(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0201997 A1
`Armstrong
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`US 2008020 1997 A1
`
`(54) TOOTH AND ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................ 37/457; 37/455; 37/456
`
`(75) Inventor:
`
`Bruce Armstrong, Western
`Australia (AU)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
`210 SW MORRISON STREET, SUITE 400
`PORTLAND, OR 97204 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`WUNDOWIE FOUNDRYPTY
`LTD., Wundowie (AU)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/572,975
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Aug. 2, 2005
`
`(86). PCT No.:
`
`PCT/AUOS/O1154
`
`S371 (c)(1),
`Apr. 11, 2007
`(2), (4) Date:
`O
`O
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Aug. 2, 2004 (AU) ................................ 2004904285
`O
`O
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E02F 9/28
`
`
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Abstract A tooth and adaptor assembly (11) for use on earth
`moving machinery, the assembly comprising an adaptor (21)
`adapted to be secured to a bucket or like component on the
`earthmoving machinery. The adaptor (21) comprising a nose
`(27) having an at least one sidewall (35) incorporating a first
`channel (37) and a second channel (39) angled relative to each
`other. The assembly (11) also a tooth (41) adapted to be
`received on the adaptor (41) and releasably secured thereto.
`The tooth comprises a socket (43) having sidewalls (53). At
`least one sidewall (53) incorporates a third channel (55) at an
`angle complementary to the second channel (39). Such that
`when assembled the two channels (39, 55) co-operate to
`define an enclosure (91). An upper wall (49 of the socket (43)
`has at least one aperture (57) therethrough, and which is
`aligned with the third channel (55). The assembly (11) further
`comprises at least one locking mechanism (71) for locking
`the tooth (41) to the adaptor (21). The locking mechanism
`(71) having at least one projection (77) and adapted to be
`received through the aperture (57). During assemblv the pro
`ection (77) E. E. CA T spy EN.
`mechanism (71) as it enters the enclosure, the locking mecha
`nism (71) moving towards its normal extended position when
`the projection (77) aligns with the first channel (37) wherein
`the assembly (11) is in its locked condition.
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 1 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`
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`FG 1
`
`FIG 2
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`Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 2 of 13 US 2008/0201997 A1
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`Aug. 28,2008 Sheet 3 of 13
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`US 2008/0201997 A1
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 4
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 6 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 7
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 7 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 8
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 8 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`PAGE 9
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 9 of 13 US 2008/0201997 A1
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 10
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 10 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`PAGE 11
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 11 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 12 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Aug. 28, 2008 Sheet 13 of 13
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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`

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`US 2008/020 1997 A1
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`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`TOOTH AND ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`0001. This invention relates particularly to the mining and
`construction industries and the use of earthmoving and simi
`lar machinery used in those industries. More particularly this
`invention relates to the wear components, namely the replace
`able wear teeth on the excavator and the mode in which they
`are secured thereto.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`0002 Within the mining and construction industries
`machinery Such as excavators and front end loaders are used
`to move debris for various purposes. This machinery is often
`used in an extremely abrasive environment resulting in
`extreme wear on components.
`0003. The machinery often has a bucket having several
`teeth extending from its leading edge. These teeth experience
`Substantial wear and may need to be replaced daily in some
`environments.
`0004 To reduce downtime in replacing the teeth, various
`configurations have been developed which use an adaptor
`secured to the bucket of the machine, a tooth releasably
`retained on the adaptor and a locking mechanism to retain the
`tooth to the adaptor.
`0005. These configurations have been numerous. How
`ever, the configurations put forward to date are not without
`disadvantages. For instance, various configurations utilise a
`pin as the locking mechanism to secure the tooth to the adap
`tor. These pins are often exposed to the same environment the
`tooth is exposed, requiring that they be very secure with
`respect to the assembly so that they are not accidentally
`dislodged during use. Typically in order to meet this require
`ment, a large force is then required to dislodge the pin when
`the tooth is to be removed. Furthermore, the pins exposure to
`the environment can result in damage to the pin rendering it
`even more difficult to dislodge.
`0006. Other configurations are complex in shape, often
`having large areas of metal extending beyond the main body
`of the tooth. These shapes can be difficult to cast and may
`result in the build up of stresses within the adaptor or tooth
`during casting, creating weak points within the components.
`Also, the extra metal does not always contribute to extending
`the wear life of the tooth and hence adds unnecessary weight
`to the assembly.
`0007 Also, complementary shapes to those of the tooth
`also need to be cast in the adaptor, typically in the form of
`grooves or indents. These grooves and indents are typically
`used to receive the locking mechanism within, which co-acts
`with the two components. The cross section of the adaptor
`must therefore change significantly to accommodate these
`complimentary shapes, resulting in concentrations of stress
`during manufacture and service of the component.
`0008. Some configurations put forward in the past require
`a hole passing through the adaptor. This obviously weakens
`the structure and induces areas of stress within the compo
`nent.
`0009. The reference to the abovementioned prior art is for
`the purposes of background only and is not, and should not be
`taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of Suggestion that
`the prior art forms part of the general knowledge.
`
`0010. It is an object of this invention to provide a tooth and
`adaptor assembly which incorporates a locking mechanism
`which can be removed from the assembly with minimal force.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`0011. The present invention provides a tooth and adaptor
`assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly
`comprising:
`0012 an adaptor adapted to be secured to a bucket or
`like component on earthmoving machinery, the adaptor
`comprising a nose at one end having a front Surface, an
`upper Surface, a lower Surface and two sidewalls, each
`sidewall having a first channel extending longitudinally,
`and a second channel extending between the upper Sur
`face of the nose to the lower surface such that it bisects
`the first channel;
`0013 a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the
`adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth com
`prising
`0014 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear
`Surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two side
`walls,
`0015 each sidewall incorporates a third channel
`extending between the upper wall and bottom wall
`and being at an angle complementary to the second
`channel of the nose, such that when assembled, the
`second channel and third channel co-operate to
`define an enclosure, each sidewall also has an
`inwardly projecting elongate protrusion adapted to
`be slidingly received in the first channel of the
`adaptor nose during assembly, and an inwardly pro
`jecting tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal
`alignment with the elongate protrusion, the third
`channel separating the elongate protrusion and tab,
`0016 the upper wall having two apertures there
`through, each aperture aligning with the respective
`third channel;
`0017 a locking mechanism for locking the tooth to the
`adaptor, the locking mechanism being adapted to be
`received through the apertures, each locking mechanism
`having a projection,
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of both
`the upper wall and bottom wall of the Socket engages the
`upper Surface and lower Surface of the nose, the locking
`mechanism can then be inserted into the enclosure defined by
`the second channel and third channel through the aperture,
`whereby the projection of the locking mechanism moves
`inwardly with respect to the locking mechanism as it enters
`the enclosure, the locking mechanism moving towards its
`normal extended position when the projection aligns with the
`first channel wherein the assembly is in a locked condition.
`0018. In contrast with the prior art the present invention
`provides a configuration which is easy to cast, reducing
`regions of high stress. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is
`fully enclosed, protecting it from the abrasive Surroundings
`which could damage the mechanism and make removal
`extremely difficult.
`0019. As the locking mechanism is fully enclosed in the
`enclosure, there is no chance that the mechanism can be
`unintentionally dislodged and allow the tooth to be removed
`from the adaptor, to expose the adaptor to the environment. As
`the locking mechanism is protected, the forces required to
`retain the locking mechanism are greatly reduced than prior
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 15
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`

`US 2008/020 1997 A1
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`art configurations, and hence requires minimal force to
`remove the locking mechanism, enabling quick change out
`time, reducing the amount of downtime of the machinery.
`0020. Owing to the design of the present invention, the
`entire tooth is used as a wear protection element for the
`adaptor. Hence there is no additional weight added to the
`tooth which would not prolong its life.
`0021. Also, the shape of the tooth allows for easy casting,
`reducing areas of increased stress, which may cause failure of
`the assembly during service. This is true for the tooth but also
`for the adaptor. The simple shape of the nose of the adaptor
`represents minimal change to its cross sectional shape and
`allows the socket of the tooth to be manufactured such that it
`is Snugly received on the nose.
`0022. The locking mechanism may comprise two pins.
`0023. Each pin may be adapted to be received in the
`respective aperture in the upper wall of the tooth.
`0024. Each pin may comprise a housing and a retaining
`clip which provides the projection.
`0025. The retaining clip may be bonded to a resiliently
`flexible material.
`0026. The resiliently flexible material may be received in
`a recess of the housing.
`0027. The projection may extend beyond the boundary of
`the housing when the pin is in its normal condition.
`0028. The housing may be made of metal.
`0029 Preferably, when the tooth and adaptor are in an
`assembled condition, each pin engages a front Surface of the
`second channel closest to the front of the nose, with a portion
`of the retaining clip adjacent the projection engaging a rear
`face of the second channel adjacent either side of the first
`channel. When assembled, neither the rear surface of the
`Socket, nor the rear part of the tooth adjacent the Socket
`opening engage the adaptor.
`0030 Preferably when in an assembled condition each pin
`does not protrude beyond the upper wall or bottom wall of the
`tooth.
`Preferably the front face of the adaptor nose is rect
`0031
`angular in shape.
`0032 Preferably the nose diverges outwardly, in a direc
`tion rearward of the front face.
`0033 Preferably the upper surface and lower surface of
`the nose are curved.
`0034 Preferably the first channel of the adaptor extends
`from adjacent a front face of the nose rearwardly.
`0035. The first channel may be parallel with the path the
`tooth travels as the tooth is positioned upon the adaptor.
`0036 Preferably the second channel is substantially per
`pendicular to the first channel.
`0037 Preferably the second channel bisects the first chan
`nel.
`0038 Preferably the second channel has a wider portion
`adjacent the upper Surface which contracts as it approaches
`the first channel.
`0039. Preferably the portion of the second channel above
`the first channel is wider near the upper Surface and has a
`inwardly raised ramp adjacent the first channel. The addi
`tional width of the second channel allows the pin to be easily
`positioned within the assembly. Once in this position, the
`fitter only needs to tap the pin, forcing the retaining clip to
`move inwardly with respect to the housing of the pin as it
`engages the ramp. Once the projection passes the ramp, the
`resilient nature of the pin urges the retaining clip outwardly
`such that the assembly is in the locked condition.
`
`0040 Preferably the tooth is a unitary member and pro
`vides the wear member.
`0041
`Preferably the interior surfaces of the socket
`complement the Surfaces of the nose.
`0042 Preferably the upper wall and bottom wall of the
`tooth have a curved section which protrudes beyond the side
`walls. The curved section adds further wear protection to the
`adaptor.
`0043 Preferably the elongate protrusion extends between
`the third channel and the rear surface of the socket.
`0044 Preferably the third channel is substantially perpen
`dicular to the protrusion.
`0045. The protrusion may be parallel with the path the
`tooth travels as the tooth is positioned upon the adaptor.
`0046 Preferably the elongate protrusion extends substan
`tially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth.
`0047 Preferably the third channel has a uniform cross
`section along its longitudinal axis.
`0048 Preferably the tab of the tooth is offset from the third
`channel. As a result of the offset, a recess may be provided by
`the first channel of the adaptor when the adaptor is received in
`the tooth, the recess being defined by a portion of the first
`channel of the adaptor adjacent the second channel.
`0049 Preferably the projection from the pin is releasable
`retained in the recess to hold the pin in place when the assem
`bly is in an assembled condition. In this state the assembly is
`in the locked condition.
`0050. Preferably the bottom wall of the tooth incorporates
`two apertures.
`0051. In one aspect of the invention each aperture in the
`bottom wall is aligned with the third channel and is of suffi
`cient size to allow the respective pinto pass through. With this
`arrangement, the assembly can be disassembled by knocking
`the pin through the aperture in the bottom wall.
`0052. In another aspect of the invention the apertures in
`the bottom wall are of suitable size such that the pins cannot
`pass therethrough. To remove each pin, a tool may be inserted
`through each aperture of the bottom wall to dislodge the pins,
`allowing the pin to be removed through the apertures in the
`upper wall.
`0053. The present invention further provides a tooth for
`use on an adaptor of earthmoving machinery, the tooth being
`adapted to be received over a nose of the adaptor and releas
`ably secured thereto, the tooth comprising:
`0.054 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear sur
`face, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
`0055 each sidewall incorporates a channel extending
`between the upper wall and bottom wall, an inwardly
`projecting elongate protrusion and an inwardly pro
`jecting tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal
`alignment with the elongate protrusion, the channel
`extending between the elongate protrusion and tab,
`0056 the upper wall having two apertures there
`through, each aperture aligning with the respective
`channel;
`0057 the bottom wall having two apertures in align
`ment with those in the upper wall;
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of both
`the upper wall and bottom wall of the socket engage the nose
`whereby the adaptor and each channel of the tooth cooperate
`to provide an enclosure, a locking mechanism is then posi
`tioned within the enclosure such that a projection of the
`
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`

`US 2008/020 1997 A1
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`locking mechanism is received in a recess provided by the
`adaptor, locking the tooth relative to the adaptor.
`0058. The present invention further provides a tooth and
`adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the
`assembly comprising:
`0059 an adaptor adapted to be secured to a bucket or
`like component on the earthmoving machinery, the
`adaptor comprising a nose at one end having a front
`Surface, an upper surface, a lower surface and two side
`walls, each sidewall having a first channel extending
`longitudinally, and a second channel extending between
`the upper surface of the nose to the lower surface such
`that it bisects the first channel;
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that a surface of a socket of
`the tooth engages the nose whereby the second channel of the
`adaptor and the tooth co-operate to provide an enclosure, a
`locking mechanism is then positioned within the enclosure
`Such that a projection of the locking mechanism is received in
`a recess defined by the first channel, locking the tooth relative
`to the adaptor.
`0060. The present invention further provides a tooth and
`adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the
`assembly comprising:
`0061 an adaptor adapted to be secured to a bucket or
`like component on earthmoving machinery, the adaptor
`comprising a nose at one end having a front surface, an
`upper surface, a lower surface and two sidewalls, at least
`one sidewall having a first channel extending longitudi
`nally, and a second channel extending between the upper
`surface of the nose to the lower surface such that it
`bisects the first channel;
`0062) a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the
`adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth com
`prising
`0063) a socket being defined by an opening, a rear
`surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two side
`walls, at least one sidewall, complementary to the at
`least one
`0064 sidewall of the adaptor, incorporates a third
`channel extending between the upper wall and bot
`tom wall and being at an angle complementary to
`the second channel of the nose, such that when
`assembled, the second channel and third channel
`co-operate to define an enclosure,
`0065 the upper wall having at least one aperture
`therethrough, the at least one aperture aligning with
`the third channel of the sidewall;
`0066 the at least one sidewall having an inwardly
`projecting elongate protrusion adapted to be slid
`ingly received in the first channel of the adaptor
`nose during assembly, and an inwardly projecting
`tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal align
`ment with the elongate protrusion, the third chan
`nel separating the elongate protrusion and tab,
`0067 at least one locking mechanism for locking the
`tooth to the adaptor, the locking mechanism being
`adapted to be received through the at least one aperture,
`the at least one locking mechanism having at least one
`projection,
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of both
`the upper wall and bottom wall of the socket engages the
`upper surface and lower surface of the nose whereby the
`
`Second channel of the adaptor is in opposed relation to the
`third channel of the tooth, the locking mechanism is then
`positioned through the aperture into the enclosure, where
`upon the application of force, the projection of the locking
`mechanism moves inwardly as it enters the enclosure, the
`locking mechanism moves towards its normal condition
`whereby the projection aligns with the first channel wherein
`the assembly is in its locked condition.
`0068. The present invention further provides a tooth and
`adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the
`assembly comprising a tooth received on an adaptor, the tooth
`being locked onto the adaptor by a locking mechanism,
`whereby the locking mechanism comprises at least one pin
`received in an enclosure defined by the tooth and the adaptor,
`the enclosure being such that the at least one pin is protected
`from the environment and can only be removed via an aper
`ture through which it is received into the enclosure.
`0069. The present invention still further provides a tooth
`and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the
`assembly comprising:
`0070 an adaptor adapted to be secured to a bucket or
`like component on the earthmoving machinery, the
`adaptor comprising a nose at one end having a front
`Surface, an upper surface, a lower surface and two side
`walls, each sidewall having a first channel extending
`longitudinally, and a second channel extending between
`the upper surface of the nose to the lower surface such
`that it bisects the first channel;
`(0071
`a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the
`adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth com
`prising
`I0072 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear
`surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two side
`walls,
`0073 each sidewall incorporates a third channel
`extending between the upper wall and bottom wall
`and being at an angle complementary to the second
`channel of the nose, such that when assembled, the
`second channel and third channel define an enclo
`Sure,
`0074 the upper wall having two apertures there
`through, each aperture aligning with the respective
`third channel on each sidewall;
`0075 each sidewall has an inwardly projecting
`portion adapted to be slidingly received in the first
`channel of the adaptor nose during assembly,
`0076) a locking mechanism for locking the tooth to the
`adaptor, the locking mechanism being adapted to be
`received through the apertures, each locking mechanism
`having a projection,
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of the
`upper wall and bottom wall of the socket engages the upper
`surface and lower surface of the nose whereby the first chan
`nel of the adaptor is in opposed relation to the third channel of
`the tooth, the locking mechanism is then positioned through
`the aperture into the enclosure, whereupon the application of
`force, the projection of the locking mechanism moves
`inwardly with respect to the locking mechanism as it enters
`the enclosure, the locking mechanism moves towards its nor
`mal condition when the projection aligns with the first chan
`nel wherein the assembly is in its locked condition.
`I0077 Preferably the portion is in the form of a tab adjacent
`the opening of the socket.
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
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`

`US 2008/020 1997 A1
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`0078. The present invention further provides a tooth for
`use on an adaptor of earthmoving machinery, the tooth being
`adapted to be received over a nose of the adaptor, and releas
`ably secured thereto, the tooth comprising:
`0079 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear sur
`face, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
`0080 each sidewall incorporates a channel extending
`between the upper wall and bottom wall,
`I0081
`the upper wall having two apertures there
`through, each aperture aligning with the respective
`channel on an inner Surface of each sidewall;
`I0082 the bottom wall having two apertures in align
`ment with those in the upper wall;
`I0083 the inner surface of each sidewall having an
`inwardly projecting portion,
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of the
`upper wall and bottom wall of the socket engage the nose
`whereby the adaptor and each third channel of the tooth
`co-operate to provide an enclosure, a locking mechanism is
`then positioned within the enclosure Such that a projection of
`the locking mechanism is received in a recess defined by the
`adaptor, locking the tooth relative to the adaptor.
`0084 Preferably the portion is in the form of a tab adjacent
`the opening of the Socket.
`0085. The present invention further yet provides a tooth
`and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the
`assembly comprising:
`I0086
`an adaptor adapted to be secured to a bucket or
`like component on the earthmoving machinery, the
`adaptor comprising a nose at one end having an upper
`Surface, a lower Surface and two sidewalls, at least one
`sidewall having a first channel extending longitudinally,
`and a second channel extending between the upper Sur
`face and the lower surface such that it bisects the first
`channel;
`I0087 a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the
`adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth com
`prising
`I0088 a socket being defined by an upper wall, a
`bottom wall and two sidewalls,
`0089 at least one sidewall incorporates a third
`channel extending between the upper wall and bot
`tom wall and being at an angle complementary to
`the second channel of the nose, such that when
`assembled, the second channel and third channel
`co-operate to define an enclosure, the at least one
`sidewall also has an inwardly projecting protrusion
`adapted to be slidingly received in the first channel
`of the adaptor nose during assembly,
`0090 the upper wall having at least one aperture
`therethrough, aligned with the third channel;
`0091 at least one locking mechanism for locking the
`tooth to the adaptor, the locking mechanism being
`adapted to be received through the aperture, the at least
`one locking mechanism having at least one projection,
`wherein during assembly the tooth is slidingly positioned
`over the nose of the adaptor such that the inner surface of both
`the upper wall and bottom wall of the Socket engages the
`upper surface and lower surface of the nose whereby the
`second channel of the adaptor is in opposed relation to the
`third channel, the locking mechanism can then be inserted
`into the enclosure through the aperture, whereby the projec
`tion of the locking mechanism moves inwardly with respect
`
`to the locking mechanism as it enters the enclosure, the lock
`ing mechanism moving towards its normal extended position
`when the projection aligns with the first channel wherein the
`assembly is locked together.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0092. The invention will be better understood by reference
`to the following description of two embodiments of the inven
`tion, as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
`0093 FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a tooth according
`to a first embodiment of the invention;
`(0094 FIG. 2 is a cross sectional plan view of FIG. 1;
`0095 FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of FIG. 1
`0096 FIG. 4 is a cross sectional perspective view of FIG.
`1 from a rear position;
`(0097 FIG. 5 is a cross sectional perspective view of FIG.
`1 from a forward position;
`0098 FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG.5 from an elevated
`position;
`0099 FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 from a lower
`position;
`0100 FIG. 8 is an exploded view of section A as shown in
`FIG.7;
`FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an adaptor
`0101
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`0102 FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG.9, but only showing
`the nose section;
`(0103 FIG. 11 is a cross sectional plan view of FIG. 10;
`0104 FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG.9;
`0105 FIG. 13 is a side view of FIG.9;
`01.06
`FIG. 14 is a bottom view of FIG.9;
`0107 FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a locking mecha
`nism according to an embodiment of the invention;
`0.108
`FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the tooth
`received on the nose of the adaptor, with the locking mecha
`nism partially inserted in an enclosure;
`0109 FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 with the locking
`mechanism positioned further in the enclosure;
`0110 FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 with the assem
`bly in a locked position.
`0111 FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 16 with the locking
`mechanism passing through a bottom aperture;
`0112 FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of a tooth accord
`ing to a second embodiment of the invention;
`0113 FIG. 21 is a cross sectional plan view of FIG. 20;
`0114 FIG.22 is a cross sectional view of the tooth accord
`ing to the second embodiment received on the nose of the
`adaptor, with the locking mechanism partially inserted in an
`enclosure; and
`0115 FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG.22 with the assem
`bly in a locked position.
`
`BEST MODE(S) FORCARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`0116 Referring to the FIGS. 1 to 19, the invention accord
`ing to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a tooth
`and adaptor assembly 11 for use on earthmoving or similar
`machinery. The assembly 11 comprises an adaptor 21, having
`a first end 23 adapted to receive a tooth 41, with a locking
`mechanism 71 being received therein to lock the tooth 41
`relative to the adaptor 21.
`0117 Shown in FIGS. 9 to 14 is the adaptor 21. The
`adaptor 21 has a second end 25 adapted to be secured to a
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1007
`PAGE 18
`
`

`

`US 2008/020 1997 A1
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`bucket or like component on the earthmoving machinery (not
`shown). The configuration of the second end 25 varies
`according to its particular application.
`0118. The adaptor 21 comprises a nose 27 at the first end
`23. The nose 27 diverges outwardly in a rearward direction
`from a front surface 29. The nose 27 comprises an upper
`surface 31, a lower surface 33, both having a curved contour,
`and two sidewalls 35.
`0119) Each sidewall 35 incorporates a first channel 37
`extending longitudinally along the nose 27 rearward from the
`front surface 29, and a second channel 39 extending between
`the upper surface 31 of the nose 27 to the lower surface 33
`such that it bisects the first channel 37 and is substantially
`perpendicular thereto.
`0120) The portion of the second channel 39 above the first
`channel 37 comprises a wider portion 41 than the lower part
`of the second channel 39, and a ramp 40 adjacent the first
`channel 37, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, for reasons
`which are explained below.
`0121 Shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, is the tooth 41. The tooth 41
`is adapted to be received over the nose 27 of the adaptor 21, to
`be releasably secured thereto. The tooth 41 comprises a
`socket 43 being defined by an opening 45, a rear surface 47, an
`upper wall 49, a bottom wall 51 and two sidewalls 53. The
`shape of the socket 43 complements the surface of the nose 27
`to provide a snug fit when the tooth 41 is received on the
`adaptor 21.
`0122) Each sidewall 53 incorporates a third channel 55.
`The third channel 55 is substantially parallel to the opening 45
`such that when assembled, the second channel 39 of the nose
`27 and third channel 55 co-operate to define an enclosure 91.
`(0123. The upper wall 49 has two apertures 57a there
`through. Eachaperture 57a is in alignment with the respective
`third channel 55 on each sidewall 53.
`(0.124. The bottom wall 51 also has two apertures 57b.
`These apertures 57b are the same size and in alignment with
`the two apertures 57a of the upper wall 49.
`0.125 Each sidewall 53 also provides an inwardly project
`ing elongate protrusion 59 adapted to be slidingly received in
`the first channel 37 of the adaptor nose 27 during assembly of
`the tooth 41 and adaptor 21. The e