U.S. patent application number 15/589439 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for connector systems in earth engaging wear member assemblies.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hensley Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mohamad Bilal, lsai Diaz, Venkata Prakash Vegunta, Lawrence Ngigi Waweru.
Application Number | 20170328035 15/589439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60267603 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170328035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bilal; Mohamad ; et
al. |
November 16, 2017 |
CONNECTOR SYSTEMS IN EARTH ENGAGING WEAR MEMBER ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
A fastener includes an elongated shaft having a head at the end,
the head comprising a lock fin extending radially outward from the
shaft. The head includes an engagement cavity. The fastener further
includes a cap having an engagement protrusion for insertion into
the engagement cavity of the cap such that rotation of the cap
causes corresponding rotation of the head, the cap further
comprising a contact portion having a plurality of radially outward
facing planar surfaces. The fastener further includes a rotation
resisting element having inward facing planar surfaces that fit
with the radially outward facing planar surfaces of the contact
portion, the rotation resisting element further including an
interference feature extending radially outward, the rotation
resisting element being resilient so as to allow but resist
rotation of the cap with respect to the rotation resisting
element.
Inventors: |
Bilal; Mohamad; (Little Elm,
TX) ; Vegunta; Venkata Prakash; (Dallas, TX) ;
Waweru; Lawrence Ngigi; (Fort Worth, TX) ; Diaz;
lsai; (Arlington, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hensley Industries, Inc. |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60267603 |
Appl. No.: |
15/589439 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62441756 |
Jan 3, 2017 |
|
|
|
62335424 |
May 12, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/2833 20130101;
E02F 9/2841 20130101; E02F 9/2825 20130101; E02F 9/2808
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/28 20060101
E02F009/28; E02F 9/28 20060101 E02F009/28 |
Claims
1. An earth engaging wear member assembly comprising: an adapter
comprising a longitudinally projecting nose portion with a
transverse hole formed through the nose portion; a wear member
having a rear portion with a cavity for receiving the nose portion
of the adapter, the wear member having an outer surface for
engaging ground and an inner surface defining the cavity, the wear
member comprising an aperture extending through a sidewall surface
from the outer surface to the inner surface, the aperture being
alignable with the transverse hole of the adapter when the nose
portion is disposed within the cavity; a fastener receivable in the
aperture and the transverse hole to prevent removal of the wear
member from the adapter, the fastener comprising: a main body; a
rotation resisting element comprising a polygonal inner surface and
an outwardly extending interference feature; and a cap comprising a
contact portion with radially outward facing surfaces that
correspond to the polygonal inner surface of the rotation resisting
element, the cap engaged with the main body to limit axial
translation of the rotation resisting element; wherein the rotation
resisting element is arranged to resist rotation of the body and
cap relative to the rotation resisting element between a discrete
number of rotational positions.
2. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotation
resisting element further comprises an outer ring and an inner ring
fit within the outer ring.
3. The earth engaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner ring
has an ear portion to prevent rotation of the inner ring with
respect to the outer ring.
4. The earth engaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the polygonal
inner surface of the rotation resisting element is on an inward
facing surface of the inner ring.
5. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
lock fin radially projecting from the fastener, and wherein the
discrete number of rotational positions includes a locked position
in which the lock fin is set behind an inner surface of the wear
member so as to prevent removal of the fastener from the
aperture.
6. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the discrete
number of rotational positions includes an unlocked position in
which a lock fin of the fastener does not prevent removal of the
fastener.
7. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the wear member
comprises a slot and the interference feature fits within the slot
of the wear member so as to prevent rotation of the rotation
resisting element relative to the wear member.
8. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the interference
feature comprises a single projection.
9. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the interference
feature comprises multiple projections.
10. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
lock fin radially projecting from the fastener, the lock fin being
disposed to mechanically prevent axial translation of the fastener
out of the aperture in the wear member.
11. The earth engaging assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
ramped surface within the cavity, the ramped surface positioned to
engage with the lock fin such that rotation of the fastener pushes
the fastener further into the transverse hole.
12. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotation
resisting element comprises a monolithic biasing member that
includes the interference feature and at least two inner surfaces
of the polygonal inner surface.
13. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap
includes an engagement projection that fits within an engagement
cavity of a head to prevent rotation of the cap relative to the
body.
14. The earth engaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap further
includes an tool-receiving hole for receiving a tool for rotating
the fastener between a locked position and an unlocked position,
the tool receiving hole having a cut-out on a side of the
tool-receiving hole.
15. The earth engaging assembly of claim 14, further comprising a
plug insertable into the tool-receiving hole of the cap.
16. A locking mechanism for attaching a first wear member to a
second wear member, comprising: an elongated main body shaped and
arranged to prevent removal of a first wear member from a second
wear member; a cap connected to the main body in manner such that
rotation of the cap causes corresponding rotation of the main body,
the cap having a head portion forming an end of the locking
mechanism; a contact portion disposed between the main body and the
head portion having a plurality of radially outward facing
surfaces; a lock fin extending radially outwardly from one of the
main body and the cap to engage one of the first and second wear
members and selectively inhibit axial displacement of the locking
mechanism; and a rotation resisting element disposed between the
main body and the cap and having a plurality of inward facing
surfaces that fit with the radially outward facing surfaces of the
contact portion, the rotation resisting element further including
an interference feature extending radially outward, the rotation
resisting element being resiliently biased and disposed so as to
selectively resist rotation of the cap relative to the rotation
resisting element.
17. The locking mechanism of claim 16, wherein one of the main body
and the cap includes an engagement cavity and the other of the main
body and the cap includes an engagement protrusion insertable into
the engagement cavity to connect the main body and the cap.
18. The locking mechanism of claim 16, wherein the cap and shaft
are rotatable relative to the rotation resisting element between
discrete positions as defined by the inward facing planar surfaces
of the rotation resisting element.
19. The locking mechanism of claim 16, wherein the rotation
resisting element further comprises a monolithic biasing member
that includes the interference feature the inward facing planar
surfaces.
20. The locking mechanism of claim 16, wherein the interference
feature comprises two projections extending radially outward.
21. A method comprising: inserting a fastener into aligned holes of
a first wear member and a second wear member to connect the first
wear member to the second wear member, the fastener comprising a
rotation resisting element comprising a radially outwardly
extending interference feature, the rotation resisting element also
comprising a main body and a cap that engage surfaces of the first
and second wear members and include a radially outwardly extending
lock fin; and rotating the fastener relative the first wear member
between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which: a)
the lock fin rotates from the unlocked position that allows axial
translational movement of the fastener through the aligned holes
and rotates to a locked position where the lock fin is positioned
behind a portion of the first wear member in a manner that prevents
axial translational removal of the locking mechanism from the
aligned holes, and b) the first wear member prevents rotation of
the rotation resisting element while permitting rotation of the
main body and cap, and c) radially outwardly facing surfaces of a
contact portion of the main body or cap radially displace inwardly
facing surfaces of the rotation resisting element in a manner
providing tactile feedback to user as the fastener moves between
the unlocked position and the locked position.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising inserting a tool
into the cap and wherein rotating the cap is done by rotating the
tool in the cap.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising, protecting flex
arms of a rotation resisting element from debris with a monolithic
ring-shaped piece.
24. A locking mechanism for attaching a first wear member to a
second wear member, comprising: a rigid body shaped and arranged to
prevent removal of a first wear member from a second wear member,
the rigid body having a head portion forming an end of the locking
mechanism; a contact portion on the rigid body, the contact portion
having a plurality of radially outward facing surfaces; a lock fin
extending radially outwardly from one of the rigid body to engage
one of the first and second wear members and selectively inhibit
axial displacement of the locking mechanism; and a rotation
resisting element disposed at least partially around the rigid
body, the rotation resisting element having a plurality of inward
facing surfaces that fit with the radially outward facing surfaces
of the contact portion, the rotation resisting element further
including an interference feature extending radially outward, the
rotation resisting element being resiliently biased and disposed so
as to selectively resist rotation of the rigid body relative to the
rotation resisting element.
25. The locking mechanism of claim 24, wherein the rigid body
comprises a main body and a cap that is coupled to the main
body.
26. The locking mechanism of claim 25, wherein the cap is
connectable to the main body with the rotation resisting element
positioned therebetween.
27. A wear member assembly for an earth mover, comprising: a
support structure having a hole formed therein; a wear member
removably attachable to the support structure, the wear member
having a hole formed therein sized differently than the hole in the
support structure, the hole in the support structure being
alignable with the hole in the wear member, the wear member also
having an oblique surface, the oblique surface facing a cavity in
the wear member; and a rotatable fastener receivable into the hole
in the support structure and into the hole in the wear member in a
manner that prevents removal of the wear member from the support
structure, the fastener comprising a body portion and a fixed
radially extending lock fin extending only partially about a
circumference of the body portion, the fastener being axially
receivable into the hole in the wear member and rotatable from an
unlocked condition where the lock fin is aligned with the hole in
the wear member to a locked condition where the lock fin is
misaligned with the hole in the wear member, the body portion of
the rotatable fastener comprising a distal end formed at an oblique
angle wherein the oblique surface of the wear member cooperates
with the distal end of the fastener to axially displace the
fastener during rotation from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition.
28. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the lock fin has
a width sized smaller than a diameter of the body portion.
29. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the lock fin
includes a relatively thinner leading edge and a relatively thicker
trailing edge.
30. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the wear member
includes a bore in an inner surface, the bore having an oblique
bottom surface.
31. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the lock fin
spirals less than 180 degrees about the body portion.
32. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the body portion
of the rotatable fastener comprises a cylindrical side and a
tapered side, the cylindrical side being disposed to face a leading
end of the support structure and abut against a side of the hole in
the support structure when the fastener is in the locked
condition.
33. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the fastener
comprises a locking detent compressible via one of the wear member
and the support structure when the fastener is rotated from the
unlocked condition to the locked condition.
34. The wear member assembly of claim 33, wherein the detent is a
C-shaped snap ring having a protrusion disposed thereon.
35. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the body portion
and the lock fin are formed of a solid, monolithic material.
36. The wear member assembly of claim 27, wherein the fastener
comprises a protruding tool engaging feature.
37. A rotatable fastener receivable into a hole in both a support
structure and a wear member in a manner that prevents removal of
the wear member from the support structure, the fastener
comprising: a main body comprising: a body portion sized to be
axially introduced into the hole of the support structure, the body
portion having a distal end and a proximal end and having a
longitudinal axis, the body portion having a substantially circular
body in cross-section from the distal end to the proximal end, the
body portion having an oblique end surface angled relative to the
longitudinal axis within a range of about 20-70 degrees, the end
surface disposed to engage an oblique bottom surface of a bore in
one of the support structure and the wear member; and a fixed
radially extending lock fin spirally disposed on the body portion
and extending only partially about a circumference of the body
portion; and a locking detent protruding from a side of the main
body at a location axially disposed between the proximal end and
the lock fin, the locking detent being compressible relative to the
body portion from a compressed condition to an uncompressed
condition.
38. The fastener of claim 37, wherein the body portion includes a
substantially cylindrical distal end and includes a substantially
cylindrical first side and an opposing tapered second side.
39. A rotatable fastener receivable into a hole in both a support
structure and a wear member in a manner that prevents removal of
the wear member from the support structure, the fastener
comprising: a main body comprising: a body portion sized to be
axially introduced into the hole of the support structure, the body
portion having a distal end and a proximal end and having a
longitudinal axis, the body portion having a substantially circular
body from the distal end to the proximal end, the body portion
having a substantially cylindrical first side and an opposing
tapered second side; and a fixed radially extending lock fin
disposed on the body portion and extending only partially about a
circumference of the body portion; and a locking detent protruding
from a side of the main body at a location axially disposed between
the proximal end and the lock fin, the locking detent being
compressible relative to the body portion from a compressed
condition to an uncompressed condition.
40. The fastener of claim 39, wherein the body portion comprises an
obliquely tapered end surface disposed to engage a bottom surface
of an oblique bore in one of the support structure and the wear
member.
41. The fastener of claim 39, wherein the detent is a C-shaped snap
ring having a protruding portion.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/441,756 filed Jan. 3, 2017 and entitled
"Connector with Clamp Spring for an Earth Engaging Wear Member
Assembly" and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/335,424 filed May
12, 2016 and entitled "Fastener for a Wear Member Assembly," the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in the
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure is generally directed to earth engaging wear
member assemblies including connectors for securing excavating wear
members in place for use. More particularly, this disclosure is
directed to fasteners that may use a biasing element to resist
turning between locked and unlocked positions to selectively secure
wear members to other wear members.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Material displacement apparatuses, such as excavating
buckets found on construction, mining, and other earth moving
equipment, often include replaceable wear portions such as earth
engaging teeth. These are often removably attached to larger base
structures, such as excavating buckets, and come into abrasive,
wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced.
For example, excavating tooth assemblies provided on digging
equipment, such as excavating buckets and the like, typically
comprise a relatively massive adapter portion which is suitably
anchored to the forward bucket lip. The adapter portion typically
includes a forwardly projecting nose. A replaceable tooth point
typically includes a rear-facing cavity that releasably receives
the adapter nose. To retain the tooth point on the adapter nose,
generally aligned transverse openings may be formed on both the
tooth point and the adapter nose, and a suitable connector
structure, such as a pin, is driven into and forcibly retained
within the aligned openings to releasably anchor the replaceable
tooth point on its associated adapter nose.
[0004] During normal operations, the tooth experiences loading in
multiple directions. If the tooth is not positioned on the nose in
a stable manner, the loads experienced by the tooth can cause
additional wear on the adapter. A need accordingly exists for an
improved wear member assembly that selectively attaches the sear
members to each other or to the bucket lip.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to some examples, an earth engaging wear member
assembly may include an adapter comprising a longitudinally
projecting nose portion with a transverse cavity formed through the
nose portion. The earth engaging wear member assembly may further
include a wear member having a rear portion with a cavity for
receiving the nose portion of the adapter. The wear member may have
an outer surface for engaging the ground and an inner surface
defining the cavity. The wear member may include an aperture
extending through a sidewall surface from the outer surface to the
inner surface. The aperture may be alignable with the transverse
cavity of the adapter when the nose portion is disposed within the
cavity. The earth engaging wear member assembly may further include
a fastener receivable in the aperture and the transverse cavity to
prevent removal of the wear member from the adapter. The fastener
may include a body comprising a shaft and a head with a lock fin.
The fastener may also include a rotation resisting element that may
include a ring with a polygonal inner surface and an interference
feature extending from an outer surface of the ring. The fastener
may also include a cap that may include a contact portion with
radially outward facing surfaces that correspond to the polygonal
inner surface. The cap may be arranged to engage with the head of
the body to limit axial translation of the rotation resisting
element. The rotation resisting element may be resilient so as to
resist rotation of the body and cap relative to the rotation
resisting element between a discrete number of rotational
positions.
[0006] According to some examples, a fastener may include an
elongated shaft having a head at the end. The head may include a
lock fin extending radially outward from the shaft. The head may
include an engagement cavity. The fastener may further include a
cap having an engagement protrusion for insertion into the
engagement cavity of the cap such that rotation of the cap causes
corresponding rotation of the head. The cap may further include a
contact portion having a plurality of radially outward facing
planar surfaces. The fastener may further include a rotation
resisting element having inward facing planar surfaces that fit
with the radially outward facing planar surfaces of the contact
portion. The rotation resisting element may further include an
interference feature extending radially outward. The rotation
resisting element may be resilient so as to allow but resist
rotation of the cap with respect to the rotation resisting
element.
[0007] According to one example, a method may include inserting a
shaft of a locking mechanism through aligned holes of a wear member
and an adapter, the wear member arranged to engage ground and the
adapter arranged to secure the wear member to a bucket lip, the
shaft including a lock fin extending radially outward. The method
further includes connecting a cap with a head of the shaft such
that rotation of the cap causes corresponding rotation of the
shaft, the cap being engaged through an inner portion of a rotation
resisting element, the rotation resisting element having inward
facing planar surfaces that fit with radially outward facing planar
surfaces of a contact portion of the cap, the rotation resisting
element further including an interference feature extending
radially outward. The method further includes rotating the cap and
thereby the lock fin of the shaft between a locked position in
which the lock fin is positioned to prevent removal of the locking
mechanism and an unlocked position in which the lock fin allows
removal of the locking mechanism. Rotating between the locked and
unlocked positions is resisted by the rotation resisting
element.
[0008] According to some examples, a wear member assembly for an
earth mover may include a support structure having a hole formed
therein and a wear member removably attachable to the support
structure. The wear member may have a hole formed therein sized
differently than the hole in the support structure. The hole in the
support structure may be alignable with the hole in the wear
member. The wear member may also have an oblique surface facing a
cavity in the wear member. The wear member assembly may also
include a rotatable fastener receivable into the hole in the
support structure and into the hole in the wear member in a manner
that prevents removal of the wear member from the support
structure. The fastener may include a body portion and a fixed
radially extending lock fin extending only partially about a
circumference of the body portion. The fastener may be axially
receivable into the hole in the wear member and rotatable from an
unlocked condition where the lock fin is aligned with the hole in
the wear member to a locked condition where the lock fin is
misaligned with the hole in the wear member. The body portion of
the rotatable fastener comprising a distal end formed at an oblique
angle wherein the oblique surface of the wear member cooperates
with the distal end of the fastener to axially displace the
fastener during rotation from the locked condition to the unlocked
condition.
[0009] According to some examples, a rotatable fastener is
receivable into a hole in both a support structure and a wear
member in a manner that prevents removal of the wear member from
the support structure. The fastener may include a main body having
a body portion sized to be axially introduced into the hole of the
support structure, the body portion having a distal end and a
proximal end and having a longitudinal axis, the body portion
having a substantially circular body in cross-section from the
distal end to the proximal end, the body portion having an oblique
end surface angled relative to the longitudinal axis within a range
of about 20-70 degrees, the end surface disposed to engage an
oblique bottom surface of a bore in one of the support structure
and the wear member. The main body may also include a fixed
radially extending lock fin spirally disposed on the body portion
and extending only partially about a circumference of the body
portion. The fastener may also include a locking detent protruding
from a side of the main body at a location axially disposed between
the proximal end and the lock fin, the locking detent being
compressible relative to the body portion from a compressed
condition to an uncompressed condition.
[0010] According to some examples, a rotatable fastener is
receivable into a hole in both a support structure and a wear
member in a manner that prevents removal of the wear member from
the support structure. The fastener may include a main body having
a body portion sized to be axially introduced into the hole of the
support structure. The body portion may have a distal end and a
proximal end and having a longitudinal axis. The body portion may
have a substantially circular body from the distal end to the
proximal end. The body portion may have a substantially cylindrical
first side and an opposing tapered second side. The body portion
may be substantially circular in cross-section at the distal end.
The main body may also include a fixed radially extending lock fin
spirally disposed on the body portion and extending only partially
about a circumference of the body portion. The fastener may also
include a locking detent protruding from a side of the main body at
a location axially disposed between the proximal end and the lock
fin. The locking detent may be compressible relative to the body
portion from a compressed condition to an uncompressed
condition.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following drawings and detailed description are
exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an
understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope
of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects,
features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent
to one skilled in the art from the following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the
systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with
the description, serve to explain the principles of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wear member
assembly according to one example of principles described
herein.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fastener for a wear member
assembly according to one example of principles described
herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fastener according to one
example of principles described herein.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fastening
pin according to one example of principles described herein.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled
wear member assembly according to one example of principles
described herein.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a wear member
according to one example of principles described herein.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a hole of the wear member according to
one example of principles described herein.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed hole in an inner side of
the wear member according to one example of principles described
herein.
[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates a fastener in a first stage of securing
a wear member to a support structure with a fastener according to
one example of principles described herein.
[0022] FIG. 9B illustrates a fastener in a second stage of securing
a wear member to a support structure with a fastener according to
one example of principles described herein.
[0023] FIG. 9C illustrates a fastener in a final stage of securing
a wear member to a support structure with a fastener according to
one example of principles described herein.
[0024] FIG. 10 is view of an earth engaging wear member assembly
according to one example incorporating principles described
herein.
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of a pin with a
rotation resisting element according to an example incorporating
principles described herein.
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the pin with a
rotation resisting element according to an example incorporating
principles described herein.
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a rotation resisting element according
to an example incorporating principles described herein.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a view along the axis of the pin placed within
the tooth according to an example incorporating principles
described herein.
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a rotation resisting element with outer
projections according to an example incorporating principles
described herein.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a view along the axis of the pin placed within
the tooth according to an example incorporating principles
described herein.
[0031] FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are diagrams showing a cross-section
of the fastener along the rotation resisting element in different
rotational positions according to an example incorporating
principles described herein.
[0032] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate various cross-sectional views
of the pin in an unlocked position according to an example
incorporating principles described herein.
[0033] FIG. 18C is a diagram showing an interior view of the cavity
of the wear member according to an example incorporating principles
described herein.
[0034] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate various cross-sectional
views of the pin in a locked position according to an example
incorporating principles described herein.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
inserting a fastener according to an example incorporating
principles described herein.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a pin
with a rotation resisting element that has an inner ring and an
outer ring according to one example of principles described
herein.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a diagram of the outer ring according to one
example of principles described herein.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a diagram of the inner ring according to one
example of principles described herein.
[0039] FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are diagrams showing rotation of the
pin with respect to the rotation resisting element of FIG. 21
according to one example of principles described herein.
[0040] These Figures will be better understood by reference to the
following Detailed Description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to
the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific
language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is
intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the
described devices, systems, methods, and any further application of
the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
disclosure relates. In addition, this disclosure describes some
elements or features in detail with respect to one or more
implementations or Figures, when those same elements or features
appear in subsequent Figures, without such a high level of detail.
It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or
steps described with respect to one or more implementations or
Figures may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps
described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the
present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or
similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer
to the same or like parts.
[0042] The present disclosure is directed to an earth engaging wear
member assembly that includes a support structure, such as a wear
member adapter, securable to a bucket lip and another wear member
such as a tooth. The assembly further includes a fastener to hold
the tooth on the adapter. The fastener, such as a pin, rotates
between an unlocked position in which the pin can be removed from
its position within the tooth and a locked position in which the
pin is prevented from being removed from its position within the
tooth. The present disclosure describes a pin configuration that
provides resistance when rotating the pin between locked and
unlocked positions. This resistance provides tactile feedback to
the operator.
[0043] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wear member
assembly 100. According to the present example, the wear member
assembly 100 includes a support structure 102, a wear member 104
such as an excavating tooth, and a fastener 106. In this
implementation, the support structure 102 is representatively a
base adapter having a tapered front nose portion 108 with a leading
end 119. Alternatively, the support structure could be an
intermediate adapter or another type of support structure.
Extending horizontally through the nose portion 108 between its
opposite vertical sides is a connector opening 110 that is sized to
receive the fastener 106.
[0044] The wear member 104 is a replaceable excavating tooth, but
could also be an intermediate adapter or other type of replaceable
wear member. A tapered pocket area 112 extends forwardly through a
rear end 114 of the wear member 104 and, as best illustrated in
FIG. 6, is configured to complementarily receive the nose portion
108 when the wear member 104 is telescoped onto the nose portion
108. With the wear member 104 operatively disposed on the nose
portion 108, connector pin openings 116 (only one of which is
visible in FIG. 1) extending through opposite exterior walls 118 of
the wear member 104 into the pocket area 112 are aligned with the
nose connector opening 110. As will be described further below, the
wear member 104 includes interior side recesses such as a lock
shoulder and/or other features that interface with the fastener 106
and cooperate to secure the fastener 106 in place and thereby
secure the wear member 104 to the support structure 102.
[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, the fastener 106 comprises
a main body 126 and a locking detent 128. The main body 126 is
formed as a solid metal elongated cylindrical connector pin having
a fixed axial length extending along a central longitudinal axis
130. In this exemplary implementation, the main body 126 is formed
of a single monolithic material. However, in other implementations,
different portions of the main body 126 may be formed of separate
materials coupled or otherwise connected together. In some
implementations, different portions of the main body 126 may be
welded to each other to form a monolithic structure without moving
parts. The main body 126 includes a longitudinally extending body
portion 132, a radially extending lock fin 134, and a tool engaging
feature 136.
[0046] The body portion 132 has a substantially circular
cross-section along its length and includes a distal end 142 and a
proximal end 144. In this implementation, the distal end 142 is
substantially cylindrical and having a perimeter circumference
having substantially the same radius. The body portion 132 includes
a cylindrical portion 146 extending between the distal end 142 and
the proximal end 144. In this example, the cylindrical portion 146
extends along the side having the lock fin 134. In addition, the
body portion 132 includes a slightly tapered portion 148 extending
between the distal end 142 and the proximal end 144. The slightly
tapered portion 148 may be disposed on opposing side from the
cylindrical portion 146. In some examples, the tapered portion 148
is on a side opposite the lock fin 134. In some examples, however,
the tapered portion 148 may not be directly opposite the lock fin
134.
[0047] Each of the cylindrical portion 146 and the tapered portion
148 has particular purposes. One purpose of the cylindrical portion
146 is to provide equal load distribution to the support structure
102 when the fastener 106 is disposed in the connector opening 110
(FIG. 1) of the support structure 102. This may be seen in the
cross sectional view of FIG. 5, showing a cross-sectional view of
the assembled wear member assembly 100. FIG. 5 shows the
cylindrical portion 146 of the fastener 106 facing and in abutting
contact with an interior wall 160 of the connector opening 110 of
the support structure 102. Because the cylindrical portion 146
interfaces with and engages with the interior wall 160 (and is
disposed to face the leading end 119 of the support structure),
which is shaped to match the cylindrical portion 146 of the
fastener 106, applied loads will be evenly distributed along a load
interface 162 corresponding to the interface of the cylindrical
portion 146 and the interior wall 160. This may extend the useful
life of the support structure 102 by reducing a chance of
deformation that may occur over time with unevenly distributed
loads. In addition, the tapered portion 148 also has purpose. Still
referring to FIG. 5, the tapered portion 148 is shown with an
increasing separation from a back portion 164 of the interior wall
160. In this implementation, the separation is present due to the
tapered portion 148, which, in this implementation, extends from
the distal end 142 to the proximal end 144 of the body portion 132.
The tapered portion 148 makes one side of the body portion 132
conically shaped. As may be understood from the above description,
the cylindrical portion 146 forms the opposing side of the body
portion 132. The tapered portion 148 provides additional clearance
toward the distal end 142 for a relatively easier insertion and
removal of the fastener 106 from the connector opening 110. During
use, debris such as dirt or mud may enter any gaps or crevices
between components, such as between the fastener 106 and the
interior wall 160 of the connector opening 110. This debris may
make removal of the fastener 106 from the connector opening 110
more challenging. The tapered portion 148 reduces friction as the
fastener 106 is removed from connector opening 110. In some
implementations, the tapered portion 148 is formed at an angle
relative to the longitudinal axis 130 in a range of 1-5 degrees.
Other angles, both larger and smaller, are also contemplated. Some
fastener implementations are cylindrical along the entire length of
the body portion 132. Other implementations are conical along the
entire length of the body portion 132. Yet other implementations
are also contemplated.
[0048] The distal end 142 of the body portion 132 may include an
end surface 170 formed at an oblique angle 171 relative to the
longitudinal axis 130. In some implementations, the end surface 170
is angled at the angle 171 selected to be within a range of about
20 to 70 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 130. Some
implementations have an angle range of about 35 to 55 degrees. Some
end surface implementations are angled at about 45 degrees. As will
be described further below, this angled end surface may cooperate
with the wear member 104 to form a release mechanism, or push-out
feature, that helps remove the fastener 106 from the support
structure 102 and the wear member 104.
[0049] The radially extending lock fin 134 is, in the
implementation shown, disposed toward the proximal end 144 of the
main body 126. The lock fin 134 extends radially from the body
portion 132. In some implementations, the lock fin 134 extends
substantially from one side of the main body 126.
[0050] In the implementation shown, the lock fin 134 has a
relatively larger transverse width W (FIG. 2) and a relatively
smaller axial length L (FIG. 1). Other implementations have a lock
fin 134 sized differently. Some lock fins are substantially fan
shaped. Other lock fins have alternative shapes. The lock fin 134
has a distal facing surface 172, a proximal facing surface 174, a
leading edge 176, and a trailing edge 178. In some implementations,
at least one of the distal facing surface 172 and the proximal
facing surface 174 extends along a plane substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 130. In other
implementations, at least one of the distal facing surfaces 172 and
the proximal facing surface 174 extend at an oblique angle relative
to a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
130. In such implementations, one or both of the distal and
proximal facing surfaces 172, 174 of the lock fin 134 may spiral
about a portion of the longitudinal axis 130. In some
implementations, the distal facing surface 172 is formed
substantially within a single plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 130, and the proximal facing surface 174 includes
a tapered portion 177 forming an obliquely angled plane or planar
surface adjacent the leading-edge 176 and a planar portion 179
parallel to the distal facing surface 172 adjacent the trailing
edge 178. In some implementations, a third planar portion 181 forms
a taper extending from the planar portion 179 to the trailing edge
178. The planar portion 181 may be configured to dislodge and
remove debris when the fastener 106 is rotated for removal from the
wear member 104 and the support structure 102.
[0051] The leading-edge 176 and the trailing edge 178 may extend in
substantially the same direction from the body portion 132. For
example, they may be relatively parallel to each other. In some
examples, they may deviate less than 10.degree. from each other.
Accordingly, the lock fin may be relatively rectangular shaped. In
some implementations, the leading-edge 176 and the trailing edge
178 are angled relative to each other and may form an angle within
a range of 0 to 60 degrees. Accordingly, the lock fin may be fan
shaped. Yet other angles and shapes are also contemplated. In some
implementations, the maximum distance between the leading-edge 176
and the trailing edge 178 may be equal to or less than a diameter
of the body portion 132. In some implementations, the maximum
distance between the leading-edge 176 and the trailing edge 178 may
be greater than a radius of the body portion 132, but smaller than
the diameter of the body portion 132. In some implementations, the
maximum distance between the leading-edge 176 and the trailing edge
178 may be greater than a diameter of the body portion. In some
implementations, the axial length L or thickness of the lock fin
134 at the leading-edge 176 is less than the axial length L or
thickness of the lock fin 134 at the trailing edge 178. In some
implementations, the lock fin may have a radial height greater than
the radius of the body portion. In some implementations, the axial
length L or thickness of the lock fin 134 at the leading-edge 176
is greater than the axial length L or thickness of the lock fin 134
at the trailing edge 178. In some examples, both the distal facing
surface 172 and the proximal facing surface 174 of the lock fin 134
may be substantially parallel to each other. In other words, there
may not be tapering of the distal facing surface 172.
[0052] The tool engaging feature 136 is disposed at the distal end
142 of the body portion 132 and is configured and arranged to
interface with a tool that a user may employ to move the fastener
106 from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. In the
exemplary implementation shown herein, the tool engaging feature
136 is formed as a hex head protruding from an end of the body
portion 132. Other tool engaging feature implementations may
include a recess or depression formed into an end of the body
portion 132. The protrusion or the recess may be hex shaped as
shown; or may be alternatively shaped as a square, a star, or other
shape that may enable coupling to a tool.
[0053] In this implementation, the body portion 132 includes a
groove 180 sized and arranged to receive the locking detent 128.
The groove 180 may be disposed at the proximal end 144 between the
lock fin 134 and the tool engaging feature 136. Here, the groove
180 is formed radially within a plane substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis 130. In some implementations, the groove
180 extends about only a portion of the circumference of the body
portion 132. In other implementations, the groove 180 extends
entirely about the circumference of the body portion 132. Here, as
can be seen in FIG. 4, the groove 180 extends about only a portion
of the circumference of the body portion 132 in order to minimize
any chance of the locking detent 128 inadvertently sliding about
the circumference of the body portion 132. Other spring designs are
also contemplated, including elastomeric or polymeric systems.
[0054] The locking detent 128 may be carried on and supported by
the body portion 132. The locking detent 128 may project radially
outwardly from the body portion 132 and may help maintain the
fastener 106 in a locked and/or unlocked condition as desired by a
user. In the implementation shown, the locking detent 128 comprises
a C-shaped snap ring that fits within the groove 180 and the body
portion 132. Here, the C-shaped locking detent 128 includes a
protruding portion 182 formed of a flexible protrusion and a spring
portion 184 formed of legs of the C-shaped snap ring. In this
implementation, the legs fit within the groove 180 so that they are
flush with or below an exterior surface of the body portion 132.
The protruding portion 182 projects radially outwardly beyond the
exterior surface of the body portion 132. When the fastener 106 is
rotated between an unlocked condition and a locked condition, the
protruding portion 182 may be radially and elastically compressed.
When the fastener 106 arrives at the unlocked condition and/or the
locked condition, the protruding portion 182 may be permitted to
spring radially back to its original condition. This may provide a
user with a tactile feel indicating that the fastener 106 is fully
within the locked condition or the unlocked condition, while at the
same time, it may help prevent inadvertent rotation of the fastener
from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. This will
become more apparent in the discussion below.
[0055] While the embodiment disclosed employs a snap ring style
locking detent, other locking detents are also contemplated. For
example, some detents have a shape other than C-shape. Some extend
completely around the body portion 132. Additional implementations
employ an elastomeric projection extending from the exterior
surface of the body portion 132. When moved between an unlocked and
a locked condition, the elastomeric projection may compress and
then expand when properly located at the locked or unlocked
condition. The elastomeric locking detent would reduce the
likelihood of inadvertent rotation during use from the locked
condition to the unlocked condition. Other locking detents include
spring-loaded detents. Yet others are also contemplated.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the wear member 104 in greater detail including
the tapered pocket area 112 extending through the rear end 114.
With reference to both FIGS. 5 and 6, the wear member 104 includes
connector pin openings 116 on both opposing sides of the wear
member. In the implementation shown, the connector pin openings 116
both extend from an exterior surface of the exterior walls 118 into
the pocket area 112. In some alternative implementations, only one
connector pin opening 116 extends from the exterior surface into
the pocket area 112. In such an implementation, the opposing
connector pin opening 116 may be formed only in the interior
surface of the pocket area 112. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector
pin openings 116 are aligned so that the fastener 106 may extend
and engage with the connector pin openings 116 on both opposing
sides of the wear member 104.
[0057] In this implementation, the connector pin openings 116
include a release opening 202 and a locking opening 204. The
release opening 202 is formed as a counterbore passage extending
from the interior wall 203 of the wear member 104 to the exterior
wall 118. In accordance with this, the release opening 202 includes
a larger diameter portion 206 and a smaller diameter portion 208.
The larger diameter portion 206 is sized to receive the distal end
142 of the fastener 106. A bottom surface 210 of the larger
diameter portion 206 is oblique relative to an axis through the
larger diameter portion 206 that may also be parallel to the
longitudinal axis 130 of the fastener 106 when the fastener 106 is
disposed in the pin openings 116. In the implementation shown, the
bottom surface 210 is angled to lie substantially parallel to the
end surface 170 of the fastener 106 when the fastener is in a
locked condition, in a manner shown in FIG. 5. The purpose of the
oblique surface to cooperate with the end surface 170 (of the
push-out feature) to eject the fastener during rotation will be
explained further below. The oblique surface is also oblique to a
transverse axis that passes through both connector pin openings
116. This transverse axis may be coaxial with the axis 130 shown in
FIG. 5.
[0058] The smaller diameter portion 208 extends from the bottom
surface 210 to the exterior wall 118 of the wear member 104. The
passage formed by the smaller diameter portion 208 may provide
access to the fastener 106 by a user. This may be helpful if for
example the fastener 106 were to become lodged within the connector
opening 110 of the support structure 102 or the connector pin
openings 116 of the wear member 104. The passage may permit a user
to force the fastener 106 through the connector opening 110. For
example, a user may insert a shaft through the passage into contact
with the distal end of the fastener 106, and may tap in the end of
the shaft to break loose the fastener 106 from the connector
opening 110 and/or the connector pin openings 116. Some
implementations also include a tool receiver that enables a user to
pry the fastener from the connector pin opening 116 if needed. For
example, the protrusion, the fin, or other features on the body
portion may be used to pry the fastener 106 from the bore.
[0059] The locking opening 204 is shaped to axially receive the
fastener 106 therethrough, and permit the fastener 106 to be
rotated from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. As used
herein, the unlocked condition is a position that allows the
fastener 106 to be removed from the locking opening 204. The locked
condition is a position where the lock fin 134 is disposed behind a
portion of the wall separating the pocket area 112 from the
external side wall 118. The locking opening 204 therefore includes
a shape that is larger than the axial profile of the fastener 106.
The locking opening 204 is shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7
shows a perspective view of the external portion of the locking
opening 204, while FIG. 8 shows an internal portion of the locking
opening 204. As viewed in FIG. 7, the locking opening 204 has a
central opening portion 209 having a generally bulbous shape, a
first detent receiving region 211, a second detent receiving region
212, and a lock fin receiving region 214. The first and second
detent receiving regions 211, 212 extend radially outward from the
central opening portion 209. A detent compressing region 216 formed
in the exterior wall 118 of the wear member 104 separates the first
and second detent receiving regions 211, 212. As best seen in FIG.
8, the pocket side of the wear member 104 includes a wear member
lock portion 219 having a backside that forms a lock shoulder
surface 220. In the implementation shown, the lock shoulder surface
220 is recessed below the interior wall 203 of the pocket area 112.
The lock shoulder surface 220 extends to a hard mechanical stop
222. When the fastener 106 is positioned in the locking opening
204, it can be rotated so that the lock fin 134 is behind the wear
member lock portion 219 adjacent the lock shoulder surface 220. The
hard mechanical stop 222 may prevent over-rotation of the fastener
106, and may therefore ensure that the cylindrical portion of the
fastener is properly aligned to interface with the load interface
162 of the connector opening 110 (FIG. 5).
[0060] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate a process for rotating the
fastener 106 from an unlocked condition to a locked condition
according to an exemplary implementation. These Figures show an end
view of the fastener 106, and a side view of the wear member 104.
FIG. 9A illustrates the fastener 106 in an unlocked condition; FIG.
9B illustrates the fastener 106 in an intermediate position between
the unlocked condition and the locked condition; and FIG. 9C
illustrates the fastener 106 in a locked condition.
[0061] FIG. 9A shows the fastener 106 aligned for insertion through
the locking opening 204. In this position, the lock fin 134 is
aligned with the lock fin receiving region 214, and the locking
detent 128 is aligned with the first detent receiving region 211.
In this alignment, the fastener 106 extends through the locking
opening 204 of the wear member 104, through the connector opening
110 in the support structure 102, and into the release opening 202
in the wear member 104. At the same time, the distal end of the
fastener may abut against the oblique, flat bottom surface 210 of
the release opening 202 (FIGS. 5 and 7). With the fastener 106
disposed in this unlocked condition, a user may engage the tool
engaging feature 136 with a rotation tool, such as a wrench or
socket system, for example in order to rotate the fastener 106 from
the unlocked condition.
[0062] FIG. 9B shows the fastener 106 in the process of being
rotated from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. As
shown in FIG. 9B, the leading-edge 176 of the lock fin 134 begins
to slide behind the wear member lock portion 219. At the same time,
the locking detent 128 moves out of the first detent receiving
region 211, and engages the structure forming the detent
compressing region 216. As such, a user may tactilely feel
additional resistance to rotation as the locking detent 128
compresses radially as it passes the detent compressing region 216.
Implementations having a lock fin with a tapered proximal facing
surface 174 may slide against the lock shoulder surface 220 (FIG.
8) forming a part of the wear member lock portion 219. Because the
lock shoulder surface 220 is at an oblique angle, as the lock fin
134 travels along the lock shoulder surface 220, the fastener 106
is further axially displaced inwardly toward the release opening
202. The oblique nature of the flat bottom surface 210 of the
larger diameter portion 206 permits the fastener 106 to advance
further into the release opening 202. A user will continue to
rotate the fastener 106 to the locking condition.
[0063] FIG. 9C shows the fastener 106 in the locking condition. In
this condition, the fastener is rotated until the lock fin 134 is
fully behind the wear member lock portion 219. Here, the proximal
facing surface 174 of the lock fin 134 may be engaged or position
to interface with the lock shoulder surface 220. Also in this
condition, the leading-edge 176 of the lock fin 134 may be engaged
against the hard mechanical stop 222. In this position, the
cylindrical portion of the fastener 106 may be aligned with the
load interface 162 of the support structure 102 (FIG. 5). At the
same time, in this position, the end surface 170 of the fastener
106 may be substantially aligned with the oblique flat bottom
surface 210 of the larger diameter portion 206 of the release
opening 202. As can be seen in FIG. 9C, the locking detent 128 has
moved off the detent compressing region 216 and into the second
detent receiving region 212. Because the locking detent 128 was
compressed, a user may tactilely feel the release of the locking
detent 128 as it moves into the second detent receiving region 212.
This may signal to a user that the fastener has arrived in the
locked condition. Furthermore, the locking detent 128 may prevent
inadvertent rotation of the fastener 106 back toward the unlocked
condition. For example, the relatively higher force required to
rotate the locking detent 128 out of the second detent receiving
region 212 and onto the detent compressing region 216 may prevent
the fastener from inadvertently and undesirably rotating when
digging, excavating, pushing, or otherwise using the wear member
for its intended purposes.
[0064] Importantly, the wear member assembly 100 is provided with a
release assistance mechanism in the form of the tapered end of the
fastener 106 and the oblique bottom surface 210 of larger diameter
portion 206 of the release opening 202. When a user desires to
remove the fastener 106, he or she may rotate the fastener 106 from
the locked condition shown in FIG. 9C toward the unlocked condition
shown in FIG. 9A. As this occurs, the oblique end of the fastener
106 abuts against the oblique bottom surface 210 of the larger
diameter portion 206 of the release opening 202. These oblique
surfaces force the fastener 106 to axially displace toward the
locking opening 204. When the fastener 106 displaces toward locking
opening 204, and may ultimately project at least partially out of
the locking opening 204, the fastener 106 may be more easily
grasped and removed from the wear member 104. Accordingly, rotation
in the counterclockwise direction may not only unlock the fastener
106, but may also partially eject the fastener 106.
[0065] With the wear member attached to additional structure, such
as a bucket, debris such as dirt, mud, clay and so forth may fill
the open portions of the locking opening 204. When the fastener is
to be removed from the wear member 104, the trailing edge 178
becomes the leading-edge intended to remove or break up hardened
soil material in the locking opening 204. To accomplish this, the
trailing edge 178 may be formed with a planar surface substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis 130.
[0066] In some implementations, the support structure 102 and the
fastener 106 are configured so that the fastener 106 does not
extend entirely through the support structure 102. In these
implementations, the support structure 102 may include the oblique
bottom surface 210 shown in the release opening 202. That is, the
support structure may include a bore on each side aligned with the
pin openings 116 of the wear member 104 when the wear member is on
the support structure.
[0067] The wear member assembly design described herein may provide
additional advantages unobtainable by systems in the prior art. The
simplicity, reliability, and shape achieved by the fastener, the
holes in the wear member, and the nature of the support structure
may provide reliability as well as efficient, non-hammering
attachment of a wear member to and removal from a support
structure.
[0068] FIGS. 10-19C show an additional implementation of a wear
member assembly. FIG. 10 is a view of an earth engaging wear member
assembly according to example implementations of the present
disclosure. In the implementation shown, the wear member assembly
1000 includes a tooth (or wear member) 1004, a support structure
such as an adapter 1002, and a fastener 1006.
[0069] The adapter 1002 includes a longitudinally projecting nose
extending within a rear cavity of the tooth 1004 (not shown in FIG.
10). The nose may include a transverse hole (not shown in FIG. 10)
formed therein for receiving the fastener 1006. In this example
implementation, the tooth 1004 also includes a hole through which
the fastener 1006 can be inserted.
[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener 1006.
FIG. 12 illustrates an assembled view of the fastener 1006. FIG.
18A illustrates a cross-sectional assembled view of the fastener
1006 disposed within other components of the wear assembly 1000.
With reference to these figures, and according to the present
example, the fastener 1006 includes rigid body comprising a main
body 1201 and a cap 1212. The fastener 1006 also includes a
rotation resisting element 1210. The cap 1212 is arranged to
connect to the main body 1201 such that the rotation resisting
element 1210 is held between the cap 1212 and the main body
1201.
[0071] In the present example, the main body 1201 includes a shaft
1204 and a head 1206. One end 1203 of the shaft 1204 includes a
push-out feature 1202, or release mechanism, and the other end of
the shaft 1204 supports and extends from the head 1206. In the
present example, the head 1206 and the shaft 1204 form a single
monolithic component. In some examples, the head 1206 may be a
separate component connectable with the shaft 1204 to from a single
rigid unit. The shaft 1204 includes an elongated, cylindrical
portion that is substantially circular in cross-section. In some
examples, the shaft 1204 may taper towards the end 1203 to allow
easier insertion into the transverse hole in the nose portion and
the hole in the tooth 1104.
[0072] The push-out feature 1202 works in concert with the tooth
1104 or adapter 1102 so that as the shaft 1204 is rotated it is
pushed out of the hole in which it is inserted. In the
implementation shown, the push-out feature 1202 may be a tapered
end. In some implementations, the tapered end is a substantially
planar surface angled at an oblique angle relative the longitudinal
axis of the shaft 1204. The tapered end may engage against an
angled edge within the tooth 1104 or the adapter 1002 as described
above. Rotation of the shaft 1204 may cause the tapered end of the
push out feature 1202 to slide against a corresponding tapered
surface in the tooth 1004 or the adapter 1002, forcing the shaft
1204 (and likewise the fastener 1006) to axially displace so that
the fastener 1006 may be more easily grasped and removed from the
wear member assembly 1000. In the implementation shown, the
longitudinal axis 1213 of the shaft 1204 is also co-linear with the
longitudinal axis of the fastener 1006.
[0073] The other end 1205 of the main body 1201 includes the head
1206. In this implementation, the head 1206 has a larger
cross-sectional diameter than the shaft 1204. The head 1206
includes an engagement cavity 1222 that opens along the axial
direction at the proximal end of the shaft 1204. As will be
explained in more detail below, the engagement cavity is sized and
shaped to receive an engagement protrusion 1220 of the cap 1212. In
the example implementation shown, the head 1206 also includes two
pinholes 1207 that are sized and shaped to receive a holding pin
1226. In the implementation shown, the pinholes 1207 are disposed
on opposing sides of the engagement cavity 1222 so that the holding
pin 1226 may be positioned in both pinholes 1207 at the same time.
After the cap 1212 is inserted into the engagement cavity 1222, the
holding pin 1226 may be inserted into the pinholes 1207 to hold the
cap 1212 in place relative to the main body 1201. Although the
implementation shown includes a single holding pin 1226, other
implementations use multiple holding pins. Yet others use
mechanical attachment fasteners that are not holding pins. For
example, some implementations use adhesives, epoxies, welding,
threads, or other engagement features to secure the cap 1212 to the
main body 1201.
[0074] In this exemplary implementation, the head 1206 also
includes a radially extending lock fin 1224. The lock fin 1224
assists with securing the fastener 1006 in place to secure the
tooth 1004 onto the adapter 1002. For example, when the fastener
1006 is rotated into the locked position, the lock fin 1224 sits
behind a surface of the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002 so as to prevent
removal of the fastener 1006 from the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002.
Likewise, when the fastener 1006 is in an unlocked position, the
lock fin 1224 is positioned so as to fit through a recess or
opening within the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002, thus allowing
removal of the fastener 1006. Although the lock fin 1224 is
disclosed as projecting from the head 1206 of the main body 1201,
in other implementations, the lock fin is disposed on the cap 1212
or from the shaft 1204. In some implementations, the lock fin 1224
includes axially displaced surfaces 1225a, 1225b lying within
parallel planes. In some implementations, one or both of the
surfaces 1225a, 1225b are angled to lie within planes that are
oblique to the longitudinal axis 1213. In some embodiments, these
surfaces may be similar to the distal facing surfaces and the
proximal facing surface 174 described with reference to FIGS. 2-8
and 9A-9C. The lock fin 1224 may be sloped or sized similar to the
lock fin 134 described herein.
[0075] The cap 1212 includes an engagement protrusion 1220, a
contact portion 1218, and a head 1219. The engagement protrusion
1220 protruding axially from the contact portion 1218 and is sized
and shaped to fit within the engagement cavity 1222, as shown in
FIGS. 11 and 18A. In the present example, the engagement protrusion
1220 is substantially square-shaped in cross-section. Thus, the
engagement cavity 1222 is also substantially square-shaped.
Accordingly, in the implementation shown, the engagement cavity
1222 and the engagement protrusion 1220 have substantially the same
cross-sectional shape. Although shown as substantially
square-shaped, other profiles or shapes may be used. In some
implementations, the cross-sectional shape of the engagement cavity
1222 and the engagement protrusion 1220 are formed as rectangles,
triangles, or other polygonal shapes. Yet other cross-sectional
shapes are contemplated. Because of the matching shapes or
surfaces, the cap 1212 and the main body 1201 may be rotationally
fixed to each other. Some implementations do not rely on matching
shapes or surfaces, but instead rely upon the holding pin 1226 or
other holding structure to rotationally fix the cap 1212 and the
main body 1201. As can be seen, the engagement protrusion 1220 in
this implementation also includes a through-hole 1217. When the
engagement protrusion 1220 is fully inserted into the engagement
cavity 1222, the through-hole 1217 is aligned with the pinholes
1207 such that the holding pin 1226 may be inserted all the way
through so as to hold the cap 1212 to the main body 1201. Other
mechanisms for securing the cap 1212 to the main body 1201 such
that rotation of the cap 1212 causes corresponding rotation of the
main body 1201 are also contemplated.
[0076] In the present example, the contact portion 1218 is a
noncircular circumferential profile forming an outer surface of a
portion of the cap 1212, and is positioned adjacent the engagement
protrusion 1220. The contact portion 1218 is sized and shaped to be
received by the rotation resisting element 1210. In this
implementation, the contact portion 1218 includes a plurality of
substantially planar surfaces that face radially outward. These
planar surfaces are separated by edges or corners 1229, and are
designed to sit flat against inner surfaces of the rotation
resisting element 1210 when the fastener is in either the locked or
unlocked position. Although described as planar surfaces, the
surfaces may have concave or convex portions separated by the edges
or corners 1229.
[0077] The head 1219 of the cap 1212 may have a diameter that is
similar to or substantially the same size as that of the head 1206
of the main body 1201. The head 1219 limits or prevents axial
translation of the rotation resisting element 1210 while the cap
1212 is connected to the main body 1201. That is, the head 1219
secures the rotation resisting element 1210 in place axially,
although the head 1219 and the entire cap 1212 may be selectively
rotated relative to the rotation resisting element 1210. The head
1219 also includes a tool-connection feature shown as a hole 1216
that can be used to rotate the fastener 1106. In the present
example, the hole 1216 is hex shaped and aligned with the
longitudinal axis. Thus, a hex-shaped tool may be inserted into the
hole 1216 and used to rotate the fastener 1106 relative to the
remainder of the wear assembly 1100. In some examples, a plug 1214
may be inserted into the hole 1216 during normal operation of the
wear member to prevent buildup of debris, such as dirt, within the
hole 1216. The plug 1214 may be a rubber or polymeric plug that may
be removed to provide access to the hole 1216. In some example,
there may be a cut-out 1215 in one of the hexagonal sides of the
hole 1216 that allows a tool, such as a screwdriver to slide in and
remove the plug 1214. Additionally, the cut-out 1215 may provide a
way for the tool to remove dirt and debris from the hole 1216 in
case the plug 1214 is not used.
[0078] The rotation resisting element 1210, sometimes referred to
as a locking detent or a clamp spring, is designed to resist
undesired or unintentional rotation of the cap 1212 and the main
body 1201, and allow desired or intentional rotational movement of
the cap 1212 and main body 1201. The rotation resisting element
1210 may be similar to the spring-portion 184 described above.
According to the present example, the rotation resisting element
1210 includes an inner contact feature 1211 and an interference
feature 1209. The inner contact feature 1211 includes a plurality
of inward facing planar surfaces that are configured to engage the
outwardly facing surfaces of the contact portion 1218 of the cap
1212 such that the planar surfaces of the contact portion 1218
rotatably fit against planar surfaces of the inner contact feature
1211. The rotation resisting element 1210 may be formed of a
resilient material having resilient characteristics such that
desired or intentional rotation of the cap 1212 and main body 1201
are allowed but undesired or unintentional rotation is resisted.
Specifically, rotating the cap 1212 and main body 1201 relative to
the rotation resisting element 1210 between a locked position and
an unlocked position causes expansion, such as radial expansion, of
the rotation resisting element 1210. Rotation of the cap 1212
relative to the rotation resisting element 1210 pushes the rotation
resisting element 1210 outward. The compliant and elastic nature of
the rotation resisting element 1210 provides resistance to this
outward motion and thus provides resistance to rotation of the
fastener 1006 between locked and unlocked positions. This provides
tactile feedback to the user as the fastener rotates between an
unlocked position and a locked position. As such, as a user rotates
the cap 1212 and the main body 1201 relative to the rotation
resisting element 1210, resistance to rotation increases for a
first portion of the rotation, and then decreases for a second
portion of the rotation, providing the tactile feedback to the
user. Because rotational resistance increases during rotation, the
tendency of inadvertent rotation may be minimized or prevented.
[0079] In the present example, the interference feature 1209 is
formed as a single protrusion that is designed to fit within a
recess or slot (not shown) in the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002. The
recess provides mechanical interference that prevents rotation of
the interference feature 1209 of the rotation resisting element
1210 relative to the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002. Accordingly, when
the fastener 1006 is rotated relative to the tooth 1004 or the
adapter 1002, the rotation resisting element 1210 is not.
[0080] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the fastener 1006
with a rotation resisting element 1210. The cap 1212 is secured to
the head 2006 of the shaft 1204. Additionally, the rotation
resisting element 1210 fits over the contact portion 1218 and is
secured in place by the cap 1212 and is prevented from being
removed without removal of the cap 1212.
[0081] In some examples, the rotation resisting element 1210 may be
formed of a single monolithic component as shown and described in
FIGS. 11-15. In some examples, however, the rotation resisting
element 1210 may include more than one component as shown and
described with reference to FIGS. 21-24C. For example, the rotation
resisting element 1210 may include a biasing member and a separate
ring-piece (not shown) that fits with the biasing member. In such
an example, the biasing member may form some of the surfaces of the
inner contact feature 1211 while the ring-piece may form some of
the other inner surfaces of the inner contact feature 1211, or
alternatively the biasing member may form all the surfaces of the
inner contact feature 1211.
[0082] In some implementations, the rotation resisting element 1210
includes a position indicator 1221. The position indicator 1221 is
a fixed feature that may be used for reference to identify the
relative rotational position of the cap 1212. In the implementation
shown, the position indicator 1221 is a depression formed in a
surface of the rotation resisting element 1210. A brightly colored
paint or marker may be applied so that the position indicator 1221
is easily identifiable to an operator. As can be seen in FIG. 12,
The cap 1212 may also include position indicators 1223. In the
example shown, the position indicators 1223 are shown as an open
padlock and a closed padlock. In some implementations, the position
indicators 1223 are simply lines, dots, depressions, or other
indicator. In some implementations, these may be painted or colored
to be easily visible to an operator. Some implementations do not
include position indicators.
[0083] FIG. 13 illustrates a biasing member 1300 forming a part of
or all of the exemplary rotation resisting element 1210. In the
present example, the biasing member 1300 is a c-shaped member. The
biasing member 1300 includes two flex arms 1302a, 1302b and the
interference feature 1209. The arm 1302a includes an upper inward
facing surface 1304a and the arm 1302b includes a lower upward
facing surface 1304b. In this implementation, the surfaces 1304a,
1304b are substantially planar. When assembled with the cap 1212,
the surfaces 1304a, 1304b may fit against the substantially planar
surfaces of the contact portion 1218 (FIG. 2A). In the present
example, the biasing member 1300 includes a single solid protrusion
1306 that forms the interference feature 1209.
[0084] In some examples, the biasing member 1300 may made of a
resilient material such as a plastic or polymer. In some examples,
the biasing member 1300 may be made of a metal material that has
sufficient flexibility. The resiliency allows the arms 1302a, 1302b
to elastically flex apart when a rotational force is applied to the
cap 1212 and thus the contact portion 1218. When the cap 1212 and
main body 1201 are in the locked or unlocked positions, then the
planar surfaces 1304a, 1304b will rest against or be disposed
adjacent to corresponding planar surfaces of the contact portion
1218, providing a biasing force against inadvertent rotation
between the locking and unlocking position. However, as the contact
portion is rotating, the resilient arms 1302a, 1302b may flex
outward, allowing the biasing force to be overcome and allowing
rotation between locked and unlocked positions. Thus, the arms
provide resistance to such rotational movement between locked and
unlocked positions.
[0085] FIG. 14 shows the fastener 1006 disposed within an aperture
or hole 1402 in a side of the tooth 1004. The head 1219 of the cap
1212 is visible while the main body 1201 is disposed in or through
the hole 1402. As can be seen, the interference feature 1209 of the
rotation resisting element 1210 fits within a recess 1406 within
the tooth 1004. Additionally, the lock fin 1224 fits within a lock
fin receiving opening or an extension 1404 of the hole 1402. FIG.
14 shows the fastener 1006 in the unlocked position with the lock
fin 1224 aligned within the extension 1404. With the lock fin 1224
aligned as shown, the fastener 1106 may be axially displaced and
removed from the hole 1402 in the side of the tooth 1004. The
unlocked and locked positions will be described further below.
[0086] FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary biasing member for use
with or as a rotation resisting element, referenced by the numeral
1500. In a manner similar to the biasing member 1300 discussed
herein, the biasing member 1500 includes two arms 1502a, 1502b each
having an inner surface 1504a, 1504b that is designed to contact
part of the contact portion 1218 of the cap 1212. The biasing
member 1500 also defines an interference feature 1506 that includes
two protrusions 1508a, 1508b. The protrusions 1508a, 1508b provide
interference with the adapter 1002 or the tooth 1004 so as to
resist rotation of the biasing member, even as the cap 1212
rotates.
[0087] FIG. 16 shows the fastener 1006 disposed within the aperture
or hole 1402 in a side of the tooth 1004. As can be seen, the
protrusions 1508a, 1508b of the rotation resisting element fit
within a recess 1406 within the tooth 1004. The lock fin 1224 fits
within the lock fin opening or extension 1404. The fastener 1006 is
shown in the unlocked position, and the description of FIG. 14 also
applies here.
[0088] FIGS. 17A-17C show a cross-section of the contact portion
1218 in different positions with respect to the inner contact
feature 1211. Each of FIGS. 17A and 17C illustrates the fastener
1006 in one of the locked and unlocked positions. For purposes of
explanation only, FIG. 17A will be treated as the unlocked position
and FIG. 17C will be referenced as the locked position. FIG. 17B
shows the rotation midway between the locked and unlocked
positions. Referring to FIG. 17A in the unlocked position, the lock
fin 1224 is positioned so as to allow the fastener to be removed
from the wear member 1004 (not shown). In this position, an outer
surface 1701 of the contact portion 1218 rests against an inner
surface 1702 of the inner contact feature 1211. An outer surface
1703 of the contact portion 1218 faces the interference feature
1209. An outer surface 1705 of the contact portion 1218 rests
against an inner surface 1706 of the inner contact feature 1211. An
outer surface 1707 of the contact portion faces away from the
interference feature 1209.
[0089] FIG. 17B illustrates the fastener approximately midway
between the unlocked position (shown in FIG. 17A) and the locked
position (shown in FIG. 17C). In this position, outer surface 1701
has moved away from inner surface 1702. Outer surface 1703 has
moved towards inner surface 1706. Outer surface 1705 has moved away
from inner surface 1706. Outer surface 1707 has moved towards inner
surface 1702. This puts an outward force on the biasing member
1300. In some examples, the outward force pushes the two flex arms
1302a, 1302b of the biasing member 1300 outward. In some examples,
the outward force compresses the material that forms the arms
1302a, 1302b while the arms remain substantially stationary. In
either case, rotation between the locked position and the unlocked
position is resisted, thus providing tactile feedback to an
operator.
[0090] FIG. 17C illustrates the fastener in the locked position.
Thus, the lock fin is positioned so as to prevent removal of the
fastener from the wear member 1004 (not shown). After rotation to
the locked position, outer surface 1701 now faces the interference
feature 1209. Outer surface 1703 now sits against inner surface
1706. Outer surface 1705 now faces away from the interference
feature 1209. Outer surface 1707 now sits against inner surface
1702.
[0091] While FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate only two discrete positions
(locked and unlocked), it is understood that other implementations
may include more discrete positions. For example, in the present
example, there are four planar surfaces in both the inner contact
feature 1211 and the contact portion 1218. Thus, there may be four
discrete positions. In some examples, the contact portion 1218 and
the inner feature 1211 may have a different number of planar
surfaces and allow for a different number of discrete positions.
For example, there may be three planar surfaces in a triangular
shape, thus allowing three discrete positions. Alternatively, there
may be five planar surfaces, thus allowing five discrete positions.
In such cases, rotation between positions is resisted by the
resilient rotation resisting element and thus tactile feedback is
provided to the user who is rotating the fastener 1006. Also, for
purposes of illustration, the rotational distance between the
locked and unlocked positions is 90.degree.. However, other
implementations may be arranged to provide any rotational distance
between locked and unlocked positions depending on the
configuration of the contact portion 1218 and inner features
1211.
[0092] As illustrated, the rotation resisting element 1210 remains
in place while the contact portion 1218 of the cap 1212 rotates. In
other words, the inner surfaces 1702, 1706, remain in place while
the outer surfaces 1701, 1703, 1705, 1707 rotate.
[0093] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate various cross-sectional views
of the fastener 1006 in an unlocked position. FIG. 18A illustrates
a cross-section along the longitudinal axis 1804 of the fastener
1006. According to the present example, the fastener 1006 is shown
as inserted into the wear member 1004 and the adapter 1002, thereby
preventing removal of the wear member 1004 from the adapter 1002.
Specifically, the elongated main body 1201 extends through the
adapter 1002 and extends into a recess 1802 formed within an inner
surface 1801 on the far side of the wear member 1004. The recess
1802 includes an inwardly facing tapered surface 1803 shape to
cooperate with the push out feature 1202 of the fastener 1006. In
this implementation, the lock fin 1224 is shown extending outward
from the main body 1201, although other implementations have the
lock fin 1224 extending outward from the cap 1212. While not quite
clear from the perspective of FIG. 18A, the lock fin is in a
position to allow the fastener 1006 to be removed. FIG. 18A also
illustrates the fastener fully assembled with the cap 1212 secured
to the main body 1201 with the rotation resisting element 1210
therebetween.
[0094] FIG. 18B illustrates a diagonal cross-section along the lock
fin 1224. As illustrated, the lock fin 1224 is positioned so as to
be aligned with the hole extension 1404, thus allowing the fastener
1006 to be removed. Additionally, the interference feature 1209 is
shown positioned within the recess 1406.
[0095] FIG. 18C is a diagram showing a view from inside the cavity
of the wear member 1004. This view shows the hole 1402 through
which the lock pin may be inserted. When the lock pin 1006 is first
inserted, the lock fin 1224 fits within pocket 1812. When the lock
pin 1006 is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked
position, the outer edge of the lock fin 1224 moves along adjacent
surface 1818. Additionally, the proximal facing surface 1225a
(shown in FIG. 12) of the lock fin 1224 rests against ramped
surface 1816. The ramped surface 1816 thus acts as a push-in
feature because as the lock fin is rotated, the ramped surface
pushes the lock pin 1006 along the axial direction further into the
hole 1402. Then, the lock fin 1224 rests at pocket 1814 in the
locked position. In some implementations, the ramped surface 1816
is a relatively planar ramp. Accordingly, there is a linear
relationship between rotation and axial displacement of the lock
pin 1006 into the hole. In other implementations, the ramped
surface 1816 has a relatively smooth curvature. Accordingly, there
is a nonlinear relationship between rotation and an axial
displacement of the lock pin 1006 into the hole. In yet other
implementations, the ramped surface 1816 has a plurality of
surfaces that may form a stepped relationship. For example, FIG.
18C shows surface 1816 being formed of a plurality of levels or
stages. In the example shown, the surface 1816 includes three
stages, shown as a flat 1816a, a ramp 1816b, and another flat
1816c. As the lock pin 1006 rotates, the lock fin slides over the
flat 1816a with minimal axial displacement of the lock pin 1006. It
then slides over the ramp 1816b causing more axial displacement of
the lock pin 1006, thereby pushing in the lock pin 1006. It then
slides over the flat 1816c to be secured in the locked position.
Other arrangements are also contemplated.
[0096] FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C illustrate various cross-sectional views
of the fastener 1006 in a locked position. According to the
implementation shown herein, the fastener 1006 is therefore rotated
90.degree. from the position shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. In the
locked position, the fastener 1006 is advanced further into the
holes 1404 in the wear member 1004 and the adapter 1002. As can be
seen, the push out feature 1202 of the shaft 1204 forming a part of
the main body 1201 fits adjacent the inwardly facing tapered
surface 1803 in the wear member 1004. In some implementations, the
fastener 1006 may extend only partially into the adapter 1002. In
such an implementation, the tapered surface 1803 may be formed as a
part of the adapter 1002. As the fastener 1006 rotates, the push
out feature 1202 engages the tapered surface 1803 and further
rotation forces the fastener 1006 axially displace from the
position shown in FIG. 19B to the position shown in FIG. 18A.
[0097] FIG. 19A is a view down the axis of the fastener 1006 placed
within an aperture or hole 1402 in a side of the tooth 1004 and in
the unlocked position. As can be seen, the interference feature
1209 of the rotation resisting element fits within a recess 1406
within the tooth 1004. Additionally, the lock fin is rotated to be
positioned behind an inner surface of the wear member 1004.
[0098] FIG. 19B illustrates a cross-section of the fastener 1006
along the longitudinal axis 1804. While the shaft has been rotated
such that the lock fin 1224 is in a different position, the
rotation resisting element 1210 and its interference feature 1209
remain substantially within the same position within the recess
1406. In other words, the main body 1201 and the cap 1212 have been
rotated while the rotation resisting element 1210 remains
substantially in place.
[0099] FIG. 19C illustrates a diagonal cross-section along the lock
fin 1224. As illustrated, the lock fin 1224 sits behind an inner
surface 1902 (also identified as the ramped surface 1816 in FIG.
18C) of the wear member 1004. Thus, the fastener 1006 is prevented
from being removed.
[0100] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method for
inserting a fastener that has a rotation resisting element 1210 as
described herein, according to an exemplary implementation. In the
present example, the method 2000 includes, at 2002, inserting a
shaft of a fastener through aligned holes of a first wear member
and a second wear member. In some implementations the second wear
member is an adapter or an intermediate adapter such as adapter
1002.
[0101] At 2004, the method 2000 further includes engaging the tool
engaging feature by inserting a tool into a tool receiving hole in
the fastener. The tool receiving hole may have a polygonal shape
such as a hexagonal shape. Thus, the tool may have a similar shaped
portion to engage the tool receiving hole.
[0102] The method 2000 further includes, at 2006, while preventing
rotation of the spring clamp relative to the first wear member,
rotating the main body and the cap of the fastener to overcome the
biasing force of the spring clamp and to displace the main body and
the cap from the unlocked position to the locked position. As this
occurs, edges of the surfaces of the inwardly facing planar
surfaces that fit with radially outward facing planar surfaces of
the contact portion flex, compress, or displace arms of the
rotation resisting element.
[0103] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a pin
1006 with a multi-component rotation resisting element 2102 that
has an inner ring 2106 and an outer ring 2104. The rotation
resisting element 2102 works in conjunction with the main body 1201
and the cap 1212 like the rotation resisting element 1210 described
above. Specifically, the main body 1201 and cap 1212 rotate
together with respect to the rotation resisting element 2102. The
components of the main body 1201 and cap 1212 illustrated in FIG.
21 are similar to those illustrated in FIG. 11 and will not be
repeated here.
[0104] The outer ring 2104 of the rotation resisting element 2102
includes an inward facing surface 2112 that is sized and shaped to
fit against an outward facing surface 2114 of the inner ring 2106.
The outer ring 2104 includes an interference feature 2108 may
include one or more protrusions that are designed to fit within a
recess or slot (not shown) in the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002. In
the present example, the interference feature 2108 includes two
protrusions 2110. However, in some examples, there may be a single
protrusion such as the protrusion shown in FIG. 13. In some
examples, the outer ring 2104 may be made of a rigid material such
as a metal, a composite, or other material. FIG. 22 shows a closer
view of the outer ring 2104.
[0105] The inner ring 2106 is sized and shaped to fit within the
outer ring 2104. Specifically, the outward facing surface 2114 of
the inner ring 2106 is designed to fit against the inward facing
surface 2112 of the outer ring 2104. The inner ring 2106 includes
an ear portion 2113 shaped so that the outer surface 2114 is not
circular. This prevents rotational movement of the inner ring 2106
with respect to the outer ring 2104. The inward facing surface 2112
of the outer ring 2104 also includes a corresponding noncircular
shape. In some implementations, the inner ring 2106 is secured
within the outer ring 2104 using an adhesive such as an epoxy, a
weld, or other adhesive. In some examples, the inner ring 2106 may
not have an ear portion 2113 and instead be rotatable within the
outer ring 2104. In such an example, the outer ring 2104 may have a
polygonal shaped inner surface such that an inner ring with a
similar polygonal surface can rotate between discrete positions
within the outer ring 2104.
[0106] The inner ring 2106 includes a set of inward facing surfaces
2116. In the present example, the inner ring 2106 includes four
substantially planar inward facing surfaces 2116a, 2116b, 2116c,
2116d, which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 24A-24C. The
inward facing surfaces 2116a, 2116b, 2116c, 2116d are sized and
shaped to fit against the outward facing surfaces of the contact
portion 1218 on the cap 1212. The inner ring 2106 may be made of a
resilient material so that it is compressible by rotation of the
contact portion 1218 of the cap 1212. For example, the inner ring
2106 may be made of rubber, polyurethane, high density
polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, cast nylon, and other suitably
resilient materials. FIG. 23 shows a closer view of the inner
ring.
[0107] FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are diagrams showing rotation of the
pin with respect to the rotation resisting element of FIG. 21. FIG.
24A shows the pin in an unlocked position. In such a position, four
planar inward facing surfaces 2116a, 2216b, 2116c, 2116d of the
inner ring 2106 fit against four planar outward facing surfaces
1218a, 1218b, 1218c, 1218d of the contact portion 1218.
Specifically, surface 2116a sits against surface 1218a. Surface
2116b sits against surface 1218b. Surface 2116c sits against
surface 1218c. Surface 2116d sits against surface 1218d.
[0108] FIG. 24B shows the lock fin 1224 rotating between the
unlocked position and the locked position. When the main body 1201
is rotated, the contact portion 1218 is rotated with respect to the
rotation resisting element 2102. Specifically, as described above,
the interference feature 2108 sits within a slot or recess within
the tooth 1004 or adapter 1002, which prevents the rotation
resisting element 2102 from rotating with the main body 1201.
Rotation of the contact portion 1218 with respect to the inner ring
2106 causes compression of portions of the inner ring 2106.
Specifically, the rounded portions between the outward facing
planar surfaces 1218a, 1218b, 1218c, 1218d press against the planar
inward facing surfaces 2116a, 2216b, 2116c, 2116d. Thus, as seen in
FIG. 24B, the compressible nature of the inner ring 2106 allows,
but resists, rotation of the contact portion 1218 with respect to
the rotation resisting element 2102.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 24C, the pin is in a locked position. In
this position, surface 2116a sits against surface 1218d. Surface
2116b sits against surface 1218a. Surface 2116c sits against
surface 1218b. Surface 2116d sits against surface 1218c.
[0110] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the implementations encompassed by the present disclosure are not
limited to the particular exemplary implementations described
above. In that regard, although illustrative implementations have
been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change,
combination, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing
disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to
the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims
be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present
disclosure.
* * * * *