Tooth and Adaptor Assembly

Abstract

Abstract A tooth and adaptor assembly ( 11 ) for use on earthmoving 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 assembly the projection ( 77 ) moves inwardly with respect to the locking mechanism ( 71 ) as it enters the enclosure, the locking mechanism ( 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.

1 . A tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising:
 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 sidewalls, 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;   a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising
 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls, 
 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 projecting tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal alignment with the elongate protrusion, the third channel separating the elongate protrusion and tab, 
 the upper wall having two apertures therethrough, each aperture aligning with the respective third channel; 
   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.   
   
   
       2 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism comprises two pins. 
   
   
       3 . The assembly according to  claim 2  wherein each pin is adapted to be received in the respective aperture in the upper wall of the tooth. 
   
   
       4 . The assembly according to  claim 2  wherein each pin comprises a housing and a retaining clip which provides the projection. 
   
   
       5 . The assembly according to  claim 4  wherein the retaining clip is bonded to a resiliently flexible material. 
   
   
       6 . The assembly according to  claim 5  wherein the resiliently flexible material is received in a recess of the housing. 
   
   
       7 . The assembly according to  claim 4  wherein the projection extends beyond the boundary of the housing when the pin is in its normal extended condition. 
   
   
       8 . The assembly according to  claim 4  wherein the housing is made from metal. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly according to  claim 4  whereby 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. 
   
   
       10 . The assembly according to  claim 1  whereby in an assembled condition, the rear surface of the socket and the rear part of the tooth adjacent the socket opening do not engage the adaptor. 
   
   
       11 . The assembly according to  claim 2  whereby in an assembled condition each pin does not protrude beyond the upper wall or bottom wall of the tooth. 
   
   
       12 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the front face of the adaptor nose is rectangular in shape. 
   
   
       13 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the nose diverges outwardly, in a direction rearward of the front face. 
   
   
       14 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the upper surface and lower surface of the nose are curved. 
   
   
       15 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the first channel of the adaptor extends from adjacent the front face of the nose rearwardly. 
   
   
       16 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the first channel is parallel with the path the tooth travels as the tooth is positioned upon the adaptor. 
   
   
       17 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the second channel is substantially perpendicular to the first channel. 
   
   
       18 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the second channel bisects the first channel. 
   
   
       19 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the second channel has a wider portion adjacent the upper surface which contracts as it approaches the first channel. 
   
   
       20 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the portion of the second channel above the first channel is wider near the upper surface and has an inwardly raised ramp adjacent the first channel. 
   
   
       21 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the tooth is a unitary member and provides the wear member. 
   
   
       22 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the interior surfaces of the socket complement the surfaces of the nose. 
   
   
       23 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the upper wall and bottom wall of the tooth have a curved section which protrudes beyond the sidewalls. 
   
   
       24 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the elongate protrusion extends between the third channel and the rear surface of the socket. 
   
   
       25 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the third channel is substantially perpendicular to the protrusion. 
   
   
       26 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the protrusion is parallel with the path the tooth travels as the tooth is positioned upon the adaptor. 
   
   
       27 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the elongate protrusion extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. 
   
   
       28 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the third channel has a uniform cross section along its longitudinal axis. 
   
   
       29 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the tab of the tooth is offset from the third channel, such that in an assembled condition a recess is provided by the first channel of the adaptor defined by a portion of the first channel of the adaptor adjacent the second channel. 
   
   
       30 . The assembly according to  claim 29  wherein the projection from the pin is releasable retained in the recess to hold the pin in place when the assembly is in an assembled condition. 
   
   
       31 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the bottom wall of the tooth incorporates two apertures. 
   
   
       32 . The assembly according to  claim 31  wherein each aperture in the bottom wall is aligned with the third channel and is of sufficient size to allow the respective pin to pass through. 
   
   
       33 . The assembly according to  claim 31  wherein each aperture in the bottom wall is of suitable size such that the pins cannot pass therethrough. 
   
   
       34 . A tooth for use on an adaptor of earthmoving machinery, the tooth being adapted to be received over a nose of the adaptor and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising:
 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
 each sidewall incorporates a channel extending between the upper wall and bottom wall, an inwardly projecting elongate protrusion and an inwardly projecting tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal alignment with the elongate protrusion, the channel extending between the elongate protrusion and tab, 
 the upper wall having two apertures therethrough, each aperture aligning with the respective channel; 
 the bottom wall having two apertures in alignment 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 positioned within the enclosure such that a projection of the locking mechanism is received in a recess provided by the adaptor, locking the tooth relative to the adaptor. 
   
   
       35 . A tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising:
 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 sidewalls, each sidewall having a first channel extending longitudinally from the front surface, 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. 
   
   
       36 . A tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising:
 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 longitudinally, and a second channel extending between the upper surface of the nose to the lower surface such that it bisects the first channel;   a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising
 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
 at least one sidewall, complementary to the at least one sidewall of the adaptor, 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, 
 the upper wall having at least one aperture therethrough, the at least one aperture aligning with the third channel of the sidewall; 
 the at least one sidewall having an inwardly projecting elongate protrusion adapted to be slidingly received in the first channel of the adaptor nose during assembly, and an inwardly projecting tab adjacent the opening and in longitudinal alignment with the elongate protrusion, the third channel separating the elongate protrusion and tab, 
 
   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, whereupon 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. 
   
   
       37 . 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 in locking engagement with the tooth, and 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 aperture in the tooth through which it is received into the enclosure. 
   
   
       38 . A tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising:
 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 sidewalls, 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;   a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising
 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
 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 enclosure, 
 the upper wall having two apertures therethrough, each aperture aligning with the respective third channel on each sidewall; 
 each sidewall has an inwardly projecting portion adapted to be slidingly received in the first channel of the adaptor nose during assembly, 
 
   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 channel of the adaptor is in opposed relation to the third channel of the tooth into the enclosure, the locking mechanism is then positioned through the aperture, 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 normal condition when the projection aligns with the first channel wherein the assembly is in its locked condition. 
   
   
       39 . The assembly according to  claim 38  wherein the portion is in the form of a tab adjacent the opening of the socket. 
   
   
       40 . A tooth for use on an adaptor of earthmoving machinery, the tooth being adapted to be received over a nose of the adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising:
 a socket being defined by an opening, a rear surface, an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
 each sidewall incorporates a channel extending between the upper wall and bottom wall, 
 the upper wall having two apertures therethrough, each aperture aligning with the respective channel on an inner surface of each sidewall; 
 the bottom wall having two apertures in alignment with those in the upper wall; 
 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. 
   
   
       41 . The assembly according to  claim 40  wherein the portion is in the form of a tab and is adjacent the opening of the socket. 
   
   
       42 . A tooth and adaptor assembly for use on earthmoving machinery, the assembly comprising:
 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 surface and the lower surface such that it bisects the first channel;   a tooth adapted to be received over the nose of the adaptor, and releasably secured thereto, the tooth comprising
 a socket being defined by an upper wall, a bottom wall and two sidewalls,
 at least one 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, 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, 
 the upper wall having at least one aperture therethrough, aligned with the third channel; 
 
   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 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 locked together. 
   
   
       43 . (canceled)