USOO7640685B2
`
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 7,640,685 B2
`
`Emrich
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Jan. 5, 2010
`
`(54) COUPLING ARRANGEMENT
`
`5,435,084 A
`
`7/1995 Immel
`
`75
`
`(
`
`)
`
`.
`_
`Inventor: RObert K' Emmh’ Tlgard’ OR (Us)
`
`5,718,070 A
`5,806,215 A *
`
`2/1998 Ruvang
`9/1998 Matthews .................... 37/452
`
`(73) Assignee: Esco Corporation, Portland, OR (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any diisglaimeé, the tiermgifthis
`patent is exten e or a juste un er 35
`U.S.C. 15403) by 119 days.
`
`5,913,605 A
`5,937,550 A
`5,937,551 A
`5,983,534 A
`5,987,787 A
`
`6/1999 Jusselin et 31'
`8/1999 Emrich
`8/1999 Moehnke et 31.
`.
`11/1999 Roblnson et al.
`11/1999 Mack
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/518,063
`.
`.
`,
`(22) File(1‘
`Sep 8 2006
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2007/0000157 A1
`
`Jan. 4, 2007
`
`(Continued)
`
`JP
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2001200554 A
`7/2001
`
`Related US. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/665,358, filed on
`SCI). 22, 2003: HOW Pat. NO. 7,178,274
`
`Primary ExamineriThomas B Will
`Asszslanl Exammerilamie L McGowan
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm7Steven P. Schad
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`E02F 9/28
`(52) US. Cl.
`........................................... 37/457; 37/453
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................... 37/452,
`37/453 4 554 59 232 454
`See application file for complete search history.
`_
`References Clted
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`1,890,981 A * 12/1932 Finkl ........................... 37/454
`
`2,064,059 A * 12/1936 Fellmeth ..
`37/456
`
`2,435,846 A *
`2,618,873 A
`2,805,496 A
`3,120,281 A
`3,952,433 A
`3,997,989 A
`4,056,893 A
`4,067,657 A
`5,337,495 A
`
`2/1948 Robertson .................... 37/454
`“/1952 Hostetter
`9/1957 Jordan
`2/ 1964 Peveler et a1.
`4/1976 Heinold 6t 31~
`12/1976 Stepe
`11/1977 Wlllard
`1/1978 Kaarlela
`8/1994 Pippins
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`.
`A couphng arrangement for secunng 1W0 separable COInPO'
`nents in an excavating operation includes a wear component,
`a base component and a lock. The lock has a body having a
`configuration adapted to be received in a hole in the base
`component, and a rotatable locking member. The locking
`member includes a flange that is movable between a locking
`position wherein the flange holds the lock in the assembly and
`a release position wherein the flange permits the lock to be
`~
`~
`removed from the assembly. In the release pos1tlon, the flange
`. hi h
`.
`1
`.
`f h
`1.
`f h b d
`h
`setsw1t nt.eax1a extens1ono t eout1neo t e o y.1nt e
`locking pos1tlon, at least part of the flange sets outs1de the
`axial extension ofthe outline ofthe body. In one construction,
`the rotation of the locking member to the locking position
`tightens the fit ofthe wear component on the base component.
`
`33 Claims, 26 Drawing Sheets
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`
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`US 7,640,685 B2
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`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`11/1999 Mack
`5,992,063 A
`2/2000 Kreitzberg
`6,030,143 A
`6/2000 Clendenning
`6,079,132 A
`7/2000 Gale
`6,092,958 A
`8/2000 Ruvang et al.
`6 108 950 A
`6,125,559 A * 10/2000 Mullenhour
`
`................. 37/232
`
`6,301,810 B1
`6,374,521 B1
`6,385,871 B1
`6,708,431 B2
`7,178,274 B2*
`2002/0000053 A1
`2003/0070330 A1
`* cited by examiner
`
`10/2001 Fidler
`4/2002 Pippin
`5/2002 Quarfordt
`3/2004 Robinson et al.
`2/2007 Emrich ........................ 37/453
`1/2002 Adamic et a1.
`4/2003 Olds et 31.
`
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 5 2010
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`Sheet 1 on6
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 2 0f 26
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 3 0f 26
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`US. Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan.5,2010
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`Sheet70f26
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 8 0f 26
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 9 0f 26
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`IS?)
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 10 0f 26
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 11 0f 26
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`FIG. 15
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`US. Patent
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`Sheet 13 0f 26
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5 2010
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`Sheet 14 on6
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`US. Patent
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`Sheet 15 on6
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 16 0f 26
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`FIG.20
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 24 0f 26
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`FIG.28
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 2010
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`Sheet 26 0f 26
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`1
`COUPLING ARRANGEMENT
`
`US 7,640,685 B2
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`2
`
`The present application is a continuation of co-pending
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/665,358 filed Sep.
`22,2003.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention pertains to a coupling arrangement
`for releasably securing together two separable components.
`The lock is particularly suited for securing a wear member to
`a mount in regard to an excavating operation or the like.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Wear parts, particularly in the excavating industry, are usu-
`ally composed of separable components so as to minimize the
`amount of material that must be replaced when the wear
`member becomes worn. As an example, excavating teeth are
`secured along the digging edge of excavating buckets to pen-
`etrate and break up the ground in advance of the bucket to
`improve the collection of earthen material and to protect the
`digging edge from premature wear. Such teeth usually com-
`prise an adapter, a point or tip, and a lock or retainer to
`removably secure the point to the adapter.
`An adapter is a base component that is fixed to the digging
`edge of an excavator by welding, mechanical attachment or
`being cast as an integral portion of the bucket lip. The adapter
`itself may have multiple parts, particularly in larger sized
`teeth, but is commonly a single component. In any event, the
`adapter includes a forwardly projecting nose as a mount for
`the wear member. The point has a generally wedge-shaped
`configuration with top and bottom walls that converge to a
`digging edge. The base or rear end of the point includes a
`rearwardly opening socket by which the point is received over
`the adapter nose. The lock is inserted into a passage that is
`collectively defined by aligned openings in the adapter nose
`and the point. The passage may extend through a central
`portion of the tooth, either vertically or horizontally, or be
`defined externally ofthe nose to receive an external lock. See,
`for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,143 to Kreitzberg, U.S. Pat.
`No. 6,385,871 to Quarfordt, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,945 to
`Emrich.
`
`As can be appreciated, excavating teeth are used often used
`under arduous conditions. The loads applied to the points,
`particularly with large mining buckets, can be very large, of
`various kinds, and continually shifting. It is important to
`maintain the lock in the defined passage during use so that the
`point is not lost. Loss of the point not only requires replace-
`ment of the point and causes premature wearing of the
`adapter, but may also damage downstream machinery
`intended to process the excavated material. Accordingly, the
`lock is usually fit tightly within the defined passage to inhibit
`its ejection or loss. The tight engagement can be caused by the
`insertion of a resilient tightening member in the passage,
`partially misaligned holes in the adapter and point, or close
`dimensioning between the holes and the lock. In the past, a
`large hammer has typically been needed to force the lock into
`and out of the passage. This tends to be an onerous and
`time-consuming task for the operator in the field, and exposes
`the worker to some risk.
`
`There is a need in the industry for a lock that can be easily
`inserted into and out of the wear assembly without hammer-
`ing, and yet can effectively hold the wear part in place even
`under severe conditions.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
`
`The present invention pertains to a coupling arrangement
`for releasably holding two separable components together.
`The coupling arrangement is especially suited for use in hold-
`ing a wear part to a base in excavating operations. Neverthe-
`less,
`the invention could be used in other environments
`wherein it is desired to releasably secure one member to
`another via a lock received into an opening defined by the
`joined components.
`In one aspect of the invention, a lock is adapted for instal-
`lation and removal without the need for repeated hammer
`blows. The lock can be installed and removed on site in an
`
`easy and quick manner so as to reduce the difficulty and time
`typically needed to exchange a worn component with a new
`replacement. This is a particular advantage when the coupling
`arrangement is used to secure wear parts to large excavating
`equipment where equipment downtime translates into a sig-
`nificant economic loss. Further, by eliminating the need for
`hammering, the inventive coupling arrangement reduces the
`risk to which users have ordinarily been exposed in replacing
`wear parts in excavating operations.
`In another aspect, the inventive coupling arrangement is
`able to securely hold the components together even under
`heavy loading. A lock is used that includes a locking member
`movable between release and locked positions so that the lock
`can be positively retained in the assembly instead of relying
`upon the tightness of the fit. Accordingly, the lock is equally
`retained in the assembly irrespective of whether the compo-
`nents are tightly or loosely fit together. This is a particular
`advantage when used with parts that experience significant
`wearing because looseness will invariably develop as one or
`both of the parts become worn. In this arrangement, the lock
`remains in the assembly to hold the wear part or other com-
`ponent in place even under arduous conditions and/or the
`application of heavy, shifting loadsisuch as may be experi-
`enced during an excavating operation.
`In one embodiment, the lock of the coupling arrangement
`includes two members wherein one is movably supported by
`the other. The movable locking member can be shifted
`between a first position where it lies within the bounds of the
`supporting body or base member for receipt ofthe lock within
`the assembly, and a second position where it at least partially
`extends outside of the bounds of the base member to posi-
`tively retain the lock within the assembly. In a preferred
`construction, the movable member sets behind a wall of the
`assembly in the second position to positively prevent removal
`or ejection of the lock.
`In one such embodiment, the inventive coupling arrange-
`ment is employed to hold a wear part to a base in an excavat-
`ing machine. The movable member of the lock is limited to
`rotational motion and is free of any loading pressure from the
`wear part while it is moved from one position to the other.
`Therefore, this member can be rotated between the release
`and locked positions in an easy, quick and safe procedure for
`coupling and uncoupling the components together.
`In another aspect of the invention, a lock is used to secure
`a wear part to an adapter or other mount in an excavating
`machine. A body or base member of the lock is received
`within an opening defined in the mount. The body includes a
`bearing portion that sets against an edge of a hole defined in
`the wear part to prevent removal of the wear part from the
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`US 7,640,685 B2
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`3
`mount. A locking member of the lock is selectively movable
`between locked and release positions to hold or release the
`lock from the assembly. In a preferred construction, the lock-
`ing member rotates relative to the body, and a locking portion
`of the locking member is positioned axially beyond the body
`to minimize the required size of the opening in the wear part,
`in order to maximize the strength of the wear part.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a lock
`to hold two components together includes a body having a
`resilient member with an aperture and a locking component
`that rotates between release and locked positions. The locking
`member has a non-circular stem that is received into the
`
`aperture of the resilient member. The stem and aperture have
`corresponding non-circular shapes such that the resilient
`material deforms when the stem is rotated. The resilient mate-
`
`rial functions to resist unwanted movement of the locking
`member but permit actuation of the lock in an easy, reliable
`and cost-effective manner, and to provide certainty in prop-
`erly setting the locking member in the release and locked
`positions.
`In one other aspect, the lock comprises a locking member
`that not only positively retains the lock in the assembly, but
`also tightens the assembly of one component (e.g., the wear
`part) on the other (e.g., the mount). In one embodiment, the
`locking member includes a rotatable cam that can be selec-
`tively positioned in a release position where the lock may be
`inserted into the assembly and a locked position where the
`cam tightens the connection. Preferably,
`the cam further
`includes a portion that sets behind a wall of the assembly in
`the locked position to positively retain the lock in place.
`In one other aspect, a lock in accordance with the present
`invention is adapted to cooperate with a cap to shield the lock
`and inhibit the build up of fines around the lock. The movable
`locking member of the lock is provided with a head that
`includes structure for (i) effecting rotation of the locking
`member, (ii) pulling the lock from the joined components,
`and (iii) facilitating installation, retention and removal of the
`cap. In a preferred construction, the head includes flats to
`facilitate rotation ofthe locking member, a pry edge to engage
`a pry tool, and chamfered surfaces on the outer and inner sides
`ofthe head to enable the cap to be installed and removed from
`the lock. The pry tool, then, preferably includes gripping
`surfaces that matingly engage the inner chamfered surfaces
`(forming the pry edge) to pull the lock from the assembly.
`In another aspect of the invention, a wear part (or other
`component) includes walls that define a socket into which is
`received a corresponding mount (e.g., an adapter nose). One
`of the walls in the wear part includes an opening through
`which is received a lock. The opening includes a rear edge as
`a bearing surface adapted to abut the lock and retain the wear
`part to the mount. To provide ample support to withstand the
`applied loads, the bearing surface encompasses a substan-
`tially full thickness of the wall
`in which the opening is
`defined. Another side of the opening, however, is defined by a
`reduced thickness ofthe wall so as to form a recess into which
`
`a portion of the lock can be set to prevent removal of the lock
`from the assembly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an excavating tooth incor-
`porating a coupling arrangement in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tooth with the cap in
`exploded view.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter of the tooth.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the point of the tooth.
`
`4
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tooth with the cap
`omitted and the lock in exploded view.
`FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG.
`
`1.
`
`FIG. 7 is a side view of the lock with the locking member
`in a locked position.
`FIG. 8 is a front view of the lock with the locking member
`in the locked position.
`FIG. 9 is a front view of the lock with the locking member
`in a release position.
`FIG. 10 is a rear view of the lock.
`
`FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the lock.
`FIG. 12 is a front view of a retaining member of the lock.
`FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along line 13-13 in
`FIG. 12.
`
`FIG. 14 is a bottom view ofthe locking member ofthe lock.
`FIG. 15 is a side view of the locking member of the lock.
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the removal ofthe
`lock from the tooth with a pry tool in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 17 is an enlarged, perspective view of a working end
`ofthe pry tool.
`FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a tooth incorporating a
`second embodiment of a tooth in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second embodiment
`with the cap shown in exploded view.
`FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the adapter of the second
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the point of the second
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second embodiment
`with the lock shown in exploded view.
`FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the adapter of the second
`embodiment with the lock shown in the pocket.
`FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the point of the second
`embodiment with the lock shown in a hole in the point.
`FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 25-25 in
`FIG. 18.
`
`FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 26-26 in
`FIG. 18.
`FIG. 27 is a side view of the tooth of the second embodi-
`
`ment with the locking member of the lock in the release
`position.
`FIG. 28 is an enlarged side view of the lock portion of the
`tooth of the second embodiment with the locking member of
`the lock in the locked position.
`FIG. 29 is a front view of the lock of the second embodi-
`
`10
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`15
`
`20
`
`25
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`30
`
`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`ment with the locking member in the release position.
`FIG. 30 is a front view of the lock of the second embodi-
`
`ment with the locking member in the locked position.
`FIG. 31 is rear view ofthe lock of the second embodiment.
`
`FIG. 32 is an exploded, perspective view of the lock of the
`second embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS:
`
`The present invention pertains to a coupling arrangement
`10 for
`releasably securing two separable components
`together. The invention is especially suited for holding a wear
`part to a base in an excavating operation. A preferred con-
`struction for the invention is an excavating tooth, although the
`scope of the invention is not limited to an excavating tooth.
`As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, a tooth 12 in accordance with
`the present invention includes an adapter 14, a point or tip 16
`and a lock or retainer 18. The invention in this application is
`
`55
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`60
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`65
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`US 7,640,685 B2
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`5
`at times described in relative terms, such as “up” and “down,”
`for ease of explanation. These terms generally are to be under-
`stood in relation to the orientation of the wear assembly as
`illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the wear assembly can be
`placed in all kinds of orientations, and the relative terms used
`to describe the invention are not intended to be a limitation of
`the invention.
`
`Adapter 14, as illustrated (FIG. 3), includes a forwardly
`projecting nose 20 and a pair of bifurcated legs 22 adapted to
`receive the lip of an excavating bucket (not shown). The legs
`are adapted to be secured by mechanical means (e.g., by a
`Whisler style connection), but could also be welded or cast as
`part of the lip. The adapter could also be composed of mul-
`tiple parts secured together by a lock or the like, especially in
`larger sized teeth. In any event, nose 20 typically projects
`forward to define a mount for point 16 (although the nose
`could be on the point and the socket defined in the adapter).
`Nose 20 could be formed to have a wide variety of configu-
`rations to meet the needs of the intended usage and/or other
`factors. As one example, the nose is formed as described in
`US. Pat. No. 5,709,043 to Jones et al., which is hereby
`incorporated by reference. In the preferred construction, nose
`20 includes a pair of converging surfaces 24 and a pair of
`sidewalls 28. A pocket 32 is formed in one ofthe sidewalls for
`receiving lock 18. Pocket 32 has a shape that substantially
`corresponds to the shape of the lock, and preferably has a
`non-circular configuration that narrows as it extends toward
`the front end of the nose. A non-circular shape is preferred to
`prevent the lock from turning during use. Pocket 32 is defined
`by a perimeter wall 34 and an inner wall 36. Alternatively, a
`pocket could be formed in each sidewall 28 to allow for
`installation of lock 18 on either side of the tooth or for using
`a lock on each side.
`
`Point 16 includes a forwardly projecting digging end 38
`and a rear mounting end 40 (FIG. 4). The mounting end has a
`rearwardly opening socket 42 to receive nose 20 therein. The
`socket is generally defined by converging walls 44 and side-
`walls 48. The inner configuration of the socket is adapted to
`match the shape ofthe nose, such as disclosed in US. Pat. No.
`5,709,043. A hole 52 is preferably formed in both sidewalls
`48 so that the point can be reversibly mounted on the adapter
`for even wearing and longer life. Nevertheless, a single hole
`52 in one sidewall 48 could be provided for a non-reversible
`point. Hole 52 is defined by a peripheral edge 54 and prefer-
`ably has an outer configuration (i.e., as seen from outside the
`point), similar to the shape of pocket 32, to receive lock 18.
`While other shapes for hole 52 could be used, matching the
`shape of a uniquely shaped lock is preferred to ensure that the
`lock will be properly oriented when installed in the tooth.
`Alternatively, the shape of pocket 32 could be relied upon to
`prevent improper insertion of the lock if hole 52 is shaped
`and/or sized to permit insertion of the lock in multiple orien-
`tations. The peripheral edge 54 defines a recess 56 along a
`lower portion of hole 52 to receive a part of lock 18, as
`discussed below. While the recess could be formed along
`other portions of the peripheral edge 54 (or with multiple
`recesses),
`it is preferably not formed along the rear wall
`portion 58 of hole 52. The rear wall portion 58 spans substan-
`tially the full thickness of sidewall 48 to define a bearing
`surface to abut the lock and retain the point on the adapter
`even under heavy loading.
`Lock 18 preferably includes two primary componentsi
`namely, a body or base member 60 and a locking member 62
`(FIGS. 6-15). Body 60 preferably comprises a rigid retaining
`member 63 and a resilient member 64. Locking member 62 is
`mounted to body 60 for movement between a release position
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`wherein the lock can be installed into or removed from the
`
`tooth (or other assembly), and a locked position wherein the
`lock is retained in the tooth.
`
`In a preferred construction, retaining member 63 (FIGS.
`6-13) has a base 66 formed with a configuration to substan-
`tially match the shape of pocket 32 in nose 20. The base is a
`hollow structure defining a cavity 68, which has a generally
`D-shaped configuration that includes flat peripheral surfaces
`70 and an inner surface 71. A rim 72 is provided on an outer
`side ofbase 66. Rim 72 extends forward and rearward of base
`
`66 to define locator faces 74 that are adapted to abut sidewall
`28 of nose 20 and thereby properly locate the lock in pocket
`32. The rear portion 72a of rim 72 is preferably enlarged to
`provide an ample bearing surface to abut against rear wall
`portion 58 of point 16 and thereby retain the point on the
`adapter. Also, as described below, rear portion 66a of base 66
`has a longer extension than front portion 66b to provide
`sufficient resistance for the expected applied loads. Retaining
`member 63 preferably has a central, shallow depression 75
`for receiving a projection 77 of locking member 62 along a
`front side. This depression is provided to lessen the extension
`of head 106 and minimize the overall length of the lock. The
`depression is preferably formed by the provisions of raised
`stops 81, 83 on the front or outer face of the retaining mem-
`beriwith one stop 81 extending along the top of the depres-
`sion and one stop 83 extending along the front of the depres-
`sion. A bore 85 connects depression 75 and cavity 68. Bore 85
`permits locking member 62 to extend through retaining mem-
`ber 63.
`
`Resilient member 64 is preferably formed as a one-piece
`elastomer formed of rubber of the like (FIG. 11). Resilient
`member 64 is fit within cavity 68 and thus has an outer surface
`86 shaped to generally match the interior walls of the cavity.
`The flat surfaces 70 prevent any turning of resilient member
`64 in the retaining member, although other arrangements
`could be used. Resilient member 64 sets against inner wall 71
`and includes an axial passage 88 having a square or other
`non-circular cross sectional configuration. Axial passage 88
`is aligned with bore 85.
`Locking member 62 is preferably a rigid, unitary member
`having a stem 90 that is received through bore 85 in retaining
`member 63 and axial passage 88 in resilient member 64
`(FIGS. 11, 14 and 15). Stem 90 is longer than body 60 so that
`it extends inward beyond resilient member 64. In the pre-
`ferred construction, a collar 92 is fixed to the stem by a roll pin
`(not shown) passed into holes 94, 96. However, other means
`could be used to fix the collar to the stem or to replace the
`collar in holding the body and locking member together. The
`resilient member is trapped between collar 92 and inner sur-
`face 71. Stem 90 preferably has a shank portion 97 having a
`square cross section along most of its length to match the
`shape of axial passage 88, however, other non-circular shapes
`could be used. Stem 90 also includes a circular portion 99 to
`closely fit in bore 85 for stabilizing locking member 62 rela-
`tive to retaining member 63.
`Projection 77 is fixed to stem 90 and, in cooperation with
`collar 92, secures locking member 62 to body 60. Projection
`77 sets in depression 75, although it could simply set in front
`of retaining member 63 (i.e., without the depression). A
`flange or tab 104 extends beyond 77 along one of its sides,
`which, as described below, functions to retain lock 18 in tooth
`12. Alternatively, a plurality of flanges or the like could also
`be used to secure the lock in place. Stem 90 terminates in a
`head 106 that includes flats 107 or other means to facilitate
`
`rotation of locking member 62.
`In use, point 16 is placed onto nose 20 of adapter 14 such
`that one of holes 52 aligns with pocket 32 (FIG. 5). Lock 18
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2008 Page 31
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2008 Page 31
`
`

`

`US 7,640,685 B2
`
`7
`is then manually placed through hole 52 and into pocket 32.
`No hammering is necessary, though one may be used if
`desired to set the lock in place. The lock is inserted into pocket
`32 until locator faces 74 abut sidewall 28. This positioning
`places the lock sufliciently inside of the exterior of the wear
`part 16 so that it is protected during the abrasive digging
`process. When the lock is installed, projection 77 is oriented
`in its release position such that flange 104 is positioned gen-
`erally rearward. In this release position, flange 104 is within
`the bounds or peripheral cross sectional shape of body 60
`(FIGS. 5 and 9). Once lock 18 is fully inserted into pocket 32,
`a wrench or the like (not shown) is used to rotate locking
`member 62 clockwise to the locked position (FIGS. 2 and 8).
`This rotation causes flange 104 to move outside ofthe bounds
`of body 60 and into recess 56 in point 16 such that extension
`104 sets behind ledge portion 108 of sidewall 28. This
`arrangement positively holds the lock in the tooth without
`relying on the holding force ofa resilient member subj ected to
`loading or the tightness offitting the lock into the tooth. While
`resilient member 64 inhibits turning of the locking member,
`as described below, it is not subjected to loading from the
`wear part during use. With the locking member in the locked
`position, the lock cannot be removed from tooth 12 even ifthe
`point and/or adapter are worn and loosely fit together.
`Furthermore, with the lock in place, the rear bearing por-
`tion 72a of rim 72 opposes the rear wall portion 58 of hole 52
`in point 16 to prevent removal of the point from the adapter
`nose (FIG. 6). With the application of forward pressure on the
`point, the rear wall portion of hole 52 presses against rim 72.
`The front portion 66b of retaining member 63, then, abuts
`against the front portion 110 ofpocket 32. Since this pressure
`is applied along the outer sections oflock 18, a moment is also
`applied to the lock tending to urge the lock to rotate about a
`vertical axis (not shown). This motion is resisted by the elon-
`gate rear portion 66a of base 66 abutting the rear portion 112
`ofpocket 32 and the front locator face 74 abutting sidewall 28.
`Rotation of locking member 62 is resisted by the square
`shank portion 97 being received within the square passage 88
`of resilient member 64 (FIG. 11). When the user rotates the
`locking member, the comers of shank portion 97 stretch the
`sidewalls of passage 88. While the resilient member is
`prefereably closely received in retaining member 63 with
`clearance for stretching being provided into the pocket, clear-
`ance may be provided between resilient member 64 and
`retaining member 63 to provide additional space for stretch-
`ing of the material. Alternatively, the resilient member is
`composed of a compressible foam or the like. As the square
`shank portion 97 passes the over-center position, the resilient
`member urges the completion of a 90 degree rotation of the
`locking member, i.e., until the shankportion is again matingly
`received withinpassage 88. The square passage, then, tends to
`resist movement of the flange past the locked position or
`release position. Stops 81, 83 function to prevent rotation of
`the locking member in the wrong direction (FIGS. 8, 9 and
`12). For instance, in the locked position, stop 83 prevents any
`further clockwise movement. In the release position, stop 81
`prevents any further counter-clockwise movement of the
`locking member.
`If soil is of a loose, non-packing nature, the lock can usu-
`ally be pulled from the assembly by hand. When soil is of a
`nature that packs, or even cements, the lock is preferably
`pried out of pocket 32 when the point needs to be removed
`from the adapter (FIG. 16). In a preferred construction, a pry
`relief 115 is forme