Abstract:
A furrowing attachment comprising at least three cutters axially spaced apart from one another and operatively coupled to one another, the three cutters comprising a second cutting disc interposing a first cutting disc and a cutting blade, the first cutting disc, the second cutting disc, and the cutting blade are coaxial, where each of the cutting discs includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed teeth, at least one of the circumferentially distributed teeth has an angle of attack between five and sixty degrees, and where the second cutting disc has a smaller diameter than the first cutting disc and a greater diameter than the cutting blade, and wherein one rotation of the first cutting disc corresponds with one rotation of the second cutting disc and one rotation of the cutting blade.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to methods and devices for forming furrows and, more specifically, to handheld furrowing equipment and replacement furrowing attachments for forming furrows. 
       INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention includes furrowers and replacement furrowing attachments configured to create a beveled furrow. In exemplary form, the invention also includes methods of creating beveled furrows such as those that may delineate a lawn from an adjacent mulched area. 
         [0003]    It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a furrowing attachment comprising at least three cutters axially spaced apart from one another and operatively coupled to one another, the three cutters comprising a second cutting disc interposing a first cutting disc and a cutting blade, the first cutting disc, the second cutting disc, and the cutting blade are coaxial, where each of the cutting discs includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed teeth, at least one of the circumferentially distributed teeth has an angle of attack between five and sixty degrees, and where the second cutting disc has a smaller diameter than the first cutting disc and a greater diameter than the cutting blade, and wherein one rotation of the first cutting disc corresponds with one rotation of the second cutting disc and one rotation of the cutting blade. 
         [0004]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the diameter of the first cutting disc is between four to twenty inches, the diameter of the second cutting disc is between three to nineteen inches, and the diameter of the cutting blade is between two to eighteen inches. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the first cutting disc includes at least three circumferentially distributed teeth, the second cutting disc includes at least three circumferentially distributed teeth, and the cutting blade includes at least two blades. In a further detailed embodiment, the at least one inwardly angled tooth of the first cutting disc includes a cutting edge normal the angle of attack, and the at least one inwardly angled tooth of the second cutting disc includes a cutting edge normal to the angle of attack. In still a further detailed embodiment, the embodiment further comprises a plurality of spacers interposing the at least three cutters, where each of the spacers includes a orifice therethrough, and a threaded fastener, where each of the at least three cutters includes an opening through a center thereof, and where the threaded fastener passes through each orifice of the spacers and each opening of the at least three cutters to maintain the orientation of the spacers and the at least three cutters with respect to one another. 
         [0005]    In yet another more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the circumferentially distributed teeth of at least one of the first disc, the second disc, and the third disc is radially aligned and in parallel with a hub of its corresponding disc. In still another more detailed embodiment, at least one of the circumferentially distributed teeth of each of the first disc, the second disc, and the third disc is radially aligned and in parallel with the hub of its corresponding disc. In a further detailed embodiment, the second cutting disc includes at least three circumferentially distributed teeth, the three circumferentially distributed teeth are each angled between five and sixty degrees, and the angles of each of the three circumferentially distributed teeth differ from one another. In still a further detailed embodiment, the three circumferentially distributed teeth are in series with one another, and the angles of each of the three circumferentially distributed teeth incrementally increase with respect to one another. 
         [0006]    It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a furrowing attachment comprising: (a) a first wheel including a rotational axis and at least two cutting projections radially spaced from the rotational axis and angled with respect to the rotational axis between twenty and eighty-five degrees, the first wheel also including at least one cutting edge substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis; and (b) a second wheel operatively coupled to the first wheel and axially spaced apart from the first wheel, the second wheel including a rotational axis coaxial with the rotational axis of the first wheel, the second wheel including at least two cutting projections radially spaced from the rotational axis and angled with respect to the rotational axis between twenty and eighty-five degrees, the second wheel also including at least one cutting edge substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, where a radius of the first wheel is less than a radius of the second wheel, and where one rotation of the first wheel corresponds with one rotation of the second wheel. 
         [0007]    In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the second wheel includes at least five cutting projections radially spaced from the rotational axis and angled with respect to the rotational axis between twenty and eighty-five degrees, and the at least five cutting projections are arranged in an undulating pattern. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the first wheel includes at least four cutting edges substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the first wheel includes only two cutting projections radially spaced from the rotational axis and angled with respect to the rotational axis between twenty and eighty-five degrees. In a further detailed embodiment, the embodiment further comprises at least two blades axially spaced apart from the first wheel and the second wheel, where the at least two blades are further axially spaced apart from the first wheel than the second wheel, and where each blade includes a radial dimension less than a radius of the second wheel. In still another detailed embodiment, the embodiment further comprises a series of angled blades axially spaced apart from the first wheel and the second wheel, where at least one of the series of blades includes a radial dimension less than a radius of the second wheel. 
         [0008]    It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a handheld furrower comprising: (a) a handheld, portable piece of equipment having an internal combustion engine coupled to a drive shaft that is coupled to a rotational end, the internal combustion engine having a throttle control operative to at least one of increase and decrease rotation of the rotational end; and (b) a furrowing attachment coupled to the rotational end of the handheld, portable piece of equipment, the furrowing attachment comprising at least three cutters axially spaced apart from one another and operatively coupled to one another, the three cutters comprising a second cutting disc interposing a first cutting disc and a cutting blade, the first cutting disc, the second cutting disc, and the cutting blade are coaxial, where each of the cutting discs includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed teeth, at least one of the circumferentially distributed teeth has an angle of attack between five and sixty degrees, and where the second cutting disc has a smaller diameter than the first cutting disc and a greater diameter than the cutting blade, and wherein one rotation of the first cutting disc corresponds with one rotation of the second cutting disc and one rotation of the cutting blade. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary furrow attachment in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an overhead view of a first blade for use with the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an overhead view of a second blade for use with the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an overhead view of a third blade for use with the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an overhead view of the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a bottom or underneath view of the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a profile view of the exemplary furrower of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an elevated perspective view of a portable furrower in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an overhead view of an exemplary blade for use with the exemplary furrow attachment of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass methods of creating furrows using portable power equipment, as well as devices to create furrows, and specifically replacement attachments defining the bounds of the furrows. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-6 , a first exemplary furrowing attachment  100  includes a series of cutters  102 ,  104 ,  106  spaced apart from one another that operate to dig a furrow (see  FIG. 7 ) within the ground when rotated and positioned adjacent the ground. A fastener  108 , such as a bolt, is threaded through a washer  110 , the first cutter  102 , a first spacer  112 , the second cutter  104 , a second spacer  114 , and finally the third cutter  106  before it is mounted to a receiver of a portable, handheld device (see  FIG. 7 ). An exemplary handheld, portable device is the FC 110 manufactured by Stihl (www.stihl.com). Those skilled in the art will readily be aware of the numerous portable, handheld devices that may be used with the exemplary furrowing attachment  100 . 
         [0020]    Each successive disc  102 ,  104 ,  106  is configured to displace less rotational area than the previous cutter in order to form a furrow (see  FIG. 6 ) having a completely vertical wall with an adjoining beveled wall. Each of the spacers  112 ,  114  is operative to maintain the separation of the respective cutters, as well as maintain the cutters in the proper orientation, after the fastener  108  is mounted to the power device and during rotational movement of attachment  100 . In this exemplary embodiment, each spacer  112 ,  114  is ½″ in height and includes a hole therethrough large enough to accommodate throughput of the fastener  108 . The diameter of the spacer, for purposes of explanation only, is 1⅝″. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the particular diameter and height disclosed for each spacer is not critical to practicing the instant invention and may be changed upon end application considerations without departing from the scope of the instant invention. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in exemplary form, the first cutter  102  is fabricated from 14 gauge steel and includes a hub  120  having a centered hole  122  therethrough to receiver the fastener  108 . This first cutter  106  is approximately 8.5″ in diameter and includes four symmetrical, frustroconical blades  124 ,  126  having a length of approximately 2⅞″, and a cutting length of approximately 2¾″. Each of the blades  126 ,  126  is bent inward to have an angle of attack (i.e., radial angle) of between six and sixty degrees. For purposes of explanation only, the first two blades  124  are opposite from one another and bent inward to have an angle of attack of approximately 20°, while the other two blades  126  are bent inward to have a radial angle of approximately 35°. In this exemplary embodiment, each blade  124 ,  126  includes a cutting edge  128  and a backside edge  130 , where neither the cutting edge, nor the backside edge is perpendicular with respect to the angle of attack. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to fabricate or orient perpendicularly the cutting edge  128  with respect to the angle of attack, while at the same time positioning the backside edge  130  perpendicular or not with respect to the angle of attack. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the second cutter  104  is also fabricated from 14 gauge steel and includes a hub  136  having a centered hole  138  therethrough to receive the fastener  108 . This second cutter  104  is approximately nine 9.5″ in diameter and includes twelve circumferentially and evenly distributed teeth  140 , each having a cutting edge  142  length of approximately 2″ and a backside edge  144  length of approximately 2⅝″. A pattern of one co-radial tooth  146  and five angled teeth  148 ,  150 ,  152  is repeated two times successively around the circumference of the cutter  104 . The five angled teeth  148 ,  150 ,  152  in series comprise a least inward bent tooth  148 , followed by a more inward bent tooth  150 , followed by the most inward bent tooth  152 , followed by the more inward bent tooth  150  and finally followed by the least inward bent tooth  148 . Each co-radial tooth  146  lies along the same X-Y plane of the hub  136 , while the ten angled teeth  148 ,  150 ,  152  are incrementally stair stepped upward and downward to each have radial angle of between five and sixty degrees. For purposes of explanation only, the least inward bent teeth  148  include an angle of attack (i.e., radial angle) with respect the hub  136  of approximately 15°, while the more inward bent teeth  150  are angled radially with respect the hub  136  at approximately 25°, while the most inward bent teeth  152  are angled radially with respect the hub  136  at approximately 38°. In this exemplary embodiment, each cutting edge  142  is perpendicular with respect to the angle of attack and the backside edge  144  is not perpendicular with respect to the angle of attack. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to fabricate or orient the cutting edge  144  with respect to the angle of attack other than perpendicular, while at the same time positioning the backside edge  144  perpendicular or not with respect to the angle of attack. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the third cutter  106  is also fabricated from 14 gauge steel and includes a hub  160  having a centered hole  162  therethrough to receive the fastener  108 . This third cutter  106  is approximately 10″ in diameter and includes twelve circumferentially and evenly distributed teeth  164 , each having a cutter length of approximately 2″ and a backside length of approximately 2¾″. Every sixth tooth  166  is bent inward to have an angle of attack (i.e., radial angle) of between five and sixty degrees, while the other teeth remain parallel to the plane of the hub. For purposes of explanation only, the two bent teeth  166  are angled radially with respect the hub at approximately 13°. In this exemplary embodiment, each tooth  164  includes a cutting edge  168  and a backside edge  170 , where the cutting edge is perpendicular with respect to the angle of attack and the backside edge is not perpendicular with respect to the angle of attack. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to fabricate or orient the cutting edge  168  with respect to the angle of attack other than perpendicular, while at the same time positioning the backside edge  170  perpendicular or not with respect to the angle of attack. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary furrower  200  includes the exemplary furrowing attachment  100  mounted to a portable, handheld device  202 . Exemplary handheld, portable devices  202  within the scope of the invention include, without limitation, the FC/FS 55, 75, 90, 95, 100, 110, 250 manufactured by Stihl (www.stihl.com), the HHE31CA manufactured by Honda (www.hondapowerequipment.com), and the 125E and 326EX manufactured by Husqvarna (www.usa.husqvama.com). Those skilled in the art will readily be aware of the numerous portable, handheld devices that may be used with the exemplary furrowing attachment  100  to provide a portable furrower  200  and for purposes of brevity a detailed explanation of the mechanical equipment of a portable device  202  has been omitted. 
         [0025]    Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary materials utilizes to fabricate the furrowing attachment  100  may be changed such as, without limitation, changing the 14 gauge metal for another gauge metal or other material. Other changes may be made to the furrowing attachment  100  such as, without limitation, replacing the V-shaped gap between the teeth and hub with a contoured shape such as a U-shaped gap to retard formation of stress cracks (see  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0026]    Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.