WO2007059587A9

WO2007059587A9 - A ground-working apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007059587A9
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001785
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Gibbins
Original assignee: John Gibbins
Priority date: 2005-11-24
Filing date: 2006-11-24
Publication date: 2007-07-12
Also published as: EP1954891A1; EP1954891A4; WO2007059587A1; AU2005237129A1

Abstract

A ground-working apparatus is fastenable to driving machinery and is configured to engage ground to be worked. The ground-working apparatus includes a permanent part. At least one replacement part is engageable with the permanent part and is configured to be replaced with a further replacement part in an operational cycle. At least one resilient fastener defining a central apex can engage both the permanent part and the, or each respective, replacement part to fasten the, or each, replacement part to the permanent part.

Description

TITLE

A GROUND-WORKING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a ground-working apparatus. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive, application in heavy industry such as the construction, earth moving, mining, and agricultural industries.

In a more particular manner, aspects of the present invention generally relate to apparatus such as compaction wheels, buckets or blades.

In particular, aspects of the invention relate to compaction wheels of the type which include a rim having radially projecting compaction members or cleats that require replacement from time to time. Such compaction wheels are suited for processing material at dumpsites. They are also suited for compacting operations carried out at landfills and for compacting soil at road and earthworks.

Aspects of the invention relate to ground-working apparatus such as buckets or blades with teeth that require replacement from time to time.

BACKGROUND

Many forms of ground-working apparatus have parts that are prone to wear over time. It is then necessary to replace the worn parts to keep the apparatus operating in optimum condition.

For example, excavation machines such as back hoes, excavators and draglines include a bucket to which a plurality of digging teeth is fastened. The teeth are either fastened directly or with an adaptor. In use, a great deal of pressure is exerted on the teeth, as well as the fastening arrangement which holds them to the bucket. The teeth and the fastening arrangement become fatigued over time which may cause the teeth or the adaptors which hold them in place to wear out, loosen, fall off or break. Undesirably, the teeth may become dislodged from the bucket.

The teeth are usually replaceable and are typically welded, bolted or pinned to the bucket or an adaptor. Any lost, worn or broken teeth may be replaced by unbolting the broken tooth and re-attaching the new tooth using replacement bolts. This process can be quite expensive and time-consuming, and may be further complicated if the fastened parts are rusted, seized or welded in place.

In another example, compaction wheels with radially projecting compaction members or cleats can be subjected to significant wear environments. Where compaction wheels are used on building rubble, much of the material is extremely abrasive. Landfills and tips can also contain extremely hard and abrasive material. As a result, it is often necessary to replace the cleats.

Replacement of the cleats is desirable because of the high cost of the compaction wheel.

Conventionally, the cleats are welded to the rim. It follows that when it becomes necessary to replace the cleats, the cleats have to be cut or ground off. New cleats are then welded back on to the rim. This can be a tedious and thus costly exercise.

A number of attempts have been made to secure the cleats in a removable manner to the compaction wheel. These usually involve having a portion of the cleat extend through the rim to be fastened to the rim with some form of clipping arrangement within the rim. Applicant has found that many such arrangements tend to fail when realistic working pressures are exerted on the cleats. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a ground-working apparatus fastenable to driving machinery and configured to engage ground to be worked, the ground-working apparatus comprising a permanent part; at least one replacement part that is engageable with the permanent part and is configured to be replaced with a further replacement part in an operational cycle; and at least one resilient fastener defining a central apex, the permanent part and the, or each, replacement part being configured so that the, or each, resilient fastener can engage both the permanent part and the, or each respective, replacement part to fasten the, or each, replacement part to the permanent part.

At least one of the, or each, replacement part and the permanent part may define a recessed formation in which the apex of the, or each, resilient fastener is received.

The resilient fastener may be shaped to define the apex with an arcuate profile that is interposed between a pair of feet also with arcuate profiles.

At least one of the, or each, replacement part and the permanent part may define further recessed formations in which respective feet of the, or each, fastener are received.

The ground-working apparatus may include a plurality of replacement parts that are engageable with the permanent part.

The permanent part may comprise a compaction wheel rim and a plurality of adaptors fast with, and extending radially from, the compaction wheel rim, each replacement part being in the form of a compaction member or cleat that is shaped to receive a respective adaptor, the cleats and adaptors being configured so that the resilient fasteners are engageable with respective pairs of the cleats and adaptors.

The adaptors may be fastened to an external surface of the compaction wheel rim.

The adaptors and cleats of each pair have complementary fastener receiving formations that can be aligned with each other to receive a fastener when each cleat is engaged with its respective adaptor. The resilient fasteners and the receiving formations may be configured so that the apex of each resilient fastener bears against an inner surface of the respective adaptor, while the feet bear against an inner surface of the respective cleat to secure the adaptors and cleats relative to each other.

The ground-working apparatus may include one replacement part in the form of a blade. The permanent part may include one of a blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard for earthmoving equipment, such as a bulldozer, scraper, grader, excavator, back hoe or dragline and at least one connector having a head for abutment against the blade and a shank for extending through complementary openings in the blade and said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard. The shank may define said recessed formation in which the apex of the resilient fastener is receivable, with the feet of the fastener bearing at least operatively against said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard.

The ground-working apparatus may include a sacrificial component for each connector. The sacrificial component may include a sleeve received at least in the opening of said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard so that the shank extends through the sleeve and a base plate positioned on an end of the sleeve so that the feet of the fastener bear against the base plate.

The ground-working apparatus may include a plurality of replacement parts in the form of teeth. The permanent part may then be a bucket (i.e. material scoop). A plurality of resilient fasteners may be received through complementary openings in a leading edge of the bucket and the teeth to fasten the teeth to the bucket. The teeth and the bucket may be configured to define the recessed formations in which the respective apices of the fasteners are received.

The replacement parts may include spacers that are interposed between respective pairs of teeth, resilient fasteners being received through complementary openings in the leading edge of the bucket and the spacers to fasten the spacers to the bucket, the spacers and the bucket being configured to define the recessed formations in which the respective apices of the fasteners are received.

The replacement parts may each define said further recessed formations in which the feet of the fasteners are received, such that the apex of each fastener bears against an inner surface of the leading edge of the bucket, while the feet bear against an inner surface of each replacement part.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a replacement part for use with the ground-working apparatus, the replacement part being mountable on the leading edge of the bucket and defining at least one opening that is complementary to an opening in the leading edge so that a resilient fastener can be received through the complementary openings to fasten the replacement part to the bucket.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a bucket for use with the ground-working apparatus, the bucket defining a series of openings in a leading edge of the bucket, the openings being complementary to openings in replacement parts so that the resilient fasteners can be received through the complementary openings to fasten the replacement parts to the bucket.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a compaction wheel assembly which comprises a compaction wheel rim; a plurality of radially projecting adaptors fast with the rim; a plurality of compaction members shaped to receive respective adaptors; and a plurality of resilient fasteners, each defining a central apex, the compaction members and adaptors being configured so that the resilient fasteners are engageable with respective pairs of the compaction members and adaptors to secure the compaction members to the rim.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an adaptor for use with the compaction wheel assembly of the second aspect of the invention, the adaptor comprising a body that defines a base suitable for fastening to a surface of a compaction wheel rim and a fastener receiving formation that is configured so that when the adaptor is received in one of the compaction members, the fastener receiving formation is aligned with a complementary fastener receiving formation of the compaction member.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a compaction member for use with the compaction wheel assembly of the second aspect of the invention, the compaction member comprising a body in which a respective adaptor can be received and a fastener receiving formation that is configured so that when the respective adaptor is received in the body, the fastener receiving formation is aligned with a complementary fastener receiving formation of the adaptor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a ground-working apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of one type of a replacement part in the form of a compaction member or cleat for the ground-working apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 2b is an end view of an alternative type of compaction member or cleat for use with the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sacrificial component for the ground- working apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fastener, in accordance with the invention, suitable for the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4b is a side view of the fastener.

Figure 4c is a front view of the fastener.

Figure 4d is a plan view of the fastener.

Figure 5a is a side sectional view of part of the apparatus using the cleat of Figure 2b, prior to an apex of the fastener being driven into a receiving formation or cradle of the cleat.

Figure 5b is a side sectional view of the apparatus, while the apex is driven into the cradle.

Figure 5c is a side sectional view of the apparatus, with the apex of the fastener received in the cradle. Figure 6a is a side sectional view of a second embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a replacement part or blade fastened to one of a blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard.

Figure 6b is a bottom plan view of part of the ground-working apparatus of Figure 6a.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a bucket assembly that includes replacement parts, in accordance with the invention, in the form of teeth and spacers.

Figure 8 is a detailed side sectioned view of part of the bucket assembly of Figure 7, showing the manner in which the replacement parts are fastened to a leading edge of a bucket of the assembly.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition.

Figures 10a to 10d show sequential steps involved in assembling the compactor wheel assembly of Figure 9.

Figure 11a is an end sectional view of the assembled compactor wheel assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 11b is a side sectional view of the assembled compactor assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition that includes an adaptor having a pair of guide ledges. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition that includes an adaptor having a guide shelf.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition that includes an adaptor that is fastened directly to an external surface of a compactor wheel rim.

Figure 15a is an end sectional view of the assembled compactor wheel assembly of Figure 14.

Figure 15b is a side sectional view of the assembled compactor wheel assembly of Figure 14.

Figure 16a is a top perspective view of an unassembled adaptor and compaction member or cleat of a seventh embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly, the adaptor having a pair of enlarged feet.

Figure 16b is a bottom perspective view of the adaptor and cleat in an assembled condition.

Figure 17a is a plan view of a further embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a fastener suitable for any embodiments, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus.

Figure 17b is a three-dimensional view of the fastener.

Figure 17c is a front view of the fastener.

Figure 17d is a side view of the fastener. Figure 18a is a plan view of yet a further embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a fastener suitable for any embodiments in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus.

Figure 18b is a three-dimensional view of the fastener.

Figure 18c is a front view of the fastener.

Figure 18d is a side view of the fastener.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alternative fastener that may be used to secure a cleat to a rim in a manner which embodies the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a ground-working apparatus which is suitable for use with a wide range of industrial machinery. For example, the ground- working apparatus can be used with earth moving equipment such as compactors, graders, four wheel drive loaders up to excavators used in earthworks and draglines used in mining as described in detail below. The ground-working apparatus includes a simple and effective mechanism for readily replacing parts.

A ground-working apparatus in the form of a compactor wheel assembly is shown in Figure 1. The compactor wheel assembly includes a permanent part in the form of a compactor wheel rim 4. A plurality of replacement parts in the form of compaction members or cleats 2a are fastened to the compactor wheel rim 4 in a releasable manner. Each cleat 2a is fastened to the compactor wheel rim 4 using a spring fastener 24 of generally sinusoidal shape. A respective sacrificial component 14 is located between the compactor wheel rim 4 and each cleat 2a. Referring to Figure 2a, each cleat 2a is a replacement part and includes a tapered tip 6 for engaging the ground. Each cleat 2a further includes a tail 8a which extends from the tip 6. The tail 8a is shaped to extend through a corresponding aperture 62 (Figure 1) defined in the compactor wheel rim 4.

As can best be seen in Figure 1 , the tail 8a of each cleat 2a defines a transversely extending passage 82. A formation or cradle 11 of the tail 8a defines a slot 10 opening into the passage 82. The apex 26 of the fastener 24 is received in the slot 10 to be secured in position.

A plurality of the apertures 62 are defined in the rim 4. The apertures 62 are rectangular with major sides extending circumferentially with respect to the rim 4. This is significant as will be seen below.

Figure 2b shows an alternative type of cleat 2b which can be used with the compactor wheel rim 4. The tail 8b includes a pair of opposed and parallel arms 12a, 12c which together form the cradle 11 for receiving the apex 26 of the fastener 24.

As shown in Figure 3, the sacrificial component 14a includes a rectangular base plate 16 that defines an opening or aperture 20. In use, the tail 8 of the cleat 2 is received through the aperture 20. The sacrificial part 14a further includes a sleeve or raised lip 18 which extends from a periphery of the aperture 20. In use, the lip 18 is snugly received in the aperture 62.

The base plate 16 of the sacrificial component 14a defines a pair of formations in the form of a channel 22 that extends across the aperture 20. The channel 22 acts as a guide and receives the fastener 24 in use. The channel 22 may be tapered on either side of the aperture 20.

Referring to Figures 4a to 4d, each resilient fastener 24 is formed by stamping and cutting spring plate material of the correct width in a single operation. The spring plate material can initially be in a rolled configuration. The fastener 24 is of generally sinusoidal shape and has an arcuate apex 26 which extends toward a pair of upturned and arcuate feet 28a, 28b. The feet 28 are located on either side of the apex 26. In practice, an elongate strip of corrugated spring steel may be cut into sections to form a plurality of the fasteners 24. Thus, each foot 28 is simply a truncated trough or peak in such a strip of corrugated spring steel. As a result, fabrication of the fastener 24 is a process with a minimal number of steps, thereby minimizing a cost of the fastener 24.

The assembly of this embodiment of the ground-working apparatus is described with reference to Figure 5.

As shown in Figure 5a, the sacrificial component 14a is positioned on an inner side 70 of the rim 4 with the aperture 20 (Figure 3) aligned with the respective aperture 62 (Figure 1) in the rim 4, and the lip 18 (Figure 3) received snugly in the aperture 62 to locate the sacrificial component 14a against movement. Where necessary, the sacrificial component 14a is welded, preferably tack welded, to the inner side 70 of the rim 4.

The tail 8a of the cleat 2a is received snugly through the aperture 20 in the sacrificial component 14a. The fastener 24 is then slid in the channel 22 into the passage 82 in the direction indicated by arrow 72 in Figure 5a.

Referring to Figure 5b, a suitable tool 30 is fitted to a suitable apparatus to push the fastener 24 into the passage 82. The arcuate surface of the apex 26 facilitates sliding of the apex 26 into the slot 10 of the cradle 11. During assembly, the feet 28 of the fastener 24 move apart under tension as the apex 26 engages the tail 8a to permit the fastener 24 to move into the passage 82.

As shown in Figure 5c, as the apex 26 is received in the cradle 11 the feet 28 move back towards one another under spring action. The fastener 24 is thus held in compression between the cradle 11 and the base plate 16. Similarly, the fastener 24 can be removed from between the cradle 11 and the base plate 16 using the apparatus and tool 30. The cleat 2a can then be removed from the compactor wheel 4.

The sacrificial component 14a is selected of a material that facilitates wearing of the lip 18 rather than the periphery of the aperture 62. Thus, any movement of the tail 8 relative to the rim 4 results in a wearing of the lip 18, rather than an enlarging of the aperture 62, which would be undesirable. If such wearing takes place, it would be a simple matter to chisel off the sacrificial component 14a and to replace it, while maintaining the integrity of the rim 4.

It is important to note the orientation of the channel 22 with respect to a rotational axis of the rim 4. The channel 22 is, in use, parallel to said axis of rotation. Thus, the fastener 24 is secured against excessive wearing movement as the rim 4 rotates.

A second embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a replacement part or blade 32 fastened to a permanent part in the form of one of a blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. With reference to Figures 1 to 5, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

For the sake of convenience, this permanent part is a moldboard as opposed to a blade holder or cutter holder. It is to be appreciated, however, that the permanent part can be either of the other components without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it is to be readily appreciated that the replacement part is not necessarily a blade. The apparatus is specifically represented in Figures 6a and 6b in a generic manner. It is therefore to be understood that the ground-working apparatus can one of a large variety that uses a replacement part connected to a permanent part.

The blade 32 can be fastened to a moldboard 34 of a grader. The moldboard 34 and the blade 32 have a series of complementary openings, two of which, indicated at 76 and 78, are shown here. The permanent part further includes a number of connectors, each of which have a shank 36 having a head 74 at one end. The shank 36 is received through the aligned openings 76, 78. The opening 78 is counter-sunk to receive the head 74.

An opposite end of the shank 36 defines a transverse passage 40. Said opposite end also has the cradle 11 defining the slot 10 in which the apex 26 of the fastener 24 is cradled.

A sacrificial component 14b includes a sleeve 84 which is received in the openings 76, 78. A flange 80 extends from one end of the sleeve 78 and bears against an inner side of the moldboard 34. The fastener 24 is received in the passage 40 as described with reference to Figures 5a to 5c.

The sacrificial component 14b is of a material selected so that the sleeve 78 serves to wear sacrificially, thus protecting the moldboard 34 from damage. Thus, the sleeve 78 acts in the same manner as the lip 18 of the sacrificial component 14a described above.

A channel 40 for receiving the fastener 24 is defined in the flange 80.

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a bucket assembly that includes replacement parts, in accordance with the invention, in the form of teeth and spacers. With reference to Figures 1 to 6, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

The bucket assembly includes a bucket 44 to which a plurality of teeth 42 and spacers 46 can be alternatively fastened in a row. It will readily be appreciated that the bucket 44 can take many different forms. The only common requirement between the various forms is that the bucket has parts which requirement replacement after certain operational cycles. Each tooth 42 includes a pair of arms 54a, 54b for receiving a leading edge of the bucket 44. Each arm 54 defines a pair of fastener receiving formations or apertures 50, 52 for each receiving a respective fastener 24. During fastening, the tooth 42 can be slid onto the bucket 44 so that the apertures 50, 52 in each arm 54 are aligned with corresponding apertures 56 defined by the bucket 44. A pair of fasteners 24 can then be inserted into the apertures 50, 52 to fasten the tooth 42 to the bucket 44.

The spacers 46 are of similar construction to the teeth 42. Each spacer 46 includes a pair of parallel arms 58a, 58b which together define a slot 84 for receiving the bucket 44. Each arm 58 defines an aperture 60 which, when placed in register with a corresponding aperture 48 of the bucket 44, can receive a fastener 24 to fasten the spacer 46 to the bucket 44.

Figure 8 shows a sectioned view through a tooth 42 fastened to the bucket 44 using a fastener 24. The bucket 44 and tooth 42 collectively define a recessed formation 11a for receiving the apex 26 of the fastener 24. In addition, the tooth 42 further defines a pair of recessed formations 11 b, for each receiving a respective foot 28 of the fastener 24. These three recessed formations 11 lock the fastener 24 in place to impede it from inadvertently becoming free. The fastener 24 is also compressed to hold it in place. In alternative embodiments, only a single recessed formation 11 need be defined for receiving either a foot 28 or the apex 26 of the fastener 24.

In Figure 9 there is shown a third embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a ground-working apparatus in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

The compactor wheel assembly includes the compactor wheel rim 4 and a generally tapered adaptor 130 for engaging the rim 4. A hollowed cleat 2c defining an inner recess 146 (Figure 11) is also provided for engaging the adaptor 130 in a complementary fit. Returning to Figure 9, the compactor wheel assembly further includes the resilient fastener 24 for engaging the adaptor 130 and the cleat 2c to fasten the cleat 2c to the rim 4.

The adaptor 130 includes a body 140 from which a head 141 extends. Both the body 140 and the head 141 are received in the recess 146 of the cleat 2c during fastening. A pair of resilient stepped legs 136a, 136b extend from the body 140 and, in use, extend through an aperture 144 defined in the rim 4. The adaptor 130 further includes a pair of feet 138a, 138b which each extend from respective legs 136. The legs 136 include protruding knees 137 which, together with the feet 138, define troughs 142 for receiving the inner edges of the rim 4 during assembly. In use, the troughs 142 retain the adaptor 130 in engagement with the rim 4.

Referring to Figure 11 , the recess 146 of the cleat 2c is shaped to receive the adaptor 130. Referring to Figure 9, the cleat 2c also includes a pair of opposed flanks 132a, 132b which each define a respective aperture 134a, 134b for receiving the fastener 24. The floor of each aperture 134 is concaved to define a recessed formation 11 for receiving a foot 28 of the fastener 24. An inner surface of the adaptor 130 also defines a recessed formation to receive the apex 26 of the fastener 24.

Referring to Figure 10a, the adaptor 130 is manipulated so that the leg 136b is inserted through the aperture 144. The adaptor 130 is further manipulated so that the leg 138a is also inserted through the aperture as shown in Figure 10b.

Referring to Figure 10c, the user can then move the adaptor into the position shown such that the tapered shape of the adaptor 130 causes inner edges of the rim 4 to displace the resilient legs 138a, 138b towards each other. The knees 137 of the legs 136 pass through the aperture 144 and the legs 138 then move apart so that the inner edges of the rim 4 are received within respective troughs 142 of the legs 136. Figures 11a and 11b show the cleat 2c engaged with the adaptor 130 within its recess 146.

The fastener 24 is driven through the aperture 134a in the first flank 132a and into the aperture 134b of the second flank 134a. The apex 26 and feet 28 of the fastener 24 engage the recessed formations 11 defined in the adaptor 130 and flanks 132 of the cleat 2c respectively. The resilient fastener 24 is held in compression between the cleat 2c and the adaptor 130 to fasten the cleat 2c to the rim 4 (which is fixed with respect to the adaptor 130).

This embodiment allows the cleat 2c to be fastened to the rim 4 from outside of the rim 4. That means that it is not necessary for maintenance operations to be carried out within the rim 4, which could in some cases be inconvenient.

In Figure 12 there is shown a fourth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, the adaptor 130a includes a pair of opposed guide ledges 148 which each protrude from the inside of a respective leg 136. During assembly, the fastener 24 slides along the ledges 148 which together act as a guide, and impede the fastener 24 from falling through the aperture 144 and into the compactor wheel 4.

In Figure 13 there is shown a fifth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, the adaptor 130b includes a guide shelf 150 for guiding the fastener 24 during assembly. The guide shelf 150 extends between the legs 136a, 136b and functions in a similar manner to the ledges 148 of Figure 19.

In Figure 14, there is shown a sixth embodiment of a ground-working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment the adaptor 130c is fastened to an external surface of the rim 4. It is therefore not necessary for the rim 4 to have any apertures. It follows that the integrity and strength of the rim 4 is enhanced.

The adaptor 130c can be fastened to the rim 4 in a number of ways. In this illustrative case, the adaptor 130c is welded to the rim 4 so that a quartet of welds 152 (Figure 15) fixes the adaptor 130c to the rim 4. Each weld 152 can be located at a respective corner of the base of the adaptor 130c or can extend along an edge of the adaptor 130c.

The adaptor 130c includes the guide shelf 150 as described with reference to Figure 13.

In Figures 16a and 16b, there is shown a seventh embodiment of a ground- working apparatus, in accordance with the invention, in the form of a compactor wheel assembly in an unassembled condition. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, the adaptor 13Od is also fixed to the rim 4 without the need for apertures. In particular, the adaptor 13Od can be welded to the compactor wheel 4 so that welds hold the adaptor 13Od in engagement with the compactor wheel 4. The adaptor 13Od includes a pair of enlarged feet or pads 131 and defines a pair of opposed channels in which the cleat 2d can be received. The cleat 2d and adaptor 13Od are shaped to nest together. In Figures 17a to 17d reference numeral 310 shows a further embodiment of a fastener, in accordance with the invention, suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the ground-working apparatus described above. With reference to the preceding Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

The fastener 310 is similar to the fastener 24 in that it has a sinusoidal profile. However, the fastener 310 is comprised of a base 312 that defines the profile and a reinforcing plate 314 fast with the base 312 over a central part of the base 312.

The reinforcing plate 314 forms part of the apex 26 thereby enhancing the resilience of the fastener 310. Since the reinforcing plate 314 only takes up a central portion of the base 312, the overall thickness of the fastener 310 can be kept to a minimum, thus reducing cost of materials, especially for mass production of the fastener 310.

The fastener 310 is the product of a stamping process. Thus, both the base 312 and the reinforcing plate 314 have corresponding holes 316 to facilitate retention during the stamping process. In use, these holes 316 are filled with a suitable material, such as a plastics material so that the ingress of dirt is inhibited.

Optionally, a bead 318 extends from the reinforcing plate 314 at the apex 26. The bead 318 can serve further to lock the fastener 310 in position in the manner described with reference to the fastener 24.

In Figures 18a to 18d, reference numeral 320 generally indicates yet a further embodiment of a fastener 310, in accordance with the invention, suitable for use with the any of the embodiments of the ground-working apparatus described above. With reference to the preceding Figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. Instead of the reinforcing plate 314, the fastener 310 has a raised reinforcing formation 322 extending over the apex 26. The formation 322 bounds a central region 325 on the base 312, so that that region extends over the apex 26 thereby enhancing the resilience of the plate 314.

In Figure 19, reference numeral 300 shows another embodiment of a resilient fastener that can be used instead of the fastener 24, described with reference to the preceding drawings.

The fastener 300 has a central, raised trough 274 that defines an inverted apex. The fastener 300 also has a pair of opposed, arcuate feet 276. This fastener 300 is particularly suited for use with the ground-working apparatus of Figure 6a and 6b. In other words, the description with reference to those Figures can be repeated here with the fastener 24 replaced by the fastener 300. In that case, said opposite end of the shank 36 is received in the central, raised trough 274. Thus, the shank 36 can be securely fastened in position.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of ground-working apparatus are contemplated by the Applicant. For example, the ground-working apparatus could be a disc plough wheel and rotating support assembly. In fact, the ground-working apparatus can be a wide variety of agricultural implements, such as ground planers, furrowers, scarifiers, and tips. Even more broadly, it will readily be understood that the ground-working apparatus can be any agricultural, earthmoving, and soil-shifting apparatus where replacement of worn parts or components is necessary on a regular basis. Examples of such ground-working apparatus are those used by four wheel drive loaders up to excavators used in earthworks and draglines used in mining. A particular form of the ground-working apparatus is a compaction wheel assembly. These are used in land fill sites, dumps and tips on machinery for processing such sites.

In the embodiments described above, the fastener 24 was of sinusoidal shape. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastener may have many different shapes and could, for example, be a resilient sphere (i.e. having an arcuate head and tail). In another embodiment, the fastener may be of a saw tooth shape having a head which includes a pointed apex.

The invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A ground-working apparatus fastenable to driving machinery and configured to engage ground to be worked, the ground-working apparatus comprising a permanent part; at least one replacement part that is engageable with the permanent part and is configured to be replaced with a further replacement part in an operational cycle; and at least one resilient fastener defining a central apex, the permanent part and the, or each, replacement part being configured so that the, or each, resilient fastener can engage both the permanent part and the, or each respective, replacement part to fasten the, or each, replacement part to the permanent part.

2. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which at least one of the, or each, replacement part and the permanent part defines a recessed formation in which the apex of the, or each, resilient fastener is received.

3. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which the resilient fastener is shaped to define the apex with an arcuate profile that is interposed between a pair of feet also with arcuate profiles.

4. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which at least one of the, or each, replacement part and the permanent part define further recessed formations in which respective feet of the, or each, fastener are received.

5. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 4, which includes a plurality of replacement parts that are engageable with the permanent part.

6. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the permanent part comprises a compaction wheel rim and a plurality of adaptors fast with, and extending radially from the compaction wheel rim, each replacement part being in the form of a compaction member or cleat that is shaped to receive a respective adaptor, the cleats and adaptors being configured so that the resilient fasteners are engageable with respective pairs of the cleats and adaptors.

7. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the adaptors are fastened to an external surface of the compaction wheel rim.

8. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the adaptors and cleats of each pair have complementary fastener receiving formations that can be aligned with each other to receive a fastener when each cleat is engaged with its respective adaptor, the resilient fasteners and the receiving formations being configured so that the apex of each resilient fastener bears against an inner surface of the respective adaptor, while the feet bear against an inner surface of the respective cleat to secure the adaptors and cleats relative to each other.

9. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 4, which includes one replacement part in the form of a blade, the permanent part including one of a blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard and at least one connector having a head for abutment against the blade and a shank for extending through complementary openings in the blade and said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard, the shank defining said formation in which the apex of the resilient fastener is receivable, with the feet of the fastener bearing at least operatively against said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard.

10. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 9, which includes a sacrificial component for each connector, the sacrificial component including a sleeve received at least in the opening of said one of the blade holder, cutter holder and moldboard so that the shank extends through the sleeve and a base plate positioned on an end of the sleeve so that the feet of the fastener bear against the base plate.

11. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 4, which includes a plurality of replacement parts in the form of teeth, the permanent part being a bucket, and a plurality of resilient fasteners received through complementary openings in a leading edge of the bucket and the teeth to fasten the teeth to the bucket, the teeth and the bucket being configured to define the recessed formations in which the respective apices of the fasteners are received.

12. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , in which the replacement parts include spacers that are interposed between respective pairs of teeth, resilient fasteners being received through complementary openings in the leading edge of the bucket and the spacers to fasten the spacers to the bucket, the spacers and the bucket being configured to define the recessed formations in which the respective apices of the fasteners are received.

13. A ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, in which the replacement parts each define said further recessed formations in which the feet of the fasteners are received, such that the apex of each fastener bears against an inner surface of the leading edge of the bucket, while the feet bear against an inner surface of each replacement part.

14. A replacement part for use with the ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, the replacement part being mountable on the leading edge of the bucket and defining at least one opening that is complementary to an opening in the leading edge so that a resilient fastener can be received through the complementary openings to fasten the replacement part to the bucket.

15. A bucket for use with the ground-working apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, the bucket defining a series of openings in a leading edge of the bucket, the openings being complementary to openings in replacement parts so that the resilient fasteners can be received through the complementary openings to fasten the replacement parts to the bucket.

16. A compaction wheel assembly which comprises a compaction wheel rim; a plurality of radially projecting adaptors fast with the rim; a plurality of compaction members shaped to receive respective adaptors; and a plurality of resilient fasteners, each defining a central apex, the compaction members and adaptors being configured so that the resilient fasteners are engageable with respective pairs of the compaction members and adaptors to secure the compaction members to the rim.

17. An adaptor for use with the compaction wheel assembly as claimed in claim 16, the adaptor comprising a body that defines a base suitable for fastening to a surface of a compaction wheel rim and a fastener receiving formation that is configured so that when the adaptor is received in one of the compaction members, the fastener receiving formation is aligned with a complementary fastener receiving formation of the compaction member.

18. A compaction member for use with the compaction wheel assembly as claimed in claim 16, the compaction member comprising a body in which a respective adaptor can be received and a fastener receiving formation that is configured so that when the respective adaptor is received in the body, the fastener receiving formation is aligned with a complementary fastener receiving formation of the adaptor.