( 12 ) United States Patent
`Carpenter
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) WEAR ASSEMBLY
`( 71 ) Applicant : ESCO Corporation , Portland , OR ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Christopher M . Carpenter , Tualatin ,
`OR ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : ESCO GROUP LLC , Portland , OR
`( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 224 days .
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis
`claimer .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 13 / 746 , 210
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jan . 21 , 2013
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2014 / 0026450 A1
`Jan . 30 , 2014
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 63 ) Continuation of application No . 12 / 792 , 999 , filed on
`Jun . 3 , 2010 , now Pat . No . 8 , 356 , 432 , which is a
`continuation of application No . 11 / 706 , 592 , filed on
`Feb . 14 , 2007 , now Pat . No . 7 , 730 , 651 .
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 60 / 774 , 401 , filed on Feb .
`17 , 2006 .
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`E02F 9 / 28
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 52 )
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02F 9 / 2833 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E02F 9 / 28
`( 2013 . 01 ) ; E02F 9 / 2825 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; E02F
`9 / 2883 ( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . EO2F 9 / 2883 ; E02F 9 / 2808 ; E02F 9 / 2816 ;
`E02F 9 / 2825 ; E02F 9 / 2833 ; E02F 9 / 2858
`
`US010273662B2
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`* Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`( 56 )
`
`USPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 / 446 , 450 , 452 - 456 ; 172 / 719
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 , 384 , 701 A
`7 / 1921 McMonegal
`1 , 916 , 354 A
`7 / 1933 Barber
`*
`2 , 040 , 085 A
`5 / 1936 Fykse
`E02F 9 / 2825
`37 / 452
`2 , 256 , 488 A *
`9 / 1941 Murtaugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02F 9 / 2825
`37 / 455
`2 , 921 , 391 A *
`1 / 1960 Opsahl . . . . .
`37 / 454
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`3 , 079 , 710 A
`3 / 1963 Larsen et al .
`3 , 444 , 633 A
`5 / 1969 Hensley
`. . . . . . . E02F 9 / 28
`3 , 496 , 658 A *
`2 / 1970 Eyolfson . . . .
`37 / 455
`. . 37 / 92
`3 , 624 , 827 A
`* 11 / 1971 Liess et al . .
`3 , 675 , 350 A *
`7 / 1972 Mulcahy et al . . . .
`37 / 457
`3 , 704 , 753 A
`12 / 1972 Hasforth et al .
`11 / 1973 Lafond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02F 9 / 2841
`3 , 774 , 324 A
`*
`172 / 713
`3 , 881 , 262 A
`5 / 1975 Cullen
`4 , 136 , 469 A
`1 / 1979 Zepf
`4 , 233 , 761 A
`11 / 1980 Ryerson
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`9 / 1981
`1597554
`GB
`50132703
`10 / 1975
`410183698 A
`7 / 1998
`JP
`Primary Examiner — Thomas B Will
`Assistant Examiner - Joan D Misa
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — John Anderton
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A wear assembly for securing a wear member to excavating
`equipment that includes a base having a nose and a wear
`member having a socket . The nose and socket are each
`provided with one or more complementary stabilizing sur
`faces in central portions thereof .
`26 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`160
`
`184
`
`7
`
`52
`
`212
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 1
`
`

`

`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`*
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4 , 404 , 760 A
`*
`9 / 1983 Hahn et al . .
`37459
`4 , 476 , 642 A *
`10 / 1984 Hemphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E02F 9 / 2816
`279 / 102
`3 / 1986 Hahn
`4 , 577 , 423 A
`5 , 144 , 762 A
`9 / 1992 Robinson
`1 / 1993 Klett
`5 , 177 , 886 A
`5 , 386 , 653 A
`2 / 1995 Cornelius
`5 , 456 , 029 A
`10 / 1995 Cornelius
`10 / 1996 Ruvang
`5 , 564 , 206 A
`5 , 709 , 043 A
`1 / 1998 Jones
`E02F 9 / 2825
`37 / 458
`6 / 1998 Clendenning
`5 , 765 , 301 A
`7 / 1998 Pasqualini et al . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 / 455
`5 , 778 , 571 A
`6 / 1999 Launder
`D410 , 657 S
`5 , 956 , 874 A
`9 / 1999 Ianello et al .
`5 , 987 , 787 A
`11 / 1999 Mack
`5 , 992 , 063 A
`11 / 1999 MacK
`4 / 2000 Clendenning
`6 , 047 , 487 A
`6 / 2000 Clendenning
`6 , 079 , 132 A
`8 / 2000 Ruvang et al .
`6 , 108 , 950 A
`6 / 2001 Clendenning
`6 , 247 , 255 B1
`6 , 321 , 471 B2
`11 / 2001 Munoz et al .
`5 / 2004 Carpenter
`6 , 735 , 890 B2 *
`6 , 865 , 828 B1
`3 / 2005 Molino et al .
`9 / 2006 Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`7 , 100 , 315 B2 *
`5 / 2001 Fernandez Munoz
`2001 / 0001352 A1 *
`
`*
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`E02F 9 / 28
`172 / 713
`E02F 9 / 28
`37 / 446
`E02F 9 / 2825
`37 / 455
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 2
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`44
`
`Visit
`be
`
`160
`
`184
`
`183
`
`212
`
`FIG . 1
`
`09
`
`- 99
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`PAGE 3
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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`FIG . 1A
`
`12
`
`10
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`PAGE 4
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`U . S . Patent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`15 15
`
`50
`
`. . . 20
`140
`
`24 127 40
`
`41
`
`14
`
`22
`
`144 129
`X
`FIG . 45
`
`21
`
`127 42
`
`14
`FIG . 3 / 123 /
`20
`
`3
`
`11940 127
`13910
`e
`140 you
`7 44
`- 44
`- 129
`
`142
`
`E
`
`4146
`
`24 - 7
`ex
`L34 W32
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 5
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`

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`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
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`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`127
`41 20
`
`36
`
`40
`
`304
`
`32
`
`127 43 21
`FIG . 4
`
`129
`47 - 7
`23
`
`142
`
`14 4
`
`146
`
`140
`140
`144 146
`
`*
`
`24 -
`
`142 TAJ
`32 SM
`21
`
`140
`
`129
`
`+ 40
`
`+ 41
`FIG . 5
`
`- - - - - . . .
`445
`FIG . 6
`
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`PAGE 6
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`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`152
`
`152
`114
`102
`131
`52
`115 +
`70 X
`
`156
`
`125 1000
`111
`1100
`
`1654 166 94 11 105 103
`I + 15 , 113 117 / 0
`Y
`125 1255 101
`12
`
`92 Syà
`113 117
`
`53
`
`4150 '
`FIG . 7
`
`o
`
`150
`
`150 "
`
`FIG . 8
`
`160
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 7
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`1250
`
`FIG . 9
`
`125b
`
`FIG . 10
`
`- 1250
`
`1127
`
`FIG . 11
`1354 _ 1250
`
`1250
`
`1250
`
`FIG . 12
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 8
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`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`- 214
`
`FIG . 13
`
`246
`226
`
`216
`
`227
`
`222
`
`224
`
`210
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 9
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`

`

`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`
`
`222 2¢6 2265 256 246
`
`247
`
`249
`
`224H
`
`210
`
`212
`
`256
`
`246
`
`FIG . 14
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 10
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`

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`U . S . Paten
`
`atent
`
`Apr . 30 , 2019
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`224
`
`232
`
`216
`
`254
`
`2424
`
`242 - 1
`
`239
`
`252
`
`FIG . 15
`
`- 246
`
`- 247
`
`- 226
`
`4247
`
`- 246
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 11
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`

`

`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`10
`
`In another aspect of the invention , pairs of stabilizing
`WEAR ASSEMBLY
`surfaces in each component are formed at a transverse angle
`to each other to provide enhanced stability in resisting
`This application is a continuation of co - pending applica
`vertical and side loads . In one exemplary embodiment , the
`tion Ser . No . 12 / 792 , 999 filed Jun . 3 , 2010 , which is a
`5 stabilizing surfaces form
`a V - shaped configuration on at
`continuation of patent application Ser . No . 11 / 706 , 592 filed
`least one side of the nose and the socket .
`Feb . 14 , 2007 , now U . S . Pat . No . 7 , 730 , 651 , which is a
`1 , 8t
`In one other aspect of invention , the stabilizing surfaces
`non - provisional application based on provisional patent
`application Ser . No . 60 / 774 , 401 filed Feb . 17 , 2006 .
`are recessed in the nose to protect these base surfaces from
`damage and wear caused by the mounting of successive
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`wear members or due to excessive wearing of the wear
`members .
`The present invention pertains to a wear assembly for
`In another aspect of the invention , the nose and socket are
`securing a wear member to excavating equipment .
`formed with complementary recesses and projections on all
`sides ( i . e . , top , bottom and side walls ) in order to maximize
`15
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`the stabilizing surfaces available to resist the heavy loads
`that can occur during use .
`Wear parts are commonly attached along the front edge of of
`tha
`In another aspect of the invention , the nose and socket are
`excavating equipment , such as excavating buckets or cut
`each formed to have a generally X - shaped , transverse ,
`terheads , to protect the equipment from wear and to enhance
`the digging operation . The wear parts may include excavat - 20 cross - section for enhanced stability . While the recesses and
`ing teeth , shrouds , etc . Such wear parts typically include a
`projections forming these configurations are preferably
`base , a wear member and a lock to releasably hold the wear
`defined by stabilizing surfaces , benefits can still be achieved
`with the use of bearing surfaces that are not substantially
`member to the base .
`In regard to excavating teeth , the base includes a nose
`parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly .
`which is fixed to the front edge of the excavating equipment 25
`In one other aspect of the invention , the front end and / or
`( e . g . , a lip of a bucket ) . The nose may be formed as an
`body of the nose and socket are formed with a generally oval
`integral part of the front edge or as part of one or more
`configuration . This construction provides high strength and
`adapters that are fixed to the front edge by welding or
`a longer nose life , omits distinct corners to reduce concen
`mechanical attachment . A point is fit over the nose . The
`trations of stress , and presents a reduced thickness for
`point narrows to a front digging edge for penetrating and 30 enhanced penetration in the ground .
`breaking up the ground . The assembled nose and point
`cooperatively define an opening into which the lock is
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`received to releasably hold the point to the nose .
`These kinds of wear parts are commonly subjected to
`FIGS . 1 and 1A are perspective views of a wear assembly
`harsh conditions and heavy loading . Accordingly , the wear 35
`in accordance with the present invention .
`members wear out over a period of time and need to be
`FIG . 2 is a rear perspective view of a nose of the present
`replaced . Many designs have been developed in an effort to
`wear assembly .
`enhance the strength , stability , durability , penetration , safety ,
`FIG . 3 is a front perspective view of the nose .
`and ease of replacement of such wear members with varying
`FIG . 4 is a front view of the nose .
`degrees of success .
`FIG . 5 is a top view of the nose .
`FIG . 6 is a side view of the nose .
`FIG . 7 is a partial , rear perspective view of a wear
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`member of the present wear assembly .
`The present invention pertains to an improved wear
`FIG . 8 is a partial perspective view of the wear assembly
`assembly for securing wear members to excavating equip - 45 cut - away along a transverse plane immediately rearward of
`ment for enhanced stability , strength , durability , penetration ,
`the lock .
`FIGS . 9 - 12 are transverse cross sections along the top
`safety , and ease of replacement .
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention , the base
`wall of the wear member illustrating different examples of
`stabilizing projections .
`and wear member define a nose and socket , which are
`formed with complementary stabilizing surfaces extending 50
`FIG . 13 is a perspective view of a wear assembly of the
`substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly
`present invention with an alternative locking arrangement .
`to provide a stronger and more stable construction . One or
`FIG . 14 is a partial , axial cross - sectional view of the
`more of the stabilizing surfaces are formed generally along
`alternative wear assembly .
`central portions of the nose and socket , and away from the
`FIG . 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of the
`outer edges of these components . As a result , the high loads 55 alternative wear assembly .
`anticipated during use are primarily carried by the more
`robust portion of the nose , and not on the extreme bending
`fibers , for a stronger and longer lasting base structure . This
`construction further reduces the formation of high stress
`The present invention pertains to a wear assembly 10 for
`concentrations along the components .
`releasably attaching a wear member 12 to excavating equip
`In another aspect of the invention , the wear member
`ment . In this application , wear member 12 is described in
`includes a socket opening in the rear end to receive a
`terms of a point for an excavating tooth that is attached to a
`supporting nose . The socket is defined by top , bottom and
`lip 13 of an excavating bucket . However , the wear member
`side walls and has a longitudinal axis . At least one of the top
`and bottom walls includes a stabilizing projection , each of 65 could be in the form
`of other kinds of products ( e . g . ,
`which has bearing surfaces facing in different directions to
`shrouds ) or attached to other equipment ( e . g . , dredge cut
`bear against opposite sides of a V - shaped recess in the nose .
`terheads ) . Moreover , relative terms such as forward , rear
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`40
`
`60
`
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`PAGE 12
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`

`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`point , the stabilizing surfaces are intended to be primary
`ward , up , down , vertical or horizontal are used for conve -
`surfaces for resisting loads that are applied to the nose by the
`nience of explanation with reference to FIG . 1 ; other
`point .
`orientations are possible .
`Wear member 12 comprises top , bottom and side portions
`In one embodiment ( FIGS . 1 and 1A ) , point 12 is adapted
`to define a front working end 60 and a rear mounting end 62
`to fit on nose 14 fixed to a bucket lip 13 or other excavating 5
`( FIGS . 1 , 7 and 8 ) . In regard to a point , the working end is
`equipment ( not shown ) . In this embodiment , the nose is the
`a bit with a front digging edge 66 . While the digging edge
`front part of a base 15 that is fixed to an excavating bucket .
`is shown as a linear segment , the bit and digging edge could
`The rear mounting end of the base ( not shown in FIG . 1 ) can
`have any of the shapes that are used in digging operations .
`be fixed to the bucket lip 13 in a number of ways . For
`example , the nose can be formed as an integral portion of the 10 The mounting end 62 is formed with a socket 70 that
`lip , such as by being cast with the lip , or otherwise fixed by
`receives nose 14 for supporting the point on the excavating
`welding or mechanical attachment . When the base is welded
`equipment ( not shown ) . Socket 70 is formed by interior
`or secured to the lip by a locking mechanism , the base 15
`walls of the top , bottom and side portions 50 - 53 of point 12 .
`will include one or two rearward legs 17 , 18 that extend over
`Preferably , socket 70 has a shape that is complementary to
`the lip 13 . In these situations , the base is typically called an 15 nose 14 , though some variations could be included .
`adapter . The base can also consist of a plurality of intercon -
`In one embodiment ( FIG . 7 ) , socket 70 includes a front
`nected adapters . The point includes a socket to receive the
`end 94 with top and bottom stabilizing surfaces 90 , 92 and
`nose . The point and nose are then secured together by a lock
`a generally elliptical front surface 98 to match front end 24
`16 .
`of the nose . Top , bottom and side walls 100 - 103 of the
`Nose 14 has a body 25 with top and bottom walls 20 , 21 20 socket extend rearward from front end 94 to complement
`that converge toward a front end 24 , and opposite sidewalls
`top , bottom and side walls 20 - 23 of nose 14 . Each of these
`22 , 23 ( FIGS . 2 - 6 ) . The rear portion of the sidewalls are
`walls 100 - 103 are preferably formed with stabilizing sur
`generally parallel to each other ( i . e . , with a slight forward
`faces 110 - 117 that bear against stabilizing surfaces 40 - 47 on
`convergence ) ; of course , other configurations are possible .
`the nose . As with the stabilizing surfaces 30 , 32 , 40 - 47 of the
`The front end 24 is formed with top and bottom stabilizing 25 nose , stabilizing surfaces 90 , 92 , 110 - 117 in socket 70 are
`surfaces 30 , 32 that are substantially parallel to the longi -
`substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 34 . Preferably , the
`tudinal axis 34 . The term “ substantially parallel ” is intended
`stabilizing surfaces in the point are designed to match those
`to include parallel surfaces as well as those that diverge
`in the nose ; that is , if the stabilizing surfaces in the nose
`rearwardly from axis 34 at a small angle ( e . g . , of about 1 - 7
`diverge at an angle of about 2 degrees relative to axis 34 ,
`degrees ) for manufacturing purposes .
`In one preferred 30 then , the stabilizing surfaces of the socket also diverge at an
`embodiment , each stabilizing surface 30 , 32 diverges rear -
`angle of about 2 degrees to axis 34 . However , the stabilizing
`wardly at an angle to axis 34 of no more than about 5 degrees
`surfaces 110 - 117 in socket 70 could be inclined to axis 34 at
`and most preferably at about 2 - 3 degrees . In the illustrated
`a slightly smaller angle ( e . g . , a degree or two ) as compared
`embodiment , stabilizing surfaces 30 , 32 are laterally curved
`to stabilizing surfaces 40 - 47 on nose 14 to force a tight
`so as to meet along the sides of the nose . In this way , 35 engagement between the opposed stabilizing surfaces at a
`stabilizing surfaces are formed around the entire front end
`particular location ( s ) , for example , along the rear portions of
`24 of the nose 14 . Of course , other configurations are
`the nose and socket .
`Stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 in top and bottom walls 20 , 21
`possible .
`In the illustrated embodiment , front end 24 has generally
`are each formed in a central portion of the nose so as to be
`an oval transverse shape with an oval front wall 36 . Simi - 40 located in the thickest , most robust portion of the nose .
`larly , the body 25 of nose 14 also has a generally oval
`These stabilizing surfaces are preferably limited to the
`transverse shape except for stabilizing recesses 127 , 129 . As
`central portions rather than extending entirely across the
`seen in FIG . 3 , body 25 expands rearward from front end 24
`nose . In this way , the loads are not primarily carried by the
`over much of its length . The use of an oval - shaped nose
`outer portions of the nose where the most bending occurs .
`forms high strength nose sections that result in a longer nose 45 Moreover , keeping the stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 away from
`life . An oval shape also lessens the presence of corners and
`the outer edges can also be used to reduce the creation of
`thus , reduces stress concentrations along the outer edges of
`high stress concentrations in the transition between nose 14
`the nose . The oval shape also presents a streamlined profile
`and the mounting portion of base 15 . The side portions 119
`that improves penetration into the ground during a digging
`of nose 14 to each side of stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 pref
`operation ; i . e . , the wear member is formed with an oval - 50 erably diverge relative to axis 34 at a steeper angle than
`shaped socket for receiving the nose which , in turn , allows
`stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 to provide strength and at times a
`the wear member to have a slimmer profile for better
`smoother transition between nose 14 and the rear mounting
`penetration . Nevertheless , the front end and body of the nose
`portion of base 15 . Nonetheless , stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 ,
`could have other shapes ; for example , the nose and socket
`110 - 113 could extend the entire width and depth of the nose
`could be more angular and define a generally parallelepiped 55 and socket .
`front end with generally rectangular stabilizing surfaces
`Stabilizing surfaces 30 , 32 , 40 - 43 , 90 , 92 , 110 - 113 stably
`and / or generally flat and angular top , bottom and side walls
`support the point on the nose even under heavy loading . The
`as the body of the nose . The general configuration of the
`rear stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 , 110 - 113 are preferably tiered
`( i . e . , vertically spaced ) relative to front stabilizing surfaces
`nose ( i . e . , the oval shape ) can vary considerably .
`In one embodiment ( FIGS . 2 - 6 ) , the top , bottom and side 60 30 , 32 , 90 , 92 for enhanced operation , but such tiers are not
`walls 20 - 23 of nose 14 each includes a pair of stabilizing
`necessary .
`surfaces 40 - 47 that are each substantially parallel to axis 34 .
`When loads having vertical components ( herein called
`As noted with front stabilizing surfaces 30 , 32 , these rear
`vertical loads ) are applied along the digging edge 66 of point
`stabilizing surfaces 40 - 47 are preferably angled relative to
`12 , the point is urged to roll forward off the nose . For
`the longitudinal axis 34 by no more than about 5 degrees , 65 example , when a downward load L1 is applied to the top of
`and most preferably at about 2 - 3 degrees to axis 34 . While
`digging edge 66 ( FIG . 1 ) , point 12 is urged to roll forward
`any portion of the nose may at times bear loads from the
`on nose 14 such that front stabilizing surface 90 in socket 70
`
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`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
`
`could be formed with convex or concave curves . The rear
`bears against stabilizing surface 30 at front end 24 of nose
`stabilizing surfaces could be formed to define a shallow
`14 . The bottom , rear portion 121 of point 12 is also drawn
`U - shaped continuous curve so that the inclined stabilizing
`upward against the bottom rear portion of nose 14 such that
`surfaces flow uninterrupted into each other . The rear stabi
`rear stabilizing surfaces 112 , 113 in the socket bear against
`lizing surfaces could form a generally trapezoidal recess
`stabilizing surfaces 42 , 43 on the nose . The substantially 5
`having a central stabilizing surface with generally no trans
`parallel stabilizing surfaces provide a more stable support
`verse inclination and two side stabilizing surfaces at virtu
`for the point as compared to converging surfaces , with less
`ally any obtuse angle to the central surface to resist side
`reliance on the lock . For instance , if load L1 was applied to
`loading . The rear stabilizing surfaces could be inclined to
`a nose and socket defined by converging top and bottom
`walls without stabilizing surfaces 42 , 43 , 112 , 113 , the urge 10 each other at varying angles . The formation of stabilizing
`to roll the point on the nose is resisted in part by the abutting
`recesses in the nose and complementary projections in the
`of rear portions of the bottom converging walls . Since these
`socket is preferred to reduce the risk of wearing or deform
`walls are inclined , their abutment tends to urge the point in
`ing the nose surfaces by the mounting of multiple points or
`a forward direction , which must be resisted by the lock .
`on account of holes being worn through the point . Never
`Accordingly , in such constructions , a larger lock is needed 15 theless , the recesses and projections could be reversed . Also ,
`to hold the point to the nose . A larger lock , in turn , requires
`since vertical loading is often much more significant than
`larger openings in the nose and point , thus , reducing the
`side loading , the stabilizing surfaces could be centrally
`overall strength of the assembly . In the present invention ,
`positioned on the nose in spaced relation to the side edges
`stabilizing surfaces 30 , 42 , 43 , 90 , 112 , 113 are substantially
`but with no transverse inclination .
`parallel to longitudinal axis 34 to lessen this forward urging 20
`The rear stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 are generally most
`of the point . As a result , the point is stably supported on the
`effective when located at or near the rear end of the nose .
`nose , which increases the strength and stability of the mount ,
`Hence , in the illustrated embodiment ( FIGS . 2 - 6 ) , front
`reduces wear , and enables the use of smaller locks . Stabi -
`portions 123 of stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 taper to a front
`lizing surfaces 32 , 40 , 41 , 92 , 110 , 111 function in the same
`point . Of course , front portions 123 could have other nar
`manner for upwardly - directed vertical loads .
`25 rowing shapes , non - converging shapes , or be eliminated
`In the illustrated embodiment ( FIGS . 2 - 6 ) , stabilizing
`entirely . Although stabilizing surfaces 40 - 41 are preferably
`surfaces 40 , 41 on top wall 20 are inclined to each other in
`the mirror images of stabilizing surfaces 42 - 43 , it is not
`a transverse direction ( FIGS . 2 - 4 ) . In the same way , stabi -
`required that they be so .
`lizing surfaces 42 , 43 are set at a transverse angle to each
`In each of these orientations , the stabilizing surfaces
`other . Preferably , angled stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 are sym - 30 110 - 113 of the point preferably complement the stabilizing
`metrical . Likewise , stabilizing surfaces 110 - 113 form
`surfaces on the nose , however , variations could be used .
`inclined surfaces to bear against stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43
`Accordingly , as illustrated , stabilizing surfaces 110 , 111
`of nose 14 . This transverse inclination enables stabilizing
`complement stabilizing surfaces 40 , 41 , and stabilizing
`surfaces 40 - 43 to engage stabilizing surfaces 110 - 113 in
`surfaces 112 , 113 complement stabilizing surfaces 42 , 43 .
`socket 70 and resist loads with side or lateral components 35 Hence , in the illustrated embodiment , stabilizing surfaces
`( herein called side loads ) , such as load L2 ( FIG . 1 ) . It is
`110 , 111 in the top wall 100 of socket 70 are formed to define
`advantageous for the same surfaces resisting vertical loading
`a generally V - shaped stabilizing projection 125 with the
`to also resist side loading because loads are commonly
`stabilizing surfaces inclined to each other at an angle à of
`applied to points in shifting directions as the bucket or other
`about 160 degrees to fit into stabilizing recess 127 formed by
`excavating equipment is forced through the ground . With the 40 stabilizing surfaces 40 , 41 on nose 14 ( FIG . 7 ) . Likewise ,
`laterally inclined surfaces , bearing between the same sur -
`stabilizing surfaces 112 , 113 in bottom surface 101 of socket
`faces can continue to occur even if a load shifts , for example ,
`70 form a V - shaped stabilizing projection 125 to matingly fit
`from more of a vertical load to more of a side load . With this
`within the stabilizing recess 127 formed by stabilizing
`arrangement , movement of the point and wearing of the
`surfaces 42 , 43 on the nose . Nevertheless , the lateral angle
`components can be reduced .
`45 à between each of pair of stabilizing surfaces ( such as
`The stabilizing surfaces 40 - 41 and 42 - 43 are preferably
`between surfaces 110 and 111 ) in socket 70 could be slightly
`oriented relative to each other at an angle between about
`varied relative to the angle
`between each pair of the
`90° and 180° , and most preferably at about 160 degrees
`corresponding stabilizing surfaces on the nose ( such as
`( FIG . 4 ) . The angle is generally chosen based on a consid -
`between surfaces 40 and 41 ) to ensure a tight fit at a certain
`eration of the expected loads and operation of the machine . 50 location ( e . g . , along the center of the stabilizing recesses
`As a general rule , though there could be exceptions , angle o
`127 , 129 ) .
`would preferably be large when heavy vertical loads are
`As alternatives , the stabilizing projections of socket 70
`expected and smaller when heavier side loading is expected .
`could have other shapes or forms to fit within stabilizing
`Since heavy vertical loading is common , the angle between
`recesses 127 . For example , the stabilizing projections 125a
`the stabilizing surfaces will generally be a large one . How - 55 could have a curved ( e . g . , hemispherical ) configuration
`ever , this transverse angle o may vary considerably and be
`( FIG . 9 ) to fit within the V - shaped stabilizing recess 127 , a
`smaller than 90° in certain circumstances , such as in light
`complementary curved recess or other recess shape adapted
`duty operations or those with exceptionally high side load
`to receive the projection . Also , the stabilizing projections
`ing .
`125b ( FIG . 10 ) could be thinner than the stabilizing recess
`As seen in FIGS . 2 and 3 , rear stabilizing surfaces 40 - 41 60 127 into which it is received . Stabilizing projections may
`and 42 - 43 are preferably planar and oriented to
`form
`have a shorter length than the recesses 127 and extend only
`V - shaped recesses 127 in the nose . However , these rear
`partially along the length of the recess ( FIG . 11 ) or have an
`stabilizing surfaces could have a myriad of different shapes
`interrupted length with gaps in between segments . Stabiliz
`and orientations . While the objectives of the invention may
`i ng projections may also be provided by a separate compo
`not be fully met in each different shape , the variations are 65 nent such as a spacer that is held in place by a bolt , the lock ,
`still able to achieve certain aspects of the invention . For
`or other means . Further a plurality of stabilizing projections
`example , the rear stabilizing surfaces need not be planar and
`125d ( FIG . 12 ) may be provided in place of a single central
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1004
`PAGE 14
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`US 10 , 273 , 662 B2
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`Preferably , stabilizing surfaces 44 - 47 are angled equally
`projection . Also , in certain circumstances , e . g . , in light duty
`relative to a horizontal plane extending through axis 34 .
`operations , a limited benefit can be achieved through the use
`Nevertheless , asymmetric arrangements are possible , par
`of , for example , recesses and projections in the top and
`ticularly if higher upward vertical loads are expected as
`bottom walls of the nose and socket that are defined by
`5 compared to downward vertical loads or vice versa . As
`bearing surfaces that are not substantially parallel to longi -
`discussed above for rear stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 , side
`tudinal axis 34 , in lieu of stabilizing surfaces 40 - 43 , 110 -
`stabilizing surfaces 44 - 47 can be formed with a variety of
`113 .
`different shapes . For example , while surfaces 44 - 47 are
`Sidewalls 22 , 23 of nose 14 are also preferably formed
`preferably planar , they can be convex , concave , curved or
`with stabilizing surfaces 44 - 47 ( FIGS . 2 - 6 ) . These stabiliz -
`ing surfaces 44 - 47 are also substantially parallel to longitu - 10 consisting of angular segments . Grooves 129 could also be
`dinal axis 34 . In the illustrated embodiment , stabilizing
`formed with generally U - shaped or trapezoidal cross sec
`surfaces 44 , 45 are oriented at an angle o to each other so as
`tions . Also , stabilizing recesses 129 could be formed in the
`to define a longitudinal recess or groove 129 along sidewall
`side walls 102 , 103 of socket 70 and stabilizing projections
`22 of nose 14 ( FIG . 4 ) . Likewise , stabilizing surfaces 46 , 47
`131 in sidewalls 22 , 23 of nose 14 .
`are oriented at an angle o to each other to define a recess or 15
`In the preferred wear assembly , stabilizing surfaces 40 - 47
`groove 129 along sidewall 23 as well . These stabilizing
`define a stabilizing recess 127 , 129 in each of the top , bottom
`surfaces 44 , 45 and 46 , 47 are preferably set at an angle
`and side walls 20 - 23 of nose 14 such that those portions of
`between about 90° and 180° , and most preferably at about
`the nose with the recesses have a generally X - shaped
`120 degrees . Nonetheless , other angles could be selected
`cross - sectional configuration ( FIGS . 2 and 8 ) . Socket 70 has
`including those substantially smaller than 90° and even to a 20 complementary stabilizing projections 125 , 131 along each
`parallel relationship in certain circumstances , such as heavy
`of the top , bottom and side walls 100 - 103 to fit into recesses
`vertical loading or light duty operations . Stabilizing recesses
`127 , 129 and , thus , define an X - shaped socket . While
`129 along sidewalls 22 , 23 are adapted to receive comple -
`generally V - shaped recesses 127 , 129 are preferred , stabi
`mentary stabilizing projections 131 formed in socket 70 .
`lizing recesses and projections of other shapes can be used
`Stabilizing projections 131 are defined by stabilizing sur - 25 to form the generally X - shaped nose and socket . This
`faces 114 - 117 forming inclined surfaces to bear against
`configuration stably mounts the point against vertical and
`stabilizing surfaces 44 - 47 of nose 14 ( FIG . 7 ) . The lateral
`side loading , supports high loading via the strongest and
`angle a between side stabilizing surface