Wear assembly

Abstract

A wear assembly for earth working equipment may include a wear member including a mounting cavity to receive a supportive base, and a lock receiving hole in communication with the mounting cavity and having a crown-shaped lock bearing surface. A lock is installed in the lock receiving hole to secure the wear member to a supportive base, wherein the lock includes an upper bearing surface which interfaces with the crown-shaped lock bearing surface such that the lock is rotatable about the crown-shaped lock bearing surface between a locked position and an unlocked position, the unlocked position allowing for the point to be released from the supportive base.

Description

WEAR ASSEMBLYRelated Applications

[0001] This application claims priority benefits to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 57,463, filed April 3, 2024, and entitled “ WEAR ASSEMBLY,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field of the Disclosure

[0002] This disclosure pertains to wear assemblies for earth working equipment, and to the wear members, bases, and / or locks of the wear assemblies.Background of the Disclosure

[0003] Earth working equipment, such as earth working buckets and the like, are used for construction, recycling, dredging, mining, earth moving, and other similarly harsh environment applications. To protect the underlying earth working equipment from wear and / or to enhance the operation of the equipment, wear parts may be attached to the earth working equipment. Such wear parts may include points, adapters, shrouds, wing shrouds, tiles, picks, buttons, ripper points, dredge teeth, and the like. Such wear parts are commonly subjected to harsh environmental conditions, heavy loading, and extreme abrasion. Accordingly, the wear parts wear down over time and must be replaced, often in the field and under less than ideal conditions.Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] This disclosure relates to wear members and wear assemblies for earth working equipment for enhancing wear life, utilization of material for lower end of life weight, flexibility in design for locking mechanism, stability, strength and / or ease of replacement. This disclosure also includes a wear member and lock combined as a single integral component, i.e., the wear member includes a wearable body and a lock joined together. This disclosure also relates to the locks, wear members (e.g., points, adapters, shrouds, etc.) and the bases individually.

[0005] In one example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the secondside surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially concave shaped recess situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a concave bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

[0006] In another example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly with at least one set of the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the first side and second sides of the front portion have non-uniform lengths and / or widths, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

[0007] In another example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly with the upper bearing surface of the second side of the front portion has a convex surface and the lower bearing surface of the second side of the front portion is planar, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

[0008] In another example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, and a front bearing wall transverse to the front bearing surfaces at a front end of the mounting cavity, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly with the upper and lower first side bearing surfaces of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the upper first side bearing surface is less than the lower first side bearing surface, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

[0009] In one example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearingsurfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the second side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially concave shaped recess situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a concave bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The wear member further including a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity adjacent and rearward from the concave bearing surface and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity. The vertical lock receiving hole is defined by a cylindrical inner wall and further includes a top hole in a portion of a top wear surface of the wear member, the hole having an upper opening and a lower opening in communication with the lock receiving hole, wherein an upper wall which includes a crown-shaped lock bearing surface defined between the cylindrical inner wall and the lower opening.

[0010] In another example, a wear assembly including a supportive base having a mounting portion; a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the second side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially concave shaped recess situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a concave bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The wear assembly further including a lock to secure the wear member to the supportive base.

[0011] In another example, a wear member for earth working equipment including a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a substantially concave shaped recess situated in a first side of the mounting cavity; and a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity proximate to the concave recess and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity, the vertical lock receiving hole having a crown-shaped lock bearing surface, and wherein the vertical lock receiving hole defines a cylindrical inner wall which defines a top cylindrical surface and a bottom cylindrical surface which define rear lock bearing surfaces.

[0012] In yet another example, a base including a mounting portion having a front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, and, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in a mounting cavity of a wear member, and a rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the first side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially convex shaped protrusion situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a convex bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity.

[0013] In another example, a wear assembly for earth working equipment including a supportive base having a mounting portion. The wear assembly including a wear member having a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side surfaces converging towards a central portion of a first and second side, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base. The rear portion including a protrusion projecting laterally from a first side of the supportive base with upper and lower transition areas transitioning from the protrusion to the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction, the rear portion further including a rear bottom bearing surface, two top rear bearing surfaces, first side bearing surfaces which includes upper and lower transition areas and side bearing surface, and second side bearing surface, the two top bearing surfaces converge toward a central portion of the top side, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity of the second wear member, and a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity proximate to the concave recess and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity. The wear assembly further including a lock integrally mounted in the lock receiving hole from the mounting cavity for movement between a locked position wherein the lock is positioned to contact the base to hold the wear member to the supportive base and a release position where the lock is positioned to release the base while the lock remains in the lock receiving hole.

[0014] In another example, a lock for securing a wear member for earth working to a supportive base, the lock including a lock pin having a curved inwardly projecting cut-out and an outwardly extending anti-rotation tab for indexing between locked and unlocked positions.

[0015] In another example, a base for earth working equipment including a nose for mounting a wear member. The nose having a front portion and a rear portion. The nose having anasymmetric configuration and a protrusion extending from one side of the nose with a lock recess in the protrusion.

[0016] In another example, a base for earth working equipment including a nose for mounting a second wear member. The nose having a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion having upper bearing portion which includes two bearing surfaces defined by converging surfaces of unequal widths and / or lengths.

[0017] In another example, a wear member includes a mounting cavity having a front portion with a top bearing surface, two first side bearing surfaces defined by converging surfaces of unequal widths and / or lengths and two second side bearing surfaces defined by converging surfaces of unequal widths and / or lengths to bear against complementary surfaces on a nose of a base received within the mounting cavity.

[0018] In another example, a wear member having a mounting cavity that includes a lock receiving hole with a wall of the lock receiving hole defining crown-shaped bearing surface to bear against complementary surfaces on a lock while permitting the lock to rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. Preferably, the lock receiving hole is substantially vertical and in communication with the mounting cavity.

[0019] In another example, a wear member having a mounting cavity and a lock receiving hole. The lock receiving hole may be substantially vertically orientated and include an upper wall defining a crown-shaped bearing surface to interact with the crown-shaped upper bearing surface of the lock receiving hole. The wear member further includes a bottom hole in communication with the lock receiving hole and having a retaining clip capture groove.

[0020] In yet another example, a lock for securing a wear member to a base includes a pin with an inward cut-out. Preferably, the cut-out has a concave shape to match a substantially convex shaped protrusion in the base. In another example, a lock for securing a wear member to a base includes a pin with an inward cut-out. Preferably, the cut-out has a concave shape. The pin further having a crown-shaped bearing surface at an upper surface of the pin to bear against complementary surfaces in a lock receiving hole of the wear member. The crown-shaped upper surface allowing the lock to be rotated substantially 90 degrees between a locked position and an unlocked position. The crown-shaped bearing surface may be defined by a plurality of ridges radially spaced around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the upper surface.

[0021] In another example, a lock for securing a wear member to a base receivable into a lock receiving hole in a wear member. The lock may be installed into the lock receiving hole in a generally vertical oriented position and being capable of being shipped as a single wear assembly.

[0022] In another example, a process of assembling a wear assembly includes providing a wear member having a cavity defined by an interior surface with a lock receiving hole, and inserting the lock into the lock receiving hole from the cavity of the wear member.

[0023] A process for installing a lock in a wear member for earth working equipment, the process includes the steps of 1) providing a wear member having an opening for receiving a separable component, and a generally vertical hole that intersects an opening into which a supportive base is receivable; 2) installing an elastic member into a lower portion of the vertical hole; 3) installing the lock such that the lock is situated on the elastic member so as to hold the elastic member in compression while the upper portion of the lock bears against a crownshaped bearing surface of the vertical hole.

[0024] The advantages of the locks and wear assemblies of the present disclosure will be more readily understood after considering the drawings and the Detailed Description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wear assembly including a wear member, a base, and a lock according to the disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the wear assembly of Fig 1 .

[0027] Fig. 3 is a top view of the wear assembly of Fig 1 .

[0028] Fig. 4 is a partial first side view of a nose of the base of Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the nose of Fig. 4.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a top view of the nose of Fig. 4.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the nose of Fig. 4.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a second side view of the nose of Fig. 4.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a front view of the nose of Fig. 4.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a rear view of the wear member of Fig. 1.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a cross-section view taken along line A-A in Fig. 10 of the wear member.

[0036] Fig. 12 is a cross-section view taken along line B-B in Fig. 10 of the wear member.

[0037] Fig. 13 is top perspective view from the rear of the wear member of Fig. 12.

[0038] Fig. 14 is bottom perspective view from the rear of the wear member of Fig. 12.

[0039] Fig. 15 is bottom perspective view from the front of the wear member of Fig. 12.

[0040] Fig. 16 is top perspective view from the front of the wear member of Fig. 12.

[0041] Fig. 17 is cross-section view taken along line C-C in Fig. 3 of the wear member with the base and lock omitted.

[0042] Fig. 18 is a first side view of the lock of Fig. 1 .

[0043] Fig. 19 is a front view of the lock of Fig. 1 .

[0044] Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the of the lock of Fig. 1 .

[0045] Fig. 21 is a rear view of the lock of Fig. 1 .

[0046] Fig. 22 is a second side view of the lock pin of the lock of Fig. 19.

[0047] Fig. 23 is a rear perspective view of the lock being installed into the wear member.

[0048] Fig. 24 is cross-section view taken along line C-C in Fig. 3 of the wear assembly with the lock in an unlocked position.

[0049] Fig. 25 is cross-section view taken along line C-C in Fig. 3 of the wear assembly with the lock in a locked position.

[0050] Fig. 26 is cross-section view taken along line D-D in Fig. 3 of the wear assembly with the lock in an unlocked position.

[0051] Fig. 27 is cross-section view taken along line D-D in Fig. 3 of the wear assembly with the lock in a locked position.

[0052] Fig. 28 is a detailed top view of the wear assembly with the lock in a locked position with portions of the lock in phantom.

[0053] Fig. 29 is a detailed top view of the wear assembly with the lock in an unlocked position with portions of the lock in phantom.Detailed Description of the Disclosure

[0054] The present disclosure pertains to a wear assembly for earth working equipment. It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to overcome or mitigate one or more of the above disadvantages or other disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. While the disclosure herein includes examples of securing a ground engaging tool (which in this example is shown as a point) to an adapter, wear assemblies in accordance with this disclosure may be used in securing other kinds of wear parts such as intermediate adapters, shrouds, runners, picks, hammers, rigging components, and the like being secured to appropriate bases including adapters, lips, holders, bosses, and the like. Likewise, although excavating buckets are disclosed herein as the earth working equipment, other kinds of earth working equipment could be used such as dredge cutter heads, shredders, rigging equipment, roll crushers, chutes, truck bodies, etc. Relative terms such as front, rear, top, bottom and the like are used for convenience of discussion. The terms front or forward and rear or back are generally used to indicate the normal direction of travel during use (e.g., while digging), and upper, inner, or top are generally used as a reference to the surface over which the material passes when, for example, it is gathered into the bucket, while the terms bottom, or outer are generally used as a reference to the outer surfaces of the bucket (opposite of the container portion of the bucket). Nevertheless, it is recognized that in the operation of various earth working machines the wear assemblies may be oriented in various ways and move in all kinds of directions during use.

[0055] In the illustrated example of Figs. 1-3, wear assembly or tooth 10 includes a wear member or point 12, a base or adapter 14, and a lock 16. Alternatively, the wear member 12 and lock 16 combination may be considered a wear assembly 10, which may optionally be sold, shipped, stored, and / or installed as a single unit. In the illustrated example, the base is anadapter 14 secured to a digging edge 200 defined by a lip of a bucket (e.g., a dipper of a cable shovel) by welding, but other locking configurations are possible. For example, the adapter can be mechanically secured to the digging edge by locks, bolts, etc. Alternatively, the base may be a forwardly-projecting nose as part of a cast lip instead of a separately secured adapter. The adapter 14 includes a forward projecting nose 18 (Fig. 2, 4-9) which is received in a rearward facing mounting cavity 20, having a front potion 84, rear portion 86, and intermediate portion 88, in the point 12 (Fig. 10-16) The cavity 20, shown in Fig. 10, and nose 18 received therein are complementary shaped to suitably support the point 12 during use.

[0056] The illustrated adapter includes a mounting end 21 with bifurcated legs 22a, 22b to straddle the digging edge 200. The upper leg 22a is situated to engage the inner / upper face 202 of the digging edge and the lower leg 22b is situated to engage the outside / lower face (not shown) of the digging edge.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 4-9, the nose 18 has a front portion 24, a rear portion 26, and a transition portion 28 and a longitudinal axis 29, shown in Figs. 4, 6, and 8, that passes through the nose 18 bisecting it. The nose 18 expands rearward from the front portion 24 to the rear portion 26. The transition portion 28 is located between the front portion 24 and the rear portion 26 of the nose 18. The rear portion 26 is adjacent a blended area that transitions to the legs 22a, 22b of the adapter 14 (Fig. 2). Front bottom portion 30 of nose 18 is substantially V-shaped to better match a wear profile of a worn point to extend wear life of the adapter 14 (Fig. 5). Rear bottom portion 32 of nose 18 is generally planar though it could be formed with curves such as broad convex or concave shapes curving about axial and / or transverse axes or any combination with planar surfaces thereof (Fig. 5).

[0058] The nose 18 includes a protrusion 34 which projects laterally from a first side of the nose 18 at the rear 26 and transition 28 portions. The protrusion 34 may be located centrally. The protrusion includes a rear portion 36a located in the rear portion 26 of the nose 18 and is substantially convex shaped with upper and lower transition areas 38a, 38b adjacent the blended area of the nose transitioning from the protrusion 34 to the nose 18 in the longitudinal direction 29, but other configurations are possible. For example, the rear portion 36a may be located in the transition portion 28 of the nose 18. The upper and lower transition areas 38a, 38b having a concave shape although the transitions areas may be substantially planar or alternatively curved. The rear portion 36a of the protrusion 34 further includes lock recess 40. The lock recess 40 in the illustrated examples has a generally concave shape transverse to a longitudinal axis 29 but other configurations are possible. The lock recess 40 defines an interior front lock bearing surface 40a defined by a generally rearwardly facing curved front wall of the lock recess 40, a middle surface 40b and a rear clearance surface 40c. The protrusion 34 further includes a forward transition area 36b extending forward toward the front portion 24 substantially the entire length of the transition portion 28. The forward transition area 36b mayreduce laterally inwards from the rear portion 26 towards the front portion. The forward transition area 36b may also reduce in thickness or converge forwardly from the rear portion 26 towards the front portion 24.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the front portion 24 includes front bearing surfaces 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and a front wall 52 transverse to the front bearing surfaces 42-50, though other variations are possible. It is foreseen that blended portions of the front portion 24 extending between the front bearing surfaces 42-50 and the wall 52 of the nose 18 are not intended to bear, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example the front wall 52 is shown as being substantially convex but can be planar, concave, curved or consisting of angular segments. The front bearing surfaces includes a top bearing surface 42, first side bearing surfaces 44, 46 and second side bearing surfaces 48, 50. More particularly, the first side bearing surfaces are defined by upper 44 and lower 46 first side bearing surfaces converging outwardly. Similarly, the second side bearing surfaces are defined by upper 48 and lower 50 second side bearing surfaces converging outwardly. At least one set of the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the first and second sides of the front portion have non-uniform lengths and / or widths. In the illustrated example, the upper bearing surface 44 of the first side of the front portion 24 has a concave surface and the lower bearing surface 46 of the first side of the front portion 24 is planar but can be convex, concave, curved or consisting of angular segments. The upper and lower side bearing surfaces 48, 50 of the second side each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, with the length of the upper second side bearing surface 48 is less than the lower second side bearing surface 50, although other configurations are possible.

[0060] Adjacent bearing surfaces 42-50 may be separated by corners 54 which is generally rounded. In the illustrated example, the corners 54 are non-bearing, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example, the upper and lower bearing surface 44, 46 of the first side are separated by the forward transition area 36b of the protrusion having a general concave shape. As shown in Fig. 9 the corners 54 in the front portion 24 create angle a between adjacent bearing surfaces 42 and 48; angle between adjacent bearing surfaces 48 and 50; and angle y between adjacent bearing surfaces 46 and 50. In one example, angle a equals 123 degrees, angle 0 equals 83 degrees, and angle y equals 124 degrees though other combinations are possible. In another example, angle a is about 1 15-130 degrees, angle 0 is about 75-90 degrees, and angle y is about 16-131 degrees. The front bearing surfaces 42-52 bear against complementary surfaces at the front of the mounting cavity or socket in the wear member. The front wall 52 resists rearward loads L4 (Fig. 1).

[0061] The bearing surfaces 42-52 could bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity 20 of the point 12 across their entire width and length or some portion thereof. In the illustrated example, the upper bearing surface 44 of the first side has a concave surface withfront bearing surface 42, 46, 48, 50 being generally planar, though the front bearing surfaces 42, 46, 48, and 50 could be formed with curves such as broad convex or concave shapes curving about axial and / or transverse axes or any combination with planar surfaces thereof. The front bearing surfaces 42-50 extend rearwardly from the front wall 52 to the transition portion28. The front bearing surfaces 42-50 extend rearwardly from front wall 52 substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 29 to help stabilize the supporting of the point 12. The term “substantially parallel” is intended to include parallel surfaces as well as those that diverge from the longitudinal axis at a small angle (e.g., of about 0-7 degrees) for manufacturing purposes and / or ease of removal. Alternatively, the front bearing surfaces may diverge from the longitudinal axis29. The longitudinal axis 29 can be generally defined as the straight line the center of front wall 52 moves along when installed into mounting cavity 20. The bearing surfaces 42-50 that extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis are also herein referred at times to stabilizing surfaces. Stabilizing or bearing surfaces are meant to stabilize the point 12 mounted onto the nose 18 against vertical (L2 in Fig. 1), lateral (L3 in Fig. 1), and combination loads.

[0062] In the illustrated example (Figs. 4-9), the rear portion 26 includes rear bearing surfaces 56-66. The rear bearing surfaces 56-66 extend rearwardly from the transition portion 28 and include top rear bearing surface 56, first side rear bearing surfaces which includes upper bearing surface 58, lower bearing surface 60 and a substantially convex bearing surface 62, second side rear bearing surfaces 64, and bottom rear bearing surface 66. In the illustrated example, the upper bearing surface 58 is defined by a substantially convex curved bearing surface 58a and a substantially planar bearing surface 58b. Similarly, the lower bearing surface 60 is defined by a substantially convex curved bearing surface 60a and a substantially planar bearing surface 60b. The convex bearing surface 62 is located on the protrusion 34 adjacent and forward of the lock recess 40 (Fig. 4). In the illustrated example, the convex bearing surface 62 comprises three adjacent surfaces 62a, 62b, 62c but other configurations are possible.

[0063] Adjacent bearing surfaces 56 and 64, 56 and 58, 64 and 66 may be separated by corners 68 which are generally rounded. In the illustrated example, the corners 68 are nonbearing, but other configurations are possible. The illustrated example, bearing surface 60 is adjacent bearing surface 66 and bearing surfaces 58 and 60 are separated by the lock recess 40. As shown in Fig. 9, the corners 68 in the rear portion 26 create angle a’ between adjacent bearing surfaces 56 and 64; angle p’ between bearing surfaces 64 and 66; angle y' between bearing surfaces 56 and 58b; and 6’ between bearing surfaces 66 and 60b. In one example, angle a’ equals 119 degrees, angle p’ equals 90 degrees, angle y' equals 68 degrees, and angle 0’ equals 90 though other combinations are possible. In another example, angle a’ is about 100- 129 degrees, angle p’ is about 80-100 degrees, angle y' is about 58-78 degrees, and angle 6’ is about 80-100 degrees. As with the front bearing surfaces 42-50, the rear bearing surfaces 56-66 axially extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 to aid in stabilizing andsupporting the point 12. The term “substantially parallel” is intended to include parallel surfaces as well as those that diverge from the longitudinal axis at a small angle (e.g., of about 0-7 degrees) for manufacturing purposes and / or ease of removal. In the illustrated example, rear bearing surface 56, 58b, 60b, 64, 66 are substantially planar with bearing surfaces 58a, 60a, 62 generally rounded and bearing surface 61 c having a generally concave shape, but other shapes are possible. The bearing surfaces are also herein referred at times to stabilizing surfaces.

[0064] The rear bearing surfaces 56-66 bear against corresponding surfaces in the mounting cavity 20 of the point 12, and along with the front bearing surface 42-52 act as stabilization surfaces for the point 12. The front and rear bearing surfaces 42-52 and 56-66 bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity 20 in point 12 in resisting various combinations of vertical, side, axial, and rotation loads (e.g., L2, L3, L3, R1 as shown in Fig. 1) that are applied to the point 12 during a digging operation.

[0065] The transition portion 28 includes transition surfaces 70 that preferably axially extend rearwardly at angles that are greater than substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 for increased nose strength and penetration. The transition portions may transform front bearing surfaces 42-50 in front portion 24 into corner surfaces 68 in the rear portion 26. Likewise, the transition portions may transforms the corner surfaces 54 in the front portion 24 to bearing surfaces 56-64 in the rear portion 26. In the illustrated example, the transition surfaces are simplified and the transition surface 70 may contain additional surfaces.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 10-12, an example of point 12 is shown which is configured to fit on nose 18, though the point 12 could have other configurations and / or purposes, e.g., the wear member could be intermediate adapter or other wear members. The point 12 includes an outer wear surface defined by top 72, bottom 74, and side surfaces 76,78 (Fig. 10). In the illustrated example, and shown more clearly in Figs. 11 and 12, the point 12 has a front end 80 and rear mounting end 82 with a mounting cavity 20. The cavity 20 receives the nose 18 of the base 14 and is formed by a front portion 84 extending to a rear portion 86 through an intermediate portion 88 located between the front and rear portions 84, 86. The rear portion 86 is adjacent rearwardly a second blended area that complements a blended area at the interface of the nose 18. Preferably, the cavity 20 has a shape that is complementary to nose 18, though some variations could be included. The mounting cavity 20 includes an interior top 90, bottom 92, and side walls 94, 96 (Fig. 10). The point further has a rear wall 98 extending transversely between the interior walls 90, 92, 94, 96 and the outer wear surfaces 72, 74, 76, 78 at the rear mounting end 82 (Fig. 10).

[0067] The cavity 20 includes an outwardly projecting recess 124 which corresponds to the protrusion 34 of the nose 18. The recess 124 is substantially concave shaped with upper 130a and lower 130b transition areas adjacent the blended area of the cavity transitioning from therecess 124 to the cavity 20 in the longitudinal direction 29. The recess 124 further includes a forward transition area 131 extending forward toward the front portion 94 substantially the entire length of the intermediate portion 98. The recess 124 may reduce in thickness or converge forwardly from the rear portion 96 towards the front portion 94.

[0068] In one example, the cavity 20 includes a plurality of front bearing surfaces 100-108 at the front portion 84 of the cavity 20 and front wall 110 transverse to the front bearing surfaces though other variations are possible. The front portion 84 of the cavity includes a top bearing surface 100, first side bearing surfaces 102, 104, and second bearing surface 106, 108. The first side bearing surfaces 102, 104 are defined by upper 102 and lower 104 bearing surfaces which converges outwardly. Similarly, the second side bearing 106, 108 surfaces are defined by upper 106 and lower 108 bearing surfaces which converges outwardly. The front bearing surfaces 100-110 bear against complementary surfaces 42-52 at the front of the nose. It is foreseen that the blended portion of the front portion 84 extending between the front bearing surfaces 100-108 and the front wall 110 are not intended to bear, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example the front wall 1 16 is shown as being substantially concave but can be planar, convex, angled, curved or consisting of angular segments. In the illustrated example, the upper bearing surface of the second side 106 of the front portion 84 has a convex surface and the lower bearing surface 108 of the second side of the front portion is planar. The upper 102 and lower 104 first side bearing surfaces of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, with the length of the upper first side bearing surface 102 is less than the lower first side bearing surface 104.

[0069] The front bearing surfaces 100, 102, 104, and 108 may be adjacent or separated by corners 1 12 which may be generally rounded. In the illustrated example, the corners 112 are non-bearing, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example, the upper and lower second side bearing surfaces are separated by the forward transition area 131 of the recess having a general convex shape. The corners 1 12 in the front portion 94 create angle a” between adjacent bearing surfaces 100 and 102; angle p” between bearing surfaces 102 and 104; and angle y” between bearing surfaces 104 and 108. In one example, angle a” equals 123 degrees, angle ” equals 83 degrees, and angle y” equals 124 degrees though other combinations are possible. In another example, angle a” is about 113-133 degrees, angle P” is about 73-93 degrees, and angle y” is about 114-134 degrees.

[0070] The bearing surfaces 106-1 14 could bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity 20 of the point 12 across their entire width and length or some portion thereof The front bearing surfaces 100-108 extend rearwardly from the front wall 1 10 to the transition portion 88. The front bearing surfaces 100-108 may extend rearwardly from front wall 110 and axially extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 29 to help stabilize the supporting of the point 12. The term “substantially parallel” is intended to include parallel surfaces as well asthose that diverge from the longitudinal axis at a small angle (e.g., of about 0-7 degrees) for manufacturing purposes and / or ease of removal. Alternatively, the front bearing surfaces may diverge from the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis 29 can be generally defined as the straight line in an install direction. The longitudinal axis 29 may also be the manufacturing center point where a top and bottom castings meet. The bearing surfaces 100-108 that extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis are also herein referred at times as stabilizing surfaces. Stabilizing or bearing surfaces are meant to stabilize the point 12 mounted onto the nose 18 against vertical (L2 in Fig. 1), lateral (L3 in Fig. 1), and / or combination loads.

[0071] The cavity 20 includes a plurality of rear bearing surfaces 1 14-126 at the rear portion 96 or open end of the cavity 20. In the illustrated example, the rear portion 96 of the cavity 20 includes a rear bottom bearing surface 1 14; rear top bearing surface 1 16; first side bearing surface 118 and second side bearing surfaces 120, 122, 126 to match at least a portion of the rear portion 26 of the nose 18. The second side bearing surfaces 120, 122, 126 includes an upper bearing surface 120, a lower bearing surface 122, and a substantially concave shaped bearing surface 126. In the illustrated example, the concave bearing surface 126 comprises three adjacent surfaces 126a, 126b, 126c but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example, upper bearing surface 120 is defined by concave curved bearing surface 120a and substantially planar bearing surface 120b which are adjacent one another. Similarly, lower bearing surface 122 is defined by concave curved bearing surface 122a and substantially planar bearing surface 122b which are adjacent one another although other configurations are possible (Fig. 12).

[0072] For example, while surfaces 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120b, 122b, are preferably planar, they can be convex, concave, curved or consisting of angular segments. Adjacent bearing surface 1 14 and 1 18, 116 and 1 18, 1 16 and 120b may be separated by a corner 128, which is generally rounded. In the illustrated example, the corners 128 are non-bearing, but other configurations are possible. The length and / or width of each bearing surface 1 14-122, 126 may be equivalent to the bearing surfaces 56-64 of the rear portion 32 of the nose 18, but other configurations are possible. For example, the length and / or width of each bearing surface 1 14-122, 126 may be less than the lengths of the rear bearing surfaces 56-64. In this case, only a portion of bearing surfaces 1 14-122 would be engaged at any one time. The rear bearing surfaces 1 14-122,126 define a cavity opening at the rear portion 96 of the point 12 to receive the nose 18 of the adapter 14.

[0073] Preferably, the bearing surfaces 1 14-122, 126 in the point are designed to match those formed on the nose 18; that is, if the bearing surfaces 44-50, 56-64 in the nose diverge at an angle of about 2 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 29, then, the bearing surfaces WOWS, 1 14-122, 126 of the cavity 20 also diverge at an angle of about 1-5 degrees to the longitudinal axis 29.

[0074] When loads having downward vertical components (herein called vertical loads L2 as shown in Fig. 1) are applied along the front portion 80 of point 12, the point 12 is urged to roll forward off the nose. For example, when a downward load L2 is applied to the top of front portion 80 of the point 12, the point 12 is urged to roll forward on nose 18 such that top front bearing surface 100 in cavity 20 bears against front top bearing surface 42 of nose 18. Upper first and second side bearing surfaces 44, 48 of the nose 18 may also bear against upper first and second bearing surface 102, 106 of the cavity 20. The bottom, rear portion 82 of point 12 is also drawn upward against the bottom rear portion 26 of nose 18 such that bottom rear bearing surface 114 in the cavity 20 bears against the rear bottom bearing surface 66 on the nose 18. Bearing surfaces 60a, 62b and 62c may also bear against 122a, 126b and 126c of the cavity 20. As a result, the point 12 is stably supported on the nose 18, which increases the strength and stability of the wear assembly 10, reduces wear. In another example, when an upward vertical load is applied to the bottom of the front portion 80 of the point 12, the point 12 is urged to roll upward and off on the nose 18, such that lower first and second side bearing surfaces 104, 108 in cavity 20 bear against lower first and second side bearing surface 46, 50 of the nose 18. And the top rear portion 82 of the point 12 is also drawn downward against the bottom rear portion 26 of the nose, 18 such that top rear bearing surface 1 16, in the cavity 20 bear against the rear upper bearing surface 56 of the nose 18. Bearing surfaces 58a, 62a and 62b may also bear against 120a, 126a and 126a of the cavity 20. When loads having left side components (herein called side loads L3 as shown in Fig. 1) are applied along the front portion 80 of point 12, the point 12 is urged to roll off the nose. For example, when a sideward load L3 is applied to the front portion 80 of the point 12, the point 12 is urged to roll right on nose 18 such that second side upper bearing surface 106 and second side lower bearing surface 108, in cavity 20 bears against first side upper and lower bearing surfaces 44, 46 of nose 18. The first side rear portion of point 12 is also drawn against the second side of nose 18 such that first side rear bearing surface 118 in the cavity 20 bears against the second side rear bearing 64 on the nose 18. Bearing surface 56 may also bear against 1 16 of the cavity 20. As a result, the point 12 is stably supported on the nose 18, which increases the strength and stability of the base, reduces wear, and enables the use of smaller locks 16.

[0075] Referring to Figs. 10, 12-17, the point 12 includes a lock receiving hole 132 which in the illustrated examples is orientated substantially vertically extending through a second side of the point 12. In the illustrated example, the lock receiving hole 132 is in the rear portion of the cavity 20 proximate to the concave recess 124. More specifically, the lock receiving hole 132 is adjacent and rearward of the concave bearing surfaces 126a, 126b, 126c but other configurations are possible. The lock receiving hole 132 is defined by an inner wall 132a with a lock installation cut-out 142 extending from the mounting cavity 20 through the inner wall 132a of the lock receiving hole so that the lock receiving hole 132 and mounting cavity 20 are incommunication to allow the lock receiving hole 132 to receive a lock 16 from within the mounting cavity. In the illustrated example, the lock receiving hole 132 is cylindrical, but other shapes are possible, such as a converging or cone shaped hole.

[0076] In other examples, the point 12 could include a pair of lock receiving holes positioned on opposed sides 94, 96 of the point 12. In a further example, the lock receiving hole 132 can be slanted or offset from the vertical.

[0077] The lock receiving hole 132 includes an anti-rotational tab cut-out 134 which extends forwardly from the rear wall 98 towards the lock receiving hole 132 (Figs. 10 and 23). The anti- rotational cut-out 134 extends between the inner surface 96 and outer wear surface 78 forwardly from the rear wall 98 through the inner wall 132a of the lock receiving hole. The anti-rotational tab cut-out 134 defines an upper wall 134a, an opposite lower wall 134b each extend transversely between the inner wall 132a and the rear wall 98 and outer wear surface 78. The anti-rotational tab cut-out 134 further defines a forward wall 134c extending generally upright from the upper wall 134a to the lower wall 134b between the inner wall 132a and outer wear surface 78. Alternatively, the anti-rotational tab cut-out 134 may be in the form of a recess or indentation in the inner wall 132a extending rearwardly generally towards the rear wall 98 and laterally generally towards the outer wear surface 78.

[0078] The lock receiving hole 132 further includes a top hole 136 with an upper opening 136a that opens generally towards the top wear surface 72 and a lower opening 136b in communication with the lock receiving hole 132 (Fig. 12). In other examples, the top hole 136 may extend through a side wear surface 78 and the top wear surface 72. In the illustrated example as shown more clearly in Fig. 17 the lower opening 136b may have a smaller diameter relative to the inner wall 132a of the lock receiving hole 132. An upper wall 138 is defined between the lower opening 136b of the top hole and the inner wall 132a of the lock receiving hole. The upper wall 138 includes a crown-shaped or wave-shaped lock bearing surface 138a (shown more clearly in Fig.17) that is defined by a plurality of ridges 138b and valleys 138c forming a wave like pattern inset to the upper wall 138. In the illustrated example, the plurality of ridges 138a are radially spaced about at least a portion of the upper wall 138. Preferably, peaks of the ridges 138a are radially spaced at generally 90 degrees from one another, but other configurations are possible.

[0079] The top hole 136 includes a tab receiving portion 140 which has an increased diameter relative to the remainder of the top hole 136 and extends through a portion of the of the upper crown-shaped bearing surface 138a (Figs. 28 and 29). The tab receiving portion 140 defines a front wall 140a and a side wall 140b. In the illustrated example, the tab receiving portion 140 has a diameter similar to the diameter of the lock receiving hole 132, but other configurations are possible.

[0080] The lock installation cut out 142 extends laterally from the mounting cavity 20 through the inner wall 132 into the lock receiving hole 132. In the illustrated example, the installation cut out 142 extends from the interior side wall 96 at a rear portion 86 of mounting cavity 20 to the lock receiving hole 132. The lock installation cut out 142 extends through a portion of the tab receiving portion 140. The lock installation cut-out 142 is substantially oval shaped, but other configurations are possible. As shown in Fig. 12 the lock installation cut-out 142 defines a front wall 142a extending between recess 124 and the inner wall 132a, a lower wall 142b between the inner wall 132a and the interior side wall 96 of the cavity 20 which extends from the lower rear wall 134b and the recess 124 (Fig. 16). The lock installation cut out further defines a first upper wall 142c between the tab receiving portion 140 and interior side wall 96, a second upper wall 142d between interior side wall 96 and innerwall 132a extending from the upper rear wall 134a towards the upper wall 142b, and a third upper wall 142e between interior side wall 96 and inner wall 132a between the recess 124 and the first upper wall 142c.

[0081] The locking receiving hole 132 includes a lower hole 144 defining an upper opening 144a and a bottom opening 144b (Fig. 17) generally axially aligned with the top hole 136, but other configurations are possible. The lower opening 144b opens generally towards the bottom wear surface 74, but in other configurations may extend into the side wear surface. The upper opening 144a communicates with the lock receiving hole 132 and generally aligns with the lower opening 144b (Fig. 17). In the illustrated example, the upper opening 144a has a smaller diameter relative to the inner wall 132a, such that a bottom wall 148 of the lock receiving hole 132 is defined around the upper opening 144a. The bottom wall 148 creates a stop surface for the lock 16 as will be further discussed below.

[0082] The inner wall 132a includes a top cylindrical surface 150a (Fig. 15) and a bottom surface 150b (Fig. 16) which define rear bearing surfaces 150a, 150b of the lock receiving hole 132. In the illustrated example, surfaces 150a and 150b is cylindrical, but other shapes as possible. More specifically, the bottom wall 150b of the inner wall 132a extends between the lower wall 134b of the anti-rotational cut out 134 and the lower hole 144. The top rear bearing surface 150a is defined by an top rear wall 150a of the lock receiving hole 132 extending between the upper wall 134a of the anti-rotational cut out 134 and the top hole 136.

[0083] Referring to Figs. 18-22, the lock 16 includes lock pin 152 and an elastomer member 154. In the illustrated example, the lock pin 152 includes an upper bearing surface 156 which interfaces with the crown-shaped bearing surface 138a of the top hole 136. The upper bearing surface 156 of the lock pin 152 in the illustrated examples include several ridges 156a with peaks and valleys 156b of similar ridges 156a spaced apart from one another. In the illustrated example, the ridges 156a are 90 degrees apart, but other configurations with more ridges or less is envisioned. The ridges 156a are on the upper surface 158 of the lock pin 156. In the illustrated examples, the upper bearing surface 156 of the lock pin 152 is inclined as to helpkeep the lock centered in the lock receiving hole 132, but other configurations are possible. The interface between the upper bearing surface 156 and the crown-shaped bearing surface 138s allows the lock pin 152 to be rotated in the lock receiving hole 132 in generally 90-degree intervals between the locked and unlocked position, but other configurations are possible. The upper surface 158 includes an aperture 160 defining an inner periphery into which a suitable torque-applying tool (e.g., a torque wrench) can be inserted to rotate the lock pin 152.

[0084] The lock pin 152 further includes an over-rotation tab 162 that extends outwardly from the upper surface 156 and is aligned with the ridges 156a, but other configurations are possible. In the illustrated example, the over-rotation tab 162 includes a first side wall 162a and second side wall 162b. The lock pin 152 has a cylindrical body 152a but other configurations may be possible for manufacturing purposes and / or ease of removal. The cylindrical body 152 of the lock pin 152 further having an inwardly projecting cut-out 164 whose shape corresponds with the protrusion 34 on the nose 18, such that the point 12 may be installed with the lock 16 in a first or shipping position and the lock 16 rotated further to secure the point 12 to the adapter 14 in a second or locked position. In the illustrated example, the cut-out 164 has a generally concave shape, but other configurations are possible. Lock pin 152 includes upper 152b and lower 152c rear bearing surfaces located respectively above and below cut-out 164 that bear on top cylindrical surface 150a and bottom cylindrical surface 150b within the lock receiving hole 132 when installed.

[0085] The lock pin 152 includes an outwardly extending anti-rotational tab 166 that extends outwardly from the lock pin body 152a. The tab 166 may be adjacent the cut-out 164 and define a front wall 166a facing away from the cut out 164.

[0086] The anti-rotational tab 166 is received within the anti-rotational cut-out 134 in the point 12 as the lock pin 156 is rotated between the first unlocked and second locked position as will be further discussed below.

[0087] The lock pin body 152 includes an outwardly projecting member 168 on a bottom face 152d which retains the elastomer member 154 and keeps the lock pin 152 in engagement with the elastic member 154. In some examples, the elastomer member 154 may be affixed to the bottoms surface of the lock pin 152 during installation. In the illustrated examples, the outwardly projecting member 168 is received within a central cavity 170 of the elastic member 154, but other configurations are possible.

[0088] The elastomer member 154 is preferably made from a compressible type of material (e.g., rubber, elastomer, a naturally occurring polymer of isoprene, a neoprene, a synthetic polymer of 2-chloro-1 ,3-butadiene, orthe like). Alternatively, a compression spring may be used in place of the elastomer member. In the illustrated examples, the elastomer member 154 includes a cylindrical body 154a having a lower portion 154b with a smaller diameter than the remainder of the elastomer member such that a shoulder 172 is defined between the lowerportion and the outwardly projecting member 168 of the elastomer member 154, but other shapes are possible. The elastomer member 154 is sized and shaped to be received in the lower hole 144 such that the lower portion 154b is received into the lower hole 144 and shoulder 172 substantially aligns with the bottom wall 148. The elastic member 154 includes an upper surface 174 having the central cavity 170 sized and shaped to interface with the outwardly projecting member 154 of the lock pin body 152.

[0089] Referring to Fig 23., to install the lock 16, the elastic member 154 is inserted into lock receiving hole 132 and the lower hole 144 through the lock installation cut-out 142 from within mounting cavity 20 such that the lower portion 154a of the elastic member 154 is located in the lower hole 144 (Figs 24-27). The lock pin 152 is inserted into the lock receiving hole 132 such that the upper bearing surface 156 of the lock pin 152 engages the crown-shaped lock bearing surface 138a of the top hole 136 (Figs. 25-28). The lock installation cut-out 142 may be sized and shaped to accommodate both the elastic member 154 and the lock pin 152 assembled as a single unit and installed within the lock receiving hole 132 and the lower hole 144. For the point 12 to be installed onto the adapter 14, the cut-out 164 of the lock pin 152 must face towards the cavity 20, with the anti-rotational tab 166 facing rearward and the over rotation tab 162 received within the tab receiving opening 140 in the top hole 136.

[0090] As shown in Figs. 24, and 26, the lock 16 is in an unlock or shipping position wherein the lock pin 152 is held in place by the compression of the elastomer member 154 exerting an upward force on the lock pin 152 at the interface between the upper bearing surface 156 of the lock and the crown-shaped lock bearing surface 138a of the top hole 136. In use, the elastomer member 154 may be compressed when the lock pin 152 is installed thereby pressing the upper bearing surface 156 of the lock pin 152 against the crown-shaped lock bearing surface 138a of the top hole 136.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 28 and 29, the over-rotation tab 162 is slotted into tab receiving opening 140 of the top hole 136, and in the unlocked position (Fig. 29) a first side wall 162a off the overrotation tab 162 bears against the front wall 140a to restrict the lock pin 152 from being rotated beyond the unlocked position. Similarly, with the lock pin 152 is further rotated in the locked position (Fig. 28) a second side wall 162b of the over-rotation tab 162 bears against the side wall 140b to restrict the lock pin 152 from being rotated beyond the locked position

[0092] In the unlocked position, the cut out 164 in the lock pin 152 faces inward towards the mounting cavity 20 and the nose 18 with sufficient clearance for the nose 18 (specifically the protrusion 34 of the nose 18) so that the point 12 can be installed on (and / or removed from) the nose 18. The lock 16 is preferably shipped and stored in this unlocked position so that point 12 is ready to be installed to a nose 18, but other configurations are possible.

[0093] In the locked position, as shown in Figs. 25, 27 the lock pin 152 is rotated such that the cut-out 164 faces rearward or away from the nose 18 whereby the lock pin 152 is received inthe lock recess 40 of the nose 18 such that a front surface 152e of the lock pin 152 bears against lock bearing surface 40a of the recess 40 to resist the point 12 from being removed from the nose 18. In the locked position a front surface 166a of the anti-rational tab 166 bears against the forward wall 134c to restrict the lock pin 152 from being rotated beyond the locked position as an axial load is applied to the point 12. It is to be appreciated, that the front surface 166a of the anti-rotational tab 166 may only bear against the forward wall 134c if the over-rotation tab 162 fails / breaks. When a pull off force is applied to the point 12 with the lock pin 152 in the locked position upper and lower rear bearing surfaces 150a, 150b of the lock receiving hole 132 will bear against the rear upper and lower bearing surfaces152b, 152c of the lock pin 152 (Fig. 25). The front surface 152e of the lock pin will bear against the lock bearing surface 40a of the lock recess 40 to restrict forward movement point 12 relative to the nose 18 and as such restrict forward movement of the point 12 (Fig. 25).

[0094] The rotation between the two lock positions, rotates the lock pin 152 within the lock receiving hole about the ridges 156a and valleys 156b of the upper bearing surface 156 relative to the peaks 138b and valleys 138c of the crown-shaped lock bearing surface 138a which further applies a downward pressure and compression to the elastomer member 154 when the peaks 138b and 138c are not aligned. Further rotation to lock pin 152 will allow ridges 156a of the upper bearing surface 156 of the lock pin 152 to rotate over ridges 138b of the crown-shaped lock bearing surface 138a until the ridges 156a, 138b are aligned again with the lock pin 152 in a locked position. The over-rotation tab 162 will press against side wall 140b of tab receiving opening 140 to restrict over rotation of the lock pin 152 past the locked position. With the lock pin 152 in the locked position, cut out 164 will be on the opposite side of the mounting cavity 20 with a portion of the lock pin 152 received in the lock recess 40 in the nose 18 such that the front surface 152e of the lock pin 152 bears against the lock bearing surface 40a of the lock recess 40 in the nose 18 to restrict pull of ferees. Upper and lower rear bearing surfaces 152b, 152c of the lock pin 152 bears against the upper and lower rear bearing surface 150a, 150b of the lock receiving hole 132. The bearing surfaces 150a, 150b acting on lock pin 152 imparts a clockwise rotational force which tightens lock pin 152 relative to the nose 18. The anti-rotational tab 166 of the lock pin 152 bears against front wall 140a to restrict rotation of the lock pin 152 during pull off. During rotation of the lock pin 152 between the two lock positions, the lock pin 152 bears against the middle surface 40b of the lock recess 40 to keep the lock pin 152 centered within the lock receiving hole 132.

[0095] To remove wear member 12 from nose 18, the lock pin 152 may be rotated using a torque-applying tool (e.g., a torque wrench not shown in the drawings) to the unlocked position without the need of removing the lock pin 152. Wear member 12 can then be removed from nose 18 with the lock still installed with the point 12. Before removing the wear member 12, auser can remove fines accumulated in the rear clearance surface 40c and the lock receiving hole 132 through the anti-rotational cut-out 134.

[0096] The use of a lock in accordance with the present disclosure can provide many benefits: (i) the lock can be integrated into the wear member so that the lock ships and stores in a ready to install position for less inventory and easier installation; (ii) the lock requires only common drive tools (such as a hex tool) for easy use; (iii) the lock requires no hammer for safe operation; (iv) the lock provides easy tool access for ready installation and / or removal; (v) the lock can provide visual and / or haptic confirmation of correct installation; (vi) a new lock can be provided with each wear part for enhanced reliability and / or ease; (vii) the lock has a simple, intuitive operation that makes it easy to use; (viii) the lock can have an integration system built around simple castable feature where the integration supports high loads, requires no special tools or adhesives and creates a permanent assembly; (ix) the lock is substantially located within an interior of the wear member to protect the lock from wear and reduce the risk of lock ejection.

[0097] The use of a single integral wear member 12 and lock 16 reduces the number of parts to be held in an inventory. Such a construction reduces inventory and storage needs, eliminates dropping the lock during installation (which can be particularly problematic at night), ensures the proper lock is always used, and eases the installation of the wear member.

Claims

l / We Claim:1 . A wear member for earth working equipment comprising a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction, the front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base, and the rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the second side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially concave shaped recess situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a concave bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

2. The wear member of claim 1 , further comprising a front bearing wall transverse to the front bearing surfaces at a front end of the mounting cavity wherein the front bearing surfaces and the front wall bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base.

3. The wear member of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one set of the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the first side and second sides of the front portion have non-uniform lengths and / or widths.

4. The wear member of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the upper bearing surface of the second side of the front portion has a convex surface and the lower bearing surface of the second side of the front portion is planar.

5. The wear member of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the upper and lower first side bearing surfaces of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the upper first side bearing surface is less than the lower first side bearing surface.

6. The wear member of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the concave recess extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear portion forwards towards the front portion so that the concave recess is situated between the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the second side of the front portion.

7. The wear member of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the concave recess extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear portion towards the front portion and reduces in size from the rear portion to the front portion.

8. The wear member of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity adjacent and rearward from the concave bearing surface and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity.

9. The wear member of claim 8, wherein the vertical lock receiving hole is defined by an inner wall and further includes a top hole in a portion of a top wear surface of the wear member, the hole having an upper opening and a lower opening in communication with the lock receiving hole, wherein an upper wall which includes a crown-shaped lock bearing surface defined between the inner wall and the lower opening.

10. The wear member of claim 9, wherein the crown-shaped lock bearing surface is defined by a plurality of ridges and valleys which are radially spaced about at least a portion of the upper wall.1 1 . The wear member of claim 9, wherein the top hole includes a tab receiving portion which has an increased diameterto the upper wall and extends through a portion of the crownshaped bearing surface.

12. The wear member of claim 8, further comprising an anti-rotational tab cut-out which extends forwardly from a rear wall of the wear member through a side wall of the wear member and inwardly to communicate with the lock receiving hole.

13. The wear member of claim 8, wherein the vertical lock receiving hole defines an inner wall which defines a top surface and a cylindrical surface which define rear lock bearing surfaces.

14. The wear member of claim 7, further comprising a lock installation cut-out extending from an interior surface of the cavity to the lock receiving hole in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction.

15. The wear member of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the lower first side bearing surface and the lower second side bearing surface of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the lower first side bearing surface is greater than the lower second side bearing surface.

16. The wear member of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the top bearing surface of the rear portion is non-parallel to the top bearing surface of the front portion.

17. The wear member of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the upper and lower bearing surfaces of the second side surface at the front portion are curved.

18. A wear assembly comprising: a supportive base having a mounting portion; a wear member for earth working equipment comprisinga mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion and a longitudinal axis in an install direction, the front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base, and the rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the second side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially concave shaped recess situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a concave bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base; and a lock to secure the wear member to the supportive base.

19. The wear assembly of claim 18, wherein the mounting portion is a nose, the nose having a front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity, and a rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the first side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially convex shaped protrusion situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a convex bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity.

20. The wear member of claim 19, wherein the wear member comprises a front wall transvers to the front bearing surfaces at a front end of the mounting cavity.21 . The wear member of claim 20, wherein the nose comprises a front wall transvers to the front bearing surfaces at a front end of the nose.

22. A wear member for earth working equipment comprising a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a substantially concave shaped recess situated in a first side of the mounting cavity; and a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity proximate to the concave recess and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity, the vertical lock receiving hole having a shaped lock bearing surface, and wherein the vertical lock receiving hole defines an inner wall which defines a top surface and a bottom surface which define rear lock bearing surfaces.

23. The wear member of claim 22, further comprising an anti-rotational tab cut-out which extends forwardly from a rear wall of the wear member through a side wall of the wear member and towards the lock receiving hole to communicate with the lock receiving hole, and wherein the anti-rotational tab cut-out includes a front wall against which an anti-rotational tab of the lock bears to restrict rotation of the lock during pull off loading.

24. A base comprising: a mounting portion having a front portion including atop bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, and a front bearing wall transverse to the front bearing surfaces at a front end of the nose, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side bearing surfaces converging outwardly, wherein the front bearing surfaces and the front wall bear against complementary surfaces in a mounting cavity of a wear member, and a rear portion including a rear bottom bearing surface, a top rear bearing surface, a first side bearing surface, and a second side bearing surface, the first side surface including an upper bearing surface, a lower bearing surface, and a substantially convex shaped protrusion situated between the upper and lower bearing surfaces and defining a convex bearing surface, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity.

25. The base of claim 24, wherein at least one set of the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the first side and second sides of the front portion have non-uniform lengths and / or widths.

26. The base of any one of claims 24 or 25, wherein the upper bearing surface of the first side of the front portion has a concave surface and the lower bearing surface of the first side of the front portion is planar.

27. The base of any one of claims 24-26, wherein the upper and lower first side bearing surfaces of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the upper first side bearing surface is less than the lower first side bearing surface.

28. The base of any one of claims 24-27, wherein the concave convex protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear portion forwards towards the front portion so that the convex protrusion recess is situated between the upper and lower side bearing surfaces of the first side of the front portion.

29. The base of any one of claims 24-28, wherein the convex protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear portion towards the front portion of the nose and reduces in size from the rear portion to the front portion.

30. The base of any one of claims 24-29, further comprising a lock recess in the rear portion of the protrusion and defining an interior front lock bearing surface defined by a generally rearwardly facing front wall of the lock recess.31 . The base of any one of claims 24-30, wherein the lower first side bearing surface and the lower second side bearing surface of the front portion each have a length in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length of the lower first side bearing surface is greater than the lower second side bearing surface.

32. The base of any one of claims 24-31 , wherein the top bearing surface of the rear portion is non-parallel to the top bearing surface of the front portion.

33. The base of any one of claims 24-32, wherein the upper and lower bearing surfaces of the first side surface are curved.

34. A wear assembly for earth working equipment comprising: a supportive base having a mounting portion; a wear member for earth working equipment comprising a mounting cavity opening in a rear end of the wear member to receive a supportive base, the mounting cavity having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion including a top bearing surface, first side bearing surfaces, second side bearing surfaces, the first and second side bearing surfaces defined by upper and lower side surfaces converging towards a central portion of a first and second side, wherein the front bearing surfaces and the front wall bear against complementary surfaces on the supportive base, and the rear portion including a protrusion projecting laterally from a first side of the supportive base with upper and lower transition areas transitioning from the protrusion to the mounting portion in the longitudinal direction, the rear portion further including a rear bottom bearing surface, two top rear bearing surfaces, first side bearing surfaces which includes upper and lower transition areas and side bearing surface, and second side bearing surface, the two top bearing surfaces converge toward a central portion of the top side, wherein the rear bearing surfaces bear against complementary surfaces in the mounting cavity of the second wear member, and a vertical lock receiving hole in the rear portion of the cavity proximate to the concave recess and in communication with the mounting cavity to receive a lock from within the mounting cavity; and a lock integrally mounted in the lock receiving hole from the mounting cavity for movement between a locked position wherein the lock is positioned to contact the base to hold the wear member to the supportive base and a release position where the lock is positioned to release the base while the lock remains in the lock receiving hole.

35. A wear assembly for earth working equipment comprising:a wear member including a mounting cavity to receive a supportive base, and a lock receiving hole in communication with the mounting cavity and having a crownshaped lock bearing surface; and a lock in the lock receiving hole to secure the wear member to a supportive base, wherein the lock includes an upper bearing surface which interfaces with the crownshaped lock bearing surface such that the lock is rotatable about the crown-shaped lock bearing surface between a locked position and an unlocked position, the unlocked position allows for the point to be released from the supportive base.

36. The wear assembly of claim 35, wherein the lock is integrally mounted in the lock receiving hole through the cavity for rotational movement between a locked position wherein the lock is positioned to contact the base to hold the wear member to the supportive base and a release position where the lock is positioned to allow release of the wear member from the base while the lock remains in the lock receiving hole.

37. The wear assembly of any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein the wear member is a ground engaging tool and the supportive base is a nose for mounting the wear member to a digging edge of an earth working equipment.

38. The wear assembly of any one of claims 35-37, wherein the lock is generally vertical within the lock receiving hole and includes a cut-out so that the lock interfaces with the supportive base when in the locked position and does not interface in the unlocked position.

39. The wear assembly of any one of claims 35-38, wherein the upper crown bearing surface and the upper bearing surface of the lock are defined by corresponding plurality of ridges and valleys.

40. The wear assembly of claim 39, wherein peaks of the ridges are radially spaced at generally 90 degrees from one another.

41. A lock for securing a wear member for earth working to a supportive base, the lock comprising: a lock pin having a curved inwardly projecting cut-out and an outwardly extending antirotation tab for indexing between locked and unlocked positions.

42. The lock of claim 41 , further comprising an elastomer member, wherein the lock pin includes a cylindrical body having an upper and lower surface, and wherein the elastomer member engages the lower surface of the lock pin.

43. The lock of claim 42, wherein the upper surface defines an upper bearing surface.

44. The lock of claim 43, wherein the upper bearing surface is defined by a plurality of ridges and valleys which are radially spaced about the upper surface of the lock pin.

45. The lock of claim 42, further comprising a cut-out in a side of the cylindrical body.

46. The lock of claim 45, further comprising an anti-rotational tab that extends outwardly from the cylindrical body adjacent the cut-out.

47. The lock of claim 45, an over-rotation tab that extends outwardly from the upper surface of the cylindrical body.