US20130269221A1 - Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar - Google Patents
Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130269221A1 US20130269221A1 US13/444,589 US201213444589A US2013269221A1 US 20130269221 A1 US20130269221 A1 US 20130269221A1 US 201213444589 A US201213444589 A US 201213444589A US 2013269221 A1 US2013269221 A1 US 2013269221A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tooth
- adapter
- retaining pin
- assembly
- flexible reinforcement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2808—Teeth
- E02F9/2816—Mountings therefor
- E02F9/2825—Mountings therefor using adapters
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2808—Teeth
- E02F9/2816—Mountings therefor
- E02F9/2833—Retaining means, e.g. pins
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2808—Teeth
- E02F9/285—Teeth characterised by the material used
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/28—Small metalwork for digging elements, e.g. teeth scraper bits
- E02F9/2875—Ripper tips
Definitions
- This invention relates to replaceable machine parts that are exposed to high wear and repeated shock loading, and in particular to an assembly for an excavating apparatus with a flexible reinforcement collar.
- each tooth assembly typically includes a wedge-shaped adapter which mounts directly on the tooth horn of the bucket, shovel or alternative digging or scraping mechanism of the equipment.
- a wedge-shaped tooth point is frontally seated on and rigidly pinned to the adapter for engaging the material to be excavated.
- a tooth assembly comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces converging toward a first end of the adapter.
- the tooth assembly further comprises a tooth point coupled with the adapter at the first end, the tooth point having a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter.
- the second end of the adapter is adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn.
- the first side of the adapter includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a complementary shape to the removable insert.
- a retaining pin is operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the tooth point to the adapter, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
- a tooth assembly comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter.
- the tooth assembly further comprises a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, and the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position.
- the first side of the tooth horn includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, and the cavity having a shape complementary to the removable insert.
- the tooth assembly further comprises a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn, and the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
- a retaining pin for a tooth assembly comprises an elongated threaded portion operable to be fastened to a threaded portion of a removable insert.
- the retaining pin further comprises a head portion, wherein the head portion is at least partially tapered and configured to abut a cooperatively shaped tapered portion of a removable insert, and the removable insert is operable to be positioned in a cavity of a replaceable machine component in an installed configuration.
- the retaining pin further comprises a flexible reinforcement collar coupled to the head portion.
- Embodiments or the present disclosure are particularly suited to accomplish quicker and easier replacement of teeth used for excavating equipment such as draglines, bucket wheels, but also is applicable to other types of equipment having sacrificial parts subject to high wear. Additionally, quicker changeovers for sacrificial parts of machines, especially digging and excavating equipment may be provided utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure. Reduced wear and tear for components of the equipment may be provided by a retaining pin in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the tooth assembly of this disclosure mounted on a conventional tooth horn of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 assembled on the conventional tooth horn;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter and tooth point elements of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a second preferred embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert element of the tooth assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the adapter, tooth point and insert elements of the tooth assembly in assembled configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the tooth assembly showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the tooth assembly also showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the improved insert and pin using spring-loaded ball bearings
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the improved pin utilizing springs.
- FIG. 10 is a detail showing one possible arrangement of a bar-type hook recessed into the head of a retaining pin
- FIG. 11 illustrates an extraction tool that can be used to remove the improved retaining pin of the disclosure
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a second arrangement of the improved insert in which the pin is non-rotatable
- FIGS. 13A and 13B are isometric exploded views of excavation tool components that may be coupled using a pin assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a pin assembly in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a ripper shank coupled with a removable tooth, and shroud, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 16 is a side view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 17 is a top view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the attachment system of the present disclosure is described further herein with particular reference to the attachment of replaceable teeth to excavating equipment, and more particularly to the assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,337,495 and 6,052,927, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
- Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to and may be used with other machines using replaceable parts. Examples of such machines include down-hole drills and related tools, conveyor belt parts, center wear shrouds and wing shrouds on dragline buckets, track shoes for tracked vehicles, machine gun and artillery breech parts and the like.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose embodiments in which a tooth assembly (generally illustrated by reference numeral 1 ) is mounted on a conventional tooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of a conventional excavator or other machine using replaceable parts.
- Tooth assembly 1 includes wedge-shaped adapter 3 , fitted with removable tooth point 15 , which includes contact edge 18 .
- Tooth point 15 is mounted on adapter 3 by using one or more tooth point retainer pins 33 , which each extend through tooth point retainer pin opening 14 in tooth point side wall 17 of tooth point 15 .
- Retainer pins 33 are threaded in an insert 41 , seated in opposite sides of the adapter 3 .
- tooth assembly 1 further includes a transversely-mounted top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 , both of which are also bolted to adapter 3 by means of side plate bolts 32 .
- adapter 3 includes wedge-shaped adapter base 4 which tapers from base plate 4 a to nose ridge 12 , terminating adapter nose 11 .
- Base plate lock opening 5 is provided in base plate 4 a of adapter base 4 for receiving spool 38 and companion wedge 39 , and mounting adapter 3 on tooth horn 2 in conventional fashion.
- Some embodiments include a pair of transverse, vertically-oriented, spaced stabilizing slots 6 in the sides of adapter base 4 .
- top rib slots 7 are also provided transversely in the top tapered face of base plate 4 a of adapter base 4 and in some embodiments, top rib slots 7 are T-shaped, as illustrated in the drawings. Similarly, a pair of spaced, T-shaped bottom rib slots 8 are provided in the bottom tapered surface or face of the adapter base plate 4 a in the same relative position as top rib slots 7 . It is understood that top rib slots 7 and bottom rib slots 8 may alternatively be shaped in a “dove-tail” or other locking configuration.
- top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are designed to slidably mount transversely on the adapter base 4 of adapter 3 .
- Top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are each characterized by identical cap plates 23 and corresponding side plates 26 and are therefore, in certain embodiments, interchangeable.
- Cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22 further includes cap plate opening 24 , which registers with base plate lock opening 5 located in adapter 3 , to provide access to spool 38 and wedge 39 for readily tensioning wedge 39 if necessary, as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- Cap plate ribs 25 which may be T-shaped, are transversely located in the bottom surface of cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22 and are designed to register with top rib slots 7 provided in adapter 3 .
- additional cap plate ribs 25 are provided in spaced relationship in a top surface of cap plate 23 of bottom wear cap 36 for registering with corresponding spaced parallel bottom rib slots 8 , located in a bottom face of adapter 3 .
- a side plate retainer pin opening 30 is provided in each of side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and wear cap 36 for receiving side plate bolts 32 , respectively, in order to lock top wear cap 22 on the top and one side of adapter 3 and bottom wear cap 36 on the bottom and opposite side of adapter 3 . As further illustrated in FIGS.
- adapter 3 is fitted with an adapter recess 10 on one side to facilitate recessing of side plate 26 of bottom wear cap 36 and extension of the corresponding cap plate ribs 25 , located in the bottom surface of cap plate 23 of top wear cap 22 , into corresponding side plate slots 28 , provided in the extending end of side plate 26 of bottom wear cap 36 .
- projecting cap plate ribs 25 located in cap plate 23 of bottom wear cap 36 , project in registration with corresponding side plate slots 28 , located in the extending end of side plate 26 of top wear cap 22 when top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are assembled and interlocked on the adapter 3 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- a side plate recess 29 is provided in side plate 26 of each of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 and surrounds a corresponding side plate retainer pin opening 30 , to accommodate a head of side plate bolts 32 in countersunk, recessed relationship. Furthermore, spaced side plate lugs 31 are provided in side plate 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 for registering with the corresponding spaced stabilizing slots 6 , located in the sides of adapter 3 , respectively.
- top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are mounted on adapter 3 from opposite sides, with respective cap plate ribs 25 engaging corresponding top rib slots 7 and bottom rib slots 8 located in the beveled top and bottom faces of adapter base 4 a , respectively, top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 are interlocked as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the heads of the side plate bolts 32 are securely recessed inside respective side plate recesses 29 , provided in the side plates 26 , to minimize the possibility of shearing side plate retainer pins 32 from tooth assembly 1 .
- each of side plate bolts 32 is provided with retainer pin shoulder 32 a located beneath the head thereof.
- the heads of the respective side plate bolts 32 are spaced from the recess shoulder 29 a of each side plate recess 29 . This spacing facilitates limited movement of the top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 with respect to the adapter 3 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,501 and serves as a stress-relieving function to minimize damage to tooth assembly 1 by operation of the excavation or other equipment upon which tooth assembly 1 is mounted.
- tooth point 15 is removably attached to adapter 3 by means of two tapered inserts 41 , each inserted in a correspondingly-shaped insert cavity 47 , provided in wedge-shaped tooth point side walls 17 of adapter 3 .
- Each insert 41 includes an insert bore 45 , extending through a tapered, rounded insert body 44 which terminates in an insert shoulder 42 , having a straight shoulder edge 43 .
- the respective oppositely-disposed insert cavities 47 are tapered and shaped to define a cavity shoulder 48 , which engages insert shoulder 42 , and a body curvature 49 , which engages insert body 44 .
- insert cavities 47 removably receive inserts 41 and prevent inserts 41 from rotating when pressure is applied to tooth point retainer pins 33 , which secure tooth point 15 on adapter 3 .
- lockwasher 35 may be omitted from the overall structure of the present disclosure.
- insert 41 may not require an insert shoulder that is shaped to prevent rotation.
- FIG. 1 illustrates insert 41 as having a tapered and rounded shape, particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include insert 41 and corresponding insert cavity 47 of various forms, including, but not limited to square, circular, and/or star-shaped.
- tooth point 15 is designed to mount frontally on adapter nose 11 of adapter 3 by matching tooth point retainer pin openings 14 , located in the opposite tooth point side walls 17 of tooth point 15 , with the corresponding insert bores 45 provided in inserts 41 .
- Each tooth point retainer pin 33 is then registered with a corresponding tooth point retainer pin opening 14 and the shank of each tooth point retainer pin 33 is inserted into the corresponding insert bore 45 located in insert 41 to removably secure tooth point 15 on adapter 3 .
- tooth point edge 15 a is located in close proximity to corresponding edges of cap plates 23 and side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 , respectively, as illustrated in FIG.
- tooth point edge 15 a of tooth point 15 is maintained between tooth point edge 15 a of tooth point 15 and one or more front edges of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 , respectively, to facilitate movement of tooth point 15 with respect to top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 with respect to adapter 3 .
- inserts 41 cannot exit the respective insert cavities 47 through tooth point retainer pin openings 14 .
- inserts 41 can be easily removed from insert cavities 47 when tooth point 15 is removed from the adapter 3 .
- tooth point 15 is afforded a range of movement on adapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth point retainer pin openings 14 and working gap 37 to relieve digging stresses.
- top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 exhibit multiple favorable structural characteristics not found in conventional assemblies.
- the interlocking relationship between top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 , along with the transverse, slidable mounting of these structural members and the removable mounting of tooth point 15 on adapter 3 facilitate an extremely strong, versatile wear-resistant assembly.
- recessing of respective side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33 , as well as side plates 26 of top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 provided in opposite sides of the adapter 3 facilitate excavation and leveling of all types of material without fear of shearing the respective side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33 .
- top wear cap 22 , bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 independently or in concert, is quickly and easily facilitated in an optimum manner by simply removing side plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33 , sliding top wear cap 22 , bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 from adapter 3 and replacing these members by reversing this procedure.
- Shock and impact resistance of tooth assembly 1 is facilitated by mounting top wear cap 22 and bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 in a non-rigid, but secure relationship on adapter 3 to facilitate a selected minimum movement of top wear cap 22 , bottom wear cap 36 and tooth point 15 with respect to adapter 3 during operation.
- tooth assembly 1 is mounted on each tooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus in a conventional manner, utilizing spool 38 and wedge 39 . It should be appreciated that alternative means for mounting tooth assembly 1 to a tooth horn of such equipment may also be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the specific tolerances in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 shows an example preferred embodiment of the present disclosure as applied to tooth point 15 .
- tooth point 15 is shown attached to adapter 3 , held loosely in place by insert 41 .
- the approximate direction of the heaviest shock load is shown at reference numeral 100 .
- Horizontal clearance at reference numeral 101 in approximate direction of shock about 1 ⁇ 8 inch to about 1 ⁇ 4 inch.
- Vertical clearance at reference numeral 102 normal to approximate direction of shock about 1/32 inch to about 3/16 inch; preferably about 1/16 inch to about 1 ⁇ 8 inch.
- Horizontal clearance at reference numeral 103 normal to approximate direction of shock about 1/32 inch to about 1/16 inch.
- teeth will tend to move forward and contact the bolts, causing failure by bending or fracture; whereas if smaller clearances are used there will be interference from the castings, notably between adapter 3 and tooth point 15 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which tooth point retainer pin 202 is not threaded, and is fitted with cavity 205 containing at least one spring-loaded ball bearing 203 and spring mechanism 204 .
- Spring mechanism 204 urges ball bearing 203 radially outwardly as far as permitted by hole 206 in the shank of insert pin 202 .
- Insert 200 includes internal slot or depression 201 suitable for accommodating one or more ball bearings 203 .
- a pair of pliers may be used, or if retainer pin 202 is designed to be flush or recessed, an extractor tool (not shown) suitable for engaging hook 207 on retainer pin 202 may be used to remove retainer pin 202 .
- hook 207 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10 , with the hook formed as a bar recessed in cavity 226 in the head of the retaining pin to protect it from dirt and wear.
- FIG. 11 shows extraction tool 220 comprising shaft 223 on which a sliding weight 221 moves longitudinally. The distal end of the shaft includes recess 224 suitable for engaging the hook or bar 207 that is recessed into the retaining pin shown in FIG. 10 .
- a stop 222 near the proximal end of the extraction tool permits the sliding weight to act as a slide hammer to dislodge retaining pin 202 .
- proximal end 225 of extraction tool 220 is pointed for use in cleaning out cavity 226 before engaging bar 207 with recess 224 near the distal end of the shaft of the extraction tool. As a result, tooth retention is achieved without need for threading and unthreading a bolt.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which one or more springs 213 set into cavities 214 are used to retain retainer pin 212 in insert 210 by engaging slots 211 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which retainer pin 226 is fitted with one or more cavities 227 a and 227 b containing at least one spring-loaded ball bearing or pin and a spring mechanism which urges the ball bearing or pin radially outwardly as far as permitted by hole 227 a and/or 227 b in the shank of insert pin 202 .
- the corresponding insert 228 includes one or more internal depressions 229 suitable for accommodating the one or more ball bearings or pins 203 .
- non-rotation device 230 which preferably may comprise cap 230 with a transversely-extending ridge 231 that mates with a transversely-extending slot 232 in the base of retainer pin 226 when retainer pin 226 is fully seated in insert 228 . It will be recognized that other arrangements of non-rotation devices are possible, so long as the goal of preventing rotation of the retainer pin relative to the insert is accomplished.
- FIGS. 9 , 10 and 12 can be reversed if desired, so that the spring or springs are placed in the adapter and the mating slot is in the retainer pin.
- the insert can be eliminated altogether by machining an aperture and slot directly into adapter nose 11 in insert cavity 49 .
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a particular embodiment of tooth assembly 1 that includes adapter 3 removably coupled to tooth horn 2 using pin assembly 334 .
- FIGS. 13A and 13B show pin assembly 334 coupling adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 , it should be understood that pin assembly 334 may be used to couple other excavation equipment components found on a bucket, shovel or other excavating machine. Pin assembly 334 may be used to couple any combination of such excavation components.
- adapter 3 is subject to significant wear and tear. Extreme shock loading is experienced as removable adapter 3 impacts adjacent earth, rocks, and other abrasive material. Therefore, it is desirable to make adapter 3 readily replaceable with a new or reconditioned component of similar or identical configuration. Otherwise, tooth horn 2 , or buckets, shovels or other excavation equipment would need to be replaced more frequently, increasing equipment and labor costs associated therewith. By providing a removable adapter 3 at a location upon tooth horn 2 that would otherwise experience the most wear, the service life of such equipment is prolonged by replacing selected parts associated with the excavation equipment.
- adapter 3 is coupled with and at least partially conceals and/or protects tooth horn 2 from abrasive materials during excavation.
- Adapter 3 includes first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 and first and second sides 340 and 342 .
- First and second sides 340 and 342 may be generally parallel to one another.
- First and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 and first and second sides 340 and 342 cooperate to define an opening 344 at first end 345 .
- Opening 344 converges toward a second end 346 of adapter 3 .
- Opening 344 is configured to at least partially receive tooth horn 2 . Accordingly, opening 344 generally corresponds to the shape of tooth horn 2 such that adapter 3 may be slidably mounted on tooth horn 2 and held in place using pin assembly 334 .
- tooth horn 2 is configured to be received in opening 344 .
- tooth horn 2 may include first and second tapered surfaces 348 and 350 that correspond generally with first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 of adapter 3 . Accordingly, first and second tapered surfaces 348 and 350 may converge toward a first end 356 of tooth horn 2 .
- Tooth horn 2 also includes first and second sides 352 and 354 that may be generally parallel to one another. When adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 are coupled, first and second sides 352 and 354 of tooth horn 2 may be disposed adjacent to first and second sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3 .
- adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure.
- adapter 3 is described as having first and second tapered surfaces 336 and 338 , other embodiments may include only one tapered side. Alternatively, adapter 3 may not have any tapered sides.
- adapter 3 is described as having first and second sides 340 and 342 that are generally parallel to one another, in other embodiments one or both of first and second sides 340 and 342 may be tapered such that first and second sides 340 and 342 may not be parallel to one another.
- Such alterations may also be made to tooth horn 2 within the teachings of the present disclosure.
- the configurations of the excavation components are selected to receive and provide protection from excessive wear caused during excavation operations.
- tooth horn 2 also includes pin bore 358 that originates at first side 352 of tooth horn 2 and extends at least partially through tooth horn 2 .
- pin bore 358 extends through tooth horn 2 from first side 352 to second side 354 .
- Pin bore 358 is configured to at least partially receive pin assembly 334 through first end 352 and/or second end 354 .
- Pin bore 358 and pin assembly 334 cooperate to provide for the simplified installation and/or removal of adapter 3 from tooth horn 2 . Accordingly, adapter 3 may be installed, removed or replaced by an operator in the field, quickly and easily. Additionally, the configuration of pin bore 358 and pin assembly 334 prevent shifting of adapter 3 , with respect to tooth horn 2 during use.
- Pin assembly 334 includes an elongate insert 360 .
- Insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore 358 .
- the shape and size of pin bore 358 corresponds generally to the shape and size of insert 360 .
- the configurations of pin bore 358 and insert 360 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure.
- insert 360 may be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides 370 of equal width 372 . Because the shape of pin bore 358 corresponds with the shape of insert 360 , pin bore 358 may also be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides of equal width.
- insert 360 and pin bore 358 may each be of a shape having between three and eight sides 370 . In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
- insert 360 and pin bore 358 each have six sides 370 .
- the shapes of insert 360 and corresponding pin bore 358 are hexagonal.
- the illustrated shape, however, is for example purposes only. It is generally recognized that insert 360 and pin bore 358 may be of any suitable geometric shape. Accordingly, some alternative example embodiments for insert 360 are described in more detail with regard to FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- pin assembly 334 also includes one or more plugs 362 configured to cooperate with a plug bore 364 .
- Plug bore 364 extends at least partially through insert 360 and is configured to at least partially receive one or more plugs 362 therein.
- plug bore 364 extends entirely through insert 360 from a first end 366 to a second end 368 . Accordingly, plug bore 364 is configured to receive a first plug 362 a at first end 366 and a second plug 362 b at a second end 368 . It is recognized, however, that plug bore 364 need not extend entirely through insert 360 . Where plug bore 364 does not extend entirely through insert 360 , a single plug 362 may be used.
- plugs 362 are received in plug bore 364 of insert 360 , the shape of plugs 362 corresponds generally to the shape of plug bore 364 .
- plugs 362 are also substantially cylindrical.
- plugs 362 include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 374 that corresponds to a tapered surface 376 of insert 360 . Tightening of a plug 362 forces tapered surface 374 of plug 362 along tapered surface of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug 362 beyond an installed position.
- the configuration of plugs 362 and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure.
- plugs 362 and insert 360 cooperate to couple adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 in the installed position.
- sides 346 and 348 of adapter 3 include respective openings 378 and 380 , which are configured to at least partially receive a portion of plugs 362 .
- the respective positions of openings 378 and 380 upon sides 346 and 348 are selected to align with first and second ends 364 and 366 of plug bore 358 , respectively.
- plug bore 358 and openings 378 and 380 are aligned such that an imaginary central longitudinal axis I extends through openings 378 and 380 and insert 360 .
- plugs 362 are inserted through openings 378 and 380 and into at least a portion of plug bore 358 to couple adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 .
- plugs 362 may be recessed from sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3 by approximately 0.125 to 1.000 inches. In particular embodiments, plugs 362 may be recessed from sides 340 and 342 of adapter 3 from 0.25 to 0.5 inches.
- plugs 362 each include a head 382 .
- Head 382 may be outfitted with a groove 384 to enable the removal and replacement of plugs 362 through openings 378 and 380 .
- each plug 362 may include one or more threaded surfaces that engage with insert 360 and/or adapter 3 .
- Plugs 362 operate to seal plug bore 364 and protect it from ambient environment, fluids, and debris that may be encountered during use of the excavation equipment. Plugs 362 also allow for the easily decoupling of adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 in the field. In order to decouple adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 , plugs 362 having threads may be rotated and removed from plug bore 364 using head 382 and a suitable tool.
- tooth assembly 1 includes an elastomeric member 357 that is generally positioned between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 , when tooth assembly 1 is in the assembled position.
- elastomeric member 357 When installed, elastomeric member 357 provides an interface between the interior portion of adapter 3 and first end 356 of tooth horn 2 .
- Elastomeric member 357 may eliminate or alleviate “slack” between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 . This alleviates or eliminates metal to metal contact between first end 356 of tooth horn 2 and adapter 3 , that can lead to premature wear of such components.
- Elastomeric member 357 may be provided in one of a number of different materials, including rubber, plastic, or other deformable materials that generally exhibit memory. In other words, such material may be compressed and yet return to its initial shape. Elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with, or be integral with adapter 3 and/or tooth horn 2 , in order to simplify installation. For example, elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with the interior portion of adapter 3 (e.g., using an adhesive material). Thus, when tooth horn 2 is coupled with adapter 3 using insert 360 , the holes of these components may be configured such that elastomeric member 357 will be at least slightly compressed to remove any slack between such components.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of pin assembly 334 that includes a substantially cylindrical insert 360 having a non-rotation tab 304 .
- insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore 358 of tooth horn 2 .
- the shape and size of pin bore 358 is also substantially cylindrical and includes a recess that corresponds to non-rotation tab 304 .
- non-rotation tab 304 extends the full length of insert 360 from a first end 306 of insert 360 to a second end 308 of insert 360 .
- non-rotation tab 304 need not extend the entire length of insert 360 .
- Non-rotation tab 304 may originate at first end 306 and extend some suitable distance toward second end 308 without reaching second end 308 .
- Non-rotation tab 304 operates to eliminate the rotation of insert 360 in the installed position in plug bore 358 .
- Non-rotation tab 304 also operates to provide strength to pin assembly 334 .
- Pin assembly 334 also includes a plug bore 310 that is configured to cooperate with one or more plugs 362 .
- Plug bore 310 and plugs 362 may be configured similarly to plug bore 364 and plugs 362 , respectively, as described above with regard to FIGS. 13A and 13B .
- plugs 362 may include a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 314 that corresponds to a tapered surface 316 of insert 302 . Tightening of a plug 362 into plug bore 310 forces tapered surface 314 of plug 312 along tapered surface 316 of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of plug 362 beyond an installed position.
- any removable and/or replaceable component will benefit from the fastening and component cooperation techniques disclosed herein. More specifically, removable adapters may be coupled with tooth horns of buckets, shovels, or practically any heavy equipment components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, ripper shanks may be coupled with various removable components provided to protect the ripper shank and/or prolong the life of the ripper shank. Another example of excavation equipment incorporating aspects of the present disclosure is described with regard to FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a shroud 400 coupled with a shank 402 of an excavating machine part.
- Shank 402 may be referred to as a “ripper shank.”
- a shank is a type of adapter that may be coupled with various excavation equipment components, and may receive one or more removable teeth.
- Shroud 400 provides protection to shank 402 when the excavating machine is in use.
- the excavating machine may be a dragline used in mining operations or any other machine used for excavating purposes.
- Shroud 400 is coupled with shank 402 using pin assembly 404 , which may be similar in configuration to the pin assemblies described above with regard to FIGS. 13A-14 . Accordingly, fastening components similar to the pin assemblies described herein may be used to couple shroud 400 with shank 402 . Similarly, such pin assemblies may be used to couple shank 402 with the excavation equipment component.
- Pin assemblies 404 may be inserted through openings 406 , into an internal bore through shank 402 , and extend at least partially into openings 406 formed in shroud 400 .
- a plug like those described above, may be used to secure pin assembly 404 within shroud 400 , to prevent lateral movement of pin assemblies 404 .
- Removable tooth 408 is also coupled with shank 400 using pin assembly 404 .
- shroud 400 may be considered a removable tooth, which protects one end of shank 402 .
- the teachings of the present disclosure may be used to removably couple practically any components.
- Removable tooth 408 , shank 402 , and shroud 400 are described and shown herein, for illustrative purposes.
- Shroud 400 and tooth 408 are used to protect shank 402 from the abrasive environment encountered during excavation. Accordingly, shroud 400 is placed at a location upon shank 402 where significant wear and tear is anticipated. By providing a removable shroud 400 and removable tooth 408 , wear and degradation of shank 402 is reduced, thereby increasing its overall service life.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a retaining pin or plug 362 a (hereinafter referred to as “retaining pin 362 a ”) with a flexible reinforcement collar 390 used in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure to secure adapter 3 to tooth horn 2 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 13A-15 ) and/or to secure tooth point 15 to adapter 3 (as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-12 ).
- retaining pin 362 a is received in plug bore 364 of insert 360 in lieu of plug 362 , and/or insert bore 45 of insert 41 in lieu of retainer pin 33 .
- the shape of retaining pin 362 a generally corresponds to the shape of the particular bore into which it is inserted.
- retaining pin 362 a is substantially cylindrical.
- retaining pin 362 a includes a generally cylindrical, tapered surface 374 a that corresponds to a tapered surface 376 of insert 360 . Tightening of retaining pin 362 a forces tapered surface 374 a of retaining pin 362 a along tapered surface 376 of insert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of retaining pin 362 a beyond an installed position.
- the configuration of retaining pin 362 a and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure.
- a clearance or gap may exist between a head of fasteners (such as, for example, plug 362 and/or retainer pins 33 ) and a bore or slot into which those fasteners are inserted.
- a gap may exist between retainer pin 33 and retainer pin opening 14 in an installed configuration.
- a gap may exist between the head of plug 362 and plug bore 364 .
- a gap of between approximately 1/16 inch and approximately 1 ⁇ 8 inch may exist between retainer pin 33 and retainer pin opening 14 and/or between plug 362 and plug bore 364 in an installed configuration.
- this gap or space may allow adapter 3 to vibrate on tooth horn 2 or tooth point 15 to vibrate on adapter 3 leading to excessive wear on and damage to components.
- particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include a flexible reinforcement collar 390 secured to retaining pin 362 a .
- Collar 390 may be appropriately sized to at least partially fill the gap between components proximate to retaining pin 362 a .
- collar 390 is an annular ring securely fastened to and wrapped entirely around head 382 a . In other embodiments, collar 390 may be partially wrapped around head 382 a .
- collar 390 may include two or more segments that are separated from each other and securely fastened to head 382 a .
- Collar 390 may be formed from any resilient and flexible material suitable to absorb shock, vibration and/or movement between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 and/or adapter 3 and tooth point 15 .
- retaining pin 362 a provides or facilitates a secure and snug fit between adapter 3 and tooth horn 2 and/or between tooth point 15 and adapter 3 in an installed configuration. Additionally, retaining pin 362 a maintains adapter 3 on tooth horn 2 in a snug fit without the risk of bending, shearing, or breaking plug 362 and/or retainer pin 33 .
- collar 390 is formed from a 50 durometer neoprene or other synthetic rubber material, and may be securely fastened to retaining pin 362 a using vulcanization, adhesives, and/or any other suitable fastening device, method or process.
- collar 390 may be formed from any appropriate material having any suitable hardness sufficient to reduce and absorb shock between components described herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a range of movement of tooth point 15 on adapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth point retainer pin openings 14 and/or between the heads of plugs 362 and openings 378 and 380 is reduced or eliminated.
- Retaining pin 362 a may reduce wear associated with components of excavating equipment or other machinery.
- retaining pin 362 a may substantially reduce or eliminate wear between mating surfaces, such as for example, between first side 340 and first side 352 and between second side 342 and second side 354 as illustrated in FIG. 13A .
- retaining pin 362 a may substantial extend the lifetime tooth point 15 , adapter 3 , tooth horn 2 and/or other replaceable parts of excavating equipment or other machinery.
- collar 390 includes tapered surface 391 that is tapered toward the interior of a bore or slot into which retaining pin 362 a is inserted.
- FIG. 17 illustrates top surface 394 of retaining pin 362 a .
- head 382 a may be outfitted with groove 384 a to enable the insertion and removal of retaining pin 362 a into insert 360 (as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B and/or insert 41 (as shown in FIGS. 1-4 ) utilizing an appropriately configured tool or implement.
- retaining pin 362 a may be externally threaded to allow retaining pin 362 a to fasten to an internally threaded bore or slot, such as insert 360 and/or insert 41 .
- Groove 384 a allows a user to insert or remove retaining pin 362 a via clockwise or counterclockwise rotational movement in a conventional manner.
Abstract
A tooth assembly for excavating equipment may include an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly may also include a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn may be adapted to receive a removable insert. A retaining pin may be configured to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn. The retaining pin may include a flexible reinforcement collar.
Description
- This invention relates to replaceable machine parts that are exposed to high wear and repeated shock loading, and in particular to an assembly for an excavating apparatus with a flexible reinforcement collar.
- Digging and leveling apparatus such as draglines, backhoes, front-end loaders and the like often use replaceable tooth assemblies which are mounted on the tooth horns to provide sacrificial parts that are exposed to the repeated shock loading and high wear occasioned by the digging operation. In such systems, each tooth assembly typically includes a wedge-shaped adapter which mounts directly on the tooth horn of the bucket, shovel or alternative digging or scraping mechanism of the equipment. A wedge-shaped tooth point is frontally seated on and rigidly pinned to the adapter for engaging the material to be excavated.
- In accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with tool assemblies for an excavating apparatus have been substantially reduced or eliminated.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a tooth assembly, comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces converging toward a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly further comprises a tooth point coupled with the adapter at the first end, the tooth point having a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter. The second end of the adapter is adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn. In particular embodiments, the first side of the adapter includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a complementary shape to the removable insert. A retaining pin is operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the tooth point to the adapter, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tooth assembly, comprises an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter. The tooth assembly further comprises a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, and the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position. The first side of the tooth horn includes an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, and the cavity having a shape complementary to the removable insert. The tooth assembly further comprises a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn, and the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a retaining pin for a tooth assembly comprises an elongated threaded portion operable to be fastened to a threaded portion of a removable insert. The retaining pin further comprises a head portion, wherein the head portion is at least partially tapered and configured to abut a cooperatively shaped tapered portion of a removable insert, and the removable insert is operable to be positioned in a cavity of a replaceable machine component in an installed configuration. The retaining pin further comprises a flexible reinforcement collar coupled to the head portion.
- Embodiments or the present disclosure are particularly suited to accomplish quicker and easier replacement of teeth used for excavating equipment such as draglines, bucket wheels, but also is applicable to other types of equipment having sacrificial parts subject to high wear. Additionally, quicker changeovers for sacrificial parts of machines, especially digging and excavating equipment may be provided utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure. Reduced wear and tear for components of the equipment may be provided by a retaining pin in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
- For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the tooth assembly of this disclosure mounted on a conventional tooth horn of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tooth assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 assembled on the conventional tooth horn; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adapter and tooth point elements of the tooth assembly illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 in a second preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an insert element of the tooth assembly illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the adapter, tooth point and insert elements of the tooth assembly in assembled configuration as illustrated inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the tooth assembly showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the tooth assembly also showing the locations where specific tolerances are provided according to one embodiment of the disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the improved insert and pin using spring-loaded ball bearings; -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the improved pin utilizing springs; -
FIG. 10 is a detail showing one possible arrangement of a bar-type hook recessed into the head of a retaining pin; -
FIG. 11 illustrates an extraction tool that can be used to remove the improved retaining pin of the disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a second arrangement of the improved insert in which the pin is non-rotatable; -
FIGS. 13A and 13B are isometric exploded views of excavation tool components that may be coupled using a pin assembly according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a pin assembly in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is a side view of a ripper shank coupled with a removable tooth, and shroud, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 16 is a side view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 17 is a top view of a retaining pin with flexible reinforcement collar in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure. - The attachment system of the present disclosure is described further herein with particular reference to the attachment of replaceable teeth to excavating equipment, and more particularly to the assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,337,495 and 6,052,927, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to and may be used with other machines using replaceable parts. Examples of such machines include down-hole drills and related tools, conveyor belt parts, center wear shrouds and wing shrouds on dragline buckets, track shoes for tracked vehicles, machine gun and artillery breech parts and the like.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose embodiments in which a tooth assembly (generally illustrated by reference numeral 1) is mounted on aconventional tooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of a conventional excavator or other machine using replaceable parts. Tooth assembly 1 includes wedge-shaped adapter 3, fitted withremovable tooth point 15, which includescontact edge 18.Tooth point 15 is mounted onadapter 3 by using one or more toothpoint retainer pins 33, which each extend through tooth point retainer pin opening 14 in toothpoint side wall 17 oftooth point 15.Retainer pins 33 are threaded in aninsert 41, seated in opposite sides of theadapter 3. In a preferred embodiment, tooth assembly 1 further includes a transversely-mountedtop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36, both of which are also bolted to adapter 3 by means ofside plate bolts 32. In some embodiments,adapter 3 includes wedge-shaped adapter base 4 which tapers frombase plate 4 a tonose ridge 12, terminatingadapter nose 11. Baseplate lock opening 5 is provided inbase plate 4 a ofadapter base 4 for receivingspool 38 andcompanion wedge 39, andmounting adapter 3 ontooth horn 2 in conventional fashion. Some embodiments include a pair of transverse, vertically-oriented, spaced stabilizing slots 6 in the sides ofadapter base 4. Spaced, paralleltop rib slots 7 are also provided transversely in the top tapered face ofbase plate 4 a ofadapter base 4 and in some embodiments,top rib slots 7 are T-shaped, as illustrated in the drawings. Similarly, a pair of spaced, T-shapedbottom rib slots 8 are provided in the bottom tapered surface or face of theadapter base plate 4 a in the same relative position astop rib slots 7. It is understood thattop rib slots 7 andbottom rib slots 8 may alternatively be shaped in a “dove-tail” or other locking configuration. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 1 ,top wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are designed to slidably mount transversely on theadapter base 4 ofadapter 3.Top wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are each characterized byidentical cap plates 23 andcorresponding side plates 26 and are therefore, in certain embodiments, interchangeable.Cap plate 23 oftop wear cap 22 further includescap plate opening 24, which registers with baseplate lock opening 5 located inadapter 3, to provide access tospool 38 andwedge 39 for readilytensioning wedge 39 if necessary, as illustrated inFIG. 1 .Cap plate ribs 25, which may be T-shaped, are transversely located in the bottom surface ofcap plate 23 oftop wear cap 22 and are designed to register withtop rib slots 7 provided inadapter 3. Similarly, additionalcap plate ribs 25 are provided in spaced relationship in a top surface ofcap plate 23 ofbottom wear cap 36 for registering with corresponding spaced parallelbottom rib slots 8, located in a bottom face ofadapter 3. A side plateretainer pin opening 30 is provided in each ofside plates 26 oftop wear cap 22 and wearcap 36 for receivingside plate bolts 32, respectively, in order to locktop wear cap 22 on the top and one side ofadapter 3 andbottom wear cap 36 on the bottom and opposite side ofadapter 3. As further illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 ,adapter 3 is fitted with anadapter recess 10 on one side to facilitate recessing ofside plate 26 ofbottom wear cap 36 and extension of the correspondingcap plate ribs 25, located in the bottom surface ofcap plate 23 oftop wear cap 22, into correspondingside plate slots 28, provided in the extending end ofside plate 26 ofbottom wear cap 36. Similarly, projectingcap plate ribs 25, located incap plate 23 ofbottom wear cap 36, project in registration with correspondingside plate slots 28, located in the extending end ofside plate 26 oftop wear cap 22 whentop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are assembled and interlocked on theadapter 3, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . In some embodiments, aside plate recess 29 is provided inside plate 26 of each oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 and surrounds a corresponding side plateretainer pin opening 30, to accommodate a head ofside plate bolts 32 in countersunk, recessed relationship. Furthermore, spaced side plate lugs 31 are provided inside plate 26 oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 for registering with the corresponding spaced stabilizing slots 6, located in the sides ofadapter 3, respectively. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when thetop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are mounted onadapter 3 from opposite sides, with respectivecap plate ribs 25 engaging correspondingtop rib slots 7 andbottom rib slots 8 located in the beveled top and bottom faces ofadapter base 4 a, respectively,top wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are interlocked as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, insertion ofside plate bolts 32 through respective side plateretainer pin openings 30 inside plates 26 oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36, respectively, and threading of theside plate bolts 32 in the respective threadedopenings 13 located in sides ofadapter 3, lockstop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 securely onadapter 3, with side plate lugs 31 engaging the corresponding stabilizing slots 6 located inadapter 3.Top wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 are thus prevented from disengagingadapter 3 without removingside plate bolts 32. - Moreover, the heads of the
side plate bolts 32 are securely recessed inside respective side plate recesses 29, provided in theside plates 26, to minimize the possibility of shearing side plate retainer pins 32 from tooth assembly 1. - In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of
side plate bolts 32 is provided withretainer pin shoulder 32 a located beneath the head thereof. In some embodiments, the heads of the respectiveside plate bolts 32 are spaced from the recess shoulder 29 a of eachside plate recess 29. This spacing facilitates limited movement of thetop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 with respect to theadapter 3 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,501 and serves as a stress-relieving function to minimize damage to tooth assembly 1 by operation of the excavation or other equipment upon which tooth assembly 1 is mounted. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-7 ,tooth point 15 is removably attached toadapter 3 by means of two taperedinserts 41, each inserted in a correspondingly-shapedinsert cavity 47, provided in wedge-shaped toothpoint side walls 17 ofadapter 3. Eachinsert 41 includes an insert bore 45, extending through a tapered,rounded insert body 44 which terminates in aninsert shoulder 42, having astraight shoulder edge 43. The respective oppositely-disposedinsert cavities 47 are tapered and shaped to define acavity shoulder 48, which engagesinsert shoulder 42, and abody curvature 49, which engagesinsert body 44. Accordingly, insertcavities 47 removably receiveinserts 41 and preventinserts 41 from rotating when pressure is applied to tooth point retainer pins 33, which securetooth point 15 onadapter 3. In some embodiments, that include the retainer pins illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 ,lockwasher 35 may be omitted from the overall structure of the present disclosure. Additionally, embodiments that include the retainer pins illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 , insert 41 may not require an insert shoulder that is shaped to prevent rotation. AlthoughFIG. 1 illustratesinsert 41 as having a tapered and rounded shape, particular embodiments of the present disclosure may includeinsert 41 andcorresponding insert cavity 47 of various forms, including, but not limited to square, circular, and/or star-shaped. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 ,tooth point 15 is designed to mount frontally onadapter nose 11 ofadapter 3 by matching tooth pointretainer pin openings 14, located in the opposite toothpoint side walls 17 oftooth point 15, with the corresponding insert bores 45 provided ininserts 41. Each toothpoint retainer pin 33 is then registered with a corresponding tooth pointretainer pin opening 14 and the shank of each toothpoint retainer pin 33 is inserted into the corresponding insert bore 45 located ininsert 41 to removablysecure tooth point 15 onadapter 3. Whentooth point 15 is so positioned onadapter 3,tooth point edge 15 a is located in close proximity to corresponding edges ofcap plates 23 andside plates 26 oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36, respectively, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . However, workinggap 37 is maintained betweentooth point edge 15 a oftooth point 15 and one or more front edges oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36, respectively, to facilitate movement oftooth point 15 with respect totop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 with respect toadapter 3. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , since the diameter of tooth point retainer pin opening 14 is smaller than the external dimensions ofinserts 41 atinsert shoulder 42, inserts 41 cannot exit therespective insert cavities 47 through tooth pointretainer pin openings 14. However, inserts 41 can be easily removed frominsert cavities 47 whentooth point 15 is removed from theadapter 3. - Accordingly, in some embodiments,
tooth point 15 is afforded a range of movement onadapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth pointretainer pin openings 14 and workinggap 37 to relieve digging stresses. - It will be appreciated from a consideration of the drawings that embodiments of the present disclosure exhibit multiple favorable structural characteristics not found in conventional assemblies. The interlocking relationship between
top wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36, along with the transverse, slidable mounting of these structural members and the removable mounting oftooth point 15 onadapter 3 facilitate an extremely strong, versatile wear-resistant assembly. Furthermore, recessing of respectiveside plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33, as well asside plates 26 oftop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 provided in opposite sides of theadapter 3 facilitate excavation and leveling of all types of material without fear of shearing the respectiveside plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33. Moreover, use and replacement oftop wear cap 22,bottom wear cap 36 andtooth point 15 independently or in concert, is quickly and easily facilitated in an optimum manner by simply removingside plate bolts 32 and tooth point retainer pins 33, slidingtop wear cap 22,bottom wear cap 36 andtooth point 15 fromadapter 3 and replacing these members by reversing this procedure. Shock and impact resistance of tooth assembly 1 is facilitated by mountingtop wear cap 22 andbottom wear cap 36 andtooth point 15 in a non-rigid, but secure relationship onadapter 3 to facilitate a selected minimum movement oftop wear cap 22,bottom wear cap 36 andtooth point 15 with respect toadapter 3 during operation. Use ofinserts 41 to mounttooth point 15 on theadapter 3 facilitates quick and easy removal and replacement oftooth point 15 without risk of cross-threading a tooth point bolt directly into tapped holes provided in theadapter 3. Such tapped holes are subject to various types of damage and inserts 41 are capable of easy replacement to avoid this problem. In particular embodiments, tooth assembly 1 is mounted on eachtooth horn 2 of a bucket or shovel of an excavating apparatus in a conventional manner, utilizingspool 38 andwedge 39. It should be appreciated that alternative means for mounting tooth assembly 1 to a tooth horn of such equipment may also be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the specific tolerances in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 6 shows an example preferred embodiment of the present disclosure as applied totooth point 15. As shown inFIG. 6 ,tooth point 15 is shown attached toadapter 3, held loosely in place byinsert 41. The approximate direction of the heaviest shock load is shown atreference numeral 100. Providing the following clearances between the sacrificial part (theremovable tooth point 15, in this example) and theadapter 3 upon which it is mounted will effectively and surprisingly increase the life of the sacrificial part: - Horizontal clearance at
reference numeral 101 in approximate direction of shock: about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch. - Vertical clearance at
reference numeral 102 normal to approximate direction of shock: about 1/32 inch to about 3/16 inch; preferably about 1/16 inch to about ⅛ inch. - Horizontal clearance at
reference numeral 103 normal to approximate direction of shock: about 1/32 inch to about 1/16 inch. In certain embodiments, if larger clearances are used, teeth will tend to move forward and contact the bolts, causing failure by bending or fracture; whereas if smaller clearances are used there will be interference from the castings, notably betweenadapter 3 andtooth point 15. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which toothpoint retainer pin 202 is not threaded, and is fitted withcavity 205 containing at least one spring-loadedball bearing 203 andspring mechanism 204.Spring mechanism 204 urgesball bearing 203 radially outwardly as far as permitted byhole 206 in the shank ofinsert pin 202.Insert 200 includes internal slot ordepression 201 suitable for accommodating one ormore ball bearings 203. Whenretainer pin 202 is inserted into the cavity ofinsert 200,ball bearings 206 retract until they reach theinternal slot 201, at whichpoint spring mechanism 206forces ball bearings 203 radially outward into theslot 201, securingretainer pin 202 ininsert 200. This operation may be accomplished manually without need for tools. To removeretainer pin 202, a pair of pliers may be used, or ifretainer pin 202 is designed to be flush or recessed, an extractor tool (not shown) suitable for engaginghook 207 onretainer pin 202 may be used to removeretainer pin 202. Preferably,hook 207 is arranged as shown inFIG. 10 , with the hook formed as a bar recessed incavity 226 in the head of the retaining pin to protect it from dirt and wear.FIG. 11 showsextraction tool 220 comprisingshaft 223 on which a slidingweight 221 moves longitudinally. The distal end of the shaft includesrecess 224 suitable for engaging the hook or bar 207 that is recessed into the retaining pin shown inFIG. 10 . Astop 222 near the proximal end of the extraction tool permits the sliding weight to act as a slide hammer to dislodge retainingpin 202. In some embodiments,proximal end 225 ofextraction tool 220 is pointed for use in cleaning outcavity 226 before engagingbar 207 withrecess 224 near the distal end of the shaft of the extraction tool. As a result, tooth retention is achieved without need for threading and unthreading a bolt. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which one ormore springs 213 set intocavities 214 are used to retainretainer pin 212 ininsert 210 by engagingslots 211. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in whichretainer pin 226 is fitted with one ormore cavities hole 227 a and/or 227 b in the shank ofinsert pin 202. Thecorresponding insert 228 includes one or more internal depressions 229 suitable for accommodating the one or more ball bearings or pins 203. Whenretainer pin 226 is inserted into the cavity ofinsert 228, the ball bearings or pins retract until they reach the internal depressions 229, at which point the spring mechanism forces the ball bearings or pins radially outward into thedepressions retainer pin 226 ininsert 228. In addition, it has been found that it is desirable to prevent rotation ofretainer pin 226 ininsert 228 because during use, if the retainer pin rotates, it may cause the ball bearings or pins to work back into their slots, permitting the retainer pin to come free of the insert. Accordingly, the embodiment ofFIG. 12 includes anon-rotation device 230, which preferably may comprisecap 230 with a transversely-extendingridge 231 that mates with a transversely-extendingslot 232 in the base ofretainer pin 226 whenretainer pin 226 is fully seated ininsert 228. It will be recognized that other arrangements of non-rotation devices are possible, so long as the goal of preventing rotation of the retainer pin relative to the insert is accomplished. - It will be understood that the arrangements of springs or ball bearings and slots illustrated in
FIGS. 9 , 10 and 12 can be reversed if desired, so that the spring or springs are placed in the adapter and the mating slot is in the retainer pin. In addition, the insert can be eliminated altogether by machining an aperture and slot directly intoadapter nose 11 ininsert cavity 49. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a particular embodiment of tooth assembly 1 that includesadapter 3 removably coupled totooth horn 2 usingpin assembly 334. AlthoughFIGS. 13A and 13B showpin assembly 334coupling adapter 3 totooth horn 2, it should be understood thatpin assembly 334 may be used to couple other excavation equipment components found on a bucket, shovel or other excavating machine.Pin assembly 334 may be used to couple any combination of such excavation components. - During excavation and/or mining operations,
adapter 3 is subject to significant wear and tear. Extreme shock loading is experienced asremovable adapter 3 impacts adjacent earth, rocks, and other abrasive material. Therefore, it is desirable to makeadapter 3 readily replaceable with a new or reconditioned component of similar or identical configuration. Otherwise,tooth horn 2, or buckets, shovels or other excavation equipment would need to be replaced more frequently, increasing equipment and labor costs associated therewith. By providing aremovable adapter 3 at a location upontooth horn 2 that would otherwise experience the most wear, the service life of such equipment is prolonged by replacing selected parts associated with the excavation equipment. - In order to prevent excessive wear of
tooth horn 2, for example,adapter 3 is coupled with and at least partially conceals and/or protectstooth horn 2 from abrasive materials during excavation.Adapter 3 includes first and secondtapered surfaces second sides second sides tapered surfaces second sides first end 345. Opening 344 converges toward asecond end 346 ofadapter 3. Opening 344 is configured to at least partially receivetooth horn 2. Accordingly, opening 344 generally corresponds to the shape oftooth horn 2 such thatadapter 3 may be slidably mounted ontooth horn 2 and held in place usingpin assembly 334. - As discussed above,
tooth horn 2 is configured to be received in opening 344. In particular embodiments,tooth horn 2 may include first and secondtapered surfaces tapered surfaces adapter 3. Accordingly, first and secondtapered surfaces first end 356 oftooth horn 2.Tooth horn 2 also includes first andsecond sides adapter 3 andtooth horn 2 are coupled, first andsecond sides tooth horn 2 may be disposed adjacent to first andsecond sides adapter 3. - The configuration of
adapter 3 andtooth horn 2 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, althoughadapter 3 is described as having first and secondtapered surfaces adapter 3 may not have any tapered sides. Furthermore, althoughadapter 3 is described as having first andsecond sides second sides second sides tooth horn 2 within the teachings of the present disclosure. In general, the configurations of the excavation components are selected to receive and provide protection from excessive wear caused during excavation operations. - In particular embodiments,
tooth horn 2 also includes pin bore 358 that originates atfirst side 352 oftooth horn 2 and extends at least partially throughtooth horn 2. In the illustrated embodiment, pin bore 358 extends throughtooth horn 2 fromfirst side 352 tosecond side 354. Pin bore 358 is configured to at least partially receivepin assembly 334 throughfirst end 352 and/orsecond end 354. Pin bore 358 andpin assembly 334 cooperate to provide for the simplified installation and/or removal ofadapter 3 fromtooth horn 2. Accordingly,adapter 3 may be installed, removed or replaced by an operator in the field, quickly and easily. Additionally, the configuration of pin bore 358 andpin assembly 334 prevent shifting ofadapter 3, with respect totooth horn 2 during use. -
Pin assembly 334 includes anelongate insert 360.Insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received withinpin bore 358. Accordingly, the shape and size of pin bore 358 corresponds generally to the shape and size ofinsert 360. The configurations of pin bore 358 and insert 360 may vary significantly within the teachings of the present disclosure. In particular embodiments, insert 360 may be of a geometric shape that includes a number ofsides 370 ofequal width 372. Because the shape of pin bore 358 corresponds with the shape ofinsert 360, pin bore 358 may also be of a geometric shape that includes a number of sides of equal width. In particular embodiments insert 360 and pin bore 358 may each be of a shape having between three and eightsides 370. In the particular embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B , insert 360 and pin bore 358 each have sixsides 370. In other words, the shapes ofinsert 360 and corresponding pin bore 358 are hexagonal. The illustrated shape, however, is for example purposes only. It is generally recognized thatinsert 360 and pin bore 358 may be of any suitable geometric shape. Accordingly, some alternative example embodiments forinsert 360 are described in more detail with regard toFIGS. 14 and 15 . - In some embodiments,
pin assembly 334 also includes one ormore plugs 362 configured to cooperate with aplug bore 364. Plug bore 364 extends at least partially throughinsert 360 and is configured to at least partially receive one ormore plugs 362 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, plug bore 364 extends entirely throughinsert 360 from afirst end 366 to asecond end 368. Accordingly, plug bore 364 is configured to receive afirst plug 362 a atfirst end 366 and asecond plug 362 b at asecond end 368. It is recognized, however, that plug bore 364 need not extend entirely throughinsert 360. Where plug bore 364 does not extend entirely throughinsert 360, asingle plug 362 may be used. - Because
plugs 362 are received in plug bore 364 ofinsert 360, the shape ofplugs 362 corresponds generally to the shape of plug bore 364. Thus, where plug bore 364 is substantially cylindrical, plugs 362 are also substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated example, plugs 362 include a generally cylindrical, taperedsurface 374 that corresponds to atapered surface 376 ofinsert 360. Tightening of aplug 362 forces taperedsurface 374 ofplug 362 along tapered surface ofinsert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening ofplug 362 beyond an installed position. The configuration ofplugs 362 and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure. - In operation, plugs 362 and insert 360 cooperate to couple
adapter 3 totooth horn 2 in the installed position. As such,sides adapter 3 includerespective openings plugs 362. The respective positions ofopenings sides adapter 3 is properly positioned upontooth horn 2, plug bore 358 andopenings openings openings adapter 3 totooth horn 2. In the correct installed position, plugs 362 may be recessed fromsides adapter 3 by approximately 0.125 to 1.000 inches. In particular embodiments, plugs 362 may be recessed fromsides adapter 3 from 0.25 to 0.5 inches. - In the illustrated embodiment, plugs 362 each include a
head 382.Head 382 may be outfitted with agroove 384 to enable the removal and replacement ofplugs 362 throughopenings FIG. 15 , eachplug 362 may include one or more threaded surfaces that engage withinsert 360 and/oradapter 3.Plugs 362 operate to seal plug bore 364 and protect it from ambient environment, fluids, and debris that may be encountered during use of the excavation equipment.Plugs 362 also allow for the easily decoupling ofadapter 3 andtooth horn 2 in the field. In order to decoupleadapter 3 andtooth horn 2, plugs 362 having threads may be rotated and removed from plug bore 364 usinghead 382 and a suitable tool. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 13A , tooth assembly 1 includes anelastomeric member 357 that is generally positioned betweenadapter 3 andtooth horn 2, when tooth assembly 1 is in the assembled position. When installed,elastomeric member 357 provides an interface between the interior portion ofadapter 3 andfirst end 356 oftooth horn 2.Elastomeric member 357 may eliminate or alleviate “slack” betweenadapter 3 andtooth horn 2. This alleviates or eliminates metal to metal contact betweenfirst end 356 oftooth horn 2 andadapter 3, that can lead to premature wear of such components. -
Elastomeric member 357 may be provided in one of a number of different materials, including rubber, plastic, or other deformable materials that generally exhibit memory. In other words, such material may be compressed and yet return to its initial shape.Elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with, or be integral withadapter 3 and/ortooth horn 2, in order to simplify installation. For example,elastomeric member 357 may be coupled with the interior portion of adapter 3 (e.g., using an adhesive material). Thus, whentooth horn 2 is coupled withadapter 3 usinginsert 360, the holes of these components may be configured such thatelastomeric member 357 will be at least slightly compressed to remove any slack between such components. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment ofpin assembly 334 that includes a substantiallycylindrical insert 360 having anon-rotation tab 304. As described above, insert 360 is configured to be at least partially received within pin bore 358 oftooth horn 2. Accordingly, whereinsert 360 is substantially cylindrical and includesnon-rotation tab 304, the shape and size of pin bore 358 is also substantially cylindrical and includes a recess that corresponds tonon-rotation tab 304. - In the illustrated embodiment,
non-rotation tab 304 extends the full length ofinsert 360 from afirst end 306 ofinsert 360 to asecond end 308 ofinsert 360. However,non-rotation tab 304 need not extend the entire length ofinsert 360.Non-rotation tab 304 may originate atfirst end 306 and extend some suitable distance towardsecond end 308 without reachingsecond end 308.Non-rotation tab 304 operates to eliminate the rotation ofinsert 360 in the installed position in plug bore 358.Non-rotation tab 304 also operates to provide strength to pinassembly 334. -
Pin assembly 334 also includes aplug bore 310 that is configured to cooperate with one or more plugs 362. Plug bore 310 and plugs 362 may be configured similarly to plugbore 364 and plugs 362, respectively, as described above with regard toFIGS. 13A and 13B . For example, plugs 362 may include a generally cylindrical, taperedsurface 314 that corresponds to atapered surface 316 of insert 302. Tightening of aplug 362 into plug bore 310 forces taperedsurface 314 of plug 312 along taperedsurface 316 ofinsert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening ofplug 362 beyond an installed position. - The teachings of the present disclosure may be used for coupling various excavation, earth moving, and/or mining equipment components. In general, any removable and/or replaceable component will benefit from the fastening and component cooperation techniques disclosed herein. More specifically, removable adapters may be coupled with tooth horns of buckets, shovels, or practically any heavy equipment components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, ripper shanks may be coupled with various removable components provided to protect the ripper shank and/or prolong the life of the ripper shank. Another example of excavation equipment incorporating aspects of the present disclosure is described with regard to
FIG. 15 . -
FIG. 15 illustrates ashroud 400 coupled with ashank 402 of an excavating machine part.Shank 402 may be referred to as a “ripper shank.” For the purposes of this specification, a shank is a type of adapter that may be coupled with various excavation equipment components, and may receive one or more removable teeth.Shroud 400 provides protection toshank 402 when the excavating machine is in use. The excavating machine may be a dragline used in mining operations or any other machine used for excavating purposes.Shroud 400 is coupled withshank 402 usingpin assembly 404, which may be similar in configuration to the pin assemblies described above with regard toFIGS. 13A-14 . Accordingly, fastening components similar to the pin assemblies described herein may be used to coupleshroud 400 withshank 402. Similarly, such pin assemblies may be used to coupleshank 402 with the excavation equipment component. -
Pin assemblies 404 may be inserted throughopenings 406, into an internal bore throughshank 402, and extend at least partially intoopenings 406 formed inshroud 400. A plug like those described above, may be used to securepin assembly 404 withinshroud 400, to prevent lateral movement ofpin assemblies 404.Removable tooth 408 is also coupled withshank 400 usingpin assembly 404. For purposes of this specification,shroud 400 may be considered a removable tooth, which protects one end ofshank 402. As discussed above, the teachings of the present disclosure may be used to removably couple practically any components.Removable tooth 408,shank 402, andshroud 400 are described and shown herein, for illustrative purposes. -
Shroud 400 andtooth 408 are used to protectshank 402 from the abrasive environment encountered during excavation. Accordingly,shroud 400 is placed at a location uponshank 402 where significant wear and tear is anticipated. By providing aremovable shroud 400 andremovable tooth 408, wear and degradation ofshank 402 is reduced, thereby increasing its overall service life. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a retaining pin or plug 362 a (hereinafter referred to as “retainingpin 362 a”) with aflexible reinforcement collar 390 used in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure to secureadapter 3 to tooth horn 2 (as described above with respect toFIGS. 13A-15 ) and/or to securetooth point 15 to adapter 3 (as described above with respect toFIGS. 1-12 ). In particular embodiments, retainingpin 362 a is received in plug bore 364 ofinsert 360 in lieu ofplug 362, and/or insert bore 45 ofinsert 41 in lieu ofretainer pin 33. The shape of retainingpin 362 a generally corresponds to the shape of the particular bore into which it is inserted. Thus, in embodiments in which plug bore 364 and/or insert bore 45 is substantially cylindrical, retainingpin 362 a is substantially cylindrical. In the illustrated example, retainingpin 362 a includes a generally cylindrical, taperedsurface 374 a that corresponds to atapered surface 376 ofinsert 360. Tightening of retainingpin 362 a forces taperedsurface 374 a of retainingpin 362 a along taperedsurface 376 ofinsert 360 to at least partially prevent overtightening of retainingpin 362 a beyond an installed position. The configuration of retainingpin 362 a and corresponding plug bore 364 may vary significantly, however, within the teachings of the present disclosure. - In some embodiments, a clearance or gap may exist between a head of fasteners (such as, for example, plug 362 and/or retainer pins 33) and a bore or slot into which those fasteners are inserted. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , in an installed configuration, a gap may exist betweenretainer pin 33 andretainer pin opening 14. Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 13A-15 , a gap may exist between the head ofplug 362 and plug bore 364. In particular embodiments, a gap of between approximately 1/16 inch and approximately ⅛ inch may exist betweenretainer pin 33 andretainer pin opening 14 and/or betweenplug 362 and plug bore 364 in an installed configuration. As excavation equipment or other machinery is used, this gap or space may allowadapter 3 to vibrate ontooth horn 2 ortooth point 15 to vibrate onadapter 3 leading to excessive wear on and damage to components. To reduce or eliminate wear caused by or associated with movement or vibration of components, particular embodiments of the present disclosure may include aflexible reinforcement collar 390 secured to retainingpin 362 a.Collar 390 may be appropriately sized to at least partially fill the gap between components proximate to retainingpin 362 a. In some embodiments,collar 390 is an annular ring securely fastened to and wrapped entirely aroundhead 382 a. In other embodiments,collar 390 may be partially wrapped aroundhead 382 a. For example,collar 390 may include two or more segments that are separated from each other and securely fastened to head 382 a.Collar 390 may be formed from any resilient and flexible material suitable to absorb shock, vibration and/or movement betweenadapter 3 andtooth horn 2 and/oradapter 3 andtooth point 15. As a result, retainingpin 362 a provides or facilitates a secure and snug fit betweenadapter 3 andtooth horn 2 and/or betweentooth point 15 andadapter 3 in an installed configuration. Additionally, retainingpin 362 a maintainsadapter 3 ontooth horn 2 in a snug fit without the risk of bending, shearing, or breakingplug 362 and/orretainer pin 33. In particular embodiments,collar 390 is formed from a 50 durometer neoprene or other synthetic rubber material, and may be securely fastened to retainingpin 362 a using vulcanization, adhesives, and/or any other suitable fastening device, method or process. In general,collar 390 may be formed from any appropriate material having any suitable hardness sufficient to reduce and absorb shock between components described herein. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a range of movement oftooth point 15 onadapter nose 11 due to a space between the heads of tooth point retainer pins 33 and the periphery of tooth pointretainer pin openings 14 and/or between the heads ofplugs 362 andopenings pin 362 a, in accordance with particular embodiments of the present disclosure, may reduce wear associated with components of excavating equipment or other machinery. In some embodiments, retainingpin 362 a may substantially reduce or eliminate wear between mating surfaces, such as for example, betweenfirst side 340 andfirst side 352 and betweensecond side 342 andsecond side 354 as illustrated inFIG. 13A . As a result, retainingpin 362 a may substantial extend thelifetime tooth point 15,adapter 3,tooth horn 2 and/or other replaceable parts of excavating equipment or other machinery. In some embodiments,collar 390 includes taperedsurface 391 that is tapered toward the interior of a bore or slot into which retainingpin 362 a is inserted. For example, retainingpin 362 may have a greater height relative to head 382 a at trailingedge 392 and a lesser height relative to head 382 a at leadingedge 393. Trailingedge 392 andleading edge 393 form edges of taperedsurface 391. AlthoughFIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of retainingpin 362 a in whichtapered surface 391 has a particular angle and length, particular embodiments may include atapered surface 391 of any suitable angle and/or length. Additionally, trailingedge 392 andleading edge 391 may be configured to have any suitable height. In some embodiments, trailingedge 392 andleading edge 391 have the same height, thereby resulting in atapered surface 391 that is flat relative to or parallel with a surface ofhead 382 a. -
FIG. 17 illustratestop surface 394 of retainingpin 362 a. As shown inFIG. 17 ,head 382 a may be outfitted withgroove 384 a to enable the insertion and removal of retainingpin 362 a into insert 360 (as shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B and/or insert 41 (as shown inFIGS. 1-4 ) utilizing an appropriately configured tool or implement. As discussed above, retainingpin 362 a may be externally threaded to allow retainingpin 362 a to fasten to an internally threaded bore or slot, such asinsert 360 and/or insert 41. Groove 384 a allows a user to insert or remove retainingpin 362 a via clockwise or counterclockwise rotational movement in a conventional manner. - Although the present disclosure has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. A tooth assembly, comprising:
an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces converging toward a first end of the adapter;
a tooth point coupled with the adapter at the first end, the tooth point having a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter;
a second end of the adapter adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn;
the first side of the adapter including an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a complementary shape to the removable insert; and
a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the tooth point to the adapter, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
2. The tooth assembly of claim 1 , wherein a side of the tooth point defines at least one opening configured to receive the retainer pin, the side of the tooth point configured to secure the removable insert within the cavity of the adapter, and wherein the flexible reinforcement collar abuts at least a portion of the at least one opening of the tooth point when the retaining pin is in an installed configuration.
3. The tooth assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to a head of the retaining pin.
4. The tooth assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
5. The tooth assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar maintains the adapter and the tooth point in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
6. The tooth assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to at least partially absorb shock between the adapter and the tooth point.
7. A tooth assembly, comprising:
an adapter having first and second tapered surfaces, and first and second sides, the first and second tapered surfaces defining an opening at a first end of the adapter;
a tooth horn having first and second tapered surfaces, the adapter configured to be removably coupled to the tooth horn at the first end of the adapter, the first and second tapered surfaces of the tooth horn abutting the first and second surfaces of the adapter in a coupled position;
the first side of the tooth horn including an internal cavity extending at least partially through the first side, the internal cavity adapted to receive a removable insert, the cavity having a shape complementary to the removable insert; and
a retaining pin operable to be removably fastened to the removable insert, the retaining pin removably securing the adapter to the tooth horn, the retaining pin comprising a flexible reinforcement collar.
8. The tooth assembly of claim 7 , wherein a side of the adapter defines at least one opening configured to receive the retainer pin, the side of the adapter configured to secure the removable insert within the cavity of the tooth horn, and wherein the flexible reinforcement collar abuts at least a portion of the at least one opening of the adapter when the retaining pin is in an installed configuration.
9. The tooth assembly of claim 7 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to a head of the retaining pin.
10. The tooth assembly of claim 9 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
11. The tooth assembly of claim 9 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar retains the adapter and the tooth horn in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
12. The tooth assembly of claim 7 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to absorb shock between the adapter and the tooth horn.
13. A retaining pin for a tooth assembly comprising:
an elongated threaded portion operable to be fastened to a threaded portion of a removable insert;
a head portion, wherein the head portion is at least partially tapered and configured to abut a cooperatively shaped tapered portion of a removable insert, the removable insert operable to be positioned in a cavity of a replaceable machine component in an installed configuration; and
a flexible reinforcement collar coupled to the head portion.
14. The retaining pin of claim 13 , wherein the retaining pin is configured to removably secure a first component of the tooth assembly to a second component of the tooth assembly.
15. The tooth assembly of claim 13 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar comprises an annular ring fastened to the head portion of the retaining pin.
16. The tooth assembly of claim 13 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar at least partially comprises neoprene.
17. The tooth assembly of claim 13 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar retains a first component of the tooth assembly and a second component of the tooth assembly in a snug alignment relative to each other in an installed configuration.
18. The tooth assembly of claim 13 , wherein the flexible reinforcement collar is operable to absorb shock between a first component of the tooth assembly and a second component of the tooth assembly.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/444,589 US20130269221A1 (en) | 2012-04-11 | 2012-04-11 | Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US13/444,589 US20130269221A1 (en) | 2012-04-11 | 2012-04-11 | Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar |
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US20130269221A1 true US20130269221A1 (en) | 2013-10-17 |
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US13/444,589 Abandoned US20130269221A1 (en) | 2012-04-11 | 2012-04-11 | Assembly for an Excavating Apparatus with Flexible Reinforcement Collar |
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US20150013197A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-15 | Caterpillar Inc. | Wear collar for tool retention system |
CN105442659A (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2016-03-30 | 天津市中机雄风机械有限公司 | Excavator bucket tooth |
US9896824B2 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2018-02-20 | Caterpillar Inc. | Ground engaging tool system |
US20190024349A1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2019-01-24 | Metalogenia Research & Technologies S.L. | Female part, retaining device and pin system for excavators and the like |
WO2020096749A1 (en) * | 2018-11-06 | 2020-05-14 | Caterpillar Inc. | Shroud retention system for a work tool |
USD905764S1 (en) | 2019-03-07 | 2020-12-22 | Caterpillar Inc. | Adapter cover for a ground engaging machine implement |
US11105073B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2021-08-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using a center adapter cover |
JP2022519206A (en) * | 2019-02-08 | 2022-03-22 | エスコ・グループ・エルエルシー | Wear assembly for earthwork equipment |
US11401682B2 (en) * | 2017-03-09 | 2022-08-02 | Caterpillar Inc. | Power operated locking system for earth moving equipment and method |
USD983234S1 (en) | 2020-11-18 | 2023-04-11 | Caterpillar Inc. | Adapter cover for a ground engaging machine implement |
US11746507B2 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2023-09-05 | Caterpillar Inc. | Carbide cutter bit with ribbed sides and conical tip |
US11808017B2 (en) | 2020-11-18 | 2023-11-07 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using adapters, adapter covers, and a notched base edge |
WO2024030202A1 (en) * | 2022-08-04 | 2024-02-08 | Esco Group Llc | Wear assembly for earth working equipment |
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US11105073B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2021-08-31 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using a center adapter cover |
US11149414B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2021-10-19 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using a corner adapter cover |
US11149415B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2021-10-19 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using a center adapter mating with a notched base edge |
US11697922B2 (en) | 2018-11-16 | 2023-07-11 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using a center adapter mating with a notched base edge |
JP2022519206A (en) * | 2019-02-08 | 2022-03-22 | エスコ・グループ・エルエルシー | Wear assembly for earthwork equipment |
USD905764S1 (en) | 2019-03-07 | 2020-12-22 | Caterpillar Inc. | Adapter cover for a ground engaging machine implement |
USD924941S1 (en) | 2019-03-07 | 2021-07-13 | Caterpillar Inc. | Adapter cover for a ground engaging machine implement |
US11808017B2 (en) | 2020-11-18 | 2023-11-07 | Caterpillar Inc. | Work implement assembly using adapters, adapter covers, and a notched base edge |
USD983234S1 (en) | 2020-11-18 | 2023-04-11 | Caterpillar Inc. | Adapter cover for a ground engaging machine implement |
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Owner name: TRINITY INDUSTRIES, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PIPPINS, SHERLOCK K.;REEL/FRAME:028029/0815 Effective date: 20120409 |
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