Drilling assembly system with interlocking fastening system

Abstract

A locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure includes a collar and a pin. The collar has a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a circumferential contour having at least eight flats extending around the collar between the top and bottom surfaces, and a bore extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface. The pin is configured to be received in the bore of the collar.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority and the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 329,807, filed April 11, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 190,785, filed March 27, 2023, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein for all applicable purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to a drilling assembly having a locking assembly that secures a wear member component to the drilling assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a wear member system secured using a removable fastening system having an improved locking assembly with a collar. [Background technology]

[0003] Material displacement devices, such as digging buckets found on construction, mining, and other earthmoving equipment, often have replaceable wear members, such as ground engaging teeth, adapters, wear runners, shrouds, etc. These wear members are often removably carried by a relatively large underlying structure, such as the digging bucket or a lip secured to the digging bucket, and become eroded and worn upon contact with the ground or other material being displaced. For example, a digging tooth assembly on an excavating device, such as an digging bucket, typically includes a relatively large adapter portion that is suitably secured to the structure of the device, such as the forward bucket lip. The replaceable teeth typically have an opening that releasably receives the nose of the adapter, and the teeth are secured to the adapter by a fastening mechanism.

[0004] To prevent wear or damage to the substructure between the tooth assemblies, which are typically spaced apart along the edges of the substructure, shrouds may be secured to the substructure between the tooth assemblies, and may be positioned along the sides or wings perpendicular to the edges of the substructure.

[0005] There are several different types of fastening mechanisms for fastening a shroud to a bucket lip or other underlying excavation structure. One method of attaching a shroud to a bucket is to drill a series of holes vertically through the forward lip portion of the bucket. A corresponding series of holes are drilled vertically through the shroud, and with the shroud in place on the forward lip portion, the corresponding series of holes are aligned and a wedge is driven therethrough. However, there are drawbacks to the above-mentioned wedge method of attaching a shroud to an excavation bucket. In a first example, the wedge method removes material from the forward lip portion by drilling a series of holes extending through the bucket. This can weaken the forward lip portion and provide additional surfaces for wear to occur. Additionally, the need to drive and later drive out the wedges can create a safety hazard for installation and removal personnel.

[0006] Various alternatives to the pound-in fastening mechanism have been proposed to releasably hold a shroud on an excavation bucket. These alternative fastening mechanisms desirably eliminate the need for wedging in and out of the bucket lip, but typically present various other types of problems, limitations, and drawbacks, including, but not limited to, complexity of construction and use, or undesirably high cost. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,145 to Ruvan, a shroud having a generally C-shaped cross section is removably attached to the leading edge of an excavation bucket lip by first placing the leading lip edge inside the wear shroud such that the top and bottom legs of the shroud extend along the top and bottom sides of the lip, respectively. The aft end of the top shroud leg is then removably secured to a base structure welded to the top side of the lip with a J-bolt inserted into the top leg after the shroud is positioned on the bucket lip. A nut threaded onto the J-bolt at the aft end of the top shroud leg and facing the welded foundation structure prevents forward removal of the installed wear shroud from the bucket lip. Although this particular system has proven well suited for its intended purpose, it does have some limitations and drawbacks. For example, the system requires that a portion of each shroud have a relatively high frontal projection area that increases the resistance of the shroud to penetration into the material being excavated. Additionally, the portions of the fastening system exposed to the material being excavated may be subject to undesirable abrasion wear.

[0007] Some types of fastening mechanisms have components that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. However, continuous vibration, high shock, and cyclic loading of the shroud can result in the fastening mechanism inadvertently rotating from the locked to the unlocked position. This can cause excessive wear on the fastening mechanism and / or inadvertent release of the shroud, or affect the useful life of both the fastening mechanism and the shroud. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,713,145 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved shroud assembly fastening mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As some examples, a locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a circumferential contour having at least eight flats extending around the collar between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a bore extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface. The pin may be configured to be received within the bore of the collar.

[0011] As some examples, a locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a bore extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface. The collar may have an irregular circumferential contour about the central axis that is asymmetric about any plane parallel to the central axis. The pin may be configured to be received within the bore of the collar.

[0012] As some examples, a locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure may include a collar and a pin. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a bore extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface. The collar may have an irregular circumferential contour about the central axis. A rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface may be angled relative to the central axis. The pin may be configured to be received within the bore of the collar.

[0013] In some examples, at least a portion of a wall defining the bore of the collar may have a first thread and at least a portion of an outer surface of the pin may have a second thread corresponding to the first thread. The collar may further have a biased pin detent mechanism. A portion of the pin detent mechanism may extend into the bore. The pin may have a recess adjacent an upper end of the second thread configured to receive the portion of the pin detent mechanism when the pin is fully seated in the collar. The pin detent mechanism may have a flexible member and a rigid member secured to the flexible member. The collar may have a recess extending radially outward from the bore and axially inward from the top surface. The recess may be at least partially wedge-shaped, narrower at a front side adjacent the bore and wider at a rear side opposite the bore. The flexible member of the pin detent mechanism may have a shape corresponding to the recess. The portion of the pin detent mechanism can be configured to pass through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin when the pin is rotated relative to the collar. A top surface of the pin can be substantially flush with or recessed below a top surface of the collar when the pin is fully seated within the collar.

[0014] In some examples, the collar can have a first biased detent mechanism extending outwardly from a first lateral side of the collar and a second biased detent mechanism extending outwardly from a second lateral side of the collar. The first biased detent mechanism can be disposed adjacent a first end of the collar and the second biased detent mechanism can be disposed adjacent a second end of the collar.

[0015] In some examples, a first biased detent mechanism can extend outwardly from a first front corner surface of the collar and a second biased detent mechanism can extend outwardly from a second front corner surface of the collar. A third biased detent mechanism can extend outwardly from a rear surface of the collar. In some examples, the perimeter contour of the collar can be at least partially defined by a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side surfaces, and four corner surfaces. The perimeter contour of the collar can be laterally symmetric about a plane extending from a front side of the collar to a rear side of the collar and extending between a top surface and a bottom surface.

[0016] In some examples, the irregular perimeter contour of the collar may have multiple minor arcs, each having a different minor arc radius of curvature from the multiple minor arcs. The irregular perimeter contour of the collar may be defined by multiple curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of the collar. The irregular perimeter contour of the collar may be asymmetric with respect to any plane parallel to the central axis. In some examples, the irregular perimeter contour of the collar may be defined by multiple minor arcs, each having a different minor arc radius of curvature from the multiple minor arcs.

[0017] In some examples, a rear surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces and defining a rear side of the collar can be angled relative to the central axis of the bore. The rear surface of the collar can be angled from about 1° to 20°, e.g., about 2° to 12°, relative to the central axis of the bore away from the central axis of the bore toward the bottom surface of the collar. The front side of the collar and the rear side of the collar can taper toward the central axis of the bore in a direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0018] In some examples, the head of the pin may have a post having a hexagonal profile. A hexagonal recess may be formed in the post. The pin may have a shaft that narrows toward a tip of the pin located opposite the head of the pin. The shaft may have an outer surface that is angled at about 1° to 10°, such as about 2° to 4°, relative to a central axis of the pin. In some examples, the shaft may be cylindrical. In some examples, an upper portion of the shaft may be cylindrical and a lower portion of the shaft may narrow toward a tip. In some examples, the upper portion of the shaft may be angled at a first angle relative to the central axis of the pin and the lower portion of the shaft may be angled at a second angle relative to the central axis of the pin that is greater than the first angle.

[0019] As some examples, a wear member assembly for a drilling rig includes a wear member and a collar. The wear member may have an upper leg extending rearwardly at the rear surface away from a leading edge of the wear member. The leading edge may be configured to engage the ground. The passageway may extend from the top surface through the upper leg along a first central axis. The support structure recess may be formed in a lower portion of the upper leg and extend rearwardly through the rear surface of the upper leg. The support structure recess may be configured to receive the support structure when the wear member is secured to the drilling rig. The locking recess may extend upwardly from a ceiling of the support structure recess to the passageway. The collar may be configured to be received in the locking recess of the wear member from a lower portion of the upper leg. The collar may have a bore extending from a top surface of the collar to a bottom surface of the collar. When the collar is seated in the locking recess, the bore may be coaxial with the passageway of the wear member.

[0020] In some examples, a portion of the support structure recess can extend above the bottom surface of the collar. For example, lateral sides of the support structure recess that are configured to receive the wings of the support structure can extend upwardly above the bottom surface of the locking recess.

[0021] In some examples, the wear member may have at least one pocket formed in a wall of the locking recess, and the collar may have at least one biased detent mechanism extending outwardly away from the bore. The at least one biased detent mechanism may be configured to be at least partially disposed in the at least one pocket when the collar is seated in the locking recess. The at least one biased detent mechanism may be configured to retain the collar in the locking recess. The at least one detent mechanism may have a first detent mechanism and a second detent mechanism extending from an opposite side of the collar from the first detent mechanism. The first detent mechanism may be disposed adjacent a first end of the collar, and the second detent mechanism may be disposed adjacent a second end of the collar. The at least one pocket may have a first pocket and a second pocket disposed on opposing walls of the locking recess. Opposing walls of the locking recess may taper inwardly relative to the first central axis toward the top surface of the wear member such that the opposing walls of the locking recess are spaced a first distance apart at an upper region of the locking recess and a second distance apart that is greater than the first distance at a lower region of the locking recess. The first distance may be less than a corresponding width of the collar from an outward facing surface of the first detent mechanism to an outward facing surface of the second detent mechanism such that when the collar is inserted into the locking recess, the opposing walls progressively compress the flexible members of each of the first and second detent mechanisms until the first and second detent mechanisms are aligned with respective ones of the first and second pockets.

[0022] In some examples, the outer circumferential contour of the collar may be defined by a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of the collar. The collar may have an irregular outer circumferential contour with a plurality of minor arcs each having a different radius of curvature of the minor arcs. The irregular outer circumferential contour of the collar may be asymmetric with respect to any plane parallel to the central axis of the bore. The locking recess may have an irregular peripheral contour corresponding to the irregular outer circumferential contour of the collar. The collar and the locking recess may be sized and shaped such that the collar is installable in the locking recess in only one orientation. The collar may have a protrusion that protrudes forward along a front side of the collar. When the collar is seated in the locking recess, a bottom surface of the collar may be above a ceiling of the support structure recess.

[0023] In some examples, the central region of the upper leg may have an increased vertical profile relative to the portion of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region. The increased vertical profile may adjust the height of the collar between the top and bottom surfaces of the collar to receive the collar in the locking recess with the bottom surface of the collar flush with or above the ceiling of the structural recess. The rear surface of the collar extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the collar and defining the rear side of the collar may be angled relative to the central axis of the bore. The rear surface of the collar may be angled away from the central axis of the bore at an angle of about 1° to 20°, e.g., about 2° to 12°, relative to the central axis of the bore in a direction extending from the top surface of the collar to the bottom surface of the collar. The front side of the collar and the rear side of the collar may taper toward the central axis of the bore in a direction extending from the bottom surface of the collar to the top surface of the collar.

[0024] In some examples, the wear member may be a shroud and may further have a lower leg extending aft away from the leading edge. The shroud may have a transverse channel formed between the upper leg and the lower leg. The transverse channel may be configured to receive a lip of the drilling rig. The shroud may have a contact pad formed within the transverse channel. The contact pad may be configured to engage a front surface of the lip. A portion of the lower leg configured to be positioned adjacent a bottom surface of the lip may be angled at an angle of about 10° to 20°, e.g., about 15°, relative to a portion of the upper leg configured to engage an upper side of the lip. In some examples, the portion of the upper leg may be parallel to the portion of the lower leg.

[0025] In some examples, the support structure recess can extend between two opposing slots extending forward from the rear face and can be configured to receive opposing wings of a fixed base secured to the lip.

[0026] In some examples, a wear member for a drilling rig may have a leading edge, an upper leg extending rearwardly away from the leading edge, a passageway extending from a top surface of the wear member through the upper leg, and a fixed base recess formed in a lower portion of the upper leg and extending rearwardly through the rear surface of the upper leg. The fixed base recess may extend laterally between two opposing slots extending forwardly from the rear surface of the upper leg. Each of the two slots may be angled inwardly toward each other from the rear surface and may have lower surfaces angled downwardly toward each other. The fixed base recess may be configured to receive a fixed base secured to a lip of the drilling rig. A portion of the bottom surface of the upper leg below each of the two slots may form a flat contact surface configured to engage the lip. In some examples, the portion of the bottom surface of the upper leg forming the flat contact surface may extend along a majority of the length of the upper leg.

[0027] In some examples, the prying surface may extend between a rear surface of the upper leg and a ceiling of the fixed base recess. At least one prying surface may extend between a top surface of the wear member and a surface defining the passageway.

[0028] In some examples, the locking recess may extend upward from a ceiling of the fixed base recess to the passageway. At least one pocket may be formed in a wall of the locking recess. Opposing walls of the locking recess may taper inwardly relative to a central axis of the passageway toward a top surface of the wear member. The peripheral contour of the locking recess may be defined in part by a plurality of curved surfaces. The locking recess may have an irregular peripheral contour having a plurality of minor arcs, each minor arc having a different radius of curvature from each other of the plurality of minor arcs. The irregular peripheral contour of the locking recess may be asymmetric with respect to any plane parallel to the central axis of the passageway. The locking recess may have a notch extending forwardly away from the central axis of the passageway. A rear wall of the locking recess may be angled relative to the central axis of the passageway. The rear wall may be angled from about 1° to 20°, e.g., about 2° to 12°, relative to the central axis of the passageway. The front wall of the locking recess and the rear wall of the locking recess may taper towards the central axis of the passageway.

[0029] In some examples, the wear member may have a lower leg extending rearwardly away from the leading edge. The wear member may have a transverse channel formed between the upper and lower legs. The transverse channel may be configured to receive the lip. A contact pad may be formed in the transverse channel. The contact pad may be configured to engage a front surface of the lip.

[0030] In some examples, the central region of the upper leg may have an increased vertical profile relative to portions of the upper leg on each lateral side of the central region. A raised region may be formed in a top surface of the upper leg of the central region. A passageway may extend through the raised region. Each of the two slots may extend forwardly beyond a front wall of the locking recess.

[0031] As some examples, the fixed base has a bottom surface, a top surface, a central opening, and opposing first and second wings. The central opening can extend through the top and bottom surfaces. The central opening can be bounded at a front side by a lock wall configured to engage a portion of the lock. Each of the first and second wings can extend upwardly and laterally outwardly away from the central opening. The first and second wings can be angled away toward a rear side of the fixed base and can have an underside angled downwardly toward the central opening.

[0032] In some examples, the rear opening extends through the top and bottom surfaces at an extension extending from a rear side of the fixed base. The rear opening may be separated from the central opening by a lateral wall. The rear wall of the extension may have a prying surface extending between a top surface of the rear wall and a front surface of the rear wall. The lateral wall may have a prying surface extending between a top surface of the lateral wall and a front surface of the lateral wall.

[0033] As some examples, the wear member assembly includes a fixed base, a wear member, and a locking assembly. The fixed base may be disposed on the lip and positioned behind a leading edge of the lip. The fixed base may have a bottom surface, a top surface, a central opening extending through the top and bottom surfaces, and opposing first and second wings. The central opening may be bounded at a front side by a locking wall. The opposing first and second wings may extend upwardly and laterally outwardly away from the central opening. The first and second wings may be angled away toward a rear side of the fixed base and may have an underside angled downwardly toward the central opening. The wear member may have a leading edge, an upper leg extending rearwardly away from the leading edge, a passageway extending through the upper leg from a top surface of the wear member, a locking recess extending upwardly from a bottom side of the upper leg to the passageway, and a fixed base recess formed in a lower side of the upper leg and extending rearwardly through a rear surface of the upper leg. The fixed base recess may extend laterally between two opposing slots extending forwardly from the rear surface of the upper leg. At least a portion of the first and second wings of the fixed base may be positionable within the opposing slots. The locking assembly may include a collar and a pin. The collar may be positionable within the locking recess of the wear member. The collar may have a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a bore extending along a central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface. The pin may be positionable within the bore of the collar and configured to extend from the collar into the fixed base to engage a locking wall of the fixed base.

[0034] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drilling system embodying the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross section through a lip shroud assembly of the drilling system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example shroud according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shroud of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the shroud of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the shroud of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an example of a locking recess according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top side of an example collar according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one example of a pin detent according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one example of a mounting detent according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the collar of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example pin according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example of a locking assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the shroud with the locking assembly positioned therein. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top view of an example fixed base according to the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the fixed base of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed base of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one example of a fixed base positioned on a bucket lip according to the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of assembling a lip shroud assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of assembling a lip shroud assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of assembling a lip shroud assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of assembling a lip shroud assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of installing a pin in a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of installing a pin in a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an example lip shroud assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an example shroud according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an example shroud according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example shroud according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a top view of an example collar according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 35]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example of a pin according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a top view of a lip shroud assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a lip shroud assembly according to one example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] These diagrams will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0038] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. Nevertheless, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended. Any changes and further modifications to the described apparatus, apparatus, method, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure are fully intended as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. In addition, the present disclosure describes some elements or features in detail with respect to one or more implementations or figures, and those same elements or features appear in subsequent figures without such high degree of detail. It is fully intended that features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or figures may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations or figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances, the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0039] The present disclosure is directed to a drilling assembly that may have a fastening system that secures wear member components within the drilling assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a wear assembly, such as a lip shroud assembly, that may have a wear member secured to a fixed base using a releasable fastening system having a locking assembly having a collar, a pin positionable within the collar, and a detent mechanism that secures the collar and pin. The collar may be positionable within a portion of the wear member and secured to the wear member using a snap-fit ​​detent mechanism. The pin may be advanced into the collar and secured to the collar by a thread and a snap-fit ​​detent mechanism that may provide tactile feedback to a user and / or prevent accidental loosening or removal of the pin. A portion of the pin may extend into a fixed base secured to a bucket lip or other drilling structure such that when so positioned, the pin prevents removal of the wear member from the fixed base on the bucket lip. Although described with respect to a wear member comprising a shroud and a support structure comprising a fixed base, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be applicable to fastening other wear members to a support structure, for example, a tooth to an adapter, a mid-adapter to an adapter, or a wear plate such as a wear runner to a drilling structure.

[0040] Because the locking assembly employs mechanical interference to prevent accidental rotation of the pin, the locking assembly can withstand vibration, high shock, and cyclic loading while minimizing the chance of accidental unlocking. Additionally, the locking assembly of some embodiments may be configured to emit an audible noise, such as a click, when the various components achieve a locked or secured state. As such, users, such as machinery operators, may have an easier time installing new shrouds and replacing worn shrouds compared to conventional fastening mechanisms.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an excavation system 100 according to the present disclosure, which includes a bucket lip 102, which may be an integral part of the bucket or may be a separate component that may be secured to the bucket by welding or fasteners. The excavation system 100 also includes tooth assemblies 150 at spaced locations along the leading edge of the bucket lip 102. Between the tooth assemblies 150 are shrouds 104 secured to the bucket lip 102 with locking assemblies 106. On either side of the bucket lip are vertically extending wings with side shrouds 105. The side shrouds may be secured to the bucket lip 102 with the same or similar locking assemblies 106. The excavation system 100 may find particular utility on earth moving equipment. For example, the excavation system 100 may be used in construction, mining, excavation, and other industries.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the drilling system 100 of FIG. 1, specifically through one of the shrouds 104. In this example, a fixed base 108 is fixed to the bucket lip 102. A locking assembly 106 is positioned to be partially positioned within the shroud 104 and partially positioned within the fixed base 108 to hold the shroud 104 on the bucket lip 102. Although described in connection with a shroud fixed to the bucket lip, it should be recognized that an assembly according to the present disclosure may have any type of wear member and corresponding support structure to which the wear member is fixed with the locking assembly. The shroud may be configured to engage or be adjacent to a bottom surface of the bucket lip and to engage a top surface of the bucket lip. The angle between the bottom and top surfaces of the bucket lip may be about 5-30°, e.g., about 15° in the illustrated example. In some examples, the top and bottom surfaces of the bucket lip may be parallel. The portions of the shroud 104 that are configured to engage or be positioned parallel to the bottom and top surfaces of the bucket lip may be planar and may have an orientation within 0° to 4° of the corresponding top or bottom surface of the bucket lip.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows an example of a shroud 104. The shroud 104 has a channel 114 extending from the rear side of the shroud and a leading edge 116 across the front side. The channel 114 formed between an upper leg 120 and a lower leg 122 of the shroud 104 is configured to receive the leading edge of the bucket lip. In some examples, the shroud may have only one leg, such as only the upper leg 120 without a corresponding lower leg 122, or vice versa. When installed, the shroud 104 straddles the leading edge of the bucket lip such that the upper leg 120 is on the top side of the bucket lip and the lower leg 122 is on the bottom side of the bucket lip, as shown in FIG. 2. A passage 110 extends from a top surface 118 of the shroud through the top leg 120 along a central axis 111 to the channel 114. The passage 110 is configured to receive a pin of the lock assembly 106. On opposite lateral sides of the passage 110, a pry surface 112 is formed on a top surface 118. The pry surface 112 extends at an angle between the top surface 118 and the substantially vertical walls forming the passage 110. The pry surface 112 is configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the passage 110 to engage the pin for removal. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 118 has a raised region in which the passage 110 is located. The raised region has angled sides that extend from the passage 110 to the side regions of the upper legs 120 that form the top surface 118. A portion of these angled sides form ridges where they intersect with the pry surface to provide a fulcrum for a tool to lift the pin out of the passage 110. Although shown with two prying surfaces 112, one on each lateral side of the passageway 110, it should be understood that fewer or more prying surfaces 112 may be formed around the periphery of the passageway 110. Additionally, the prying surfaces 112 may be positioned at any radial location around the passageway 110, for example, behind or in front of the passageway 110.

[0044] 4-6 are rear and bottom views of the shroud of FIG. 3. The bottom surface 119 of the upper leg 120 is disposed opposite the top surface 118, but is not necessarily parallel to the top surface 118. The upper leg 120 terminates rearwardly in a rear surface 126 that extends across the upper leg. A fixed base recess 121 is formed in the upper leg 120 that extends upwardly from the bottom surface 119 to a ceiling 133 and forwardly from the rear surface 126. A pry surface 124 is angled and formed between the rear surface 126 of the fixed base recess 121 and the ceiling 133. The pry surface may be configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the fixed base recess 121 to engage the fixed base to remove the shroud 104. Slots 128 are formed on either side of the fixed base recess 128 and are configured to receive corresponding wings of the fixed base. Each of these two slots may extend from the rear face 126 in a direction perpendicular to the rear face or may be slightly angled from one another along their longitudinal lengths to facilitate installation and removal from the fixed base. For example, these two slots may be angled inwardly at an angle of 1° to 5°, preferably about 2°, relative to the plane of symmetry between them. The surfaces forming the top and bottom of each slot 128 may be parallel to the bottom face 119 of the top leg 120 or may be angled upwardly relative to the bottom face 119 such that the slots 128 extend laterally outward. In other words, the lower surface of each slot may be angled toward the other slot at an angle of about 10° to 30°, preferably about 20°, relative to the horizontal plane. The upper surface of each slot may be angled in a similar manner. The upper and lower surfaces of each slot may be parallel or may be oriented at different angles.

[0045] A central region 130 of the ceiling 133 of the fixed base recess 121 extends downwardly toward the channel 114, as does a raised region on the opposite top surface of the upper leg 120. Within the central region 130 is a locking recess 136 that is configured to receive a collar of a locking assembly. The locking recess 136 aligns with the passageway 110 such that the passageway 110 extends from the top surface 118 into the locking recess.

[0046] Within the channel 114 are two ribs 132 extending along the top side of the lower leg 122. The ribs 132 have a substantially flat top surface configured to engage or abut the bottom surface of the bucket lip when the shroud 104 is installed. Each rib extends upwardly on the front wall of the channel and intersects with a contact pad 131 extending between the two ribs 132. The contact pad 131 forms an engagement area where the shroud 104 contacts and abuts the front surface of the bucket lip during use. One or more portions of the lower leg 122 adjacent the bottom surface of the bucket lip, e.g., the top surface of each rib 132, may be parallel or angled relative to one or more portions of the upper leg 120 configured to contact the top surface of the bucket lip, e.g., a planar area disposed below a respective one of the two slots 128. In the illustrated example, the top surface of rib 132 is angled at approximately 15° relative to the bottom surface of upper leg 120. It should be understood that in some examples, one or more of contact pads 131 and / or ribs 132 may be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows the locking recess 136 in further detail. The locking recess 136 has an asymmetric shape both laterally (side to side as shown) and front to back (top to bottom as shown), as well as along any other orientation. This double asymmetric shape of the locking recess 136 may prevent installation of a collar of a locking assembly into the locking recess 136 in an incorrect orientation. That is, a collar having a shape profile corresponding to the locking recess 136 will only fit into the locking recess in the proper orientation. Furthermore, the irregular horizontal profile of the locking recess 136, lacking a plane of symmetry, helps to retain the collar therein and prevent rotation of the collar when subjected to torque about the axis of the passageway 110. The locking recess 136 is defined by a front wall 137, an opposing rear wall 139, and a notch 138 extending forwardly from the front wall away from the rear wall. A side wall 140 and an opposing side wall 141 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 139. Although not shown, a pocket may be formed in each of side walls 140 and 141, with each pocket extending laterally outward from locking recess 136 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the respective side wall 140 or 141. The pocket in side wall 140 may be located closer to rear wall 139, and the pocket in side wall 141 may be located closer to front wall 137. A curved wall 142 extends between front wall 137 and side wall 140, a curved wall 143 extends between side wall 140 and rear wall 139, a curved wall 144 extends between rear wall 139 and side wall 141, and a curved wall 145 extends between side wall 141 and front wall 137. In the illustrated example, each of curved walls 142-145 has a different radius of curvature, which may further aid in proper orientation of the collar during installation into locking recess 136. Curved wall 142 may have a radius that is the same or similar to the radius of passageway 110, while curved walls 143-145 may have smaller radii. Locking recess 136 is defined by an upper surface 146 through which passageway 110 extends. In some examples, upper surface 146 is perpendicular to the central axis of passageway 110.

[0048] 8-12 show a collar 152 of the locking assembly 106 that is configured to be received within the locking recess 136. The collar 152 has a top surface 154 and an opposing bottom surface 155 that may be parallel to one another or angled relative to one another. Extending between the top surface 154 and the bottom surface 155 are a front side 158, a rear side 159, and opposing lateral sides 160 and 161. A projection 176 extends outwardly along the front side 158 of the collar. A bore 156 extends through the collar 152 along a central axis 157 from the top surface 154 to the bottom surface 155. At least a portion of the bore may be threaded with threads 166.

[0049] The radially inwardly biased pin detent 164 may be positioned within a correspondingly shaped recess extending radially outward from the bore 156 toward a protrusion 176. The pin detent 164 has a flexible member 168 having a wedge shape and a protrusion 170 extending from the flexible member 168. The flexible member 168 may be formed from a resilient material such as rubber or a polymer to exert a biasing force on the protrusion 170 when compressed, and the protrusion 170 may be formed from a rigid material such as steel or another metal. The protrusion 170 is partially embedded within the flexible member 168 to join the protrusion 170 and the flexible member 168 together, and extends radially inward through an outer surface of the flexible member 168 toward the central axis of the bore 156. The protrusion 170 may be positioned adjacent the end of the thread 166 closest to the top surface 154, with a tip of the protrusion extending into the bore 156.

[0050] A mounting detent 162 that is biased outwardly from the collar 152 extends from each of the lateral sides 160 and 161 of the collar 152. Each mounting detent 162 has a flexible member 172 and a rigid member 174. The flexible member 172 may be formed from a resilient material such as rubber or a polymer, and the rigid member 174 may be formed from steel or another metal. The rigid member 174 may have a stem or other extension (not shown) embedded within the flexible member 172 to join the rigid member 174 to the flexible member 172. The mounting detents 162 may be positioned within correspondingly shaped pockets that extend into the collar 152 from the lateral sides 160 and 161 such that the flexible member 172 is disposed completely within the pocket and the rigid member 174 is disposed at least partially outside the pocket. The flexible member 172 may have a width dimension that is smaller than the corresponding width of the pocket to allow the flexible member 172 to compress and deform within the pocket when the rigid member 174 is pressed inwardly toward the pocket.

[0051] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, the collar 152 has a size and shape that closely corresponds to the locking recess 136 of the shroud. The curved surfaces 163, 165, 167, and 169 each have a radius that is the same as or slightly smaller than the radius of the corresponding curved walls 142, 143, 144, and 145 of the locking recess 136. Each of the curved walls 142, 143, 144, and 145 and each of the curved surfaces 163, 165, 167, and 169 have a profile that is formed as a minor arc. That is, each curve extends less than 180°. In some instances, the curved walls 143 and 144 and the corresponding curved surfaces 165 and 167 may extend at an angle of 90° or less before intersecting with the respective adjacent surfaces on each end. In contrast, the curved walls 142 and 145 and the corresponding curved surfaces 163 and 169 may extend at an angle of 90° or more.

[0052] In use, the collar 152 may be subjected to significant loads during use of the shroud 104. In this regard, the collar 152 must be sturdy enough to accommodate the loads without breaking or plastically deforming. In this regard, the collar 152 may have a minimum wall thickness around its perimeter, which may be calculated based on the design loads and the material used to construct the collar, e.g., steel. Because the mounting detents 162 and the pin detents 164 are positioned within recesses or pockets formed in the wall of the collar, these recesses form voids that compromise the wall thickness. Thus, the collar 152 may have a greater peripheral profile around the bore 156 in the areas that accommodate the detents 162 and 164, providing a minimal wall thickness in these areas as well. That is, the area forming the projection 176 accommodates the pin detents 164 and therefore extends outwardly at the front side 158 to provide a sufficient thickness of material between the pin detents 164 and the outer surface of the collar. Similarly, the area adjacent curved surfaces 165 and 169 extends outwardly away from bore 156 to accommodate mounting detent 162 and provide a sufficient thickness of material between mounting detent 162 and bore 156. Also, a bulge 175 may be formed along each lateral side 160 and 161 to provide a minimum wall thickness around bore 156. Bulge 175 on side 161 is formed as part of curved surface 163. Locking recess 136 has a depression in its wall that is sized and shaped to receive bulge 175. In some instances, lateral sides 160 and 161 may be spaced further apart to provide a minimum wall thickness without one or both bulges 175.

[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates the pin 180 of the locking assembly 106. A head 181 defines the top of the pin 180, a tip 190 defines the bottom of the pin, and a shaft 192 extends between the head 181 and the tip 190. A post 182 is centrally positioned within a recess formed at the top of the pin 180. The post 182 has a hexagonal profile configured to be engaged by a socket for rotating the pin about its central longitudinal axis during installation or removal. A hexagonal recess 184 is formed in the post 182 and is configured to receive a hex wrench as an alternative method of rotating the pin 180. A helical thread 186 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft 192, corresponding to the thread 166 of the collar 152. A recess 188 is formed in the shaft 192 at the upper end of the thread 186 adjacent the head 181. The recess 188 may be formed along the helical path of the thread 186 and separated from the thread 186 by a ridge 187 extending across the path of the thread. The recess 188 may have a size and shape corresponding to the protrusion 170 of the pin detent of the collar 152. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 170 and the recess 188 have a triangular shape. Of course, in some examples, the pin detent 164 may be received on the pin 180 and the recess 188 may be formed in the collar 152. Additionally, in some examples, the recess 188 may be formed on the lower end of the thread 166 or 186 rather than at the apex.

[0054] 14-15 show the lock assembly 106 in an assembled configuration. Assembly of the lock assembly 106 may include inserting the tip 190 of the pin 180 through the bore 156 in the collar 152 from the top surface 154 past the bottom surface 155. When the bottom edge of the threads 186 of the pin 180 engages the top edge of the threads 166 of the collar 152, the pin 180 may rotate about its central axis 194 to thread the pin 180 into the collar 152. The protrusions 170 may ride along a path formed between adjacent threads 186. As the pin 180 approaches a fully seated configuration, the protrusions 170 engage the ridges 187 in the channel, compressing and deforming the flexible member 168 as the protrusions 170 slide upward on the angled surface on one side of the ridges 187, thereby urging the protrusions 170 radially toward the pin 180. As shown, when the pin detent 164 reaches a fully seated or locked configuration of the pin 180 within the collar 152, the projection 170 slides down the inclined surface of the ridge 187 and snaps into a recess 188 of the pin 180, so that the pin detent 164 may at least partially decompress. The snapping of the projection 170 into the recess 188 may provide tactile feedback to the user confirming that the pin 180 is fully seated. Because a significant rotational force is required to compress the flexible member 168 to remove the projection 170 from the recess 188, the engagement of the pin detent 164 with the recess 188 may also resist rotation of the pin 180 during use. Because typical use of the shroud assembly is unlikely to impart such rotational forces, the engagement of the pin detent 164 with the recess 188 helps prevent inadvertent backing out (or unlocking) of the pin 180.

[0055] One or more of several exterior surfaces of collar 152 may be tapered or otherwise angled relative to top surface 154 and / or bottom surface 155. As shown in FIG. 15, rear side 159 of collar 152 is angled outward from top surface 154 toward bottom surface 155 to form angle α with respect to central axis 194. An upper portion of projection 176 may have a similar angle with respect to central axis 194 or may be parallel thereto. Similarly, lateral sides 160 and 161 of the collar may be vertical or may have an angle similar to α. The front wall 137, rear wall 139 and side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136 may be tapered to correspond to the respective outer surfaces of the collar 152, which may improve ease of installation of the collar 152 within the locking recess 136, help distribute stress between the collar 152 and the shroud 104 during loads imposed during use, and help retain the collar 152 within the locking recess 136. The lower portion of the projection 176 may be angled steeper than the upper portion of the projection to form an angle β with respect to the central axis 194. The shaft 192 of the pin 180 is tapered at an angle γ with respect to the central axis 194, with the head 181 being wider than the tip 190.

[0056] FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of the shroud 104 with the locking assembly 106 installed in the locking recess 136 in the upper leg 120 of the shroud.

[0057] 17-19 show a fixed base 108 to which the shroud 104 can be attached using the locking assembly 106. The shroud 108 has a top side 195 and a bottom surface 197 configured to be secured to a bucket lip. A central opening 196 extends through the fixed base 108 from the top side 195 to the bottom surface 197. A rear opening 198 is positioned rearward of the central opening 196 and extends from the top side 195 to the bottom surface 197. A lateral wall 200 defines the rear of the central opening 196 and separates the central opening 196 from the rear opening 198, although in some instances the rear opening 198 can be formed as part of the central opening 196. The fixed base extends from a front side 201 to a rear side 202 and from a lateral side 203 to a lateral side 204. An extension 205 extends rearwardly from a central portion of the rear side 202 and defines at least a portion of the rear opening 198 .

[0058] The central opening 196 is bounded laterally by a side wall 212 and a side wall 214. A front side of the central opening 196 is defined by a lock wall 206, at least a portion of which is shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the shaft 192 of the pin 180. When the shroud 104 is secured to the fixed base 108 by the lock assembly 106, a proximal portion of the tip 190 of the shaft 192 engages the lock wall 206 and the tip 190 of the pin 180 engages or is positioned proximate to a bucket lip within the central opening 196. The lock wall 206, like the shaft 192, is tapered at an angle equal to or slightly greater than α. In one example, α is about 3° and the lock wall 206 is about 4°. It will be appreciated that either or both of the shaft 192 and the lock wall 206 may have a steeper or shallower angle relative to the central axis 194, for example, an angle in the range of approximately 0° to 10°.

[0059] A pry surface 208 is formed on the side wall 200 and a pry surface 210 is formed on the rear of the extension 205. Pry surfaces 208 and 210 are angled relative to the top surfaces of the side wall 200 and extension 205 to facilitate access to the central opening 196 and the rear opening 198 with a pry bar or other tool during removal of the shroud 104 and to provide a fulcrum for prying the shroud forward.

[0060] An outer surface 219 of each of the side walls 212 and 214 may be angled laterally outward and upward from the bottom surface 197 at an angle δ, which in some examples is approximately 45°, although it should be understood that the outer surface 219 may be perpendicular or at any suitable angle relative to the bottom surface. An inner surface 220 of each of the side walls 212 and 214 extending outward from the central opening 196 may be parallel to the outer surface 219. In the example shown, the inner surface 220 has an angle with the bottom surface 197 that is shallower than δ. The outer surface 219 and the inner surface 220 of each side wall extend to wings 218 formed on each lateral side of the fixed base 108. The wings 218 extend laterally outward and upward away from the central opening 196. The wings 218 are sized and shaped to be received within a slot 128 in the shroud 104 and engage one or more surfaces defining the slot 128. The wings 218 may be substantially parallel or otherwise angled relative to one another to accommodate the slots 128. In some examples, the wings 218 are angled outward toward the rear side 202 of the fixed base 108 to facilitate installation and removal of the shroud 104. The bottom surface of each wing 218, disposed laterally outward from the outer surface 219 of the sidewalls 212 and 214, may be horizontal or angled at an angle ε that may be about 10° to 45°, preferably about 20°, relative to the bottom surface 197 of the fixed base 108. Such upward angling of the wings may facilitate access for a welder to weld the fixed base 108 to the bucket lip around the periphery of the bottom surface 197. The vertical profile of the fixed base 108 may have depressions between the wings 218, as seen in FIG. 19. The depressions may accommodate the lowered central region 130 of the shroud 104.

[0061] 20 illustrates the fixed base 108 secured to the bucket lip 102. Typically, the fixed base 108 is secured to the bucket lip 102 by welding, although it is contemplated that a fastening mechanism may be used to secure the fixed base 108 to facilitate removal and replacement of the fixed base. As illustrated, the fixed base 108 is welded to the top surface of the bucket lip 102, which may also be described as "within" or "inside" the bucket. However, it will be understood that the fixed base 108 may be positioned in any suitable location on the bucket lip 102, including the bottom side or "outside" of the bucket, to secure the wear members in a desired location.

[0062] 21-24 show various stages of assembly of the shroud assembly. First, as shown in FIG. 21, the collar 152 is installed in the locking recess 136 of the shroud 104. The collar 152 rises upwardly from the channel 114 into the locking recess 136. The side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136 may compress a mounting detent 162 on the collar 152 as the collar is slid into place. When the fully seated position is reached, where the top surface 154 of the collar 152 contacts or nearly contacts the upper surface 146 of the locking recess 136, the mounting detent 162 snaps into place in a pocket formed in the side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136. Of course, the mounting detent may be installed in the locking recess 136 and the pocket may be formed in the collar 152. When the installation detents are snapped into place, they traverse the interface between sides 160 and 161 of the collar 152 and side walls 140 and 141 of the locking recess 136 to retain the collar 152 within the locking recess 136 of the shroud 104. This process of installing the collar 152 within the shroud 104 can occur when the shroud 104 is installed on the bucket lip, or can occur at any time, such as prior to shipping of the shroud 104. In this regard, the collar 152 with the installation detents 162 and pin detents 164 can be assembled with the shroud 104 simultaneously with the manufacture of the shroud 104.

[0063] The shroud 104 may then be slid rearwardly onto the fixed base 108, as shown in FIG. 22. A slot 128 extending forward from the aft face 126 of the shroud receives the wings 218 of the fixed base 108. In instances where the top and bottom faces of the bucket lip are not parallel (e.g., the top face of the lip is angled upward away from the leading edge of the bucket lip), the fixed base 108 is generally parallel to the top face, but not the bottom face. In this regard, the wings 218 may be angled upward. As the shroud 104 is slid onto the fixed base 108, the ribs 132 on the lower legs 122 of the shroud 104 may be drawn upwardly to contact or be adjacent to the bottom face of the bucket lip. The shroud 104 is slid rearwardly until contact pads on the shroud engage the bucket lip. In this installed configuration, shown in FIG. 23, the shroud aft face 126 is generally aligned with the fixed base aft side 202. A fixed base extension 205 having an aft opening 198 remains exposed behind the shroud 104 aft face 126. In this installed configuration, the shroud 104 passageway 110 and the collar 152 bore 156 are aligned along a common axis that is aligned with a corresponding portion of the fixed base central opening 196 to properly install the pin 180. When the pin 180 is inserted into the passageway 110 and threaded into the bore 156 with the pin's central axis 194 aligned with the common axis of the passageway and bore, the tip 190 of the pin 180 advances into the fixed base central opening 196, as shown in FIG.

[0064] 25 and 26 show a cross section of the shroud assembly as the pin 180 is advanced during installation. Initially, as shown in FIG. 25, the tip 190 of the pin 180 extends into the central opening 196 of the fixed base 108 before the threads 186 on the pin 180 engage the threads 166 of the collar 152. However, the pin 180 does not have to contact the fixed base 108 yet. As the pin 180 is rotated and threaded into the collar 152, the tip 190 advances deeper into the central opening 196. The pin 180 is tapered, with a larger diameter near the top head than near the tip 190 at the bottom, so that as the pin is advanced, its shaft 192 approaches the locking wall 206 of the fixed base 108. Once the pin 180 is fully seated in the collar 152, the shaft contacts the locking wall 206 and the pin detent 164 engages the recess 188 in the pin 180, as shown in FIG.

[0065] As will be appreciated, the interference caused by pin 180 prevents shroud 104 from becoming detached from the bucket lip in response to forces that would otherwise tend to pull the shroud forward relative to the bucket lip, such as when a bucket drags the shroud rearward along the ground. Such a load causes shroud 104 to exert a forward force on collar 152, which transmits the force to pin 180, which transmits the force to fixed base 108 via locking wall 206.

[0066] The rear or extension 205 of the fixed base 108 may be vertical or substantially vertical, while the front surface along the front side 201 of the fixed base 108 is angled at an angle ζ relative to the bottom surface 197, which may be between about 20° and 50°.

[0067] FIG. 27 shows a cross section through the shroud assembly along a plane transverse to that of FIGS. 25 and 26 and shows the wings 218 of the fixed base 108 positioned within the slots 128 of the shroud 104 when the shroud is fully installed with the lock assembly 106.

[0068] 28-30 show various stages of removal of the shroud. First, the pin 180 is rotated in a direction opposite to the installation direction, thereby unscrewing the pin 180 from the collar 152 back to the configuration shown in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 28, the pry bar 225 can then be inserted into the passage 110 of the shroud 104 along one of several prying faces 112. The pry bar 225 can be rotated about the prying face to lift the pin from the fixed base 108, the collar 152 and the shroud 104. The pry bar 225 can be inserted into the rear opening 198 of the fixed base 108 so that the pin 180 no longer impedes the forward movement of the shroud 104. The pry surface 210 along the rear wall of the extension 205 can be used to pivot the pry bar 225 forward against the rear pry surface 124 of the shroud 104, thereby sliding the shroud 104 forward. Once the shroud 104 has been slid forward sufficiently, the pry surface 208 on the side wall 200 is exposed, allowing the pry bar 225 to be inserted into the central opening 196. Again, the pry bar 225 can be pivoted forward to further advance the shroud 104 from the fixed base 108.

[0069] 31-37 illustrate a shroud, locking assembly with collar and pins, etc., for use in a further embodiment of the drilling system 100 according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 31-33 show an example of a shroud 304. The shroud 304 has many similarities to the shroud 104, and the description of the shroud 304 will not repeat similar features to avoid redundancy. Rather, the description of the shroud 304 will primarily relate to additional or different features of the shroud 304 compared to the shroud 104. A lifting hook 301 is provided on the top side of the shroud 304 and is configured to receive a hook or other fastener for supporting the shroud during installation and / or removal. A prying channel 302 extends forward from the rear face of the top leg of the shroud 304. The prying channel 302 may extend a distance equal to about 5% to 30% of the length of the top leg. The pry channel 302 may take the place of the pry surface 124 of the shroud 104 and may be configured to allow a pry bar or other tool to be inserted into the fixed base recess of the shroud 304 to engage the fixed base to remove the shroud 304. Compared to the shroud 104, the rear face of the shroud 304 may be positioned further rearward with the top leg overhanging the rear face of the fixed base, as will be appreciated by comparing Figures 2 and 37. The alignment window 303 is formed around a portion of the front side of the passageway extending through the top leg, allowing a user to visually confirm that the locking assembly is in a locked configuration, as will be appreciated in light of the discussion of Figures 35-36 below. Within the channel between the top and bottom legs is a single rib 332 that extends along the top side of the lower leg. The rib has a substantially flat top surface that is configured to engage or abut the bottom surface of the bucket lip when the shroud 104 is installed. A central portion of the rib 332 defines a hold-down portion.

[0070] As best seen in FIG. 33, the locking recess 336, which is configured to receive a collar of a locking assembly, is aligned with the passage through the top leg. The locking recess 336 has a peripheral shape that corresponds to the shape of the collar, as described below in conjunction with FIG. 34. The locking recess is symmetrical about a plane extending from front to rear, but asymmetrical about a plane extending in a left-right direction. In this regard, the locking recess 336 may prevent the collar of a locking assembly from being installed in the locking recess 336 in an incorrect orientation rotated 180° about the axis of the passage through the top leg. Additionally, the walls forming the locking recess 336 may be tapered (wider at the bottom side of the recess 336 than the top side of the recess) so that the collar cannot be installed in an incorrect orientation rotated 180° about its longitudinal axis.

[0071] In the illustrated example, three mounting ramps 315 are positioned around the locking recess 336 in locations that correspond to the mounting detents of the collar. Specifically, in the illustrated example, two mounting ramps 315 are located at the front corners of the locking recess 336 and one mounting ramp 315 is positioned in the center of the rear of the locking recess 336. A pocket is formed in the wall of the locking recess 336 above each mounting ramp 315, with each pocket extending laterally outward from the locking recess 336 in a direction substantially perpendicular to its respective wall. The pockets are configured to receive mounting detents of the collar.

[0072] FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a collar 352 of a locking assembly that is configured to be received within the locking recess 336. The shroud collar 352 has many similarities to the collar 152, and similar features will not be repeated in the description of the collar 354 to avoid redundancy. Rather, the description of the collar 352 will primarily relate to additional or different features of the collar 352 as compared to the collar 152. Extending between the top and bottom surfaces are a front side 358, a rear side 359, and opposing sides 360 and 361, each of which may be flat or curved. A radially inwardly biased pin detent 364 is positioned within a correspondingly shaped recess that extends radially outward from a bore near the front side 358. The pin detent 364 includes a flexible member having an hourglass shape and a protrusion extending from the flexible member. An alignment indicator 313 in the form of a small recess, protrusion, and / or marking (eg, paint) may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the collar 352 on the top surface near the rear side 359 .

[0073] A mounting detent 362 biased outwardly from the collar 352 extends from each leading corner extending between the sides 360 and 361 and the leading side 358 of the collar 352. A trailing corner extends between the sides 360 and 361 and the trailing side 359. Each of the leading and trailing corners may be flat or curved. It should be appreciated that chamfering the corners of the collar 352 helps reduce critical stresses in the shroud and / or collar. Another mounting detent 362 extends from the trailing side 359. The mounting detents 362 may be positioned within correspondingly shaped pockets extending into the collar 352 from their respective outer surfaces. The collar 352 has a size and shape that closely corresponds to the locking recesses 336 of the shroud 304.

[0074] In use, the collar 352 may be subjected to substantial loads during use of the shroud 304. In this regard, the collar 352 must be sturdy enough to accommodate the loads without breaking or plastically deforming. In this regard, the collar 352 may have a minimum wall thickness around its perimeter, which may be calculated based on the design loads and the material used to construct the collar, e.g., steel. Because the mounting detents 362 and the pin detents 364 are positioned within recesses or pockets formed in the wall of the collar, these recesses form voids that compromise the wall thickness. Thus, the collar 352 may have a greater peripheral contour around the bore in the areas that accommodate the detents 362 and 364, providing minimal wall thickness in these areas as well. That is, the collar 352 may have a smaller wall thickness around the bore along the sides 360 and 361 where the detents are not positioned than near the front side 358 and the rear side 359.

[0075] FIG. 35 shows pin 380 of one example of a locking assembly. Pin 380 has many similarities to pin 180, and similar features will not be repeated to avoid redundancy in the description of pin 380. Rather, the description of pin 380 will primarily relate to additional or different features of pin 380 compared to pin 180. A status indicator 307 and an alignment indicator 309 are formed on the top of the head of pin 380. Status indicator 307 comprises a lock icon etched into, protruding from, or marked on the top surface of the pin, and alignment indicator 309 is similarly formed 180° away from the status indicator in the illustrated example. A helical thread corresponding to the thread of collar 352 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft of pin 380. A recess 388 is formed in the shaft at the upper end of the thread. The recess 388 may be formed along the helical path of the threads and separated from the threads by a ridge extending across the path of the threads. The recess 388 may have a size and shape corresponding to a protrusion of the pin detent 364 of the collar 352. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 170 and recess 188 have a triangular shape. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the pin detent 364 may be received within the pin 380 and the recess 388 may be formed in the collar 352.

[0076] 36-37 show the shroud and lock assembly in an assembled configuration. In the locked configuration shown in FIG. 36, alignment window 303 in shroud 304 allows a user to visually inspect to ensure that pin detent 364 is aligned with status indicator 307, thereby locking pin 380 to collar 352. Similarly, alignment indicators 309 and 313 are visible near the rear of the bore. As seen in FIG. 37, one or more of several exterior surfaces of collar 352 may be tapered or otherwise angled relative to the top and / or bottom surfaces of the collar. For example, rear side 359 of collar 352 is angled outwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface. Front side 358 may similarly have one or more portions angled outwardly from the top surface to the bottom surface. Sides 360 and 361 of the collar may be vertical or angled outwardly.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the implementations encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the specific exemplary implementations described above. In that regard, while exemplary implementations have been shown and described, a wide range of modifications, changes, combinations, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of the shroud and locking assembly of the examples of Figures 31-37 may be implemented in the examples described in connection with Figures 1-30, and vice versa. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the scope of the appended claims be construed broadly and consistent with the present disclosure.

[0078] An embodiment of the locking assembly is described below.

[0079] Example 1 1. A locking assembly for securing a wear member to a support structure, comprising: The locking assembly includes: A color, the color comprising: The top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a bore extending along a central axis from said top surface to said bottom surface, said collar having an irregular outer circumferential contour about said central axis, said irregular outer circumferential contour having a plurality of curved surfaces extending between adjacent sides of said collar; a pin configured to be received within the bore of the collar.

[0080] Example 2 2. The locking assembly of embodiment 1, wherein at least a portion of a wall defining the bore of the collar has a first thread and at least a portion of an outer surface of the pin has a second thread corresponding to the first thread.

[0081] Example 3 3. The locking assembly of claim 2, wherein the collar further comprises a biased pin detent mechanism, a portion of the pin detent mechanism extending into the bore, and the pin comprises a recess adjacent an upper end of the second thread configured to receive the portion of the pin detent mechanism when the pin is fully seated within the collar.

[0082] Example 4 4. The locking assembly of embodiment 3, wherein the pin detent mechanism comprises a flexible member and a rigid member secured to the flexible member.

[0083] Example 5 5. The locking assembly of claim 4, wherein the collar includes a recess extending radially outward from the bore and axially inward from the top surface.

[0084] Example 6 A locking assembly in accordance with Example 5, wherein the recess is wedge-shaped with a narrower width at a front side adjacent the bore and a wider width at a rear side facing the bore, and the flexible member of the pin detent mechanism has a shape corresponding to the recess.

[0085] Example 7 4. The locking assembly of claim 3, wherein the portion of the pin detent mechanism is configured to pass through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin when the pin is rotated relative to the collar.

[0086] Example 8 3. The locking assembly of claim 2, wherein a top surface of the pin is substantially flush with or recessed below a top surface of the collar when the pin is fully seated within the collar.

[0087] Example 9 The locking assembly of embodiment 1, further comprising a first biased detent mechanism extending outwardly from a first lateral side of the collar and a second biased detent mechanism extending outwardly from a second lateral side of the collar.

[0088] Example 10 10. The locking assembly of claim 9, wherein the first biased detent mechanism is disposed adjacent to a first end of the collar and the second biased detent mechanism is disposed adjacent to a second end of the collar.

[0089] Example 11 2. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the irregular outer circumferential contour of the collar is defined by a plurality of minor arcs, each minor arc having a different radius of curvature from one of the plurality of minor arcs.

[0090] Example 12 2. The lock assembly of claim 1, wherein the irregular outer peripheral contour of the collar is asymmetric with respect to any plane parallel to the central axis.

[0091] Example 13 2. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein a rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and defining a rear side of the collar is angled relative to the central axis of the bore.

[0092] Example 14 14. The locking assembly of embodiment 13, wherein the rear surface of the collar is angled about 1° to 20° relative to the central axis of the bore such that the rear surface of the collar is angled away from the central axis toward a bottom surface of the collar.

[0093] Example 15 The locking assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the front side of the collar and the rear side of the collar are tapered toward a central axis of the bore in a direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0094] Example 16 2. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the head of the pin has a post having a hexagonal profile.

[0095] Example 17 17. The locking assembly of Example 16, wherein the post has a hexagonal recess formed therein.

[0096] Example 18 2. The locking assembly of claim 1, wherein the pin has a shaft that narrows toward a tip of the pin disposed opposite the head of the pin.

[0097] Example 19 19. The locking assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the shaft has an outer surface that is angled at about 1° to 10° relative to a central axis of the pin.

[0098] Example 20 19. The locking assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the upper portion of the shaft is cylindrical and threaded, and the lower portion of the shaft is angled relative to the central shaft of the pin.

Claims

1. In a lock assembly for fixing a wear member to a support structure, The aforementioned lock assembly is It is a color, and the color is Top surface and, The bottom surface opposite to the top surface, An outer contour having at least eight planes extending around the periphery of the collar between the top surface and the bottom surface, A collar comprising a bore extending along the central axis from the top surface to the bottom surface, A locking assembly comprising a pin configured to be received within the bore of the aforementioned collar.

2. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the wall defining the bore of the collar has a first thread, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the pin has a second thread corresponding to the first thread.

3. The locking assembly according to claim 2, wherein the collar further comprises a biased pin retention mechanism, a portion of which extends into the bore, and the pin has a recess adjacent to the upper end of the second thread, configured to receive the portion of the pin retention mechanism when the pin is fully seated in the collar.

4. The lock assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pin return mechanism comprises a flexible member and a rigid member fixed to the flexible member.

5. The lock assembly according to claim 4, wherein the collar has a recess that extends radially outward from the bore and axially inward from the top surface.

6. The lock assembly according to claim 5, wherein the recess is at least partially wedge-shaped, with a narrower width at the front portion adjacent to the bore and a wider width at the rear portion facing the bore, and the flexible member of the pin return mechanism has a shape corresponding to the recess.

7. The locking assembly according to claim 3, wherein the part of the pin return mechanism is configured such that the pin passes through a channel formed in the second thread of the pin when the pin is rotated relative to the collar.

8. The locking assembly according to claim 2, wherein the top surface of the pin is substantially flush with the top surface of the collar or recessed below the top surface of the collar when the pin is fully seated within the collar.

9. The lock assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first biased anti-return mechanism extending outward from a first front corner surface of the collar, and a second biased anti-return mechanism extending outward from a second front corner surface of the collar.

10. The lock assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a third biased retaining mechanism extending outward from the rear surface of the collar.

11. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour of the collar is at least partially defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the opposing side surfaces, and the four corner surfaces.

12. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour of the collar is laterally symmetrical with respect to a plane that extends from the front side of the collar to the rear side of the collar and between the top surface and the bottom surface.

13. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and defining the rear portion of the collar is angled with respect to the central axis of the bore.

14. The lock assembly according to claim 13, wherein the rear surface of the collar is angled at approximately 1° to 20° with respect to the central axis of the bore so as to move away from the central axis of the bore toward the bottom surface of the collar.

15. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front and rear portions of the collar are tapered toward the central axis of the bore in the direction extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

16. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the head of the pin has a support column having a hexagonal outer contour.

17. The lock assembly according to claim 16, wherein a hexagonal recess is formed in the support column.

18. The lock assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pin has a shaft that narrows toward the tip of the pin and is positioned opposite to the head of the pin.

19. The lock assembly according to claim 18, wherein the shaft has an outer surface that is angled at approximately 1° to 10° with respect to the central axis of the pin.

20. The lock assembly according to claim 18, wherein the upper part of the shaft is cylindrical and has screw threads, and the lower part of the shaft is angled with respect to the central axis of the pin.

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