Excavating – Digging edge – Tooth or adaptor
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-30
2002-10-22
Batson, Victor (Department: 3671)
Excavating
Digging edge
Tooth or adaptor
C037S458000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06467203
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to replaceable machine parts that are exposed to high wear and repeated shock loading, and more particularly, to removable tooth assembly retention systems and methods permitting easier and quicker changeovers of high wear replaceable parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Digging and leveling apparatus such as draglines, backhoes, front-end loaders and the like often use replaceable tooth assemblies which are mounted on tooth horns to provide sacrificial parts that are exposed to the repeated shock loading and high wear occasioned by the digging operation. In such systems, each tooth assembly typically includes a wedge-shaped adapter which mounts directly on the tooth horn of the bucket, shovel or alternative digging or scraping mechanism of the equipment. A wedge-shaped tooth point is frontally seated on and rigidly pinned to the adapter for engaging the material to be excavated.
Attachment of the tooth point may be accomplished by means of one or more inserts which are inserted into insert cavities in an adapter. The inserts are internally threaded to accommodate a bolt that secures the tooth to the adapter. Installation and removal of teeth secured using such a system requires substantial time and effort, since the tooth point bolts must be screwed in and unscrewed when the tooth is to be replaced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a removable tooth assembly retention system and method that substantially eliminates or reduces the problems and disadvantages associated with previous systems and methods.
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a tooth assembly including an adapter with first and second surfaces and first and second sides is provided. The first surface of the adapter is generally tapered and converges toward a first end of the adapter. A tooth point is coupled with the adapter at the first end of the adapter, and the tooth point has a contact edge opposite the first end of the adapter. A first side of the tooth point has a slot adapted to receive a non-rotation ridge of a retainer pin to prevent rotation of the retainer pin with respect to the tooth point. The adapter has a second end adapted to be removably coupled with a tooth horn and a central portion defining a central bore extending from the first side of the adapter to the second side.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method for assembling a tooth assembly includes providing a tooth assembly adapter having first and second tapered surfaces and first and second sides. The first and second tapered surfaces converge toward a first end of the adapter. A tooth point is slidably mounted over at least a portion of the first end of the adapter such that an opening through a first side of the tooth point aligns with a central bore through the first side of the adapter. A retainer pin is inserted through the opening at least partially through the central bore until a detent member of the retainer pin engages a corresponding internal slot adjacent to the central bore. The retainer pin has a non-rotation component adapted to engage a corresponding slot in a second side of the tooth point when inserted through the opening.
Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention include a retainer pin including a non-rotation structure which prevents rotation of the retainer pin with respect to a tooth assembly, during operation. Accordingly, wear and breakage of components associated with such rotation is substantially reduced.
Another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention includes a retainer pin having a shaped configuration corresponding to a shaped slot associated with the tooth assembly. The cooperation of the retainer pin and the slot prevent rotation of the retainer pin within the tooth assembly.
Still another technical advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention include a removable tooth assembly that may be disassembled in a simplified manner using hand tools. Accordingly, time, labor and resources necessary to remove and/or replace various components are reduced.
Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages.
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Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Batson Victor
TRN Business Trust
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