U.S. patent application number 11/458693 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for replacement part assembly.
Invention is credited to John Gibbins.
Application Number | 20060255653 11/458693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38157596 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060255653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gibbins; John |
November 16, 2006 |
Replacement Part Assembly
Abstract
The present invention relates to a replacement part assembly for
use in machinery. The replacement part assembly includes a
replacement part for operative engagement with a fixed part. A
resilient fastener is also provided which defines an apex to
facilitate the operative engagement of the replacement part with
the fixed part. In one embodiment, one or both of the replacement
part and the fixed part define a cradle for receiving the apex of
the resilient fastener.
Inventors: |
Gibbins; John; (Elanora,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN ALEXANDER GALBREATH
2516 CHESTNUT WOODS CT
REISTERSTOWN
MD
21136
US
|
Family ID: |
38157596 |
Appl. No.: |
11/458693 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10506351 |
Sep 2, 2004 |
|
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11458693 |
Jul 20, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
301/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2841 20130101;
E02F 9/2883 20130101; B60B 15/025 20130101; E02D 3/026
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/043 |
International
Class: |
B60B 15/02 20060101
B60B015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 2005 |
AU |
2005237129 |
Claims
1. A replacement part assembly for use in machinery, the
replacement part assembly comprising: a replacement part for
operative engagement with a fixed part; and a resilient fastener
defining an apex to facilitate the operative engagement of the
replacement part with the fixed part, at least one of the
replacement part and the fixed part defining a cradle for receiving
the apex of the resilient fastener.
2. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein one
or both of the replacement part and the fixed part define a cradle
for receiving the apex of the resilient fastener.
3. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein an
intermediate component defines another cradle for receiving the
resilient fastener.
4. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, further
including a sacrificial part that is receivable between the
replacement part and the fixed part.
5. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
replacement part is a cleat for fastening to a compactor wheel.
6. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
cleat includes a tip for engaging the ground and a tail for
extending through an opening in the compactor wheel.
7. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
replacement part is a tooth and/or adaptor for the bucket of an
earth moving, quarrying or mining machine.
8. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
tooth and/or adaptor includes a pair of arms.
9. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein a
leading edge of the bucket is receivable between the arms.
10. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein each
arm defines an aperture for receiving the resilient fastener.
11. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
leading edge of the bucket also defines an aperture so that the
apertures in the arms can be aligned with the aperture in the
leading edge.
12. A replacement part assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
replacement part is a spacer for spacing adjacent teeth of the
bucket.
13. A compactor wheel assembly comprising: a compactor wheel; a
cleat that can be operatively engaged with the compactor wheel and
defining a cradle; and a resilient fastener that defines an apex
and that can be engaged in the cradle to fasten the cleat with
respect to the compactor wheel.
14. A compactor wheel assembly as claimed in claim 13, further
including a sacrificial part which can be located between the
compactor wheel and the cleat upon fastening.
15. A compactor wheel assembly comprising: a compactor wheel; an
adaptor that can be fastened to the compactor wheel; a cleat that
can be engaged with the adaptor; and a resilient fastener that
defines an apex and that can be engaged with the adaptor and the
cleat to fasten the cleat to the compactor wheel.
16. A compactor wheel assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
adaptor includes: a body for being received in the cleat; and a
pair of resilient legs which extend from the body and for extending
through the compactor wheel, each leg defining a trough for
retaining the adaptor in engagement with the compactor wheel.
17. A compactor wheel assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
adaptor further includes a guide located between the legs and for
guiding the resilient fastener during fastening.
18. A bucket assembly for earth moving equipment, the bucket
assembly comprising: a bucket in which earth to be moved can be
provided; one or more cleats that can be engaged with the bucket
and each defining a cradle; and one or more resilient fasteners
that each define an apex and that can each be engaged in a
respective cradle to fasten the cleats to the compactor wheel.
19. A bucket assembly as claimed in claim 18, further including one
or more spacers that can each be engaged with the bucket between a
respective pair of cleats.
20. A bucket assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein each spacer
defines another cradle, the bucket assembly further including one
or more other resilient fasteners that can each be engaged in a
respective one of the other cradles to fasten the spacers to the
compactor wheel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/506,351, filed on Sep. 2, 2004 and
entitled "Compaction Wheel and Cleat Assembly Therefor", and hereby
claims priority from and the benefit of that patent
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to compaction
wheels. In particular, the invention relates to compaction wheels
of the type which include a rim and a plurality of cleats secured
thereto.
[0003] The invention will be described by way of example with
reference to compaction wheels for landfill and soil compactors.
However, it should be appreciated that this is by way of example
only and that the invention may be used in conjunction with other
types of compaction wheels.
[0004] The present invention also relates to a replacement part
assembly which is suitable for use with machinery having
replaceable parts. The present invention has particular, although
not exclusive, application in heavy industry such as the
construction, earth moving, mining, and agricultural
industries.
BACKGROUND
[0005] Industrial machinery parts are prone to wear over time. It
is then necessary to replace the worn parts to keep the machinery
operating in optimum condition.
[0006] As a case in point, excavation machines such as back hoes
include a bucket to which a plurality of digging teeth is fastened.
The teeth are either fastened directly or with an adaptor. In use,
a great deal of pressure is exerted on the teeth, as well as the
fastening arrangement which holds them to the bucket. The teeth and
the fastening arrangement become fatigued over time which may cause
the teeth or the adaptors which hold them in place to loosen, fall
off or break. Undesirably, the teeth may become dislodged from the
bucket.
[0007] The teeth are usually replaceable and are typically welded,
bolted or pinned to the bucket or an adaptor. Any lost, worn or
broken teeth may be replaced by unbolting the broken tooth and
reattaching the new tooth using the same bolts. This process can be
quite expensive and time-consuming, and may be further complicated
if the fastened parts are rusted, seized or welded.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved arrangement for replacing machinery parts.
Definitions
[0009] In this specification, the phrase "replacement part" and
derivatives thereof is to be understood as meaning a part of
industrial machinery that is generally replaced after a certain
amount of work done by that part. Conversely, the phrase "fixed
part" and derivatives thereof is to be understood as meaning a part
of industrial machinery that is usually only replaced or discarded
if it has been damaged and is intended to have at least an
undefined lifetime.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a replacement part assembly for use in machinery, the
replacement part assembly including: [0011] a replacement part for
operative engagement with a fixed part; and [0012] a resilient
fastener defining an apex to facilitate the operative engagement of
the replacement part with the fixed part.
[0013] One or both of the replacement part and the fixed part may
define a cradle for receiving the apex of the resilient fastener.
Furthermore, an intermediate component may define the cradle.
[0014] In one embodiment, the apex may include an arcuate surface.
Alternatively, the apex may be pointed.
[0015] The replacement part assembly may further include a
sacrificial part that is receivable between the replacement part
and the fixed part.
[0016] The resilient fastener may be formed from a spring plate.
The resilient fastener may be generally sinusoidal in shape. The
resilient fastener may be formed so that the apex is a peak or
trough and is interposed between a pair of partially truncated
peaks or troughs that define a pair of arcuate feet located on
either side of the apex. It will be appreciated that this greatly
facilitates fabrication in that the spring plate can be easily cut
from larger profile stamped spring steel sheets having a sinusoidal
profile.
[0017] In a first embodiment, the replacement part may be a cleat
for fastening to a compactor wheel. The cleat may include a tip for
engaging the ground and a tail for extending through an opening in
the compactor wheel. The tail may define a passage into which the
fastener is inserted in use. A cradle may be defined in the passage
to engage the apex of the fastener and thus retain the fastener in
the passage. The tail may include a pair of parallel arms which
define the passage or, alternatively, may be a unitary
structure.
[0018] The sacrificial part may include a sleeve that extends at
least partially through the opening of the compactor wheel. The
tail may pass through the sleeve. The sacrificial part may include
a plate having an aperture. The sleeve may be a lip which extends
from a periphery of the aperture. The plate may define a channel
for receiving the resilient fastener.
[0019] The sacrificial part may be of a softer material than the
wheel. Thus, the lip can wear instead of the opening of the
compactor wheel becoming enlarged as a result of movement of the
replacement part.
[0020] In a second embodiment, the fixed part may be a blade
holder, cutter holder or moldboard for earth moving equipment, such
as a bulldozer scraper, grader, excavator or back hoe. The
replacement part may be a blade that is fastenable to the blade
holder, cutter holder or moldboard. Thus, the replacement part
assembly may further include a fastener having a head that bears
against the blade and a shank that extends through complementary
openings in the blade and the blade holder, cutter holder or
moldboard. The shank may include a tail which defines the
cradle.
[0021] The sacrificial part may include a sleeve that extends
through the blade holder, cutter holder or moldboard. A base plate
may be positioned on an inner end of the sleeve. The base plate may
be interposed between the fastener and the blade holder, cutter
holder or moldboard, in use. The sleeve functions in the same
manner as the lip of the previous embodiment.
[0022] In a third embodiment, the replacement part may be a tooth
and/or an adaptor for the bucket (i.e. scoop) of an earth moving,
quarrying or mining machine. The tooth may include a pair of arms.
A leading edge of the bucket may be receivable between the arms.
Each arm may define an aperture for receiving the resilient
fastener. The leading edge of the bucket may also define an
aperture so that the apertures in the arms can be aligned with the
aperture in the leading edge. Thus, the leading edge of the bucket
may be provided with a series of apertures to correspond with the
apertures in a series of teeth to be fastened to the leading edge
of the bucket. Each arm may further define another aperture for
receiving another resilient fastener. In this case, the leading
edge of the bucket may define a series of aligned pairs of
apertures.
[0023] In a fourth embodiment, the replacement part may be a spacer
for spacing adjacent teeth of the bucket. The spacers may be
fastened to the leading edge of the bucket in the same way as the
teeth as described above. Alternatively, the replacement part may
be a wear guard or cutting edge protector.
[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a resilient fastener, the fastener being formed from a
spring plate and including an arcuate or pointed apex.
[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a cleat for a compactor wheel, the cleat including:
[0026] a tip for engaging the ground; and [0027] a tail for
extending through the compactor wheel and which defines a cradle
for receiving the arcuate surface of a fastener.
[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a tooth for the bucket of an excavator, the tooth
including a pair of arms for receiving a leading edge of the bucket
and each arm defining an aperture for receiving a resilient
fastener.
[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a spacer for spacing adjacent teeth of an earth moving
machine bucket, the spacer including a pair of arms for receiving a
leading edge of the bucket and each arm defining an aperture for
receiving a resilient fastener.
[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a sacrificial plate for a replacement part assembly,
the sacrificial plate including a sleeve for receiving a
replacement part, the sacrificial plate defining a channel for
receiving a plate spring fastener.
[0031] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is
provided a tool for fitting the fastener of the previous aspects of
the invention, the tool including [0032] a body that defines
proximal and distal portions that are spaced from each other, the
distal portion defining an opening in which the fastener can be
received; and [0033] a displacement mechanism engaged with the
proximal portion, configured to bear against the fastener and
operable to drive the fastener into engagement with the fixed and
replacement parts.
[0034] The displacement mechanism may include a power screw
threaded through the proximal arm and a bearing member mounted on a
distal end of the power screw. The bearing member may be shaped
securely to engage the fastener.
[0035] A proximal end of the power screw may be configured to
engage a suitable apparatus such as an impact wrench or air
chisel.
[0036] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is
provided a compactor wheel assembly, the compactor wheel assembly
including: [0037] a compactor wheel; [0038] an adaptor that can be
fastened to the compactor wheel; [0039] a cleat that can be engaged
with the adaptor; and [0040] a resilient fastener that defines an
apex and that can be engaged with the adaptor and the cleat to
fasten the cleat to the compactor wheel.
[0041] The adaptor may include: [0042] a body for being received in
the cleat; and [0043] a pair of resilient legs which extend from
the body and for extending through the compactor wheel, each leg
defining a trough for retaining the adaptor in engagement with the
compactor wheel.
[0044] The adaptor may further include a guide located between the
legs and for guiding the resilient fastener during fastening. The
guide may include a pair of opposed ledges along which the fastener
can slide. Alternatively, the guide may include a shelf along which
the fastener can slide.
[0045] The adaptor may be generally tapered in shape. The adaptor
and cleat may be shaped so as to form a complementary fit.
[0046] The cleat may define a recess in which the adaptor can be
received and may include a pair of flanks which each define an
aperture for receiving the fastener.
[0047] The fastener may be held in compression between the cleat
and the adaptor. The fastener may be located outside the compactor
wheel.
[0048] In one embodiment, the compactor wheel assembly may include
one or more welds which fasten the adaptor to the compactor
wheel.
[0049] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is
provided an adaptor for fastening a cleat to a compactor wheel, the
adaptor including [0050] a body for being received in the cleat;
and [0051] a pair of resilient legs which extend from the body and
for extending through the compactor wheel, each leg defining a
trough for retaining the adaptor in engagement with the compactor
wheel.
[0052] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is
provided a cleat for engaging with an adaptor and a fastener so as
to be fastened with respect to a compactor wheel, the cleat
defining a recess in which the adaptor can be received and
including a pair of flanks which each define an aperture for
receiving the fastener.
[0053] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention
there is provided a compaction wheel for landfill compactors, the
compaction wheel including a rim and a plurality of cleats secured
thereto with a plurality of spring clips, the rim including an
exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of
cleat-receiving apertures extending therethrough between the
exterior and interior surfaces, each of the cleats including a
ground-engaging portion, a lug portion extending from the
ground-engaging portion, and a clip-receiving aperture extending
through the lug portion, each of the cleats being mountable on the
rim such that the ground-engaging portions project from the
exterior surface of the rim while the lug portions extend through
the cleat-receiving apertures of the rim so that the clip-receiving
apertures are situated adjacent the interior surface of the rim and
lateral movement of the cleats relative to the rim is inhibited,
the spring clips being adapted to secure the mounted cleats to the
rim by engaging with the clip-receiving apertures and interacting
with the rim and cleats such that the ground-engaging portions of
the cleats are pulled towards the rim.
[0054] Preferably, the spring clips contact the interior surface of
the rim.
[0055] The compaction wheel may include a plurality of sleeves each
lining a respective cleat-receiving aperture. Also, each sleeve may
include a flange portion abutting against the interior surface of
the rim and a portion of a respective spring clip such that the
spring clips force the sleeves and ground-engaging portions of the
cleats towards each other. The sleeves may also be tack-welded to
the rim.
[0056] The clip-receiving apertures may include chamfered or
rounded edges defining the openings thereof.
[0057] In a preferred form, the lug portion of each cleat has a
single clip-receiving aperture extending therethrough.
Alternatively, the lug portion of each cleat may have a plurality
of clip-receiving apertures extending therethrough.
[0058] Preferably, the spring clips are generally U-shaped and
include a pair of arms which extend through respective
clip-receiving apertures of the cleats. The spring clips may be
adapted to extend through only a single clip-receiving aperture of
the cleats.
[0059] The cleats may be mounted on the rim such that they extend
in a plurality of substantially straight lines on the exterior
surface of the rim. Alternatively, the cleats may be mounted on the
rim such that they form a plurality of chevron or helix patterns on
the exterior surface of the rim.
[0060] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a cleat assembly for compaction wheels of the type
which are used on landfill compactors and which include a rim
including an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a
cleat-receiving aperture extending therethrough between the
exterior and interior surfaces, the cleat assembly including a
cleat and a spring clip for securing the cleat to the rim, the
cleat including a ground-engaging portion, a lug portion extending
from the ground-engaging portion, and a clip-receiving aperture
extending through the lug portion, the cleat being mountable on the
rim such that the ground-engaging portion projects from the
exterior surface of the rim while the lug portion extends through
the cleat-receiving aperture of the rim so that the clip-receiving
aperture is situated adjacent the interior surface of the rim and
lateral movement of the cleat relative to the rim is inhibited, the
spring clip being adapted to secure the mounted cleat to the rim by
engaging with the clip-receiving aperture and interacting with the
rim and the cleat such that the ground-engaging portion of the
cleat is pulled towards the rim.
[0061] The cleat assembly may include a sleeve for lining the
cleat-receiving aperture. The sleeve may include a flange portion
for abutting against the interior surface of the rim and a portion
of the spring clip such that the spring clip forces the sleeve and
ground-engaging portion of the cleat towards each other.
[0062] The clip-receiving aperture may include chamfered or rounded
edges defining the openings thereof.
[0063] In a preferred form, the lug portion of the cleat has a
single clip-receiving aperture extending therethrough.
Alternatively, the lug portion of the cleat may have a plurality of
clip-receiving apertures extending therethrough.
[0064] Preferably, the spring clip is generally U-shaped and
includes a pair of arms which are adapted to extend through
respective clip-receiving apertures of the cleat. The spring clip
may be adapted to extend through only a single clip-receiving
aperture of the cleat.
[0065] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a replacement part assembly for use in machinery,
the replacement part assembly comprising: [0066] a replacement part
for operative engagement with a fixed part; and [0067] a resilient
fastener defining an apex to facilitate the operative engagement of
the replacement part with the fixed part, at least one of the
replacement part and the fixed part defining a cradle for receiving
the apex of the resilient fastener.
[0068] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a compactor wheel assembly including: [0069] a
compactor wheel; [0070] a cleat that can be operatively engaged
with the compactor wheel and defining a cradle; and [0071] a
resilient fastener that defines an apex and that can be engaged in
the cradle to fasten the cleat with respect to the compactor
wheel.
[0072] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a compactor wheel assembly including: [0073] a
compactor wheel; [0074] an adaptor that can be fastened to the
compactor wheel; [0075] a cleat that can be engaged with the
adaptor; and [0076] a resilient fastener that defines an apex and
that can be engaged with the adaptor and the cleat to fasten the
cleat to the compactor wheel.
[0077] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a bucket assembly for earth moving equipment, the
bucket assembly including: [0078] a bucket in which earth to be
moved can be provided; [0079] one or more cleats that can be
engaged with the bucket and each defining a cradle; and [0080] one
or more resilient fasteners that each define an apex and that can
each be engaged in a respective cradle to fasten the cleats to the
compactor wheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the
invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description
which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art
to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be
regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the
Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference
to a number of drawings as follows:
[0082] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a compactor wheel assembly
which includes a replacement part assembly in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a cleat of the replacement
part assembly of FIG. 1.
[0084] FIG. 2b is an end view of an alternative type of cleat for
use with the compactor assembly of FIG. 1.
[0085] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sacrificial part of the
replacement part assembly of FIG. 1.
[0086] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
fastener suitable for the replacement part assembly of FIG. 1.
[0087] FIG. 4b is a side view of the fastener.
[0088] FIG. 4c is a front view of the fastener.
[0089] FIG. 4d is a plan view of the fastener.
[0090] FIG. 5a is a side sectional view of a compactor wheel
assembly using the cleat of FIG. 2b, prior to the fastener being
received in a cradle of the cleat.
[0091] FIG. 5b is a side view of the compactor wheel assembly of
FIG. 5a, showing the fastener on the verge of being received within
the cradle.
[0092] FIG. 5c is a side view of the compactor wheel assembly of
FIG. 5a, showing the fastener received within the cradle.
[0093] FIG. 6a is a side sectional view of a grader blade assembly
which includes a replacement part assembly in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 6b is a bottom plan view of FIG. 6a.
[0095] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a compactor wheel for
use with the replacement part assembly of the invention.
[0096] FIG. 8 is a side view of the compactor wheel of FIG. 7.
[0097] FIG. 9 is a front view of the compactor wheel of FIG. 7.
[0098] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an excavator bucket
assembly which includes a replacement part assembly in accordance
with a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] FIG. 11 is a detailed side sectioned view of part of the
excavator bucket assembly of FIG. 10.
[0100] FIG. 12 is a side sectioned view of a spacer of a
replacement part assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of
the present invention fastened to the bucket of the bucket assembly
of FIG. 10.
[0101] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional view of a tool for fitting
the fastener of FIGS. 4a to 4d to the compactor wheel of FIG.
7.
[0102] FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional view of a tool for fitting
the fastener of FIGS. 4a to 4d to the bucket of FIG. 12.
[0103] FIG. 15 shows two possible apparatus for operating the tools
of FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0104] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an unassembled compactor
assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0105] FIGS. 17a-17d show the sequential steps involved with
assembling the compactor assembly of FIG. 16.
[0106] FIG. 18a is an end sectional view of the assembled compactor
assembly of FIG. 16.
[0107] FIG. 18b is a side sectional view of the assembled compactor
assembly of FIG. 16.
[0108] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an unassembled compactor
assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment which includes an
adaptor having a pair of guide ledges.
[0109] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an unassembled compactor
assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment which includes an
adaptor having a guide shelf.
[0110] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an unassembled compactor
assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment which includes a
plurality of welds that engage an adaptor with a compactor
wheel.
[0111] FIG. 22a is an end sectional view of the assembled compactor
assembly of FIG. 21.
[0112] FIG. 22b is a side sectional view of the assembled compactor
assembly of FIG. 21.
[0113] FIG. 22c is a top perspective view of an unassembled
compactor assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment which
includes an adaptor having a pair of enlarged feet.
[0114] FIG. 22d is a bottom perspective view of the partially
assembled compactor assembly of FIG. 22c.
[0115] FIG. 23 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a
fastener, in accordance with the invention, suitable for the
compactor wheel assembly of FIG. 1, or the excavator bucket
assembly of FIG. 10.
[0116] FIG. 24 is a three-dimensional view of the fastener of FIG.
23.
[0117] FIG. 25 is a front view of the fastener of FIG. 23.
[0118] FIG. 26 is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 23.
[0119] FIG. 27 is a plan view of yet a further embodiment of a
fastener, in accordance with the invention, suitable for the
compactor wheel assembly of FIG. 1, or the excavator bucket
assembly of FIG. 10.
[0120] FIG. 28 is a three-dimensional view of the fastener of FIG.
27.
[0121] FIG. 29 is a front view of the fastener of FIG. 27.
[0122] FIG. 30 is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 27.
[0123] FIG. 31 is a partial sectional end elevation of a first
portion of a compaction wheel according to a sixth embodiment of
the present invention which includes a first type of cleat mounted
on a rim.
[0124] FIG. 32 is a partial sectional side elevation of the portion
of the compaction wheel illustrated in FIG. 31 which includes a
spring clip securing the cleat to the rim.
[0125] FIG. 33 is a partial sectional end elevation of a second
portion of the sixth embodiment of the compaction wheel which
includes a further type of cleat mounted on the rim.
[0126] FIG. 34 is a partial sectional side elevation of the portion
of the compaction wheel illustrated in FIG. 33 which includes a
spring clip securing the cleat to the rim.
[0127] FIG. 35 is an interior view of a portion of the sixth
embodiment of the compaction wheel which illustrates the lug
portion of a cleat in a mounted condition on the rim prior to the
cleat being secured to the rim with a spring clip.
[0128] FIG. 36 is an interior view of the same portion of the
compaction wheel illustrated in FIG. 35 which illustrates the lug
portion of the mounted cleat after the cleat has been secured to
the rim with the spring clip.
[0129] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the rim of the sixth
embodiment of the compaction wheel.
[0130] FIG. 38 is a sectional side elevation of the rim illustrated
in FIG. 37 taken along the line 30-30.
[0131] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the
compaction wheel including the rim with a plurality of cleats
mounted thereon.
[0132] FIG. 40 is a partial sectional end elevation of a portion of
a compaction wheel according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention which includes a sleeve lining a cleat-receiving
aperture of the rim.
[0133] FIG. 41 is a partial sectional side elevation of the portion
of the compaction wheel illustrated in FIG. 40 which includes a
spring clip securing the cleat and sleeve to the rim.
[0134] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an alternative spring clip
which may be used to secure a cleat to a rim in a manner which
embodies the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0135] The present invention relates to a replacement part assembly
which is suitable for use with a wide range of industrial
machinery. For example, the replacement part assembly can be used
with earth moving equipment such as compactors, graders, wheel
drive loaders and excavators as described in detail below with
respect to the first, second and third embodiments respectively.
The replacement part assembly provides a simple and effective
mechanism for readily replacing machinery parts, and includes a
resilient fastener 24 which defines an apex 26 and a cradle 11 for
receiving the apex 26.
[0136] A ground compactor wheel assembly is shown in FIG. 1 which
includes a plurality of replacement part assemblies, one of which
is shown in FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. The compactor wheel assembly includes a compactor wheel
4. Each replacement part assembly includes a ground-engaging cleat
2 releasably fastened to the compactor wheel 4. Each cleat 2 is
fastened to the compactor wheel 4 using the spring fastener 24 of
generally sinusoidal shape. In use, a respective sacrificial part
14 is located between the compactor wheel 4 and each cleat 2. Each
component of the replacement part assembly is described in detail
below.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 2a, each cleat 2a is a replacement part
and includes a tapered tip 6 for engaging the ground. Each cleat 2a
further includes a tail 8a which extends from the tip 6 and is
shaped to extend through a corresponding aperture 62 defined in the
compactor wheel 4. As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the tail 8a of
each cleat 2a defines a transversely extending passage 82. A cradle
11 of the tail 8a defines a slot 10 opening into the passage 82 and
in which the apex 26 of the fastener 24 can be cradled.
[0138] The wheel 4 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 7 to 9. The
wheel 4 includes a rim 64 defined by a cylindrical wall. A
plurality of the apertures 62 are defined in the rim 64. The
apertures 62 are rectangular with major sides extending
circumferentially with respect to the rim 64. This is significant
as will be seen below.
[0139] The wheel 4 includes a hub 66 and a number of spokes 68
fastening the wheel 4 to the hub 66.
[0140] FIG. 2b shows an alternative type of cleat 2b which can be
used with the fastener assembly. The tail 8b includes a pair of
opposed and parallel arms 12a, 12c which together form the cradle
11 for receiving the apex 26 of the fastener 24.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 3, the sacrificial part 14a includes a
rectangular base plate 16 that defines an aperture 20. In use, the
tail 8 of the cleat 2 is received through the aperture 20. The
sacrificial part 14a further includes a raised lip 18 which extends
from a periphery of the aperture 20. In use, the lip 18 is snugly
received in the aperture 62.
[0142] The base plate 16 of the sacrificial part 14a defines a
channel 22 which extends across the aperture 20. The channel 22
acts as a guide and receives the fastener 24 in use. The channel 22
may be tapered on either side of the aperture 20.
[0143] Referring to FIGS. 4a to 4d, each resilient fastener 24 is
formed by stamping and cutting spring plate material of the correct
width in a single operation. The fastener 24 is of generally
sinusoidal shape and has an arcuate apex 26 which extends toward a
pair of upturned and arcuate feet 28a, 28b. The feet 28 are located
on either side of the apex 26. In practice, an elongate strip of
corrugated spring steel may be cut into sections to form a
plurality of fasteners 24. It will be appreciated therefore that
each foot 28 is simply a truncated trough or peak in such a strip
of corrugated spring steel. As a result, fabrication of the
fastener 24 is a process with a minimal number of steps, thereby
minimizing a cost of the fastener 24.
[0144] The assembly of the replacement part assembly will now be
described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 5a, the sacrificial part 14a is positioned
on an inner side 70 of the rim 64 with the aperture 20 aligned with
the respective aperture 62 in the rim 64, and the lip 18 received
snugly in the aperture 62 to locate the sacrificial part 14a
against movement. Where necessary, the sacrificial part 14a is
welded, preferably tack welded, to the inner side 70 of the rim
64.
[0146] The tail 8a of the cleat 2a is received snugly through the
sacrificial part aperture 20. The fastener 24 is then slid in the
channel 22 into the passage 82 in the direction indicated by arrow
72 in FIG. 5a.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 5b, a tool 30 (examples of which are
described below) is fitted to a suitable apparatus (also described
below) to push the fastener 24 into the passage 82. The arcuate
surface of the apex 26 facilitates the sliding of the apex 26 into
the slot 10 of the cradle 11. During assembly, the feet 28 of the
fastener 24 move apart under tension as the apex 26 engages the
tail 8a to permit the fastener 24 to move into the passage 82.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 5c, as the apex 26 is received in the
cradle 11 the feet 28 move back towards one another under spring
action. The fastener 24 is thus held in compression between the
cradle 11 and the base plate 16.
[0149] Similarly, the fastener 24 can be removed from between the
cradle 11 and the base plate 16 using the apparatus and tool 30.
The cleat 2a can then be removed from the compactor wheel 4.
[0150] The sacrificial part 14a is selected of a material that
facilitates wearing of the lip 18 rather than the periphery of the
aperture 62. Thus, any movement of the tail 8 relative to the rim
64 results in a wearing of the lip 18, rather than an enlarging of
the aperture 62, which would be undesirable. If such wearing takes
place, it would be a simple matter to chisel off the sacrificial
part 14a and to replace it, while maintaining the integrity of the
rim 64.
[0151] It is important to note the orientation of the channel 22
with respect to a rotational axis of the wheel 4. The channel 22
is, in use, parallel to said axis of rotation. Thus, the fastener
24 is secured against excessive wearing movement as the wheel 4
rotates.
[0152] An earth grader blade assembly is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b,
which includes a replacement part assembly in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIGS.
1 to 5, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless
otherwise specified.
[0153] The replacement part assembly includes a blade 32 which can
be releasably fastened to a moldboard 34 of a grader using the
replacement part assembly.
[0154] The moldboard 34 and the blade 32 have a series of
complementary openings, two of which, indicated at 76 and 78, are
shown here.
[0155] The replacement part assembly includes a shank 36 having a
head 74 at one end. The shank 36 is received through the aligned
openings 76, 78. The opening 78 is counter-sunk to receive the head
74.
[0156] An opposite end of the shank 36 defines a transverse passage
40. Said opposite end also has the cradle 11 defining the slot 10
in which the apex 26 of the fastener 24 is cradled.
[0157] A sacrificial part 14b includes a sleeve 84 which is
received in the openings 76, 78. A flange 80 extends from one end
of the sleeve 78 and bears against an inner side of the moldboard
34. The fastener 24 is received in the passage 40 as described with
reference to FIGS. 5a to 5c.
[0158] The sacrificial part 14b is of a material selected so that
the sleeve 78 serves to wear sacrificially, thus protecting the
moldboard 34 from damage. Thus, the sleeve 78 acts in the same
manner as the lip 18 of the sacrificial part 14a described
above.
[0159] A channel 40 for receiving the fastener 24 is defined in the
flange 80.
[0160] FIG. 10 shows an earth moving machine bucket assembly which,
in turn, includes a replacement part assembly in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIGS.
1 to 6, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless
otherwise specified. The bucket assembly includes a bucket 44 to
which a plurality of teeth 42 and spacers 46 can be alternatively
fastened in a row.
[0161] Each tooth 42 includes a pair of arms 54a, 54b for receiving
a leading edge of the bucket 44. Each arm 54 defines a pair of
apertures 50, 52 for each receiving a respective fastener 24.
During fastening, the tooth 42 can be slid onto the bucket 44 so
that the apertures 50, 52 in each arm 54 are in register with
corresponding apertures 56 defined by the bucket 44. A pair of
fasteners 24 can then be inserted into the apertures 50, 52 to
fasten the tooth 42 to the bucket 44.
[0162] The spacers 46 are of similar construction to the teeth 42.
Each spacer 46 includes a pair of parallel arms 58a, 58b which
together define a slot 84 for receiving the bucket 44. Each arm 58
defines an aperture 60 which, when placed in register with a
corresponding aperture 48 of the bucket 44, can receive a fastener
24 so as to fasten the spacer 46 to the bucket 44.
[0163] FIG. 11 shows a sectioned view through a tooth 42 which is
fastened to the bucket 44 using a fastener 24. The bucket 44 and
tooth 42 collectively define a recess which serves as a cradle 11
for receiving the apex 26 of the fastener 24. In addition, the
tooth 42 further defines a pair of recesses, also serving as
cradles 11, for each cradling a respective foot 28 of the fastener
24. These three cradles 11 serve to lock the fastener 24 in place
so as to impede it from inadvertently becoming free. The fastener
24 is also compressed so as to hold it in place. In alternative
embodiments, only a single cradle 11 need be defined for receiving
either a foot 28 or the apex 26 of the fastener 24.
[0164] In FIG. 13, reference numeral 90 generally indicates an
apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for inserting the
fastener 24 into engagement with the tail 8 of the cleat 2, as
shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c.
[0165] The apparatus 90 includes a body 92. The body 92 includes a
proximal leg 94, a distal leg 96 and a cross piece 98 that
interconnects the legs 94, 96. The body 92 is configured so that
the legs 94, 96 can be positioned against the inner side 70 of the
wheel 4. The cross piece 98 defines a recess 100 to accommodate the
tail 8.
[0166] A power screw 102 is threaded through the proximal leg 94. A
bearing member 104 is rotatably mounted on a distal end of the
screw 102. The bearing member 104 is engageable with the fastener
24 so that, when the power screw 102 is rotated, the fastener 24 is
driven into the passage 38.
[0167] A proximal end 106 of the screw 102 is engageable with one
of the air chisel and impact wrench as shown in FIG. 15. It will
thus be appreciated that installment of the fastener 24 is rapid
and convenient.
[0168] In FIG. 14, reference numeral 110 generally indicates an
apparatus, in accordance with the invention, suitable for inserting
the fastener 24 into engagement with the leading edge of the bucket
44 and either of the teeth 42 or the spacers 46.
[0169] The apparatus 110 includes a generally U shaped body 112
with a proximal portion 114 and a distal portion 116.
[0170] A power screw 118 is threaded through the proximal portion
114. The power screw 118 has a bearing member 120 on a distal end.
The bearing member 120 is engageable with the fastener 24.
[0171] The distal portion 116 has an opening 122 through which the
fastener 24 can extend to permit engagement with the bearing member
120.
[0172] In use, the bearing member 120 is positioned against the
tooth 42 or spacer 46 with the opening 122 in alignment with the
relevant aperture 50, 52, 56. The fastener 24 is located as shown
in FIG. 14 and the power screw 118 rotated to drive the fastener 24
into engagement with the relevant components.
[0173] A proximal end of the power screw 118 has a head 124 which
is engageable with one of the air chisel and impact wrench as shown
in FIG. 15. It will thus be appreciated that installment of the
fastener 24 is rapid and convenient.
[0174] In some cases, the relevant components will simply be too
large for use with the apparatus 90, 110. In such cases, a
hydraulic ram and pump set, also known as a "portapower" can be
used to provide the necessary force to position the fastener
24.
[0175] According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a compactor wheel assembly as shown in FIG. 16. With
reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer
to like parts, unless otherwise specified
[0176] The compactor wheel assembly includes the compactor wheel 4
and a generally tapered adaptor 130 for engaging the compactor
wheel 4. A hollowed cleat 2c defining an inner recess 146 (FIG. 18)
is also provided for engaging the adaptor 130 in a complementary
fit.
[0177] Returning to FIG. 16, the compactor wheel assembly further
includes the resilient fastener 24 for engaging the adaptor 130 and
the cleat 2c so as to fasten the cleat 2c with respect to the
compactor wheel 4.
[0178] The adaptor 130 includes a body 140 from which a head 141
extends. Both the body 140 and the head 141 are received in the
recess 146 of the cleat 2c during fastening. A pair of doglegged
and resilient legs 136a, 136b extend from the body 140 and, in use,
extend through an aperture 144 defined in the compactor wheel 4.
The adaptor 130 further includes a pair of feet 138a, 138b which
each extend from a respective leg 136. The legs 136 include
protruding knees 137 which, together with the feet 138, define
troughs 142 for receiving the compactor wheel 4 during assembly. In
use, the troughs 142 retain the adaptor 130 in engagement with the
compactor wheel 4.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 18a, the recess 146 of cleat 2c is shaped
to receive the adaptor 130. Referring to FIG. 18b, the cleat 2c
also includes a pair of opposed flanks 132a, 132b which each define
a respective aperture 134a, 134b for receiving the fastener 24. The
floor of each aperture 134 is concaved to define a cradle 11 for
receiving a foot 28 of the fastener 24. The base of the body 140 of
the adaptor 130 is also concaved to define a cradle 11 for
receiving the head 26 of the fastener 24.
[0180] Referring to FIG. 17a, the adaptor 130 is manipulated so
that the leg 136b is inserted through the aperture 144. The adaptor
130 is further manipulated so that the leg 138a is also inserted
through the aperture as shown in FIG. 17b.
[0181] Referring to FIG. 17c, the user can then move the adaptor
into the position shown such that the tapered shape of the adaptor
130 causes the compactor wheel 4 to compress the resilient legs
138a, 138b together. The knees 137 of the legs 136 pass through the
aperture 144 and the legs 138 thereafter expand apart so that the
compactor wheel is received within the trough 142 of each leg 136
defined between a corresponding knee 137 and foot 138 (FIG.
18a).
[0182] FIGS. 18a and 18b show the cleat 2c engaged with the adaptor
130 within its recess 146.
[0183] The tool 30 can be used to pass the fastener 24 through the
aperture 134a in the fist flank 132a and into the second aperture
134b of the second flank 134a. The head 26 and feet 28 of the
fastener 24 engage the concave cradles 11 defined in the adaptor
130 and flanks 132 of the cleat 2c respectively. The resilient
fastener 24 is held in compression between the cleat 2c and the
adaptor 130 so as to fasten the cleat 2c with respect to the
compactor wheel 4 (which is fixed with respect to the adaptor
130).
[0184] The fifth embodiment has an advantage over the first
embodiment whereby the cleat 2c can be fastened to the compactor
wheel 4 from the outside of the compactor wheel 4. That is, the
tool 30 need not engage the fastener 24 within the compactor wheel
4, and can instead be conveniently operated outside the compactor
wheel 4. Given the number of cleats used with a compactor wheel or
similar device, this results in a substantial saving in time.
[0185] A further example of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG.
19. The adaptor 130a includes a pair of opposed ledges 148 which
each protrude from the inside of a respective leg 136. During
assembly, the fastener 24 slides along the ledges 148 which
together act as a guide, and impede the fastener 24 from falling
through the aperture 144 and into the compactor wheel 4.
[0186] Yet another example of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG.
20. The adaptor 130b includes a guide shelf 150 for guiding the
fastener 24 during assembly. The guide shelf 150 extends between
the legs 136a, 136b and functions in a similar manner to the ledges
148 of FIG. 19.
[0187] A further example of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIGS.
21, 22a and 22b. The adaptor 130c is welded to the compactor wheel
4 so that a quartet of welds 152 holds the adaptor 130c in
engagement with the compactor wheel 4. Each weld 152 can be located
at a respective corner of the base of the adaptor 130c or extend
along an edge of the adaptor 130c. A guide shelf 150 extends
between the legs 138a, 138b and functions in a similar manner to
the ledges 148 of FIG. 19.
[0188] Another example of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIGS.
22c and 22d. The adaptor 130d is welded to the compactor wheel 4 so
that welds hold the adaptor 130d in engagement with the compactor
wheel 4. The adaptor 130d includes a pair of enlarged feet or pads
131 and defines a pair of opposed channels in which the cleat 2d
can be received. The cleat 2d and adaptor 130d are complementarily
shaped so as to snugly fit together.
[0189] In FIGS. 23 to 26 reference numeral 310 shows a further
embodiment of a fastener, in accordance with the invention,
suitable for use with the compactor wheel 4 or the bucket 44. With
reference to the preceding Figures, like reference numerals refer
to like parts, unless otherwise specified.
[0190] The fastener 310 is similar to the fastener 24 in that it
has a sinusoidal profile. However, the fastener 310 is comprised of
a base 312 that defines the profile and a reinforcing plate 314
fast with the base 312 over a central part of the base 312.
[0191] The reinforcing plate 314 forms part of the apex 26 thereby
enhancing the resilience of the fastener 310. Since the reinforcing
plate 314 only takes up a central portion of the base 312, the
overall thickness of the fastener 310 can be kept to a minimum,
thus reducing cost of materials, especially for mass production of
the fastener 310.
[0192] The fastener 310 is the product of a stamping process. Thus,
both the base 312 and the reinforcing plate 314 have corresponding
holes 316 to facilitate retention during the stamping process. In
use, these holes 316 are filled with a suitable material, such as a
plastics material so that the ingress of dirt is inhibited.
[0193] A bead 318 extends from the reinforcing plate 314 at the
apex 26. The bead 318 serves further to lock the fastener 310 in
position in the manner described with reference to the fastener
24.
[0194] In FIGS. 27 to 30, reference numeral 320 generally indicates
yet a further embodiment of a fastener 310, in accordance with the
invention, suitable for use with the compactor wheel 4 or the
bucket 44. With reference to the preceding FIGS. 23 to 26, like
reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise
specified.
[0195] Instead of the reinforcing plate 314, the fastener 310 has a
raised reinforcing formation 322 extending over the apex 26. The
formation 322 bound a central region 325 on the base 312, so that
that region extends over the apex 26 thereby enhancing the
resilience of the plate 314.
[0196] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a portion of a sixth embodiment
of a compaction wheel 220 according to the present invention which
may be employed with a landfill compactor. The compaction wheel 220
includes a rim 221 and a plurality of cleat assemblies 222 (note
that only one complete cleat assembly 222 is illustrated in FIG.
32) secured thereto.
[0197] Rim 221 is constructed from a suitable material such as
steel and is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The rim 221 includes
an exterior surface 230, an interior surface 231, and an interior
region 232 which is bordered by the interior surface 231.
[0198] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, a plurality of rectangular,
cleat-receiving apertures 233 extends through the rim 221 between
the exterior and interior surfaces 230, 231 thereof. The
cleat-receiving apertures 233 are arranged into a plurality of
bands 234 to 239 (see FIG. 38) which extend around the
circumference of the rim 221 such that each band 234 to 239
includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced cleat-receiving
apertures 233. Each cleat-receiving aperture 233 includes two
orthogonal pairs of opposing sidewalls with the sidewalls of each
pair being parallel to each other. The cleat-receiving apertures
233 are normally only formed in the rim 231 after the rim 221 has
been formed into its basic cylindrical shape so as to prevent the
apertures 233 from being distorted during the shaping process as
would happen if they were otherwise formed prior to this stage of
manufacture.
[0199] A mounting disc 240 is located in the interior region 232 of
the rim 221 and is transversely arranged with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the rim 221. The disc 240 is attached to the
rim 221 by welding or other appropriate means such that the
interior region 232 of the rim 221 is partitioned in two distinct
regions. The mounting disc 240 is adapted to enable the wheel 220
to be secured to an axle of a landfill compactor. In particular,
the mounting disc 240 includes a plurality of lug-receiving
apertures 241 that are each adapted to receive an associated
threaded lug which extends from an end of the axle of the landfill
compactor so that the mounting disc 240 and, hence, the compaction
wheel 220 can be securely bolted to the axle. The mounting disc
also includes a large central aperture which is surrounded by the
lug-receiving apertures 241 and which receives a hub of the
axle.
[0200] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32 again, the illustrated cleat
assembly 222 includes a first type of cleat 250 and a spring clip
251 for securing the cleat 250 to the rim 221. Both the cleat 250
and the spring clip 251 are constructed from any suitable material
such as steel.
[0201] Cleat 250 includes a ground-engaging portion 252, a lug
portion 253 extending from the ground-engaging portion 252, and a
pair of clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 extending transversely
through the lug portion 253. Cleat 250 is mountable on the rim 221
such that the ground-engaging portion 252 projects from the
exterior surface 230 of the rim 221 while the lug portion 253
extends through the cleat-receiving aperture 233 of the rim 221 so
that the clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 are situated adjacent
the interior surface 231 of the rim 221 and lateral movement of the
cleat 250 relative to the rim 221 is inhibited.
[0202] The ground-engaging portion 252 includes a base portion 256
which is generally in the form of a rectangular prism having a
curved underside which is adapted to rest against the curved
exterior surface 230 of the rim 221. The ground-engaging portion
252 also has a pair of opposed flat trapezium-shaped sides 257,
258, a pair of opposed flat rectangular-shaped sides 259, 260
extending between the trapezium-shaped sides 257, 258, and a flat
rectangular-shaped upper side 261. The cleat 250 is designed so
that the trapezium-shaped sides 257, 258 thereof extend
transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rim 221
when the cleat 250 is mounted on the rim 221.
[0203] The lug portion 253 is substantially in the form of a
rectangular prism and has dimensions which inhibit lateral movement
of the lug portion 253 within the aperture 233 when the cleat 250
is mounted on the rim 221, but which allow the lug portion 253 to
be readily inserted into and removed from the cleat-receiving
aperture 233 when the cleat 250 is not secured to the rim 221.
[0204] Each of the clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 are slightly
elongated and are oriented such that they are parallel with respect
to each other and the longitudinal axis of the rim 221 when the
cleat 250 is mounted thereon in the previously described
manner.
[0205] Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, the spring clip 251 is a
resilient and generally U-shaped clip which has a pair of arms 270,
271 that are each adapted to extend through a respective
clip-receiving aperture 254, 255 of the cleat 250. Each arm 270,
271 has a pointed tip 272 and a tapered portion 273 which assists
in guiding the arms 270, 271 into their respective clip-receiving
apertures 254, 255. Each arm 270, 271 also has an indented portion
274 which is slightly longer than the length of the clip-receiving
apertures 254, 255. The clip 251 is adapted to secure the mounted
cleat 250 to the rim 221 such that each arm 270, 271 of the clip
251 extends through a respective clip-receiving aperture 254, 255
and such that the indented portions 274 of the arms 270, 271 are
substantially located within their respective clip-receiving
apertures 254, 255. In particular, the spring clip 251 is adapted
so that when the arms 270, 271 extend through their respective
clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 in the manner just described,
each arm 270, 271 pushes against the interior surface of their
respective clip-receiving aperture 254, 255 such that the arms 270,
271 push in opposite directions to each other. This pushing
together with the presence of the indented portions 274 of the arms
270, 271 assists in preventing the spring clip 251 from working
itself loose from the clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 and
allowing the cleat 250 to fall off the rim 221.
[0206] To secure the mounted cleat 250 to the rim 221, the spring
clip 251 is firstly positioned relative to the cleat 250 in the
manner illustrated in FIG. 27. The arms 270, 271 are then inserted
into the apertures 254, 255 by striking a bridging portion 275 of
the spring clip 251 towards the lug portion 253 of the cleat 250
using a hammer or other suitable tool until the indented portions
274 coincide with the clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 as
illustrated in FIG. 28.
[0207] Referring to FIG. 32, the spring clip 251 is adapted to
secure the cleat 250 to the rim 221 by engaging with the
clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 and interacting with the rim 221
and the cleat 250 such that the ground-engaging portion 252 of the
cleat 250 is pulled towards the rim 221. In particular, the
configuration of the spring clip 251 is such that rim-contacting
portions 726 thereof contact the interior surface 231 of the rim
221, and the indented portions 274 of the arms 270, 271 pull
against the cleat 250 such that the ground-engaging portion 252
thereof is pulled towards the rim 221.
[0208] While the spring clip 251 can be removed by simply reversing
the above-described insertion procedure, it is usually easier to
simply cut the bridging portion 275 of the spring clip 251 with an
oxyacetylene torch or other suitable apparatus and to then remove
the individual arms 270, 271 from the apertures 254, 255 of the
cleat 250. Removal of the arms 270, 271 then allows the cleat 250
to be dismounted from the rim 221.
[0209] Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, a further type of cleat 280 is
illustrated mounted on the rim 221. For convenience, features of
the cleat 280 that are similar or correspond to features of the
cleat 250 have been referenced using the same reference
numbers.
[0210] Cleat 280 differs from cleat 250 in that the ground-engaging
portion 252 of cleat 280 has been modified. In particular, the
trapezium-shaped sides 257, 258 of the ground-engaging portion 252
are parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rim 221
when the cleat 280 is mounted on the rim 280.
[0211] FIG. 39 illustrates the compaction wheel 220 which includes
a plurality of the cleats 250, 280 mounted on the rim 221. For
clarity, the spring clips 251 which secure the cleats 250, 280 to
the rim 221 have not been shown. From FIG. 39, the different
orientation of the ground-engaging portions 252 of the cleats 250,
280 is apparent, as is the identical orientation of the lug
portions 253 of the cleats 250, 280 relative to the rim 221 so that
the clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 of the cleats 250, 280 are
parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rim 221.
[0212] The cleats 250, 280 are mounted on the rim 221 such that
they form a plurality of helical patterns on the exterior surface
230 of the rim 221. The cleats 250, 280 of one such pattern have
been referenced using the letter "A".
[0213] The compaction wheel 220 and cleat assembly 222 which embody
the present invention provide a significant advantage over the
prior art in that the design of the cleats 250, 280 combined with
the way in which they are secured to the rim 221 with the spring
clips 251 inhibits the cleats 250, 280 from becoming loose and
damaging the rim 221.
[0214] The sixth embodiment is only one embodiment of the present
invention and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art
that can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the
present invention. For example, referring to FIG. 32, the cleat
assembly 222 may include a cast or forged steel sleeve 290 which
lines the sidewalls of the cleat-receiving aperture 233 to further
protect against undesirable rubbing between the cleat 250 and the
rim 221 in the event that there is some play between the lug
portion 253 of the cleat 250 and the aperture 233. Such rubbing is
undesirable as it can result in premature wearing of the rim 221
which is often constructed from unhardened steel as opposed to the
hardened steel from which the cleats are often constructed. The
sleeve 290 may include a flange portion 291 which abuts against the
interior surface 231 of the rim 221 to prevent the sleeve 290 from
falling out of the aperture 233 when the cleat 250 and sleeve 290
are not secured to the rim 221 with the spring clip 251. The length
of the sleeve 290 is such that there is a small gap between the
sleeve 290 and the ground-engaging portion 252 of the cleat 250
when the sleeve 290 is inserted into the cleat-receiving aperture
233. In addition to abutting against the interior surface 231 of
the rim 221, the flange portion 291 abuts against portions 276 of
the spring clip 251 such that the spring clip 251 forces the sleeve
290 and ground-engaging portion 252 of the cleat 250 towards each
other. A sleeve 290 which does or does not have the flange portion
291 may also be tack-welded to the rim 211 to prevent the sleeve
290 from falling off the rim 221. The tack-welds should be such
that they can be readily cut or otherwise broken so that the sleeve
290 can be removed from the aperture 233.
[0215] Also, the edges which define the openings of the
clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 may be chamfered, rounded, or
otherwise adapted to prevent them from inadvertently damaging the
spring 251 when the spring 251 is inserted into the apertures 254,
255. It is advantageous to do this as damaged springs 251 are
susceptible to fail.
[0216] A further modification which can be made to the cleats 250,
280 described above is that they may have any number of
clip-receiving apertures 254, 255 extending through their
respective lug portions 253. For example, a single clip-receiving
aperture or more than two such apertures may extend through the lug
portions 253 of the cleats 250, 280. If a single clip-receiving
aperture extends through the lug portion 253 of a cleat 250 or 280,
then a spring clip such as the spring clip 300 illustrated in FIG.
42 may be used to secure the cleat to the rim 221. The spring clip
300 is essentially a broadened and flattened version of one of the
arms 270, 271 of the spring clip 251 which was described above in
connection with the sixth embodiment of the invention. Therefore,
for convenience, features of the spring clip 300 that are similar
or correspond to features of the spring clip 251 have been
referenced using the same reference numbers. Apart from being
broader and flatter than the arms 270, 271 of the spring clip 251,
the indented portion 274 of the spring clip 300 is curved rather
than linear. The curved indented portion 274 is able to be received
within a similarly curved clip-receiving aperture. The spring clip
300 does not have any sharp edges so as to avoid damaging the
cleat. The additional breadth of the spring clip 300 serves to
prevent the clip 300 from rotating within the suitably dimensioned
clip-receiving aperture of the cleat which receives the clip 300.
Also, once the clip 300 has secured the cleat to the rim 221, the
clip 300 has a profile which is essentially the same as the profile
of the clip 251 as illustrated in FIG. 32.
[0217] The spring clip 300 can also be used instead of the spring
clip 24, described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 30.
[0218] It will be appreciated that many other types of spring clips
which are neither described nor contemplated here may be used to
secure the cleats 250 or 280 to the rim 221, and that the springs
clips 251, 300 which have been described here have been given by
way of example only.
[0219] It should also be appreciated that the mounted cleats 250,
280 may be arranged on the rim 221 in a different manner to that
described above in connection with the description of the sixth
embodiment. For example, the cleats 250, 280 may be arranged into
lines which extend across the exterior surface 230 of the rim 221
and which are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the rim 221.
Alternatively, the cleats 250, 280 may be arranged to form chevron
patterns on the exterior surface 230 of the rim 211.
[0220] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many
embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the
ambit of the present invention.
[0221] The replacement part assembly of the present invention may
be used in a wide range of machinery applications for releasably
fastening a fixed part and a replacement part together. For
example, the replacement part assembly of the second embodiment may
be used to fasten a disc plough wheel to a rotating support. In
fact, the replacement part assembly can be used with a wide variety
of agricultural implements, such as ground planers, furrowers,
scarifiers, and tips. Even more broadly, it will readily be
understood that the replacement part assembly can be used with any
agricultural, earthmoving, and soil-shifting apparatus where
replacement of worn parts or components is necessary on a regular
basis.
[0222] In the embodiments described above, the fastener 24 was of
sinusoidal shape. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that
the fastener may have many different shapes and could, for example,
be a resilient sphere (i.e. having an arcuate head and tail). In
another embodiment, the fastener may be of saw tooth shape having a
head which includes a pointed apex.
[0223] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific to structural or
methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to specific features shown or described since the means
herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention
into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its
forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended
claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
* * * * *