Outdoor tool and blade

Abstract

Outdoor tools, such as rotary cutters, and blades for rotary cutters are provided. A blade includes a body having a first side and a second side both extending from a first end to a second end of the body; and a first edge and a second edge extending along the length of the body between the first side and the second side from the first end to the second end. The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm. The blade is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation extending through the planar portion. The body also includes a bore surrounding the axis of rotation. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one bend. The body is symmetrical about at least one axis of symmetry.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 462,042, filed on April 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to outdoor tools such as rotary cutters (eg, bed redefiners) for cutting grooves in the ground, and, in particular, to blades for such outdoor tools. Background Art

[0004] In the landscaping business, a common task is to perform edging around landscaping, for example, making precise transitions between landscape areas such as lawn areas and flower beds and / or mulch beds. Often, such lines are defined by cutting grooves at the transitions between landscape areas. This may produce an aesthetically pleasing, clear dividing line between different types of landscaping. This may be achieved by a machine having a blade that is rotated vertically by a motor drive shaft mounted thereon. The shape and geometry of the blade may affect the shape and size of the groove, as well as the run time and efficiency of the outdoor tool. It may be desirable to optimize the efficiency of a rotary cutter outdoor tool to increase the run time of the outdoor tool while maintaining the performance of the tool, i.e., efficient groove cutting.

[0005] Therefore, the art desires improved outdoor rotary cutting tools and blades thereof. In particular, outdoor tools and blades thereof that provide improved run time and efficiency would be advantageous. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to the present disclosure, various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partially set forth in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be understood through technical practice.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a blade is provided. The blade includes a body having: a first side and a second side opposite the first side, both of which extend from a first end of the body to the second end; a first edge extending from the first end to the second end between the first side and the second side along the length of the body; and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end between the first side and the second side along the length of the body. The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm. The blade is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation extending through the planar portion. The body also includes a hole around the axis of rotation. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one bend. The body is symmetrical about at least one axis of symmetry.

[0008] According to another embodiment, an outdoor tool is provided. The outdoor tool includes a power head and a tool accessory. The power head includes: a power head housing; a power source; a motor, which is powered by the power source; and a drive shaft, which extends from the motor and is rotatably driven by the motor. The power source and the motor are arranged in the power head housing, and the drive shaft extends from the power head housing. The tool accessory includes a blade, a guard arranged on one side of the blade, and a wheel. The drive shaft is connected to the blade and is configured to drive the blade to rotate around the rotation axis of the blade. The blade includes a body, the body having: a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, both of the first side and the second side extending from the first end of the body to the second end; a first edge, which extends from the first end to the second end between the first side and the second side along the length of the body; and a second edge, which extends from the first end to the second end between the first side and the second side along the length of the body. The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm. The rotation axis of the blade extends through the planar portion. The body also includes a hole around the rotation axis. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one bend.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The specification provides a comprehensive and achievable disclosure of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is directed to a person skilled in the art and includes the best mode for making and using the present system and method, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of an outdoor tool including a rotary cutter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rotary cutter blade according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a top view of a rotary cutter blade according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 is a side view of a rotary cutter blade according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another rotary cutter blade according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 6is a perspective view of another rotary cutter blade according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration". Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other implementations. In addition, each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation of the technology. In fact, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made to the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Numerical and letter marks are used in the specific implementation to represent features in the drawings. Similar or similar marks in the drawings and the specification are used to refer to similar or similar parts in the present invention.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "first", "second" and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, rather than to indicate the position or importance of a single component. The singular expressions "one", "an" and "the" also include plural cases, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "coupled", "fixed", "connected to" refer to direct coupling, fixing or connection, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or connection through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified in the text. The terms "include", "comprise", "compose", "have" or any other variants thereof herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article or device including a set of features is not necessarily limited to these features, but may include features that are not explicitly listed or other features inherent to such a process, method, article or device. In addition, unless there is a clear statement to the contrary, "or" is inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, any of the following satisfies conditions A or B: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0019] Terms indicating approximation, such as "about," "approximately," "approximately," or "substantially," include values ​​within 10% greater or less than the value being described. When used in the context of an angle or direction, these terms include values ​​within 10 degrees greater or less than the angle or direction being described. For example, "approximately perpendicular" includes directions that deviate from perpendicular within 10 degrees in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0020] The benefits, other advantages and solutions to the problems are described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more obvious should not be construed as key, required or essential features of any or all claims.

[0021] In general, the present invention relates to embodiments of a rotary cutter and a blade for a rotary cutter. The rotary cutter may be part of a modular outdoor tool having a power head coupled to a tool attachment including the rotary cutter. The rotary cutter may be used as a bed edger, and the blade may be referred to as a bed edger blade. The blade may have a wing-shaped arrangement and / or a V-shaped arrangement. The blade may be symmetrical about one or more axes of symmetry extending through the axis of rotation of the blade.

[0022] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An outdoor tool 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The outdoor tool 10 may be an outdoor power tool including a power head 12 and a tool attachment 30 (eg, a rotary cutter). Generally, the power head 12 may be coupled to the tool attachment 30 to provide power to the tool of the tool attachment 30.

[0023] The power head 12 is now described in more detail, and includes a power source 14 (e.g., a battery) and a motor 16. The power source 14 and the motor 16 may be disposed in a power head housing 18. The motor 16 is powered by the power source 14. When powered by the power source 14, the rotation of the motor 16 is configured to rotatably drive the drive shaft 20, that is, the drive shaft 20 is rotatably driven by the motor 16. The power head drive shaft 20 is configured to extend from the power head housing 18. The power head drive shaft 20 may be disposed within an outer protective shaft 22. The power head drive shaft 20 and / or the outer protective shaft 22 may include one or more coupling features 24, and the one or more coupling features 24 are configured to be coupled to the receiver 50 of the tool 30. The outer protective shaft 22 may also include a user input 26 (e.g., a power source switch) configured to control the operation of the power head 12 and a handle 28 configured to be grasped by a user.

[0024] The tool attachment 30 includes a shaft 32 and a tool head, such as Figure 132 and the rotary cutter 34 shown in FIG. The tool drive shaft 36 passes through the shaft 32 and drives the rotary cutter 34 (particularly the blade 100) to rotate around the rotation axis 122 via a transmission (not shown). The rotation axis 122 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 32. Further, the rotation axis 122 extends generally parallel to the ground or surface to be cut by the rotary cutter 34. The fastener 46 can connect the blade 100 to the transmission and can extend along the rotation axis 122. The blade 100 is partially covered by a protective guard 40. The protective guard 40 is disposed between the blade 100 and the shaft 32 and extends primarily on the side of the blade 100 facing the operator of the outdoor tool 10. In other words, the protective guard 40 extends generally in front of and above the blade 100 relative to the direction of movement. The rotary cutter 34 also includes a wheel 42, which is configured to roll on the ground or surface to be cut during operation to guide the outdoor tool 10 during operation. Optionally, the protective shield 40 may be provided with an anti-splash shield 44 .

[0025] The power source 14 of the outdoor tool 10 may be a battery, or the outdoor tool 10 may be pneumatic, powered by a corded power source, or powered by other suitable means. In one embodiment, the power source 14 may be an 18V battery.

[0026] As described above, the motor 16 can drive the blade 100 to rotate. The blade 100 can rotate at a frequency of about 1000 revolutions per minute (RPM) to about 3000RPM (such as from about 1500RPM to about 2500RPM). In one embodiment, the blade 100 can rotate at a frequency of about 2000RPM. The transmission device of the rotary cutter 34 can have a gear ratio in the range of from about 3 to about 5 (such as from about 3.5 to about 4.5). In one embodiment, the gear ratio can be about 4.3. When the rotary cutter 34 is driven by the motor 16 and powered by the 18V battery power supply 14 and the transmission gear ratio is about 4.3 so that the blade 100 rotates at about 2000RPM, before the 18V battery runs out of power, the outdoor tool 10 can have an idle running time of about 90 minutes to about 100 minutes. When compared to existing rotary cutting tools (e.g., bed edgers powered by higher voltage batteries and operating at a gear ratio of about 2.0 and about 4000 RPM to 4500 RPM), the outdoor tool 10 of the present invention can increase the no-load run time by about 1.5 to 2 times (1.5-2x). Thus, the outdoor tool 10 of the present invention can provide superior no-load run time and efficiency compared to existing bed edgers, even when powered by lower voltage batteries.

[0027] During operation of the outdoor tool 10, the blade 100 of the rotary cutter 34 forms a groove or furrow in the ground. For example, the blade 100 of the rotary cutter 34 can be used to form a groove or furrow between a lawn area and a bed base area, so that the rotary cutter 34 is used as a bed base trimmer. The groove extends perpendicular to the surface of the ground. The cross-sectional shape of the groove can be determined by the shape of the blade 100, which will be discussed in further detail below.

[0028] although Figure 1 A rotary cutter as a tool attachment 30 is illustrated coupled to the power head 12 to form the outdoor tool 10, but the tool attachment 30 may be any desired outdoor tool that is selectively and removably coupled to the power head 12, including but not limited to a string trimmer attachment, an edger attachment, a hedge trimmer attachment, a long-handled saw attachment, a brush cutter attachment, a blower attachment, a broom attachment, a brush attachment, a cultivator attachment, etc. In addition, the outdoor tool 10 may be provided with a plurality of additional tool attachments 30 to form an interchangeable tool kit that may be used with the power head 12.

[0029] Now go to Figures 2 to 4 , the blade 100 will be described in detail. The blade 100 has a body 102. The body 102 may be formed of a single piece construction. The body 102 has a first side 104 and a second side 106 opposite the first side. The first side 104 and the second side 106 extend between a first end 108 and a second end 110 along a length L of the body 102, and extend between a first edge 112 and a second edge 114 along a width W of the body 102. The first edge 112 and the second edge 114 have a thickness T extending between the first side 104 and the second side 106. The blade 100 may have a maximum height H measured from the innermost point of the second side 106 of the body 102 to the outermost portion of the first side 104 of the body 102 relative to the axis of rotation 122. In some arrangements, the first side 104 may form the outer side of the blade 100, i.e., facing away from the protective guard 40, and the second side 106 may form the inner side of the blade.

[0030] The length L may be in the range of from about 150 mm to about 300 mm (such as from about 175 mm to about 250 mm, such as from about 210 mm to about 230 mm). The width W may be in the range of from about 30 mm to about 70 mm (such as from about 40 mm to about 60 mm, such as from about 45 mm to about 55 mm). The thickness T may be in the range of from about 3 mm to about 7 mm. The maximum height H of the blade 100 may be in the range of from about 50 mm to about 100 mm (such as from about 60 mm to about 90 mm, such as from about 65 mm to about 75 mm). The ratio of the length L to the height H of the blade 100 may be in the range of from about 2:1 to about 4:1 (such as from about 2.5:1 to about 3.5:1). The ratio of the length L to the width W of the blade 100 may be in the range of from about 3:1 to about 6:1 (such as from about 3.5:1 to about 5:1). The ratio of the height H to the width W of the blade 100 may range from about 1:1 to about 2:1, such as from about 1.25:1 to about 1.75:1.

[0031] A maximum height H of the blade 100 measured parallel to the rotational axis 122 may generally correspond to the depth of a groove cut by the blade 100 during operation of the rotary cutter 34 .

[0032] In some aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first side 104 and the second side 106 can be substantially perpendicular to the first edge 112 and the second edge 114. Similarly, the first side 104 and the second side 106 can be substantially perpendicular to the first end 108 and the second end 110.

[0033] The body 102 of the blade 100 includes a first arm 116 (e.g., a first cutting arm), a second arm 118 (e.g., a second cutting arm), and a planar portion 120. The second side 106 of the planar portion 120 can be located on the horizontal axis 144. The planar portion 120 can be disposed between the first arm 116 and the second arm 118. The first arm 116 can be disposed adjacent to the first end 108 of the body 102 and the second arm can be disposed adjacent to the second end 110 of the body 102.

[0034] The rotation axis 122 of the blade 100 extends from the first side 104 of the body 102 through the planar portion 120 to the second side 106. For example, the rotation axis 122 can be perpendicular to both the first side 104 and the second side 106 of the body 102. A fastener opening 150 can be formed in the planar portion 120. The fastener opening 150 can extend from the first side 104 through the body 102 to the second side 106. The fastener opening 150 can be formed around the rotation axis 122. For example, the fastener opening 150 can have a circular shape, and the rotation axis 122 can be disposed at the center of the circular shape of the fastener opening 150. In this way, the fastener 46 of the rotary cutter 34 can extend through the blade 100 and coincide with the rotation axis 122.

[0035] When the blade 100 rotates about the rotation axis 122, portions of the first edge 112 and / or the second edge 114 may form the cutting surface 252. Figure 2 As shown, the cutting surface(s) 252 may be substantially perpendicular to the first side 104 and the second side 106 of the blade 100. However, the inventors further contemplate embodiments in which one or more of the cutting surfaces may be angled (e.g., an acute angle) relative to one or more of the first side 104 and the second side 106.

[0036] In some aspects of the present invention, the blade 100 can have at least one axis of symmetry. For example, a first axis of symmetry 124 can extend along the length L of the blade 100 from the first end 108 to the second end 110 intersecting the rotation axis 122. The first axis of symmetry 124 can be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 122.

[0037] The second axis of symmetry 126 can extend along the width W of the blade 100 between the first edge 112 and the second edge 114 through the axis of rotation 122. The second axis of symmetry 126 can be substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 122. In this regard, each of the first axis of symmetry 124, the second axis of symmetry 126, and the axis of rotation 122 can be orthogonal to one another.

[0038] The first arm 116 may be bent away from the planar portion 120 at a first bend 128 of the first arm. When the blade 100 is disposed on the rotary cutter 34, the first bend 128 of the first arm may be bent in a direction configured to be disposed away from the protective guard 40. The first bend 128 of the first arm may form an angle α1 with the first side 104 of the planar portion 120. The angle α1 may be in a range from about 70 degrees to about 120 degrees, such as from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, for example, about 95 degrees.

[0039] The first arm 116 may further include a second bend 132 of the first arm. The second bend 132 of the first arm may be disposed between the first end 108 and the first bend 128 of the first arm. The second bend 132 of the first arm may space an inner portion 136 of the first arm 116 closer to the planar portion 120 from an outer portion 140 of the first arm closer to the first end 108. The second bend 132 of the first arm may bend the outer portion 140 of the first arm rearward in a direction toward the horizontal axis 144. The second bend 132 of the first arm may form an angle β1 between the inner portion 136 of the first arm and the outer portion 140 of the first arm along the second side 106 of the body. The angle β1 may be in a range from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, such as from about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees.

[0040] In some aspects of the present invention, since the outer portion 140 of the first arm is bent at an angle β1 relative to the inner portion 136 of the first arm, the outer portion 140 of the first arm can form an angle θ1 with the horizontal axis 144. The angle θ1 can be in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees (such as from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees), for example, about 45 degrees. In some aspects, the first end 108 can intersect the horizontal axis 144, for example, can extend through the horizontal axis 144.

[0041] As previously described, the blade 100 may be symmetrical about the first axis of symmetry 124 and the second axis of symmetry 126. Thus, the second arm 118 of the blade 100 may be symmetrical to the first arm 116 of the blade 100. The symmetrical element second arm 118 of the blade 100 will now be described.

[0042] The second arm 118 can be bent away from the planar portion 120 at a first bend 130 of the second arm. When the blade 100 is disposed on the rotary cutter 34, the first bend 130 of the second arm can be bent in a direction configured to be disposed away from the protective guard 40. The first bend 130 of the second arm can form an angle α2 with the first side 104 of the planar portion 120. The angle α2 can be in a range from about 70 degrees to about 120 degrees, such as from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, for example, about 95 degrees.

[0043] The second arm 118 may also include a second bend 134 of the second arm. The second bend 134 of the second arm may be disposed between the second end 110 and the first bend 130 of the second arm. The second bend 134 of the second arm may space an inner portion 138 of the second arm 118 closer to the planar portion 120 from an outer portion 142 of the second arm closer to the second end 110. The second bend 134 of the second arm may bend the outer portion 142 of the second arm backward in a direction toward the horizontal axis 144. The second bend 134 of the second arm may form an angle β2 between the inner portion 138 of the second arm and the outer portion 142 of the second arm along the second side 106 of the body. The angle β2 may be in a range from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees, such as from about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees.

[0044] In some aspects of the present invention, since the outer portion 142 of the second arm is bent at an angle β2 relative to the inner portion 138 of the second arm, the outer portion 142 of the second arm can form an angle θ2 with the horizontal axis 144. The angle θ2 can be in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees (such as from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees), for example, about 45 degrees. In some aspects, the second end 110 can intersect the horizontal axis 144, for example, can extend through the horizontal axis 144.

[0045] As described above and for example Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the respective bends of the first and second arms 116, 118 may cause the blade 100 to have a wing-like appearance or shape on either side of the planar portion 120 where the rotational axis 122 is located.

[0046] Due to the symmetry of the blade 100 as described above, the leading edge of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 122 is the same as the leading edge of the blade 100 when the blade 100 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis 122 .

[0047] Figure 5 An embodiment of a blade 200 according to the present invention is illustrated. The blade 200 has a body 202. The body 202 may be formed of a single piece construction. The body 202 has a first side 204 and a second side 206 opposite the first side. The first side 204 and the second side 206 extend between a first end 208 and a second end 210, and extend between a first edge 212 and a second edge 214.

[0048] The body 202 of the blade 200 includes a first arm 216 (e.g., a first cutting arm), a second arm 218 (e.g., a second cutting arm), and a planar portion 220. The planar portion 220 can be disposed between the first arm 216 and the second arm 218. The first arm 216 can be disposed adjacent to the first end 208 of the body 202, and the second arm can be disposed adjacent to the second end 210 of the body 202.

[0049] The rotation axis 222 of the blade 200 extends from the first side 204 of the body 202 through the planar portion 220 to the second side 206. For example, the rotation axis 222 can be perpendicular to both the first side 204 and the second side 206 of the body 202. A fastener opening 250 can be formed in the planar portion 220. The fastener opening 250 can extend from the first side 204 through the body 202 to the second side 206. The fastener opening 250 can be formed around the rotation axis 222. For example, the fastener opening 250 can have a circular shape, and the rotation axis 222 can be disposed at the center of the circular shape of the fastener opening 250. In this way, the fastener 46 of the rotary cutter 34 can extend through the blade 200 and coincide with the rotation axis 222.

[0050] The first arm 216 may be bent from the planar portion 220 at a first bend 228 of the first arm. When the blade 200 is disposed on the rotary cutter 34, the first bend 228 of the first arm may be bent in a direction configured to be disposed away from the protective guard 40. The first bend 228 of the first arm may form an angle λ1 with the first side 204 of the planar portion 220. The angle λ1 may be in a range from about 25 degrees to about 75 degrees, such as from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, for example about 45 degrees.

[0051] The second arm 218 can be bent from the planar portion 220 at a first bend 230 of the second arm. When the blade 200 is disposed on the rotary cutter 34, the first bend 230 of the second arm can be bent in a direction configured to be disposed away from the protective guard 40. The first bend 230 of the second arm can form an angle λ2 with the first side 204 of the planar portion 220. The angle λ2 can be in a range from about 25 degrees to about 75 degrees, such as from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the first end 208 and the second end 210 of the body 202 are bent toward the rotation axis 222 such that the first end 208 and the second end 210 are disposed closer to the rotation axis 222 than the first bend 228 and the first bend 230 of the first arm.

[0053] The blade 200 may also have one or more angled cutting surfaces 252. The angled cutting surface 252 may be formed along the first edge 212 and / or the second edge 214. The angled cutting surface 252 may be adjacent to the first end 208 and / or the second end 210. For example, the angled cutting surface 252 may be formed on the second edge 214 along the second arm 218 between the planar portion 220 and the second end 210. Additional angled cutting surfaces 252 may be similarly disposed on the first edge 212 along the second arm 218 and / or disposed on the first edge 212 and / or the second edge 214 along the first arm 216. The angled cutting surface 252 may form an acute angle between the second side 206 and the respective first edge 212 or second edge 214.

[0054] Figure 6 An embodiment of a blade 300 according to the present invention is illustrated. The blade 300 may have a similar airfoil configuration as the blade 100. Like reference numerals will be used for like features of the blade 300.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 3 , the blade 300 has a first arm 316 and a second arm 318. The first arm 316 includes a first bend 328 and a second bend 332. The outer portion 340 of the first arm also includes a cutting wing 360 extending therefrom. The cutting wing 360 can extend from the second edge 314 of the body 302 of the blade 300. Figure 6 As shown in , the cutting wing 360 can extend at a non-zero angle relative to the outer portion 340, or the cutting wing 360 can be substantially parallel to the outer portion 340. For example, the cutting wing 360 can extend substantially downward at a certain angle in the direction of the horizontal plane 344. The cutting wing 360 can taper away from the outer portion 340, such as Figure 6 as shown in .

[0056] Similarly, the outer portion 342 of the second arm may also include a second cutting wing 362 extending therefrom. The second cutting wing 362 may extend from the first edge 312 of the body 302 of the blade 300. Figure 6 As shown in , the second cutting wing 362 can extend at a non-zero angle relative to the outer portion 342, or the second cutting wing 362 can be substantially parallel to the second outer portion 342. For example, the second cutting wing 362 can extend substantially downward at a certain angle in the direction of the horizontal plane 344. The second cutting wing 362 can taper away from the outer portion 342, such as Figure 6 as shown in .

[0057] The cutting wings 360 and 362 of the blade 300 can help redirect dirt, debris or other material cut or redirected from the ground away from the groove cut by the rotating cutter. For example, the cutting wings 360 and 362 can be disposed on the trailing edge of the blade 300 during the rotation of the blade 300 during the cutting operation. However, the orientation of the blade 300 can be reversed so that the cutting wings 360 and 362 can instead be disposed on the leading edge of the blade 300 during rotation.

[0058] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0059] The blade includes a body having: a first side and a second side opposite the first side, both of which extend from a first end of the body to the second end; a first edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side; and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side. The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm. The blade is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation extending through the planar portion. The body also includes a hole around the axis of rotation. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one bend. The body is symmetrical about at least one axis of symmetry.

[0060] The insert as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the at least one axis of symmetry comprises a first axis of symmetry and a second axis of symmetry, wherein the body is symmetrical about both the first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry.

[0061] The insert according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first axis of symmetry is orthogonal to the second axis of symmetry.

[0062] The insert according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry are orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

[0063] The blade as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first edge and the second edge are substantially perpendicular to the first side and the second side of the body.

[0064] The blade as in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first edge and the second edge are symmetrical.

[0065] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the leading edge of the blade when the blade is rotated in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis is the same as the leading edge of the blade when the blade is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis.

[0066] The blade as recited in any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the at least one bend of the first arm comprises a first bend and a second bend.

[0067] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first curved portion is disposed at an angle α1 between about 70 degrees and 110 degrees relative to the planar portion.

[0068] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the angle α1 is between about 85 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0069] A blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the second bend is disposed between the first end and the first bend, wherein the first arm includes an inner portion disposed between the first bend and the second bend and an outer portion between the first end and the second bend.

[0070] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the second bend is disposed at an angle β1 between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to the inner portion.

[0071] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the planar portion of the second side of the body is disposed in a horizontal plane, and further wherein the first end of the second side and the second end of the second side intersect the horizontal plane.

[0072] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the outer portion is disposed at an angle between about 35 degrees and about 55 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

[0073] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments further comprises a cutting wing extending from an outer portion of the first arm.

[0074] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the cutting wing extends from the second edge of the outer portion of the first arm, further wherein the cutting wing is non-parallel to the outer portion of the first arm.

[0075] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein at least one bend of each of the first arm and the second arm comprises an acute angle such that each of the first end and the second end bends toward the axis of rotation.

[0076] The blade according to any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the first edge of the first arm forms an acute angle with the second side of the body.

[0077] An outdoor tool includes a power head and a tool accessory. The power head includes: a power head housing; a power source; a motor powered by the power source; and a drive shaft extending from the motor and rotatably driven by the motor. The power source and the motor are arranged in the power head housing, and the drive shaft extends from the power head housing. The tool accessory includes a blade, a guard arranged on one side of the blade, and a wheel. The drive shaft is connected to the blade and is configured to drive the blade to rotate around the rotation axis of the blade. The blade includes a body, the body having: a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, both of the first side and the second side extending from the first end of the body to the second end; a first edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side; and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side. The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm. The rotation axis of the blade extends through the planar portion. The body also includes a hole around the rotation axis. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one curved portion.

[0078] This specification uses examples to disclose the utility model, including the best mode, and enables any technician in the field to practice the utility model, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the utility model is defined by the claims and may include other examples that can be thought of by those skilled in the art. If these other examples include structural elements that are not different from the literal wording of the claims, or include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal wording of the claims, the scope of the claims covers these other examples.

Claims

1. A blade, characterized in that: The blade comprises: A body having: a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, both of which extend from a first end of the body to a second end; a first edge, the first edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side; and a second edge, the second edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side, The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the blade is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending through the planar portion, The body further comprises a hole surrounding the rotation axis, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm comprises at least one bend, and Wherein, the main body is symmetrical about at least one axis of symmetry.

2. The blade according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one axis of symmetry includes a first axis of symmetry and a second axis of symmetry, wherein the body is symmetrical about both the first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry.

3. The blade according to claim 2, characterized in that The first symmetry axis is orthogonal to the second symmetry axis.

4. The blade according to claim 3, characterized in that The first axis of symmetry and the second axis of symmetry are orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

5. The blade according to claim 1, characterized in that The first edge and the second edge are substantially perpendicular to the first side and the second side of the body.

6. The blade according to claim 5, characterized in that The first edge and the second edge are symmetrical.

7. The blade according to claim 6, characterized in that The leading edge of the blade when the blade is rotated in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis is the same as the leading edge of the blade when the blade is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis.

8. The blade according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one bend of the first arm includes a first bend and a second bend.

9. The blade according to claim 8, characterized in that The first bend is disposed at an angle α1 between 70 and 110 degrees relative to the planar portion.

10. The blade according to claim 9, characterized in that The angle α1 is between 85 and 100 degrees.

11. The blade according to claim 8, characterized in that The second bend is disposed between the first end and the first bend, wherein the first arm includes an inner portion disposed between the first bend and the second bend and an outer portion between the first end and the second bend.

12. The blade according to claim 11, characterized in that The second bend is disposed at an angle β1 between 40 and 60 degrees relative to the inner portion.

13. The blade according to claim 11, characterized in that The planar portion of the second side of the body is disposed in a horizontal plane.

14. The blade according to claim 13, characterized in that The first end of the second side surface and the second end of the second side surface intersect the horizontal plane.

15. The blade according to claim 13, characterized in that The outer portion is disposed at an angle between 35 and 55 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

16. The blade according to claim 13, characterized in that The blade also includes a cutting wing extending from an outer portion of the first arm.

17. The blade according to claim 16, characterized in that The cutting wing extends from a second edge of the outer portion of the first arm.

18. The blade according to claim 17, characterized in that The cutting wing is non-parallel to the outer portion of the first arm.

19. The blade according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one bend of each of the first arm and the second arm includes an acute angle such that each of the first end and the second end bends toward the axis of rotation.

20. The blade according to claim 19, characterized in that The first edge of the first arm forms an acute angle with the second side of the body.

21. An outdoor tool, characterized in that: The outdoor tools include: a power head comprising a power head housing, a power source, a motor powered by the power source, and a drive shaft extending from and rotatably driven by the motor, wherein the power source and the motor are disposed within the power head housing and the drive shaft extends from the power head housing; and a tool attachment including a blade, a guard disposed on one side of the blade, and a wheel, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the blade and is configured to drive the blade to rotate about a rotation axis of the blade; The blade includes a body having: a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, both of which extend from a first end of the body to a second end; a first edge, the first edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side; and a second edge, the second edge extending from the first end to the second end along the length of the body between the first side and the second side, The body includes a first arm, a second arm, and a planar portion between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the rotation axis of the blade extends through the planar portion, The body further comprises a hole surrounding the rotation axis, Wherein, each of the first arm and the second arm includes at least one bend.

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