BR102017010080A2 - Roughing Member, Roughing Member, and STRUCTURE SUPPORT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roughing member assembly which may include a pluggable nose on a vessel shoulder. the nose may include an indentation portion having a first set of substantially planar surfaces including a first, second and third subset of surfaces. the third surface subset may be angled and positioned between the first surface subset and the second surface subset. the nose may also include an advancing portion positioned in advance and adjacent to an indentation portion, the advancing portion having a second set of substantially planar surfaces including a fourth, a fifth and a sixth subset of surfaces. the sixth surface set may be angled and positioned relative to the first surface subset and the second surface subset. the roughing member assembly may also include a roughing member having a cavity comprising recoil and forward bearing surfaces corresponding to the third and sixth surface subsets.

Description

(54) Title: DEFINING MEMBER SET, DEFINING MEMBER AND SUPPORT STRUCTURE (51) Int. Cl .: E02F 9/28 (52) CPC: E02F 9/2825 (30) Unionist Priority: 03/01/2017 US 62 / 441,779, 1/3/2017 US 62/441, 77913/05/2016 US 62 / 335,789 (73) Owner (s): HENSLEY INDUSTRIES, INC.

(72) Inventor (s): MOHAMAD YOUSSEF BILAL; ISAI DIAZ (74) Attorney (s): FABIO RENATO FERREIRA DO NASCIMENTO (57) Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of thinning member that can include a pluggable nose on a vessel shoulder. The nose may include an indentation portion that has a first set of substantially planar surfaces that include a first, second and third subset of surfaces. The third subset of surfaces can be angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The nose may also include a forward portion positioned forward and adjacent to an indentation portion, the forward portion has a second set of substantially planar surfaces that include a fourth, fifth and sixth subset of surfaces. The sixth set of surfaces can be angled and positioned in relation to the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The roughing member assembly may also include a roughing member having a cavity comprising recoil and forward bearing surfaces corresponding to the third and sixth subsets of surfaces.

1/44

Roughing Member, Roughing Member and

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

PRIORITY INFORMATION [001] This order claims the benefit of the Order

US Provisional Order No. 62 / 335,789 filed on May 13, 2016 and entitled Wear Member Stabilization System with Octagonal Interface and Provisional Order from

USA No. 62 / 441,779 deposited on January 3, 2017 and entitled Stabilization Resources in a Set of

Wear member, whose descriptions are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [002] This description is typically intended for earth hitch wear member assemblies including adapters for securing excavation wear members for bucket flaps. More particularly, this description is aimed at stabilizing load-bearing surfaces between adjacent wear members.

FUNDAMENTALS [003] Material displacement devices, such as digging buckets found in construction, mining and other earth moving equipment, typically include replaceable wear parts, such as hitch teeth in the earth. These are often removably attached to larger base structures, such as digging buckets, and come into wear, abrasive contact with the earth or other materials being displaced. For example, sets of digging teeth provided in digging equipment, such as digging buckets and the like, typically comprise a relatively massive adapter portion that is properly anchored to the front bucket flap. The adapter portion typically includes a nose projecting forward. A replaceable tooth

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2/44 typically includes a backward-facing cavity that reliably receives the adapter nose. To retain the tooth in the adapter nose, generally aligned transverse openings can be formed in both the tooth and the adapter nose, and a suitable connector structure is routed inward and forcibly retained within the aligned openings to releasably anchor replaceable tooth in the its associated adapter nose.

[004] During normal operations, the tooth experiences 10 loading in several directions. If the tooth is not positioned in the nose in a stable shape, the loads experienced by the tooth can cause additional wear on the adapter. Therefore, there is a need for an improved adapter nose and corresponding opening in the tooth.

SUMMARY [005] According to some example implementations, a wear member assembly may include an attachable nose on a bucket flap. The nose may include a rear portion having a first set of eight substantially flat surfaces converging towards a longitudinal axis of the nose towards a distal end of the rear portion. The first set of substantially flat surfaces can include a first subset of surfaces having a top and bottom surface, a second subset of side surfaces, and a third subset of surfaces comprising support surfaces. The third subset of surfaces being angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The nose may also include a front portion positioned forward adjacent the rear portion, the front portion having a second set of substantially eight surfaces

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3/44 planes converging towards the longitudinal axis of the nose towards the distal end of the front portion. The second set of substantially flat surfaces can include a fourth subset having a top and bottom surface, a fifth subset of side surfaces, and a sixth subset of surfaces comprising support surfaces, the sixth set of surfaces being angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The wear member assembly may also include a wear member having a cavity opening towards a rear end, the cavity comprising rear and front support surfaces corresponding to the third subset of surfaces and the sixth subset of surfaces.

[006] According to some example implementations, a wear member includes a cavity having a rear portion having a first set of eight surfaces converging towards a longitudinal axis at a first angle towards a distal end of the rear portion. The first set of substantially flat surfaces can include a top and bottom surface, a set of side surfaces, and a set of diagonal surfaces that comprise support surfaces. The cavity may further include a front portion positioned forward adjacent the rear portion, the front portion having a second set of eight surfaces converging towards the longitudinal axis at a second angle that is less than the first angle.

The cavity can further include a set of pockets positioned at least partially along the diagonal surfaces, the pockets having vertical inward facing surfaces.

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4/44 [007] According to some example implementations, a wear member assembly may include an adapter nose having a rear portion having a cross section width and a cross section height, the cross section width being different the cross section height, the rear portion having two non-support surfaces and four substantially flat support surfaces, the two non-support surfaces being substantially horizontal in cross section and the four substantially flat support surfaces being oblique in cross section, the first two of the four substantially flat support surfaces being arranged on a first side side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces, and the second two of the four substantially flat support surfaces being arranged on the second side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces , in which at a distal end of the rear portion, the The cross-section width of one of the two non-support surfaces is substantially different from the cross-section width of any of the four support surfaces.

[008] According to some example implementations, a wear member includes a cavity having a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion may have a cross section width and a cross section height, the cross section width being different from the cross section height. The cavity can have two substantially flat non-support surfaces and four substantially flat support surfaces. The two substantially flat non-support surfaces can be substantially horizontal in cross section and the four substantially flat support surfaces can be oblique in cross section. The first two of the four support surfaces

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5/44 substantially flat can be arranged on a first side side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces, and the second two of the four substantially flat support surfaces can be arranged on a second side side of the two substantially flat non-support surfaces. At a distal end of the rear portion, the cross-section width of any of the two substantially flat non-supporting surfaces can differ substantially from the cross-section width of any of the four support surfaces substantially.

[009] The present description is directed to a wear member assembly having a particularly molded support surface disposed on a wear member nose, such as an adapter nose, and a corresponding molded support surface on a wear member additional inserted over the nose. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are of an exemplary and explanatory nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, additional aspects, resources and advantages of the present disclosure will be evident to a person skilled in the art from the following.

[0010] The present description is intended to stabilize load-bearing surfaces on wear members that provide stability and support during material displacement / hitch excavation operations. In some implementations, the present description describes a hollow ground hitch wear member attachable to a support structure may include a front end arranged to engage the ground and a rear end having a cavity formed therein. The cavity

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6/44 may have an internal surface and have a longitudinally extending axis and a front portion and have a rear portion adjacent to the rear end. The inner surface may have opposite inner walls separated horizontally and have opposite inner walls separated vertically forming an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface. The upper inner surface and the lower inner surface may each have a portion of the support surface projecting inwardly, arranged centrally, arranged to provide a support fit to the support structure. Each inwardly projected support surface portion may be disposed in the rear portion of the cavity and may have a transverse width less than a longitudinal length and receivable in a depression of the support structure. The support surface portion projecting inwardly can be arranged to support loads imposed vertically at the front end.

[0011] According to some example implementations, the present description is directed to a support structure arranged to receive a wear member, the support structure can include a nose arranged to receive a cavity of the wear member. The nose may include a front portion having a plurality of outward facing surfaces, the outward facing surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the nose at a first angle. The nose may further include a rear portion having two horizontally separated outwardly facing surfaces and two vertically separated outwardly facing surfaces including an upward and downwardly facing surface, horizontally separated outwardly facing surfaces and vertically separated outwardly facing surfaces. being angled in relation to the longitudinal axis at a second angle that is different from

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7/44 first angle. The nose may further include a first concave support surface positioned on the upwardly facing surface. The nose may further include a second concave support surface positioned on the downward facing surface.

[0012] According to additional example implementations, the present description is addressed to a wear member may include a cavity arranged to fit over an adapter nose. The cavity can include a front portion having a plurality of inward facing surfaces, the inward facing surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity at a first angle. The cavity may include a rear portion having two horizontally separated inward facing surfaces, and two vertically separated inward facing surfaces including an upward and downward facing surface, horizontally separated inward facing surfaces and vertically separated inward facing surfaces. being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle that is different from the first angle. The cavity may include a first convex support surface positioned on the upwardly facing surface. The cavity may include a second convex support surface positioned on the downward facing surface.

[0013] According to further example implementations, the present description is directed to a wear member assembly may include an adapter having a rear end arranged to secure the adapter to a bucket flap and a front end having a nose. The wear member can also include a substantially flat surface facing upwards, at least partially circumscribing a concave support surface.

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8/44 facing upwards and a substantially flat surface facing downwards circumscribing at least partially a concave support surface facing downwards. The wear member assembly may also include a wear member having a front end arranged to engage the ground and a rear end having a cavity. The cavity may include a downward facing surface having a first protrusion outwardly extending therefrom, the first protrusion outwardly arranged to fit within the upwardly concave support surface. The cavity may include an upwardly facing surface having a second protrusion outwardly extending therefrom, the second protrusion outwardly arranged to fit within the downwardly concave support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The attached drawings illustrate implementations of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this description.

[0015] Figure 1 is a view of a coupling wear member assembly on the ground according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter nose with a supporting surface portion on a top and bottom surface according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0017] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing longitudinal cross-sectional views of the support surface portion on the adapter nose according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0018] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams showing cross-sectional views of the surface portion

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9/44 nose support according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0019] Figure 5 is a top view of the nose with a support surface portion according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0020] Figure 6 is a frontal view of the nose with a support surface portion according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0021] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a tooth having a protrusion corresponding to the support surface portion in the nose according to an example incorporating principles described herein.

[0022] Figure 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tooth with the protrusion according to an example incorporating principles described here.

[0023] Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the tooth with the protrusion according to an example incorporating principles described here.

[0024] Figure 10 is a rear view of the tooth examining inside the cavity according to an example incorporating principles described here.

[0025] Figure 11A is an exploded perspective view of a coupling wear member assembly on the ground according to an example of principles described herein.

[0026] Figure 11B illustrates an adapter nose examining along the longitudinal axis of the nose according to an example of principles described here.

[0027] Figure 11C illustrates a side view of the adapter nose according to an example of principles described here.

[0028] Figure 12A illustrates the tooth examining inside the cavity according to an example of principles described here.

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10/44 [0029] Figure 12B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the tooth assembly according to an example of principles described here.

[0030] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of the adapter nose according to an example of principles described here.

[0031] Figure 14A illustrates an adapter nose with torsion control features according to an example of principles described here.

[0032] Figure 14B illustrates a side view of an adapter nose with torsion control features according to an example of principles described here.

[0033] Figure 14C illustrates a perspective view of an adapter nose with torsion control features according to an example of principles described here.

[0034] Figure 14D illustrates a top view of an adapter nose with torsion control features according to an example of principles described here.

[0035] Figure 15 illustrates a diagram showing a tooth having a cavity designed to fit an adapter nose with torsion control features according to an example of principles described here.

[0036] Figure 16A illustrates a cross section of the adapter nose orthogonal to the longitudinal axis according to an example of principles described here.

[0037] Figure 16B illustrates a cross section of the adapter nose with torsion control features orthogonal to the longitudinal axis according to an example of principles described here.

[0038] Figure 16C illustrates a cross section of the front portion of the adapter nose according to an example of principles described here.

[0039] Figure 16D illustrates a cross section of the

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11/44 adapter nose with torsion control features shifted according to an example of principles described here.

[0040] These figures will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0041] In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and a specific language will be used to describe them. However, it will be understood that no limitation on the scope of the disclosure is intended. All changes and other modifications to the devices, instruments, methods and other applications described, and any further application of the principles of the present description are fully contemplated, as would normally occur for a person skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In addition, this description describes some elements or features in detail in relation to one or more implementations or

Figures, when those same elements or resources appear in the subsequent Figures, without such a high level of detail. It is fully contemplated that the features, components and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures can be combined with the features, components and / or steps described in relation to other implementations or Figures of the present description. For simplicity, in some cases, the same or similar reference numbers are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0042] The present description is addressed to a set of ground hitch wear member that includes an adapter nose that can be attached to a bucket flap. The ground hitch wear member assembly also includes a

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12/44 tooth or other wear member, such as an intermediate adapter, which can be attached to the adapter nose. The wear member includes a backward-facing cavity designed to fit over the adapter nose. The nose can include a front set of surfaces and a back set of surfaces, and in some implementations, both the front set of surfaces and the back set of surfaces can form a substantially octagonal shape in cross-section. Multiple surfaces of both the front surface set and the rear surface set can be interlocking (or support) surfaces, while other surfaces of the front surface set and back surface set can be non-fitting (or non-supporting) surfaces . In some particular embodiments, the top surface and the bottom surface of the rear set of surfaces can be interlocking surfaces and include an interference support feature such as a protrusion on one of the tooth or adapter and a matching indentation on the other of the tooth or adapter. These can cooperate to distribute vertical loading in a shape assisting with stability and alignment of the wear member on the adapter nose. As used herein, a locking surface is a load-bearing surface.

[0043] In some implementations, the ground hitch wear set adapter includes engaging surfaces on angled side surfaces. These interlocking surfaces can be arranged in a way that provides stabilizing contact on more than one interlocking surface when the ground engagement wear assembly is subjected to a vertical load or a horizontal load. For example, an applied vertical down load can be supported by two interlocking surfaces

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13/44 angled, and an applied vertical upward load can be supported by two separate angled engaging surfaces. Likewise, a left horizontal load can be supported by two angled locking surfaces and a right horizontal load can be supported by two angled locking surfaces. In some implementations, a set of angled engaging surfaces is arranged on a distal or front portion of the adapter nose and another set of angled engaging surfaces is arranged on a proximal or rear portion of the adapter nose. In this way, a wear member, such as a tooth, can be supported by angled engaging surfaces at both the distal end and the proximal end of the adapter nose.

[0044] Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary ground hitch wear member assembly 100 according to an example of the present description. In the shown implementation, the ground engaging wear member assembly 100 includes a tooth (or wear member) 104, an adapter

102, and a locking pin 106. In this example, wear set 100 also includes a protective wear member 108. Adapter 102 includes a hole (not shown) for receiving locking pin 106. Tooth 104 also includes a hole through which the locking pin 106 can be inserted. Locking pin 106 can secure tooth 104 in adapter 102. Adapter 102 can also be referred to here as a support structure, as it provides stabilizing support for an additional component, which in this implementation is tooth 104.

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of adapter 102. According to the present example, adapter 102 includes a front end 201 and a rear end 212. Front end 201 includes

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14/44 a nose 203 and the rear end 212 includes a pair of forked legs 214a, 214b arranged to secure adapter 102 to a bucket flap (not shown). A longitudinal axis 211 is shown through the front end

201 and the rear end 212. A transverse axis 215 is shown for reference in a position that would be parallel to an edge of the bucket flap (not shown).

[0046] According to the present example, the nose 203 includes a front portion 205, a rear portion 207 and an intermediate portion 209 extending between the front portion 205 and the rear portion 207. The front portion 205 includes a facing end surface forward 220 and a plurality of outward facing surfaces 202 in an octagonal arrangement adjacent the end surface

220. In this implementation, each of the surfaces 202 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 211. In addition, at least four of the surfaces are angled with respect to the transverse axis 215. In some examples, at least four of the plurality of surfaces 202 may be surfaces load-bearing insert. For example, in some implementations, surfaces 202 may include angled surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d as load-bearing engaging surfaces. In other implementations, surfaces 202 may include vertical and horizontal surfaces 202e,

202f, 202g and 202h as load-bearing interlocking surfaces. In some implementations, each of the surfaces 202 can be substantially flat, while in other implementations, only four of the eight surfaces 202 are substantially flat. In still other implementations, a different number of the eight surfaces 202 are substantially flat.

[0047] In the present example, the rear portion 207 also includes a plurality of surfaces facing

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15/44 out of 204 in an octagonal arrangement. Each of the surfaces 204 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each of the rear surfaces 204 can be angled differently from the longitudinal axis. For example, side surfaces 204f, 204h can be angled differently with respect to the longitudinal axis than top and bottom surfaces 204e, 204g. In the present example, the rear surfaces 204 are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at an angle different from the front surfaces 202. Specifically, the rear surfaces 204 are angled at a greater angle to the longitudinal axis than the front surfaces 202. In the examples , the multiple front surfaces 202 may have different angles to the longitudinal axis. Likewise, the rear surfaces 204 have different angles to the longitudinal axis. In such examples, the average angle at which each of the rear surfaces 204 converges towards the longitudinal axis can be greater than the average angle at which the front surfaces 202 converge towards the longitudinal axis. As shown in the perspective view of Figure 2, the rear surfaces 204 include angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c. The opposite side of the nose 203 includes an additional angled surface 204d, which is identified in Figures 4A and 4B, for example. The rear surfaces

204 also includes a top surface 204e and a side surface 204h. The nose 203 also includes a bottom surface 204g and an opposite side surface 204f which are identified in Figures 4A and 4B, for example. The rear surfaces 204 can also be supporting or engaging surfaces. In some examples, each of the rear surfaces 204 may be supporting engaging surfaces. In some examples, only angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d can be interlocking surfaces. In

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16/44 some examples, only the horizontal and vertical surfaces 204e, 204f, 204g, 204h, can be interlocking surfaces. In some implementations, each of the surfaces 204 can be substantially flat, while in other implementations, only four of the eight surfaces 204 are substantially flat. In still other implementations, a different number of surfaces 204 is substantially flat.

[0048] In the present example, the middle portion

209 includes a plurality of outward facing surfaces

216. These outward facing surfaces 216 may extend between and cross surfaces 202 and surfaces 204. In some implementations, surfaces 216 may be angled differently than surfaces 202 and surfaces 204 with respect to longitudinal axis 211. Referring to Figure 2, the outward facing surfaces 216 may include a plurality of surfaces including, among other surfaces, an upward facing surface 216a, a downward facing surface 216b (Figures 3A and

3B). In this implementation, the side surfaces of the intermediate portion 209 may contain an orifice 206. Additional angular surfaces 216c, 216d, 216e, 216f (best seen in Figures 5 and 6) are arranged around the intermediate portion of the nose.

[0049] With reference to Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 5 and 6, the upward facing surface 216a of the intermediate portion 209 may extend at an angle different from the adjacent top surface 204e of the rear portion 207 and the adjacent top surface 202e of the front portion 205. Therefore, the upward facing surface 216a may be non-flat with the adjacent top surface 204e of the rear portion 207 and be non-flat with the adjacent top surface 202e of the front portion 205. In a similar manner, the surface

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17/44 facing downwards 216b of the intermediate portion 209 may extend at a different angle from the adjacent bottom surface 204g of the rear portion 207 and the bottom surface 202g of the front portion 205.

[0050] In the present example, the top surface 204e includes a concave support surface 210 positioned thereon. In some examples, the top surface 204e circumscribes the concave support surface 210. In some implementations, the concave support surface 210 bridges the intersection of the upward facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. The concave support surface 210, in this implementation, is an indentation that can cooperate with a corresponding protrusion in the wear member 104 to provide load-bearing stability as well as lateral stability. Although not seen from this perspective view, nose 203 may also have a similar concave support surface portion on the bottom surface that is opposite the top surface 204e. In some implementations, the concave support surface on the bottom surface can be shaped similarly to the concave support surface 210 on the top surface 204e. In the present example, the concave support surface 210 has a substantially elliptical shape. Other forms are also contemplated. For example, instead of being elliptical in shape, the concave support surface 210 may be circular or may have some other configuration.

[0051] The nose 203 also includes an orifice 206 extending from the side surface 204h to the opposite side surface (not shown in this perspective).

In this implementation, orifice 206 is formed in the intermediate portion 209 of nose 203. Orifice 206 is sized and shaped to receive a locking pin. In the present example, hole 206 is positioned in front of the

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18/44 concave support surface 210. In other words, at least a portion of the concave support surface 210 is positioned behind hole 206. In some examples, the entire concave support surface 210 can be positioned behind hole 206 In other implementations, hole 206 extends only partially through nose 203. A corresponding hole 206 can be formed on the opposite side of nose 203. In these implementations, two separate locking pins can be used to secure wear member 104 to the adapter 102 (see Figure 1).

[0052] The nose also includes 230b, 230d torsion control surfaces. The torsion control surfaces

230a, 230c are illustrated in Figures 4B and 6. The torsion control features 230a, 230b, 230c and 230d can be substantially flat surfaces that are turned outward and are sized and shaped to fit against corresponding surfaces within the tooth cavity, which will be described in further detail below. In the present example, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b,

230c, 230d respectively intersect angled surfaces

204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of the rear portion 207.

In particular, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d intersect the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d close to where such surfaces meet the vertical surfaces 204f, 204h. In some examples, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d may be aligned with the vertical surfaces 204f, 204h.

[0053] In some examples, the angled surfaces of both the front surfaces 202 and the rear surfaces 204 can be support (or interlock) surfaces. Specifically, surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 204a,

204b, 204c, 204d can be support surfaces. Beyond

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19/44 in addition, the horizontal and top surfaces of the front surfaces 202 and the rear surfaces 204 can be non-supporting (or non-engaging) surfaces. Specifically, surfaces 202e, 202f, 202g, 202h,

204e, 204f, 204g, 204h can be unsupported surfaces.

Other combinations of support and non-support surfaces are also contemplated.

[0054] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing longitudinal cross-section views of a portion of the adapter 102, showing the upper concave support surfaces 210 and a lower concave support surface 213. Figure 3B, in particular, shows the portion support surface 213 on bottom surface 204g of adapter nose 102. In some embodiments, top surface 204e and bottom surface 204g can both be interlocking surfaces. In that case, other surfaces, such as side surfaces or angled surfaces, can be either interlocking or non-interlocking surfaces. For example, it may be that all angled surfaces are non-engaging surfaces, while the top, bottom and side surfaces are engaging surfaces. As indicated above, some implementations of the concave support surface 210 cross the intersection of the upward facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In such implementations, the upward facing surface 216a can be a non-engaging surface, while the concave support surface 210 forms a engaging surface. In some examples, the concave surfaces 210, 213 may be unsupported surfaces. In such examples, multiple combinations of the horizontal, vertical and angular surfaces can be interlocking surfaces, and in some cases, only the angled surfaces are interlocking surfaces. It may be that all surfaces are interlocking surfaces. Are

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20/44 contemplated other combinations of fitting and non-fitting surfaces. For example, angled surfaces can be interlocking surfaces, while horizontal and vertical surfaces are non-interlocking surfaces in a manner similar to that described below in the text accompanying Figures 11A-16D.

[0055] The bottom concave support surface 213 can be substantially identical to the top concave support surface portion 210. In some instances, the position and shape of the bottom concave support surface portion 213 may mirror the position and the shape of the top concave support surface portion 210. Therefore, similar to the arrangement described above, the bottom concave support surface 213 can bridge the intersection of the downward facing surface 216b and the bottom surface 204g. In such implementations, the downward facing surface 216b can be a non-engaging surface, while the bottom concave support surface 213 forms a engaging surface. In some examples, the bottom concave support surface portion 213 may be displaced longitudinally from the top concave support surface portion 210. For example, the bottom concave support surface portion 213 may be closer or closer away from the front of the nose than the top concave support surface portion 210.

[0056] Concave support surface portions

210, 213 in this implementation are formed as indentations that have smooth rounded surfaces as the shape transits from the concave surface to the flat top surface 204e. The indentation provides lateral stability at the rear of the wear member 104 when subjected to load during use. In addition, when vertical loads are directed to the front end of the

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21/44 wear member 104, the indentation distributes the load to the rear portion of the wear member and the load is transferred through the concave support surface portions 210, 213 to the adapter (or an intermediate adapter if so equipped). In addition, the concave load-bearing surface portions 210, 213 provide a smooth surface, with curved sides that aid in lateral stability. Therefore, lateral loads at the front end of the wear member 104 that result in opposite loads at the end of the wear member can be relieved to some extent by the curved side sides of the concave support surface portions 210, 213. As can be seen, indentations are formed on the top surface 204e which is angled longitudinally to face the front end surface 220 of adapter 102. Accordingly, corresponding protrusions on the inner surface of wear member 104 can engage directly with the recessed support surface portion 210 and 213.

[0057] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams showing cross-sectional views of the concave support surface portions 210, 213 on adapter 102. Figures 4A and 4B also show each of the rear surfaces 204. Specifically, Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the top surface facing 204e, the side surfaces facing out 204f, 204h and the bottom surface facing 204g. Figures 4A and 4B also show angled outward facing surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. In the exemplary implementation shown, the concave support surface portions 210, 213 are formed on the rear portion 207 only on the top surface facing up 204e and the bottom surface facing down 204g, while the side surfaces facing out 204f, 204h and the angled surfaces facing

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22/44 out of 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are all formed to be relatively flat. This can provide additional plug-in surface support for vertical loading on a supported tooth 104, while providing standard support for horizontal loading or side-to-side loading.

[0058] Figure 5 is a top view of the nose 203 of the adapter 102. The concave support surface portion 210 is shown extending inwardly and through the intersection of the upwardly facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In some examples, the transverse width 504 of the concave support surface portion 210 may be within a range of about 60-80 percent of the transverse width 508 of the top surface 204e. In some examples, the transverse width 504 of the concave support surface portion 210 may be about 70% of the transverse width 508 of the top surface 204e. The longitudinal length 502 of the concave supporting surface portion 210 may be similar to the transverse width 504 of the concave supporting surface portion 210. In some examples, the longitudinal length 502 of the concave supporting surface portion 210 may be within a range about 0-50 percent greater than the transverse width 504. The concave support surface portion 210 can be sized to provide stability and increase the surface area of the top surface 204e, while minimizing weakening of adapter 102 through elevators of tension. Therefore, the depth of the recessed support surface portion can be selected to provide the necessary balance of stability and strength. In some implementations, the depth of the supporting surface portion is selected to be within a range of approximately 0.1 inches at

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23/44 about 0.625 inches, although other depths are contemplated.

[0059] Figure 6 is a front and slightly angled view of the adapter 102 with the concave support surface portion 210. Figure 6 also illustrates the top surface 204e and the top surface 202e, and the top surface 216a. Figure 6 also illustrates rear angled surfaces 204a, 204b, the front angled surfaces

202a, 202b, and the intermediate non-supporting surfaces

216c and 216f.

[0060] Figure 7A is a perspective view of wear member 104 which includes protrusions extending from internal surfaces of the cavity. Wear member 104 can also be referred to as a hollow-floor hitch wear member. Although wear member 104 can also be referred to as a tooth, wear member 104 can also form an intermediate adapter or other wear member configured to be supported by or to support other wear members. The wear member 104 includes a front end 708 at the front end 701 of the wear member. The front end 708 is arranged to engage or penetrate the ground, and can typically be referred to as the working end. Wear member 104 also includes a rear end, which has a cavity (shown in cross section in Figure 7B) that is sized and shaped to receive the nose 203 of adapter 102.

[0061] In the present example, side 709 of wear member 104 includes an orifice 711 which is sized and shaped to receive locking pin 106 (Figure 1). In some implementations, the opposite side of the wear member 104 may include a similar hole. Orifice 711 can be positioned so that when the wear member 104

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24/44 is properly adjusted in the nose 203, the hole 711 is aligned with the hole 206 of the adapter 102. Thus, the locking pin 106 can be inserted through the two holes 206, 711 and adjusted in order to maintain the wear member

104 on adapter 102.

[0062] In the present example, wear member 104 includes wear indicator 731. Wear indicator 731 can be a split or indentation in wear member 104 which indicates to an operator when the wear member

104 must be replaced. Specifically, wear member 104 wears out as it is used for excavation operations. When it wears to a point where the bottom of the wear indicator 731 is flush with the rest of the wear member 104, then this indicates to an operator that it is time to replace the wear member 104. The wear indicator 731 can be dimensioned and shaped so that it has a depth associated with an expected amount of wear before wear member 104 is replaced. This expected amount of wear can be based on historical data that represents the way in which the wear member 104 wears out during normal operations. The wear indicator 731 can also be positioned elsewhere on the wear member 104.

[0063] Figure 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of wear member 104 showing an upper protrusion 706 and a lower protrusion 707 arranged to correspond to the concave support surfaces 210, 213 on adapter 102. Wear member 104 includes the front end 708 and rear end 703.

A cavity 702 is formed at the rear end 703, extending longitudinally inward from the rear end 703. The cavity 702 opens at the rear of the wear member 104 and is shaped and dimensioned

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25/44 to fit over the nose 203 of adapter 102.

[0064] In some implementations, cavity 702 is shaped to have surfaces corresponding to the multiple surfaces of the nose 203. In some implementations, since not all surfaces are interlocking surfaces, only the interlocking surfaces of cavity 702 and the nose 203 have the same shape. That is, the cavity 702 can be contoured so that the groove surfaces of the groove 702 correspond to the groove surfaces of the adapter 102.

Because of this, the descriptions applied here regarding the external surfaces of the nose 203 are also applicable to the internal surfaces of the cavity 702 of the wear member 104. Similar to the nose 203, the cavity 702 includes a front portion 720, a rear portion 722 and a intermediate portion 724. The cavity 702 also includes a longitudinal axis 718 which in this implementation is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the wear member 104. A transverse axis 719 (Figures 7A and 10) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 718 and is arranged to be substantially parallel to a front end of a bucket flap.

[0065] According to the present example, the cavity

702 includes a front portion 720, an intermediate portion 724 and a rear portion 722. Front portion 720 includes a plurality of substantially flat inward facing surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, 721g in an octagonal shape (not all eight surfaces are shown in the cross section view of Figure 7B). These surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, 721g may correspond to some of the outward facing surfaces 202 of the front portion 205 of adapter 102. As described above, some surfaces 202 of the front portion 205 may be interlocking surfaces while some may be surfaces of not

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26/44 fitting. The engaging surfaces of the adapter 102 can engage with the engaging surfaces of the cavity 702 while the non-engaging surfaces of the adapter 102 may have slightly different shapes than the non-engaging surfaces of the cavity 702 or can be displaced from the non-engaging surfaces cavity 702.

[0066] The intermediate portion 724 includes a plurality of substantially flat inward surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f, 723g (not all surfaces are shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 7B). These surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f,

723g may correspond to some of the outward facing surfaces 216 of the intermediate portion 209 of adapter 102. Specifically, the engaging surfaces of adapter 102 engage with the engaging surfaces of cavity 702 While the non-engaging surfaces of adapter 102 may be slightly shaped different from cavity 702 non-engaging surfaces or can be displaced from cavity 702 non-engaging surfaces.

[0067] The rear portion 722 includes a plurality of substantially flat inward surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, 704g, 704h in an octagonal shape (some surfaces are best shown in Figures 8A and 8B). These surfaces include an upper inner surface 704e and a lower inner surface 704g (which are vertically separated, horizontally separated side surfaces 704f, 704h, upper angled inner surfaces 704a, 704c, and lower angled inner surfaces 704b, 704g. These surfaces 704a,

704b 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, 704g, 704h can correspond to the outwardly facing surfaces 204 of the front portion 207 of adapter 102. Specifically, the engaging surfaces of adapter 102 can engage with engaging surfaces

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27/44 of the cavity 702 while the non-engaging surfaces of the adapter 102 may have slightly different shapes from the non-engaging surfaces of the cavity 702 or can be displaced from the non-engaging surfaces of the cavity 702.

[0068] Cavity 702 includes an upper inward facing surface 704e that is designed to fit with the upward facing surface 204e of the nose 203. In some implementations, the upper inward facing surface

204e can be substantially flat. The upper inward facing surface 704e also includes an upper protrusion 706 extending therefrom. The upper protrusion 706 can also be described as a support surface portion projecting inward 706, as it projects inwardly toward a longitudinal axis 718 of the wear member 104 and the cavity 702. The projecting support surface portion upper inward 706 is sized and shaped to fit with the concave support surface portion 210 of the nose 203. Similarly, the cavity includes a lower inward facing surface 704g that is designed to fit with the downward facing surface 204g of the nose 203. The bottom downward facing surface 704g also includes a portion of the projection inward support surface 707. The cavity also includes other surfaces corresponding to surfaces 202, 204 of the nose 203. The inward supporting surface portions 706 , 707 are convex and are arranged to support loads imposed vertically at the front end.

[0069] The protrusions 706, 707 can be located centrally on their respective surfaces 704e, 704g.

Thus, protrusions 706, 707 can be circumscribed by flat portions of surfaces 704e, 704 g. In addition,

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28/44 protrusions 706, 707 can be displaced laterally from each other if the corresponding concave support surface portions 210, 213 of the nose 203 are displaced from each other. Both the upper protrusion

706 as the lower protrusion 706 can form a cross sectional arc having tangents at oblique angles. In some examples, there may be only a single protrusion 706 on the upper surface 704 and only a single protrusion 707 on the lower surface 704g. In some examples, however, there may be additional protrusions on each surface 704e, 704g.

[0070] In the present example, the protrusion surfaces 706, 707 can act as support surfaces against the support surface portions 210, 213 of the adapter nose 203. Thus, the interference features comprising the protrusions 706, 707 and the support surface portions 210, 213 can provide additional support for loads in various directions. In addition, due to their curved nature, protrusions and indentations provide lateral stability as well as acting as vertical support surfaces.

[0071] Cavity 702 can also include a hole

725 which aligns with hole 206 when wear member 104 is positioned on adapter 102. This alignment allows the locking pin to be inserted through it. In some examples, the wear member 104 may include a single hole on one side of the cavity, and in some examples, the wear member 104 may include two holes, one on each side of the cavity 702.

[0072] Cavity 702 also includes inward torsion control surfaces 727a, 727c. The torsion control surfaces 727b, 727d are shown in Figure 10. The inward torsion control surfaces 727a, 727b, 727c, 727d are dimensioned and

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29/44 molded to fit against the adapter nose 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d torsion control features.

[0073] Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the tooth with the protrusion. Figure 8 illustrates opposite internal walls vertically separated 704e, 704 g, which correspond to the walls 204e, 204 g of the nose 203.

Figure 8 also illustrates opposite internal walls horizontally separated 704f, 804h, which correspond to the walls

204f, 204h of the nose 203. Figure 8 also shows the transversely angled inward facing walls 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d which correspond to the transversely angled outward facing walls 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of the nose 203.

[0074] Figure 10 is a rear view of the tooth examining inside cavity 702. Examining inside the cavity, surfaces 721a, 721b, 721c, 721d, 721e, 721f, 721g, 721h of the front portion 720 of cavity 702 can be seen . In addition, surfaces 723a, 723b, 723c, 723d,

723e, 723f, 723g, 723h of the intermediate portion 724 of the cavity 702 can be seen. In addition, surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704g as well as protrusions

706, 707 can be seen.

[0075] While the concave support surface portions 210, 213 and the protrusions 706, 707 are substantially elliptical in shape, some embodiments may have polygonal support surface portions and protrusions. In some examples, portions of the support surface may be positioned on the side surface close to or adjacent to the holes 206, 711 through which the locking pin is inserted. Because the protrusions 706, 707 are sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the concave support surface portions, the description of one of them applies equally to the other.

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30/44 [0076] Although indentations are described on adapter 102 and protrusions are described on the internal surfaces of wear member 104, it should be noted that some implementations are arranged opposite to have protrusion on adapter 102 and indentations on the member of wear wear 104.

[0077] The present description is also addressed to a ground hitch wear member assembly that includes an adapter nose capable of being attached to a bucket flap and a tooth. The nose includes angled support surfaces arranged to be received in a tooth cavity. The cavity includes support surfaces that correspond with and engage the nose support surfaces. According to some examples, the adapter nose may include a front portion at the distal end of the nose and a rear portion at the proximal end of the nose. The rear portion may include eight substantially flat surfaces converging towards the longitudinal axis of the nose. The front portion can also include eight substantially flat surfaces converging towards the longitudinal axis of the nose, but at a lower angle. In some implementations, both the front portion and the rear portion thus have substantially octagonal cross sections. In some implementations, in the rear portion, the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the cross section in an octagonal shape can be non-supporting surfaces and the angled surfaces (for example, non-horizontal and non-vertical surfaces) can be support surfaces. At the front, the angled surfaces can also be supporting surfaces.

[0078] Figure 11A is an exploded perspective view of a hitch wear member assembly 10. According to the present example, the

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31/44 wear member 10 includes a nose 1100 and a wear member 1200. An exemplary implementation of wear member 1200 is a tooth 1200. In another implementation, wear member 1200 is an intermediate adapter. Other wear members are contemplated. The nose 1100 includes a front portion 1124 and a rear portion 1122. In the example shown, nose 1100 extends from a base structure that is shown as a block, but represents any additional attachment structure that supports the nose including a bucket receiving portion having bifurcated adapter legs, similar to adapter 102 in Figure 1. In some implementations, the nose can be attached to an excavator bucket flap. The nose can form a part of an adapter or an intermediate adapter, and can also be referred to here as a support structure, as it provides stabilization support to an additional component, which in this implementation is the tooth 1200. The nose 1100 also includes a hole 12 for receiving a locking pin. In the present example, the nose includes torsion control features 18. The tooth 1200 also includes an orifice 14 through which the locking pin can be inserted. Since any of a number of known locking pins can be employed here, details of the locking pin are not included. The tooth 1200 also includes a backward-facing cavity (not shown in Figure 11A) and a latch end on the ground as a front end 16. A rod 1105 extends through the wear member assembly 10.

[0079] Figure 11B shows a view of nose 1100 examining along longitudinal axis 1105 of nose 1100. Figure 11C shows a side view of nose 1100, examining along a transversal axis 1107. The transversal axis 1107 is aligned in a position that would run

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32/44 parallel to an edge of the bucket flap (not shown). As described above, the nose 1100 can be attached to a bucket flap and includes a front portion 1124 and a rear portion 1122. The rear portion 1122 includes an array of eight substantially flat surfaces. In particular, the set includes a subset having a top surface 1108a and a bottom surface 1108b, a subset of two side surfaces 1106a, 1106b and a subset of four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d.

The top and bottom surfaces can be referred to as horizontal surfaces and the side surfaces can be referred to as vertical surfaces because these surfaces are horizontal and vertical in cross-section. The four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b,

1110c, 1110d can be support surfaces arranged to contact and interact with tooth surfaces 1200. Because each support surface is angled, each support surface is able to withstand both horizontal and vertical loading. Angled surfaces can also be referred to as diagonal or oblique surfaces. Both the horizontal surfaces 1108a, 1108b and the vertical surfaces 1106a, 1106b can be unsupported surfaces.

[0080] In this exemplary implementation, each of the eight substantially flat surfaces converges towards the longitudinal axis 1105 of the nose 1100. In some instances, the angle of the eight substantially flat surfaces with respect to the longitudinal axis 1105 may be within a range of about 5-25 degrees. In some examples, the angle may be within a range of about 8-15 degrees. Other intervals are also contemplated. In this implementation, the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b can be wider than the side surfaces 1106a, 1106b. Thus, the octagon-shaped cross section can be

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33/44 different in width 1132 than in height 1134. This helps with torsion and stability control.

[0081] In the exemplary implementation shown, the front portion 1124 also includes a set of eight substantially flat surfaces. In particular, the set includes a subset having a top surface 1114a and a bottom surface 1114b, a subset of two side surfaces 1112a, 1112b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d. The four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d can be support surfaces arranged to contact and interact with tooth surfaces 1200. Because each support surface is angled, each support surface is able to withstand both horizontal and vertical loading. The top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b can also be unsupported surfaces. In some examples, the side surfaces 1112a, 1112b can be supporting surfaces. In some examples, however, side surfaces 1112a, 1112b can be unsupported surfaces. In some implementations, the non-supporting surfaces of the front or 1124 portion or the rear portion 1122 may not be substantially flat.

[0082] In some implementations, each of the eight substantially flat surfaces of the front portion 1124 converges towards the longitudinal axis 1105 of the nose 1100, but at an angle that is lower than the angle at which the eight substantially flat surfaces of the rear portion 1122 converge to the longitudinal axis 1105. In some examples, the angle of the eight substantially flat surfaces of the front portion 1124 to the longitudinal axis 1105 can be within a range of about 0-15 degrees. In some examples, the angle can be within a range of about 1-8 degrees. In addition,

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34/44 top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b can be wider than the side services 1112a, 1112b. Thus, the octagon-shaped cross section is different in width 1132 than in height 1134. This also helps with stability and torsion control. In some examples, the ratio of the top or bottom surface width to the side surface width is different in the front portion 1124 than in the rear portion 1122. For example, the ratio of the top or bottom surface width to the side surface width may be greater in the front portion 1124 than in the rear portion 1122.

[0083] Figure 12A shows a view of tooth 1200 looking into cavity 1205. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of tooth 1200 along the longitudinal axis

1105, taken along lines 12B-12B in Figure 12A. Cavity 1205 is formed at the rear end 1209 of tooth 1200, extending longitudinally inward from rear end 1204. Cavity 1205 has support surfaces that correspond with and interact with the nose support surfaces 1100. It also has a longitudinal axis 1105 and cross reference axis 1107. Cavity 1205 also includes a front portion 1224 and a rear portion 1222. The rear portion 1222 includes a set of eight substantially flat surfaces. Therefore, in this exemplary implementation, the set of substantially flat surfaces includes a subset of having a top surface 1208a and a bottom surface 1208b, a subset of two side surfaces 1206a, 1206b and a subset of four inclined surfaces

1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d. The four angled surfaces

1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d can be supporting surfaces. As each support surface is angled, each support surface is able to withstand horizontal loading and

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35/44 vertical that can be applied to tooth 1200 during use. Both the top and bottom surfaces 1208a, 1208b and side surfaces 1206a, 1206b can be unsupported surfaces. In some instances, the non-supporting surfaces may not be substantially flat. For example, non-supporting surfaces can be curved.

[0084] The front portion 1224 also includes a forward assembly of eight substantially flat surfaces. Particularly the forward assembly includes a subset having a top surface 1214a and a bottom surface 1214b, a subset of two side surfaces 1212a, 1212b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d. The four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d can be supporting surfaces. Again, because each support surface is angled, each support surface is able to withstand both horizontal and vertical loading. Horizontal surfaces 1214a, 1214b can also be unsupported surfaces. In some examples, the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b can be supporting surfaces. In some examples, however, vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b can be unsupported surfaces.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 11C, the nose 1100 includes a rear surface 1101 and a front octagonal facing surface 1118. The front facing surface 1118 may be octagonal in shape. The front stop surface 1118 can be a locking surface since it is designed to make contact with a front stop surface 1218 of the cavity 1205 (shown in Figures 12A and 12B). The front stop surface 1218 of the cavity 1205 may also be octagonal in shape. The rear surface 1201 at the end

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36/44 rear 1109 of tooth 1200 may or may not come in contact with rear surface 1101 of nose 1100.

[0086] In some implementations, the nose 1100 and tooth 1200 can be symmetrically designed so that the tooth can rotate 180 degrees and still fit properly in the tooth. This allows the tooth 1200 to be inverted after a period of wear. Tooth 1200 can continue to be used in the inverted position. This extends the life of the 1200 tooth.

[0087] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the nose 1100. In addition to the substantially flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d,

1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d, both the front portion 1124 and the rear portion 1122 may have curved surfaces positioned between the flat surfaces.

In implementations having the rear surface 1101, the nose 1100 may include surfaces 1302 arranged between and transiting from the rear surface 1101 to the eight substantially flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b,

1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d rear

1122. The nose 1100 may also include elongated curved surfaces 1304 between adjacent edges of each of the flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d, 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b,

1116c, 1116d on both the front portion 1124 and the rear portion 1122. The nose 1100 may also include curved surfaces 1306 positioned between the flat surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the rear portion 1122 and the surfaces front portion 1124. The nose 1100 can also include curved surfaces

1308 positioned between the front stop surface 1118 and the flat surfaces 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a,

1116b, 1116c, 1116d of the front portion 1124. In some implementations, these curved surfaces can be fillets

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37/44 or round to minimize location stress during use. Curved surfaces can also help to provide clearance for the wear member cavity.

[0088] In some examples, the cross section width

W1 of the top and bottom non-supporting surfaces 1108a, 1108b is different at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 than the cross section width W3 at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122. For example, the cross section width W1 of the top and bottom non-supporting surfaces 1108a, 1108b may be smaller at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 than the cross section width W3 at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122 or vice versa. In addition, the cross section width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b,

1110c and 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the cross section width W4 at the proximal end 1305. For example, the cross section width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c and

1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be less than the cross section width W4 at the proximal end 1305 or vice versa. In addition, the cross section width W1 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the cross section width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122. For example, the cross section width W1 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 may be less than the cross section width W2 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c,

1110d at the distal end 1307 of the rear portion 1122 or vice versa. In addition, the W3 cross-section width of the

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38/44 top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122 may be different from the cross section width W4 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122. For For example, the cross section width W3 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal end 1305 of the rear portion 1122 may be greater than the cross section width W4 of the support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the end proximal

1305 of the rear portion 1122 or vice versa.

[0089] Figure 14A shows a view of an illustrative adapter nose 1400 with torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d that resist the twisting movement of wear member 1200 relative to nose 1100.

Figure 14B shows a side view of the 1400 adapter nose with torsion control capabilities. Figure 14C is a perspective view of the 1400 adapter nose with torsion control capabilities. Figure 14D is a top view of the 1400 adapter nose with torsion control capabilities.

In the exemplary implementation shown, the adapter nose 1400 includes the angled support surfaces described with reference to Figures 11A, 11B, 11C and 13. For convenience, these support surfaces will not be described again with reference to Figures 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d comprise projections extending from the nose 1400. Each of the torsion control features includes an outward, vertical, flat surface, 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b,

1402c, 1402d are positioned near the rear end of the 1400 adapter nose. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are also positioned in such a way that the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d

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39/44 intersect with the angled support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the nose 1400. As illustrated in Figure 14D, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1402b, 1402c, 1404d are tapered towards the longitudinal axis. This allows tooth 1200 to be removed from nose 1100 more easily.

[0090] As best seen in the side view of Figure 14B, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are contained within the limit created by the flat surfaces 1108a and 1108b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, adapter nose 1400 includes torsion control features 1402a, 1402b arranged in an upper portion and includes torsion control features 1402c, 1402d arranged in a lower portion. In some implementations, the 1400 adapter nose includes torsion control features in just one of the top or bottom. In addition, in the implementation shown, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b are shown vertically aligned with the torsion control features 1402c, 1402d. In some implementations, the torsion control features are not vertically aligned.

[0091] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a tooth 1500 having a cavity 1505 designed to fit an adapter nose, such as the adapter nose 1400, with torsion control features such as the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d. Cavity 1505 can include a number of pouches 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d. The bags 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d can be designed to receive the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d from the adapter nose 1400. In the exemplary implementation shown, the bags 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d include surfaces facing inward, vertical, flat, 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d that

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40/44 correspond to vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c,

1404d of adapter nose 1400. Thus, vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of nose 1400 are designed to engage and interact with vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d of tooth 1500 so as to resist twisting between the nose 1400 and the tooth 1500. The tooth 1500 may have, as indicated with reference to Figures 12A and 12B, flat support surfaces that interact with flat support surfaces on the adapter nose 1400.

[0092] Figure 16A shows a cross section of the 1100 adapter nose orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (for example, 1105, Figure 11B) in an assembled condition. Therefore, Figure 16A also illustrates the cross section of tooth 1200. As illustrated, the angled support surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the nose 1100 fit against the angled support surfaces 1210a, 1210b,

1210c, 1210d of tooth 1200. These angled support surfaces minimize or prevent vertical and lateral movement of tooth 1200 in relation to the adapter nose 1100. In some examples, there may be a gap between the horizontal non-support surfaces 1108a, 1108b of the nose and horizontal non-support surfaces 1208a, 1208b of tooth 1200. Similarly, there may be a space between vertical non-support surfaces 1106a, 1106b of nose and vertical non-support surfaces 1206a, 1206b of tooth 1200. In the However, in some instances, the non-supporting surfaces of both the nose 1100 and the tooth 1200 may contact when the tooth 1200 is fitted over the nose

1100. Due to the angled support surfaces, both vertical movement and lateral movement can be minimized.

[0093] Figure 16B shows a cross section

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41/44 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the 1400 adapter nose with torsion control capabilities. As described above, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the nose 1400 fit against the vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b,

1504c, 1504d of tooth 1500. Thus, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are arranged to resist the twisting and twisting movement between nose 1400 and tooth 1500. This can help to stabilize tooth 1500 in adapter nose 1400 during use.

[0094] Figure 16C shows a cross section of the front portion of the 1100 adapter nose. Figure 16C also illustrates the cross section of the tooth 1200. As shown, the angled support surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d of the nose 1100 engage against angled support surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d of tooth 1200. In some examples, there may be a gap between the horizontal non-support surfaces 1114a, 1114b of the nose and the horizontal non-support surfaces 1214a, 1214b of tooth 1200 In the present example, vertical surfaces

1112a, 1112b of the nose 1100 and the vertical surfaces 1212a,

1212b of tooth 1200 are support surfaces and, therefore, there is no gap between them. In some examples, however, there may be a gap between the vertical surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the nose 1100 and the vertical surfaces 1212a,

1212b of tooth 1200. In this exemplary implementation, angled support surfaces 1116c and 1116d are adjacent to, but not part of, a bottom surface 1114b of adapter nose 1100. This angled design can, in some cases, extend service life adapter nose

1100. It is not uncommon during use for an operator to wear a bottom portion of a tooth, inadvertently exposing and wearing away a bottom surface of the 1100 adapter nose. In conventional systems that use a

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42/44 lower surface of an adapter nose as a support surface, this may adversely affect the stability of a subsequent tooth positioned in the adapter nose. A worn support surface can wobble, further accelerating wear, and potentially permanently damaging the adapter nose. However, the exemplary implementation described here includes support surfaces on angled bottom surfaces, instead of a horizontal bottom surface. Because of this, if an operator inadvertently wears out a portion of a bottom surface of the adapter nose, the angled support surfaces can still provide stability to the tooth in both the horizontal and vertical direction. This can increase the life of the adapter nose because the tooth can be properly supported, even with a worn bottom surface of the adapter nose.

[0095] Figure 16D illustrates a cross section of the 1450 adapter nose with displaced torsion control features. For example, surface 1454a is displaced from surface 1454c. Likewise, surface 1454b is displaced from surface 1454d. The tooth 1550 includes corresponding surfaces 1554a, 1554b, 1554c, 1554d. The displacements are such that the tooth 1550 can still be inverted upside down and fit to the nose 1450. In other words, the tooth can be engaged with the adapter nose 1450 in two rotational positions.

[0096] Although described as having eight flat surfaces, some implementations of the adapter noses and the teeth described herein include four flat angled surfaces and less than four vertical or horizontal flat surfaces. In some implementations, the adapter noses and teeth described here include a surface

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43/44 external round or arched connecting two adjacent flat angled surfaces. For example, some implementations do not include the vertical side, with rounds connecting adjacent surfaces 106a and 1106b. In these implementations, surfaces 1106a and 1106b can be replaced by a round surface connecting flat support surfaces 1110a and 1110c. The tooth can be formed to match. In some implementations, the adapter nose can be formed with eight flat surfaces, but the tooth cavity, like cavity 1205, can be formed with only six flat surfaces. In some examples, the vertical surfaces 1206a and 1206b described herein can be round, while the cavity 1205 can still be formed to engage and engage the flat angled support surfaces of the adapter nose.

[0097] US Provisional Order No. 62 / 441,756 filed on January 3, 2017 and entitled Spring Attachment Connector for a Hitch Wear Member Set and US Provisional Order No. 62 / 335,424 filed on May 12, 2016 and entitled Fastener for a Wear Member Set, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0098] People with common knowledge in the art will appreciate that the implementations covered by this disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary implementations described above. In this respect, although shown and modified, changed, illustrated implementations described, a wide range of combination and substitution is contemplated in the previous disclosure. It should be understood that such variations can be made to the previous one without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore appropriate that the attached claims are interpreted widely and in

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44/44 in a manner consistent with this disclosure.

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1/11

Claims (49)

1. Thinning member set characterized by comprising: • A nose connectable to a vessel shoulder, the nose comprises: - a rear portion having a first set of eight surfaces leading towards a longitudinal axis of the nose towards a distal termination of the rear portion, the first set of substantially planar surfaces comprises: -a first subset of surfaces having a upper and lower surface; - a second subset of side surfaces; and - a third subset of surfaces comprising bearing surfaces, the third subset of surfaces is angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces; and - an advance portion positioned in advance in relation to the rear portion, the advance portion has a second set of eight surfaces leading towards the longitudinal axis of the nose towards the distal termination of the advance portion, the second set of surfaces comprises : - a fourth subset that has a top and bottom surface; - a fifth subset of lateral surfaces; and A sixth subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces; and • a roughing member that has a recess opening opening, the recess comprises rear and forward bearing surfaces corresponding to the third subset of surfaces and the sixth subset of surfaces. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the third subset of surfaces and the sixth subset being arranged to withstand horizontal and vertical load. Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 8/107 11/11 Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a resistance surface in octagonal shape at the distal end of the nose. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the first subset of surfaces are longer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than the second subset of surfaces. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth subset of surfaces is longer in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than to the second subset of surfaces. 6. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a set of four projections extending from the third subset of surfaces. 7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the projections have vertical outward facing surfaces arranged to resist the torsional movement of the roughing member. 8. Assembly, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that each of the projections is aligned with each other. 9. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that two of the projections are offset from the other two projections that the roughing member is fitable with the nose in two rotational positions. 10. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises curved surfaces positioned between each of the surfaces within the first set of surfaces. 11. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the second set of eight surfaces has a shallower angle to the longitudinal axis than the first set of eight surfaces. 12. Thinning member set, characterized by comprising: • A nose that has a leading portion and a rear portion, the rear portion has eight surfaces in an octagonal configuration, each of the surfaces of the rear portion leading towards a longitudinal axis of the nose at a distal end of the rear portion, the advance portion has eight substantially planar surfaces, Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 9/107 3/11 each of the surfaces of the feed portion leading to the longitudinal axis at a distal end of the feed portion, where the horizontal and vertical surfaces of both rear portions are non-bearing surfaces; and • A thinning member that has a distal end for fitting into the ground and a proximal end that has a cavity, the cavity has a forward and backward portion with surfaces that correspond to the forward and backward portions of the nose. 13. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized by the angled surfaces of the forward and backward portions of the nose are bearing surfaces arranged to withstand horizontal and vertical loads. 14. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the ends between the surfaces of the forward and backward portions are shallow angled. 15. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a set of projections extending from the angled surfaces of the indentation portion. 16. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the projections have outward facing surfaces arranged to resist the torsional movement of the roughing member. 17. Assembly, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that each of the projections is aligned with each other. 18. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises curved surfaces positioned between the forward portion and the receding portion. 19. Thinning member characterized by comprising: • A cavity that comprises: - a rear portion that has a first set of eight surfaces leading to a longitudinal axis at a first medium angle towards a distal termination, the first set of eight surfaces comprises: - a set of angled surfaces comprising bearing surfaces; and an advance portion positioned in advance relative to Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/107 4/11 an indentation portion, the advance portion has a second set of eight surfaces leading to the longitudinal axis at a second mean angle that is less than the first angle; and - a set of pockets positioned at least partially along the longitudinal surfaces, the pockets have vertical facing surfaces. 20. Member according to claim 19, characterized by the width-to-height ratio of a cross-section of the indentation portion is less than the width-to-height ratio of a cross-section of the forward portion. 21. Member according to claim 19, characterized in that the advance portion comprises four angled bearing surfaces. 22. Thinning member set characterized by comprising: • An adapter nose that has - an indentation portion that has a width in cross section and a height in cross section, the width in cross section is different from the height in cross section, the indentation portion has two non-bearing surfaces and four substantially planar bearing surfaces, the surfaces non-bearings are substantially horizontal in cross section and the four substantially planar bearings surfaces are oblique in cross section, - a first of the four substantially planar bearing surfaces being arranged on a first lateral part of the two substantially planar surfaces and a second of the four substantially planar bearing surfaces being arranged on a second lateral part of the two substantially planar non-bearing surfaces on which a distal end of the recoil portion, the width in cross section of the two non-bearing surfaces is different from the width in cross section of any of the four substantially planar bearing surfaces. 23. Assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the adapter nose comprises a forward portion that extends in advance with respect to the receding portion and that has a width in cross section and a Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/117 5/11 height in cross section, the width in cross section of the feed portion is different from the height in cross section of the feed portion, the feed portion has a resistance surface and has two non-bearing surfaces and four substantially planar bearing surfaces , the two non-bearing surfaces being substantially horizontal in cross section and the four substantially planar bearing surfaces are oblique in cross section, in which at a distal end of the feed portion, the width in cross section of the non-bearing surfaces is different from the width in cross section of any of the four substantially bearing surfaces. 24. Assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the indentation portion comprises two additional surfaces that form the substantially vertical side surfaces. 25. Thinning member, characterized by comprising: • A cavity that has an indentation portion and an advance portion, the indentation portion has a width in cross section and a height in cross section, the width in cross section is different from the height in cross section, the cavity has two surfaces non-housings and four substantially planar housings, the two non-housings are substantially horizontal in cross section and the four substantially planar housings are oblique in cross section, • A first of the four substantially planar housings are arranged in a first lateral part of the two non-bearing surfaces and a second of the four substantially planar bearing surfaces is arranged on a second lateral part of the two non-bearing surfaces in which at a distal end of the indentation portion, the cross-sectional width of the two non-bearing surfaces is different from the width a in cross section of any of the four substantially planar bearing surfaces. 26. Member according to claim 25, characterized in that the advancing portion of the cavity extends towards the indentation portion and comprises Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/127 6/11 a width in cross section and a height in cross section, the width in cross section of the lead portion is different from the height in cross section of the lead portion, the lead portion has a resistance surface and has two non bearings and four substantially planar bearing surfaces. 27. Roughing member for attachment to the ground that can be connected to a support structure, the roughing member is characterized by comprising: • A guide termination arranged to be fixed on the ground and an indentation termination that has a cavity formed in it, the cavity has an internal surface and has a longitudinally extending axis, the cavity has a front portion and a rear portion adjacent to the termination of indentation, • The inner surface has horizontally separated opposing inner walls and has vertically separate opposing inner walls forming an inner top surface and an inner bottom surface, • The inner top and inner bottom surfaces have a protruding inner bearing portion in centrally arranged arranged to provide a bearing fit with the support structure, each inwardly protruding bearing surface portion is disposed in a rear portion of the cavity and comprises a transverse width less than a longitudinal width and receivable in a depression of the support structure, the surface and protruding bearing inwards is arranged to support loads vertically imposed on the guide termination. 28. Member, according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that each protruding bearing surface portion forms an arc in cross section that has tangency at oblique angles. 29. Member according to claim 27, characterized by the upper inner surface and lower inner surface each having only a portion of the protruding inwardly centrally arranged bearing surface. Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/13 7/11 30. Member according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises a pair of holes in the horizontally separated opposite walls, the pair of holes is arranged to receive a locking pin. 31. Member, according to claim 30, characterized by the protruding bearing surface into the upper inner surface and the protruding bearing surface into the lower inner surface are positioned at least partially in recoil from the pair of holes. 32. Member, according to claim 27, characterized in that the protruding bearing surface into the inner upper surface is longitudinally aligned with the protruding bearing surface into the inner lower surface. 33. Member, according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the protruding bearing surface into the inner upper bearing surface is longitudinally out of step with the protruding bearing surface into the inner lower surface. 34. Member, according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the protruding bearing surfaces inward are substantially elliptical. 35. Member, according to claim 27, characterized by the transverse width of the protruding bearing surface into the inner upper surface is within a range of 60-80% of a width of the inner upper surface. 36. Member according to claim 27, characterized in that the longitudinal width of the protruding bearing surface into the inner upper surface is within 1-50% wider than the transverse width of the protruding bearing surface into the upper surface internal. 37. Member according to claim 27, characterized in that the cavity includes a front portion and an intermediate portion and a rear portion in which the protruding inward bearing surface portion is bridged with an intersection of the intermediate portion and the portion of retreat. 38. Support structure arranged to receive a thinning member, characterized by comprising: Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/147 8/11 • A nose arranged to receive a cavity from the thinning member, the nose comprises: • A front portion that has a plurality of outward facing surfaces, the outward facing surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the nose at a first angle; • A rear portion that has horizontally separated outward facing surfaces, and two vertically separated outward facing surfaces that include an inner upper surface and an inner lower surface, horizontally separated outward facing surfaces and outward facing surfaces vertically separated are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle which is different from the first angle; • A first concave bearing surface positioned on the facing face upwards; and • A second concave bearing surface positioned on the facing face down. 39. Support structure according to claim 38, characterized in that the longitudinal length of the concave bearing surfaces is greater than the transverse width of the concave bearing surfaces. 40. Structure according to claim 38, characterized in that the transverse width of the concave surfaces is about 70% of a width of downward facing surfaces. 41. Thinning member characterized by comprising: • A cavity arranged to fit on an adapter nose, the cavity comprises: • A front portion that has a plurality of inward facing surfaces, inward facing surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity at a first angle; • An indentation portion that has horizontally separated inward facing surfaces and two vertically separated inward facing surfaces that include an upward surface and an inward facing surface. Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/157 9/11 downward surface, horizontally separated inward facing and vertically separated inward facing surfaces are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle that is different from the first angle; • A first convex bearing surface positioned on the facing face upwards; • A second convex bearing surface positioned on the facing face down. 42. Member according to claim 41, characterized by the longitudinal length of the convex bearing surfaces is greater than the transverse width of the convex bearing surfaces. 43. Member according to claim 41, characterized in that it comprises a hole extending from one of the facing surfaces horizontally separated in an external wall of the roughing member, the hole is dimensioned and shaped to receive a locking pin . 44. Thinning member set characterized by comprising: • An adapter that has: • An indented termination arranged to hold the adapter on a vessel shoulder; and • A forward termination that has a nose that comprises: • A surface substantially planar upwards and which at least partially circumscribes a concave bearing surface facing upwards; and • A surface substantially planar down and which at least partially circumscribes a circumscribes a concave downward facing face; and • A thinning member that has: • An advance termination arranged to fit the ground; and • An indentation termination that has a cavity that comprises: • A downward facing surface that has a first protrusion that extends outward, the first protrusion outward is Petition 870170031698, of 5/12/2017, p. 10/167 10/11 arranged to fit within the concave bearing face facing up; • An upward facing surface that has a second protrusion that extends outward, the second protrusion outward is arranged to fit within the concave face-down facing surface. 45. Member according to claim 44, characterized by the nose comprising: • An indentation portion that includes a substantially planar face-up surface and a substantially planar face-down surface, both are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the adapter from a first angle; and • A front portion that includes a plurality of outward facing surfaces that are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at a second angle that is less than the first angle. 46. Member, according to claim 44, characterized by the cavity comprising: • An indentation portion that includes the facing face up and facing face down, both are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cavity in a first angle; and • A front portion that includes a plurality of inward facing surfaces that are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis at a second angle that is less than the first angle. 47. Member, according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate portion between the forward portion and the withdrawal portion, the intermediate portion has at least one non-bearing surface angled towards a longitudinal axis of the roughing member, the non-bearing surface of the intermediate portion is angled differently with respect to the two non-bearing surfaces of the indentation portion and angled differently with respect to the non-bearing surfaces of the forward portion. Petition 870170031698, of 05/12/2017, p. 10/177 11/11 48. Member according to claim 1, characterized in that the thinning member is connectable to the nose in two rotational positions. 49. Member according to claim 1, characterized in that the roughing member includes a roughing member on an outer surface of the roughing member, the roughing member comprises a hollow. Petition 870170031698, of 5/12/2017, p. 10/187 1/28 Petition 870170048377, of 7/11/2017, p. 53/81 2/28 CM Petition 870170048377, of 7/11/2017, p. 54/81 3/28 216b Petition 870170048377, of 7/11/2017, p. 55/81 4/28