Tool retention system

Abstract

A clamp for a retention system is configured to clamp a tool to a work implement. The clamp includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second side includes a first clamping arm extending from the second side, a second clamping arm extending from the second side, and an intermediate surface extending between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. The intermediage surface includes a generally flat surface closer to the first clamping arm and a generally curved surface being closer to the second clamping arm. The generally curved surface is curved with respect to an axis that extends between a top end and a bottom end of the clamp.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clamp for a retention system configured to clamp a tool to a work implement, the clamp comprising:
 a first side; and   a second side opposite the first side, the second side including:
 a first clamping arm extending from the second side, 
 a second clamping arm extending from the second side, and 
 an intermediate surface extending between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, the intermediage surface including a generally flat surface closer to the first clamping arm and a generally curved surface being closer to the second clamping arm, the generally curved surface being curved with respect to an axis that extends between a top end and a bottom end of the clamp. 
   
     
     
         2 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein a side profile of the generally flat surface forms a line that is collinear with a side profile of the generally curved surface. 
     
     
         3 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate surface further includes two generally curved edge surfaces that extend along the axis and that form curved corners of the clamp on opposite sides of the generally flat surface. 
     
     
         4 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the generally curved surface has a generally constant radius of curvature. 
     
     
         5 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp tapers toward the top end and the first side of the clamp includes a surface that is inclined with respect to the intermediate surface. 
     
     
         6 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first side of the clamp includes grooves configured to engage teeth of a wedge assembly of the retention system. 
     
     
         7 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the top end includes a lifting eye for lifting the clamp. 
     
     
         8 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the clamp is generally C-shaped;   the first clamping arm has a first surface configured to face the tool; and   the second clamping arm has a second surface configured to contact the work implement, the first surface facing the second surface.   
     
     
         9 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the first clamping arm includes a surface configured to face the tool, the surface being generally perpendicular to the generally flat surface of the intermediate surface. 
     
     
         10 . A clamp for a retention system configured to clamp a tool to a work implement, the clamp comprising:
 a first side; and   a second side opposite the first side, the second side including:
 a first clamping arm extending from the second side, 
 a second clamping arm extending from the second side, and 
 an intermediate surface extending between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm, the intermediage surface including a generally flat surface and a generally curved surface, the generally flat surface located between the generally curved surface and the first clamping arm, the generally curved surface located between the generally flat surface and the second clamping arm, a side profile of the generally flat surface forming a line that is collinear with a side profile of the generally curved surface. 
   
     
     
         11 . The clamp of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the clamp is generally C-shaped;   the first clamping arm is configured to face the tool; and   the second clamping arm is configured to contact the work implement.   
     
     
         12 . The clamp of  claim 10 , wherein the generally curved surface has a generally constant radius of curvature. 
     
     
         13 . A retention system for clamping a tool to a work implement, the retention system comprising:
 a clamp configured to be disposed within an aperture in the work implement and an aperture in the tool to clamp the tool to the work implement, the clamp including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including a generally flat surface and a generally curved surface, the generally flat surface being configured to contact a surface of the aperture in the tool, the generally curved surface being curved with respect to an axis that extends between a top end and a bottom end of the clamp; and   a wedge assembly located between the first side of the clamp and a surface of the aperture in the work implement, the wedge assembly being adjustably positionable with respect to the clamp.   
     
     
         14 . The retention system of  claim 13 , wherein the generally flat surface is configured to contact a generally flat surface of the tool. 
     
     
         15 . The retention system of  claim 13 , wherein the generally curved surface of the clamp is configured to face a generally curved surface of the aperture in the work implement to form a clearance between the generally curved surface of the clamp and the generally curved surface of the aperture in the work implement. 
     
     
         16 . The retention system of  claim 13 , wherein the wedge assembly further includes:
 a wedge having a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; and   a slider movable along an axis extending between the top end and the bottom end of the wedge, the slider being configured to engage the first side of the clamp.   
     
     
         17 . The retention system of  claim 16 , wherein the wedge further includes a recess, the slider being at least partially disposed in the recess. 
     
     
         18 . The retention system of  claim 17 , wherein the wedge assembly further includes a fastener disposed within the recess in the wedge, the fastener being rotatable with respect to the wedge and threadably engaged with the slider. 
     
     
         19 . The retention system of  claim 17 , wherein the slider includes a plurality of teeth that engage a plurality of grooves on the first side of the clamp; and the fastener is configured to adjust a position of the wedge with respect to the clamp. 
     
     
         20 . The retention system of  claim 16 , wherein the wedge includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side including the recess, and the first side being generally parallel to the generally flat surface of the clamp.