached to the top of cutting deck  12 . Rearward movement of push plate  62  is prevented from further rearward motion by contact of rear safety guard  70  with rear brace  72  thus preventing push plate  62  from contacting motor  28  (not shown in this figure for clarity), for example. 
     Further, push plate  62  preferably includes guide slots  74  that fit over first deck support  42  and second deck support  44  to help keep push plate  62  aligned properly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , another embodiment of push plate  62  is illustrated acting as before as a guard for the exposed cutting blades  26 .  FIG. 15  shows push plate  62  in extended position and  FIG. 16  shows push plate  62  in a collapsed position after contact with material to be cut (not shown). Once the material is cut, push plate  62  returns, via springs not shown, or the like. 
     In this embodiment, push plate  62  includes a pair of bolts  76  that connects the two separate halves of the push plate, right half  78  and left half  80 , in movable relation with cutting deck  12 . Bolts  76  allow right half  78  and left half  80  to pivot toward cutting deck  12  when contact with material to be cut is made. Preferably a safety guard  82  overlaps the space between the right half  78  and left half  80  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Also shown are guide pins  84  connected with the top of cutting deck  12  and fitted within guide slots  86 , in this version. The guide pin  84  guide slot  86  combination stabilize both right half  78  and left half  80  while sliding on the top of cutting deck  12 . 
     The description of the present embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.