MXPA98007336A - Extensi insurance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety device for securing a wear member to a support structure of an excavator comprising a body, a base coupled to said body to form an assembly adapted for insertion into a hole in the support structure, and means for selectively adjusting the relative axial positions of said body and said base to vary the length of the latch between an extended position to secure the wear member to the support structure and a retracted position to release the wear member from the structure of support, said body having a support face for engaging the wear member in said extended position.

Description

EXTENSIBLE INSURANCE This application is a continuation in part of the Patent Application of E. U.A. Copendent Serial No. 08 / 570,438, filed on December 1, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a latch for releasably securing a wear member to a supporting structure of an excavator, and especially to a spike of an adapter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The digging teeth have been mounted by much on the edge of digging buckets and other digging equipment to break the ground and improve the digging operation. The teeth are ordinarily formed of a plurality of parts to reduce the size of the external wear member that needs frequent replacement. In general, an excavating tooth comprises an adapter, a tip, and a latch typically in the form of a pin to secure the tip to the adapter. The adapter has a rear end that is secured to the excavation edge of an excavator and a forward projection spout with a front digging edge to mount the tip. The tip is a tapered wedge-shaped member provided with a trailing edge and a back-opening sleeve adapted to be received over the adapter tip. Excavation teeth are commonly subjected to heavy load by large forces applied in a wide variety of directions. As a result, the tips must be firmly secured to the adapter to withstand the applied forces, but can still be easily removed and installed for effective replacement of the tips used in the field. In addition, the wear of the tooth components causes the connection to loosen which in certain circumstances can result in the pin, and thus, the tip is lost. In an effort to increase the life of the assembly, the pin usually adjusts very tightly in the defined opening. Accordingly, the pin must be driven forcefully in and out of the opening. The pin is typically inserted by repeated blows with a heavy male. As you can see, this is a time consuming and time-consuming task, especially in larger teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a latch securing a wear member to a support structure of an excavator, and is particularly suitable for securing a wear member to a peak of an adapter. The latch includes a base and a body that engage together for relative axial movement between secure and release positions. Due to the extensible nature of the safety, the safety remains within a hole in the support structure during replacement of the wear member. As a result, the safety allows easy installation and removal of the wear member, and makes it obvious the need to forcefully push the safety in and out of position with repeated blows of a male. The extension of the latch also allows the user to pull the wear member into the support structure during installation, and in certain cases, during use as wear develops.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side view of a tooth in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tooth adapter. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tooth tip.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a partial bottom plan view of the adapter. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of an extensible safety according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a side view of a base for the expandable safety. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the base. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10-10 in figure 8. Figure 1 1 is a side view of a body for the extensible safety. Figure 12 is a top view of the body. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13-13 in Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a side view of a retraction screw for the extensible latch. Figure 15 is a top view of a stop plate for the extensible safety. Figure 16 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of an extensible latch mounted on a tooth assembly. Figure 17 is a side view of a body for the second embodiment. Figure 18 is a rear view of the body for the second embodiment. Figure 19 is a top view of the body for the second embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 20-20 in Fig. 17. Fig. 21 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of an extensible latch. Figure 22 is a side view of a base for the third embodiment. Figure 23 is a top view of the base for the third embodiment. Figure 24 is a side view of an anchor for the third embodiment of an extensible safety. Figure 25 is a bottom view of the wide one. Figure 26 is a partial sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an extensible insurance. Figure 27 is a side view of a Body of the fourth embodiment. Figure 28 is a bottom view of the body of the fourth embodiment. Figure 29 is a bottom view of a separator of the fourth embodiment. Figure 30 is a side view of the separator of the fourth embodiment. Figure 31 is a side view of a base of the fourth embodiment.

Figure 32 is a partial top view of an adapter formed to receive a latch in accordance with the present invention. Figure 33 is a partial side view of the adapter formed to receive a latch in accordance with the present invention. Figure 34 is a side view of a plug for use in connection with the fourth mode of the lock. Figure 35 is a top view of the plug. Figure 36 is a sectional view of a hole formed in a side wall of a wear member adapted to be used with an extensible safety according to the present invention.

Figure 37 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an extendable insurance. Figure 38 is a partial top view of an adapter formed to receive the safe of the fifth embodiment. Figure 39 is a partial side view of the adapter formed to receive the insurance of the fifth embodiment. Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an extendable insurance. Figure 41 is a side view of the sixth embodiment. Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the base as generally taken on lines 42-42 in Figure 40.

Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the body with the brake omitted as is generally taken on lines 43-43 in Figure 40. Figure 44 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an extensible safety. Figure 45 is a side view of a body of the seventh embodiment. Figure 46 is a rear view of the body of the seventh embodiment. Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 47-47 in Figure 46. Figure 48 is a side view of a base of the seventh embodiment. Figure 49 is a side view of a cover of the seventh embodiment. Fig. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 50-50 in Fig. 49. Fig. 51 is a sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an extensible latch. Figure 52 is a side view of a body of the eighth embodiment. Figure 53 is a side view of a base of the eighth embodiment. Figure 54 is a side view of a cover of the eighth embodiment.

Fig. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 55-55 in Fig. 54. Fig. 56 is a sectional view of a ninth embodiment of an extendable insurance. Figure 57 is a side view of a body of the ninth embodiment. Fig. 58 is a side view of a central screw of the ninth embodiment. Figure 59 is a side view of a base of the ninth embodiment. Figure 60 is an end view of the base of the ninth embodiment. Figure 61 is a perspective view of an alternative wear member of an excavating tooth that is adapted to be secured by a latch in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 62 is a side view of the alternative wear member. Figure 63 is a top view of the alternative wear member. Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 64-64 in Figure 63. Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 65-65 in Figure 63. Figure 66 is a sectional view. cross section taken on line 66-66 in figure 63.

Figure 67 is a perspective view of an alternative adapter integrally molded with the lip of a hub that is adapted to receive a latch in accordance with the present invention. Figure 68 is a partial top view of the integrally molded adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention pertains to a latch for releasably securing a wear member to a support structure of an excavator. Although the latch is particularly suitable for securing a tip to a peak of an adapter on a fastener tooth at the excavation edge of an excavator, the latches can also be used to secure other wear members (eg, reinforcement rings) to adapters or other support bases. As can be seen, the operation of said equipment will cause the wearing members to assume many different orientations. However, for purposes of explanation, the elements of the described teeth are sometimes described with respect to relative directions such as up and down. These directions should be understood with respect to the orientation of the tooth as shown in Figure 1, unless otherwise indicated.

An excavating tooth that can be used with a safety according to the present invention includes a tip and an adapter. The adapter includes a mounting end or rear base attached to an excavator (eg, the digging edge of a bucket), and a spout projecting forward. The tip has a generally tapered shape that forms an edge of front excavation and a cap that opens back to receive the peak. The latch is placed inside a transverse hole in the tip of the adapter to securely release the tip to the adapter. An extensible safety according to the present invention can be used with adapters and wear members that have wide variations in their construction. For installation purposes, some preferred examples of wear members are described below. However, the insurance of the present invention is not restricted to use only in example teeth. In one example, the tooth 10 includes a tip 12 and an adapter 13 (figures 1-5). The base end 18 of the adapter 13 is provided with a pair of bifurcated legs 22, 24 for mounting the lip of a hub (Figures 1 and 2). With this construction, the legs 22, 24 are welded in place on the lip. However, the adapter can be secured to the hub in a number of different ways including, for example, the use of only one welded leg, a Whisler style connection, or a fixation as described in the U.A. No. 5,653,048 to Jones et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the base end of the adapter can be formed as an integrally molded portion of the lip construction 25 (Figure 65). EJ peak 20 of adapter 13 has a rear body portion 30 which is generally wedge-shaped and a box-shaped tip portion 32 (Figures 1, 2 and 5). The rear body portion 30 is defined by a pair of side walls 34, 35, upper and lower walls 38, 39 and support faces 42. The side walls 34, 35 are generally planar surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other, although a slight taper is usually provided for manufacturing purposes. The upper and lower walls 38, 39 are tapered to define a body portion having a generally wedge-shaped configuration.

In the preferred construction, a support face 42 is provided in a junction box of the side walls 34, 35 with the upper and lower walls 38, 39 at angles obtuse thereto (figures 2 and 6). The support faces 47-48 are also provided in the tip portion 22 of the spout. The support faces 42 and 48 are substantially planar and rest substantially flat on the axis 45 of the tooth 10. As can be seen, the back support faces 42 and the tip support faces 48 provide a stable frame for the support tip 12 under the load in vertical directions as indicated by the arrows 57, 58. The construction and operation of the faces of support is discussed more fully in the US Patent Copending No. 5,709,043, issued January 20, 1998, and entitled "Excavating Tooth", incorporated herein by reference. The front support face 47 generally extends orthogonally between the upper and lower support faces 48 to resist pushing forces generally in the direction of the arrow 54 (FIG. 1). The formation of said support areas is preferred to provide a firm and stable resistance to the applied forces in order to avoid overloading the safety. As can be seen, the bushing 16 has basically the same configuration as the spout 20 (Figure 3). In particular, the bushing 16 comprises a box-shaped front portion 64 on its appendix and a rear recess generally in the shape of a wedge 66. The front portion 64 includes front, upper and lower support faces 67, 68 which adapt to rest on supporting faces 47, 48 of the peak 20, respectively. Also, the cavity 66 includes support faces 72 that are adapted to abut the support faces 42. The upper and lower walls 78, 79 of the cavity 66 are tapered to extend generally parallel to or slightly divergent (in a direction toward back) of the upper and lower walls 38, 39 of the peak 20. However, the walls 78, 79 are separated from the walls 38, 39 to ensure that the support coupling occurs on the engagement of the support faces 42, 72. (figure 6). The cavity 66 further includes side walls 74, 75 which are generally parallel to the side walls 34, 35 (Figure 3), but slightly spaced therefrom.

In one embodiment, the tip 12 is releasably secured to the adapter 13 by the latch 14 (figures 7-15). The latch 14 is an extensible latch that includes a base 90 for receiving a body 92, a retraction screw 96, and a spring 94 for biasing the body 92 outwards. The base 90 is a hollow, rigid member with an internal surface 97 defining a generally cylindrical cavity 98 that opens at one end to movably receive the body 92 (figures 7, 8 and 10). In this modality, the base supports the axial movement of the body and provides a clear trajectory for body movement. The external surface 101 of the base fits inside the hole 103 in the side wall 35 of the adapter 13 (figures 2 and 5). Although the outer surface 101 and the hole 103 are preferably in the form of the letter D (FIGS. 2 and 9) to ensure the positioning of the latch in its proper orientation, other configurations may be used. A key 105 extends over the inner wall 97 to cooperate with the passage of the key 107 to prevent rotation of the body 92 (figures 8, 9 and 11). Of course, other arrangements such as non-circular coupling surfaces for the body and the base can also be used to prevent relative rotation between the body and the base. A tubular punch 109 extends upwardly from the lower wall 1 11 of the base 90 (figures 7, 8 and 10). The punch 109 includes an internal hole 113 that is screwed over a portion of its length to receive the screw 96. The hole 1 13 extends completely through the punch 109 and the bottom wall 111 to facilitate the removal of the safety from the omen 103 as described below. The lower portion of the omen 113 includes a rib 114, angled outwardly on the underside to receive a fastener instead of the plug 1 16. The body 92 is received in engagement in the cavity 98 for slidable movement in and out of the base 90 (figure 7). A graduated aperture 1 15 having a narrow segment 117 and a wide segment 119 extends through the body (Figures 7 and 11-13). The complete assembly of the tooth of the invention places the spring 94 in compression between the bottom wall 11 and the shoulder 121 defined in the opening 1 15 to deflect the body 92 in an outward direction. The body 92 further includes a head 120 with a wide arcing support face 122 for coupling the tip 12. The support face 122 is preferably provided with a large radius of curvature to provide secure engagement with the tip even as the tip changes up and down in the peak 20 of the adapter. As can be seen better in Figure 1 1, the face 122 is inclined to the longitudinal axis at an angle of about I C-SO *, and preferably at an angle of about 22 °. As fully discussed below, the functional inclined support face for pulling the tip into the adapter tip and retaining the tip at the peak. The screw 96 includes a threaded shank 123, a series of separate collars 125-127, and a head 129 (figures 7 and 14). The shank 123 extends through the opening 1 15 and is screwed into the hole 113 of the punch 109. A stop plate 133 provided with a hook 135 engages the screw 96 in a cavity 137 defined between the outer collar 127 and middle collar 126 (figures 7 and 14-15). The stop plate 133 is secured to the upper face 139 of the body 92 by the pin 141 or other attachment means. An elastomeric ring 143 is also located in the cavity 137 between the stop plate 133 and the collar 126 (FIG. 7). To install the tip 12 on the adapter 13, the latch 14 is inserted into the hole 103. The screw 96, accessible in the slot 144 defined in the head 120, rotates so that it moves in the punch 109 and, owing to the stop plate 133, urges the body 92 in the base 90 against the deviation of the spring 94. The rotation of the screw 96 continues until the head 120 retracts completely in the cavity 98. The tip 12 can then be adjusted in the peak 20. Adapter 13. The tip 12 includes a hole 145 in at least one of the side walls 147 (or alternatively a convergent upper or lower wall 38, 39) of the tip on a generally transverse axis 146 (figures 3 and 4). ). A hole can be formed in both side walls so that the tip can be inverted for longer life; although only one hole is needed to secure the tip to the adapter. The hole 145 preferably also has a configuration generally in the form of the letter D. The hole 145 is provided with a support face 151 on its rear side for engaging the support face 122 of the latch 14. The face 151 has a Arc shape expands to better accommodate the oscillating movement typically experienced by a tip mounted on an adapter during use. The face 151 is tilted so that it converges towards the transverse axis 146 of the hole 145 as it extends outward at approximately the same angle as the face 122 (eg, 10 ° -30 ° degrees) so that it continues in engagement by the face 122 of the head 120 despite the amount of wear. The face 151 may be an individual surface converging towards the transverse axis of the hole as it extends outward, or the face 151 may be a surface in two segments that includes an internal segment converging towards the transverse axis of the custom hole. which extends outwards, and an outer segment which makes a smooth transition to an alignment substantially parallel to the transverse axis 146 to prevent undue closing of the hole and thus prevent access to the head of the screw 96 (Figure 4). In any case, the cross-converging portion of the face 151 engages the support face 122 of the body 92 to pull and secure the tip on the adapter. Once the tip 12 is mounted on the spout 20, the screw 96 rotates to move out of the cover 90 (Figure 7). The movement of the screw 96 brings the body 92 in the same direction until the face 122 is firmly coupled against the support face 151 of the hole 145. As the screw 96 continues to rotate it moves outwardly without the body 92 so that the elastomeric ring 143 is tightened between the middle collar 126 and the stop plate 133. The screw 96 rotates until the ring 143 creates firm strength for any further rotation. In this way, the strong force of the spring 94 independently pushes a support face 151 to hold the tip in the adapter. As the parts begin to wear out, the spring 94 continues to urge the body 92 outwardly so that the engagement of the inclined Faces 122, 151 pulls the tip 12 into the spout of the adapter 12. Due to the force and orientation of the spring and the inclination angle of the support face, overload of the spring during use is avoided. This outward adjustment of the body 92 continues until the ring 143 expands completely. At that point, the support of the stop plate 133 against the collar 137 prevents any further outward movement of the pin body. Seals are provided throughout the insurance to minimize the damaging effect of soil debris (Figure 7). A seal 159 is placed in the cavity 161 defined between the collars 125, 126. A seal 163 is also provided around the body 92 between its outer surface and the inner surface 97 of the base 90. The cavity 98 is sealed in this manner for prevent the earth's remains from being loaded into the base and blocking the axial trajectory where the body moves. The body can be retracted into the base without needing to move earth remains which can enter the hole 103. An elastomeric cavity 165 is also preferably fitted over the head 129 to prevent soil debris from packing in the well adapted to receive a rotation tool (not shown). Finally, the elastomeric plug 1 16 is compressively adjusted at the bottom of the hole 113. To remove a worn tip from the adapter, the screw 96 simply rotates in the punch 109 until the head 120 of the body 92 retracts completely into the cavity 98. The worn tip can then be removed and a new tip can be installed without removing the hole lock 103 in the tip 20 of the adapter. Nevertheless, if the safety is very worn and needs replacement, the safety can be removed by undocking the screw 96 from the body 92. This is achieved by first turning the screw to fully extend the body, thus removing all the force of the spring acting inside. of the insurance assembly. This allows easy removal of the stop plate 133. After removing the stop plate, the screw 96 rotates in the assembly, free of the body 92. This downward movement of the screw will cause its lower end 171 to push the plug 116 out of the hole 113 so that the end 171 presses against the bottom wall 173 of the hole 103. The screw 96 will then push the base 90 partially out of the hole 103 so it can be gripped and removed. In an alternative embodiment, the latch 175 can be used to secure the tip 12 to the adapter 13 in the same manner as the latch 14 (FIGS. 16-20). More specifically, the latch 175 includes a base usually in the form of the letter D 177, a body 179, a piston 181, and a spring 183 for biasing the body 179 away from the base. The latch 175 is adapted to fit within the hole 103 in the adapter 13. The base 177 includes a cavity 185 that receives and supports the body 179 for axial movement and provides a path for the body that is free of debris. A stop 187 projects into the base 177 and is received in a slot 189 defined on the outside of the body 179 (FIG. 16). Stopping 187 operates to set the limits outward and inward for the pin body 179 and to axially align the body with the base. The body 179 selectively moves in and out of the cavity 185 to engage and release the tip 12. The cavity 185 is sealed to prevent the ingress of soil debris that would prevent retraction of the body. The body 179 defines an opening 190 extending therethrough in three graduated segments 191 -193 (Figures 16-17). The first segment 191 defines a narrow hole that is preferably threaded to securely receive a grease fit 197 or other fluid coupling. The second segment 192 is wider than the first segment and defines chambers 198, 199 divided by the piston 181. The third segment 193 is broader than the second segment to define an internal shoulder 201. The third segment 193 is preferably threaded adjacent the shoulder 201 to secure thereto an annular collar 203 adapted to close the chamber 199, except for the passage of the piston rod 205. The hollow piston rod 205 is screwed screw-in the hole 204 in the lower wall 206 of the base 177. The spring 183 is placed in compression between the collar 203 and the lower wall 206 so as to deflect the body 179 away from the base 177. A side passage 207 is defined to extend through the body 179 and fluidly connected to the chamber 109. The grease fitting 210 or other fluid coupling is secured to the end of passage 207 for loading and discharging grease or other fluid from the chamber 199. An ejector pin 214 is located within the hollow hole of the piston rod. The body 179 further has a head 216 which includes a broad arcing support face 218 (Figs. 17-19) configured in the same manner as the face 122 of the latch 14. Accordingly, the supporting face 218 bears against the face of support 151 of tip 12 in the same manner as support face 122 of latch 14. A slot 220 is preferably formed in head 216 to provide access to fatty adjustments 197, 210. In operation, latch 175 is inserted first in the hole 103 of the adapter 13. The grease or other fluid is fed through the passage 207 and into the chamber 199 so as to retract the head 216 completely into the cavity 185. The tip 12 is placed in the peak 20 of the adapter 13. The fluid is then discharged from chamber 199 by passage 207 to allow spring 183 to push support face 218 of head 216 into contact with support face 151 of tip 12 (FIG. 16). The body 179 is supported only by the spring 183 for holding and pulling the tip 12 on the spout 20. The spring stress and orientation and the tilt angle of the support face allow the spring to hold the tip in the spout and avoid overload during use. As an alternative, the grease or other fluid can be fed into the chamber 198 to hold the body 179 in its extended and secured position. It is not necessary to remove the safety 175 from the hole 103 in the peak of the adapter to replace the tip. However, to remove the latch 175 from the hole 103 (that is, after the tip has been removed), grease or other fluid is pumped into the chamber 198. Once the body 179 reaches its maximum extension, the continuous charging of the chamber 198 causes the ejector pin 214 to be forced through the piston rod 205 and against the bottom wall 173 of the hole 103. The engagement of the body 179 against the stop 187 will cause the base 177 to be forced out of the hole 103 by the movement of the ejector pin 214. In another alternative embodiment, the latch 225 comprises a base 231, a body 229, a cover 227, and a lock pin 233 (FIGS. 21-25). As discussed below, the base 231 supports the body 229 for relative axial movement between the safe and release positions. In this embodiment, a cover 227 with a sealed cavity 235 is provided to movably receive a body 229 and prevent soil debris from blocking retraction of the body upon release of the tip. A key and key step, as described and illustrated for insurance 14, is provided to prevent body turning with respect to the cover. A central hole 241 extends through the body 229 to receive the base 231. The base 231 includes a threaded shank portion 243 and a head portion 245. The shank portion 243 and hole 241 are formed with coupling threads 247 (FIG. preferably of diameter of 25 mm or more) for axial movement of the body 229 with respect to the base portion 231. An anchor 249 for the base 231 and anchor bolt 233 is provided in the base of the safety 225. The anchor 249 includes a portion of threaded shank 250 which is secured in the threaded hole 251 in the cover 227, and a straight head portion 253 that is received in a recess 255 defined in the end of the base 231. Coupling slots 257, 258 are provided in the head portion 253 and hollow portion 255 to receive a fastener ring 261, which holds the two components 231, 249 together. A threaded hole 263 in the anchor 249 threadedly receives the lock bolt 233. The lower end of the hole 263 has a square or eye hole (Figure 25), which allows it to be tightened in the threaded hole 251. The bottom of the base 231 is established on the platform 265 which includes a central opening 267 through which the anchor 249 extends and a counter hole 268 for a disk-shaped seal (Figure 21). In use, the safety 225 is placed inside the hole 103 in the adapter's peak. A wrench or the like (not shown) is used to engage and rotate the base 231 by means of carriages 269. Turning the base 231 causes the body 229 to retract into the cavity 235 so that the tip 12 can be placed on the adapter 13. Once the tip is inserted e? the peak, the base 231 rotates in the other direction as much as possible to urge the support face 271 of the body 220 outwardly and against the rear face 151 of the hole 145. The support face 271 has the same construction as the support face 122 of the safety 14 in order to achieve the same functions of pulling and holding during the installation. Once the base 231 completely rotates, the lock pin 133 is pressed against a lock washer (not shown) so that the head 273 in cooperation with the base 265 holds the base 231 in a fixed position. The lock pin 233 has a gap (eg, a hole in the eye or screw slot) to facilitate its tightening and loosening. This clamping arrangement prevents vibrations and the like from loosening the body during use. In another alternative embodiment, the latch 276 includes a generally hollow body 279 with an axial cavity 280 that is screwed over at least part of its length, and a base 282 screwed into the body cavity (FIGS. 31). Unlike the above embodiments, the latch 276 fits into a transverse hole 284 that extends completely through the spout 286 of the adapter 289 (FIGS. 32-33). The body 279 has an external key 290 which is received in a key passage 292 formed in the hole 284 to prevent rotation of the body (Figures 27-28 and 33). Although the key 290 is preferably an elongated longitudinal pump, the construction of the body can have a wide variety of shapes or fixings to prevent rotation of the body within the hole 284. The body further includes a support face 292 at its outer end 294 (FIG. 27) for engaging the support face 151 of the tip 12 (figures 3 and 4), As noted for the face 122 of the latch 14, the support face 292 preferably has a wide arc shape to better accommodate the movement of the tip during an excavation operation. The outer end 294 is closed with an end wall 296 to prevent the ingress of soil debris into the coiled cavity and provide greater effort to hold the tip in the adapter's spout. The base 282 is an axial member that supports the body for axial movement between the lock and release positions. The base 282 includes a main segment 298 provided with a threaded region 298a that couples the internal threads of the cavity 280, and a generally smooth head region 298b (figures 26 and 31). As the base 282 rotates, the body 279 extends and retracts between a secured position where the body 279 extends into the opening 145 in the mounted wear member, and a release position where the body 279 is received by the body 279. complete in hole 284 on the adapter. A groove is formed to receive a seal 279a (eg, a ring in the form of the letter O) that engages the inner wall of the cavity 280 to prevent debris from entering the coiled region. A coil spring 300 is preferably positioned in the cavity 280 between the base 282 and the end wall 296 to prevent inadvertent loosening of the body during use. However, other means can also be used to resist undesired rotation between the base and body caused by vibrations and other forces encountered during the use of the excavating tooth. A rod 302 projects outwardly from segment 298, within coil spring 300, to prevent additional rotation of the base to retract body 279. A narrow neck portion 303 extends outwardly from main segment 298 to form a outward facing shoulder 304 (figure 31). The neck 303 and shoulder 304 are adapted to cooperate with a pair of ribs 305 formed within the transverse hole 284 of the adapter 289 (FIGS. 26 and 31-33). The shoulder 304 supports the end of the ribs 305, while the neck 303 extends between the opposing ribs 305. In this way, the ribs provide a fixed surface against which the base 282 can press when a body 279 extends outwardly through the ribs. rotation of the base 282. Accordingly, the support face 292 of the body 279 can be pressed against the face 151 of the wear member, to pull the wear member (e.g., a tip) into the spout 286. Although they can be used different constructions to the ribs as stoppages, the ribs are preferred as they provide sufficient effort and minimize obstacles to expel the earth debris in the retraction of the body 279. A second threaded portion 306 extends outwardly from the neck 303 for receiving an insurance nut 307 (figures 26 and 31). The threaded portion 306 is narrower than the neck 303 to be received through the ribs 305 and form a second shoulder 308. A washer 309, positioned to count the shoulder 308, forms a stop against which the lock nut 307 is tightened. The ribs 305 are thus located between the main segment 298 and washer 309 to secure the latch 276 within the hole 282. Other arrangements, such as an outward deflected stop (not shown) for supporting the washer, may alternatively be used to secure the latch within the hole 284. The cavity between the shoulder 304 and the washer 309 is slightly longer than the length of the ribs 305 so that the ribs are held loose by the latch 276. In this way, the washer 309 does not tighten against the ribs and does not prevent rotation of the base portion 282. The safety 276 preferably includes a spacer 301 between the shoulder 304 and the washer 309 (FIGS. 26 and 29-30). The spacer includes a pair of slots 301a receiving the ribs 305 so that the ribs are essentially surrounded on all sides by the spacer 301 and neck 303. The exterior of the spacer 301 is substantially the same diameter as the base 282 so that A smooth path is provided for movement of the dirt debris out of the hole 284 during retraction of the body 279. The spacer 301 is about the same length as the ribs 305 so that it is also loose between the shoulder 304 and the washer 309. A soft (or other elastomeric) rubber plug 328 (FIGS. 34 and 35) with a graduated cavity 329 is preferably pressed in the hole 284 over the head 310 and nut 307 to prevent or prevent the entry of debris into the ground. the hole 284. A metal cap 330 or the like is preferably fixed to the plug to allow its removal from the hole 284 when leveraging or pulling. To achieve the initial installation of the lock, the lock 276 minus the washer, spacer and nut is inserted into the hole 284 and against the ribs 305 before placing the wear member on the spout 286. The spacer 301 and washer 309 are then inserted. from the opposite end of the hole 284 on the portion 303 and against the face 308 respectively of the base 282. The lock nut 307 rotates on the threads 306 of the base 282. Then, the wear member is installed. When assembled first, the lock nut rotates after it is pressed against the washer 309 to rotate the entire base 282. As the body moves outward and press against the support face 151, the lock nut is tightened in the threaded portion 306 to prevent inadvertent loosening of the nut during use. During other insurance operations 276, after initial tightening of the lock nut 307, an eye-head or other 310 is provided to rotate the base 282. Replacement of a worn wear member is preferably achieved by rotating the base 282 with a wrench or an air impact wrench applied to the head 310 to retract and then re-extend the body 279. As with the above embodiments, it is not necessary to remove the hole lock on the adapter's spout to replace it. the worn wear member. With the use of the safety 276, a hole must be provided on each side of the wear member. A hole (not shown) is provided to allow the user access to the lock nut 307 and head 310 for rotation. The other hole 332 defines the support face 333 adapted to support the support face 292 of the latch (FIG. 36). The hole 332 in the wear member preferably has an outer portion that narrows to a width that is less than the width of the body 279 to act as a stop. The portion of the hole outside the support face 333 partially or completely closes to form a wall 334 usually orthogonal to the movement of the body to form a stoppage; however, of course other configurations can be used. In this way, the body can not be inadvertently pushed out of the assembly in the event that a worn adapter tip allows backward movement of the wear member to a degree that the support face 292 can pass the support face 333. No However, uniform openings can be used on both sides if desired, or if the worn part should be reversibly mounted. In an alternative insurance 276 ', the main segment 298' of the base member 282 'extends to eliminate the neck and spacer (Figure 37). In this arrangement, the base member includes slots 314 for accommodating the ribs 305 '(figures 37-39). The washer 309 and lock nut 307 are then pressed against the shoulder 304 'of the extended main segment. In this mode, the ribs prevent the rotation of the base. Accordingly, an eye socket 317 or the like is formed at the outer end of the body to rotate the body for extension and retraction of the body. The outer end of the body is provided with a uniform surface 316 for coupling the support face 151 of the wear member. A retainer bar 319 is preferably provided within the insurance to prevent further extension of the insurance (Figure 37). The bar 319 preferably includes a rod 321 which is fixed in a threaded manner to the body. A lock washer 323 is provided to prevent inadvertent release during use. The bar 319 further includes a reduced portion 325 that cooperates with a transverse screw 327 in the base 282 'to allow rotation and limited axial movement between the bar and the base. In another alternative construction, the latch 31 1 includes a generally hollow base 312 with an axial cavity 313, and a body 314 received screwed into the cavity of the base (Figs. 40-41). As with the latch 276, the latch 311 fits into a transverse hole (not shown) that extends completely through the spout of the adapter. However, in this embodiment, the base 312 is a hollow member receiving the reciprocal body 314. In this manner, the base provides a sealed cavity wherein the inner end of the body 314 is received to facilitate retraction of the body in the cavity. without the remains of earth blocking the movement.

More specifically, the base 312 has a generally cylindrical shape that opens at one end 315 and closes at the opposite other end 316. For ease of fabrication, the base 312 is comprised of two parts 312a, 312b that are screwed together; although the base can be formed as a member of a piece. Extending axially inwardly from end 315, cavity 313 includes a smooth outer portion 313a, a coiled middle portion 313b, and a narrow inner portion 313c. A threaded transverse hole 320 extends through a base wall 312 and into the inner portion 313c of the cavity 313 to receive a screw 322. A key 324 projects radially outwardly from the base 312 to fit within a longitudinal slot ( not shown) defined within the transverse hole in the tip of the adapter to prevent rotation of the base. The key 324 is preferably fitted in a slot 324a in the base, but can be secured by other means such as welding, glue, etc. The body 314 includes a threaded segment 328 adapted for threaded connection with the threaded portion 313b of the cavity 313. An eye socket 328 or other coupling structure is formed at the free end 329 of the body 314 to perform body rotation with respect to the base 312. A circumferential tapered support face 331 is provided on the free end 329 of the body 314 for coupling a complementary support face 151 of the wear member 12 (Figures 3 and 4) to secure the wear member to the adapter tip. (not shown). A seal 335 fits within a slot 342 to receive in engagement the body within the outer cavity portion 313a to prevent ingress of debris into the cavity 313. A narrow brake 353 extends axially into the cavity 313 so as to to be received in the inner portion 313c of the cavity 313. The brake includes a shank 354 and a distal head 357. The head 357 is adapted to support the inner end of the cavity 313 to limit inward movement of the body 314, and establish the screw 322 to limit movement out of the body. In the preferred construction, the brake 353 is threaded into a complementary hole within the body 314, but can be secured in other ways. A spring 360, such as a coil spring, is positioned between the face 362 within the body 314 (figures 41 and 43) and the face 363 within the base 312 (figures 41 and 42) to prevent inadvertent loosening of the body during use. . In use, the safety 31 1 fits within the transverse hole in the spout of the adapter. The key 324 slides in the longitudinal groove (not shown) in the transverse hole of the adapter tip as the latch 31 1 is placed in the hole. Once the wear member 12 is adjusted in the spout, a wrench engages an eye socket 328 through an opening 145 in the wear member to rotate the body 314 so that the latch extends and the body moves. axially outside the cavity 313. The key 324 prevents rotation of the base 312 during rotation of the body 314. The closed end 316 bears against the internal surface of the wear member, which does not include an opening or has an opening that is smaller than the width of the base 312. The rotation of the body 314 continues until the support face 331 rests tightly on the complementary support face 151 in the side hole of the wear member 12. The removal of the wear member is It achieves by turning the body in the opposite direction to retract the body back into the hole of the adapter's peak. As noted above, the safety 311 easily retracts without concern for dirt debris even without the use of a cover due to the use of a seal 335 to seal the cavity 313. In another alternative embodiment, the safety 336 includes a body 337, a base 338, and a cover 339 (figures 44-50). The body 337 is a generally hollow cylindrical member with an axial cavity 341 that is at least partially threaded to receive the base 338. The external end of the body 337 is formed as a head 343, which is solid preferably, for coupling and holding the tip at the adapter tip. The head 343 is preferably formed with an inclined arch support face 344 (like the face 122 in the latch 14) for coupling the complementary support face 333 formed in the wear member (FIG. 36). In this embodiment, the body 337 moves axially in the cavity 340 of the cover 339 (FIG. 44) to hold and release the tip. A longitudinal groove 345 formed over a length of the body receives a stop 348 secured in the cover 339 to prevent rotation of the body (Figures 44-47). A seal 346 is provided in a groove formed near the distal end of the body 337 to prevent debris from entering the open distal end 347 of the cover and blocking the path of body movement. The base 338 engages the body 337 to support axial movement of the body between the lock and release positions. The base 338 is preferably a solid, elongate member formed with graduated segments (Figures 44 and 48). The first segment 349 at one end is threaded to be received in a screwed-in manner in a portion of the cavity 341 in the body 337. The rotation of the base causes the body 337 to move axially on or off the cover 339. provides a flange 35Q at the proximal end of the first segment 349 to abut against the end wall 351 of the cover 339 and provide the necessary strength to pull and hold the tip in the adapter's peak. Preferably, the flange is received in a counter-hole 352 in the end wall 351. The second segment 355 is configured to fit within the ribs 305 formed in the transverse hole in the adapter tip (Figures 32 and 33). The second segment 355 (figures 44 and 48) is also configured to fit into the end wall 351 when assembling the latch. The second segment 355 preferably protrudes at its distal end to define a flange 355a opposite the flange 350. The flanges 350, 355a define a groove near the neck portion 358 for receiving and retaining a seal 359. The seal 359 prevents entry of ground remains through hole 356 and on cover 339. Third segment 361 at the outer end is threaded to receive a lock nut 362. Third segment 361 has a smaller diameter than second segment 355 to form a 364. The lock nut tightly holds the washers 365 against the shoulder 364 so that the lock is secured to the ribs 305 to allow rotation of the base 339. As discussed in previous embodiments, the ribs are held loosely by the secure 336. Finally, the base 338 includes a head 367 with carriages or other shape to receive an impact or other key to perform the rotation of the base. The cover 339 includes a cavity 341 that movably receives the body 337 and prevents debris from blocking the retraction of the body. As noted above, the cavity 341 of the cover 339 is sealed by seals 346, 359 to prevent the entry of debris into the cover. As a result, the body can be easily retracted to accommodate the replacement of a tip without needing to displace traces of dirt that can be embedded in the hole 284 of the adapter tip. In this way, the retraction of the body 337 is achieved despite the type of soil being excavated, the duration of use since the last replacement, or the length of time in which the tooth is established without being used before replacing the tip. The cover 339 (FIGS. 44, 49 and 50) is also formed with a key 368 in the form of a longitudinal edge over its length (although a shorter distance may extend) which is received in a corresponding channel 292 (FIG. 33) in FIG. the hole 284 of the tip of the adapter to prevent rotation of the cover. Of course, other key and keyway arrangements as well as corresponding non-circular coupling surfaces can be used. The cover 339 further includes a transverse threaded hole 370 for receiving the stop 348. The screwed stop includes a peak 373 which is received in the groove 345 formed in the body 337. In this embodiment, the safety 336 is placed inside the hole 284 in the spout 286 of the adapter before mounting the tip in the spout. As with the safety 276, the latch 336 is initially inserted into the hole 284 without washers 265 and lock nut 262. Once inserted into the hole 284, the washers and lock nut are assembled in the base 338 to secure the safety to the ribs 305. After placing a tip in the spout, the base is rotated by a spanner to move the support face 344 of the body 337 in contact with the support face 33 of the tip. The base rotates preferably until a predetermined resistance is achieved. As can be seen, the extension of the body causes the tip to be pulled and held at the adapter tip. A coil spring 376 is provided in the cavity 341 between the body 337 and the base 338 to prevent loosening of the body due to vibrations or other forces encountered during use. When the tip needs to be replaced, the base rotates in the opposite direction to retract the body in the cover 339 and out of the transverse hole 332 in the tip. Then, the tip can be removed and replaced without removing the hole lock on the tip of the adapter. In another alternative embodiment, the lock 420 includes a body 421, a base 422, and a cover 423 (FIGS. 51-55). Body 421, like body 337, includes an open axial cavity 425 with internal threads for receiving the base, and head 427 with a sloping arch support face 428, and a seal 430 near its distal end to prevent entry of remnants of earth through the open distant end of the deck 423 (figures 51 and 52). A coil spring 431 is provided under compression in the cavity 425 between the body 421 and base 422 to prevent loosening of the body during use. The base 422 engages with the body 421 to support axial movement of the body between the lock and release positions. The base 422 includes a threaded distal end 432 for threaded engagement with the cavity 425 in the body 421 (figures 51 and 53). A flange 436 adjacent the threaded end 432 bears against the inner face 438 of the rim 439 within the cover 423 to provide the strength necessary to pull and hold the tip in the adapter's peak. A head 441 with an eye casing 442 (or other tool coupling construction) is provided at the outer end of the base to perform the rotation of the base. A pair of slots 444, 445 are formed between the flange 436 and head 441 to receive a seal 447 and retaining ring 449. The seal 447 (e.g., a ring in the shape of the letter O) is placed in the slot 444 for prevent the entry of traces of earth into the cavity 350 of the cover. The retaining ring 449 is established in the slot 445 to hold the base and cover together. The retaining ring is preferably a Waldes Truarc® retaining ring, although other industrial brakes may be used. The cover 423, like the cover 339, is a generally hollow member for receiving the body 421 and base 422 and preventing the collection of earth debris in the path of the body 421 to ensure easy retraction of the body under all circumstances ( figures 51, 54 and 55). As a result, the body can be retracted freely without needing to displace soil residues housed inside the hole 452. The cover 423 includes a key 451 in the form of a longitudinal edge to be received in a channel 451 a in a transverse hole 452 formed in a peak 453 of the adapter 454 (figures 67 and 68) to prevent rotation of the cover. A transverse threaded hole 453 is formed in the cover 423 to receive the stop 455 which extends into a slot 457 in the body 421 to prevent rotation of the body (Figures 51, 54 and 55). The cover 423 preferably includes the entire length of the base 422. As can be seen in Figure 51, the head 441 is received in a recess 456 at the end of the cover. A groove surrounding 458 is preferably formed in the recess 456 to retain a cover (not shown) to enclose the recess and prevent the ingress of soil debris. A gap 459 is formed in the end of the cover 423 to allow the insertion of a tool to remove the lid. The hole 452 in the spout 453 of the adapter extends completely through the spout 453, but it does not include any rib (figure 68). Instead, the latch 420 is retained in the hole 452 by the internal faces of the side walls of the tip or other wear member (not shown) received on the peak 453; that is, the holes provided in the side walls of the tip are smaller than the width of the latch 420. In addition, as the base 422 (FIG. 51) rotates to extend the body 421 outwards and lengthen the length of the latch, the end wall 448 of the cover 423 bears against the inner side wall of the tip to provide the strength needed to pull and hold the tip at the tip of the adapter. Preferably, the holes on the tip are identical to allow mounting of the tip in any orientation. Also, without the ribs in the adapter hole, the lock 420 can be placed in any hole to look in any direction. This versatility facilitates the assembly of the tooth or other wear member by operators in the field. In another alternative modality, the 460 insurance includes a body 461, a base 462, a retraction screw 463, and a spring 464 (figures 56-60). The body 461 is generally an indic, hollow cylindrical member that moves axially in and out of the base 462. The body 461 has a cavity 465 formed with a narrow, distant segment 466 that is threaded to receive a retraction screw 463 , and a proximal segment 467 for receiving the coil spring 464. The distal end of the body 461 preferably has an inclined arched support face 471 adapted to engage the support face 333 (FIG. 36) in one of the formed holes. at the tip. A seal 473 is received in a slot formed near the distal end of the body to prevent entry of soil debris into the base 462 (FIG. 56). Retraction screw 463 includes a shank 475 and a head 477 (figures 56 and 58). Preferably, the shank 475 is screwed on at least the far end 479, although the entire length of the shank can be screwed on. The head 477 has an eye socket 482 or other nut driver coupling construction for its rotation. The head is received in an opening 484 defined at one end of the base 462 (figures 56, 58 and 59). A seal 490 is received in a slot 491 defined in the circumferential wall 492 of the opening 484 to prevent entry of soil debris into the base 462 (FIGS. 56 and 59). The wall 492 also includes a slot 494 for receiving a cover (not shown) to keep the eye socket clean and prevent undesired rotation of the screw 463 during tooth use. More specifically, the cap is a generally circular disc member provided with a side tab adapted to fit within a recess 495, and an eye projection to fit into engagement within the eye socket 482. The tab that rests on the side walls of the recess 495 prevents rotation of the cap, and the reception of the projection on the eye in the eye socket 482 prevents rotation of the screw 463. In this way, unwanted retraction of the screw can be prevented by vibrations or other movements found during use. The lid is removed by inserting a tool to pry into slot 464 near the lid. In this embodiment, the base 462 supports the axial movement of the body and provides a clear path for body movement. Specifically, the base 462 includes a cavity 496 for movably receiving the body 461. The base in cooperation with the seals 473, 490 prevents the entry of soil debris into the cavity 496 in order to maintain the path of the body free of obstruction under all circumstances. A key 497, preferably in the form of a longitudinal edge, is received in the channel 451 a in the hole 452 of the spout 453 of the adapter (Figures 67 and 68) to prevent rotation of the base during use. Of course, other key and key step arrangements can be used. A stop 499 fixed in the threaded hole 501 is received in a slot 503 formed in the side of the body 461 to prevent rotation of the body 461 with respect to the base (figures 56, 57 and 59). In use, the latch 460 is placed within a transverse hole 452 in the spout 453 of the adapter (FIGS. 67 and 68) which receives in engagement the external shape of the base. As with the safety 420, the adapter hole extends completely through the adapter spout and does not include ribs. Instead, the latch 460 (FIG. 56) is retained within the tooth by the side walls of the tip or other wear member (not shown). To install a tip in the spout, the retraction screw rotates so that the body 461 retracts into the base 463. The tip includes an opening on each of its two sides. At least one opening includes a complementary support face 333 (FIG. 36) for coupling the support face 471 of the body 461 (FIG. 56), although the other opening (not shown) allows access to the eye socket 477 of the base 462. (figures 56 and 58). Nevertheless, as discussed before with the safety 420, the holes in the tip are preferably identical to allow the tip to be mounted in any orientation. In addition, the absence of ribs in the hole 453 together with identical holes in the tip allows the latch 420 to be inserted through either end of the adapter hole and to look in any direction. The openings in the tip, in any case, are smaller than the width of the cover 463 to prevent removal of the safety with the tip in the peak, and to provide the necessary resistance to pull and hold the tip in the adapter's peak. The screw 463 (FIG. 56) then rotates to extend the body against the face of the tip support. In this case, the coil spring 464 received between the base 462 and body 461 applies the strong axial force to prevent release of the load under load. The stress and orientation of the spring 464 and the angle of inclination of the support face 471 allows the spring to hold the tip in place and avoid overloading during tooth use. Accordingly, the user continues to rotate the screw 463 until the head 477 of the screw begins to move out of the opening 484. The head then rotates to realize the insertion of the eye projection of the cap since the cap is installed in the slot 494. As noted above, the extensible latches of the present invention can also be used to secure wear members other than the tips. For example, certain large teeth comprise an adapter (not shown) secured to the excavation edge of an excavator, another adapter component 400 (sold by ESCO Corporation as a KWIK TIP® adapter) and a tip (not shown). As another example, the adapter 400 (Figs. 61-66) has a rearward opening socket 402 for receiving on the adapter tip (not shown) secured to the excavation edge and a spout projecting forward 404 for mounting the tip (not shown). In the illustrated example, peak 404 has a conventional design for mounting the tip; although the peak can be formed with another suitable configuration. In this example, a hole 405 is provided to receive a conventional locking pin and an elastomer (not shown) to secure the tip to the peak. However, an extensible safety according to the present invention can be used to secure an apex tip. A hole 406 is preferably provided in both side walls 408 of the part to receive a spreader to securely release the adapter 400 in its place.

As for the tip 12, the bushing 202 is preferably configured to include a box-shaped internal portion 410 in its appendix and a backward cavity portion 412 (FIGS. 63-66). The inner portion 410 includes upper and lower support faces 414 for resisting vertical loads, and a front support face 416 for resisting thrust loads. The cavity portion 412 includes a pair of generally parallel side walls 419, 420 a pair of upper and lower walls diverging backwards 423, 424, and four support faces 428 at each corner of the socket. The support faces 428 are formed in the same manner as the support faces 42 described above. Support faces 428 extend substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 430 of the tooth to form a stable tooth construction. In addition, the support faces 428 are located further away from the shaft 430 to form a tighter construction with the support faces 414. The foregoing discussion refers to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Various other modalities can be made as well as many changes and alterations without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as claimed.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1. - A securement for securing a wear member to a support structure of an excavator comprising a body, a base coupled to said body to form an assembly adapted for insertion into a hole in the support structure, and means for selectively adjusting the relative axial positions of said body and said base to vary the length of the latch between an extended position to secure the wear member to the support structure and a retracted position to release the wear member from the support structure, said body being it has a support face for engaging the wear member in said extended position.
2. 2. Insurance according to claim 1, wherein one of said base and said body includes an end with an opening that movably receives the other of said base and said body. 3. An insurance according to claim 2, wherein said adjusting means includes a threaded connection between said base and said body. 4. An insurance according to claim 3, further including a spring that applies an external force between said base and said body to prevent inadvertent loosening of said threaded connection during use. 5. - An insurance according to claim 2, wherein said opening is formed in said body. 6. An insurance according to claim 2, wherein said opening is formed in said base. 7. An insurance according to claim 6, wherein said opening is sealed to prevent the entry of traces of earth. 8. Insurance according to claim 2, wherein said opening is sealed to prevent the ingress of earth remains. 9. A safety according to claim 2, which further includes a cover that engages said body and said base to define a cavity at least on said end with said opening, said cavity being sealed to prevent the entry of traces of earth in said cavity. 1 - An insurance according to claim 9, wherein said cover includes means to prevent relative rotation of said body. 1 .- An insurance according to claim 10, wherein said cover includes means to prevent rotation of said cover in the hole of the support structure. 12. A safety according to claim 9, wherein said cover includes means for preventing rotation of said cover in the hole of the support structure.
3. 3. An insurance according to claim 2, wherein said adjustment means includes a spring that applies an external force to extend said body with respect to said base and applies a clamping force that prevents the removal of the wear member. of the support structure. 14. An insurance according to claim 13, wherein said opening is sealed to prevent the entry of traces of earth. 15. An insurance according to claim 13, wherein said adjustment means further include a screw for retracting the body with respect to said base. 16. A safety according to claim 13, wherein said adjustment means further include a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure to retract the body with respect to said base. 17. A safety according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means include at least one fluid chamber that is selectively filled with a fluid under pressure to vary the length of the safety. 18. An insurance according to claim 1, which further includes a cover which engages said body and said base to define a cavity, said cavity being sealed to prevent the entry of earth remains in said cavity and thus provide free retraction of said base and said body without obstruction of said earth remains. 19. An insurance according to claim 1, including means to prevent rotation between said base and said body. 20. - An insurance according to claim 19, wherein said means preventing rotation include a key fixed to one of said base and said body and a key passage that receives said key fixed to the other of said base and said body. 21. An insurance according to claim 19, wherein said means preventing rotation include each of said base and said body being provided with non-circular portions that are coupled. 22. An insurance according to claim 1, wherein said base includes means for preventing rotation thereof within the hole in the support structure. 23. An insurance according to claim 1, wherein said body includes means to prevent rotation thereof within the hole in the support structure. 24. An insurance according to claim 1, wherein said safety includes a pair of opposite faces adapted to axially extend at least one projection in the hole of the support structure to secure the safety in the hole. 25. An insurance according to claim 24, wherein one of said faces is supported by a thread screwed to said body. 26. An insurance according to claim 1, wherein said support face is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the safety. 27. - An insurance according to claim 26, wherein said support face has a broad convex shape. 28.- A safety device for securing a wear member in a support structure of an excavator comprising a base and a body that are screwed together for relative movement in an axial direction to vary the length of the safety between an extended position which secures the wear member to the support structure and a retracted position that allows removal of the wear member from the support structure, said body including a support face for engaging the wear member in said extended position. 29. An insurance according to claim 28, further including a spring that applies an external force between said base and said body to prevent inadvertent loosening of said threaded connection during use. 30, - An insurance according to claim 28, which further includes a cover that couples said body and said base to define a cavity, said cavity being sealed to prevent the entry of traces of earth in said cavity and thus provide retraction of said base and said body without obstruction of said earth remains. 31. An insurance according to claim 30, wherein said cover includes means to prevent relative rotation of said body. 32. - An insurance according to claim 31, wherein said cover includes means for preventing rotation of said cover in the hole of the support structure. 33.- A safety according to claim 28, wherein said support face is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the safety. 34. An extendable insurance according to claim 33, wherein said support face has a convex shape extends. 35. - An insurance according to claim 28, wherein said base includes a cavity for receiving said body. 36.- An insurance according to claim 35, wherein said cavity is sealed to prevent the entry of traces of earth. 37.- A safety device for securing a wear member in a support structure of an excavator comprising a body, a base, a spring that applies an external deflection force between said body and said base to maintain the safety in an extended position and securing the tip to the support structure, and a retractor to reduce the length of the latch to release the tip of the support structure. 38.- An insurance according to claim 37, wherein said base and said body are stamped to prevent the entry of earth remains. 39.- An insurance according to claim 37, wherein said retractor includes a screw. 40. - Insurance according to claim 37, e? wherein said retractor includes a fluid chamber that receives fluid under pressure. 41. An insurance according to claim 37, wherein said base and said body are coupled together to prevent their relative rotation. 42. An insurance according to claim 41, wherein one of said base and said body includes means to prevent rotation thereof within the hole of the support structure. 43. An insurance according to claim 37, wherein said support face is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the safety. 44. An insurance according to claim 43, wherein said support face has a convex shape extends. 45.- A method for securing a wear member in a support structure of an excavator comprising fitting an extensible safety to a retracted position independently of the wear member, placing the safety in a hole in the support structure, placing a member of wear in the support structure, adjust the lock in the hole to an extended position to engage and hold the wear member in the support structure. 46. - A method according to claim 45, wherein said adjustment of the latch to an extended position pulls the wear member into the support structure. 47. A method according to claim 46, wherein said latch applies a biasing force that continually pulls the wear member into the support structure as wear occurs between the support structure and the wear member. 48. A method according to claim 45, wherein the support structure is a peak of the adapter. 49.- A method for replacing a wear member mounted on an excavator supporting structure comprising retracting an extensible latch received within a hole in the support structure in order to uncouple the wear member latch, remove the latch member, Wear after retracting the lock, place a new wear member on the support structure, extend the lock to engage and hold the new wear member on the support structure. 50. A method according to claim 49, wherein said latch remains within the hole of the support structure throughout the process of replacing the wear member. 51.- A method according to claim 49, wherein the support structure is a peak of the adapter.