Bulk roll cutting apparatus with safety linkage and related methods

An apparatus for removing bulk rolled material from a core, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame having two frame walls, the frame supporting a swing blade movable between a cutting position and a retracted position, wherein in the cutting position, the blade is positioned proximate to an arbor capable of holding a bulk roll;
• at least one link arm movably connected to the frame through a first shaft extending between the two frame walls, whereby the at least one link arm is positioned at least partially in a space formed between the two frame walls;
• an actuator having one end connected to the at least one link arm and another end connected to the blade, the actuator at least partially positioned in the space formed between the two frame walls;
• an adjustment device connected to the at least one link arm and the frame through a second shaft, the adjustment device being adjustable to control a cutting depth of the blade relative to the arbor;
• and
• a safety linkage connected to the at least one link arm and the frame through the second shaft, the safety linkage preventing an inadvertent gravitational fall of the blade, wherein the safety linkage comprises first and second linkage members connected with a pivotal connection therebetween.