US 6,430,851 B1
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(12) United States Patent
`
`Clendenning
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Aug. 13, 2002
`
`USOO6430851B1
`
`(54) HAMMERLESS ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY
`FOR A TWO-PART DIGGING TOOTH
`SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Charles Clendenning, Broken Arrow,
`OK (US)
`
`.
`(73) ASSignee: H&L Tooth C0-> Tulsa, OK (US)
`( * ) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. NO’: 09/829’722
`(22)
`Filed:
`Apr. 10, 2001
`
`7
`
`(51)
`
`Int: Cl:
`
`................................................... E02F 9/28
`
`(52) US. Cl.
`
`......................................................... 37/457
`
`(58) Field Of Search .......................... 37/452, 455, 456,
`37/457, 453, 446; 172/7011, 7013
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,337,495 A
`6,047,487 A
`6,052,927 A
`
`....................... 37/453
`8/1994 Pippins
`
`4/2000 Clendenning .
`..... 37/452
`4/2000 Pippins
`....................... 37/454
`
`Primary Examiner—Robert E. Pezzuto
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—John W. Harbst
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A hammerless attachment assembly for releasably maintain-
`ing an adapter and replaceable part or tool of a two-part
`digging system in operable combination relative to each
`other. The hammerless attachment assembly includes an
`insert nonrotatably fitted within a recess defined on a side of
`the adapter nose portion and a rotatable fastener having a
`headthportion atnd anf Externally tread? shank portion. A
`eng W156 por iono
`Ge)? en S. roug an opening. aVing
`a closed. margin defined in a side of the tool, .w1th the
`opening in the Side of the tool registering With the internally
`threaded bore in the insert when the tool is positioned on the
`adapter nose portion. The externally threaded shank portion
`of the fastener forms a threaded juncture with the internally
`threaded bore on the insert such that, in response to rotation
`of the fastener in a first direction, the insert is drawn toward
`and, ultimately,
`tightly clamped against an interior side
`surface of said blind cavity while remaining, at
`least
`partially, within the recess in the adapter thereby releasably
`maintaining the tool and adapter in operable combination
`relative to each other. Elastomeric material is disposed in
`operable combination with the rotatable fastener and the
`insert for inhibiting contaminants from adversely effecting
`the threaded juncture between the fastener and the insert
`thereby facilitating rotation of the fastener in a direction to
`effect release of the attachment assembly so as to allow
`repair/replacement of the replacement part of the two-part
`digging system.
`
`26 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 1
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 1
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 3
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 4
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 5
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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 6
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`US. Patent
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 7
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 7
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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 7 0f 9
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 8
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 8
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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 8 0f 9
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`US 6,430,851 B1
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 9
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 9
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 9 0f 9
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`US 6,430,851 B1
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 10
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 10
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`

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`US 6,430,851 B1
`
`1
`HAMMERLESS ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY
`FOR A TWO-PART DIGGING TOOTH
`SYSTEM
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention generally relates to a two-part
`The present
`digging tooth system and, more specifically, to a hammerless
`attachment assembly for releasably maintaining an adapter
`and a replacement part of a two-part tooth system in oper-
`able combination relative to each other.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Excavating equipment used in mining, construction and a
`myriad of other ground engaging operations typically
`includes a series of spaced apart ground engaging tools or
`teeth arranged in side-by-side relation across a bucket lip or
`blade. The digging teeth project forwardly and serve to
`break up material to be gathered into a bucket of such
`excavating equipment.
`The art recognized long ago the advantages to be gained
`by constructing each digging tooth as a two-part system.
`That is, the art recognized the advantages to be obtained by
`connecting a ground engaging tooth or tool to an adapter or
`support which, in turn, is connected to the bucket of exca-
`vating equipment. Typically, the adapter or support is pro-
`vided with a base portion which is configured for attachment
`to the forward lip or blade of a bucket and a free ended nose
`portion. The digging tool is typically provided with a blind
`cavity or pocket whereby allowing the tool to fit over and
`along the adapter nose portion. As will be appreciated by
`those skilled in the art, the size of the adapter and digging
`tooth vary depending upon the particular digging applica-
`tion. For example, a two-part digging tooth system can vary
`in weight between a few pounds, i.e., three to five pounds,
`to two-hundred pounds.
`During some digging operations, such teeth assemblies
`are subjected to highly abrasive conditions and, thus, expe-
`rience considerable and rapid wear. Unless the conjuncture
`between the component parts of the two-part system is
`properly fitted, wear problems, especially in the pocket or
`cavity of the replacement part and along the nose portion of
`the adapter, can result. Moreover, the relatively high forces
`developed during some digging operations furthermore add
`to the rapid wear of the component parts of the digging tooth
`assembly.
`In service, and although specific steps may be taken
`during fabrication of the digging teeth, a forward cutting
`edge of the replacement part sometimes quickly wears and
`become dull and, thus, inefficiencies in the digging operation
`develop thereby requiring replacement of such parts. As
`mentioned, the multipiece or two-part construction of such
`a tooth assembly advantageously allows the digging or
`excavating tooth to be replaced independent of the adapter.
`Depending upon conditions, a given adapter can be success-
`fully equipped with anywhere from five to thirty replace-
`ment digging teeth to maintain sharp penetrating edges. In
`the field, replacement of worn excavating or digging teeth is
`a common and sometimes a daily experience.
`It is well known in the industry to releasably interconnect
`the component parts of the two-component parts with an
`elongated retaining pin. Removing the replacement part
`from the digging system component parts, however,
`involves a tedious and often difficult task of pounding the
`retaining pin from registering apertures in the replacement
`part and the adapter. Removal of the retaining pin is typi-
`cally effected by using a large hammer to manually and
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`endwise force the retaining pin from the apertures in the
`digging tooth and adapter. Of course, with larger two-part
`digging systems, the retaining pins are proportionately sized
`larger thereby adding to the manual effort and, thus, increas-
`ing the time and effort involved to effect digging tooth
`replacement and/or repair. Problems involving the hammer
`missing the punch or other tool used to removably pound the
`retaining pin and hitting the hand of the operator are well
`known. Of course, similar problems exist when the retaining
`pin is again pounded into the apertures to effect reattachment
`of the replaceable part and the adapter. The availability of
`appropriate tools, i.e., hammers and punches, is a consistent
`and well known problem.
`Many two part digging systems arrange the retaining pin
`along a generally horizontal axis. As will be appreciated by
`those skilled in the art, with the digging systems being
`mounted in side-by-side relation relative to each other across
`the bucket lip, the horizontal disposition of the retainer pin
`for each digging system only adds to the time and effort
`required to initially remove the pin, whereby allowing for
`removal/repair of the worn/broken part of the digging sys-
`tem and, subsequently, reinsertion of the pin into the regis-
`tered apertures in the replacement part and adapter of the
`two-part system. Some operators utilize specially designed
`tools to facilitate removal of the horizontal pins. Of course,
`availability of such tools is another problem.
`It is also known to arrange the retaining pin in a generally
`vertical orientation. While advantageously enhancing access
`to the retaining pin, such retaining devices are more sus-
`ceptible to the forces applied thereto as a result of the
`generally vertical movements of the bucket during a
`digging/excavating operation. Moreover, with a vertically
`oriented pin system,
`the lower hole or aperture in the
`replacement part of the two-part digging system is more
`exposed—as compared to a horizontal pinning system—to
`the ground surface over which the digging implement or
`bucket moves during a digging operation.
`In any digging or excavating operation, contaminants
`including rocks, dust, dirt fines, moisture, and etc. further-
`more exacerbate removal of the retaining pin. During any
`digging or excavating operation, small rocks, stones, dirt,
`dirt fines, and dust quickly accumulate, fill, and pack into
`holes or apertures in the digging tooth and adapter. As will
`be appreciated, moisture readily and quickly moves between
`confronting surfaces formed at the conjuncture of the dig-
`ging tooth and adapter and passes toward the retaining pin.
`As is well known, the moisture corrodes and rusts on the
`surfaces of both the retainer pin and closed margins of the
`apertures in the digging tooth and adapter thereby adding to
`the problem of retaining pin removal. Moreover, such mois-
`ture often combines with the small rocks, stones, dirt, dirt
`fines, and dust already packed and filled into the apertures or
`holes of the component parts of the two-part tooth system,
`thereby adding to the considerable labor already involved
`with effecting tooth replacement.
`Using threaded devices for releasably interconnecting
`component parts of a two-part
`tooth system have been
`previously proposed. For example, US. Pat. Nos. 5,337,495
`and 6,052,927 to S. Pippins disclose an externally threaded
`tooth point bolt in combination with an insert for releasably
`maintaining a digging tooth and adapter in operable com-
`bination relative to each other. Like others before,
`the
`Pippins devices do not solve the problem of having con-
`taminants including small rocks, stones, dirt, dirt fines, dust,
`and moisture passing into the apertures and onto both
`internal and external threads of the interconnecting devices
`thereby resulting in clogging, oxidation and corrosion of the
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 11
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 11
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`US 6,430,851 B1
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`3
`mating surfaces. Of course, contamination of any mating
`threaded surfaces as by clogging, oxidation or rusting can
`only further add to the problems of disconnecting the related
`parts relative to each other when servicing of the worn part
`of the two-part system, is required. Moreover, the Pippins
`devices fail
`to disclose any means for inhibiting wear
`between the component parts of a two-part digging tooth
`system.
`there is a desire and a continuing need for a
`Thus,
`hammerless attachment assembly for releasably maintaining
`component parts of a two-part digging tooth system in
`operable combination relative to each other. There is also a
`continuing need and desire for a two-part
`tooth system
`having an attachment assembly which enhances the con-
`juncture between the component parts of the system thereby
`reducing wear between the parts.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the above, and in accordance with one aspect
`of the present invention, there is provided a hammerless
`attachment assembly for releasably maintaining component
`parts of a two-part digging tooth system in operable com-
`bination relative to each other. The component parts of the
`tooth system include an adapter having a nose portion with
`multiple sides and a ground engaging tool defining an open
`ended blind cavity or pocket for allowing the tool to fit over
`and along a length of the adapter nose portion.
`The hammerless attachment assembly of the present
`invention includes an insert nonrotatably fitted within a
`recess defined on a side of the nose portion of the adapter
`and a rotatable fastener having a head portion and an
`externally threaded shank portion. A lengthwise portion of
`the fastener extends through an opening having a closed
`margin defined in a side of the tool, with the opening in the
`side of said tool registering with the internally threaded bore
`in said insert when the tool is positioned on the nose portion
`of the adapter. To releasably fasten the tool and adapter in
`operable combination relative to each other, the externally
`threaded shank portion of the fastener forms a threaded
`juncture with the internally threaded bore on the insert such
`that, in response to rotation of the fastener in a first direction,
`the insert
`is drawn toward and, ultimately, moved into
`clamping relation with an interior side surface of said blind
`cavity while remaining, at least partially, within the recess in
`the adapter thereby releasably maintaining the tool and
`adapter in operable combination relative to each other.
`According to one aspect of the invention, elastomeric
`material is disposed in operable combination with the rotat-
`able fastener and the insert for inhibiting contaminants from
`adversely effecting the threaded juncture between the fas-
`tener and the insert. As will be appreciated by those skilled
`in the art, inhibiting contaminants from adversely effecting
`the threaded juncture between the fastener and the insert will
`facilitate rotation of the fastener in a direction opposed to
`said first direction when the tool is to be released from
`
`operable combination with the adapter.
`In one form, the elastomeric material extends along the
`entire lengthwise section of the externally threaded shank
`portion of the fastener extending through the insert. In
`another form, elastomeric material is configured as part of
`the insert and defines the internally threaded bore for the
`insert. In this form, the elastomeric material has an exterior
`configuration which inhibits separation of the elastomeric
`material from the insert as the insert is drawn toward and
`
`ultimately moved into clamping relation with the interior
`side surface of said blind cavity defined by the tool.
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`The insert preferably includes inner and outer surfaces.
`The insert’s inner surface faces the adapter and the outer
`surface of the insert is arranged adjacent the interior side
`surface of the blind cavity after the fastener is rotated to
`draw the insert
`into clamping relationship therewith.
`Alternatively, the insert can embody a two-piece construc-
`tion with a first piece or part defining the internally threaded
`bore and the second part or piece being arranged in operable
`engagement with the first part when the insert is inserted into
`the recess in the side surface of the adapter. According to still
`another aspect of the invention, the insert is formed from a
`non-ferrous material. Accordingly, moisture passing
`between the parts of the digging system will have limited, if
`any, adverse effect on the threaded juncture established
`between the insert and the threaded fastener.
`
`In yet another embodiment, and in response to the insert
`being clamped against
`the interior surface of the tooth
`cavity, elastomeric material is squeezed between insert and
`the interior surface of the tooth cavity. In this form, elasto-
`meric material furthermore extends, at least partially, into
`operable surrounding relation with the externally threaded
`shank portion of said fastener thereby inhibiting contami-
`nants from getting through to the threaded juncture between
`the fastener and the insert. As such, the threaded juncture is
`sealed against contaminants interfering with proper and
`efficient operation between the fastener and insert of the
`retainer assembly.
`As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the nose
`portion of the adapter and the blind cavity or pocket defined
`by the tool have complimentary cross-sections. In a pre-
`ferred form, at least a top surface of the nose portion of the
`adapter is configured with two angled sides disposed on
`opposed lateral sides of a longitudinal centerline of the
`adapter. Similarly, the blind cavity defined by the tool opens
`to a rear end of the tool and includes a top surface having
`two angled sides disposed on opposed lateral sides of the
`longitudinal centerline of the tool and are complimentary
`relative to the angle sides on the top surface of the adapter.
`The angled configuration of the sides on the nose portion
`of the adapter and tool cavity provide advantages over other
`cross-sectional configurations at the conjuncture between
`the tool and adapter. For example, the angled sides on the
`adapter and cavity advantageously provide a larger bearing
`surface at the conjuncture between the adapter and tool than
`is offered by horizontally configured surfaces. Of course, a
`larger bearing surface yields enhanced load distribution of
`the forces imparted to those surfaces. Moreover, the angled
`side configuration on the adapter and cavity advantageously
`provide a self-centering effect at the conjuncture between
`the tool and the adapter.
`In this regard, both the insert accommodating recess in the
`side of the adapter and the insert are preferably configured
`to enhance the self-centering effect between the tool and the
`adapter on which it is mounted. More specifically, the recess
`defined in the side of the adapter and the insert are preferably
`configured with complimentary surfaces which cooperate
`relative to each other to enhance the self-centering effect at
`the conjuncture between the tool and adapter. Moreover,
`when the top surface of the adapter is configured with angled
`sides, the open top insert accommodating recess in the side
`of the adapter defines an axis extending generally normal to
`the side surface of the adapter to which the recess opens.
`Another aspect of the present invention relates to the
`ability of the attachment assembly to enhance the conjunc-
`ture between the adapter and tool by urging to the tool onto
`the nose portion of the adapter in response to the fastener
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 12
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`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 12
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`US 6,430,851 B1
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`5
`being rotated in a direction to tighten the clamping relation-
`ship of the insert against the interior surface of the blind
`cavity defined by the tool. To effect such ends, the rotatable
`fastener of the attachment assembly includes a portion for
`engaging a closed margin of the opening in the side of the
`replacement part
`through which the fastener extends.
`Moreover, the insert and the insert accommodating recess on
`the nose portion of the adapter define confronting surfaces
`which cooperate relative to each other as the insert is drawn
`toward the interior surface of the cavity, in response to
`rotation of the fastener. The confronting surfaces cause the
`insert and, ultimately, the replacement part to move rearward
`in a direction extending generally parallel to the longitudinal
`aXis of the adapter thereby enhancing the tightness of the
`conjuncture between the interior surfaces of the blind cavity
`and the nose portion of the adapter.
`Aprimary object of the present invention is to provide an
`improved attachment assembly for releasably maintaining a
`replacement part and an adapter of a two-part digging
`system in operable combination relative to each other.
`A further object of the present invention is to provide a
`hammerless attachment assembly for a two-part digging
`system including a replacement part and an adapter and
`which offers enhanced ease of repair/replacement of the
`replacement part, when required, during a digging operation.
`Another object of the present invention involves provid-
`ing a hammerless attachment assembly for a two-part dig-
`ging system including a replacement part and an adapter and
`wherein the two-parts of the digging system are maintained
`in operable combination relative to each other through a
`fastener forming a threaded juncture with an insert arranged
`in a recess on the adapter and wherein elastomeric material
`inhibits contaminants, inherent with digging environments,
`from adversely effecting the threaded juncture thereby pro-
`moting release of the fastener from the insert, when
`required, and, thus, enhancing replacement of worn parts of
`the two-part digging system.
`Still another object of the present invention is to provide
`a hammerless attachment assembly for releasably maintain-
`ing a replacement part and an adapter of a two-part digging
`system in operable combination relative to each other and
`wherein the attachment assembly includes a rotatable fas-
`tener which enhances the conjuncture between the replace-
`ment part and the adapter in response to rotation of the
`fastener in a direction to releasably fasten the replacement
`part to the adapter.
`These and other numerous objects, aims, and advantages
`of the present invention will become readily apparent from
`the following detailed description, drawings, and appended
`claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one form of two-part digging
`system embodying features of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the two-part digging
`system shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the two-part digging
`system illustrated in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a top plan view of one form of adapter to which
`principals of the present invention would apply;
`FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the adapter illustrated
`in FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adapter illustrated in
`FIG. 4;
`FIG. 7 is a top plan view of one form of replacement part
`or tool forming part of the two-part digging system to which
`principals of the present invention apply;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the replacement part
`illustrated in FIG. 7;
`FIG. 9 is a rear end view of the replacement part illus-
`trated in FIG. 7;
`FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10—10 of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one form of insert
`forming part of the attachment assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the insert illustrated in FIG.
`11;
`FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the insert illustrated
`in FIG. 11;
`FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken along line 14—14 of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but showing the insert
`arranged in clamping relation relative to an interior surface
`of a blind cavity defined by the tool or replaceable part of the
`two-part digging system;
`FIG. 16 is an enlarged, partially sectioned, view similar to
`FIGS. 14 and 15 but showing another alternative form of
`insert forming part of the attachment assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of still another alternative
`form of insert forming part of the attachment assembly of the
`present invention;
`FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of yet another form of insert
`forming part of the attachment assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 but showing the insert
`arranged in clamping relation relative to an interior surface
`of a blind cavity defined by the tool or replaceable part;
`FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of another form of insert
`forming part of the attachment assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but showing the insert
`arranged in clamping relation relative to an interior surface
`of a blind cavity defined by the tool or replaceable part;
`FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of still another form of insert
`forming part of the attachment assembly of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 but showing the insert
`arranged in clamping relation relative to an interior surface
`of a blind cavity defined by the tool or replaceable part;
`FIG. 24 is an enlarged, partially sectioned, view of yet
`another form of insert forming part of the attachment
`assembly of the present invention;
`FIG. 25 is an enlarged plan view of another configuration
`for one end of the insert and the recess in the adapter which
`accommodates the insert;
`FIG. 26 is an enlarged plan view of another configuration
`for one end of the insert and the recess in the adapter which
`accommodates the insert;
`FIG. 27 is enlarged, partially sectioned, view showing
`cooperating surfaces on the insert and the adapter for
`advantageously enhancing the conjuncture between the
`adapter and replacement part of the two-part digging system
`in response to the attachment assembly of the present
`invention being utilized to maintain the adapter and tool or
`replacement part of the two-part digging system in operable
`combination relative to each other; and
`FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 but showing the insert
`of the attachment assembly in clamping relation relative to
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO |PR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 13
`
`Caterpillar v. ESCO IPR2015-00409
`ESCO Exhibit 2018 Page 13
`
`

`

`US 6,430,851 B1
`
`7
`an interior surface of a blind cavity defined by the replace-
`ment part or tool of the two-part digging system.
`
`Detailed Description of the Present Invention
`
`While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment
`in multiple forms, there are shown in the drawings and will
`hereinafter be described various preferred embodiments of
`the present invention with the understanding the present
`disclosure is to be considered as setting forth exemplifica-
`tions of the invention which are not intended to limit the
`
`invention to the specific embodiments illustrated and
`described.
`
`Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
`numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,
`there is shown in FIG. 1 a two-part digging system 10
`including a support 12 and a replaceable part 14. In the
`illustrated embodiment, the replaceable part 14 of the dig-
`ging system 10 is shown as a digging tooth. It should be
`appreciated, however,
`the replaceable part 14 can take a
`myriad of different designs other than a tooth, i.e., a ripper,
`etc.
`
`Although only a single ground engaging tooth assembly
`10 is shown in FIG. 1 attached to excavating equipment 16,
`such as a forward lip 18 of an excavating bucket or the like
`20, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that on a
`typical piece of excavating or digging equipment, a plurality
`of two-part digging systems, substantially identical to that
`illustrated in FIG. 1, extend forwardly from the bucket lip or
`blade 18 in a ground engaging orientation. Moreover, it
`should be appreciated that the bucket or shovel 20 to which
`the two-part system 10 is attached moves both vertically and
`horizontally during a digging operation.
`the
`As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4,
`adapter or support 12 has an elongated free ended configu-
`ration defining a longitudinal centerline 22. The adapter or
`support 12 includes a conventional base portion 24 and
`axially aligned and elongated nose portion 26 extending
`forwardly from the base portion 24. The base portion 24 is
`configured for suitable attachment to the ground engaging
`apparatus or bucket 20. As is conventional, the replaceable
`part or tooth 14 fits endwise along and about the nose portion
`26 of the adapter 12. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter
`12 is formed as a result of a forging operation thereby adding
`strength and rigidity to the adapter 12.
`Although a specifically configured nose portion 26 for the
`adapter 12 is illustrated in the drawings and will hereinafter
`be described, it should be appreciated the principals of the
`present invention equally apply to adapters which are con-
`figured other than that
`illustrated in the drawings and
`hereinafter described. In the preferred form, the nose portion
`26 of the adapter 12 has a forwardly tapering configuration
`including angularly converging top and bottom exterior
`surfaces 30 and 40,
`respectively.
`In the illustrated
`embodiment,
`the top and bottom surfaces 30 and 40,
`respectively, are disposed to opposed vertical sides of the
`longitudinal centerline 22 of the adapter 12. In a most
`preferred embodiment, the top and bottom exterior surfaces
`30, 40, respectively, are each provided with stabilizing lands
`32 and 42 preferably arranged at the foremost end of the
`adapter 12.
`In the embodiment illustrated for exemplary purposes, the
`conjuncture between the adapter 12 and replaceable part 14
`has been configured to provide and effect advantageous
`results during operation of the two-part digging system 10.
`More specifically, the adapter 12 and replaceable part 14 are
`configured to enhance the surface area contact at the con-
`
`8
`juncture between the adapter 12 and replaceable part 14.
`Moreover,
`the conjuncture between the adapter 12 and
`replaceable tool 14 is preferably configured to promote a
`self-centering effect of the replaceable part 14 on and along
`the nose portion 26 of the adapter 12.
`As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the exterior top surface 30 of
`the adapter nose portion 26 is preferably provided with two
`angled sides 34 and 36 arranged on opposite lateral sides of
`the longitudinal centerline 22 of the adapter 12. Each side
`34, 36 of top surface 30 preferably has a generally planar
`configuration extending downwardly at an angle ranging
`between about 30° and about 70° relative to a horizontal
`
`plane. In a preferred embodiment, each side 34, 36 of the top
`surface 30 angles downwardly at an angle of about 50°
`relative to a horizontal plane. Moreover, the angled sides 34,
`36 are preferably joined to each other along a common top
`edge 35 extending forwardly from a rear portion and for a
`major length of the adapter 12. In a most preferred form, the
`common top edge 35 has a radiused configuration.
`In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior bottom surface
`40 of the adapter 12 is provided with two angled sides 44 and
`46 arranged on opposite lateral sides of the longitudinal
`centerline 22 of the adapter 12. The sides 44, 46 are
`preferably planar in configuration. When considered with
`the angled sides 34, 36 of the exterior top surface 30, the
`upwardly angled sides 44, 46 of the bottom surface 40
`preferably provide a major lengthwise section of the nose
`portion 26 of the adapter 12 wi