United States Patent
`
`1191
`
`5,709,043
`a
`Jones et a].
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jan. 20 1998
`
`
`lllillllllllllllllllIllllllllllllllllfllllIllllllllllllillill
`.
`‘
`‘
`l
`1
`USOOS709043A
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`[54] EXCAVATING TOOTH
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Larren F. Jones. Aloha; Robert K.
`Emrich. Tigard. both of Greg.
`
`.
`-
`[73] As51gnee. Esco Corporation. Portland, Oreg.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 570,438
`.
`[22] F11“:
`
`De“ 11’ 1995
`
`5
`
`nu"nun-"unnunuu E02F gas
`--
`Int- Clo
`[51]
`
`. 37/458; 403/355; 37/455
`[52] US. Cl. ...........
`[5 8] Field of Search .............................. 37/446, 443, 450.
`371451.453. 455. 458. 456; 403/355; 172/7012,
`713, 753. 772. 772.5. 717; 299/108
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.
`
`D. 352,044 11/1994 Hahn
`2,435,846
`2/1948 Reba-lson.
`2,689,419
`9/1954 Daniels et a1.
`2,861,362 11/1958 Liard et a1.
`.
`2,885,801
`5/1959 Hill.
`3,023,521
`3/1962 Brunner,Jr .
`3,117,386
`1/1964 Few/aria .
`3,196,956
`7/1965 Ratkowski.
`3,774,324
`11/1973 LaFond.
`3,851,413 12/1974 Lukavich .................................. 37/451
`4,231,173
`11/1980 Davis,
`4,233,761
`11/1980 Ryerson .
`.
`4,335,532
`6/1982 Hahn et a1.
`4,338,736
`7/1982 Radigan .................................... 37/458
`4,404,760
`9/1983 Hahn et a1.
`.
`4,433,496
`211984 Jones et a].
`.
`............................ 37/452
`4,481,728
`11/1984 Mulder et al.
`4,751,785
`6/1988 Johansson et al.
`.
`4,903,420
`211990 Kreitzberg eta]. .
`
`........................ 37/456
`
`6/1990 Jones.
`4,932,478
`10/1990 Emrich.
`4,965,945
`4/1991 Diekevers et a1.
`5,009,017
`5938214 M992 10m ,
`5,241,765
`9/1993 Jones et a1.
`.
`5,272,824 1Z1993 Corudius .
`$337,495
`8/1994 1,1me.
`5,386,653
`Z1995 Cornelius .
`.
`5,423,138
`6/1995 Livesay et a1.
`5,456,029 10/1995 Cornelius .............................. 37/455 X
`5,469,648
`11/1995 Jones et .11..
`
`mm P'LIBLICA'I‘IONS
`
`Advertisement for “New Tuf—Tip® Teeth?”. Page Engineer-
`ing Company (no date)-
`,
`,
`Primary Emmmer—Henry E. Raduazo
`Assistant Examiner—Robert Pezzuto
`Anome); Agent, or Firm—Banner & Mmofi. Ltd.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An excavating tooth for attachment to the digging edge of
`excavating equipment includes a wear member provided
`with bearing faces in a socket which extend substantially
`parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. The bearing
`faces are formed to widen significantly as they extend
`rearward to provide broad bearing surfaces at the rear ends
`of the wear member. The bearing faces are placed between
`the converging walls and the side walls of the socket at
`obtuse angles thereto to avoid areas of stress concenu'ation.
`The bearing faces are fin-thu- formed in a plurality of tiers to
`provide enhanced resistance to vertically applied loads at the
`front end of the member. The wear members are further
`secured to the adapter by locks which ease installation and
`removal of the wear members.
`
`40 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 1
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`FIG]
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 2
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 3
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1993
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`FIG. 5
`
`86
`[20
`42
`/I03
`
`48
`
`35
`
`I3
`
`/
`
` 4?
`
`FIG. 7
`
`4%
`
`.\
`
`.‘1{QIll [Ill
`
`fi
`
`k
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 4
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`l20
`fit1
`
`l22
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 5
`
`’1
`
`J 7
`
`-—-——_/
`‘flL———_.._..._.-“—-w,
`
`1
`
`i"
`{I[I
`I
`I.
`I‘II
`[I
`
`H.
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`ZIG
`Izlazs’)’\
`‘ii"?\‘2“ 207
`l8?
`fis‘fi‘fi
`I99
`
`Far)!"
`/q,..
`“4 W
`
`
`l
`
`\
`
`,_
`
`I8!
`
`‘
`
`‘
`
`l98
`
`20:
`
` '2 I/Jm[5| 7"!------‘-.Z'
`H5
`
`
`
`
`FIG. [8
`2m
`
`:79
`
`
`
`FIG. 20
`l92 191/179
`
`|89
`
`207
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 6
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1993
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`FIG. 2]
`
`J25
`
`245
`
`
`
`
`
`
`l
`’35
`'[I‘
`III!
`£747,171,
`III
`V _M ”1
`I
`mm.
`ll
`aflé.,5, I
`
`
`,,/"I
`
`§,("II041M
`V‘9|“any
`
`
`
`I 1:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`lIllmhlul:
`"Hm
`ff’h'nI!“III“II
`
`HH
`
`Iy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`H
`
`I"I!I"
`H#1;
`
`
`
`FIG. 25
`
`253
`
`263/249
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 7
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 8
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1993
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`
`ISa/
`
`“~29!
`
`FIG. 3 I
`
`28l
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 9
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 9 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`
`5l5
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 10
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`FIG. 34
`
`
`
`406
`
`402
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 11
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1993
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 12
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`5,709,043
`
`
`20b
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 13
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 13
`
`

`

`1
`EXCAVATING TOOTH
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention pertains to an excavating tooth for
`attachment to the digging edge of an excavator.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Excavating teeth have long been mounted along the
`digging edge of buckets and otha' excavating equipment to
`break up the ground and enhance the digging operation. The
`teeth are ordinarily formed of a plurality of parts to reduce
`the size of the outer wear member needing frequent replace-
`ment. In general. an excavating tooth comprises an adapter.
`a point, and a lock to secure the point to the adapter. The
`adapter has a rear mounting end which is configured for
`attachment
`to the digging edge of an excavator and a
`forwardly projecting nose for mounting the point. The point
`is a tapered wedge-shaped member provided with a forward
`digging edge and a rearwardly opening socket adapted to be
`received over the adapter nose.
`.
`Excavating teeth are commonly subjected to heavy load-
`ing by large forces applied in a wide variety of directions. As
`a result. the points must be firmly secured to the adapter to
`withstand not only axial forces but vertical and laterally
`directed forces as Well. Vertical loads have been particularly
`troublesome in that they generate large moment forces
`which tend to rotate the point from the adapter. While the
`tapering walls of the adapter nose provide support for the
`point. the lock plays a large role in resisting these moment
`forces.
`
`In addition. Wearing of the tooth components causes
`looseness in the connection which in certain circumstances
`can result in the pin, and hence, the point being lost. In an
`effort to increase the life of the assembly, the pin is usually
`set very tightly in the defined opening. Consequently. the pin
`is forcibly driven into and out of the opening. The pin is
`typically inserted by repeated blOWS with a heavy sledge
`hammer. As can be appreciated. this is an onerous and
`time-consuming task. especially in the larger sized teeth.
`In a further effort to alleviate loss of the point. an
`elastomer is often placed in front of the pin to maintain a
`tight fit between the point and the adapter. While the
`elastomer functions to pull the point onto the adapter. it also
`reduces the lock’s ability to resist the applied moment
`forces. More specifically, under moment loading the point is
`driven in a generally rotating direction about the adapter
`nose. Accordingly, if a downward load is applied to the front
`of the point, the rearward upper side of the point tends to be
`pulled forward and upward. This movement pushes the pin
`against the elastomer. which provides greater freedom of
`movement for the point. and thus a greater risk of being lost.
`To reduce the reliance on the lock pin for retaining the
`point. efforts have been made to form a connection which
`provides greater stability for the point. US. Pat. No. 4.231,
`173 to Davis discloses a tooth wherein the apices of the
`adapter nose and the socket are formed to have a box-shape.
`In this construction, planar faces extend generally parallel to
`the axis of the tooth along the top and bottom of the nose to
`provide a greater resistance to rotation of the point unda
`moment loads than noses which have tapering walls across
`their entire length. The tooth of the Davis patent further
`includes rearward tabs received in recesses for providing
`additional resistance to the moment forces. However. since
`the tabs extend outward from the body of the point they
`possess less resistance strength.
`US. Pat. Nos. 3.196.956 to Ratkowski and 5.423.138 to
`Livesay et al. have provided planar bearing Sin-faces which
`
`5 .709,043
`
`2
`
`lie parallel to the axis of the tooth along the rearward
`portions of the nose. The rearward placement of these
`bearing surfaces will provide a level of stability in resisting
`the moment forces. However. the use of these surfaces
`results in sharp corners being formed in the nose and the
`socket The creation of such corners causes greater stress
`concentrations at these points under load. which in turn.
`weakens the overall strength of the tooth.
`Page Engineering Company has produced a tooth which
`includes two sets of bearing faces along the top and bottom
`walls of the nose. The bearing faces are generally parallel to
`the axis of the tooth. However. the use of such bearing faces
`along the rear end of the nose disrupts the formation of a
`smooth transition between the nose and the legs. As a result.
`the transition structure is susceptible to high stress concen-
`trations and an increased risk of failure. To overcome the
`weakness in the Page tooth. US. Pat. No. 4.233.761 dis-
`closes the use of ridges along the nose to provide greater
`strength. While the ridges would augment the strength of the
`nose, the design does not eliminate the high stress points in
`the nose. Moreover. the formation of grooves along the
`inside of the point would result in the point being weaker
`and more susceptible to failure.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention pertains to an excavating tooth
`which provides an enhanced stability to the mounting of the
`point. In particular. the nose of the adapter and the socket of
`the point are provided with bearing faces which extend
`substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth.
`The bearing faces are able to better resist the vertical thrust
`and moment forces which are applied during vertical loading
`on the front end of the point.
`In one aspect of the invention. the nose and socket are
`each defined by a pair of top and bottom converging walls.
`a pair of side walls, and two sets of bearing faces extending
`substantially parallel to the axis of the tooth. The bearing
`faces are formed in tiers so that one set of bearing faces is
`spaced farther from the longitudinal axis of the tooth than
`the other set of bearing faces. The rear bearing faces are
`located along the corners of the nose (i.e.. at the juncmres of
`the top and bottom walls with the sidewalls). In this way. the
`tooth is better able to provide strong resistance to the applied
`vertical loads without creating higha stress points in the
`transition between the nose and the mounting portion.
`In another aspect of the invention. the bearing faces widen
`significantly as they extend in a rearward direction. As a
`result. a broad bearing surface is provided at the rear end of
`the point and adapter to provide enhanced resistance to the
`applied moment forces.
`In anothtn' aspect of the invention. the nose and socket are
`each defined by a pair of top and bottom converging walls.
`a pair of side walls, and a plurality of bearing faces extend-
`ing substantially parallel to the axis of the tooth. A bearing
`face is provided between the side and converging walls at
`obtuse angles thereto. With this construction. the formation
`of sharp corners with their attendant high stress
`concentrations. as in the prior art. are avoided.
`In another aspect of the invention. an extensible. reusable
`lock is employed to secure awear member to an adapter. The
`lock includes a casing, a lock pin movably received in the
`casing. and a driver for moving the lock pin into a locking
`position with the wear member. The extensible nature of the
`lock permits easy installation and removal of the wear
`member. and obviates the need to drive the lock into or out
`of position with repeated blows of a sledge hammer.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 14
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 14
`
`

`

`5 ,709,043
`
`3
`In another aspect of the invention. awear memba' adapted
`for use with an extensible lock is provided with a hole
`extending along a transverse axis. The hole includes a rear
`face which either may be a single surface that converges
`toward the transverse axis of the hole as it extends outward
`or may be a two segmented surface. the inner segment of
`which converges toward the transverse axis of the hole as it
`extends outward. and the outer segment of which transitions
`to a substantially parallel alignment to the transverse axis to
`avoid unduly closing the hole. In either case.
`the trans-
`versely converging surface engages the bearing face of the
`lock pin for locking and tightening of the point onto the
`adapter.
`In another aspect of the invention. the wear member is
`secured to the adapter by a rigid lock member provided with
`a front convex bearing face adapted to engage a surface of
`the adapter. and a rear concave bearing face adapted to
`engage a surface of the wear member. The rigid lock further
`includes a resilient latch which is releasably retained by a
`keeper defined on the point to prevent inadvertent release of
`the lock from the tooth assembly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a side view of a tooth in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter in accordance
`with the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a point in accordance with
`the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a cross sectional View taken along line 4—4 in
`FIG. 3.
`
`FIG. 5 is a partial bottom plan view of the adapter.
`FIG. 6 is a cross—sectional view taken along line 6—6 in
`FIG. 1.
`FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an extensible lock in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a side view of a casing for the extensible lock.
`FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the casing.
`FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 10—10
`in FIG. 8.
`
`4
`FIG. 24 is a side view of an anchor for the third embodi-
`ment of an extensible lock.
`FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the anchor.
`
`FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an adapter in accordance
`with a second embodiment of an excavating tooth.
`FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a point in accordance
`with the second embodiment of a tooth.
`
`FIG. 28 is a partial top view in partial section of the
`second embodiment of a tooth.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3O
`
`35
`
`FIG. 29 is a partial side view in partial section of the
`second embodiment of a tooth without a lock.
`
`FIG. 30 is a partial top view of the adapter for the second
`embodiment of a tooth.
`
`FIG. 31 is a top view of a lock of the second embodiment
`of a tooth.
`
`FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an adapter in accordance
`with a third embodiment of an excavating tooth.
`FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a point for the third
`embodiment of a tooth.
`
`FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative wear
`member in accordance with the first embodiment of an
`excavating tooth.
`FIG. 35 is a side view of the alternative wear member.
`
`FIG. 36 is a top view of the alternative wear membtn’.
`FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 37—37
`in FIG. 36.
`
`FIG. 38 is a cross—sectional view taken along line 38—38
`in FIG. 36.
`
`FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 39—39
`in FIG. 36.
`
`FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternative adapter in
`accordance with the first embodiment of the present inven-
`tion which is integrally cast with the lip of a bucket.
`FIG. 41 is a partial top view of an alternative adapter in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 11 is a side view of a lock pin for the extensible lock.
`FIG. 12 is a top view of the lock pin.
`FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along line 13—13
`in FIG. 11.
`FIG. 14 is a side view of a central screw for the extensible
`lock.
`
`45
`
`FIG. 15 is a top View of a stop plate for the extensible
`lock.
`FIG. 16 is a sectional View of a second embodiment of an
`extensible lock mounted in a tooth assembly.
`FIG. 17 is a side view of a lock pin for the second
`embodiment of an extensible lock.
`
`55
`
`FIG. 18 is a rear view of the lock pin for the second
`embodiment of an extensible lock.
`
`FIG. 19 is a top view of the lock pin for the second
`embodiment of an extensible lock.
`FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20—20
`in FIG. 17.
`FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of an
`extensible lock.
`
`FIG. 22 is a side view of a power screw for the third
`embodiment of an extensible lock.
`
`65
`
`FIG. 23 is a top view of the power screw.
`
`The present invention pertains to excavating teeth which
`attach to the digging edge of an excavator. While the present
`application discusses the use of the teeth only in connection
`with their attachment to an excavating bucket. they can be
`seemed to a wide range of excavating equipment. Ember.
`operation of the equipment will cause the teeth to assume
`many dilferent orientations. Nevertheless. for pln'poses of
`explanation. the elements of the teeth are at times described
`in regard to relative directions such as up and down. These
`directions should be understood with respect to the orien-
`tation of the tooth as shown in FIG. 1. unless stated
`otherwise.
`
`An excavating tooth 10 in accordance with the present
`invention includes a point 12. an adapter 13. and a lock 14
`(FIGS. 1—15). The adapter includes a rear mounting or base
`end 18 and a forwardly projecting nose 20 (FIGS. 1, 2 and
`5). Point 12 has a generally tapered shape which forms front
`digging edge 15 and a rearwardly opening socket 16 for
`receiving nose 20 (FIG. 3). Lock 14 functions to releasably
`secure point 12 to adapter 13 (FIG. 7).
`The base end 18 of adapta 13 is provided with a pair of
`bifurcated legs 22. 24 to straddle the lip of a bucket (FIGS.
`1 and 2). With this construction. legs 22. 24 are Welded in
`place along the lip. Nevertheless, the adapter can be seemed
`to the bucket in a number of difi‘erent ways including. for
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 15
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 15
`
`

`

`5
`
`6
`
`5,709,043
`
`example. the use of only a single welded leg. a Whisler style
`connection, or an attachment as disclosed in co-pending
`US. patent application Sa. No. 08/554,158. filed by inven-
`tors Larren F. Jones. Robert E. McClanahan and Hezekiah R.
`Holland on Nov. 6. 1995. and entitled “Wear Assembly for
`a Digging Edge of An Excavator” which is hereby incorpo-
`rated by reference. Alternatively. the base end 18' of the
`adapter 13' could be formed as an integrally cast portion of
`the lip construction 25 (FIG. 40). The concepts of the present
`invention have applicability to a wide array of adaptm'
`components irrespective of whether they are fixed to the lip
`of the excavator by welding, mechanical attachment. inte-
`grally cast or by other means.
`Nose 20 of adapter 13 has a rear body portion 30 which
`is generally wedge shaped and a box-shaped tip portion 32
`(FIGS. 1. 2 and 5). The rear body portion 30 is defined by
`a pair of side walls 34. 35. top and bottom walls 38. 39, and
`bearing faces 42. The side walls 34, 35 are generally planar
`surfaces which are substantially parallel to one another",
`although a slight taper is usually provided for manufacturing
`purposes. The top and bottom walls 38, 39 are tapered to
`define a body portion which has a generally wedge shaped
`configuration. A hearing face 42 is provided at each juncture
`of the side walls 34, 35 with the top and bottom walls 38. 39.
`Bearing faces 42 are substantially planar surfaces which
`extend longitudinally along the rear portions of nose 20 so
`as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 45 of
`the tooth.
`
`Due to the tapering of top and bottom walls 38, 39.
`bearing faces 42 widen considerably as they extend rear-
`ward The forrnalion of large bearing areas at the rear end of
`the point are beneficial in providing a firm and stable
`resistance to the applied moment forces. As best seen in FIG.
`6. bearing faces 42 are inclined to form four bevel corners
`for body 30 which form broad obtuse angles with walls
`34—35. 38—39. In the preferred construction. the bearing
`surfaces are inclined at an angle a of about 150°—160° to the
`top and bottom walls 38, 39. Although the inclination of
`bearing faces 42 could be varied. they should have a greater
`horizontal orientation than vertical because of the greater
`loads in a vertical direction. As can be appreciated. these
`four bearing surfaces provide a very stable mount for the
`point while creating less stress concentration at the corners
`than a conventional tapered bearing tooth with 90° corners.
`The tip portion 32 of the nose includes front, top and
`bottom bearing faces 47-48 which with the distal portions of
`sidewalls 34. 35 form a box shaped apex for nose 20 (FIGS.
`2 and 5). Bearing faces 48 are substantially planar and lie
`substantially parallel to axis 45 of tooth 10. Front bearing
`face 47 extends generally orthogonally between top and
`bottom bearing faces 48 to resist thrust forces generally in
`the direction of arrow 54 (FIG. 1). As can be appreciated.
`rear bearing faces 42 and tip bearing faces 48 each extend
`substantially parallel to axis 45 to provide a stable frame-
`work for supporting point 12 under loading in vertical
`directions such as indicated by arrows 57. 58.
`Along with being substantially parallel to axis 45, bearing
`faces 42. 48 form tiers of support for point 12 (FIGS. 1 and
`2). More specifically, bearing faces 48 form stabilizing
`surfaces at the apex of nose 20 to resist the upward or
`downward movement of the digging edge 15 of point 12.
`Bearing faces 42 are spaced rearwardly from tip 32 so as to
`form vertically expanded tiers of bearing surfaces relative to
`the tip bearing faces 48. As a result. bearing faces 42 are
`spaced farther apart and farther from axis 45 so as to better
`resist the applied moment forces.
`As can be appreciated. socket 16 has basically the same
`configuration as nose 20 (FIG. 3). In particular, socket 16
`
`comprises a box-shaped front portion 64 at its apex and a
`generally wedge-shaped rear cavity 66. Front portion 64
`includes front top and bottom bearing faces 67. 68 which
`are adapted to abut bearing faces 47. 48 of nose 20.
`respectively. likewise, cavity 66 includes bearing faces 72
`which are adapted to abut bearing faces 42. Top and bottom
`walls 78. 79 of cavity 66 are tapered to extend generally
`parallel to or slightly divergent (in a rearward direction)
`from top and bottom walls 38. 39 of nose 20. Walls 78, 79
`are. however, spaced from walls 38. 39 to ensure that the
`bearing engagement occurs along the engagement of bearing
`faces 42, 72 (FIG. 6). Cavity 66 further includes sidewalls
`74. 75 which are generally parallel to sidewalls 34. 35 (FIG.
`3). but slightly spaced thaefrom.
`In the preferred construction. rear wall 84 of point 12
`includes secondary bearing segments 84:: adjacent sidewalls
`34. 35 which are adapted to abut shoulders 86 formed on the
`adapter 13 at the rear end of nose 20 (FIGS. 3 and 5).
`Bearing engagement between segments 84a and shoulders
`86 preferably occurs after a small amount of service Wear to
`nose end 47 to further resist thrust forces applied in the
`direction of arrow 54 (FIG. 1).
`As discussed above. bearing faces 42. 47—48. 67—68. 72
`of nose 20 and socket 16 are substantially planar surfaces.
`The term “substantially planar” is intended to include not
`only the preferred construction as flat surfaces. but also
`bearing faces which are arcuated to have broad convex or
`concave shapes. In addition. as noted above. bearing faces
`42. 48-49. 68—69. 72 extend substantially parallel to axis 45.
`The term “substantially parallel” is intended to include the
`preferred construction wherein these surfaces diverge rear-
`wardly from axis 45 at a small angle (e.g.. of about 1—7
`degrees) for manufacturing purposes.
`In the preferred construction, and particularly for large
`sized teeth. point 12 is releasably secured to adapter 13 by
`lock 14 (FIGS. 7—15). Lock 14 is an extensible lock member
`which includes a casing 90 and a lock pin 92. A spring 94
`and a central screw 96 are provided in the lock for selec—
`tively moving lock pin 92 into and out of casing 90 for
`releasing and securing point 12.
`Casing 90 is a rigid. hollow member with an inner surface
`97 that defines a generally cylindrical cavity 98 which is
`open on one end (FIGS. 5—8). The outer surface 101 is fit
`within hole 103 in sidewall 35 of adapter 13 (FIG. 2). While
`outer surface 101 and hole 103 are preferably D—shaped
`(FIG. 9) to ensure mounting of the lock in its proper
`orientation. other configurations could be used. A key 105
`extends along inner wall 97 to cooperate with keyway 107
`to prevent rotation of lock pin 92 (FIGS. 8. 9 and 11). A
`tubular hub 109 extends upward from the bottom wall 111 of
`casing 90 (FIGS. 7, 8 and 10). Hub 109 includes an internal
`bore 113 which is threaded ova a portion of its length to
`receive screw 96. Bore 113 extends completely through hub
`109 and bottom wall 111 to facilitate removal of the lock
`from hole 103 as described below. In this lower portion; bore
`113 includes a rib 114. outwardly angled on the bottom side
`to receive a snap in place plug 116.
`Lock pin 92 is matingly received for slidable movement
`into and out of cavity 98 (FIGS. 7 and 11—13). A graduated
`opening 115 having a narrow segment 117 and a wide
`segment 119 extends through the lock pin. Full assembly of
`the inventive tooth places the spring 94 in compression
`between bottom wall 111 and shoulder 121 defined in
`opening 115 to bias lock pin 92 in an outward direction.
`Lock pin 92 furthm' includes a head 120 with a broad arcuate
`face 122 for engaging the point 12. Face 12 is preferably
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 16
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2009 Page 16
`
`

`

`5,709,043
`
`7
`
`provided with a large radius of curvature to provide secure
`engagement with the point even as the point shifts up and
`down on the adapter nose 20 (FIGS. 11—13).
`Central screw 96 includes a threaded shank 123. a series
`of spaced apart collars 125—127. and a head 129 (FIGS. 7
`and 14). Shank 123 extends through opening 115 and is
`threadedly received in bore 113 of hub 109. A stop plate 133
`provided with a claw 135 engages screw 96 in a gap 137
`defined between outer collar 127 and middle collar 126
`(FIGS. 7 and 14-15). Stop plate 133 is seemed to the top
`face 139 of lock pin 92 by bolt 141 or other attachment
`means. An elastomeric ring 143 also lies in gap 137 between
`stop plate 133 and collar 126 (FIG. 7).
`To install point 12 on adapter 13. lock 14 is inserted into
`hole 103. Screw 96. accessible in notch 144 defined in head
`120. is rotated so that it moves into hub 109 and. because of
`the stop plate 133. drives lock pin 92 into casing 90 against
`the bias of spring 94. Rotation of screw 96 continues until
`head 120 is fully retracted into cavity 98. Point 12 can then
`be fit onto nose 20 of adapter 13.
`least one of the
`Point 12 includes a hole 145 in at
`sidewalls 147 (or altm'natively a converging top or bottom
`wall 38. 39) of the point along a generally transverse axis
`146 (FIGS. 3 and 4). A hole is preferably formed in both
`sidewalls so the point can be reversed for longer life;
`although. only one hole need be provided for securing the
`point to the adapter. Hole 145 ftn‘ther preferably has a
`generally D-shaped configuration. Hole 145 is provided with
`a bearing face 151 on its rear side to matingly engage face
`122 of head 120. Face 151 has a broad arcuate shape to
`better accommodate the rocking movement typically expe-
`rienced by a point mounted on an adapter during use. Face
`151 is inclined such that it converges toward the transverse
`axis 146 of hole 145 as it extends outward at about the same
`angle as face 122 (e.g.. 10°—30° degrees) so that it continues
`to be tightly engaged by the face 122 of head 120 irrespec-
`tive of the amount of wearing. Face 151 may be a single
`surface that converges toward the transverse axis of the hole
`as it extends outward. or face 151 may be a two-segmented
`surface which includes an inner segment that converges
`toward the transverse axis of the hole as it extends outward.
`and an outer segment that makes a smooth transition to a
`substantially parallel alignment to the transverse axis 146 to
`avoid unduly closing the hole (FIG. 4). In either event. the
`transversely converging portion of face 151 engages the
`bearing face of the lock pin for locking and tightening of the
`point onto the adapter.
`Once point 12 is mounted onto nose 20. screw 96 is
`rotated to move it out of casing 90 (FIG. 7). Movement of
`the screw 96 carries lock pin 92 in the same direction until
`face 122 is firmly engaged against bearing face 151 of hole
`145. As screw 96 continues to rotate it moves outward
`without
`lock pin 92 such that elastomeric ring 143 is
`squeezed between middle collar 126 and stop plate 133.
`Screw 96 is to be rotated until ring 143 creates firm
`resistance to any further turning. In this way, the strong force
`of spring 94 independently pushes on bearing face 151 to
`hold the point on the adapter. As the parts begin to wear,
`spring 94 can continue drive point 12 into a tight relationship
`with adapter 12 until ring 143 is completely expanded. At
`that point. abutment of stop plate 133 against collar 127
`prevents any further outward movement of the lock pin.
`Seals are provided throughout the lock to minimize the
`detrimental effect of soil fines (FIG. 7). In the preferred
`embodiment. a seal 159 is placed in gap 161 defined
`between collars 125. 126. A seal 163 is further provided
`
`8
`around lock pin 92 between its exterior surface and the inner
`surface 97 of casing 90. An elastomeric cap 165 is preferably
`fit over head 129 to prevent fines from packing into the
`recess adapted to receive a rotation tool (not shown). Finally.
`elastomen'c plug 116 is compressibly snap fit into the bottom
`of bore 113.
`
`To remove a worn point from the adapter, screw 96 is
`simply rotated into hub 109 until head 120 of lock pin 92 is
`fully retracted into cavity 98. If the lock is heavily worn.
`removal of the lock can then be assisted by disengaging the
`screw 96 from the pin 92. This is accomplished by first
`turning the screw to fully extend the pin. thereby removing
`all spring force acting within the lock assembly. This permits
`easy removal of the stop plate 133. Afterrernoval of the stop
`plate. the screw 96 is rotated into the assembly. free of the
`pin 92. This downward movement of the screw will cause its
`lower end 171 to push plug 116 out of bore 113 so that end
`171 presses against the bottom wall 173 of hole 103. Screw
`96 will then push casing 90 partially out of hole 103
`whereby it can be grasped and removed
`In an alternative embodiment. lock 175 can be used to
`secure point 12 to adapter 13 in much the same way as lock
`14 (FIGS. 16—20). More specifically. lock 175 includes a
`generally D-shaped casing 177. a lock pin 179. a piston 181
`and a spring 183. Lock 175 is adapted to be fit within hole
`103 in adapter 13. Casing 177 includes a cavity 185 for
`receiving lock pin 179. piston 181. and spring 183. A stop
`187 projects inward from casing 177 and is received in a slot
`189 defined in the exterior of lock pin 179 (FIG. 16). Stop
`187 functions to set the outward and inward limits of travel
`for lock pin 179 and to axially align the pin with the casing.
`Lock pin 179 is selectively moved into and out of cavity
`185 to engage and release point 12. Lock pi