USOO7730651B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Carpenter
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,730,651 B2
`Jun. 8, 2010
`
`(54) WEAR ASSEMBLY
`
`(75) Inventor: Christopher M. Carpenter, Tualatin,
`OR (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: ESCO Corporation, Portland, OR (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/706,592
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Feb. 14, 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2007/0193075A1
`Aug. 23, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/774,401, filed on Feb.
`17, 2006.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`E02F 9/28
`52) U.S. Cl. ............................. 37/452: 37/453; 37/455:
`(52)
`s
`s 37/456
`
`(56)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................... 37/446,
`37/450, 452 456; 172/719
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1,384,701 A
`7/1921 McMonegal
`1,685,196 A
`9, 1928 Gilbert ....................... 172,703
`1916,354 A
`7/1933 Barber ........................ 37/455
`2,040,085 A
`5/1936 Fykse et al.
`2,227,674. A
`1/1941 Ratkowski ................... 37/454
`2.921,391 A
`1/1960 Opsahl ....
`... 37,454
`2.925,673 A
`2, 1960 Sennholtz .................... 37/455
`3,079,710 A
`3, 1963 Larsen et al.
`3,444,633 A
`5/1969 Hensley
`3,624,827 A * 1 1/1971 Liess et al. ..................... 37/92
`3,675,350 A *
`7/1972 Mulcahy et al................ 37/457
`3,704,753 A * 12, 1972 Hasforth et al. ............. 172/7OO
`
`
`
`5/1975 Cullen ......................... 37/455
`3,881,262 A
`1/1979 Zepf
`4,136,469 A
`9, 1983 Hahn et al. ................... 37/459
`4.404,760 A
`3/1986 Hahn
`4,577,423. A
`... 37,457
`9, 1992 Robinson ...
`5,144,762 A
`1/1993 Klett ........................... 37/452
`5,177,886 A *
`3.0 A i. inst
`I - w
`OUS
`
`1/1998 Jones et al.
`5,709,043 A
`6/1998 Clendenning
`5,765,301 A
`7, 1998 Pasqualini et al. ............ 37/455
`5,778,571 A
`6/1999 Launder et al.
`D410,657 S
`9, 1999 Ianello et al. ................. 37/456
`5,956,874 A
`5,987,787 A 11, 1999 Mack
`6,047.487 A
`4/2000 Clendenning
`6,079,132 A
`6/2000 Clendenning
`6,108,950 A
`8/2000 Ruvang et al.
`6,247,255 B1
`6, 2001 Clendenning
`6,321,471 B2 11/2001 Munoz et al.
`
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`410183698 A
`
`7, 1998
`
`Primary Examiner Thomas BWill
`Assistant Examiner Mai T Nguyen
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Steven P. Schad
`
`(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 pro
`vided with one or more complementary stabilizing Surfaces in
`central portions thereof.
`
`12 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 1
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`

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`US 7,730,651 B2
`Page 2
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`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,393,739 B1* 5/2002 Shamblin et al. .............. 37/456
`6,735,890 B2
`5/2004 Carpenter et al.
`
`6,865,828 B1
`2001/0001352 A1
`* cited by examiner
`
`3/2005 Molino et al.
`5, 2001 Mufioz et al.
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 1 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`
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`q
`s
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`v
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 2 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 4
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 3 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 4 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 6
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 5 of 9
`Sheet 5 Of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`151
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`150
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`111
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`125
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`100
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`50
`
`A
`110
`166 94
`
`98
`
`103
`116
`
`92
`156
`113
`154
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`117
`112
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`152
`114
`102
`131
`52
`115
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`70
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`125
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`)51
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`101
`
`12
`
`16
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`12
`
`131
`
`OL
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`53
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`i
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`150
`
`FIG.7
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`i
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`150
`
`165
`
`14
`FIG.8
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`160
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 6 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`12
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`14
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`12
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`14
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`125a
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`127
`
`FIG.9
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`125b
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`,127
`
`FIG.10
`
`12
`
`z
`
`125c
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`127
`
`14
`
`12
`
`14
`
`FIG.11
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`125d
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`125d
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`1
`
`127
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`FIG.12
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 8, 2010
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`Sheet 7 Of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 9
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`

`

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`v 247
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`
`214
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`z
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`212
`
`210
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 10
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`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 8,2010
`Jun. 8,
`2010
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 7,730,651 B2
`US 7,730,651 B2
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`
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`216
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`236
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`224
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`234
`
`254
`
`242
`
`242
`
`239
`
`252
`
`FIG.15
`
`ljUte
`3—247
`
`h—226
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`247
`
`246
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 11
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`

`

`US 7,730,651 B2
`
`1.
`WEAR ASSEMBLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention pertains to a wear assembly for 5
`securing a wear member to excavating equipment.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Wear parts are commonly attached along the front edge of 10
`excavating equipment, such as excavating buckets or cutter
`heads, 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 15
`to the base.
`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 beformed 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.
`These kinds of wear parts are commonly Subjected to harsh
`conditions and heavy loading. Accordingly, the wear mem
`bers wear out over a period of time and need to be replaced.
`30
`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
`SCCCSS,
`
`25
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`35
`
`40
`
`The present invention pertains to an improved wear assem
`bly for securing wear members to excavating equipment for
`enhanced Stability, strength, durability, penetration, safety,
`and ease of replacement.
`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 Substan
`tially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly to as
`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 antici
`pated during use are primarily carried by the more robust so
`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.
`In another aspect of the invention, the wear member 55
`includes a socket opening in the rear end to receive a Support
`ing 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 60
`opposite sides of a V-shaped recess in the nose.
`In another aspect of the invention, pairs of stabilizing Sur
`faces 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 65
`Surfaces form a V-shaped configuration on at least one side of
`the nose and the Socket.
`
`2
`In one other aspect of invention, the stabilizing Surfaces are
`recessed in the nose to protect these base surfaces from dam
`age and wear caused by the mounting of Successive wear
`members or due to excessive wearing of the wear members.
`In another aspect of the invention, the nose and socket are
`formed with complementary recesses and projections 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.
`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 projec
`tions forming these configurations are preferably defined by
`stabilizing surfaces, benefits can still beachieved with the use
`of bearing surfaces that are not substantially parallel to the
`longitudinal axis of the assembly.
`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 concentra
`tions of stress, and presents a reduced thickness for enhanced
`penetration in the ground.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIGS. 1 and 1A are perspective views of a wear assembly
`in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a nose of the present
`wear assembly.
`FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the nose.
`FIG. 4 is a front view of the nose.
`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 member
`of the present wear assembly.
`FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the wear assembly
`cut-away along a transverse plane immediately rearward of
`the lock.
`FIGS. 9-12 are transverse cross sections along the top wall
`of the wear member illustrating different examples of stabi
`lizing projections.
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wear assembly of the
`present invention with an alternative locking arrangement.
`FIG. 14 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view of the alter
`native wear assembly.
`FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lock of the
`alternative wear assembly.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention pertains to a wear assembly 10 for
`releasably attaching a wear member 12 to excavating equip
`ment. In this application, wear member 12 is described in
`terms of a point for an excavating tooth that is attached to a lip
`13 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 cutterheads). More
`over, relative terms such as forward, rearward, up, down,
`Vertical or horizontal are used for convenience of explanation
`with reference to FIG. 1; other orientations are possible.
`In one embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 1A), point 12 is adapted
`to fit on nose 14 fixed to a bucket lip 13 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 in FIG. 1) can
`be fixed to the bucket lip 13 in a number of ways. For example,
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 12
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`

`

`US 7,730,651 B2
`
`3
`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 15 will include
`one or two rearward legs 17, 18 that extend over the lip 13. In 5
`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.
`Nose 14 has a body 25 with top and bottom walls 20, 21 that 10
`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 conver
`gence); of course, other configurations are possible. The front
`end 24 is formed with top and bottom stabilizing surfaces 30, 15
`32 that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 34.
`The term “substantially parallel' is intended to include par
`allel 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 20
`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, stabiliz
`ing surfaces 30, 32 are laterally curved so as to meet along the
`sides of the nose. In this way, stabilizing Surfaces are formed 25
`around the entire frontend 24 of the nose 14. Of course, other
`configurations are possible.
`In the illustrated embodiment, front end 24 has generally
`an oval transverse shape with an oval front wall36. Similarly,
`the body 25 of nose 14 also has a generally oval transverse 30
`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 35
`concentrations along the outer edges of the nose. The oval
`shape also presents a streamlined profile that improves pen
`etration 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 40
`have a slimmer profile for better penetration. Nevertheless,
`the frontend 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 45
`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.
`In one embodiment (FIGS. 2-6), the top, bottom and side
`walls 20-23 of nose 14 each includes a pair of stabilizing 50
`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 55
`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.
`Wear member 12 comprises top, bottom and side portions
`to define a front working end 60 and a rear mounting end 62 60
`(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 indigging operations. The
`mounting end 62 is formed with a socket 70 that receives nose 65
`14 for Supporting the point on the excavating equipment (not
`shown). Socket 70 is formed by interior walls of the top,
`
`4
`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.
`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 frontend 94 to complement top, bottom
`and side walls 20-23 of nose 14. Each of these walls 100-103
`are preferably formed with stabilizing surfaces 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 paral
`lel 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 divergeatanangle 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.
`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 por
`tions 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, keep
`ing the stabilizing surfaces 40-43 away from the outer edges
`can also be used to reduce the creation of high stress concen
`trations 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 preferably 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. Nonethe
`less, stabilizing surfaces 40-43, 110-113 could extend the
`entire width and depth of the nose and socket.
`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.
`When loads having vertical components (herein called ver
`tical loads) are applied along the digging edge 66 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 stabi
`lizing 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
`
`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 13
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`

`5
`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. Stabilizing surfaces 32, 40, 41, 92.
`110, 111 function in the same manner for upwardly-directed
`vertical loads.
`In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 2-6), stabilizing sur
`faces 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 symmetri
`cal. Likewise, stabilizing surfaces 110-113 form inclined sur
`faces 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 equip
`ment is forced through the ground. With the laterally inclined
`Surfaces, bearing between the same surfaces 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.
`The stabilizing surfaces 40-41 and 42-43 are preferably
`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 exceptions, angle p would pref
`erably 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 trans
`verse 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.
`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 sta
`bilizing 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 uninter
`rupted into each other. The rear stabilizing surfaces could
`form a generally trapezoidal recess having a central stabiliz
`ing Surface with generally no transverse inclination and two
`side stabilizing Surfaces at virtually 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 complemen
`tary projections in the socket is preferred to reduce the risk of
`wearing or deforming the nose surfaces by the mounting of
`multiple points or on account of holes being worn through the
`point. Nevertheless, the recesses and projections could be
`reversed. Also, since vertical loading is often much more
`
`25
`
`30
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`60
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`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.
`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 por
`tions 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.
`In each of these orientations, the stabilizing surfaces 110
`113 of the point preferably complement the stabilizing sur
`faces on the nose, however, variations could be used. Accord
`ingly, as illustrated, stabilizing Surfaces 110, 111 complement
`stabilizing surfaces 40, 41, and stabilizing surfaces 112, 113
`complement stabilizing Surfaces 42, 43. Hence, in the illus
`trated 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 sur
`faces inclined to each other at an anglew 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 stabiliz
`ing recess 127 formed by stabilizing surfaces 42, 43 on the
`nose. Nevertheless, the lateral anglew 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).
`As alternatives, the stabilizing projections of socket 70
`could have other shapes or forms to fit within stabilizing
`recesses 127. For example, the stabilizing projections 125a
`could have a curved (e.g., hemispherical) configuration (FIG.
`9) to fit within the V-shaped stabilizing recess 127, a comple
`mentary curved recess or other recess shape adapted to
`receive the projection. Also, the stabilizing projections 125b
`(FIG. 10) could be thinner than the stabilizing 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 circumstances, e.g., in light duty operations, a lim
`ited 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.
`Sidewalls 22, 23 of nose 14 are also preferably formed with
`stabilizing surfaces 44-47 (FIGS. 2-6). These stabilizing sur
`faces 44-47 are also substantially parallel to longitudinal axis
`34. In the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing 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. None
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`DEERE & COMPANY, EX-1013
`PAGE 14
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`US 7,730,651 B2
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`theless, other angles could be selected including those Sub
`stantially smaller than 90° and even to a parallel relationship
`in certain circumstances, such as heavy vertical loading or
`light duty operations. Stabilizing recesses 129 along side
`walls 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 dis
`cussed above are equally applicable for recesses 129 and
`projections 131.
`Front stabilizing surfaces 30, 32 work in conjunction 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,
`25
`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.
`The angled orientation of stabilizing surfaces 44-47 enable
`these side stabilizing surfaces to bear against stabilizing sur
`faces 114-117 in socket 70 to resist side and vertical loading.
`In the preferred construction, rear stabilizing surfaces 40-43,
`110-113 are oriented closer to horizontal than vertical to
`primarily resist vertical loads and secondarily resist side
`loads. Side stabilizing surfaces 44-47, 114-117 are oriented
`closer to vertical than horizontal to primarily resist side load
`ing and secondarily resist vertical loading. However, alterna
`tive orientations are possible. For example, in heavy loading
`conditions, all the stabilizing surfaces 40-47,110-117 may be
`more horizontal than vertical. 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 stabilizing 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.
`Preferably, stabilizing surfaces 44-47 are angled equally
`50
`relative to a horizontal plane extending through axis 34. Nev
`ertheless, 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 beformed with a variety of different shapes. For example,
`while surfaces 44-47 are preferably planar, they can be con
`vex, concave, curved or consisting of angular segments.
`Grooves 129 could also be formed with generally U-shaped
`or trapezoidal cross sections. 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.
`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-sec
`tional configuration (FIGS. 2 and 8). Socket 70 has comple
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`mentary 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 sta
`bly mounts the point against vertical and side loading, Sup
`ports 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 concen
`trations. 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.
`The nose can also be formed with configurations other t