TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a rotating cutting assembly for use with mowers, mulchers, and/or grinders. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a rotating cutting assembly with wedged cutting tools for mowing, shredding, grinding or chipping organic matter.

BACKGROUND

Rotating cutting assemblies comprising a disc with cutting teeth are used to mow, mulch, or grind organic material, such as tree stumps or roots. As the assembly rotates, the cutting teeth dig into the organic material as well as additional materials, such as rocks, that are in the cutting path, which can cause the cutting tools to dull, chip, or break. Some conventional cutting assemblies have cutting teeth that are permanently coupled or integral to the rotating disc, such that when the cutting teeth are dulled, chipped, or broken, the entire rotating disc has to be replaced. Other conventional cutting assemblies include tool holders that are welded to the disc; however, the heat from the welding process can compromise the structural integrity and/or mechanical properties of the disc.

Some conventional rotating assemblies use cutting teeth that are secured to the disc via a fastener, such as a bolt. However, replacing such cutting teeth requires a removal of the fastener, removal of the cutting tooth, and inserting a new cutting tooth. Due to the placement of the fastener on the cutting tooth that comes into contact with the matter being mowed, mulched, or grinded, the fastener often gets damaged due to dirt, sand, organic matter, or other debris getting in the threads of the fastener. This can cause prevent an easy removal of the cutting tooth requiring replacement and/or damage the disc when trying to remove the cutting tooth.

Other rotating assemblies have cutting teeth that are coupled to the disc with wedges; however, these cutting teeth often have grooves, fasteners, or other retaining means for securing the wedges to both the disc and the cutting teeth. Alternatively, some conventional rotating assemblies have discs that comprise tool holders that retain and secure the cutting teeth to the disc. These grooved wedge or tool holder attachment mechanisms can require very precise fabrication, which can significantly increase the cost of manufacturing.

In view of the above, there is a need for more cost effective and efficient devices that would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above mentioned issues.

According to one general aspect, there is provided a disc configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the disc comprising: a first side and a second side; an arbor hole at a center of the disc configured to receive a drive shaft; a plurality of feller recesses spaced apart around a circumference of the disc; a plurality of feller cutting tools comprising a feller cutting edge and configured to be removably coupled to the disc in a corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses; and a plurality of wedges shaped and sized to retain a corresponding one of the plurality of feller cutting tools in the corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses with an interference fit

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools extend radially from the circumference of the disc and the feller cutting edge has a feller cutting path extending in an axial direction relative to the disc.

According to another aspect, there is provided a rotating assembly configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the rotating assembly comprising: a disc comprising: a first side and a second side; an arbor hole at a center of the disc configured to receive a drive shaft; and a plurality of feller recesses spaced apart around a circumference of the disc; a plurality of feller cutting tools comprising a feller cutting edge and configured to be removably coupled to the disc in a corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses; and a plurality of wedges shaped and sized to retain a corresponding one of the plurality of feller cutting tools in the corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses with an interference fit; wherein the plurality of feller cutting tools extend radially from the circumference of the disc and the feller cutting edge has a feller cutting path extending in an axial direction relative to the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses each comprise a feller wedge recess configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of wedges.

In some embodiments, the feller wedge recess is sized and shaped to provide a wedge interference fit with the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses each comprise a first engagement surface and the plurality of feller cutting tools each comprise a second engagement surface, and wherein when the plurality of feller cutting tools are removably coupled to the disc, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are configured to reinforce the interference fit between the corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses and the corresponding one of the plurality of feller cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the first engagement surface is a convex surface or a concave surface and the second engagement surface is an opposite one of the convex surface and the concave surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools each comprise a feller gullet configured to facilitate debris removal.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses each comprise a debris recess configured to facilitate additional debris removal with the feller gullet.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of wedges comprises a leading wedge surface configured to engage with a trailing feller surface on the corresponding one of the plurality of feller tools.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of wedges comprises at least one of: a leading wedge surface configured to engage with a trailing feller surface on the corresponding one of the plurality of feller tools; and a trailing wedge surface configured to engage with a leading feller recess surface on a corresponding one of the plurality of feller recesses. In some embodiments, at least one of: the trailing feller surface is tapered at an angle that corresponds to the leading feller wedge surface; the trailing feller surface comprises an engagement surface that is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the leading wedge surface; the trailing feller surface comprises a depression that is configured to receive a protrusion on the leading wedge surface; the trailing feller surface comprises a protrusion that is configured to receive a depression on the leading wedge surface; the trailing wedge surface comprises a wedge depression that is configured to receive a recess protrusion on the leading feller recess surface; and the trailing wedge surface comprises a wedge protrusion that is configured to receive a recess depression on the leading feller recess surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses comprise first feller recesses extending partially through a thickness of the circumference of the disc from the first side and second feller recesses extending partially through the thickness of the circumference of the disc from the second side, and wherein the first feller recesses and the second feller recesses are spaced apart around the circumference of the disc in an offset manner.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools comprises first feller cutting tools configured to be received in a corresponding one of the first feller recesses and second feller cutting tools configured to be received in a corresponding one of the second feller recesses; and wherein a first cutting edge on the first feller cutting tools and a second cutting edge on the second feller cutting tools overlap at a center of the circumference of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools are a plurality of feller cutting tool holders and the feller cutting edge on the plurality of feller cutting tools is a feller cutting means removably coupled to a leading side of a respective one of the plurality of feller cutting tool holders.

In some embodiments, the trailing feller surface is tapered at an angle that corresponds to the leading feller wedge surface.

In some embodiments, the trailing feller surface and the leading feller wedge surface are configured to reinforce the interference fit. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of wedges is a trapezoidal block.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools are removably coupled directly to the disc.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further comprises: a plurality of grinder cutting tools having a first grinder side and a second grinder side, each of the plurality of grinder cutting tools comprising: a first grinder cutting edge on the first grinder side; and a second grinder cutting edge on the second grinder side; wherein the disc further comprises a plurality of grinder recesses spaced apart around the circumference of the disc; and wherein the first grinder cutting edge and the second grinder cutting edge each have a grinder cutting path that extends in a radial direction; wherein each of the plurality of grinder cutting tools are configured to be removably coupled to the disc in a corresponding one of the plurality of grinder recesses; and wherein the first grinder side extends from the circumference of the disc in an axial direction on the first side of the disc and the second grinder side extends from the circumference of the disc in the axial direction on the second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of grinder cutting tools are a plurality of grinder cutting tool holders and the first grinder cutting edge and the second grinder cutting edge on the plurality of grinder cutting tools is a grinder cutting means removably coupled to a leading side of a respective one of the plurality of grinder cutting tool holders.

In some embodiments, the first grinder side extends from the circumference of the disc in an axial direction on the first side of the disc and the second grinder side extends from the circumference of the disc in the axial direction on the second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of wedges are shaped and sized to retain a corresponding one of the plurality of grinder cutting tools to the disc with an interference fit.

In some embodiments, the plurality of grinder recesses each comprise a grinder wedge recess configured to receive the corresponding one of the plurality of wedges. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of wedges comprises a trailing wedge surface configured to engage with a leading grinder side on the corresponding one of the plurality of grinder tools.

In some embodiments, the plurality of grinder cutting tools each comprise a wedge recess on one of: the leading grinder side and a trailing grinder side that is configured to receive the corresponding one of the plurality of wedges.

In some embodiments, the leading grinder surface and the trailing grinder wedge surface are configured to reinforce the interference fit.

In some embodiments, the leading grinder side is tapered at an angle that corresponds to the trailing grinder wedge surface.

In some embodiments, the first grinder cutting edge is substantially parallel to the first side of the disc and the second grinder cutting edge is substantially parallel to the second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses and the plurality of grinder recesses are spaced apart around the circumference of the disc in an alternating pattern.

In some embodiments, the plurality of feller recesses and the plurality of grinder recesses are dispersed around the circumference in a ratio of 2 to 1.

In some embodiments, the plurality of grinder cutting tools each comprise a disc recess on one of: the leading grinder side and the trailing grinder side that is configured to receive the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of grinder cutting tools are removably coupled directly to the disc.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further comprises: a plurality of mulcher cutting tools comprising: at least one first mulcher cutting edge on the first side of the disc; and at least one second mulcher cutting edge on the second side of the disc, wherein the disc further comprises a plurality of tool apertures extending through the disc from the first side to the second side; and wherein each of the plurality of mulcher cutting tools are configured to be removably coupled to the disc in a corresponding one of the plurality of tool apertures; wherein the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge each have a mulcher cutting path that extends in a radial direction.

In some embodiments, the plurality of mulcher cutting tools are a plurality of mulcher cutting tool holders and the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge on the plurality of mulcher cutting tools is a mulcher cutting means removably coupled to a leading side of a respective one of the plurality of mulcher cutting tool holders.

In some embodiments, the least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge each have a mulcher cutting path that extends in a radial direction.

In some embodiments, the plurality of tool apertures are arranged in an offset pattern on the disc.

In some embodiments, the offset pattern comprises groups of at least one leading mulcher cutting tool, at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool and at least one trailing mulcher cutting tool.

In some embodiments, each group is positioned between adjacent ones of the plurality of feller cutting tools.

In some embodiments, at least one of: the at least one leading mulcher cutting tool is closer to the circumference of the disc than the at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool; the at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool is closer to the circumference of the disc than the at least one trailing mulcher cutting tool; the at least one trailing mulcher cutting tool is closer to the circumference of the disc than the at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool; and the at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool is closer to the circumference of the disc than the at least one leading mulcher cutting tool.

In some embodiments, the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge on the leading mulcher cutting tool extends from the first side or the second side of the disc at a leading cutting edge height and wherein the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge on a trailing mulcher cutting tool extends from the second side of the disc at a trailing cutting edge height, wherein the leading cutting edge height is different than the trailing cutting edge height.

In some embodiments, the leading cutting edge height is less than the trailing cutting edge height.

In some embodiments, the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge on the at least one intermediate mulcher cutting tool has an intermediate cutting edge height, wherein the intermediate cutting edge height is different than at least one of: the leading cutting edge height and the trailing cutting edge height.

In some embodiments, the intermediate cutting edge height is greater than the leading cutting edge height and less than the trailing cutting edge height.

In some embodiments, the at least one first mulcher cutting edge is a first leading cutting edge and a first trailing cutting edge, and wherein the at least one second mulcher cutting edge is a second leading cutting edge and a second trailing cutting edge.

In some embodiments, wherein at least one of: a trailing axial height of the first trailing cutting edge is larger than a leading axial height of the first leading cutting edge; a trailing axial height of the second trailing cutting edge is larger than a leading axial height of the second leading cutting edge; the trailing axial height of the first trailing cutting edge is smaller than the leading axial height of the first leading cutting edge; and the trailing axial height of the second trailing cutting edge is smaller than the leading axial height of the second leading cutting edge.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of mulcher cutting tools is a dual mulcher cutting tool comprising a disc engagement section between at least one first mulcher cutting edge and at least one second mulcher cutting edge and configured to engage with the corresponding one of the plurality of tool cutter apertures. In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises a cutting tool aperture extending through the dual mulcher cutting tool substantially parallel to the disc when the dual mulcher cutting tool is coupled to the disc, the cutting tool aperture being configured to receive a fastener on one of: the first side and the second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface for receiving a wedge with a wedge aperture adjacent to the disc.

In some embodiments, the fastener extends through the wedge aperture and the cutting tool aperture to removably couple the dual mulcher cutting tool to the disc.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises at least one of: a leading extension and a trailing extension extending out from the disc engagement section, the leading extension having a leading disc surface and the trailing extension having a trailing disc surface configured to abut the disc when the dual mulcher cutting tool is coupled to the disc.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises at least one of: a leading disc cavity adjacent to the leading disc surface and a trailing disc cavity adjacent to the trailing disc surface, wherein the leading disc cavity and the trailing disc cavity are configured to receive an edge of the circumference of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of mulcher cutting tools each comprise: a first interlocking cutting tool having the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and a first aperture; and a second interlocking cutting tool having the at least one second mulcher cutting edge and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are configured to receive a fastener through the first interlocking cutting tool and the second interlocking cutting tool to couple the first interlocking cutting tool and the second interlocking cutting tool to each other and to the disc.

In some embodiments, at least one of: the first interlocking cutting tool comprises a first fastener cavity; and the second interlocking cutting tool comprises a second fastener cavity, wherein the first fastener cavity and the second fastener cavity are configured to retain at least one of: a threaded body coupled to the fastener, a washer, and the fastener to prevent rotation of the fastener or the threaded body during use.

In some embodiments, the rotating assembly further comprises a first rivet washer and a second rivet washer, wherein the first aperture extends partially through the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and is configured to receive the fastener extending from the second side of the disc and secured on the second side via the first rivet washer and the second aperture extends partially through the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool and is configured to receive the fastener extending from the first side of the disc and secured on the first side via the second rivet washer.

In some embodiments, at least one of: the first interlocking cutting tool comprises a first fastener surface; and the second interlocking cutting tool comprise a second fastener surface, wherein at least one of the first fastener surface and the second fastener surface is configured to prevent rotation of the fastener or the threaded body during use.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking cutting tool comprises a first disc cavity and the second interlocking cutting tool comprises a second disc cavity configured to receive the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of mulcher cutting tools are removably coupled directly to the disc.

In some embodiments, the disc is configured to cut, grind, or mulch in at least one of: a vertical movement, a longitudinal movement and a lateral movement.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wedges comprise a top portion and a bottom portion and wherein the plurality of wedges are tapered such that a width of the top portion is greater than a width of the bottom portion.

According to some aspects, there is provided a disc configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the disc comprising: a plurality of recesses spaced apart around a circumference of the disc, wherein the plurality of recesses are each configured to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of cutting tool and a corresponding one of a plurality of wedges, wherein each of the plurality of recesses comprises a fastener aperture for receiving a fastener to secure the wedge to the disc; and a plurality of tool apertures extending from a first side to a second side of the disc, each of the plurality of tool apertures configured to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of mulcher cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the disc further comprises a plurality of non-cylindrical apertures configured to receive the fastener and a threaded body.

In some embodiments, the disc further comprises the plurality of cutting tools and the plurality of wedges.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cutting tools are removably coupled to the disc via an interference fit with each of the plurality of wedges.

In some embodiments, the plurality of cutting tools comprise at least one of: a feller cutting tool and a grinder cutting tool.

In some embodiments, the disc further comprises the plurality of mulcher cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the plurality of mulcher cutting tools comprise at least one of: a dual mulcher cutting tool and a first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and a second interlocking mulcher cutting tool.

According to another aspect, there is provided a rotating assembly configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the rotating assembly comprising: a disc; a plurality of cutting tools; a plurality of wedges each configured to secure a corresponding one of the plurality of cutting tools to the disc; a plurality of mulcher cutting tools; wherein the disc comprises: a plurality of recesses spaced apart around a circumference of the disc and configured to receive the corresponding one of the plurality of cutting tools and a corresponding one of the plurality of wedges; and a plurality of tool apertures extending from a first side to a second side of the disc and configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of mulcher cutting tools; wherein at least one of the plurality of cutting tools and the plurality of mulcher cutting tools comprises at least one first cutting edge on the first side of the disc and at least one second cutting edge on the second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses each comprise a wedge recess for receiving the corresponding one of the plurality of wedges. According to another aspect, there is provided a disc configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the disc comprising: a first side, a second side, and a circumference around an outer perimeter of the disc; an arbor hole configured to receive a drive shaft; a plurality of recesses spaced apart around the circumference of the disc and configured to receive at least two types of cutting tools; and a plurality of tool apertures extending through the disc from the first side to the second side of the disc and configured to receive at least two types of cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses are each configured to secure the at least two types of cutting tools with a wedge and a fastener.

In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses further comprise a wedge recess configured to receive the wedge.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of recesses further comprise a surface configured to engage with a corresponding surface on a corresponding one of the at least two cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the surface is a convex surface or a concave surface.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of recesses further comprise a debris recess configured to facilitate debris removal with a gullet on the at least two cutting tools.

According to some aspects, there is provided a rotating assembly configured for use with at least one of a stump grinder, a mulcher, and a feller buncher, the rotating assembly comprising: a disc comprising: a first side, a second side, and a circumference around an outer perimeter of the disc; an arbor hole configured to receive a drive shaft; a plurality of recesses spaced apart around the circumference of the disc; and a plurality of tool apertures extending through the disc from the first side to the second side of the disc; a plurality of cutting tools configured to engage with a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses; and at least two types of mulcher cutting tools configured to engage with a corresponding one of the plurality of tool apertures, wherein a cutting path of at least two of the plurality of cutting tools and the plurality of mulcher cutting tools extends in a radial direction and an axial direction. In some embodiments, the disc is cut from a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the disc is laser cut from a sheet of metal.

According to some aspects, there is provided a stump grinder, a mulcher, or a feller buncher comprising the rotating assembly as defined herein.

According to some aspects, there is provided a stump grinder, a mulcher, or a feller buncher comprising the disc as defined herein.

According to some aspects, there is provided a cutting tool configured for use with a disc mounted to a stump grinder, a mulcher, or a feller buncher, the cutting tool comprising: at least one first grinder cutting edge on a first side of the cutting tool; at least one second grinder cutting edge on a second side of the cutting tool; a wedge recess on a leading side or a trailing side of the disc; and a disc recess on the leading side or the trailing side of the disc, wherein the disc recess and the wedge recess extend in opposite directions between the at least one first grinder cutting edge and the at least one second grinder cutting edge; wherein the wedge recess is configured to receive a wedge to secure the cutting tool to the disc; and the disc recess is configured to receive the disc; and wherein the at least one first grinder cutting edge and the at least one second grinder cutting edge are configured to have a grinder cutting path that extend in an axial direction.

In some embodiments, the wedge recess is on a leading side of the cutting tool and the disc recess is on a trailing side of the cutting tool.

In some embodiments, the wedge recess further comprises at least one wedge cavity configured to receive an edge of the wedge.

In some embodiments, the disc recess further comprises at least one disc cavity configured to receive an edge of the disc.

In some embodiments, the cutting tool is cut from a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the cutting tool is laser cut from a sheet of metal.

According to another aspect, there is provided an interlocking cutting tool configured for use with a disc mounted to a stump grinder, a mulcher, or a feller buncher, the interlocking cutting tool comprising: a first interlocking mulcher cutting tool comprising: at least one first cutting edge; a first aperture extending longitudinally through the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool; and a leading abutment configured to extend through a tool aperture in the disc; and a second interlocking mulcher cutting tool comprising: at least one second cutting edge; a second aperture extending longitudinally through the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool; and a trailing abutment configured to extend through the tool aperture in the disc; wherein, when the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool are coupled to the tool aperture in the disc in an interlocked configuration, the first aperture and the second aperture align to receive a single fastener and the leading abutment and the trailing abutment abut each other within the tool aperture; and wherein, when in the interlocked configuration, the at least one first cutting edge extends from a first side of the disc and the at least one second cutting edge extends from a second side of the disc.

In some embodiments, at least one of: the at least one first cutting edge is a first leading cutting edge on a leading side of the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and a first trailing cutting edge on a trailing side of the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool; and the at least one second cutting edge is a second leading cutting edge on the leading side of the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool and a second trailing cutting edge on the trailing side of the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool are cut from a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool are laser cut from a sheet of metal.

In some embodiments, the at least one first cutting edge is removably couplable to a first leading surface on the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool and/or the at least one second cutting edge is removably couplable to a second leading surface on the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool.

According to another aspect, there is provided a dual mulcher cutting tool configured for use with a disc mounted to a stump grinder, a mulcher, or a feller buncher, the dual mulcher cutting tool comprising: a first tool side and a tool second side separated by a disc engagement section configured to be received in a tool aperture in the disc; at least one first mulcher cutting edge on the first tool side; at least one second mulcher cutting edge on the second tool side; and a cutting tool aperture extending through the dual mulcher cutting tool on one of: the first tool side and the second tool side of the disc engagement section; wherein the cutting tool aperture is substantially parallel to the disc when the dual mulcher cutting tool is removably coupled to the disc and the cutting tool aperture is configured to receive a fastener; and wherein, when the dual mulcher cutting tool is removably coupled to the disc, the at least one first mulcher cutting edge and the at least one second mulcher cutting edge are configured to extend in an axial direction.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises a first wedge surface and a second wedge surface configured to receive a wedge comprising a wedge aperture, the wedge aperture being configured to receive the fastener.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises at least one extension extending in at least one of a leading direction and a trailing direction on the first tool side or the second tool side of the dual mulcher cutting tool and configured to provide at least one of: a leading disc surface and a trailing disc surface configured to abut the disc when the dual mulcher cutting tool is coupled to the disc.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool further comprises at least one of: a leading disc cavity adjacent to the leading disc surface and a trailing disc cavity adjacent to the trailing disc surface, wherein the leading disc cavity and the trailing disc cavity are configured to receive an edge of the circumference of the disc.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool is cut from a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool is laser cut from a sheet of metal.

In some embodiments, the feller cutting edge is a concave shaped cutting edge.

In some embodiments, the at least one first mulcher cutting edge is removably couplable to a first leading surface on the first tool side and/or the at least one second mulcher cutting edge is removably couplable to a second leading surface on the second tool side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 A is a perspective first side view of a disc with cutting tools coupled to the disc with wedges according to one embodiment, showing a first side of the disc;

FIG. 1 B is a perspective second side view of the disc and cutting tools shown in FIG. 1A, showing a second side of the disc;

FIG. 2A is a first side view of the disc shown in FIG. 1 A without the cutting tools, wedges, fasteners and other hardware;

FIG. 2B is a partial exploded view of the disc and cutting tools shown in FIG. 1A, showing how the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4A and the grinder cutting tool shown in FIG. 5A are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective first side view of a disc according to another embodiment without the cutting tools, wedges, fasteners, and other hardware;

FIG. 3B is a perspective first side view of the disc shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of a portion of the disc shown in FIG. 3A taken at encircled line 30;

FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of a portion of the disc shown in FIG. 3B taken at encircled line 3D;

FIG. 3E is a top plan view the disc shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3F is a perspective first side view of the disc shown in FIG. 3A with feller cutting tools coupled to the disc with wedges according to one embodiment, showing a first side of the disc;

FIG. 3G is a first side view of the disc and cutting tools shown in FIG. 3F; FIG. 3H is a top plan view of the disc shown in FIG. 3A coupled to cutting tools and wedges according to another embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the disc shown in FIG. 3H taken at encircled line 31;

FIG. 3J is a side view of a wedge for use with the cutting tools shown in FIG. 3H according to one;

FIG. 3K is a perspective bottom view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 3J;

FIG. 3L is a bottom plan view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 3J;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a feller cutting tool according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a perspective side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a perspective leading side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a perspective leading side view of a feller cutting tool according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4E is a perspective side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4D;

FIG. 4F is a top plan view of a feller cutting tool according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4G is a perspective trailing side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4F;

FIG. 4H is a trailing side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4F;

FIG. 41 is a side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4F;

FIG. 4J is a top plan view of a feller cutting tool according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4K is a perspective leading side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4J;

FIG. 4L is an outer side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4J;

FIG. 4M is a leading side view of the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4J;

FIG. 5A is a plan top view of a grinder cutting tool according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a perspective second side view of the grinder cutting tool shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a perspective leading side view of the grinder cutting tool shown in FIG. 5A; FIG. 6A is a perspective leading side view of a feller wedge according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a leading side view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6E is a perspective leading side view of a feller wedge according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6F is a top plan view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6E;

FIG. 6G is a side view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6E;

FIG. 6H is a leading side view of the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6E;

FIG. 61 is an enlarged partial side view of a disc according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6J is a top plan view of the disc shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 6K is an enlarged partial exploded view of the disc shown in FIG. 61, showing how the feller cutting tool shown in FIG. 4F is coupled to the disc with the feller wedge shown in FIG. 6E;

FIG. 6L is a perspective view of the disc, feller cutting tool, and feller wedge shown in FIG. 6K;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of a first interlocking cutting tool according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view of a second interlocking cutting tool according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a perspective side view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B is a perspective leading side view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8C is a perspective trailing side view of the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B; FIG. 8D is a perspective leading side view of the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional exploded view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B, showing how the first and second interlocking cutting tools are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional side view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B in an interlocked configuration and coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional, perspective exploded view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B, showing how the first and second interlocking cutting tools are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional, perspective exploded view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B, showing how the first and second interlocking cutting tools are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B in an interlocked configuration and coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9F is a perspective side view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B in an interlocked configuration and coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9G is a perspective exploded view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B, showing how the first and second interlocking cutting tools are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 9H is a side exploded view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B, showing how the first and second interlocking cutting tools are coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A; FIG. 91 is a perspective front view of the first interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7A and the second interlocking cutting tool shown in FIG. 7B in an interlocked configuration and coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 10A is a perspective trailing side view of a dual mulcher cutting tool according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a perspective leading side view of the dual mulcher cutting tool shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional exploded view of the dual mulcher cutting tool shown in FIG. 10A, showing how the dual mulcher cutting tool is coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 11 B is a cross-sectional front view of the dual mulcher cutting tool shown in FIG. 10A coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional partial view of the disc shown in FIG. 1A, showing a leading mulcher cutting tool, an intermediate mulcher cutting tool, and a trailing mulcher cutting tool;

FIG. 13A is a perspective first side view of cutting tool holders according to one embodiment coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 13B is a first side view of the cutting tool holders and the disc shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a perspective first side view of cutting tool holders according to one embodiment coupled to a disc according to another embodiment;

FIG. 13D is a first side view of the cutting tool holders and the disc shown in FIG. 13C;

FIG. 13E is a cross-sectional first side view of the mulcher cutting tool holder in an interlocked configuration coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 13B taken at line A — A;

FIG. 13F is a top view of the cutting tool holders and the disc shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a partial exploded perspective view of the mulcher cutting tool holders and the disc shown in FIG. 13A, showing the mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 17A, the cutting means shown in FIG. 15A, and the disc shown in FIG. 2A being coupled together; FIG. 14B is a partial exploded perspective view of the cutting tool holders and the disc shown in FIG. 13A, showing the feller cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 16A, the cutting means shown in FIG. 15A, and the disc shown in FIG. 2A being coupled together;

FIG. 15A is a perspective leading side view of a cutting means according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the cutting means shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C is a leading side view of the cutting means shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a side view of a feller cutting tool holder according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16B is a leading side view of the feller cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a perspective leading side view of the feller cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a perspective leading side view of a mulcher cutting tool holder according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a leading side view of the mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17C is a bottom plan view of the mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17D is a side view of the mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is a perspective first side view of feller cutting tools, grinder cutting tools, and dual mulcher cutting tool holders according to one embodiment coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 18B is a first side view of the cutting tools, the cutting tool holders, and the disc shown in FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19A is a perspective leading side view of a dual mulcher cutting tool holder according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19B is a side view of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional side view of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 19A; FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional side view of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 19A coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional exploded view of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder shown in FIG. 19A, showing how the dual mulcher cutting tool is coupled to the disc shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 21 is a perspective front view of a stump grinder according to one embodiment;

FIG. 22A is a top plan view of the stump grinder shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 22B is a top plan view of the stump grinder shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 23 is a perspective front view of a mulcher according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective front view of a feller buncher according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, references to “leading” refers to the direction or side of the direction of rotation DR of the disc, whereas “trailing” refers to the direction or side that is opposite the direction of rotation DR of the disc.

As used herein, “substantially”, “approximately”, and/or “about” means an acceptable variation according to conventional standards, otherwise at most a 5% to 10% variation from an indicated effect or value.

Rotating assemblies, such as discs, can be used with stump grinders, mulchers, and/or feller bunchers that are configured to grind stumps, mulch organic or other matter, mow organic or other matter, clear land, and/or cut or fell trees or shrub. The assembly is coupled to a means of rotation, such as a drive shaft, and can be mountable on a movable working arm or boom of a self-propelled vehicle or hand-held device. The assembly can be mounted to the means of rotation horizontally or vertically.

The discs described herein comprise recesses and apertures that are configured to receive different types of cutting tools that have cutting edges with a cutting path that extend in the axial or radial directions. In some embodiments, the cutting tools are configured to extend through the disc or at the periphery or circumference of the disc and provide at least one cutting edge on either side of the disc and/or extending radially from the periphery or circumference of the disc.

In some embodiments, the cutting edges are placed at varying distances from a face of the disc. In some embodiments, a portion of the cutting tools can be dispersed along the periphery or circumference of the disc and a portion of the cutting tools can be dispersed along the planar faces of the disc at varying distances from the circumference of the disc in an offset manner. When the disc is rotated while in use, the multiple directions and heights of the cutting paths and the offset pattern of the cutting tools can reduce contact with the material being mulched, grinded, or cut at the same time, such that only one cutting tool is in contact with the material at any given time.

In some embodiments, the cutting tools are configured to be coupled to the disc with a wedge. The cutting tools and/or the disc can be shaped such that they can be cut from a single piece of material, such as laser cut from a metal plate or sheet, which can reduce the cost of manufacturing. In some embodiments, the wedges are configured to provide an interference fit between the cutting tools and the disc and can, optionally, be secured with a fastener. Providing a secure interference fit between the wedges, the cutting tools, and the disc can reduce the required force to torque the fasteners used to secure the wedges when the cutting tools are being replaced or repaired and/or require a smaller bolt due to the mechanical advantage created by the wedge. Moreover, by securing the cutting tools with a wedge that is secured with a fastener, the corresponding cutting tools can be quicker and easier to replace than cutting tools that are bolted to the disc by loosening or removing the wedge fastener to release the interference fit between the wedge and the cutting tool and inserting a new cutting tool.

Referring now to Figures 1A to 2B, a disc 100 is shown comprising a flat or planar round shape defined by a first side 100a, a second side 100b and a periphery or circumference 101. The disc 100 includes an arbor hole 102 that is configured to receive a drive shaft on the implement the disc 100 is being used with, such as a feller buncher, stump grinder, or mulcher, and arbor apertures 103 that are configured to receive fasteners for securing the disc 100 to the implement. The disc 100 shown in this exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of feller recesses 112 each configured to receive a feller cutting tool 200 and a feller wedge 222, a plurality of grinder recesses 122 each configured to receive a grinder cutting tool 300 and a grinder wedge 322, and tool apertures 130 configured to receive a mulcher cutting tool 400. However, as will be discussed below, the disc 100 can comprise one or more of the feller recesses 112, grinder recess 122, and tool apertures 130 in different combinations depending on the application and/or implement that the disc 100 is being used with. For example, a disc 100 used for felling trees can comprise only feller recesses 112, whereas a disc 100 used for grinding stumps can comprise feller recesses 112 and grinder recesses 122.

In some implementations, the disc 100 can comprise fastener apertures 104 extending from the feller recesses 112 and the grinder recess 122 that are configured to receive the fastener 108. In some embodiments, the fastener apertures 104 have an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to a trailing feller recess surface 120 of the feller recess 112 or a leading grinder recess surface 126 of the grinder recess 122. When the feller cutting tools 200 and/or the grinder cutting tools 300 are removably coupled to the disc 100 in feller recess 112 and grinder recess 122, respectively, the fastener 108 extends through the feller cutting tool 200 or the grinder cutting tool 300 and into the fastener aperture 104. The fastener apertures 104 can be threaded to receive a corresponding threaded fastener 108. In other embodiments, the fastener apertures 104 can culminate in a threaded body aperture 106 that is configured to retain a threaded body 110 that receives the fastener 108. In some embodiments, the threaded body apertures 106 can extend from the first side 100a to the second side 100b, such that the threaded body 110 can be axially inserted into the threaded body aperture 106 from either side. In other embodiments, the threaded body apertures 106 can comprise a recess that is only accessible from the first side 100a or the second side 100b. When the threaded body 110 is secured to the fastener 108 in the threaded body aperture 106, the threaded body 110 can be tightened or torqued against the wall of the threaded body aperture 106 that the fastener aperture 104 extends through.

Other configurations of discs are also possible, such as shown in Figures 3A to 3G, which shows a disc 1000 according to another embodiment. The disc 1000 has a flat or planar round shape defined by a first side 1000a, a second side 1000b, and a periphery or circumference 1001. The disc 1000 includes an arbor hole 1002 that is configured to receive a drive shaft.

The disc 1000 shown in this exemplary embodiment comprises a plurality of feller recesses each configured to receive a feller cutting tool 2000a, 2000b and a feller wedge 2022. However, it is understood that the disc 1000 can also comprise grinder recesses 122 and/or tool apertures 130 in different combinations depending on the application and/or implement that the disc 1000 is being used with.

Feller Recesses 112, 1012

Referring back to Figures 1A to 2B, each of the feller recesses 112 are spaced apart around the circumference 101 of the disc 100. The feller recesses 112 comprise a first engagement surface 114, a leading feller recess surface 118, and a trailing feller recess surface 120. In some embodiments, the feller recess 112 can comprise a cutting tool recess 117 that is configured to receive a bottom portion of the feller cutting tool 200.

As shown in Figure 2B, the feller cutting tool 200 can be removably coupled to a feller recess 112 via an interference fit with the feller wedge 222. The feller wedge 222 comprises a wedge aperture (not shown) that is configured to receive a fastener 108 to secure the wedge 222 to the disc 100. In some embodiments, the wedge aperture is threaded and configured to receive the fastener 108. In other embodiments, the fastener 108 is secured with a washer 109 and a threaded body 110, such as a square or hexagonal threaded nut.

The feller wedge 222 comprises a top portion 224, a bottom portion 226, a leading wedge surface 228, and a trailing wedge surface 230. The feller wedge 222 can be tapered such that a width of the top portion 224 is greater than a width of the bottom portion 226. In this exemplary embodiment, the feller wedge 222 secures the feller cutting tool 200 with an interference fit on a trailing side of the feller cutting tool 200. Accordingly, the leading wedge surface 228 is configured to engage with the trailing feller surface 206 to secure the feller cutting tool 200 in the feller recess 112 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, at least one of the feller recesses 112 can comprise a feller wedge recess 116 that is configured to receive the feller wedge 222. The feller wedge recess 116 can be sized and shaped to receive the bottom portion 226 of the feller wedge 222 to secure the feller wedge 222 in the feller recess 112 and further reinforce the interference fit between the feller cutting tool 200 and the feller wedge 222. In some embodiments, the wedge recess 116 can be sized and shaped to provide an interference fit between the feller wedge 222 and the disc 100.

In some embodiments, the various interacting surfaces of the feller cutting tool 200, the feller wedge 222, the feller recess 112, and/or the feller wedge recess 116 can be modified to provide cooperating engagement surfaces, such as tongue and groove, protrusion and depression, etc.

For example, referring now to Figures 4F to 4I and 6A to 6L, a feller cutting tool 200a can be removably coupled to a feller wedge 222a, 222b via cooperating engagement surfaces. Furthermore, the feller wedge 222b can be removably coupled to a disk 100’ via cooperating engagement surfaces. Providing cooperating engagement surfaces between two surfaces that are configured to be secured together via an interference fit can further reinforce the connection between the two surfaces and/or prevent lateral movement.

With specific reference to Figures 6I to 6L, a portion of a disc 100’ according to another embodiment is shown. The disc 100’ has substantially the same features as the disc 100, except that the disc 100’ has a feller recess 112’ with an engagement surface on the trailing feller recess surface 120’. The engagement surface is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement surface on the feller wedge 222b. In the exemplary embodiment, the trailing feller recess surface 120’ includes a protrusion 120a’ that is configured to be received in a depression 227 on the feller wedge 222b.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6A to 6D, the feller wedge 222a has a top portion 224a, a bottom portion 226a, a leading wedge surface 228a, and a trailing wedge surface 230a. The feller wedge 222a can be tapered such that a width of the top portion 224a is greater than a width of the bottom portion 226a. In the exemplary embodiment, the leading wedge surface 228a has a protrusion 229a that is configured to engage with a trailing surface of the feller cutting tool 200a (for example, the depression 207a shown in Figures 4F to 4H). In this embodiment, the protrusion 229a is substantially v-shaped with a rounded apex that is configured to fit within the depression 207a on the corresponding feller cutting tool 200a. However, it is understood that any corresponding shape or configuration could be used, such as a protrusion on the feller cutting tool and a depression on the wedge, a tongue and groove system, etc. The feller wedge 222a can also include a wedge aperture 223 that is configured to receive a fastener 108 to secure the wedge 222a to the disc 100.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6E to 6H, the feller wedge 222b has a top portion 224b, a bottom portion 226b, a leading wedge surface 228b, and a trailing wedge surface 230b. The trailing wedge surface 230b includes a depression 227 that is configured to engage with a trailing feller recess surface 120’ on a disk 100’ (for example, the protrusion 120a’ shown in Figures 6I and 6L). The leading wedge surface 228b can include a protrusion 229b that is configured to engage with the feller cutting tool 200a (in the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 229b is configured to be received in the depression 207a). The feller wedge 222b can also include a wedge aperture 223 that is configured to receive a fastener 108 to secure the wedge 222b to the disc 100’.

Referring back to Figures 3A to 3G, the disc 1000 includes first side feller recesses 1012a and second side feller recesses 1012b that are spaced apart around the circumference 1001 of the disc 1000 in an offset manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the first side feller recesses 1012a and second side feller recesses 1012b are equally spaced apart in an alternating or staggered fashion between the first side 1000a and the second side 1000b, as shown best in Figure 3E.

In contrast to the feller recesses 112 in the disc 100, the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b extend only partially through the thickness Ti of the disc 1000 from the first side 1000a and the second side 1000b, respectively, of the disc 1000. To provide full cutting coverage around the circumference 10001 of the disc 1000, the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b can have a depth Di that is at least 50% of a thickness Ti of the disc 1000, such that when the first and second feller cutting tools are secured in the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b, respectively, there is an overlap between a first cutting edge on the first feller cutting tools coupled to the first feller recesses 1012a and a second cutting edge on the second feller cutting tools coupled to the second feller recesses 1012b. As best shown in Figure 3I, by having a depth Di that is greater than 50% of the thickness Ti , the first and second cutting edges have an overlap having an overlap width W3. In some embodiments, the depth Di can be between about 50.5% and about 99% of the thickness T1 , or between about 55% and about 70%. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3E, the disc has a thickness T1 of about 1.93 inches and the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b each have a depth Di that is about 1.08 inches; accordingly, the depth Di is about 56% of the thickness T1 of the disc 1000. The depth Di of the first feller recesses 1012a and the second feller recesses 1012b can be substantially the same, or can differ.

As best shown in Figures 3C and 3D, each of the first feller recesses 1012a, 1012b comprise a first engagement surface 1014, a leading feller recess surface 1018, and a trailing feller recess surface 1020. In some embodiments, the first and second feller recess 1012a, 1012b can comprise a cutting tool recess 1017 that is configured to receive a bottom portion of the feller cutting tool 2000.

The feller cutting tool 2000a, 2000b can be removably coupled to one of the first or second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b, respectively, via an interference fit with a feller wedge 2022. Referring now to Figures 3J to 3L, a feller wedge 2022 configured to secure the feller cutting tools 2000 to the disc 1000 is shown. The feller wedge 2022 comprises a wedge aperture 2023 that is configured to receive a fastener 108 to secure the wedge 2022 to the disc 1000. In some embodiments, the wedge aperture 2023 is threaded and configured to receive the fastener 108. In other embodiments, the fastener 108 is secured with a washer 109 and a threaded body 110, such as a square or hexagonal threaded nut.

The feller wedge 2022 comprises a top portion 2024, a bottom portion 2026, a leading wedge surface 2028, and a trailing wedge surface 2030. In the exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figure 3 J , the feller wedge 2022 is tapered such that a width of the top portion 2024 is greater than a width of the bottom portion 2026. For example, the leading wedge surface 2028 can be angled from the bottom portion 2026 by an angle 01 of between about 90.5° and about 175°, or between about 95° and about 115°. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle 01 between the leading wedge surface 2028 and the bottom portion 2026 is about 105°. The feller wedge 2022 secures the feller cutting tool 2000 with an interference fit on a trailing side of the feller cutting tool 2000. Accordingly, the leading wedge surface 2028 is configured to engage with the trailing feller surface on the feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b to secure the feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b in the feller recesses 1012a, 1012b.

In some embodiments, the leading wedge surface 2028 is angled from a first side 2025a or a second side 2025b of the wedge 2022 at an angle 02 that is greater than 90°. In this embodiment, a feller wedge 2022 configured to couple a first feller cutting tool 2000a to the disc 1000 would be mirrored to a feller wedge 2022 configured to couple a second feller cutting tool 2000b to the disc 1000. In some embodiments, the angle 01 between the leading wedge surface 2028 and the bottom portion 2026 can be substantially equal to the angle 02 between the leading wedge surface 2028 and the first or second side 2025a, 2025b of the feller wedge 2022. In some embodiments, the angle 02 between the leading wedge surface 2028 and the first or second side 2025a, 2025b of the feller wedge 2022 can be between about 90.5° and about 175°, or between about 95° and about 115°. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle 02 is about 95°.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and/or second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b can include a feller wedge recess 1016 that is configured to receive the feller wedge 2022. The feller wedge recess 1016 can be sized and shaped to receive a bottom portion 2026 of the feller wedge 2022 to secure the feller wedge 2022 in the first or second feller recess 1012a, 1012b and further reinforce the interference fit between the feller cutting tool 2000a, 2000b and the feller wedge 2022. In some embodiments, the wedge recess 1016 can be sized and shaped to provide an interference fit between the feller wedge 2022 and the disc 1000.

Feller Cutting Tools 200, 2000

Referring now to Figures 4A to 4C, the disc 100 can include a plurality of feller cutting tools 200, each comprising a feller cutting edge 202 that defines a feller cutting path PF, a leading feller surface 204, a trailing feller surface 206, and a bottom surface 210. When coupled to the disc 100 the feller cutting tools 200 extend radially from the circumference 101 of the disc 100, resulting in the feller cutting path PF extending in an axial direction z relative to the disc 100 (i.e., when the feller cutting tools 200 are coupled to the disc 100, the feller cutting edge 202 has a feller cutting path PF that extends in substantially the same direction as an axis of the disc 100).

The leading feller surface 204 is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading feller recess surface 118. In the exemplary embodiment, the leading feller surface comprises a second engagement surface 208 that is configured to abut and/or engage with the first engagement surface 114 on the feller recess 112 on the disc 100. When the feller cutting tool 200 is removably coupled to the disc 100, the first engagement surface 114 and the second engagement surface 208 are configured to reinforce the interference fit between the feller recess 112, the feller cutting tool 200, and the feller wedge 222. In some embodiments, the first engagement surface 114 comprises a convex shape or a concave shape, and the second engagement surface 208 comprises the opposite or complimentary shape. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2B, the first engagement surface 114 is a convex shape and the second engagement surface 208 is a concave shape. In other embodiments, the first engagement surface 114 and the second engagement surface 208 can comprise grooves and tongues, protrusions and depressions, or other complimentary shapes.

The trailing feller surface 206 is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading wedge surface 228. In the exemplary embodiment, the trailing feller surface 206 comprises an upper surface 206a and a lower surface 206b. When the feller cutting tool 200 and the feller wedge 222 are coupled to the disc 100, the lower surface 206b abuts with the leading wedge surface 228 and the upper surface 206a extends above the top portion 224 of the feller wedge 222.

The bottom surface 210 of the feller cutting tool 200 is configured to abut and/or engage with the cutting tool recess 117 in the feller recess 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 210 comprises a convex shape and the cutting tool recess 117 comprises a concave shape. In other embodiments, the bottom surface 210 and the cutting tool recess 117 can comprise planar surfaces, grooves and tongues, protrusions and depressions, or other complimentary shapes.

In some embodiments, the feller cutting tools 200 can comprise a feller gullet 212 that is configured to facilitate debris removal of the organic matter that is being shredded, grinded, or mulched. In some embodiments, at least one of the feller recesses 112 can comprise a debris recess 115 configured to facilitate additional debris removal with the feller gullet 212. The debris recess 115 can comprise any shape that allows debris that has been cut off the organic material to freely move away from the feller cutting edge 202. In some embodiments, the debris recess 115 comprises a curved shape that corresponds with the shape of the feller gullet 212 on the feller cutting tool 200 to create a spherical or dome shaped recess when the feller cutting tool 200 is coupled to the disc 100.

Referring now to Figures 4D and 4E, a feller cutting tool 200’ comprising a feller cutting edge 202’ according to another embodiment is shown. The feller cutting tooth 200’ has substantially the same features as the feller cutting tool 200, except the feller cutting edge 202’ comprises a concave shaped cutting path.

In some embodiments, the feller cutting tool 200 can include a cooperating engagement surface on a trailing feller surface 206 thereof to reinforce the engagement with and/or interference fit with the feller wedge 222. For example, referring now to Figures 4F to 4I, a feller cutting tool 200a having a trailing feller surface 207 that is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading wedge surface 228a, 228b on the feller wedge 222a, 222b, respectively, is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the trailing feller surface 207 comprises a lower surface with a depression 207a that is configured to engage and/or cooperate with the protrusion 229 on the feller wedge 222a, 222b. For example, when the feller cutting tool 200 and the feller wedge 222a, 222b are coupled to the disc 100, 100’, the depression 207a on the lower surface of the trailing feller surface 207 receives the protrusion 229 on the leading wedge surface 228a of the feller wedge 222a, 222b.

Referring back to Figures 3E to 3G, the feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b for use with the disc 1000 are shown. The feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b are removably coupled to the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b, respectively, along the circumference 1001 of the disc 1000 via a wedge. In some embodiments, as best shown in Figure 3E, a width Wi of the feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b used with the disc 1000 is substantially equal to the depth Di of the first and second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b, such that an outer facing side wall of the feller cutting tool 2000 is substantially flush or level with the first or second side 1000a, 1000b of the disc 1000. In other embodiments, as best shown in Figures 3H, 3I, and 4J to 4M, the feller cutting tools 2000a’, 2000a’ for use with the disc 1000 can have a cutting edge width W2 that is greater than the depth Di of the first or second feller recesses 1012a, 1012b, respectively.

In some embodiments, the feller cutting tools 2000 configured to coupled to a first feller recess 1012a on the first side 1000a of the disc 1000 are substantially the same as the feller cutting tools 2000 configured to coupled to a second feller recess 1012b on the second side 1000b of the disc 1000. In other embodiments, the plurality of feller cutting tools 2000 coupled to the disc 1000 can comprise a first feller cutting tool 2000a and a second feller cutting tool 2000b.

Referring now to Figures 4J to 4M, a first feller cutting tool 2000a’ is shown; however, it is understood that the second feller cutting tool 2000b’ shown in Figures 3H and 3I has the same features as the first feller cutting tool 2000a’ but mirrored and configured to couple to the second side 1000b of the disc 1000. The first feller cutting tool 2000a’ includes an outer side surface 2003a, which in the first feller cutting tool 2000a’ is on the first side 1000a when coupled to the disc 1000, an inner side surface 2003b, a feller cutting edge 2002 or cutting surface that defines a feller cutting path, a leading feller surface 2004, a trailing feller surface 2006, and a bottom surface 2010. When coupled to the disc 1000, the first and second feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b extend radially from a first side or a second side 1000a, 1000b, respectively, of the circumference 1001 of the disc 1000, resulting in the feller cutting path extending in an axial direction relative to the disc 1000.

The leading feller surface 2004 is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading feller recess surface 1018. In the exemplary embodiment, the leading feller surface 2004 comprises a second engagement surface 2008 that is configured to abut and/or engage with the first engagement surface 1014 on the first or second feller recess 1012a, 1012b on the disc 1000. When the feller cutting tool 2000 is removably coupled to the disc 1000, the first engagement surface 1014 and the second engagement surface 2008 are configured to reinforce the interference fit between the first or second feller recess 1012a, 1012b and the feller cutting tool 2000 and the feller wedge 2022. The trailing feller surface 2006 is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading wedge surface 2028. The bottom surface 2010 of the feller cutting tool 2000 is configured to abut and/or engage with the cutting tool recess 1017 in the feller recess 1012a, 1012b.

The first and second feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b differ in that the orientation of the feller cutting edge 2002 are mirrored to co-operate in creating a single cutting path. As shown in Figure 3I, the second feller cutting tools 2000b include a feller cutting edge 2002 that forms a concave edge extending from the second side surface 2003b to the first side surface 2003a, such that the depth of the feller cutting edge 2002 on the leading feller surface 2004 is greater on the first side surface 2003a (an inner side facing at or near a center of the disc 1000) than on the second side surface 2003b (or outer side facing an outside of the disc 1000). Accordingly, when the disc 1000 is rotated, the second side 1000b of the feller cutting edge 2002 of the second feller cutting tool 2000b (i.e., the outer side of the second feller cutting tool 2000b) comes into contact with the matter being shredded, mowed, etc. before the first side 1000a of the feller cutting edge 2002 of the second feller cutting tool 2000b. Similarly, when the first feller cutting tools 2000a are coupled to the disc 1000, an outer side (first side surface 2003a) of the first feller cutting tools 2000a has a feller cutting edge 2002 that extends further in the leading direction than the inner side (second side surface 2003b).

In some embodiments, the feller cutting path 2002 of each of the first and second feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b are mirrored curves that collectively form a concave curve. In the exemplary embodiment, the feller cutting path 2002 of each of the first and second feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b are mirrored concave quarter-circle curves that collectively form a concave half-circle curve.

In some embodiments, as best shown in Figure 3I, the combination of the first and second feller cutting tools creates a cutting path that extends at least the thickness Ti of the disc 1000. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second feller cutting tools 2000a, 2000b have an outer side (the first side surface 2003a and the second side surface 2003b, respectively) that extends angularly out from the first side 1000a and the second side 1000b, respectively, of the disc. Accordingly, the cutting path has a width W4 (/.e., the cutting width or kerf) that is greater than the thickness T1 of the disc 1000.

Grinder Recesses 122

Referring back to Figures 1A to 2B, each of the grinder recesses 122 are spaced apart around the circumference 101 of the disc 100. Each grinder recess 122 comprises a grinder wedge surface 124, a leading grinder recess surface 126 and a trailing grinder recess surface 128. The grinder recess 122 is configured to receive a grinder cutting tool 300 and a grinder wedge 322. The leading grinder recess surface 126 is configured to abut and/or engage with a leading wedge surface 328 of the grinder wedge 322 and the grinder wedge surface 124 is configured to abut and/or engage with a bottom portion 326 of the grinder wedge 322, when the grinder cutting tool 300 is coupled to the disc 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the leading grinder recess surface 126 and the leading wedge surface 328 are substantially planar. However, the leading grinder recess surface 126 and the leading wedge surface 328 can comprise any complimentary shapes, such as groove and tongue, concave and convex surfaces, or protrusions and depressions. As is described below, the trailing grinder recess surface 128 is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing surface of the cutting tool 300.

In some embodiments, the feller recesses 112 and the grinder recesses 122 are spaced apart around the circumference 101 of the disc 100 in an alternating pattern, such as being dispersed around the circumference 101 in a ratio of 2 to 1 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 2, the alternating pattern comprises two feller recesses 112 dispersed around the circumference 101 between a single grinder recess 122.

Grinder Cutting Tools 300

Referring now to Figures 5A to 5C, the disc 100 can include a plurality of grinder cutting tools 300 having a first side 300a configured to extend on the first side 100a of the disc 100, a second side 300b configured to extend on the second side 100b of the disc 100, a leading grinder side 304, and a trailing feller side 306. Each grinder cutting tool 300 comprises a first grinder cutting edge 302a on the first side 300a of the grinder cutting tool 300 and a second grinder cutting edge 302b on the second side 300b of the grinder cutting tool 300. Both the first grinder cutting edge 302a and the second grinder cutting edge 302b define a grinder cutting path PG that extends in a radial direction y when the grinder cutting tools 300 are coupled to the disc 100.

Referring back to Figure 2B, the grinder cutting tool 300 is coupled to the disc 100 with a fastener 108 that extends through a wedge aperture (not shown) in the grinder wedge 322 and is secured with a washer 109 and a threaded body 110. When coupled to the disc 100, the leading grinder side 304 is configured to abut and/or engage with the trailing wedge surface 330 on the grinder wedge 322, and the trailing grinder side 306 is configured to abut and/or engage with the trailing grinder recess surface 128.

In some embodiments, the leading grinder side 304 comprises a wedge recess 310 that is configured to receive the grinder wedge 322. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom or back surface of the wedge recess 310 is planar and corresponds with a planar trailing wedge surface 330 on the grinder wedge 322. However, the abutting surfaces could comprise any complimentary shapes. In some embodiments, the wedge recess 310 comprises a first wedge surface 311 a and a second wedge surface 311 b that are configured to abut and/or engage with the sides of the wedge 322 to prevent axial movement of the grinder cutting tool 300 and the wedge 322. The width of the wedge recess 310 (i.e., the distance between the first wedge surface 311 a and the second wedge surface 322) can be slightly greater than a width of the wedge 322 and/or can be sized and shaped to facilitate an interference fit between the grinder cutting tool 300 and the wedge 322. In some embodiments, the wedge recess 310 can further comprise a first wedge cavity 316a and a second wedge cavity 316b that are configured to receive an edge of the grinder wedge 322 along the trailing wedge surface 330. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second wedge cavities 316a, 316b are curved or dome shaped, however, the first and second wedge cavities 316a, 316b can comprise any shape.

In some embodiments, the trailing grinder side 306 comprises a disc recess 308 that is configured to receive the disc 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom or back surface of the disc recess 308 is planar and corresponds with a planar trailing grinder recess surface 128. However, the abutting surfaces could comprise any complimentary shapes. In some embodiments, the disc recess 308 comprises a first side wall 309a and a second side wall 309b that are configured to abut and/or engage with the first side 100a and the second side 100b of the disc 100, respectively, to prevent axial movement of the grinder cutting tool 300. In some embodiments, the disc recess 308 can further comprise a first disc cavity 318a and a second disc cavity 318b that are configured to receive an edge of the disc 100 along the trailing grinder recess surface 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second disc cavities 318a, 318b are curved or dome shaped, however, the first and second disc cavities 318a, 318b can comprise any shape.

While the exemplary embodiment shows a configuration where the grinder wedge 322 abuts with the leading grinder side 304 of the grinder cutting tool 300 and the grinder cutting tool 300 is in direct contact with the disc 100 on the trailing grinder side 306, it is understood that the grinder wedge 322 could abut with the trailing grinder side 306 and the grinder cutting tool 300 would be in direct contact with the disc 100 on the leading grinder side 304. In this embodiment, the disc recess 308 would be on the leading grinder side 304 and the wedge recess 310 would be on the trailing grinder side 306.

In some embodiments, each grinder cutting tool 300 can include a first grinder gullet 312a adjacent to the first grinder cutting edge 302a and a second grinder gullet 312b adjacent to the second grinder cutting edge 302b. The first and second grinder gullets 312a, 312b are configured to facilitate debris removal of the organic matter that is being shredded, grinded, or mulched.

Referring back to Figure 2B, the grinder cutting tool 300 can be removably coupled to a grinder recess 122 via an interference fit with the grinder wedge 322. The grinder wedge 322 is secured to the disc 100 with a fastener 108, a washer 109, and a threaded body 110, such as a cylindrical or non-cylindrical threaded nut. The grinder wedge 322 comprises a top portion 324, a bottom portion 326, a leading wedge surface 328, and a trailing wedge surface 330. The grinder wedge 322 can be tapered such that a width of the top portion 324 is greater than a width of the bottom portion 326. In this exemplary embodiment, the grinder wedge 322 secures the grinder cutting tool 300 with an interference fit on a leading side of the grinder cutting tool 200. Accordingly, the trailing wedge surface 330 is configured to engage with the leading grinder side 304 or the wedge recess 310 to secure the grinder cutting tool 300 in the grinder recess 122 with an interference fit.

Tool Apertures 130

Referring back to Figures 1A to 2B, each of the tool apertures 130 are spaced apart around the disc 100 and extending through the disc 100 from the first side 100a to the second side 100b. The tool apertures 130 are configured to receive a plurality of mulcher cutting tools 400. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool apertures 130 are arranged in three groups of three tool apertures 130 (a leading tool aperture 130a, an intermediate tool aperture 130b, and a trailing tool aperture 130c). However, it is understood that any number of tool apertures 130 can be grouped together in a pattern, such as two or four tool apertures 130 per group, and/or can be dispersed evenly around the disc 100. Each group of tool apertures 130 is evenly spaced apart between two feller recesses 112 with each of the tool apertures 130 in the group having varying distances from the circumference 101 of the disc 100 (i.e., different radial distances from the arbor hole 102). In some embodiments, the leading tool aperture 130a, the intermediate tool aperture 130b, and the trailing tool aperture 130c from each group can have the same distance from the circumference 101 of the disc 100 as the leading tool aperture 130a, the intermediate tool aperture 130b, and the trailing tool aperture 130c from another group. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the leading tool aperture 130a is closer to the circumference 101 of the disc 100 than the intermediate tool aperture 130b, and the intermediate tool aperture 130b is closer to the circumference 101 of the disc 100 than the trailing tool aperture 130c. However, in some embodiments, the leading tool aperture 130a can be the furthest from the circumference 101 and the trailing tool aperture 130c being the closest to the circumference 101 of the disc 100. In other embodiments, the leading tool aperture 130a, the intermediate tool aperture 130b, and the trailing tool aperture 130c can be provided at the same radial distance from the arbor hole 102. In other embodiments, the tool apertures 130 can be evenly spaced around the disc 100 or be provided in a pattern, such as a spiral pattern.

In some embodiments, the feller recesses 112, the grinder recesses 122, and the tool apertures 130 can be provided in a pattern that increases productivity of the implement using the disc 100 by limiting the number of cutting tools (j.e., feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and/or mulcher cutting tools 400) that come into contact with the material being grinded, mulched, or cut simultaneously. By limiting the contact of the cutting tools at the same time, the power consumption of the implement can be reduced. Furthermore, limiting the contact of the cutting tools at the same time can produce a finer or smaller end product of shredded, grinded, or mulched material as the organic material will come into contact with multiple teeth and be further size reduced. For example, a large piece of a tree stump can be removed from the stump by a leading cutting tool and further size reduced by one or more trailing cutting tools after being removed from the stump.

Each tool aperture 130 comprises a leading surface and a trailing surface that is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing surface and a leading surface of the mulcher cutting tool 400, respectively. In some embodiments, the leading and trailing surfaces of the tool aperture 130 and the trailing and leading surfaces of the mulcher cutting tool 400 can comprise any complimentary shapes, such as two planar surfaces, groove and tongue surfaces, concave and convex surfaces, or protrusions and depressions.

Mulcher Cutting Tools 400

Referring back to Figures 1 A and 1 B, a plurality of mulcher cutting tools 400 are coupled to the disc 100 in the plurality of tool apertures 130. The mulcher cutting tools 400 coupled to the leading tool aperture 130a, the intermediate tool aperture 130b, and the trailing tool aperture 130c are the leading mulcher cutting tool 400a, the intermediate mulcher cutting tool 400b, and the trailing mulcher cutting tool 400c, respectively. As described herein, the mulcher cutting tools 400 can comprise an interlocking mulcher cutting tool or a dual mulcher cutting tool.

Interlocking Mulcher Cutting Tool

Referring now to Figures 7A to 8D, in some embodiments, the mulcher cutting tool 400 can be an interlocking mulcher cutting tool that comprises a first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a and a second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b. The first and second interlocking mulching cutting tools 500a, 500b are configured to interlock when removably coupled to the disc 100. The first interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a first leading cutting edge 502a and a first trailing cutting edge 504a that extend from the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the second interlocking mulching cutting tool 500b comprises a second leading cutting edge 502b and a second trailing cutting edge 504b that extend from the second side 100b of the disc 100.

The first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a comprises a first aperture 506a extending through the body of the tool that is configured to receive a fastener 520 when the interlocking mulcher cutting tool is in an interlocked configuration. The first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a further comprises a first protrusion 507a that is configured to extend at least partially through the tool aperture 130 of the disc 100. The first protrusion 507a comprises a leading abutment 508a that is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing abutment 508b on the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b. Similarly, the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b comprises a second aperture 506b that is configured to receive a fastener 520 when the interlocking mulcher cutting tool is in an interlocked configuration. The second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b further comprises a second protrusion 507b that is configured to extend at least partially through the tool aperture 130 of the disc 100. The second protrusion 507b comprises a trailing abutment 508b that is configured to abut and/or engage with the leading abutment 508a on the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when in the interlocked configuration, the first protrusion 507a and the second protrusion 507b abut and/or engage each other in the tool aperture 130, such that the first aperture 506a and the second aperture 506b align to receive a single fastener 520. In the exemplary embodiment, the first aperture 506a extends through the body of the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a between the first leading cutting edge 502a and the first trailing cutting edge 504a and on the leading side of the first protrusion 507a on a bottom side of the tool. Conversely, the second aperture 506b extends through the body of the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a between the second leading cutting edge 502b and the second trailing cutting edge 504b and through the second protrusion 507b.

In some embodiments, the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b each have two cutting edges. When the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b are coupled to the disc 100 in an interlocked configuration, the first leading cutting edge 502a and the first trailing cutting edge 504a each define a mulcher cutting path PM that extends in a radial direction y on the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the second leading cutting edge 502b and the second trailing cutting edge 504b each define a mulcher cutting path PM that extends in a radial direction y on the second side 100b of the disc 100. In some embodiments, the leading axial height HL (i.e., the height of the first leading cutting edge 502a or the second leading cutting edge 502b) and the trailing axial height HT (i.e., the heigh of the first trailing cutting edge 504a or the second trailing cutting edge 504b) can differ to varying the depth of cutting into the organic matter when in use. In the exemplary embodiment, the trailing axial height Hi- of the first trailing cutting edge 504a and the second trailing cutting edge 504b is larger than the leading axial height HL of the first leading cutting edge 502a and the second leading cutting edge 502b, such that the depth of cut into the organic matter of the first and second leading cutting edges 502a, 502b is shallower than the depth of cut of the first and second trailing cutting edges 504a, 504b. In this embodiment, the first and second leading cutting edges 502a, 502b can chip a small amount of organic material from the material being mulched or grinded, thus reducing the organic material that is exposed to the first and second trailing cutting edges 504a, 504b. By having a larger trailing axial height HT, stalling of the disc 100 from too much material being chipped off by a single cutting tool can be reduced and/or the power consumption required to keep a stable rotating inertia can be reduced. In other embodiments, the leading axial height HL is greater than the trailing axial height HT.

It Is understood that in some embodiments, the first and second interlocking mulcher tools 500a, 500b, can each comprise only a single cutting edge each, which extends on the first side 100a or second side 100b of the disc 100, respectively. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 12, the leading mulcher cutting tool 400a, the intermediate mulcher cutting tool 400b, and the trailing mulcher cutting tool 400c each comprise a first interlocking cutting edge 500a and a second interlocking cutting edge 500b. In this exemplary embodiment, a leading cutting edge height H _a of the leading mulcher cutting tool 400a is less than an intermediate cutting edge height Hb of the intermediate mulcher butting tool 400b and the intermediate cutting edge height Hb is less than a trailing cutting edge height He of the trailing mulcher cutting tool 400c. This offset of heights allows the cutting tools in the trailing positions to remove increasing amounts of organic material (j.e., the leading cutting edges reduce a small amount of material, allowing the trailing cutting edges to reduce the same or a similar volume of material with a deeper cut). In other embodiments, the leading cutting edge height H _a of the leading mulcher cutting tool 400a can be greater than the intermediate cutting edge height Hb of the intermediate mulcher butting tool 400b and the intermediate cutting edge height Hb can be greater than the trailing cutting edge height He of the trailing mulcher cutting tool 400c.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a comprises a first disc surface 510a that is configured to abut and/or engage with the disc 100 when in the interlocked configuration. Similarly, the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b comprises a second disc surface 510b that is configured to abut and/or engage with the disc 100 when in the interlocked configuration. The first protrusion 507a and the second protrusion 507b extend outwardly from the first disc surface 510a and the second disc surface 510b, respectfully. When coupled to the disc 100 in the interlocked configuration, the first protrusion 507a and the second protrusion 507b extend through the tool aperture 130 and abut each other along the leading abutment 508a and the trailing abutment 508b, respectfully, and the first disc surface 510a and the second disc surface 510b abut the first side 100a and the second side 100b of the disc 100, respectfully. The fastener 520 extending through the first aperture 506a and the second aperture 506b couples the first and second interlocking mulching cutting tools 500a, 500b to each other and to the disc 100. The fastener 520 can extend from either the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a on the first side 100a or the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b on the second side 100b. In some embodiments, a washer 522 can be used with the fastener 520. The fastener 520 is secured to the first or second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a, 500b with a threaded body 524, such as a hexagonal nut.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a first leading gullet 512a adjacent to the first leading cutting edge 502a and a first trailing gullet 514a adjacent to the first trailing cutting edge 504a. Similarly, the second interlocking mulching cutting tool 500b can comprise a second leading gullet 512b adjacent to the second leading cutting edge 502b and a second trailing gullet 514b adjacent to the second trailing cutting edge 504b. In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a first fastener cavity 516a and/or the second interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a second fastener cavity 516b that are configured to receive a portion of the fastener 520, washer 522, or the threaded body 524 and prevent their rotation. In some embodiments, the first fastener cavity 516a and the second fastener cavity 516b are curved or dome shaped, however, the first and second fastener cavities 516a, 516b can comprise any shape.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500a further comprises a first fastener surface 517a and the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool 500b can further comprise a second fastener surface 517b that are each configured to abut and/or engage with one of the fastener 520, the washer 522, and the threaded body 524 to prevent their rotation during use of the disc 100. In some embodiments, the first fastener surface 517a and/or the second fastener surface 517b are planar surfaces that are configured to abut and/or engage with the fastener 520, the washer 522, or the threaded body 524 and prevent their rotation during use.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the first interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a first disc cavity 518a and/or the second interlocking mulching cutting tool 500a comprises a second disc cavity 518b that are configured to receive an edge of the disc 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second disc cavities 518a, 518b are curved or dome shaped, however, the first and second disc cavities 518a, 518b can comprise any shape.

Referring now to Figures 9C to 9I, the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b are coupled to the disc 100 through the tool aperture 130. The first and second protrusions 507a, 507b extend through the tool aperture 130 and the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b are coupled to each other with the fastener 520. Accordingly, the first disc surface 510a abuts against the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the second disc surface 510b abuts against the second side 100b of the disc 100, such that the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b are secured in the tool aperture 130 in the axial direction z. The side walls of the tool aperture 130 prevent the movement of the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b in the tangential x and radial direction y.

Dual Mulcher Cutting Tool 600

Referring now to Figures 10A to 11 B, in some implementations, the mulcher cutting tool 400 can be a dual mulcher cutting tool 600 that comprises a first mulcher cutting edge 602a and a second mulcher cutting edge 602b that are separated by a disc engagement section 604. The disc engagement section 604 is configured to engage with the tool aperture 130 in the disc 100, such that the first mulcher cutting edge 602a extends on the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the second mulcher cutting edge 602b extends on the second side 100b of the disc 100.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 further comprises a leading extension 632a and a trailing extension 632b that extend outwardly from one side of the disc engagement section 604 to create a leading disc surface 610a and a trailing disc surface 610b, respectively. The leading disc surface 610a and the trailing disc surface 610b are configured to abut and/or engage with the first side 100a or the second side 100b of the disc 100 and prevent movement of the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 in the axial direction z. The other side of the disc engagement section 604 comprises a cutting tool aperture 616 that is configured to receive a fastener 620.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 can comprise a first gullet 612 adjacent to the first cutting edge 602a and/or a second gullet 614 adjacent to the second cutting edge 602b to facilitate debris removal.

As shown in Figures 11 A and 11 B, to removably couple the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 in the tool aperture 130, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 extends through the tool aperture 130 with the first mulcher cutting edge 602a extending on one side of the disc 100 and the second mulcher cutting edge 602b extending on the other side of the disc 100. The disc engagement section 604 is secured in the tool aperture 130 and in some implementations can have an interference fit with the side walls of the tool aperture 130. In some embodiments, the disc engagement section 604 comprises a leading disc engagement surface 619a that is configured to abut and/or engage with a leading side of the tool aperture 130 and a trailing disc engagement surface 619b that is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing side of the tool aperture 130.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 can be secured in the tool aperture 130 with a wedge 626 to facilitate easy removal. The wedge 626 comprises a wedge aperture 628 that is configured to receive the fastener 620. In these embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 can comprise a wedge recess 630 adjacent to or in line with the cutting tool aperture 616 that is configured to receive the wedge 626. The wedge recess 630 can comprise a first wedge surface 630a on a first side of the cutting tool aperture 616 and a second wedge surface 630b on a second side of the cutting tool aperture 616.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wedge recess 630 is on the trailing side of the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 such that the fastener 620 extends through a washer 622 and the wedge aperture 628 on the trailing side and then through the cutting tool aperture 616. The fastener 620 and wedge 626 are secured in place with a threaded body 624 secured on the fastener 620 on the leading side. However, it is understood that the wedge recess 630 can extend on the leading side of the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 and/or on either side of the disc engagement section 604.

The wedge 626 can be trapezoidal in shape, such that a width of a first side is greater than a width of a second side of the wedge 626. As shown in Figure 11 A, the wedge 626 has a tapered surface 627 that abuts or engages with the second wedge surface 630b on the dual mulcher cutting tool 600. When the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 is coupled to the disc 100, the leading disc surface 610a and the trailing disc surface 610b abut and/or engage with the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the wedge 626 and/or the threaded body 624 abuts and/or engages with the second side 100b of the disc 100, thus prevent movement of the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 in the axial direction z.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 can comprise a leading disc cavity 618a extending between the leading disc surface 610a and the leading disc engagement surface 619a and a trailing disc cavity 618b extending between the trailing disc surface 610b and the trailing disc engagement surface 619b. The leading disc cavity 618a and/or the trailing disc cavity 618b are configured to receive an edge of the disc 100.

Cutting Tool Holders 2100, 4100, 6100

In some embodiments, some or all of the feller cutting tools, the grinder cutting tools, and the mulcher cutting tools described herein can be configured as a tool holder. In such embodiments, the feller cutting tools, grinder cutting tools, and/or mulcher cutting tools are substantially as described herein without having a cutting edge. Accordingly, the leading surface of each cutting tool is configured to couple to a cutting means having a cutting edge, making the cutting tool a cutting tool holder that receives a cutting means. In such embodiments, a single type of cutting means can be coupled to each of the feller cutting tool holder, the grinder cutting tool holder, and the mulcher cutting tool holder. Alternatively, the feller cutting means, the grinder cutting means, and/or the mulcher cutting means can differ.

Referring now to Figures 13A to 17D, the disc 100 described here is shown for use with cutting tools configured as tool holders. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of feller recesses 112 in the disc 100 are each configured to receive a feller cutting tool holder 2100 and a feller wedge 222, the plurality of grinder recesses 122 are each configured to receive a grinder cutting tool holder (not shown) and a grinder wedge (not shown), and the tool apertures 130 are each configured to receive a mulcher cutting tool holder 4100. Each of the feller cutting tool holders 2100, the grinder cutting tool holders, and the mulcher cutting tool holders 4100 having a leading surface that is configured to removably couple to a cutting means 140. In some embodiments, for example, when grinder cutting tools and/or grinder cutting tool holders are not being used, the grinder recesses 122 can be removed to form a disc 100”, such as shown in Figures 13C and 13D. The disc 100” has substantially the same features of the disc 100, without the grinder recesses 122.

With specific reference to Figures 15A to 15C, the cutting means 140 according to one embodiment is shown. It is understood that the cutting means 140 can be any type of cutting tool, also referred to as “teeth”, for use in a feller buncher or other tree felling equipment, a stump grinder or other organic matter grinder, and/or a mulcher. For example, the cutting means 140 can be a cutting tooth that is square, rectangular, curved, etc., such as beaver style teeth, concave curved teeth, flared teeth, planar teeth, tri-tip, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting means 140 is square and includes four cutting edges 142.

The cutting tool 140 includes a cutting tool aperture 144 that is configured to align with a feller or mulcher aperture 2102, 4102 in the feller cutting tool holder 2100 or the mulcher cutting tool holder 4100, respectively. In some embodiments, the cutting means 140 can include a shank 146 that is configured to be received in the feller or mulcher aperture 2102, 4102 when removably coupling the cutting means 140 to the tool holder (such as the feller cutting tool holder 2100, a grinder cutting tool holder, or the mulcher cutting tool holders 4100). In some embodiments, the shank 146 and the feller and mulcher apertures 2102, 4102 are threaded, such that the cutting tools 140 can be removably secured to the feller or mulcher cutting tool holders 2100, 4100 by threading the shank into the feller or mulcher aperture 2102, 4102. However, it is contemplated that the cutting means 140 does not include a shank 146, and can be coupled directly to the cutting tool holder. For example, other means of removably coupling are also possible, provided that the cutting means 140 are securely coupled to the tool holders during rotation of the disc 100. In the exemplary embodiment, as best shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the cutting means 140 are removably coupled to the cutting tool holders via a fastener 108 that extends through the cutting tool aperture 144, through the feller aperture 2102 or the mulcher aperture 4102, and is secured with a washer 109 and a threaded body 110.

Referring now to Figures 16A to 16C, a feller cutting tool holder 2100 according to one embodiment is shown. The feller cutting tool holders 2100 are secured to the disc 100 via the feller wedge 222. When coupled to the disc 100, the feller cutting tool holders 2100 extend radially from the circumference 101 of the disc 100. Each of the feller cutting tool holders 2100 include a feller aperture 2102 extending from the leading surface to the trailing surface that is configured to receive a fastener 108 to removably coupled the cutting means 140 to the leading surface. Other features of the feller cutting tool holders 2100, such as engagement surfaces on the leading or trailing surfaces to couple the feller cutting tool holders 2100 to the disc 100 or the wedge 222, respectively, can be substantially the same as the feller cutting tools 200, 200’, 200a, 2000a, 2000b, 2000a’, 2000b’. As can be seen in Figure 14B, the feller cutting tool holders 2100 couple to the disc 100 in a similar manner to the feller cutting tools 200. Namely, that the feller cutting tool holders 2100 are placed in the feller recess 112 and secured therein with a wedge 222. The wedge 222 is secured to the disc 100 with a fastener 108.

Similarly, while not shown, it is understood that the grinder cutting tools 300 can be configured such that the first grinder cutting edge 302a and the second grinder cutting edge 302b are configured to each have a leading surface that can be removably coupled to a cutting means 140 to form a grinder cutting tool holder (not shown). In such embodiments, each grinder cutting tool holder can be coupled to a grinder recess 122 on the circumference 101 of the disc 100 via a grinder wedge 322.

Referring now to Figures 13A and 17A to 17D, in this embodiment, the mulcher cutting tool holder is an interlocking mulcher cutting tool holder comprising a first interlocking mulcher cutting tool holder 4100a and a second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holder 4100b. When coupled to the disc 100, the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b extend through the tool apertures 130 axially from the first side 100a or the second side 100b, respectively, of the disc 100.

The first and second interlocking mulching cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b are configured to interlock when removably coupled to the disc 100. The first and second interlocking mulching cutting tool holder 4100a, 4100b comprise a leading surface 4104 that extend from the first side 100a or the second side 100b, respectively, of the disc 100 and include the mulcher aperture 4102 that is configured to receive a cutting means 140. However, it is understood that the leading surface 4104 can comprise at least one cutting edge, thus making the mulcher cutting tool holder a mulcher cutting tool that does not require a cutting means 140.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b comprise a first or second protrusion 4107a, 4107b, respectively, that are configured to extend at least partially through the tool aperture 130 of the disc 100. The first protrusion 4107a comprises a leading abutment 4108a that is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing abutment 4108b on the second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holder 4100b. As best shown in Figures 13E and 17D, the leading abutment 4108a on the first protrusion 4107a and the trailing abutment 4108b on the second protrusion 4107b are each provided at an angle 9s with an end surface 4109 of the first or second protrusion 4107a, 4107b, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle 0s of the leading abutment 4108a or the trailing abutment 4108b are the same or complimentary, such that when in the interlocking configuration, the first protrusion 4107a acts as a wedge for the second protrusion 4107b, and vice versa. The angle 0s can be between 90.5° to 175°, or about 95° to about 110°. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle 9s is about 95°, such that the first or second protrusions 4107a, 4107b are tapered and a width Ws of the end surface 4109 is less than a width We at an opposing end of the first or second protrusion 4107a, 4107b.

The first and second protrusions 4107a, 4107b each comprise a first or second aperture 4106a, 4106b, respectively, extending at least partially through the body of the tool holder that is configured to receive a fastener 108 when the interlocking mulcher cutting tool is in an interlocked configuration. The first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b also include a first and second rivet washer 4105a, 4105b, respectively, configured to abut the adjacent tool holder and span the width of the end surface 4109 and the tool aperture 130, to secure the first or second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holder 4100a, 4100b to the disc 100. Specifically, when in the interlocked configurations, as shown in Figure 13E, the first protrusion 4107a extends through the tool aperture 130 from the first side 100a and is secured on the second side 100b via the first rivet washer 4105a and the second protrusion 4107b extends through the tool aperture 130 from the second side 100b and is secured on the first side 100a via the second rivet washer 4105b.

In some embodiments, the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b can each have two leading surfaces configured to coupled to cutting means 140. When the first and second interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100b are coupled to the disc 100 in an interlocked configuration, the cutting edges 142 of the cutting means 140 can define a mulcher cutting path that extends in a radial direction from the first and second sides 100a, 100b of the disc 100. In some embodiments, a leading axial height HL (i.e., the height of a first leading cutting edge) and a trailing axial height HT (j.e., the heigh of a first trailing cutting edge) can differ to varying the depth of cutting into the organic matter when in use. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13E, the trailing axial height HT, the leading axial height HL, and an intermediate axial height Hi of the cutting means 140 on the mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a are substantially the same. However, the trailing axial height HT can be larger than the leading axial height HL and/or the intermediate axial height Hi, such that the depth of cut into the organic matter of the leading or intermediate cutting edges is shallower than the depth of cut of the trailing cutting edges. In such embodiments, the leading cutting edges can chip a small amount of organic material from the material being mulched or grinded, thus reducing the organic material that is exposed to the intermediate or trailing cutting edges.

In some embodiments, the first interlocking mulching cutting tool holder 4100a and/or the second interlocking mulching cutting tool holder 4100b can include a disc cavity 4118 that are configured to receive an edge of the disc 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the disc cavities 4118 are curved or dome shaped; however, the disc cavities 4118 can comprise any shape.

Other features of the interlocking mulcher cutting tool holders 4100a, 4100a can be substantially the same as the interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b and/or the dual mulcher cutting tools 600. Furthermore, it is understood that the interlocking mulcher cutting tools 500a, 500b and/or the dual mulcher cutting tools 600 can equally be altered to form mulcher cutting tool holders by having a leading surface that is configured to removeably couple to a cutting means 140, as opposed to having cutting edges.

Referring now to Figures 18A to 18B, feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and a mulcher cutting tool holder according to another embodiment are shown coupled to the disc 100. In this embodiment, the mulcher cutting tool holder is a dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100.

Referring now to Figures 19A to 20B, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 includes a first leading surface 6102a and a second leading surface 6102b that are separated by a disc engagement section 6104. The disc engagement section 6104 is configured to engage with the tool aperture 130 in the disc 100, such that the first leading surface 6102a extends on the first side 1 OOa of the disc 100 and the second leading surface 6102b extends on the second side 100b of the disc 100.

The dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 differs from the dual mulcher cutting tool 600 in that the first and second leading surfaces 6102a, 6102b each include an aperture 6134 configured to receive a cutting means 140, instead of a cutting edge. As best shown in Figure 20B, the cutting means 140 is coupled to the first or second leading surface 6102a, 6102b via a fastener 108. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting means 140 includes a threaded bore that is configured to receive a threaded fastener 108. In some embodiments, the aperture 6134 includes a counterbore 6136 that is configured to receive the shank 146 of the cutting means 140.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 further comprises a leading extension 6132a and a trailing extension 6132b that extend outwardly from one side of the disc engagement section 6104 to create a leading disc surface 6110a and a trailing disc surface 6110b, respectively. The leading disc surface 6110a and the trailing disc surface 6110b are configured to abut and/or engage with the first side 100a or the second side 100b of the disc 100 and prevent movement of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 in the axial direction z. The other side of the disc engagement section 6104 comprises a cutting tool aperture 6116 that is configured to receive a fastener 108.

As shown in Figures 20A and 20B, to removably couple the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 in the tool aperture 130, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 extends through the tool aperture 130 with the first leading surface 6102a extending on one side of the disc 100 and the second leading surface 6102b extending on the other side of the disc 100. The disc engagement section 6104 is secured in the tool aperture 130 and in some implementations can have an interference fit with the side walls of the tool aperture 130. In some embodiments, the disc engagement section 6104 comprises a leading disc engagement surface 6119a that is configured to abut and/or engage with a leading side of the tool aperture 130 and a trailing disc engagement surface 6119b that is configured to abut and/or engage with a trailing side of the tool aperture 130.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 can be secured in the tool aperture 130 with a wedge 6126 to facilitate easy removal. The wedge 6126 comprises a wedge aperture 6128 that is configured to receive the fastener 108. In these embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 can comprise a wedge recess 6130 adjacent to or in line with the cutting tool aperture 6116 that is configured to receive the wedge 6126. The wedge recess 6130 can comprise a first wedge surface 6130a on a first side of the cutting tool aperture 6116 and a second wedge surface 6130b on a second side of the cutting tool aperture 6116.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wedge recess 6130 is on the trailing side of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 such that the fastener 108 extends through a washer 109 and the wedge aperture 6128 on the trailing side and then through the cutting tool aperture 6116. The fastener 108 and wedge 6126 are secured in place with a threaded body 6124 secured on the fastener 108 on the leading side. However, it is understood that the wedge recess 6130 can extend on the leading side of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 and/or on either side of the disc engagement section 6104.

The wedge 6126 can be trapezoidal in shape, such that a width of a first side is greater than a width of a second side of the wedge 6126. As shown in Figure 20B, the wedge 6126 has a tapered surface 6127 that abuts or engages with the second wedge surface 6130b on the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100. When the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 is coupled to the disc 100, the leading disc surface 6110a and the trailing disc surface 6110b abut and/or engage with the first side 100a of the disc 100 and the wedge 6126 and/or the threaded body 6124 abuts and/or engages with the second side 100b of the disc 100, thus prevent movement of the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 in the axial direction z.

In some embodiments, the dual mulcher cutting tool holder 6100 can comprise a leading disc cavity 6118a extending between the leading disc surface 6110a and the leading disc engagement surface 6119a and a trailing disc cavity 6118b extending between the trailing disc surface 6110b and the trailing disc engagement surface 6119b. The leading disc cavity 6118a and/or the trailing disc cavity 6118b are configured to receive an edge of the disc 100.

Exemplary Applications Referring now to Figures 21 to 22B, the disc 100 comprising feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and mulcher cutting tools 400 is rotatably mounted on a stump grinder 700. The stump grinder 700 comprises a boom 710 and is configured to provide the disc 100 with vertical movement 720, longitudinal movement 730, and lateral movement 740. In the exemplary embodiment, the disc 100 is rotatably coupled to the boom 710 on the stump grinder 700 in a vertical orientation. Accordingly, when the stump grinder 700 is moved vertically 720, the feller cutting tools 200 will engage with the organic material being grinded. The boom 710 is also pivotable to allow for lateral movement 740, such that the disc 100 can move laterally across the organic material and thus engage the grinder cutting tools 300 and/or the mulcher cutting tools 400.

Referring now to Figure 23, the disc 100 comprising feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and mulcher cutting tools 400 is rotatably mounted on a mulcher 800. The mulcher 800 comprises a boom 810 and is configured to provide the disc 100 with vertical movement 820 and longitudinal movement 830. In the exemplary embodiment, the disc 100 is coupled to the boom 810 on the mulcher 800 in a horizontal orientation. Accordingly, when the mulcher 800 is moved vertically 720, the grinder cutting tools 300 and the mulcher cutting tools 400, which have cutting edges that extend in the radial direction y, will engage with the organic material being mulched. When the mulcher 800 can also moved in the longitudinal 830 direction, the feller cutting tools 200, which has a cutting edge that extends in the axial direction z, will engage with the organic material being mulched. In some embodiments, the disc 100 used in mulching applications with a mulcher 800 can comprise only feller cutting tools 200 and mulching cutting tools 400.

Referring now to Figure 24, a disc 100 comprising feller cutting tools 200 is rotatably mounted on a feller buncher 900. The feller buncher comprises a boom 910 and is configured to provide the disc 100 with vertical movement 920 and longitudinal movement 930. The disc 100 is rotatably coupled to the boom 910 in a horizontal configuration. Accordingly, when the feller buncher 900 is moved in the longitudinal 930 direction, the feller cutting tools 200 engage with the organic material being cut. In some embodiments, the feller buncher 900 comprises a buncher 950 and a basket 960. During use, the buncher 950 is configured to bunch and hold one or more trees in the basket 960 while the feller cutting tools 200 engage with and cut the trees. The boom 910 can be tilted and the buncher 950 is released to release the cut trees in a bunch. In this exemplary embodiment, the disc 100 comprises only feller cutting tools 200 to engage with the organic material.

In some implementations, the fastener apertures 104, the wedge apertures (i.e., the apertures in the feller wedge 222 or the grinder wedge 322, and/or the wedge aperture 628) and/or the apertures in the mulcher cutting tools 400 (i.e., the first aperture 506a, the second aperture 506b, and/or the cutting tool aperture 616) can be threaded holes, such that a washer and/or nut is not required to secure the fastener 108, 520, 620 in position. In other embodiments, the fastener apertures 104, the wedge apertures and/or the apertures in the mulcher cutting tools 400 can be countersunk or counterbored.

It is understood that the disc 100 can comprise any combination and/or pattern of the feller recesses 112, grinder recesses 122, and/or tool apertures 130 and be configured to receive any combination of feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and/or mulcher cutting tools 400.

The disc 100, feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and/or mulcher cutting tools 400 can be cut from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the disc 100, feller cutting tools 200, grinder cutting tools 300, and/or mulcher cutting tools 400 are laser cut from a sheet of metal.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.