(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0193075A1
`Carpenter
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`US 20070193075A1
`
`(54) WEAR ASSEMBLY
`
`(75) Inventor:
`
`Christopher M. Carpenter,
`Tualatin, OR (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`ESCO CORPORATION
`2141 NW 25TH AVENUE, P.O. BOX 10.123
`PORTLAND, OR 97.210
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`ESCO Corporation, Portland, OR
`(US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/706,592
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 14, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 60/774,401, filed on
`Feb. 17, 2006.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`E02F 9/28
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................................................... 37/452
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`ing
`bly f
`b
`ing
`A
`Or Securing a Wear member to eXCaVat1n
`WaaSS
`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.
`
`
`
`L2
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`
`
`q
`r
`
`q
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`151
`
`150
`
`111
`
`125
`
`100
`
`50
`
`A
`110
`166 94
`
`98
`
`103
`116
`
`92
`156
`113
`154
`
`117
`112
`
`152
`114
`102
`131
`52
`115
`
`70
`
`125
`
`)51
`
`101
`
`12
`
`16
`
`12
`
`131
`
`OL
`
`53
`
`i
`
`150
`
`FIG.7
`
`i
`
`150
`
`165
`
`14
`FIG.8
`
`160
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`12
`
`14
`
`12
`
`14
`
`125a
`
`127
`
`FIG.9
`
`125b
`
`127
`
`FIG.10
`
`12
`
`z
`
`125c
`
`127
`
`14
`
`12
`
`14
`
`FIG.11
`
`125d
`
`125d
`
`127
`
`FIG.12
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`CD
`
`CM
`CO
`m
`CM
`
`CD
`CM
`CM
`
`CD
`ro
`
`CM
`CM
`CM
`
`O) CM
`CM
`
`"T"
`.CM
`
`CM
`
`to
`CM
`
`CO
`CM
`CM
`
`<N
`
`\
`A
`
`o>
`CM
`
`CD
`
`CM
`
`CD
`in
`CM
`
`CM
`CM
`
`to
`CM
`
`U
`
`U.
`
`O C
`
`M
`
`\\
`
`'zJ
`
`CM
`
`CM
`CM
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 8
`
`

`

`atent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 23, 2007 Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 2007/0193075
`A1
`
`
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 9
`
`

`

`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`WEAR ASSEMBLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention pertains to a wear assembly
`for securing a wear member to excavating equipment.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 Wear parts are commonly attached along the front
`edge of excavating equipment, such as excavating buckets
`or cutterheads, to protect the equipment from wear and to
`enhance the digging operation. The wear parts may include
`excavating teeth, shrouds, etc. Such wear parts typically
`include a base, a wear member and a lock to releasably hold
`the wear member to the base.
`0003. In regard to excavating teeth, the base includes a
`nose which is fixed to the front edge of the excavating
`equipment (e.g., a lip of a bucket). The nose may be formed
`as an integral part of the front edge or as part of one or more
`adapters that are fixed to the front edge by welding or
`mechanical attachment. A point is fit over the nose. The
`point narrows to a front digging edge for penetrating and
`breaking up the ground. The assembled nose and point
`cooperatively define an opening into which the lock is
`received to releasably hold the point to the nose.
`0004. These kinds of wear parts are commonly subjected
`to harsh conditions and heavy loading. Accordingly, the
`wear members wear out over a period of time and need to be
`replaced. Many designs have been developed in an effort to
`enhance the strength, stability, durability, penetration, safety,
`and ease of replacement of Such wear members with varying
`degrees of Success.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0005. The present invention pertains to an improved wear
`assembly for securing wear members to excavating equip
`ment for enhanced Stability, strength, durability, penetration,
`safety, and ease of replacement.
`0006. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
`base and wear member define a nose and socket, which are
`formed with complementary stabilizing Surfaces extending
`substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly
`to provide a stronger and more stable construction. One or
`more of the stabilizing Surfaces are formed generally along
`central portions of the nose and Socket, and away from the
`outer edges of these components. As a result, the high loads
`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
`concentrations along the components.
`0007. In another aspect of the invention, the wear mem
`ber includes a Socket opening in the rear end to receive a
`Supporting nose. The Socket is defined by top, bottom and
`side walls and has a longitudinal axis. At least one of the top
`and bottom walls includes a stabilizing projection, each of
`which has bearing Surfaces facing in different directions to
`bear against opposite sides of a V-shaped recess in the nose.
`0008. In another aspect of the invention, pairs of stabi
`lizing Surfaces in each component are formed at a transverse
`angle to each other to provide enhanced Stability in resisting
`vertical and side loads. In one exemplary embodiment, the
`stabilizing Surfaces form a V-shaped configuration on at
`least one side of the nose and the Socket.
`
`0009. In one other aspect of invention, the stabilizing
`Surfaces are recessed in the nose to protect these base
`Surfaces from damage and wear caused by the mounting of
`Successive wear members or due to excessive wearing of the
`wear members.
`0010. In another aspect of the invention, the nose and
`Socket are formed with complementary recesses and projec
`tions on all sides (i.e., top, bottom and side walls) in order
`to maximize the stabilizing surfaces available to resist the
`heavy loads that can occur during use.
`0011. In another aspect of the invention, the nose and
`Socket are each formed to have a generally X-shaped,
`transverse, cross-section for enhanced stability. While the
`recesses and projections forming these configurations are
`preferably defined by stabilizing surfaces, benefits can still
`be achieved with the use of bearing surfaces that are not
`Substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assem
`bly.
`0012. In one other aspect of the invention, the front end
`and/or body of the nose and socket are formed with a
`generally oval configuration. This construction provides
`high strength and a longer nose life, omits distinct corners to
`reduce concentrations of stress, and presents a reduced
`thickness for enhanced penetration in the ground.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0013 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wear assembly in
`accordance with the present invention.
`(0014 FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a nose of the
`present wear assembly.
`(0015 FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the nose.
`0016 FIG. 4 is a front view of the nose.
`(0017 FIG. 5 is a top view of the nose.
`0018 FIG. 6 is a side view of the nose.
`0019 FIG. 7 is a partial, rear perspective view of a wear
`member of the present wear assembly.
`0020 FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the wear
`assembly cut-away along a transverse plane immediately
`rearward of the lock.
`0021
`FIGS. 9-12 are transverse cross sections along the
`top wall of the wear member illustrating different examples
`of stabilizing projections.
`0022 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wear assembly
`of the present invention with an alternative locking arrange
`ment.
`0023 FIG. 14 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view of
`the alternative wear assembly.
`0024 FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lock
`of the alternative wear assembly.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0025. The present invention pertains to a wear assembly
`10 for releasably attaching a wear member 12 to excavating
`equipment. In this application, wear member 12 is described
`in terms of a point for an excavating tooth that is attached to
`a lip of an excavating bucket. However, the wear member
`could be in the form of other kinds of products (e.g.,
`shrouds) or attached to other equipment (e.g., dredge cut
`terheads). Moreover, relative terms such as forward, rear
`ward, up, down, Vertical or horizontal are used for conve
`nience of explanation with reference to FIG. 1; other
`orientations are possible.
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 10
`
`

`

`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`0026. In one embodiment (FIG. 1), point 12 is adapted to
`fit on nose 14 fixed to a bucket lip or other excavating
`equipment (not shown). In this embodiment, the nose is the
`front part of a base 15 that is fixed to an excavating bucket.
`The rear mounting end of the base (not shown) can be fixed
`to the bucket lip in a number of ways. For example, the nose
`can be formed as an integral portion of the lip. Such as by
`being cast with the lip, or otherwise fixed by welding or
`mechanical attachment. When the base is welded or secured
`to the lip by a locking mechanism, the base will include one
`or two rearward legs that extend over the lip. In these
`situations, the base is typically called an adapter. The base
`can also consist of a plurality of interconnected adapters.
`The point includes a socket to receive the nose. The point
`and nose are then secured together by a lock 16.
`0027 Nose 14 has a body 25 with top and bottom walls
`20, 21 that converge toward a front end 24, and opposite
`sidewalls 22, 23 (FIGS. 2-6). The rear portion of the
`sidewalls are generally parallel to each other (i.e., with a
`slight forward convergence); of course, other configurations
`are possible. The front end 24 is formed with top and bottom
`stabilizing surfaces 30, 32 that are substantially parallel to
`the longitudinal axis 34. The term “substantially parallel' is
`intended to include parallel surfaces as well as those that
`diverge rearwardly from axis 34 at a Small angle (e.g., of
`about 1-7 degrees) for manufacturing purposes. In one
`preferred embodiment, each stabilizing surface 30, 32
`diverges rearwardly at an angle to axis 34 of no more than
`about 5 degrees and most preferably at about 2-3 degrees. In
`the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing surfaces 30, 32 are
`laterally curved so as to meet along the sides of the nose. In
`this way, stabilizing Surfaces are formed around the entire
`front end 24 of the nose 14. Of course, other configurations
`are possible.
`0028. In the illustrated embodiment, front end 24 has
`generally an oval transverse shape with an oval front wall
`36. Similarly, the body 25 of nose 14 also has a generally
`oval transverse shape except for stabilizing recesses 127,
`129. As seen in FIG. 3, body 25 expands rearward from front
`end 24 over much of its length. The use of an oval-shaped
`nose forms high strength nose sections that result in a longer
`nose life. An oval shape also lessens the presence of corners
`and, thus, reduces stress concentrations along the outer
`edges of the nose. The oval shape also presents a streamlined
`profile that improves penetration into the ground during a
`digging operation; i.e., the wear member is formed with an
`oval-shaped socket for receiving the nose which, in turn,
`allows the wear member to have a slimmer profile for better
`penetration. Nevertheless, the front end and body of the nose
`could have other shapes; for example, the nose and Socket
`could be more angular and define a generally parallelepiped
`front end with generally rectangular stabilizing Surfaces
`and/or generally flat and angular top, bottom and side walls
`as the body of the nose. The general configuration of the
`nose (i.e., the oval shape) can vary considerably.
`0029. In one embodiment (FIGS. 2-6), the top, bottom
`and side walls 20-23 of nose 14 each includes a pair of
`stabilizing surfaces 40-47 that are each substantially parallel
`to axis 34. As noted with front stabilizing surfaces 30, 32.
`these rear stabilizing surfaces 40-47 are preferably angled
`relative to the longitudinal axis 34 by no more than about 5
`degrees, and most preferably at about 2-3 degrees to axis 34.
`While any portion of the nose may at times bear loads from
`
`the point, the stabilizing Surfaces are intended to be primary
`Surfaces for resisting loads that are applied to the nose by the
`point.
`0030 Wear member 12 comprises top, bottom and side
`portions to define a front working end 60 and a rear
`mounting end 62 (FIGS. 1, 7 and 8). In regard to a point, the
`working end is a bit with a front digging edge 66. While the
`digging edge is shown as a linear segment, the bit and
`digging edge could have any of the shapes that are used in
`digging operations. The mounting end 62 is formed with a
`socket 70 that receives nose 14 for supporting the point on
`the excavating equipment (not shown). Socket 70 is formed
`by interior walls of the top, bottom and side portions 50-53
`of point 12. Preferably, socket 70 has a shape that is
`complementary to nose 14, though some variations could be
`included.
`0031. In one embodiment (FIG. 7), socket 70 includes a
`front end 94 with top and bottom stabilizing surfaces 90,92
`and a generally elliptical front surface 98 to match front end
`24 of the nose. Top, bottom and side walls 100-103 of the
`socket extend rearward from front end 94 to complement
`top, bottom and side walls 20-23 of nose 14. Each of these
`walls 100-103 are preferably formed with stabilizing sur
`faces 110-117 that bear against stabilizing surfaces 40-47 on
`the nose. As with the stabilizing surfaces 30, 32, 40-47 of the
`nose, stabilizing surfaces 90,92, 110-117 in socket 70 are
`substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 34. Preferably, the
`stabilizing Surfaces in the point are designed to match those
`in the nose; that is, if the stabilizing surfaces in the nose
`diverge at an angle of about 2 degrees relative to axis 34.
`then, the stabilizing Surfaces of the Socket also diverge at an
`angle of about 2 degrees to axis 34. However, the stabilizing
`surfaces 110-117 in socket 70 could be inclined to axis 34 at
`a slightly smaller angle (e.g., a degree or two) as compared
`to stabilizing surfaces 40-47 on nose 14 to force a tight
`engagement between the opposed Stabilizing Surfaces at a
`particular location(s), for example, along the rear portions of
`the nose and Socket.
`0032 Stabilizing surfaces 40-43 in top and bottom walls
`20, 21 are each formed in a central portion of the nose so as
`to be located in the thickest, most robust portion of the nose.
`These stabilizing surfaces are preferably limited to the
`central portions rather than extending entirely across the
`nose. In this way, the loads are not primarily carried by the
`outer portions of the nose where the most bending occurs.
`Moreover, keeping the stabilizing surfaces 40-43 away from
`the outer edges can also be used to reduce the creation of
`high stress concentrations in the transition between nose 14
`and the mounting portion of base 15. The side portions 119
`of nose 14 to each side of stabilizing surfaces 40-43 pref
`erably diverge relative to axis 34 at a steeper angle than
`stabilizing Surfaces 40-43 to provide strength and at times a
`Smoother transition between nose 14 and the rear mounting
`portion of base 15. Nonetheless, stabilizing surfaces 40-43,
`110-113 could extend the entire width and depth of the nose
`and socket.
`0033 Stabilizing surfaces 30, 32, 40-43, 90,92, 110-113
`stably support the point on the nose even under heavy
`loading. The rear stabilizing surfaces 40-43, 110-113 are
`preferably tiered (i.e., vertically spaced) relative to front
`stabilizing surfaces 30, 32, 90, 92 for enhanced operation,
`but such tiers are not necessary.
`0034. When loads having vertical components (herein
`called vertical loads) are applied along the digging edge 66
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 11
`
`

`

`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`of point 12, the point is urged to roll forward off the nose.
`For example, when a downward load L1 is applied to the top
`of digging edge 66 (FIG. 1), point 12 is urged to roll forward
`on nose 14 such that front stabilizing surface 90 in socket 70
`bears against stabilizing surface 30 at front end 24 of nose
`14. The bottom, rear portion 121 of point 12 is also drawn
`upward against the bottom rear portion of nose 14 Such that
`rear stabilizing surfaces 112, 113 in the socket bear against
`stabilizing surfaces 42, 43 on the nose. The substantially
`parallel stabilizing Surfaces provide a more stable Support
`for the point as compared to converging Surfaces, with less
`reliance on the lock. For instance, if load L1 was applied to
`a nose and socket defined by converging top and bottom
`walls without stabilizing surfaces 42, 43, 112, 113, the urge
`to roll the point on the nose is resisted in part by the abutting
`of rear portions of the bottom converging walls. Since these
`walls are inclined, their abutment tends to urge the point in
`a forward direction, which must be resisted by the lock.
`Accordingly, in Such constructions, a larger lock is needed
`to hold the point to the nose. A larger lock, in turn, requires
`larger openings in the nose and point, thus, reducing the
`overall strength of the assembly. In the present invention,
`stabilizing surfaces 30, 42, 43,90, 112, 113 are substantially
`parallel to longitudinal axis 34 to lessen this forward urging
`of the point. As a result, the point is stably Supported on the
`nose, which increases the strength and Stability of the mount,
`reduces wear, and enables the use of smaller locks. Stabi
`lizing surfaces 32, 40, 41.92, 110, 111 function in the same
`manner for upwardly-directed vertical loads.
`0035. In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 2-6), stabi
`lizing surfaces 40, 41 on top wall 20 are inclined to each
`other in a transverse direction (FIGS. 2-4). In the same way,
`stabilizing Surfaces 42, 43 are set at a transverse angle to
`each other. Preferably, angled stabilizing surfaces 40-43 are
`symmetrical. Likewise, stabilizing surfaces 110-113 form
`inclined surfaces to bear against Stabilizing Surfaces 40-43
`of nose 14. This transverse inclination enables stabilizing
`surfaces 40-43 to engage stabilizing surfaces 110-113 in
`socket 70 and resist loads with side or lateral components
`(herein called side loads), such as load L2 (FIG. 1). It is
`advantageous for the same surfaces resisting vertical loading
`to also resist side loading because loads are commonly
`applied to points in shifting directions as the bucket or other
`excavating equipment is forced through the ground. With the
`laterally inclined Surfaces, bearing between the same Sur
`faces can continue to occur even if a load shifts, for example,
`from more of a vertical load to more of a side load. With this
`arrangement, movement of the point and wearing of the
`components can be reduced.
`0036. The stabilizing surfaces 40-41 and 42-43 are pref
`erably oriented relative to each other at an angle (p between
`about 90° and 180°, and most preferably at about 160
`degrees (FIG. 4). The angle is generally chosen based on a
`consideration of the expected loads and operation of the
`machine. As a general rule, though there could be excep
`tions, angle (p would preferably be large when heavy vertical
`loads are expected and Smaller when heavier side loading is
`expected. Since heavy vertical loading is common, the angle
`between the stabilizing Surfaces will generally be a large
`one. However, this transverse angle (p may vary considerably
`and be Smaller than 90° in certain circumstances, such as in
`light duty operations or those with exceptionally high side
`loading.
`
`0037. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, rear stabilizing surfaces
`40-41 and 42-43 are preferably planar and oriented to form
`V-shaped recesses 127 in the nose. However, these rear
`stabilizing Surfaces could have a myriad of different shapes
`and orientations. While the objectives of the invention may
`not be fully met in each different shape, the variations are
`still able to achieve certain aspects of the invention. For
`example, the rear stabilizing Surfaces need not be planar and
`could be formed with convex or concave curves. The rear
`stabilizing surfaces could be formed to define a shallow
`U-shaped continuous curve so that the inclined stabilizing
`surfaces flow uninterrupted into each other. The rear stabi
`lizing Surfaces could form a generally trapezoidal recess
`having a central stabilizing Surface with generally no trans
`verse inclination and two side stabilizing Surfaces at virtu
`ally any obtuse angle to the central Surface to resist side
`loading. The rear stabilizing Surfaces could be inclined to
`each other at varying angles. The formation of stabilizing
`recesses in the nose and complementary projections in the
`socket is preferred to reduce the risk of wearing or deform
`ing the nose Surfaces by the mounting of multiple points or
`on account of holes being worn through the point. Never
`theless, the recesses and projections could be reversed. Also,
`since vertical loading is often much more significant than
`side loading, the stabilizing Surfaces could be centrally
`positioned on the nose in spaced relation to the side edges
`but with no transverse inclination.
`0038. The rear stabilizing surfaces 40-43 are generally
`most effective when located at or near the rear end of the
`nose. Hence, in the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 2-6),
`front portions 123 of stabilizing surfaces 40-43 taper to a
`front point. Of course, front portions 123 could have other
`narrowing shapes, non-converging shapes, or be eliminated
`entirely. Although stabilizing surfaces 40-41 are preferably
`the mirror images of Stabilizing Surfaces 42-43, it is not
`required that they be so.
`0039. In each of these orientations, the stabilizing sur
`faces 110-113 of the point preferably complement the sta
`bilizing Surfaces on the nose, however, variations could be
`used. Accordingly, as illustrated, stabilizing Surfaces 110.
`111 complement stabilizing Surfaces 40, 41, and stabilizing
`surfaces 112, 113 complement stabilizing surfaces 42, 43.
`Hence, in the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing surfaces
`110, 111 in the top wall 100 of socket 70 are formed to define
`a generally V-shaped stabilizing projection 125 with the
`stabilizing Surfaces inclined to each other at an angle W of
`about 160 degrees to fit into stabilizing recess 127 formed by
`stabilizing surfaces 40, 41 on nose 14 (FIG. 7). Likewise,
`stabilizing surfaces 112, 113 in bottom surface 101 of socket
`70 form a V-shaped stabilizing projection 125 to matingly fit
`within the stabilizing recess 127 formed by stabilizing
`surfaces 42, 43 on the nose. Nevertheless, the lateral angle
`w between each of pair of stabilizing Surfaces (such as
`between surfaces 110 and 111) in socket 70 could be slightly
`varied relative to the angle (p between each pair of the
`corresponding stabilizing Surfaces on the nose (such as
`between surfaces 40 and 41) to ensure a tight fit at a certain
`location (e.g., along the center of the stabilizing recesses
`127, 129).
`0040. As alternatives, the stabilizing projections of
`socket 70 could have other shapes or forms to fit within
`stabilizing recesses 127. For example, the stabilizing pro
`jections 125a could have a curved (e.g., hemispherical)
`configuration (FIG. 9) to fit within the V-shaped stabilizing
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 12
`
`

`

`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`recess 127, a complementary curved recess or other recess
`shape adapted to receive the projection. Also, the stabilizing
`projections 125b (FIG. 10) could be thinner than the stabi
`lizing recess 127 into which it is received. Stabilizing
`projections may have a shorter length than the recesses 127
`and extend only partially along the length of the recess (FIG.
`11) or have an interrupted length with gaps in between
`segments. Stabilizing projections may also be provided by a
`separate component such as a spacer that is held in place by
`a bolt, the lock, or other means. Further a plurality of
`stabilizing projections 125d (FIG. 12) may be provided in
`place of a single central projection. Also, in certain circum
`stances, e.g., in light duty operations, a limited benefit can
`be achieved through the use of, for example, recesses and
`projections in the top and bottom walls of the nose and
`Socket that are defined by bearing Surfaces that are not
`substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 34, in lieu of
`stabilizing surfaces 40-43, 110-113.
`0041 Sidewalls 22, 23 of nose 14 are also preferably
`formed with stabilizing surfaces 44-47 (FIGS. 2-6). These
`stabilizing surfaces 44-47 are also substantially parallel to
`longitudinal axis 34. In the illustrated embodiment, stabi
`lizing Surfaces 44, 45 are oriented at an angle 0 to each other
`So as to define a longitudinal recess or groove 129 along
`sidewall 22 of nose 14 (FIG. 4). Likewise, stabilizing
`surfaces 46, 47 are oriented at an angle 0 to each other to
`define a recess or groove 129 along sidewall 23 as well.
`These stabilizing surfaces 44, 45 and 46, 47 are preferably
`set at an angle 0 between about 90° and 180°, and most
`preferably at about 120 degrees. Nonetheless, other angles
`could be selected including those substantially smaller than
`90° and even to a parallel relationship in certain circum
`stances, such as heavy vertical loading or light duty opera
`tions. Stabilizing recesses 129 along sidewalls 22, 23 are
`adapted to receive complementary stabilizing projections
`131 formed in socket 70. Stabilizing projections 131 are
`defined by stabilizing surfaces 114-117 forming inclined
`Surfaces to bear against stabilizing Surfaces 44-47 of nose 14
`(FIG. 7). The lateral angle C. between side stabilizing
`surfaces 114, 115 and 116, 117 preferably matches the angle
`0 of surfaces 44, 45 and 46, 47. Nevertheless as discussed
`for rear stabilizing surfaces 110-113, the angle between each
`pair of side stabilizing surfaces in socket 70 could be varied
`slightly from the side stabilizing Surfaces on nose 14 to form
`a tight fit at a particular location (e.g., along the center of the
`stabilizing recesses 129). Also, the variations in shapes for
`stabilizing recesses 127 and stabilizing projections 125
`discussed above are equally applicable for recesses 129 and
`projections 131.
`0042. Front stabilizing surfaces 30, 32 work in conjunc
`tion with side stabilizing surfaces 44-47 to resist side loads
`Such as L2. For example, the application of side load L2
`causes point 12 to cant on nose 14. The side portions of front
`stabilizing surfaces 90.92 on the side load L2 is applied are
`pushed laterally inward to bear against front stabilizing
`surfaces 30, 32 on the nose. The rear portion of the opposite
`sidewall 52 of point 12 is drawn inward such that stabilizing
`surfaces 114, 115 bear against 44, 45. Stabilizing surfaces
`30, 32, 46, 47.90,92, 116, 117 function in the same way for
`oppositely directed side loads.
`0043. The angled orientation of stabilizing surfaces
`44-47 enable these side stabilizing surfaces to bear against
`stabilizing surfaces 114-117 in socket 70 to resist side and
`vertical loading. In the preferred construction, rear stabiliz
`
`ing surfaces 40-43, 110-113 are oriented closer to horizontal
`than vertical to primarily resist vertical loads and second
`arily resist side loads. Side stabilizing surfaces 44-47, 114
`117 are oriented closer to vertical than horizontal to prima
`rily resist side loading and secondarily resist vertical
`loading. However, alternative orientations are possible. For
`example, in heavy loading conditions, all the stabilizing
`surfaces 40-47, 110-117 may be more horizontal than ver
`tical. In use, then, in the preferred construction, Vertical and
`side loads are each resisted by front stabilizing surfaces 30,
`32, 90,92, rear stabilizing surfaces 40-43, 110-113, and side
`stabilizing surfaces 44-47, 114-117. The provision of stabi
`lizing Surfaces on each of the top, bottom and side walls of
`the nose and socket maximizes the area the stabilizing
`Surfaces that can be used to Support the point.
`0044 Preferably, stabilizing surfaces 44-47 are angled
`equally relative to a horizontal plane extending through axis
`34. Nevertheless, asymmetric arrangements are possible,
`particularly if higher upward vertical loads are expected as
`compared to downward vertical loads or vice versa. As
`discussed above for rear stabilizing surfaces 40-43, side
`stabilizing surfaces 44-47 can be formed with a variety of
`different shapes. For example, while surfaces 44-47 are
`preferably planar, they can be convex, concave, curved or
`consisting of angular segments. Grooves 129 could also be
`formed with generally U-shaped or trapezoidal cross sec
`tions. Also, stabilizing recesses 129 could be formed in the
`side walls 102, 103 of socket 70 and stabilizing projections
`131 in sidewalls 22, 23 of nose 14.
`0045. In the preferred wear assembly, stabilizing surfaces
`40-47 define a stabilizing recess 127, 129 in each of the top,
`bottom and side walls 20-23 of nose 14 such that those
`portions of the nose with the recesses have a generally
`X-shaped cross-sectional configuration (FIGS. 2 and 8).
`Socket 70 has complementary stabilizing projections 125,
`131 along each of the top, bottom and side walls 100-103 to
`fit into recesses 127, 129 and, thus, define an X-shaped
`socket. While generally V-shaped recesses 127, 129 are
`preferred, stabilizing recesses and projections of other
`shapes can be used to form the generally X-shaped nose and
`Socket. This configuration stably mounts the point against
`vertical and side loading, Supports high loading via the
`strongest and most robust portions of the nose, and avoids
`relying primarily on side portions of the nose where bending
`is greatest to reduce stress concentrations. The X-shaped
`cross-sectional nose and Socket can also be used with limited
`benefit in certain applications with similar recesses in each
`of the top, bottom and side walls 20-23 but without the use
`of Stabilizing Surfaces extending Substantially parallel to
`axis 34.
`0046. The nose can also be formed with configurations
`other than an X-shaped cross-section. For example, the nose
`and point may include top and bottom stabilizing Surfaces
`40-43, 110-113, but no side stabilizing surfaces 44-47,
`114-117. In another alternative, the nose may be formed with
`side stabilizing surfaces 44-47, 114-117, but without stabi
`lizing recesses 127 in the top and bottom walls. The nose and
`point may also be provided with only one set of stabilizing
`Surfaces, such as rear stabilizing Surfaces only along the
`bottom walls. Also, while front stabilizing surfaces 30, 32.
`90.92 could be omitted, it is preferred that they be used with
`whichever variation of rear and side stabilizing surfaces that
`are used.
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1006
`PAGE 13
`
`

`

`US 2007/0193075 A1
`
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`0047. As noted above, lock 16 is used to releasably
`secure wear member 12 to nose 14 (FIGS. 1 and 8). In one
`embodiment, nose 14 defines a channel 140 in sidewall 22
`(FIGS. 2-6). Channel 140 is open on its outer side and on
`each end, and otherwise is defined by a base or side wall 142,
`a front wall 144 and a rear wall 146. Wear member 12
`includes a complementary passage 150 to generally align
`with channel 140 when point 12 is assembled onto nose 14
`to collectively define an opening 160 for receiving lock 16
`(FIGS. 1 and 7-8). Passage 150 includes an open end 151 in
`top wall 50 of point 12 for receiving lock 16. Within socket
`70, passage 150 is open on its inner side and otherwise
`defined by a base or side wall 152, a front wall 154, and a
`rear wall 156. Due to side stabilizing surfaces 44-47, 114
`117, the front and rear walls 144, 146, 154, 156 of channel
`140 and passage 150 have complementary undulating con
`figurations. Front wall 144 on nose 14 and rear wall 156 on
`wear member 12 are the Surfaces that primarily engage lock
`16. Passage 150 is preferably open in bottom wall 51, but it
`could be closed if desired.
`0048 Although point 12 is secured by only one lock 16,
`the point preferably includes two passages 150, 150', one
`along