EP2789751B1

EP2789751B1 - Cutting edge for a foldable blade of a work machine

Info

Publication number: EP2789751B1
Application number: EP13162962.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frédéric Hébrard de Veyrinas
Original assignee: Caterpillar France SAS
Current assignee: Caterpillar France SAS
Priority date: 2013-04-09
Filing date: 2013-04-09
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-09
Also published as: EP2789751A1; CN203768965U

Description

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to blades attached to a work machine, in particular to foldable blades that are suitable for work such as digging, soil carrying, and leveling. More particularly, this disclosure relates to the operative cutting edge of foldable blades.

Background

Work machines such as tractors and bulldozers are generally known. These work machines may have a wide variety of applications in construction and agricultural industries. These machines generally may have ground engaging tracks or wheels which support a chassis and an operator's cab, an engine and a blade for handling of materials. The blade may be wider than the work machine which allows the machine to handle more material thereby decreasing operating costs.
Transportation restrictions may require that the blade does not extend beyond the width of the work machine. However, in order to comply with transportation restrictions the overall length of the blades may have to be reduced during transportation. Work machines may be equipped with modifiable blades that may be adapted prior to transportation to reduce their effective width. Some modifiable blades may be able to fold and/or to pivot so as to avoid extending beyond the width of the work machine.
The operating capacity and efficiency of the work machine may be linked to the blade. The ability of the blade to dig into the ground may depend on the edge section (cutting edge), in particular the shape of the cutting edge, the force for pressing the cutting edge into the ground and the angle of the cutting edge when it contacts the earth. Accordingly, the operating efficiency of the blade may be determined by the structure, shape, width, height, position and digging angle of the cutting edge.
The cutting edge of modifiable blades may need to be suitably adapted to be mounted on such blades while providing the required level of operating efficiency.
WO1993007344 discloses a cutting edge member for blades of earth moving machines. The cutting edge member has interlocking engagement means with adjacent cutting edge members that have same structure. Each cutting edge member is adjustable and reversible in position relative to said adjacent like cutting-edge members. The interlocking means comprise non-tapered angled dovetailed members spaced along each side of each cutting edge member and being separated by recesses.
US 2012/0152573A1 discloses a blade assembly having a first blade member and one or more replaceable, supplemental blade members. The first blade member has a supplemental blade mounting section extending laterally beyond the side edge of the first blade member on either sides to removably attach a supplemental blade members on each side, such that a side edge of the supplemental blade member abuts the side edge of the first blade member. During transportation, the supplemental blades may be detached from the first blade member and may be shipped as loose parts. During operation of a machine, these supplemental blade members may have to be manually attached to the sides of the first blade member of the machine.
US 2002/0148611A1 discloses a collapsible attachment for a blade of a bulldozer, adapted to removably attach the attachment to either sides of the blade using a fastening structure. To ease in transportation, the attachment is foldable. A pair of hinges permit a pair of wing pieces to be swung forwardly and inwardly to place the attachment in a compact state.
US4390071 discloses a replaceable cutting blade assembly for a dozer moldboard including a center section blade having a pair of offset miters, intermediate section blades attached to either sides of the center section blade along the miter cuts, and end bits being longitudinally attached to the intermediate section blades. The center section blade and intermediate section blades are attached to the moldboard through a first set of bolt holes and a first edge is presented for use as the sacrificial cutting edge. After the first edge has been worn to a sufficient degree, the blades would be lowered by securing them to the moldboard through a second rows of bolts holes parallel the first rows, to present a second edge. This second sacrificial edge will be used until it is worn to an appropriate extent. A third working edge is presented by turning the blades end-for-end and using the second tapered edges. An optional fourth working edge may be had by rotating the blades prior to the time when the first sets of bolt holes have been worn through during the time the blade is attached through the second row of bolts holes.
The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to improving or overcoming one or more aspects of the prior art system.

Brief Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present disclosure describes a cutting edge for a foldable blade of a work machine, the cutting edge comprising: a central member having opposed first and second apexed terminals and at least one central cutting side disposed between the first and second apexed terminals; a first flanking member having a first cutting side and a first inner inclined end, the first inner inclined end being contiguously positionable to the first apexed terminal; and a second flanking member having a second cutting side and a second inner inclined end, the second inner inclined end being contiguously positionable to the second apexed terminal, wherein the first and second flanking members and the central member are rectilinearly alignable such that the first and second cutting sides and the central cutting side form a continuous cutting verge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description of various embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a cutting edge for a foldable blade according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a front view of a portion of a central member of the cutting edge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the portion of the central member of Fig. 2 from the direction A;
Fig. 4 is a side view of the portion of the central member of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a view of the portion of the central member of Fig. 2 across B-B';
Fig. 6 is a front view of a flanking member of the cutting edge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is an end view of the flanking member of Fig. 6 from the direction C;
Fig. 8 is a side view of the flanking member of Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a view of the flanking member of Fig. 6 across D-D';
Fig. 10 is a front view of a second flanking member of the cutting edge of Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is a side view of a second flanking member of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the cutting edge mounted on a foldable blade in an unfolded configuration according to the present invention; and
Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the cutting edge mounted on a foldable blade in a folded configuration according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

This disclosure generally relates to a cutting edge 10 for a foldable blade 100 of a work machine. The cutting edge 10 is mounted onto the foldable blade 100.
Fig. 1 illustrates the cutting edge 10. The cutting edge 10 comprises a central member 12, a first flanking member 14 and a second flanking member 16.
The central member 12 includes a first apexed terminal 18 and a second apexed terminal 20. The first and second apexed terminals 18, 20 are on opposed ends of the central member 12. Central member 12 includes a longitudinal axis 21. First and second apexed terminals 18, 20 are aligned on the longitudinal axis 21. First apex 22 of the first apexed terminal 18 and second apex 24 of the second apexed terminal 20 is positioned on the longitudinal axis 21.
In an embodiment, central member 12 includes at least one central cutting side 26. Central cutting side 26 is disposed between the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20. Central cutting side 26 is connected to the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20. Central cutting side 26 extends along the entire length of the central member 12. Central cutting side 26 is parallel with the longitudinal axis 21.
The first flanking member 14 includes a first cutting side 28. First cutting side 28 extends along the entire side of the first flanking member 14. First cutting side 28 is parallel with a longitudinal axis 30 of the first flanking member 14.
First flanking member 14 includes a first inner inclined end 32. First inner inclined end 32 is connected to the first cutting side 28. First inner inclined end 32 is angled relative to the first cutting side 28. First inner inclined end 32 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 30.
First flanking member 14 is positionable so as to be in abutting contact with central member 12. The first inner inclined end 32 is contiguously positionable to the first apexed terminal 18. First inner inclined end 32 is configured to match the configuration of the first apexed terminal 18.
The second flanking member 16 includes a second cutting side 34. Second cutting side 34 extends along the entire side of the second flanking member 16. Second cutting side 34 is parallel with a longitudinal axis 36 of the second flanking member 16.
Second flanking member 16 includes a second inner inclined end 38. Second inner inclined end 38 is connected to the second cutting side 34. Second inner inclined end 38 is angled relative to the second cutting side 34. Second inner inclined end 38 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 36.
Second flanking member 16 is positionable so as to be in abutting contact with central member 12. The second inner inclined end 38 is contiguously positionable to the second apexed terminal 20. Second inner inclined end 38 is configured to match the configuration of the second apexed terminal 20.
The first and second flanking members 14, 16 are moved relative to the central member 12. First and second flanking members 14, 16 and the central member 12 are positioned such that the longitudinal axes 21, 30, 36 are mutually aligned. First and second flanking members 14, 16 and the central member 12 are rectilinearly alignable such that the first and second cutting sides 28, 34 and the central cutting side 26 form a continuous cutting verge 40. First and second cutting sides 28, 34 and the central cutting side 26 are formed as a continuous edge for contacting work material or for contacting ground to be leveled. First and second flanking members 14, 16 are juxtaposed on opposite ends of the central member 12.
The central member 12 further comprises a second central cutting side 42. Second central cutting side 42 is parallel to the central cutting side 26. Second central cutting side 42 is disposed between the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20. Second central cutting side 42 is connected to the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20. Second central cutting side 42 extends along the entire length of the central member 12. Second central cutting side 42 is parallel with the longitudinal axis 21.
The central member 12 is rotated so that the second central cutting side 42 occupies the position of the central cutting side 26 such that the second central cutting side 42 forms a continuous blade verge with first and second cutting sides 28, 34.
In an embodiment, the central member 12 comprises a first central portion 44 and a second central portion 46. The first central portion 44 includes the first apexed terminal 18. The second central portion 46 includes the second apexed terminal 20.
The first central portion 44 includes a first inner end 48 and the second central portion 46 includes a second inner end 50. First inner end 48 is disposed opposite the first apexed terminal 18. Second inner end 50 is disposed opposite the second apexed terminal 20. The first inner end 48 is abuttingly positionable to the second inner end 50. The first inner end 48 is contiguously positioned to the second inner end 50.
The first flanking member 14 includes a first outer inclined end 52 that is opposite to the first inner inclined end 32. The second flanking member 16 includes a second outer inclined end 54 that is opposite to the second inner inclined end 38.
With reference to Fig. 2, a first central portion 44 of the central member 12 is illustrated. The following description duly applies to corresponding features on the second central portion 46 that have not been herein described.
In a preferred embodiment, first central portion 44 includes parallel cutting sides that are portions of the central cutting side 26 and the second central cutting side 42. The first and second cutting side portions 56, 58 are formed between the first apexed terminal 18 and the first inner end 48. First and second cutting side portions 56, 58 each having a length of 1107.7mm. First inner end 48 has a height of 126.2mm. First inner end 48 is perpendicular to the first and second cutting side portions 56, 58.
First central portion 44 includes a front central face 60. Front central face 60 is bounded by first and second cutting side portions 56, 58, first apexed terminal 18 and the first inner end 48.
First central portion 44 being provided with holes 62 for receiving bolts or rivets to mount the first central portion 44 on the foldable blade 100. Holes 62 extends through the first central portion 44. The holes 62 are aligned along the longitudinal axis 21. The holes 62 are aligned on the longitudinal axis 21 so as to allow the central member 12 to be rotated such that second central cutting side 42 replaces the central cutting side 26 at the continuous cutting verge (40). The holes 62 are mutually spaced by a distance of 152.4mm. In an embodiment, the holes 62 are square shaped.
With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 , the first apexed terminal 18 contains sloped sides 64. Each sloped side 64 extends between respective first and second cutting side portions 56, 58 and first apex 22. At least one sloped side 64 includes an angle α of 69° from the at least one central cutting side 26. Sloped sides 64 each having an angle α of 69° from the respective first and second cutting side portions 56, 58. Each sloped side 64 includes a length of 127.8mm.
The second apexed terminal 20 includes sloped sides 66. With respect to Fig. 12, each sloped side 66 extends between respective first and second cutting side portions 76, 78 and second apex 24. At least one sloped side 66 has an angle α of 69° from the at least one central cutting side 26. With reference to Fig. 12, sloped sides 66 each having an angle α of 69° from the respective first and second cutting side portions 76, 78. In an embodiment, each sloped side 66 has a length of 127.8mm.
With reference to Fig. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the first apex 22 of the first apexed terminal 18 extends beyond the end of the first and second cutting side portions 56, 58. The distance from apex 22 to the first inner end 48 is 1217.3mm. The longitudinal length of the apex 22 extending from a point on the longitudinal axis 21 corresponding to the end of the first and second cutting side portions 56, 58 is 109.6mm. With reference to Fig. 12, the longitudinal length of the apex 24 extending from a point on the longitudinal axis 21 corresponding to the end of the respective first and second cutting side portions 76, 78 is 109.6mm.
The apexes 22, 24 of the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20 extend beyond the respective opposite ends of the at least one central cutting side 26 at a longitudinal distance of 109.6mm
With reference to Fig. 3 , the first central portion 44 includes a rear central face 70 opposite the front central face 60. Holes 62 extends from the front central face 60 to the rear central face 70. Front and rear central faces 60, 70 are mutually parallel. Rear central face 70 has a smaller dimension relative to the front central face 60. Rear central face 70 has a smaller surface area relative to the front central face 60.
Front central surface 60 includes a transverse width of 254mm. Rear central face 70 includes a transverse width of 198.2mm.
First and second cutting side portions 56, 58 each comprising a slanted surface 72 and a flat surface 74. The slanted surface 72 and the flat surface 74 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 21. Slanted surface 72 and the flat surface 74 extend along the entire length of the first and second cutting side portions 56, 58.
The horizontal distance between each junction of the flat surface 74 and the oblique surface 68 from the centre of the adjacent hole 62 is 52.9mm. The horizontal distance is parallel to the longitudinal axis 21 of the central member 12.
First and second cutting side portions 56, 58 includes a width of 19mm that extends between the rear central face 70 and the front central face 60. Each slanted surface 72 is inclined relative to the rear central face 70 at an angle of 20° to 30°. Each slanted surface 72 is inclined relative to the rear central face 70 at an angle of 25°. The vertical distance from the rear central face 70 and the front central face 60 is 27.9mm, the vertical distance is transverse to the longitudinal axis 21 of the central member 12. The vertical distance is measured from the edge of the rear central face 70 to the adjacent edge of the front central face 60. The edges of the rear central face 70 and the front central face 60 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 21. With reference to Fig. 4 , the first central portion 44 is a substantially flat panel with the apexed terminal 18 extending from the first and second cutting side portions 56, 58.
With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the first apexed terminal 18 includes oblique surfaces 68 that are formed between front central face 60 and rear central face 70. Oblique surfaces 68 extends from respective first and second cutting side portions 56, 58 to apex 22. Oblique surfaces 68 is inclined from respective sloped sides 64.
With reference to Fig. 5 each oblique surface 68 is inclined relative to front central face 60 at an angle of 55° to 65° . Each oblique surface 68 is inclined relative to front central face 60 at an angle of 60°.
With reference to Fig. 12, the second apexed terminal 20 includes oblique surfaces 82 that are formed between front central face 60 and rear central face 70. Oblique surfaces 82 extends from respective first and second cutting side portions 76, 78 to apex 24. Oblique surfaces 82 is inclined from respective sloped sides 66.
Each oblique surface 82 is inclined relative to front central face 60 at an angle of 59.5° to 60.5°. Each oblique surface 82 is inclined relative to front central face 60 at an angle of 60°.
With reference to Fig. 6, a first flanking member 14 is illustrated. The following description duly applies to corresponding features on the second flanking member 16 that have not been herein described.
First flanking member 14 includes a first limit side 80 opposite to the first cutting side 28. First limit side 80 is parallel to the first cutting side 28. First flanking member 14 includes the first outer inclined end 52 opposite to the first inner inclined end 32. First outer inclined end 52 and first inner inclined end 32 diverges from ends of first limit side 80 and connect to ends of first cutting side 28. First flanking member 14 has a trapezoidal shape. First limit side 80 has a length of 748mm. First cutting side 28 has a length of 943mm. First outer inclined end 52 and first inner inclined end 32 each having a length of 272.07mm.
First inner inclined end 32 includes an angle β of 111° from the first limit side 80. With reference to Fig. 10 , second inclined end 38 of second flanking member 16 includes an angle β of 111° from the second limit side 90. First outer inclined end 52 and second outer inclined end 54 each having an angle β of 111° from the respective first and second limit sides 80, 90. First inclined end 32 and second inclined end 38 is configured so as to correspond with respective slopped sides 64, 66 of the central member 12.
First flanking member 14 includes a first front flanking face 84. First front flanking face 84 is bounded by first outer inclined end 52, first inclined end 32, first cutting side 28 and first limit side 80.
First flanking member 14 is provided with a set of apertures 86 and a set of openings 88 for receiving bolts or rivets to mount the first flanking member 14 on a foldable blade. Apertures 86 and openings 88 extends through the first flanking member 14. The apertures 86 is aligned along the longitudinal axis 36. The apertures 86 is mutually spaced by a distance of 152.4mm. In an embodiment, the apertures 86 are square shaped. The openings 88 is positioned between the first limit side 80 and the set of apertures 86. In an embodiment, the openings 88 are square shaped.
With reference to Fig. 7, the first flanking member 14 includes a first rear flanking face 92 opposite the first front flanking face 84. Apertures 86 and openings 88 extends from the first front flanking face 84 to the first rear flanking face 92. First front flanking face 84 and first rear flanking face 92 are mutually parallel. First rear flanking face 92 has a smaller dimension relative to the first front flanking face 84. First rear flanking face 92 has a smaller surface area relative to the first front flanking face 84.
First front flanking face 84 includes a transverse width of 254mm. First rear flanking face 92 includes a transverse width of 198.2mm.
First limit side 80 and first cutting side 28 each comprises a slanted surface 94 and a flat surface 96. The slanted surface 94 and the flat surface 96 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 36. Slanted surface 94 and the flat surface 96 extends along the entire length of the first limit side 80 and the first cutting side 28.
First limit side 80 and first cutting side 28 includes a width of 25mm that extends between the first front flanking face 84 and the first rear flanking face 92. Each slanted surface 94 is inclined relative to the first rear flanking face 92 at an angle of 20° to 30°. Each slanted surface 94 is inclined relative to the first rear flanking face 92 at an angle of 25°. The vertical distance from the first rear flanking face 92 and the first front flanking face 84 is 27.9mm. With reference to Fig. 8 , the first flanking member 14 is a substantially flat panel.
With reference to Fig. 8 , the first inclined end 32 includes a first bevel surface 98 that is formed between first front flanking face 84 and the first rear flanking face 92. First bevel surface 98 extends between first limit side 80 and the first cutting side 28 (not shown). First bevel surface 98 is inclined relative to first flanking face 84.
In an embodiment, first outer inclined end is provided with a first outer bevel surface 99. The first outer bevel surface 99 is formed between first front flanking face 84 and first rear flanking faces 92. First outer bevel surface 99 extends between limit side 80 and cutting side 28.
With reference to Fig. 9 , first bevel surface 98 is inclined relative to first rear flanking face 92 at an angle of 59.5° to 60.5°. First bevel surface 98 is inclined relative to first rear flanking face 92 at an angle of 60° .
With reference to Fig. 11 the second inclined end 38 includes a second bevel surface 108 that is formed between second front flanking face 110 and the second rear flanking face 112. Second bevel surface 108 extends between second limit side 114 and the second cutting side 34 (not shown). Second bevel surface 108 is inclined relative to second front flanking face 110.
In an embodiment, second outer inclined end 54 includes a second outer bevel surface 109. The second outer bevel surface 109 is formed between second front flanking face 110 and second rear flanking face 112. Second outer bevel surface 109 extends between limit side 114 and cutting side 34.
Second bevel surface 108 is inclined relative to second rear flanking face 112 at an angle of 59.5° to 60.5°. Second bevel surface 108 is inclined relative to second rear flanking face 112 at an angle of 60°.
With reference to Fig. 12, the cutting edge 10 is mounted to a foldable blade 100. Foldable blade 100 includes a centre element 102, a first flanking element 104 and a second flanking element 106. Central member 12 is mounted to the centre element 102. First flaking member 14 is mounted to first flanking element 104. Second flaking member 106 is mounted to second flanking element 106.
Foldable blade 100 is in an unfolded configuration with first and second flanking elements 104, 106 are rectilinearly aligned with the centre element 102. In the unfolded configuration of the foldable blade 100, the first and second flanking members 14 are positioned rectilinearly with the central member 12.
With reference to Fig. 13, the foldable blade 100 is in a folded configuration with first and second flanking elements 104, 106 is inclined relative to the centre element 102. In the folded configuration of the foldable blade 100, the first and second flanking members 14, 16 is inclined relative to the central member 12.
The skilled person would appreciate that foregoing embodiment may be modified or combined to obtain the cutting edge 10 of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

This disclosure describes a cutting edge 10 for a foldable blade 100 of a work machine. The foldable blade 100 is folded so that the overall length thereof is
reduced for transportation of the work machine. The cutting edge 10 includes at least three members 12, 14, 16. In an embodiment, the cutting edge 10 includes four members with first and second central portions 44, 46. The cutting edge 10 is mounted to the foldable blade 100.
In the folded configuration of the foldable blade 100, the flanking members 14, 16 is positioned so as to be rectilinearly aligned to the central member 12. First and second inclined ends 32, 38 are suitably configured to correspond with the first and second apexed terminals 18, 20 so that the flanking members 14, 16 are flush with the central member 12. The central cutting side 26 is aligned with the first and second cutting sides 28, 34 so as to form a continuous cutting verge 40. The cutting verge 40 contacts the work materials during work operations.
Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the technical features as described above or on the scope of any claim elements.
One skilled in the art will realise the disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the disclosure or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the disclosure described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

A cutting edge (10) for a foldable blade (100) of a work machine, the cutting edge (10) comprising:
a central member (12) having opposed first and second apexed terminals (18, 20) and at least one central cutting side (26) disposed between the first and second apexed terminals (18, 20);

a first flanking member (14) having a first cutting side (28) and a first inner inclined end (32), the first inner inclined end (32) being contiguously positionable to the first apexed terminal (18); and

a second flanking member (16) having a second cutting side (34) and a second inner inclined end (38), the second inner inclined end (38) being contiguously positionable to the second apexed terminal (20),
wherein the first and second flanking members (14, 16) and the central member (12) are rectilinearly alignable such that the first and second cutting sides (28, 34) and the central cutting side (26) form a continuous cutting verge (40) wherein the central member (12) comprises a second central cutting side (42) parallel to the at least one central cutting side (26) and wherein central member (12) is rotatable such that the second central cutting side (42) forms the continuous cutting verge (40) with first and second cutting sides (28, 34) characterised in that the first and second apexed terminals (18, 20) have oblique surfaces (68, 82) formed between a front central face (60) and a rear central face (70) of the central member (12) wherein the first inner inclined end (32) has a first bevel surface (98) formed between a first front flanking face (84) and a first rear flanking face (92) of the first flanking member (14) and the second inner inclined end (38) has a second bevel surface (108) formed between a second front flanking face (110) and a second rear flanking face (112) of the second flanking member (16).
The cutting edge (10) according to claim 1 wherein the first and second apexed terminals (18, 20) have respective sloped sides (64, 66), at least one respective sloped side (64, 66) has an angle (α) of 69° from the at least one cutting side (26).
The cutting edge (10) according to any one of preceding claims wherein the apexes (22, 24) of the first and second apexed terminals (18, 20) extend beyond the respective opposite ends of the at least one central cutting side (26) at a longitudinal distance of 109.6mm.
The cutting edge (10) according to claim 1 wherein each oblique surface (68, 82) has an angle of 59.5° to 60.5° from the front central face (60).
The cutting edge (10) according to any one of preceding claims wherein the first inner inclined end (32) and the second inner inclined end (38) have angles of 69° respectively from the first and second limit sides (80, 90).
The cutting edge (10) according to claim 1 wherein the first bevel surface (98) has an angle of 59.5° to 60.5° from the first rear flanking face (92) and the second bevel surface (108) has an angle of 59.5° to 60.5° from the second rear flanking face (112).
The cutting edge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the central member (12) includes a first central portion (44) having the first apexed terminal (18) and a second central portion (46) having the second apexed terminal (20).
The cutting edge (10) according to claim 7 wherein the first central portion (44) has a first inner end (48) opposite the first apexed terminal (18) and the second central portion (46) has a second inner end (50) opposite the second apexed terminal (20), the first inner end (48) being abuttingly positionable to the second inner end (50).
The cutting edge (10) according to any one of preceding claims wherein holes (62) are formed along the longitudinal axis (21) of the central member (12) so as to permit rotation of the central member (12) such that second central cutting side (42) replaces the at least one central cutting side (26) at the continuous cutting verge (40).
A foldable blade (100) of a work machine, the foldable blade (100) comprising:
a cutting edge (10) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the central member (12) is mounted to a central element (102), the first flanking member (14) is mounted to a first flanking element (104) and the second flanking element (16) is mounted to the second flanking element (106) such that the cutting edge (10) is aligned to form a continuous cutting verge (40) when the first and second flanking elements (104, 106) are rectilinearly aligned to the central element (102).