Overlapping cutting edge tip system

Abstract

A more robust overlapping cutting edge tip system that can accommodate variable adapter spacing and provide support in multiple directions at the junction between adjacent tips is ensured.SOLUTION: The cutting edge tip includes a mounting portion defining an adapter-receiving cavity. The working portion extends forwardly from the mounting portion. The first lateral end portion is disposed along the lateral direction, and the first lateral end portion defines a first lateral end surface that jogs in the lateral direction. The first lateral end surface comprises a first transition surface. And, the second lateral end portion is disposed opposite the first lateral end portion along the lateral direction. The second lateral end portion also defines a second lateral end surface that jogs laterally. The second lateral end surface comprises a second transition surface. The second lateral end portion further defines a bottom pocket.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to work tool assemblies, such as bucket assemblies used in earthmoving, mining, construction machinery, etc. More particularly, this disclosure relates to such assemblies employing overlapping cutting edge tip systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work tool assemblies, including bucket assemblies, rakes, scissors, and the like, that have teeth or tips attached to them to aid in working with materials such as dirt, rock, and sand. For example, teeth or tips may be attached to the bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly penetrate the ground and facilitate scooping of soil into the bucket or the like. An adapter is typically attached to the working end (e.g., base edge, side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work tool to allow different styles of teeth or tips to be attached to the work tool. Additionally, providing an adapter that attaches to the work tool allows the tips or teeth to be easily replaced as they wear out.

[0003] More specifically, in some applications it is desirable to level or clear the bottom surface of an excavated feature to provide a foundation, etc. For such applications, overlapping cutting edge tips are provided. While the prior art is replete with such systems, they may not be satisfactory for all applications or may not provide adequate lifespan.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6413660B2 provides a central cutting edge tip that provides a vertical overlap between two adjacent cutting edges at their junction, thus providing only vertical support at the junction but not necessarily sharing thrust or side loads.

[0005] Also, Japanese Patent No. U3216474 provides a central cutting edge tip system that provides horizontal overlap, but is not suitable for allowing variable spacing between adapters. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] This ensures a more robust overlapping cutting edge tip system that accommodates variable adapter spacing and provides support in multiple directions at the joints between adjacent tips. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cutting edge tip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an attachment portion defining an adapter receiving cavity, an assembly direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to the assembly direction and the lateral direction. The working portion may extend forward from the attachment portion along the assembly direction to form a leading working edge. The first lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction and define a first lateral end face that jogs in the lateral direction. The second lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction opposite the first lateral end portion. The second lateral end portion may also define a second lateral end face that jogs in the lateral direction.

[0008] A cutting edge tip according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include an attachment portion defining an adapter receiving cavity, an assembly direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to the assembly direction and the lateral direction. The working portion may extend forward from the attachment portion along the assembly direction to form a leading working edge. The first lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction and define a first lateral end surface, while the second lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction opposite the first lateral end portion and define a second lateral end surface. The leading working edge may include a first working edge portion extending laterally inward from a first lateral end face at a first vertical level, a second working edge portion extending from the first working edge portion and located at a second vertical level higher than the first vertical level of the first working edge portion, and a third working edge portion extending from the second working edge portion to a second lateral end face located at a third vertical level higher than the second vertical level of the second working edge portion.

[0009] A side cutting edge tip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mounting portion defining an adapter receiving cavity, an assembly direction, a lateral direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to the assembly direction and the lateral direction. The working portion may extend forward from the mounting portion along the assembly direction to form a front working edge. The first lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction and define a first lateral end face that jogs in the laterally direction, while the second lateral end portion may be disposed along the lateral direction opposite the first lateral end portion and define a second lateral end face that jogs in the laterally direction. The first lateral end portion may include a sidewall extending vertically upward from the working portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work tool assembly such as a bucket assembly that uses an overlapping cutting edge tip system (OCETS) on the bottom front lip of the bucket assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows the bucket assembly being moved in a grading motion as the bucket is pulled towards a work machine such as an excavator. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the OCETS attached to the bottom front lip of the bucket assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown separated from the rest of the bucket assembly. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are top views of an overlapping cutting edge tip system employed on a front lip with two different configurations. The top embodiment shows how the system can be used with wider adapter spacing, while the bottom embodiment shows the same system used with narrower adapter spacing. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the center cutting edge tip of the OCETS of FIG. 3, showing how the tip conforms to the slope of the front lip to facilitate material entry and exit from the bucket. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the left, center, and right cutting edge tips used in the OCETS, looking left. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a right-facing perspective view of the cutting edge tip of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the right cutting edge tip of FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the right cutting edge tip of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the right cutting edge tip of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the right cutting edge tip of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] FIG. 8 is a top view of the central cutting edge tip of FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of the central cutting edge tip of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a left side view of the central cutting edge tip of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a right side view of the central cutting edge tip of FIG. 12. [Figure 16] FIG. 8 is a top view of the left cutting edge tip of FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a front view of the left cutting edge tip of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the left cutting edge tip of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a right side view of the left cutting edge tip of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some cases, where reference numbers are shown herein, the drawings will designate the reference numbers as followed by an alphabetic letter, e.g., 100a, 100b, or as followed by a prime indicator, e.g., 100', 100'',. It will be understood that the use of a letter or prime number immediately following a reference number indicates that these features have similar shapes and similar functions, as is often the case when geometric shapes surround symmetrical planar mirror images. For ease of explanation herein, alphabetic letters or primes are not typically included, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate redundancy of features described herein.

[0012] Next, an overlapping cutting edge tip system (OCETS) will be described which may include a right cutting edge tip, a center cutting edge tip(s), and a left cutting edge tip according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] 1 and 2, work tool assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100a including a housing 101 defining an opening 102 communicating with a generally enclosed interior. Beginning at the rear of bucket assembly 100a, bucket assembly 100a includes a curved shell profile 104 that is attached to a top plate 106 at the upper end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to a bottom plate 108 of assembly 100. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of top plate 106, bottom plate 108 and shell 104.

[0014] A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114, while a leading edge assembly 200 (hereinafter referred to as OCETS) is attached to the leading edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The leading edge assembly 200 includes a base edge 202 (also referred to as a leading lip), a plurality of central adapters 204 attached to the base edge 202, and a plurality of cutting edge tips 300, 400, 500, each attached to one of the plurality of central adapters 204. In some embodiments, two corner adapters may also be provided, which may also be attached to the base edge 202 and / or the side edge.

[0015] It should be understood that the work tool assembly may take other forms besides a bucket assembly, including a rake assembly, a shear assembly, etc. Also, any of the cutting edge tip embodiments may be used with any of these other forms of work tool assemblies, including bucket assemblies of other different configurations.

[0016] 6-19, there will be described in more detail embodiments of cutting edge tips 300, 400, 500. With reference to Figures 8, 12, and 16, such cutting edge tips 300, 400, 500 may include a mounting portion 302, 402, 502 that defines an adapter receiving cavity 304, 404, 504, an assembly direction 306, 406, 506, a lateral direction 308, 408, 508 perpendicular to the assembly direction, and a vertical direction 310, 410, 510 perpendicular to the assembly direction and the lateral direction.

[0017] The working portion 311, 411, 511 may extend forward from the mounting portion 302, 402, 502 along the assembly direction 306, 406, 506 to form a front working edge 312, 412, 512. Additionally, the first lateral end portion 314, 414, 514 may be disposed along the lateral direction 308, 408, 508. The first lateral end portion 314, 414, 514 may define a first lateral end face 316, 416, 516 that jogs in the laterally direction. Similarly, the second lateral end portion 318, 418, 518 may be disposed along the lateral direction 308, 408, 508 opposite the first lateral end portion 314, 414, 514. The second lateral end portion 318, 418, 518 may also define a second lateral end surface 320, 420, 520 that jogs laterally.

[0018] 8, 10, 12, and 14, the first lateral end surface 316, 416 can include a first lateral outer end surface 322, 422 (defining a lateral extremity) that extends along the assembly direction 306, 406 and the vertical direction 310, 410 (e.g., at least a portion of this surface extends at an angle relative to the horizontal) and is disposed laterally adjacent to the mounting portion 302, 402. Additionally, a first lateral inner end surface 324, 424 (spaced laterally inward from 322, 422) extends along the assembly direction 306, 406 (i.e., the direction of greatest extent of this surface) and is disposed laterally adjacent to the working portion 311, 411. The first transition surface 326, 426 can be interposed between the first lateral outer end surface 322, 422 and the first lateral inner end surface 324, 424. The first transition surface 326, 426 can extend laterally between these surfaces 322, 422, 324, 424 (i.e., the lateral direction is the direction of greatest extent of this surface). More particularly, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first transition surface 326, 426, like the first lateral outer end surface 322, 422 and the first lateral inner end surface 324, 424, can be perpendicular to the assembly direction 306, 406.

[0019] 12, 15, 16, and 19, it will be appreciated that the second lateral end surfaces 420, 520 can include second lateral outer end surfaces 428, 528 that extend along the assembly direction 406, 506 (the largest extent dimension) and are disposed laterally adjacent to the working portions 411, 511. Additionally, the second lateral inner end surfaces 430, 530 extend along the assembly direction 406, 506 and the vertical direction 410, 510 (e.g., at least a portion of this surface may be angled with respect to the horizontal plane) and are disposed laterally adjacent to the mounting portions 402, 502. Additionally, a second transition surface 432, 532 can be interposed between the second lateral outer end surfaces 428, 528 and the second lateral inner end surfaces 430, 530. This second transition surface 432, 532 can extend primarily in the lateral direction in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] 12 and 15, the second transition surface 432 may be perpendicular to the assembly direction 406, the second outer lateral end surface 428, and the second inner lateral end surface 430. As shown in FIG. 12, the second transition surface 432 is spaced a predetermined distance 433 (e.g., greater than 5.0 mm in some embodiments) rearward from the first transition surface 426 along the assembly direction 406, and the first lateral end surface 416 has a shape that is at least partially complementary to the second lateral end surface 420. The configuration of these features may allow the first lateral end portion to mate or interlock with the second lateral end portion. Other configurations of these features are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] To this end, as shown in Figures 8-10 and 12-14, the protruding shelf 334, 434 can extend laterally from the shelf side surface 336, 436 located vertically above the first lateral inner end surface 324, 424 toward the mounting portion 302, 402.

[0022] 13 and 14, the overhanging shelf 434 defines a first lateral end slot 438 bounded by a rear surface 440 that is flush with or rearwardly offset from the second transition surface 432, and a third lateral inner end surface 442 that is laterally inwardly offset from the first lateral inner end surface 424. A similar structure can be seen in FIGS.

[0023] 13, 15, 17, and 19, it can be seen that the second lateral end portion 418, 518 can define a bottom pocket 444, 544 bounded by a third lateral outer end surface 446, 546 offset laterally inward from the second lateral outer end surface 428, 528. The third transition surface 448, 548 can extend laterally inward from the third lateral outer end surface 446, 546. The third transition surface 448, 548 can be coplanar with the first transition surface 426 or can be offset forward from the first transition surface 426 (shown only for embodiment 400). The fourth transition surface 450, 550 can extend rearward along the assembly direction and vertically upward from the third transition surface 448, 548.

[0024] A boss 452, 552 may be disposed on a bottom pocket 444, 544 that extends laterally outward from the working portion 411, 511 to the second lateral outer end surface 428, 528 and rearward from the front working edge 412, 512 along the assembly direction 406, 506. This boss 452, 552 may terminate approximately above the third transition surface 448, 548. This feature may be configured differently in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] A particular embodiment of the central cutting edge tip will now be described with reference to Figures 12-15.

[0026] Such a cutting edge tip 400 may include a mounting portion 402 defining an adapter receiving cavity 404, an assembly direction 406, a lateral direction 408 perpendicular to the assembly direction 406, and a vertical direction 410 perpendicular to the assembly direction 406 and the lateral direction 408. A working portion 411 may extend forwardly from the mounting portion 402 along the assembly direction 406 to form a leading working edge 412, as previously described herein.

[0027] Similarly, a first lateral end portion 414 may be disposed along the lateral direction 408 defining a first lateral end surface 416. This surface may or may not be jogged in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Similarly, the second lateral end portion 418 can be disposed along the lateral direction 408 opposite the first lateral end portion 414. The second lateral end portion 418 can also define a second lateral end face 420, which may or may not be jogged, in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] The leading working edge 412 may include a first working edge portion 454 extending laterally inward from the first lateral end face 416 at a first vertical level 456, a second working edge portion 458 extending laterally from the first working edge portion 454 and located at a second vertical level 460 that is higher than the first vertical level 456 of the first working edge portion 454, and a third working edge portion 462 extending laterally from the second working edge portion 458 to the second lateral end face 420. The third working edge portion 462 may be located at a third vertical level 464 that is higher than the second vertical level 460 of the second working edge portion 458.

[0030] 14, the first lateral end surface 416 can extend from the first working edge portion 454 along the assembly direction 406 to a transition axis 465. The first lateral end surface 416 can then extend from the transition axis 465 to a first trailing tip 466 of the cutting edge tip at an oblique ramp angle 468 relative to the assembly direction 406. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Other dimensions and angles are also possible.

[0031] 15 , the second lateral end surface 420 extends from the third working edge portion 462 along the assembly direction 406 to a different transition axis 470. From there, the second lateral end surface 420 extends at the same oblique ramp angle 468 to a second trailing tip 472 of the cutting edge tip.

[0032] 12, the cutting edge tip 400 may define a partial trapezoidal slot 474 bounded by the first trailing edge 466, the second trailing edge 472, and the mounting portion 402. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] 14 and 15, the mounting portion 402 may include a prismatic conical shape 476 that defines the adapter-receiving cavity 404. A lock-receiving opening 478 may communicate with the adapter-receiving cavity 404. Referring together to FIGS. 14, 15, and 3, the first lateral end portion 414 may include a socket (see, e.g., 438), and the second lateral end portion 418 may include a tang 480 configured to fit within the socket.

[0034] The socket may include an upper fork portion 482 disposed at a fourth vertical level 484 higher than the third vertical level 464 of the third working edge portion 462, a bottom fork portion 486 extending rearward from the first working edge portion 454 along the assembly direction 406, and a connector 488 connecting the upper fork portion 482 and the bottom fork portion 486. The tang 480 may be disposed laterally spaced apart from the socket at the second vertical level 460 of the second working edge portion 458. Again, other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Next, a side cutting edge tip as shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 will be described.

[0036] For example, such a cutting edge tip 500 may include a mounting portion 502 defining an adapter receiving cavity 504, an assembly direction 506, a lateral direction 508 perpendicular to the assembly direction, and a vertical direction 510 that is perpendicular to the assembly direction 506 and the lateral direction 508. A working portion 511 may extend forward from the mounting portion 502 along the assembly direction 506 and form a front working edge 512.

[0037] The first lateral end portion 514 is disposed along the lateral direction and defines a laterally jogged first lateral end face 516. The second lateral end portion 518 is disposed along the lateral direction opposite the first lateral end portion 514 and defines a laterally jogged second lateral end face 520. The first lateral end portion 514 may include a sidewall 590 extending vertically upward from the working portion 511. A similar description is made with respect to Figures 8-11, except that the features are mirrored.

[0038] 16-19, the side wall 590 extends vertically upward and rearward along the assembly direction 506 from the front working edge 512 to the top surface 592 of the mounting portion 502, and also defines a first lateral end surface 516. Again, a similar description is made with respect to FIGS. 8-11, except that the features are mirrored.

[0039] As shown in Figures 16 and 19, the second lateral end surface 520 at least partially defines a tang portion 580 that defines a lateral tip 593 of the side cutting edge 500, and further defines a slot 594 that is positioned rearward of the tang portion 580 along the assembly direction 506 and extends to the rear tip 572 of the side cutting edge 500.

[0040] Socket portion 595 may be disposed laterally between second lateral end face 520 and mounting portion 502, and recess 596 may be disposed laterally outward adjacent socket portion 595 and extend forwardly to front working edge 512 along assembly direction 506. A pad (see, e.g., boss 552) may be disposed laterally adjacent lateral tip 593 and adjacent front working edge 512 along assembly direction 506.

[0041] Additionally, any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas, and / or configurations of the various features, including those not specifically mentioned herein, may be varied as desired or necessary. Although not specifically described, blends such as fillets are shown connecting the various surfaces. It should be understood that these may be omitted in other embodiments, and their presence may be disregarded when reading this specification, unless otherwise stated. <Industrial Applicability>

[0042] In practice, machines, work tool assemblies, OCETS, or components thereof may be manufactured, purchased, or sold to modify machines or work tool assemblies in the field in an aftermarket situation, or may be manufactured, purchased, sold, or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) situation.

[0043] The above components may be manufactured from any suitable material, including iron, gray cast iron, steel, and the like.

[0044] Various features of OCETS may result in the following performance benefits: First, as shown in Figure 2, the working edge formed by OCETS is designed to wear evenly over time, as evidenced by line 206. Also, line 208 indicates that excess material at the corner may help maintain a square corner throughout the wear life of the side cutting edge tip.

[0045] In Figure 3, arrows 210 indicate that the stepped / staggered overlap 212 of the edges prevents material from flowing / passing the entire distance of the tip, reducing wear when loading or dumping buckets or other wear implements, etc. At the same time, the adapter spacing 214 can be made variable. This concept is reinforced in Figure 4, where spacing 214 (see example 200 at the top) taken from Figure 3 is reduced to 214a (see example 200a at the bottom). This is an important result not taught in the prior art.

[0046] 5 shows the smooth entry and exit of material, represented by arrows 216. This is true because the ramp surface 218 of the OCETS is perpendicularly below and parallel to the bevel surface 220 of the base edge 202.

[0047] The socket and tongue connection (see 212) as shown in Figure 3 also allows for vertical support both upwards and downwards, making the OCETS more rigid.

[0048] To maintain consistency and versatility during the assembly process, the first lateral end portion of the right cutting edge tip may be configured similarly or identically to the first lateral end portion of the center cutting edge tip, similarly, the second lateral end portion of the left cutting edge tip may be configured similarly or identically to the second lateral end portion of the center cutting edge tip, etc.

[0049] During assembly, the right cutting edge tip is typically attached to the rightmost adapter first, followed by the center cutting edge tip attached to the adapters in order from right to left, and finally the left cutting edge tip attached to the leftmost adapter.

[0050] The sidewalls of the left and right cutting edge tips may be similar or identically configured and may be angled to provide a funneling path for material entering a bucket or other work tool, etc.

[0051] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assemblies and techniques. However, it is anticipated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the present disclosure or its examples are intended to refer to the specific examples described therein and are not intended to suggest any more general limitation of the scope of the disclosure. All language of distinction and disparagement regarding certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but is not intended to be wholly excluded from the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise stated.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated herein, recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is intended merely as a shorthand method of referring individually to each individual value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually set forth herein.

[0053] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the term "a" or similar term is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," "with," and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise specified.

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some devices may have configurations and functions different from those described herein, and certain steps of any methods may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or in some cases performed simultaneously or in substeps. Furthermore, specific aspects or features of the various embodiments may be changed or modified to create further embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be in addition to, or substituted for, other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide still further embodiments.

[0055] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, this disclosure includes any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500), a mounting portion (302, 402, 502) defining an adapter receiving cavity (304, 404, 504), an assembly direction (306, 406, 506), a lateral direction (308, 408, 508) perpendicular to the assembly direction (306, 406, 506), and a vertical direction (310, 410, 510) perpendicular to the assembly direction (306, 406, 506) and the lateral direction (308, 408, 508); a working portion (311, 411, 511) extending forward from said mounting portion (302, 402, 502) along said assembly direction (306, 406, 506) and forming a front working edge (312, 412, 512); a first lateral end portion (314, 414, 514) disposed along the lateral direction (308, 408, 508) and defining a first lateral end face (316, 416, 516) that jogs in the lateral direction; a first lateral end surface (316, 416, 516) including a first lateral outer end surface (322, 422), a first lateral inner end surface (324, 424), and a first transition surface (326, 426) disposed between the first lateral outer end surface (322, 422) and the first lateral inner end surface (324, 424); a second lateral end portion (318, 418, 518) disposed along the lateral direction (308, 408, 508) opposite the first lateral end portion (314, 414, 514) and defining a second lateral end surface (320, 420, 520) that jogs in the lateral direction; a second lateral end surface (320, 420, 520) including a second lateral outer end surface (428, 528), a second lateral inner end surface (430, 530), and a second transition surface (432, 532) disposed between the second lateral outer end surface (428, 528) and the second lateral inner end surface (430, 530); the second lateral end portion (318, 418, 518) further defining a bottom pocket (444, 544) bounded by a third lateral outer end surface (446, 546), a third transition surface (448, 548) extending laterally inward from the third lateral outer end surface (446, 546), and a fourth transition surface (450, 550) extending rearward along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506); A cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500) comprising:

2. the first lateral outer end surface (322, 422) extends along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506) and the vertical direction (310, 410, 510); the first lateral outer end surface (322, 422) is disposed laterally adjacent to the mounting portion (302, 402, 502); the first lateral inner end surface (324, 424) extends along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506) and is disposed laterally adjacent to the working portion (311, 411, 511); The cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500) of claim 1, wherein the first transition surface (326, 426) extends laterally.

3. 2. The cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500) of claim 1, wherein the first transition surface (326, 426) is perpendicular to the assembly direction (306, 406, 506), the first outer lateral end surface (322, 422), and the first inner lateral end surface (324, 424).

4. the second lateral outer end surface (428, 528) extends along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506); the second lateral outer end surface (428, 528) is disposed laterally adjacent to the working portion (311, 411, 511); the second lateral inner end surface (430, 530) extends along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506) and the vertical direction (310, 410, 510) and is disposed laterally adjacent to the mounting portion (302, 402, 502); The cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500) of claim 1, wherein the second transition surface (432, 532) extends laterally.

5. the second transition surface (432) is perpendicular to the assembly direction (306, 406, 506), the second lateral outer end surface (428), and the second lateral inner end surface (430); the second transition surface (432) is spaced a predetermined distance (433) rearwardly from the first transition surface (426) along the assembly direction (306, 406, 506); 2. The cutting edge tip (300, 400, 500) of claim 1, wherein the first lateral end surface (416) has a shape that is at least partially complementary to the second lateral end surface (420).

6. 2. The cutting edge tip of claim 1, further comprising an overhanging shelf extending laterally from a shelf side disposed vertically above the first inner lateral end surface toward the mounting portion, the overhanging shelf defining a first lateral end slot bounded by a rear surface that is flush with or offset rearwardly from the second transition surface and a third inner lateral end surface that is offset laterally inward from the first inner lateral end surface.

7. A cutting edge tip (400), a mounting portion (402) defining an adapter receiving cavity (404), an assembly direction (406), a lateral direction (408) perpendicular to said assembly direction (406), and a vertical direction (410) perpendicular to said assembly direction (406) and said lateral direction (408); a working portion (411) extending forward from said mounting portion (402) along said assembly direction (406) and forming a front working edge (412); a first lateral end portion (414) disposed along the lateral direction and defining a first lateral end surface (416), the first lateral end surface (416) including a first transition surface (426); a second lateral end portion (418) disposed along the lateral direction opposite the first lateral end portion (414) and defining a second lateral end surface (420), the second lateral end surface (420) including a second transition surface (432) and further defining a bottom pocket (444) at least bounded by a third transition surface (448) extending laterally inward from a third lateral outer end surface (446) and a fourth transition surface (450) extending rearward along the assembly direction (406); A cutting edge tip (400) comprising:

8. The front working edge (412) a first working edge portion (454) extending laterally inward from said first lateral end face (416) at a first vertical level (456); a second working edge portion (458) extending from said first working edge portion (454) and located at a second vertical level (460) higher than said first vertical level (456); Including, 8. The cutting edge tip (400) of claim 7, wherein the first lateral end face (416) extends along the assembly direction (406) from the first working edge portion (454) to a transition axis (465) and extends from the transition axis (465) to a first rear tip (466) of the cutting edge tip at an oblique ramp angle (468) relative to the assembly direction (406).

9. the leading working edge (412) further includes a third working edge portion (462) extending from the second working edge portion (458) to the second lateral end face (420) and located at a third vertical level (464) higher than the second vertical level (460); 9. The cutting edge tip (400) of claim 8, wherein the second lateral end face (420) extends along the assembly direction (406) from the third working edge portion (462) to a different transition axis (470) and extends from the different transition axis (470) at the same oblique ramp angle (468) to a second trailing tip (472) of the cutting edge tip.

10. said first lateral end portion (414) including a socket (438); The front working edge (412) a first working edge portion (454) extending laterally inward from said first lateral end face (416) at a first vertical level (456); a second working edge portion (458) extending from said first working edge portion (454) and located at a second vertical level (460) higher than said first vertical level (456); a third working edge portion (462) extending from said second working edge portion (458) to said second lateral end face (420) and located at a third vertical level (464) higher than said second vertical level (460); the second lateral end portion (418) includes a tang (480) configured to fit within the socket, the socket including an upper fork portion (482) disposed at a fourth vertical level (484) higher than the third vertical level (464), a bottom fork portion (486) extending rearward from the first working edge portion (454) along the assembly direction (406), and a connecting portion (488) connecting the upper fork portion and the bottom fork portion; 8. The cutting edge tip (400) of claim 7, wherein said tang (480) is laterally spaced apart from said socket at said second vertical level (460).

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