111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US007762015B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Smith et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,762,015 B2
`Jul. 27, 2010
`
`(54) GROUND ENGAGING TOOL SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Murray A. Smith, Toronto (CA); Craig
`E. Harder, Edmonton (CA)
`
`(73) Assignee: Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, IL (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/840,144
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Aug.16, 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2008/0148608 Al
`
`Jun.26,2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`5,435,084 A * 7/1995 Innnel ......................... 37/398
`5,564,206 A * 10/1996 Ruvang ....................... 37/458
`111997 Peterson
`5,597,260 A
`5,913,605 A * 6/1999 Jusselin et a!. ................ 37/451
`6,708,431 B2 * 3/2004 Robinson eta!. .............. 37/456
`6,959,506 B2 * 1112005 Adamic eta!. ................ 37/456
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`wo
`
`1 626 132
`wo 2004/029371
`
`2/2006
`4/2004
`
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Robert E Pezzuto
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Andrew Ririe
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/822,634, filed on Aug.
`16, 2006.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`E02F 9128
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 37/455
`(58) Field of Classification Search . ... ... ... ... .. ... . 3 7 I 446,
`37/449, 451-460; 172/701.1, 701.3; 403/150,
`403/153,297, 355; 299/109, 111, 113
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,337,495 A * 8/1994 Pippins
`
`....................... 37/453
`
`A ground engaging tool system comprises a ground engaging
`tool such as a tip, an adapter mounted to or part of a work tool,
`and a rotating lock member. The ground engaging tool is
`attached to the adapter, and a post portion of the adapter slides
`into a slot provided on the lock. The lock is rotated so that the
`entrance to the slot is blocked and the post cannot slide out of
`the slot. The lock in this position is in a locking position, and
`the retention of the post in the slot of the lock retains the
`ground engaging tool to the adapter.
`
`25 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`406
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 27, 2010
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`Sheet 1 of21
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 27, 2010
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`Sheet 2 of21
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`US 7,762,015 B2
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`\JS 1,162,015 B2
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`sneet 3 of2l
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`u.s. Patent
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`Jul. 2'7, 2010
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 27, 2010
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`Sheet 4 of21
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 27, 2010
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`Sheets of 21
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 6 of 21
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`U.S. Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 7,762,015 B2
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`2
`the problem is detected and repaired. The prior art GET
`attaching systems have not always held the GET to the bucket
`or other work tool with adequate reliability.
`In general, the prior art GET attaching systems leave room
`for improvement. This invention provides improvements.
`
`5
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`1
`GROUND ENGAGING TOOL SYSTEM
`
`This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
`application No. 60/822,634 filed Aug. 16, 2006.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The field of this invention is ground engaging tools, and
`more specifically systems for retaining ground engaging tools
`on buckets, blades, and other work tools.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Many construction and mining machines, such as excava(cid:173)
`tors, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, 15
`bucket wheels, and draglines make use of buckets to dig
`material out of the earth. The buckets can be subjected to
`extreme wear from the abrasion and impacts experienced
`during digging. Other construction and mining machines,
`such as bulldozers, also include blades or other tools that are
`used to move material such as soil and rock. These blades and
`other tools can also be subjected to extreme wear through
`abrasion and other wear mechanisms.
`Buckets and blades and other earth-working tools can be
`protected against wear by including ground engaging tools 25
`(GET). GET is typically fashioned as teeth, edge protectors,
`and other components which are attached to the bucket or
`blade in the area where the most damaging abrasion and
`impacts occur. For example, the cutting edge of a bucket can
`be protected with edge protectors that wrap around and pro- 30
`teet the edge.
`Thus, one purpose of the GET is to serve as wear material
`and absorb wear that would otherwise occur on the bucket,
`blade, or other tool. The GET can be removed when it has
`been worn and replaced with new GET at a reasonable cost to
`continue to protect the bucket. Large buckets for draglines
`and hydraulic shovels can cost a considerable amount, so
`protecting them against wear and the need for early replace(cid:173)
`ment is important. It is more economical to wear out and
`replace the GET than to wear out and replace an entire bucket. 40
`In addition to the purpose of protecting against wear,
`another purpose of the GET may be to provide more effective
`digging. A tooth mounted on the edge of a bucket, for
`example, may allow the bucket to penetrate into the soil or
`rock and dig more effectively with less effort.
`Many systems have been proposed and used for removably
`attaching the GET to buckets and other tools. These systems
`typically provide a pin or other fastener which holds the GET
`onto the bucket or other tool. Many problems or disadvan(cid:173)
`tages exist with these known systems. For example, in some 50
`conditions the pins can become stuck inside the GET because
`of rust or because other material gets in the space surrounding
`the pins and causes binding or adhesion. As another example
`of a disadvantage of some known attachment systems, some
`require a hammer to drive in the pin or other fastener. On large 55
`GET systems, the hammer required to drive in the pin may
`likewise be very large, and swinging such a large hammer in
`difficult field conditions can be objectionable for the techni(cid:173)
`Cian.
`The pin or other fastener must be very secure and reliable 60
`and not permit the GET to fall off of the bucket or other work
`tool, even when the GET is worn extensively. If the GET falls
`off of the bucket or blade, it could be fed into a crusher or
`other processing machine and cause damage. Other problems
`may also occur if the GET inadvertently falls off the bucket, 65
`including extensive wear of the exposed area of the bucket left
`unprotected when the GET fell off which might occur before
`
`FIGS. 1-3 are schematic assembly views representing a
`10 GET attachment system according to the principles of the
`invention. In FIG. 1, a post (normally attached to the adapter)
`is sliding into the slot of a lock, the lock being engaged with
`the tip. In FIG. 2, the post is engaged in the slot, and in FIG.
`3, the lock is rotated to the locking position.
`FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a tip, locking retainer, and lock
`of a first embodiment, and the mam~er in which they may be
`assembled together.
`FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of the tip, retainer bushing, and
`lock assembly according to the first embodiment of FIG. 4,
`20 with the lock in an unlocking position.
`FIG. 6 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 5.
`FIG. 7 is a rear view of the assembly of FIG. 5.
`FIG. 8 is sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 5, taken
`along plane 8-8 indicated in FIG. 7.
`FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of the tip, retainer bushing, and
`lock assembly according to the first embodiment of FIG. 4,
`with the lock in a locking position.
`FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 9.
`FIG. 11 is a rear view of the assembly of FIG. 9.
`FIG. 12 is sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 9, taken
`along plane 12-12 indicated in FIG. 11.
`FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of an adapter according to the
`first embodiment.
`FIG. 14 is an assembly view of the tip, retainer bushing,
`lock, and adapter assembly according to the first embodi-
`ment.
`FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 14,
`taken along plane 15-15 ofFIG. 14, with the lock in a locking
`position.
`FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 14,
`taken along plane 15-15 of FIG. 14, with the lock in an
`unlocking position.
`FIG.17 is a sectional viewoftheadapterofFIG.15 (the tip,
`45 retainer bushing, and lock have been removed in this view).
`FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the tip, lock, and retainer
`bushing of FIG. 15 (the adapter has been removed in this
`view).
`FIG.19 is a sectional view of the tip and retainer bushing of
`FIG. 15 (the adapter and lock have been removed in this
`view).
`FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the tip ofFIG. 15 (the adapter,
`lock, and retainer bushing have been removed in this view).
`FIGS. 21A-E are views of the lock of the first embodiment.
`FIGS. 22A-E are view of the retainer bushing of the first
`embodiment.
`
`35
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIGS. 1-22 illustrate embodiments and schematic concepts
`for GET attachment systems according to the invention. The
`purpose of these figures is only to aid in explaining the prin(cid:173)
`ciples of the invention. Thus, the figures should not be con(cid:173)
`sidered as limiting the scope of the invention to the embodi(cid:173)
`ments and schematic concepts shown
`therein. Other
`embodiments of GET attachment systems may be created
`which follow the principles of the invention as taught herein,
`
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`

`

`US 7,762,015 B2
`
`3
`and these other embodiments are intended to be included
`within the scope of patent protection.
`FIGS. 1-3 demonstrate schematically how the GET attach(cid:173)
`ment system holds the GET onto the bucket or blade, and how
`it locks and unlocks.
`With reference first to FIG. 1, a post, or pin, 10 is illus(cid:173)
`trated. The post 10 may be connected or associated with a
`bucket, blade, or other work tool. In FIG. 1, only a portion of
`the post 10 is shown. The portion of post 10 that connects with
`the bucket, blade, or other work tool has been removed from
`this view for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which
`the GET attachment system interacts with the post. A lock 20
`is also illustrated. The lock 20 includes a slot 21 formed
`therein for accepting a portion of post 10. Lock 20 is received
`in a lock cavity 41 of a tip 40. The lock cavity 41 is shaped to 15
`allow the lock 20 to fit therein, and also to allow lock 20 to
`rotate relative to tip 40. Lock 20 may be placed in lock cavity
`41 directly, or a retainer bushing 30 may be disposed around
`a portion of lock 20, and disposed between the lock 20 and
`lock cavity 41. The purpose and benefits of the optional 20
`retainer bushing 30 will be explained in greater detail here(cid:173)
`inafter.
`With reference now to FIG. 2, a pictorial view is shown of
`the post 10 positioned inside of the slot 21 oflock 20. In order
`for the post 10 to enter slot 21, it may be required to pass 25
`through a slot 42 formed in tip 40. This will occur typically by
`sliding the tip 40 and lock 20 onto a portion of the bucket,
`blade, or work tool and onto post 10. For example, a bucket
`may include an adapter with an adapter nose that fits inside of
`pocket 43 formed in tip 40, in a manner well known in this 30
`industry. The post 10 may be connected with the adapter. The
`post 10 will slide first through slot 42, then into slot 21. Slot
`21 need not be a through slot as illustrated, but could also be
`a blind slot similar to slot 42. With the lock 20 rotated to the
`orientation relative to the tip 40 that is depicted in FIG. 2, the 35
`post 10 can freely slide into and out of the slot 21. This first
`position of the lock 20 is the unlocking position.
`With reference now to FIG. 3, the lock 20 has been rotated,
`in this case 180 degrees, to a new orientation relative to the tip
`40. This second position of the lock 20 is the locking position. 40
`In the locking position, the opening of slot 21 is no longer
`aligned with slot 42. Lock 20 includes a C-shaped portion
`formed by a rear leg 22 joining together a top leg 23 and an
`opposite bottom leg 24. Slot 21 is located between the oppos(cid:173)
`ing top leg 23 and bottom leg 24. In the locking position of 45
`lock 20 shown in FIG. 3, rear leg 22 blocks the post 10 from
`exiting the slot 21 and sliding out through the slot 42. Thus,
`with the lock 20 rotated to the locking position, the tip 40 is
`locked onto the post 10 and the bucket, blade, or work tool to
`which the post 10 is connected.
`FIGS. 1-3 illustrate schematically the basic functioning of
`the GET attachment system. The system may be adapted to
`many different applications. For example, the system may be
`used to attach many different kinds of cutting edges to blades,
`tips, edge protectors, side cutters and other accessories to 55
`buckets, tips to compactor wheels, etc. Many variations of the
`basic designs shown in FIGS. 1-3 are also possible. Those of
`ordinary skill in this field will be able to adapt the basic parts
`to suit a particular need in a given application. For example,
`the shapes of post 10, lock 20, and slot 21 may vary widely, 60
`according to particular needs in a given application. As
`another example, tip 40 may be more broadly defined as a first
`element 40 which could take the form of a tip for a bucket or
`ripper, or could take the form of an edge protector, sidebar
`protecter, or other forms of GET. As another example, the 65
`structure that connects to post 10 may be broadly defined as a
`second element, and may take the form of an adapter penna-
`
`4
`nently or removably attached to a bucket, or make take the
`form of a bucket sidebar or base edge, or any other portion of
`a work tool such to which it is desired to attach GET. As
`another example, the way in which the lock 20 is rotated may
`5 vary according to needs of the application. The lock 20 may
`include a portion that can be rotated by a tool placed through
`a bore in tip 40. Or, the end of post 10 may be modified so it
`fits in the slot 21 in a way that the post 10 and lock 20 rotate
`together. Then a bore in tip 40 may provide access to the end
`10 of post 10, and the post 10 could be rotated causing a corre(cid:173)
`sponding rotation of lock 20. Many different designs are
`possible while still utilizing the basic principles of this attach(cid:173)
`ment system.
`FIGS. 4-22 illustrate a first embodiment of a GET attach(cid:173)
`ment system according to these principles. The first embodi(cid:173)
`ment is also exemplary of many additional, optional features
`which may be incorporated to satisfY particular needs or
`provide optional benefits.
`With reference first to FIG. 4, a lock 200, retainer bushing
`300, and tip 400 are illustrated. The tip 400 may be manufac(cid:173)
`tured from steel or any other suitable material. The exterior of
`the tip 400 features surfaces designed to contact soil and rock,
`and absorb or resist the abrasive and impact forces. The
`exterior surfaces can form a relatively sharp front edge 401 in
`order to permit the tip 400 to penetrate into the soil or rock and
`facilitate digging. The tip 400 may also include a top portion
`402, a bottom portion 403, and side portions 404. In the
`design shown in FIG. 4, the top portion 402, bottom portion
`403, and side portions 404 meet together and form the front
`edge 401. The top portion 402, bottom portion 403, and side
`portions 404 also form an interior adapter receiving cavity
`430. The adapter receiving cavity 430 is shaped to receive the
`nose portion of an adapter (see FIG. 13). The adapter receiv(cid:173)
`ing cavity 430 opens out of the tip 400 through a rear portion
`or surface 405. Rear surface is bordered by the top portion
`402, bottom portion 403, and side portions 404. Several eye-
`lets 406 may be attached to any of the tip exterior surfaces to
`facilitate lifting and positioning the tip 400 during installa(cid:173)
`tion.
`The tip 400 also includes a slot 410 positioned adjacent a
`lock cavity 420. Lock cavity 420 is sized to receive the lock
`200, and optionally the retainer bushing 300 therein. Lock
`cavity 420 also includes a lock opening 421 which leads from
`the lock cavity 420 to the exterior of the tip 400. Slot 410
`includes side walls 411 and a bottom wall412. Side walls 410
`extend away from the adapter receiving cavity 430 towards
`the bottom wall412 so that bottom wall412 is recessed below
`the surrounding surface of the adapter receiving cavity 430
`and slot 410 is generally contained within a side portion 404.
`50 Side walls 411 and bottom wall 412 may define a plane of
`symmetry which extends parallel to the slot's longitudinal
`axis. The longitudinal axis of slot 410 runs from the rear
`surface 405 towards the lock cavity 420. The longitudinal axis
`of slot 410 may also run parallel to the directionofmovement
`of the tip 400 relative to the worktool when the tip is inserted
`on or removed therefrom (see arrow A, FIG.16). The slot410
`opens up to the rear surface 405 on one end, and to the lock
`cavity 420 on the other opposite end.
`Retainer bushing 300 can be formed from plastic or any
`other suitable material. If formed from plastic, it may be
`desirable to produce it through injection molding. Lock 200
`can be formed from steel or any other suitable material. If
`both tip 400 and lock 200 are formed of steel, then having a
`plastic retainer bushing 300 creates certain benefits. First, a
`plastic retainer bushing can prevent metal-to-metal contact,
`and the wear mechanisms commonly exhibited with such
`contact. Second, a plastic retainer bushing can help prevent
`
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`

`

`US 7,762,015 B2
`
`5
`corrosion or other processes between the tip and the lock
`which, over time, could cause the lock to seize in the tip and
`make the lock difficult to rotate. If the lock cannot be easily
`rotated, then the tip removal from the work tool is more
`difficult. Third, a plastic retainer bushing which can deflect 5
`more easily than steel can allow a retaining relationship
`between the tip and the retainer bushing, and the lock and the
`retainer bushing, as described more fully below. Thus, the
`choice of plastic to form the retainer bushing 300 can be
`particularly advantageous.
`With reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 22A-E, the retainer
`bushing 300 includes a slot 310 formed in a substantially
`circumferential skirt portion 320. The skirt portion 320 may
`be conically shaped. Attached to the narrower end of the skirt
`portion 320 is a head portion 330. Head portion 330 includes 15
`an opening 331, and a flexible tab 332. Tab 332 flexion is
`promoted by a reliefhole 333 formed in the head portion 330.
`With reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 21A-E, the lock 200
`includes a slot 210. Slot 210 is formed in a C-shaped portion
`220 of the lock 200. C-shaped portion 220 includes a rear leg 20
`221, top leg 222, and bottom leg 223. Slot 210 is interposed
`between top leg 222 and bottom leg 223. On top of C-shaped
`portion 220 is a head portion 230. Head portion 230 includes
`two detents 231, 232, formed therein, and an annular surface
`233 positioned between the detents 231, 232. A stopping tab 25
`234 is also formed in the head portion 230. Head portion also
`includes a tool interface 235.
`FIGS. 5-8 show views of the lock 200 assembled into the
`retainer bushing 300, and the retainer bushing 300 assembled
`into the tip 400. The lock 200 is rotated to its first position, or
`unlocking position in each of these views. While the lock 200
`is in the unlocking position, an adapter or portion of a work
`tool can be inserted into the adapter receiving cavity 430, and
`a post or other portion associated with the adapter will simul(cid:173)
`taneously slide through slot 410, slot 310, and into slot 210.
`FIG. 6 is a side view which shows retainer bushing 300 and
`lock 200 projecting through lock opening 421 of tip 400. Tool
`interface 235 is accessible by an appropriate tool to help
`rotate lock 200 relative to retainer bushing 300 and tip 400.
`Any type of suitable tool and tool interface may be used. 40
`Preferably, the tool includes a male portion, and the tool
`interface 235 includes a female portion.
`In the unlocking position, tab 332 rests in detent 232. As
`lock 200 is rotated relative to retainer bushing 300, tab 332
`flexes and comes out of detent 232. FIGS. 9-12 show the lock 45
`200 rotated to its second position, or locking position. In the
`locking position, tab 332 rests in detent 231. Further rotation
`of lock 200 relative to retainer bushing 300 is prevented by
`stopping tab 234 contacting the head portion 330 of retainer
`bushing 300. Likewise, when the lock is rotated back to its
`unlocking position, stopping tab 234 will contact head por(cid:173)
`tion 330 when tab 332 enters detent 231. This detent and stop
`system gives technicians a very good tactile feel for when the
`lock 200 has been turned to either its unlocking or locking
`position. In part the good tactile feel will come from the
`retainer bushing 300 being made from plastic and tab 332
`being flexible enough to permit easy rotation, while still pro(cid:173)
`viding enough holding power against detents 231, 232 to hold
`lock 200 in its nnlocking or locking position. Movement of
`the lock 200 from its locking to unlocking position does not
`require use of a hammer or other tools as is common with
`many types of pin retention systems for GET. Hammerless
`systems are increasingly preferred by technicians.
`When the lock 200 is assembled into the retainer bushing
`300, structures on each help positively hold the two together.
`Skirt portion 320 of retainer bushing 300 defines an internal
`annular surface 340. Lock 200 includes an external annular
`
`6
`surface 240. Internal annular surface 340 rides against exter(cid:173)
`nal annular surface 240 when lock 200 rotates relative to
`retainer bushing 300. In this embodiment, the annular sur-
`faces 240, 340 are also tapered, resulting in an overall conical
`shape. Internal annular surface includes ribs 341 formed
`thereon which extend in a substantially circumferential direc(cid:173)
`tion. When lock 200 is positioned inside of retainer bushing
`300, the ribs 341 interfere with external annular surface 240.
`In order to fit lock 200 inside retainer bushing 300, adequate
`10 force must be applied to deflect retainer bushing 300 so ribs
`341 can move past external annular surface 240. Once ribs
`341 move past external annular surface 240, ribs 341 and the
`retainer bushing 300 can return to a more natural, non-de-
`flected position. Ribs 341 will ride against a bottom surface
`224 ofC-shaped portion 230, preventing lock 200 from unin(cid:173)
`tentionally slipping out of retainer bushing 300. Lock 200 is
`able to rotate inside of and relative to retainer bushing 300.
`Likewise, when the retainer bushing 300 is assembled into
`lock cavity 420 of tip 400, structures on each help positively
`hold the two together. Skirt portion 320 of retainer bushing
`300 defines an external surface 350. External surface 350
`includes a rib 351 formed in a substantially circumferential
`direction. A complementary slot 422 is formed in the lock
`cavity 420 of tip 400. When retainer bushing 300 is assembled
`into lock cavity 420, the rib 351 first interferes with lock
`cavity 420. In order to fit retainer bushing 300 inside of lock
`cavity 420, adequate force must be applied to deflect retainer
`bushing 300 so that rib 351 slides past the lock cavity 420
`surfaces with which it interferes, until rib 351 snaps into slot
`422. Retainer bushing 300 cannot rotate relative to tip 400
`once installed into the lock cavity 420. The fit of rib 351 into
`slot 422 prevents rotation. Also, the lock opening 421 is
`35 non-circular. The part ofhead portion 330 of retainer bushing
`300 which fits into the lock opening 421 is also non-circular.
`The fit of the head portion 330 into the lock opening 421 and
`the non-circular shape of each also prevents the retainer bush(cid:173)
`ing 300 from rotating relative to the tip 400.
`Holding together, under normal conditions, the lock 200 to
`the retainer bushing 300, and the retainer bushing 300 to the
`tip 400, has several advantages. First, during shipping of a
`replacement tip assembly (including tip 400, retainer bushing
`300, and lock 200) to a jobsite, all three components stay
`together without becoming mixed up or lost. Second, during
`installation, it is simple to keep all three components in posi-
`tion relative to one another while the tip assembly is slid onto
`an adapter or other work tool. The installation may sometimes
`be conducted in challenging field conditions, including mud
`50 and snow. Being able to keep all the components together
`prevents them from being dropped into the mud and snow and
`becoming lost. Further, a technician who may be wearing
`protective gloves will not be required to handle the lock 200
`and retainer bushing 300 which are smaller components and
`55 may not be as easily grasped and manipulated. In general, this
`feature greatly enhances the ease and speed of installation.
`With reference now to FIGS. 13-17, an adapter 100 is
`illustrated which may be used with the tip 400, retainer bush(cid:173)
`ing 300, and lock 200. Adapter 100 includes a nose portion
`60 110. Nose portion 110 is shaped to fit inside of adapter receiv(cid:173)
`ing cavity 430 of tip 400. The shape of nose portion 110, and
`the complementary shape of adapter receiving cavity 430,
`may be selected to suit any particular need or application.
`Several different shapes have been used in prior GET sys-
`65 terns, and any suitable general shape could be selected. The
`nose portion 110 includes opposite sloping top and bottom
`surfaces 111, 112 which slope towards one another and
`
`30
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2006 Page 25
`
`

`

`US 7,762,015 B2
`
`8
`locking and unlocking position about an axis approximately
`parallel to central axis A of the post 120.
`
`INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
`
`10
`
`7
`toward two opposite flat surfaces 113, 114, and a flat front
`surface 115. The nose portion 110 also includes two opposite
`side surfaces 116, 117.
`Opposite the nose portion 110 is the rear portion 118 which
`may include a second adapter receiving cavity 119. In this
`embodiment, as is known in this field, adapter 100 is config(cid:173)
`ured to be received onto a second adapter that is mounted to a
`work tool. The second adapter (not shown) would include a
`nose portion that complements the second adapter receiving
`cavity 119.
`On side surface 117 is formed a post 120. Post 120 in this
`embodiment is of a generally conical shape. Other shapes
`could be selected to suit other designs. Post 120 includes a
`substantially conical surface 121, and a substantially flat end 15
`surface 122. As seen in FIG. 17, conical surface 121 defines a
`central axis A of the cone shape. Conical surface 121 is
`formed at a taper angle~ of approximately 10-30 degrees, and
`more preferably about 20 degrees. The adapter 100 defines a
`plane of symmetry Bas illustratedinFIG.17 (the adapter 100 20
`is generally symmetrical about the plane B, discounting the
`post 120 and related structure). The angle a between plane B
`and axis A is approximately 65-85 degrees, and more prefer(cid:173)
`ably about 75 degrees.
`Adapter 100 also includes a half-annular-shaped cut 130
`into the side surface 117 immediately adjacent and behind (in
`the direction of rear portion 118) the post 120. Immediately
`adjacent and behind (in the direction of rear portion 118), the
`adapter 100 also includes a rail 140 raised above the side
`surface 117. Rail140 is generally sized and shaped to match
`slot 410 of tip 400.
`FIGS. 15-16 show sectional views of the tip 400, bushing
`retainer 300, and lock 200 mounted to adapter 100. FIG. 15
`shows the lock 200 rotated to its locking position so the tip 35
`400 cannot be removed from adapter 100. FIG. 16 shows the
`lock 200 rotated to its unlocking position so that the tip 400
`can slide in the direction of arrow A off of adapter 100. In each
`view, rail140 is shown positioned in slot 410 where is serves 40
`to block dirt and other debris from entering into slot 410. If
`dirt and other debris were allowed to enter slot 410, they may
`become impacted and make removal of the tip 400 difficult
`because post 120 must slide through slot 410 when the tip is
`removed.
`With central axis A of post 120 positioned at an angle with
`respect to the plane of symmetry B, FIG. 15 shows that the
`rearward most portion of conical surface 121 which contacts
`lock 200 in the locking position is at an angle near perpen(cid:173)
`dicular to the direction of force of the tip 400 being pulled 50
`straight off of adapter 100 (as indicated by arrow A). This
`helps prevent the force of the tip 400 being pulled off of
`adapter 100 from twisting the tip 400, deflecting out of posi(cid:173)
`tion lock 200 and causing the lock 200 to slip off of post 120
`in a failure. Positioning the post 120 in this manner also
`minimizes the magnitude of the reaction force that will tend to
`push lock 200 into the lock cavity 420. The minimized reac(cid:173)
`tion forces can be counteracted by compressive forces in the
`tip 400.
`FIG. 19 shows that when positioned in tip 400, retainer
`bushing 300 has a bottom surface 334 set at an angle y relative
`to the plane of symmetry B of tip 400 of approximately 5 to 25
`degrees, and most preferably 15 degrees. Head portion 230 of
`lock 200 has a bearing surface 236 that abuts and slides on
`bottom surface 334 of retainer bushing 300. With bottom
`surface 334 set at this angle, the lock 200 rotates between its
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The foregoing gronnd engaging tool system may be used in
`industry to provide protection and improved diggi