ADAPTER TO EXCAVATOR LIP MOUNTING WITH ENHANCED SERVICE LIFE

Abstract

A wear component assembly can include a forward stabilizer attached to a forward end of a material handling implement lip, the forward stabilizer including inwardly facing abutment surfaces to engage respective outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in an adapter. A wear component assembly can include a rear stabilizer attached to a rear fitment pad of a material handling implement lip, the rear stabilizer including inwardly facing abutment surfaces to engage respective outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in a leg of an adapter. A wear component assembly can include a fastener abutment attached to a side of a material handling implement lip at a forward end of a fastener opening, and a fastener assembly extending through the fastener opening to thereby secure an adapter to the material handling implement lip.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to earth-moving, mining and other types of material-handling equipment and, in an example described below, more particularly provides an adapter mounting system with enhanced service life.

Material handling implements (such as buckets, shovels and other types of excavation and mining implements) are frequently provided with replaceable wear components. For example, wear components can be used to protect a forward material-engaging lip of a material handling implement, in order to prevent or delay repair or replacement of the lip, and to achieve other purposes (such as, to enhance the effectiveness of the implement in engaging or breaking up the material).

The wear components are subjected to a variety of different loads from various directions during material handling operations. Replacement of wear components can be costly and time-consuming.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that improvements are continually needed in the art of securing wear components on material handling implements. Such improvements are provided to the art by the present disclosure, and these improvements can be realized in a wide variety of different configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of an example of a material handling implement which can embody principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a representative exploded view of an example of a wear component assembly that may be used with the FIG. 1 material handling implement, and which can embody the principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a representative exploded view of a forward portion of a lip of the material handling implement and an example of a forward stabilizer.

FIG. 4 is a representative perspective view of the forward stabilizer positioned on the forward portion of the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 5 is a representative perspective view of the forward stabilizer.

FIG. 6 is a representative perspective view of an example of an adapter that may be used with the FIGS. 3-6 forward stabilizer.

FIG. 7 is a representative side view of the assembled wear component assembly.

FIG. 8 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a representative cross-sectional perspective view of the forward stabilizer portion of the FIGS. 7 & 8 wear component assembly.

FIG. 10 is a representative perspective view of another example of the forward stabilizer.

FIG. 11 is a representative perspective view of the FIG. 10 forward stabilizer on the forward portion of the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 12 is a representative perspective view of another example of the adapter that may be used with the FIGS. 10 & 11 forward stabilizer.

FIG. 13 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly with the FIGS. 10 & 11 forward stabilizer and the FIG. 12 adapter.

FIG. 14 is a representative cross-sectional perspective view of the forward stabilizer portion of the FIG. 13 wear component assembly.

FIG. 15 is a representative perspective exploded view of another example of the forward stabilizer and the forward portion of the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 16 is a representative perspective view of another example of the adapter that may be used with the FIG. 15 forward stabilizer.

FIG. 17 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly with the FIG. 15 forward stabilizer and the FIG. 16 adapter.

FIG. 18 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly.

FIG. 19 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly with a load applied to the adapter.

FIG. 20 is a representative perspective exploded view of examples of a rear stabilizer and a fastener abutment that may be used with the wear component assembly.

FIG. 21 is a representative perspective exploded view of another example of the fastener abutment.

FIG. 22 is a representative perspective view of the FIG. 20 rear stabilizer and fastener abutment on the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 23 is a representative cross-sectional perspective view of a rear portion of the adapter engaged with the rear stabilizer.

FIG. 24 is a representative top view of the adapter being installed on the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 25 is a representative perspective view of the adapter being installed on the material handling implement lip.

FIG. 26 is a representative cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly with the FIG. 20 rear stabilizer and fastener abutment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is an implement 10 for a material handling apparatus which can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the implement 10 is merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the implement 10 described herein and/or depicted in the drawings.

In the example of FIG. 1, the implement 10 is of the type known as a “dipper” or “bucket” of a cable shovel, but it should be clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure can be utilized with other types of mining, excavation (or other material handling) implements. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the implement 10 is rotated so that a bottom material-engaging side of the implement is clearly visible. From this perspective, it may be seen that multiple teeth 12 are mounted on the implement 10 for piercing the earth or other material.

The teeth 12 are typically rapidly worn down or otherwise damaged during use of the implement 10, and so the teeth are replaced periodically or when excessive wear is evident. Specially configured adapters 14 releasably secure the teeth 12 to a forward edge of a lip 16 of the implement 10 in this example. In other examples, the teeth 12 may be secured directly to the lip 16.

The teeth 12 and adapter 14 are merely examples of wear components that can be securely and conveniently attached to a material handling implement using the principles of this disclosure. Other examples of wear components include shrouds 18, 20 which protect forward material-engaging edges of the lip 16 and sides of the implement 10. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular types of wear components.

As used herein, the term “forward” is used to indicate a direction in which the implement 10 displaces to engage a material. Thus, a forward edge of the lip 16 would first engage the material, if the forward edge were not protected by the teeth 12, adapter 14 and shrouds 18, 20. The term “rearward” is used to indicate an opposite direction. Thus, in the FIG. 1 example, a rearward direction would be toward a back of the implement 10 from the forward edge of the lip 16.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 2-26, examples of a wear component assembly 30 are representatively illustrated. The wear component assembly 30 may be used with the FIG. 1 material handling implement 10 or it may be used with other material handling implements.

In the FIGS. 2-26 examples, the wear component assembly 30 includes features that act to stabilize the adapter 14 on the lip 16 and mitigate wear and damage to the wear component assembly in service. In this manner, a frequency of replacement of the wear component assembly 30 and repair of the lip 16 can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall operational cost.

Referring specifically now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the wear component assembly 30 is representatively illustrated. The wear component assembly 30 is depicted in FIG. 2 with an example of an adapter mounting portion of the material handling implement lip 16 for reference. However, note that the lip 16 is not a part of the wear component assembly 30.

In the FIG. 2 example, the wear component assembly 30 includes the adapter 14, a forward stabilizer 32, a fastener assembly 66 including a wedge 68 and a clamp 70, rear stabilizers 72, 74 and a fastener abutment 76. The forward stabilizer 32, rear stabilizers 72, 74 and fastener abutment 76 can be secured to the lip 16 by welding or another suitable attachment method.

The fastener assembly 66 is used to releasably secure the adapter 14 to the lip 16 after the forward stabilizer 32, rear stabilizers 72, 74 and fastener abutment 76 are attached to the lip. In this example, the forward stabilizer 32 is attached to a forward end 34 of the lip 16 proximate or onto forward fitment pads 78 which wrap around the lip forward end and laterally straddle a protrusion 54 extending forward from the lip forward end. The rear stabilizers 72, 74 are attached to respective rear fitment pads 80, 82 on respective opposite sides 84, 86 (see FIG. 7) of the lip 16.

A fastener opening 88 is formed through the lip 16 for receiving the fastener assembly 66 therein. When a threaded member 90 in the clamp 70 is rotated in a certain direction, the wedge 68 is biased downward (as viewed in FIG. 2), whereby inclined surfaces on the wedge and the clamp cause the wedge to be biased forward into contact with the fastener abutment 76 secured at a forward end of the fastener opening 88. Other types of fastener assemblies may be used in other examples.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 3 & 4, respective exploded and assembled views of an example of the forward stabilizer 32 and the lip 16 are representatively illustrated. In these views, the manner in which the forward stabilizer 32 is attached to the lip 16 can be seen.

In this example, the forward stabilizer 32 is welded to the forward fitment pads 78 extending around the forward edge 34 of the lip 16. The protrusion 54 is received in the forward stabilizer 32. The forward stabilizer 32 is longitudinally aligned with the protrusion 54 and the fastener opening 88.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the forward stabilizer 32 is representatively illustrated apart from the remainder of the wear component assembly 30. In this view, certain structural features of the forward stabilizer 32 are more easily seen.

In the FIG. 5 example, the forward stabilizer 32 is generally C-shaped. In addition, multiple abutment surfaces are formed on a forward-facing side of the forward stabilizer 32 for engagement with the adapter 14, in order to stabilize the adapter against lateral movement relative to the lip 16 in operation.

Specifically, upper opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38, lower opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 40, 42 and central outwardly facing abutment surfaces 92, 94 are formed on the forward stabilizer 32. The abutment surfaces 36, 38, 40, 42, 92, 94 are appropriately positioned to contact corresponding abutment surfaces formed in the adapter 14 as described more fully below.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 6, a rear perspective view of an example of the adapter 14 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 6 adapter 14 is specially configured for use with the FIGS. 2-5 forward stabilizer 32, but the adapter may be used with other forward stabilizers in keeping with the principles of this disclosure.

In the FIG. 6 example, the adapter 14 includes a forwardly extending nose 96 for releasably securing a tooth (such as, the FIG. 1 tooth 12) to the adapter. Extending rearward from the nose 96, the adapter 14 includes bifurcated legs 98, 100 appropriately configured to wrap about the forward edge 34 of the lip 16.

At forward ends of the legs 98, 100, an interior of the adapter 14 is configured to cooperatively engage the abutment surfaces 36, 38, 40, 42, 92, 94 formed on the forward stabilizer 32. Specifically, upper outwardly facing abutment surfaces 44, 46, lower outwardly facing abutment surfaces 48, 50 and central opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 102, 104 are formed in the adapter 14. When the adapter 14 is installed on the lip 16, the following pairs of abutment surfaces will be facing each other, thereby preventing or limiting lateral movement of the adapter on the lip: 38 and 44, 36 and 46, 42 and 48, 40 and 50, 94 and 102, and 92 and 104.

The adapter 14 further includes fastener openings 106, 108 for receiving the fastener assembly 66 therein and tabs 110, 112 extending inwardly at rear ends of the respective legs 98, 100. The tabs 110, 112 extend longitudinally along interior sides of the respective legs 98, 100 for engagement with rear stabilizers as described more fully below.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 7 & 8, the adapter 14 is depicted as positioned on the lip 16, but prior to installation of the fastener assembly 66. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. Note that the rear stabilizers 72, 74 (see FIG. 2) are not shown in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 8 it may be seen that the protrusion 54 on the lip 16 is received in a recess 52 formed in the forward stabilizer 32. The abutment surface 92 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 104, and the abutment surface 94 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 102, thereby preventing or at least limiting lateral movement of the adapter 14 relative to the lip 16. Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 9, the abutment surface 38 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 44, the abutment surface 36 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 46, the abutment surface 42 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 48, and the abutment surface 40 is positioned opposite the abutment surface 50, thereby further preventing or limiting lateral movement of the adapter 14 relative to the lip 16 (although these abutment surfaces are not visible in FIGS. 7 & 8).

Referring additionally now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of another example of the forward stabilizer 32 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 10 forward stabilizer 32 is similar in many respects to the FIGS. 2-9 forward stabilizer, but differs in a few respects.

In the FIG. 10 example, the forward stabilizer 32 does not include an internal recess 52 for receiving the protrusion 54 therein. Instead, the FIG. 10 forward stabilizer 32 includes an opening 56 through which the protrusion 54 can extend. In this manner, the protrusion 54 can engage a suitable recess formed in the adapter 14 as described more fully below.

Another difference in the FIG. 10 forward stabilizer 32 is that the abutment surfaces 40, 42, 92, 94 are not used. Instead, the inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38 extend around a forward side of the stabilizer 32, so that the abutment surfaces are generally C-shaped.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of the FIG. 10 forward stabilizer 32 positioned on the lip 16 is representatively illustrated. In this view, the manner in which the protrusion 54 extends forward through the opening 56 of the forward stabilizer 32 can be seen.

Note that outwardly facing abutment surfaces 58, 60 formed on opposite lateral sides of the protrusion 54 are exposed even after the forward stabilizer 32 is attached to the lip 16. These abutment surfaces 58, 60 are, thus, available to engage corresponding abutment surfaces in the adapter 14 as described more fully below.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 12, a rear perspective view of another example of the adapter 14 is representatively illustrated. In this example, the adapter 14 is configured for use with the FIGS. 10 & 11 forward stabilizer 32. The FIG. 12 adapter 14 is similar to the FIGS. 2-9 adapter but the FIG. 12 adapter differs in a few respects.

In the FIG. 12 adapter 14, the outwardly facing abutment surfaces 44, 46 are generally C-shaped, so that they wrap around the forward side of the forward stabilizer 32, similar to the FIG. 10 inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38. Thus, there is increased contact area between the respective pairs of abutment surfaces 36 and 46, and 38 and 44.

In addition, the FIG. 12 adapter 14 includes opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 62, 64 formed therein. The inwardly facing abutment surfaces 62, 64 are appropriately positioned so that they are opposite the respective abutment surfaces 58, 60 when the adapter 14 is installed on the lip 16, thereby limiting lateral movement of the adapter 14 on the lip 16.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 13 & 14, cross-sectional views of the FIGS. 10 & 11 forward stabilizer 32 and the FIG. 12 adapter 14 installed on the lip 16 is representatively illustrated. In these views, it may be seen that the following pairs of abutment surfaces are positioned opposite each other, thereby preventing or at least limiting lateral movement of the adapter 14 relative to the lip 16: 36 and 46, 58 and 62, 60 and 64, and 38 and 44.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 15, another example of the forward stabilizer 32 is representatively illustrated. In this example, the protrusion 54 is not used on the forward end 34 of the lip 16, and so the forward stabilizer 32 is not provided with either the recess 52 or the opening 56 to accommodate the protrusion. However, the FIG. 15 forward stabilizer 32 could include the recess 52 or the opening 56 if desired.

The FIG. 15 forward stabilizer 32 is similar in most respects to the FIG. 10 forward stabilizer. The inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38 wrap around the forward side of the forward stabilizer 32.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 16, a rear perspective view of another example of the adapter 14 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 16 adapter 14 is appropriately configured for use with the FIG. 15 forward stabilizer 32.

The FIG. 16 adapter 14 is similar in most respects to the FIG. 12 adapter. The FIG. 16 adapter 14 differs at least in that the inwardly facing abutment surfaces 62, 64 (see FIG. 12) are not used.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 16 adapter 14 and the FIG. 15 forward stabilizer 32 installed on the lip 16 is representatively illustrated. In this view, it may be seen that the following pairs of abutment surfaces are positioned opposite each other, thereby preventing or at least limiting lateral movement of the adapter 14 relative to the lip 16: 36 and 46, and 38 and 44.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 18, a cross-sectional view of another example of the wear component assembly 30 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 18 cross-sectional view is oriented vertical and is taken through one of the forward fitment pads 78 on the lip 16.

In the FIG. 18 example, the forward end 34 of the lip 16 has a radius r, and an interior of the forward stabilizer 32 has the same or a minimally larger radius. A forward side of the forward stabilizer 32 has a radius R, and an interior of the adapter 14 has the same or a minimally larger internal radius Ri.

Beneficially, a thickness t of the forward stabilizer 32 decreases in a rearward direction, so that a gap G between the forward stabilizer and the interior of each leg 98, 100 of the adapter 14 increases in the rearward direction. The thickness t of the forward stabilizer 32 is at a maximum at a rearward extent of the radius R, and at a minimum at a rear end 114 of the forward stabilizer 32.

One benefit of the FIG. 18 adapter 14 and forward stabilizer 32 configuration is that, when subject to operational loads, the upper and lower legs 98, 100 are allowed to deflect between the rear end 114 and the rearward extent of the radius R, due to the gap G between the legs and the forward stabilizer. Note that this gap G may be used with any of the forward stabilizer 32 examples described herein.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 19, a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 18 wear component assembly 30 is representatively illustrated. In FIG. 19, a vertically downward load 116 is applied to the nose 96 in operation, resulting in deformation of the adapter 14. The deformed adapter 14 is indicated in FIG. 19 with dashed lines.

Note that the upper and lower legs 98, 100 of the adapter 14 are able to deform between the rearward extent of the radius R and the respective rear ends of the legs (e.g., at the rear stabilizers 72, 74) due to the gap G between the forward stabilizer 32 and the legs. This makes more of the legs 98, 100 available to dissipate the energy imparted to the adapter 14 by the load 116, particularly where the load is an impact load. Reduced stress cracking and fatigue failure of the legs 98, 100 are expected as a result.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 20, a perspective view of examples of the rear stabilizers 72, 74 and the fastener abutment 76 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 20 rear stabilizers 72, 74 and fastener abutment 76 may be used with any of the wear component assembly 30 examples described herein.

In the FIG. 20 example, each of the upper and lower rear stabilizers 72, 74 includes a respective outwardly facing and longitudinally extending slot 118, 120. The slot 118 includes opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 122, 124 and the slot 120 includes opposing inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128. The slots 118, 120 and abutment surfaces 122, 124, 126, 128 are appropriately configured to engage the tabs 110, 112 at the rear ends of the legs 98, 100 to thereby prevent or at least limit lateral movement of the rear ends of the legs relative to the lip 16 as described more fully below.

As depicted in FIG. 20, the fastener abutment 76 is integrally formed, with upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b connected by an extension 130. The upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b can be attached to the respective upper and lower sides 84, 86 of the lip 16 at a forward end of the fastener opening 88 (for example, by welding).

A rearwardly facing abutment surface 132 is complementarily shaped relative to the wedge 68 of the fastener assembly 66 (see FIG. 2) and extends on and between the upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b. A portion 132a of the abutment surface 132 is formed on the upper fastener abutment 76a and another portion 132b of the abutment surface is formed on the lower fastener abutment 76b.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 21, another example of the fastener abutment 76 is representatively illustrated. In this example, the extension 130 is not used to connect the upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b. The upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b can be individually attached to the respective upper and lower sides 84, 86 of the lip 16 at a forward end of the fastener opening 88 (for example, by welding).

Referring additionally now to FIG. 22, a perspective view of the rear stabilizer 72 and the fastener abutment 76 attached to the lip 16 is representatively illustrated. In this view, it may be seen that the rear stabilizer 72 is attached to the fitment pad 80 at a rear end of the fastener opening 88 and the fastener abutment 76 is attached to the lip 16 at the forward end of the fastener opening.

In this example, the extension 130 extends through the fastener opening 88. If the FIG. 21 fastener abutment 76 is used, no extension will extend through the fastener opening 88.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 23, a cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly 30 is representatively illustrated. In FIG. 23, the adapter 14 is positioned on the lip 16 so that the forward stabilizer 32 engages the interior of the adapter at the forward ends of the legs 98, 100 and the tabs 110, 112 at the rear ends of the legs engage the respective slots 118, 120 in the upper and lower rear stabilizers 72, 74.

The inwardly facing abutment surfaces 122, 124 of the slot 118 are positioned opposite respective outwardly facing abutment surfaces 134, 136 on the tab 110, and inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128 are positioned opposite respective outwardly facing abutment surfaces 138, 140 on the tab 112. Thus, lateral movement of the rear ends of the legs 98, 100 relative to the lip 16 is prevented or at least limited by the engagement between the tabs 110, 112 and the slots 118, 120.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 24 & 25, a method of installing the adapter 14 on the lip 16 is representatively illustrated. A top view is depicted in FIG. 24 and a perspective view is depicted in FIG. 25.

FIGS. 24 & 25 demonstrate a technique for displacing the tabs 110, 112 of the adapter 14 past the fastener abutment 76, which is longitudinally aligned with the slots 118, 120. The fastener abutment 76 extends vertically upward and downward from the respective upper and lower sides 84, 86 of the lip 16 sufficiently to interfere with installation of the adapter 14, if the tabs 110, 112 are longitudinally aligned with the fastener abutment.

In the illustrated technique, the adapter 14 is rotated laterally somewhat, so that the tabs 110, 112 are not longitudinally aligned with the fastener abutment 76, as the adapter 14 is displaced rearward onto the lip 16. After the tabs 110, 112 are rearward of the fastener abutment 76, the adapter 14 is rotated in an opposite direction, so that the tabs 110, 112 are longitudinally aligned with the slots 118, 120 in the rear stabilizers 72, 74. The adapter 14 can then be fully displaced rearward, so that the tabs 110, 112 engage the slots 118, 120 and the forward stabilizer 32 appropriately engages the interior of the adapter.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 26, a cross-sectional view of the wear component assembly 30 is representatively illustrated. In this view, the adapter 14 has been fully installed onto the lip 16 and the fastener assembly 66 has been installed in the fastener openings 88, 106, 108. Thus, the adapter 14 is now operatively secured on the lip 16.

Note that a distance D between upper and lower surfaces of the fastener abutment 76 (upper and lower surfaces of the respective upper and lower fastener abutments 76a,b if the extension 130 is not used) is greater than each of: 1) a thickness T of the lip 16, 2) a distance d between the tabs 110, 112 and 3) a thickness F of the lip at the fitment pads 80, 82. As a result, an angle A is formed between a contact 142 between a lower surface of the tab 110 and the clamp 70, and a contact 144 between the wedge 68 and the upper surface of the fastener abutment 76.

The contact 144 is further outward (vertically upward as viewed in FIG. 26) from the lip 16 as compared to the contact 142. Thus, forward deflection of the upper leg 98 due to a load 116 applied vertically downward to the nose 96 (see FIG. 19) will not result in forward rotation of the fastener assembly 66. It is expected that this will result in reduced wear and damage to the fastener assembly 66 and the fastener abutment 76 due to rotation of the fastener assembly under load. Similarly, rearward deflection of the lower leg 100 due to a load applied vertically upward to the nose 96 will not result in rearward rotation of the fastener assembly 66.

It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure provides significant advancements to the art of securing wear components on material handling implements. In various examples described above, the adapter 14 is laterally stabilized on the lip 16 by the forward and rear stabilizers 32, 72, 74. In addition, rotation of the fastener assembly 66 in the fastener opening 88 is mitigated by the use of the fastener abutment 76 at the forward end of the fastener opening.

The present disclosure provides to the material handling art a wear component assembly 30 for use with a material handling implement 10. The wear component assembly 30 can include a forward stabilizer 32 configured to attach to a forward end 34 of a lip 16 of the material handling implement 10. The forward stabilizer 32 comprises inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38. The inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38 are configured to engage respective outwardly facing abutment surfaces 46, 44 formed in an adapter 14 to thereby limit lateral movement of the adapter 14 on the material handling implement lip 16.

The forward stabilizer 32 can comprise a recess 52 formed therein, the recess being configured to receive a protrusion 54 that extends forward from the lip 16 of the material handling implement 10.

The forward stabilizer 32 can comprise an opening 56 formed through the forward stabilizer, the opening being configured to receive a protrusion 54 that extends forward from the lip 16 of the material handling implement 10. The protrusion 54 can comprise outwardly facing abutment surfaces 58, 60 formed thereon, the outwardly facing abutment surfaces being configured to engage respective inwardly facing abutment surfaces 62, 64 formed in the adapter 14. Each of the inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38 may wrap around the forward end 34 of the material handling implement lip 16.

The forward stabilizer 32 may include additional inwardly facing abutment surfaces 40, 42, with the inwardly facing abutment surfaces 36, 38 positioned on a side 84 of the material handling implement lip 16, and the inwardly facing abutment surfaces 40, 42 being positioned on an opposite side 86 of the material handling implement lip. The forward stabilizer 32 may include outwardly facing abutment surfaces 92, 94 configured to engage respective inwardly facing abutment surfaces 104, 102 formed in the adapter 14.

An external radius R formed on a forward end of the forward stabilizer 32 may engage a complementarily shaped internal radius Ri formed in the adapter 14. A thickness t of the forward stabilizer 32 may decrease rearward of the external radius R. The external and internal radii R, Ri may be concentric. A gap G between the forward stabilizer 32 and the adapter 14 may increase rearward of the external radius R.

Another wear component assembly 30 for use with a material handling implement 10 is provided to the art by the above disclosure. In one example, the wear component assembly 30 can comprise a first rear stabilizer 72 configured to attach to a first rear fitment pad 80 of a lip 16 of the material handling implement 10, the first rear stabilizer 72 comprising first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces 122, 124. The first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces 122, 124 are configured to engage respective first and second outwardly facing abutment surfaces 134, 136 formed in a first leg 98 of an adapter 14 to thereby limit lateral movement of the first leg 98 on the material handling implement lip 16.

The first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces 122, 124 may comprise opposing sides of a longitudinal slot 118 formed in the first rear stabilizer 72.

The wear component assembly 30 may include a fastener abutment 76 configured to attach to the material handling implement lip 16 at a forward end of a fastener opening 88 that extends through the material handling implement lip 16. The fastener abutment 76 may be longitudinally aligned with the slot 118. A fastener assembly 66 may extend through the fastener opening 88 between the first rear stabilizer 72 and the fastener abutment 76.

The wear component assembly 30 may include a second rear stabilizer 74 configured to attach to a second rear fitment pad 82 of the material handling implement lip 16, the second rear stabilizer 74 comprising third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128. The third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128 may be configured to engage respective third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces 138, 140 formed in a second leg 100 of the adapter 14 to thereby limit lateral movement of the second leg 100 on the material handling implement lip 16.

The first and second outwardly facing abutment surfaces 134, 136 may be formed on respective opposing lateral sides of a first tab 110 formed in the first leg 98 of the adapter 14. The third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces 138, 140 may be formed on respective opposing lateral sides of a second tab 112 formed in a second leg 100 of the adapter 14.

The wear component assembly 30 may include a second rear stabilizer 74 configured to attach to a second rear fitment pad 82 of the material handling implement lip 16, the second rear stabilizer 74 comprising third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128. The third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces 126, 128 may be configured to engage the respective third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces 138, 140.

First and second tabs 110, 112 may be formed in the adapter 14 and configured to slidingly engage the respective first and second rear stabilizers 72, 74. First and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be configured to attach to respective opposite sides 84, 86 of the material handling implement lip 16. A distance D between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be greater than or equal to a distance d between the first and second tabs 110, 112.

Another example of the wear component assembly 30 for use with a material handling implement 10 is described above. In this example, the wear component assembly 30 can comprise a first fastener abutment 76a configured to attach to a first side 84 of a lip 16 of the material handling implement 10 at a forward end of a fastener opening 88 that extends through the material handling implement lip 16, and a fastener assembly 66 configured to extend through the fastener opening 88 to thereby secure an adapter 14 to the material handling implement lip 16.

The first fastener abutment 76a may include a rearwardly facing first abutment surface 132a. The fastener assembly 66 may contact the first abutment surface 132a when the fastener assembly 66 is positioned in the fastener opening 88. A wedge 68 of the fastener assembly 66 may contact the first abutment surface 132a when the fastener assembly 66 is positioned in the fastener opening 88.

The wear component assembly 30 may include a second fastener abutment 76b configured to attach to a second side 86 of the material handling implement lip 16 at the forward end of the fastener opening 88. The second fastener abutment 76b may include a rearwardly facing second abutment surface 132b. The fastener assembly 66 may contact the second abutment surface 132b when the fastener assembly 66 is positioned in the fastener opening 88.

A distance D between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be greater than a thickness t of the material handling implement lip 16, and may be greater than a distance d between first and second tabs 110, 112 formed at rearward ends of respective first and second legs 98, 100 of the adapter 14.

The first and second tabs 110, 112 may be configured to engage first and second slots 118, 120 formed in respective first and second rear stabilizers 72, 74 attached to the respective first and second sides 84, 86 of the material handling implement lip 16. The first and second rear stabilizers 72, 74 may be attached to respective first and second fitment pads 80, 82 on the respective first and second sides 84, 86 of the material handling implement lip 16.

The first and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be integrally formed as a single component. The first and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be connected by an extension 130. The extension 130 may be configured to extend through the fastener opening 88. The extension 130 may be configured to complementarily engage the forward end of the fastener opening 88 and a wedge 68 of the fastener assembly 66.

A second fastener abutment 76b may be configured to attach to a second side 86 of the material handling implement lip 16 at the forward end of the fastener opening 88. A distance D between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments 76a,b may be greater than a distance F between upper and lower surfaces of respective first and second fitment pads 80, 82 at a rearward end of the fastener opening 88.

Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example's features are not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features.

Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used.

It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.

The terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.”

Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wear component assembly for use with a material handling implement, the wear component assembly comprising: a forward stabilizer configured to attach to a forward end of a lip of the material handling implement, the forward stabilizer comprising first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces,in which the first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces are configured to engage respective first and second outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in an adapter to thereby limit lateral movement of the adapter on the material handling implement lip.

2. The wear component assembly of claim 1, in which the forward stabilizer comprises a recess formed therein, the recess being configured to receive a protrusion that extends forward from the lip of the material handling implement.

3. The wear component assembly of claim 1, in which the forward stabilizer comprises an opening formed through the forward stabilizer, the opening being configured to receive a protrusion that extends forward from the lip of the material handling implement.

4. The wear component assembly of claim 3, in which the protrusion comprises third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed thereon, the third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces being configured to engage respective third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in the adapter.

5. The wear component assembly of claim 1, in which each of the first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces wraps around the forward end of the material handling implement lip.

6. The wear component assembly of claim 1, in which the forward stabilizer further comprises third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces, the first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces being positioned on a first side of the material handling implement lip, and the third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces being positioned on an opposite second side of the material handling implement lip.

7. The wear component assembly of claim 6, in which the forward stabilizer further comprises third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces, the third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces being configured to engage respective fifth and sixth inwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in the adapter.

8. The wear component assembly of claim 1, in which an external radius formed on a forward end of the forward stabilizer engages a complementarily shaped internal radius formed in the adapter, and in which a thickness of the forward stabilizer decreases rearward of the external radius.

9. The wear component assembly of claim 8, in which the external and internal radii are concentric.

10. The wear component assembly of claim 8, in which a gap between the forward stabilizer and the adapter increases rearward of the external radius.

11. A wear component assembly for use with a material handling implement, the wear component assembly comprising: a first rear stabilizer configured to attach to a first rear fitment pad of a lip of the material handling implement, the first rear stabilizer comprising first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces,in which the first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces are configured to engage respective first and second outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in a first leg of an adapter to thereby limit lateral movement of the first leg on the material handling implement lip.

12. The wear component assembly of claim 11, in which the first and second inwardly facing abutment surfaces comprising opposing sides of a longitudinal slot formed in the first rear stabilizer.

13. The wear component assembly of claim 12, further comprising a fastener abutment configured to attach to the material handling implement lip at a forward end of a fastener opening that extends through the material handling implement lip, the fastener abutment being longitudinally aligned with the slot.

14. The wear component assembly of claim 13, in which a fastener assembly extends through the fastener opening between the first rear stabilizer and the fastener abutment.

15. The wear component assembly of claim 11, further comprising a second rear stabilizer configured to attach to a second rear fitment pad of the material handling implement lip, the second rear stabilizer comprising third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces, in which the third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces are configured to engage respective third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces formed in a second leg of the adapter to thereby limit lateral movement of the second leg on the material handling implement lip.

16. The wear component assembly of claim 11, in which the first and second outwardly facing abutment surfaces are formed on respective opposing lateral sides of a first tab formed in the first leg of the adapter.

17. The wear component assembly of claim 16, in which third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces are formed on respective opposing lateral sides of a second tab formed in a second leg of the adapter.

18. The wear component assembly of claim 17, further comprising a second rear stabilizer configured to attach to a second rear fitment pad of the material handling implement lip, the second rear stabilizer comprising third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces, in which the third and fourth inwardly facing abutment surfaces are configured to engage the respective third and fourth outwardly facing abutment surfaces.

19. The wear component assembly of claim 11, further comprising a second rear stabilizer configured to attach to a second rear fitment pad of the material handling implement lip, first and second tabs formed in the adapter and configured to slidingly engage the respective first and second rear stabilizers, and first and second fastener abutments configured to attach to respective opposite sides of the material handling implement lip, in which a distance between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments is greater than or equal to a distance between the first and second tabs.

20. A wear component assembly for use with a material handling implement, the wear component assembly comprising: a first fastener abutment configured to attach to a first side of a lip of the material handling implement at a forward end of a fastener opening that extends through the material handling implement lip; anda fastener assembly configured to extend through the fastener opening to thereby secure an adapter to the material handling implement lip.

21. The wear component assembly of claim 20, in which the first fastener abutment comprises a rearwardly facing first abutment surface, and in which the fastener assembly contacts the first abutment surface when the fastener assembly is positioned in the fastener opening.

22. The wear component assembly of claim 21, in which a wedge of the fastener assembly contacts the first abutment surface when the fastener assembly is positioned in the fastener opening.

23. The wear component assembly of claim 21, further comprising a second fastener abutment configured to attach to a second side of the material handling implement lip at the forward end of the fastener opening, in which the second fastener abutment comprises a rearwardly facing second abutment surface, and in which the fastener assembly contacts the second abutment surface when the fastener assembly is positioned in the fastener opening.

24. The wear component assembly of claim 23, in which a distance between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments is greater than a thickness of the material handling implement lip.

25. The wear component assembly of claim 23, in which the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments is greater than a distance between first and second tabs formed in rearward ends of respective first and second legs of the adapter.

26. The wear component assembly of claim 25, in which the first and second tabs are configured to engage first and second slots formed in respective first and second rear stabilizers attached to the respective first and second sides of the material handling implement lip.

27. The wear component assembly of claim 26, in which the first and second rear stabilizers are attached to respective first and second fitment pads on the respective first and second sides of the material handling implement lip.

28. The wear component assembly of claim 23, in which the first and second fastener abutments are integrally formed as a single component, in which the first and second fastener abutments are connected by an extension, and in which the extension is configured to extend through the fastener opening.

29. The wear component assembly of claim 28, in which the extension is configured to complementarily engage the forward end of the fastener opening and a wedge of the fastener assembly.

30. The wear component assembly of claim 20, in which a second fastener abutment is configured to attach to a second side of the material handling implement lip at the forward end of the fastener opening, and in which a distance between upper and lower surfaces of the respective first and second fastener abutments is greater than a distance between upper and lower surfaces of respective first and second fitment pads at a rearward end of the fastener opening.