Work tool assembly using an adapter, adapter cover, and notched base edge

Abstract

The plurality of central notches (702) of the base edge (700) and the first and second end notches (724, 724') each include different configurations including different end notch depths (725) along the assembly direction (714) that are greater than the central notch depth (725') along the assembly direction (714).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to work implement assemblies, such as bucket assemblies used in earthmoving, mining, construction machinery, etc. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to such assemblies employing a notched base edge and a tool adapter that mates with the base edge, and an adapter cover that protects at least a portion of the tool adapter. [Background technology]

[0002] Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies, including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, and the like, that have tines or tips attached to them to aid in working with materials such as mud, rock, sand, and the like. For example, tines or tips may be attached to the bucket assembly to aid in the bucket assembly penetrating the ground and to facilitate scooping soil into the bucket. Adapters are often attached to the working edges (e.g., base edges, side edges, and the like) of buckets or other work implements so that different styles of tines or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, by providing an adapter that mounts to the work implement, tips or tines may be easily interchanged when mounted.

[0003] Many such adapters are mechanically attached to the working edge of the work implement, however, current adapters do not always meet customer demands for longevity and durability.

[0004] Commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20200157780, 2020015779, 20200015778, 2020015777, 2020015776, and 20200157765 describe corner adapters, center adapters, corner adapter covers, center adapter covers, and notched base edges suitable for particular applications, such as buckets used in the civil engineering, mining, and construction industries.

[0005] However, other work applications require continued line breakage, such as more robust corner adapters and attachment to base edges of work implements such as buckets. Additionally, it is desirable for the adapter cover to be inexpensive to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A base edge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a working edge defining a lateral direction and an assembly direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, the body further defining a first lateral end and a second lateral end, a plurality of vertical attachment mechanism receiving apertures, a plurality of central notches extending from the working edge, and a first end notch disposed proximate the first lateral end and a second end notch disposed proximate the second lateral end, the first end notch and the second end notch may extend from the working edge, each of the plurality of central notches and the first end notch and the second end notch including a different configuration. The first and second end notches define a notch depth along an assembly direction, the first and second end notches further including a linear intermediate portion spanned laterally by the first and second arcuate corner portions, the linear intermediate portion defining a lateral linear intermediate portion width, and the notch depth is in the range of 0.5 x the lateral linear intermediate portion width to 1.25 x the lateral linear intermediate portion width.

[0007] A base edge according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a body including a working edge defining a lateral direction and an assembly direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, the body further defining a first lateral end and a second lateral end, a plurality of vertical attachment mechanism receiving apertures, a plurality of central notches extending from the working edge, and a first end notch disposed proximate the first lateral end and a second end notch disposed proximate the second lateral end, the first end notch and the second end notch may extend from the working edge, the plurality of central notches and each of the first end notch and the second end notch include different configurations including different end notch depths along the assembly direction that are greater than the central notch depth along the assembly direction.

[0008] A bucket assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes an enclosure defining an opening, a curved shell connecting a rear wall to a bottom plate, a top plate attached to the rear wall, a side edge assembly, and a front edge assembly attached to a front edge of the bottom plate, the front edge assembly including a base edge including a plurality of central notches extending from a working edge, a first end notch disposed proximate a first lateral edge, and a second end notch disposed proximate a second lateral edge, the first end notches and the second end notches extending from the working edge, the plurality of central notches and the first end notches and the second end notches each including a different configuration including a different end notch depth along an assembly direction that is greater than the central notch depth along an assembly direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement assembly, such as a bucket assembly, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, using components such as a center adapter, corner adapters, load sharing blocks, center adapter covers, corner adapter covers, center tips, corner tips, and notched base edges. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the central adapter attached to the notched base edge removed from the bucket assembly of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the central adapter and notched base edge of FIG. 2, illustrating how the central adapter fits into the central notch of the notched base edge. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the notched base edge of FIG. 3 with the central adapter removed to more clearly show the central notch. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the central adapter and notched base edge of FIG. 2 illustrating the clearance provided between the front of the notched base edge and the base edge receiving slot of the central adapter. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the central adapter of FIG. 2 removed from the notched base edge. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the central adapter of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the central adapter of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged side view of the nose portion of the central adapter of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of an example of a center adapter, center tip, center adapter cover, notched base edge, and load sharing block of the bucket assembly of FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a top cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the upper legs, vertical mounting mechanism, notched base edge and upper load sharing block of the central adapter of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 10 depicting an upper load sharing block that seats on the base edge and supports the central adapter. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the load sharing block of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the load sharing block of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view of the load sharing block of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the corner adapter of the bucket assembly of FIG. 1, removed from the bucket assembly for greater clarity. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the corner adapter of FIG. 16, more clearly depicting its upper fit pad (hereinafter referred to as the first angled portion). [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a top view of the corner adapter and chip cut away from FIG. 1 with the corner adapter cover omitted to more clearly show the geometry of the corner adapter. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the corner adapter, notched base edge, and corner stabilizer showing that the corner adapter is rigidly attached to the notched base edge. [Figure 20] 20 is a top cross-sectional view showing how a protrusion on a corner adapter fits into a corner or end notch on the notched base edge of FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a perspective view of a notched base edge including a corner stabilizer of the bucket assembly of FIG. 1 shown in isolation. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a top view of the notched base edge of FIG. 21, more clearly showing the corner stabilizers and the corner or end notches. [Figure 23] 23 is a side cross-sectional view showing the end notch and the corner stabilizer of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a top view of the notched base edge of FIG. 21 with the corner stabilizers removed. [Diagram 25] 25 is an enlarged top view of the end notch of the notched base edge of FIG. 24. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a side view of an example of the central adapter, central tip, notched base edge and central adapter cover of FIG. 1 illustrating the flow of material on the central adapter cover, which helps protect the upper legs of the central adapter from wear. [Figure 27] 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the central adapter, central tip, central adapter cover, and notched base edge of FIG. 26. FIG. [Figure 28] 28 is a top view of the central adapter, central tip, central adapter cover, and notched base edge of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29] 29 is a front perspective view of the central adapter cover of FIG. 26. FIG. [Diagram 30] 30 is a rear view of the center adapter cover of FIG. 29. FIG. [Diagram 31] 31 is a front view of the central adapter cover of FIG. 29. FIG. [Diagram 32] 32 is a perspective view of an example corner tip, corner adapter cover, corner adapter, side edge, horizontal attachment mechanism, and notched base edge of the bucket assembly of FIG. 1 , removed from the bucket assembly. [Diagram 33] 33 is a side view of the corner tip, corner adapter cover, corner adapter, side edge, horizontal attachment mechanism, and notched base edge of FIG. 32. FIG. [Diagram 34] 34 is a top close-up view of the corner tip, side edge, corner adapter cover, corner adapter, and notched base edge of FIG. 33. FIG. [Diagram 35] 35 is a front perspective view of the corner adapter cover of FIG. 32. FIG. [Diagram 36] 36 is a rear view of the corner adapter cover of FIG. 35. FIG. [Figure 37] 37 is a front view of the corner adapter cover of FIG. 35. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In some instances, a reference number is shown herein and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter, e.g., 100a, 100b, or a prime indicator, e.g., 100', 100''. It should be understood that the use of a letter or prime immediately following a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar functions, as is often the case when geometry is mirrored around a plane of symmetry. For ease of description herein, letters and primes are often not included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate overlap of features discussed within this specification.

[0011] Next, a work implement assembly using a center adapter, a corner adapter, a load sharing block, a center adapter cover, a corner adapter cover, and a notched base edge according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] Starting from FIG. 1, the work implement assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100' including an enclosure 101 defining an opening 102 communicating with a generally enclosed interior. As shown in FIG. 1, starting from the rear of the bucket assembly 100, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell profile 104 attached to a rear wall 106 at the upper end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to a bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the upper end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to a spill guard 112 designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 attached to the top plate 110 and the spill guard 112 are provided to provide strength reinforcement. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the spill guard 112, the top plate 110, the rear wall 106, the bottom plate 108 and the shell 104.

[0013] A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114, while a front edge assembly 116 is attached to a leading edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 700, a plurality of central adapters 200 attached to the base edge 700, a plurality of tools 118, each one of the plurality of tools 118 attached to one of the plurality of central adapters 200, and a plurality of central adapter covers 900', one of the plurality of central adapter covers 900' interposed between one of the plurality of central adapters 200 and one of the plurality of tools 118. Two corner adapters 1100 are also attached to the base edge 700 and the side edge 120 of the bucket assembly 100'. A single corner adapter cover 1000, 1000' is inserted between each one of the corner adapters 1100 and the tool 118. A plurality of base edge protectors 122 are provided, each positioned between the central adapters 200 and between the central adapters 200 and the corner adapters 1100. Also provided are side edge protectors 124 attached to the side edges 120 adjacent the corner adapters 1100 and the corner adapter covers 1000′.

[0014] It should be understood that the work implement assembly can take forms other than a bucket assembly, including a rake assembly, a shear assembly, etc. Also, any of the adapter, center adapter, corner adapter, adapter cover, corner adapter cover, center adapter cover, load sharing block, and base edge embodiments described in more detail below may be used with any suitable work implement assembly, including that illustrated in FIG.

[0015] 2-12, a central adapter 200 that may be used to attach a tool 118 to a work implement assembly 100 (see FIG. 10) using an attachment mechanism 126 (see FIG. 11) will be described in more detail. The central adapter 200 comprises a body 202 that may include a nose portion 204 configured to facilitate attachment of the tool 118. The body 202 may further include a first leg 206 including a first leg side 208, a second leg 210 including a second leg side 212, and a throat portion 214 connecting the legs 206, 210 and the nose portion 204. At least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 defines an aperture 215 configured to receive the attachment mechanism 126 (see FIG. 11).

[0016] 2, 6, 7, 10, and 12, the body 202 may define a pocket 216 that defines an abutment surface 218. The pocket 216 may be disposed on the first leg side 208 or the second leg side 212, and the pocket 216 may define a pocket height H216, a pocket width W216 (see FIG. 2), and a pocket depth D216 (see FIG. 11).

[0017] 2, 6, 7 and 10, the first and second legs 206, 208 and the throat portion 214 define a slot 220 including a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 may define an assembly direction 226 to the work implement assembly 100a. The first leg 206 may include an angled portion 228 disposed adjacent the closed end 222 along the assembly direction 226. The angled portion 228 forms a first oblique angle 230 with the assembly direction 226 to partially define the slot 220 (see FIG. 5). The angled portion 228 defines an angled portion surface normal 231 directed downward and along the assembly direction 226. The first oblique angle 230 may be in the range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees. Thus, the slot 220 may be configured to accommodate a chamfered or beveled base edge. Other configurations of slots are possible in other embodiments, such as those forming different angles or configured to correspond to a square base edge.

[0018] 7, the pocket 216 may be configured with an opening facing 232 toward the assembly direction 226. The pocket 216 may include a bottom pocket face 234 that faces in a direction 235 that is not parallel to the assembly direction 226 (e.g., substantially perpendicular). Thus, an overhanging ledge 236 is provided that may protect the load sharing block 400 from wear as material passes through the central adapter 200. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments.

[0019] 7, 11, and 12, it can be seen that the abutment surface 218 is configured to mate with the load sharing block 400 and can take the form of an arcuate surface 246. Focusing on FIG. 11, the arcuate surface 246 can include an ellipsoidal surface 248 that defines a minor axis 250 in the range of 60 mm to 100 mm and a major axis 252 in the range of 100 mm to 130 mm. The major axis can be aligned with the assembly direction. In some embodiments, the arcuate surface 246 is divided into a number of different component surfaces. For example, the arcuate surface 246 can also include a radial surface 254 that defines a radius of curvature 256 in the range of 50 mm to 200 mm. The radial surface 246 can be disposed between the first leg side 208 and the ellipsoidal surface 248. The interface with the load sharing block 400 can create a wedge effect (represented by the dotted line in FIG. 11) as the central adapter 200 is pushed towards the base edge 700. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments.

[0020] 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10, the slot 220 may define a lateral direction 238 perpendicular to the assembly direction 226. The throat portion 214 may further include a first throat side 240 disposed along the lateral direction 230 and a second throat side 242 disposed opposite the throat portion 214 along the lateral direction 238. The throat portion 214 may further include a protrusion 244 disposed at the closed end 222 of the slot 220. The protrusion 244 may extend along the lateral direction 238 adjacent the first throat side 240 and adjacent the second throat side 242 along the assembly direction 226.

[0021] 3, the protrusion 244 may define a protrusion height H244 along the assembly direction 226 and may include a flat intermediate portion 258 that is spanned laterally by a first arcuate portion 260 and a second arcuate portion 262. The flat intermediate portion 258 may define a lateral width W258. The protrusion height H244 may range from 0.1×lateral width W258 to 0.5×lateral width W258. The protrusion 244 may be configured to be complementary (e.g., designed line-to-line) with a corresponding central notch 702 of the base edge 700. Other configurations are possible.

[0022] The first arcuate portion 260 may define a midpoint 264 and a midpoint tangent 266 that forms a first obtuse angle 268 with the flat intermediate portion 258 in a range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). The first arcuate portion 260 may also define an end point 270 and an end tangent 272 that forms a second obtuse angle 274 with the midpoint tangent 266 in a range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). Other configurations are also possible. The angled portions or protrusions may also be configured to maximize the contact area with the base edge, which may help ensure stability of the adapter.

[0023] An adapter 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described, which may take the form of a center adapter, as shown in Figures 2-12, or a corner adapter, etc. With reference to Figures 2, 6, 7, and 8, the adapter 300 may comprise a body 202 including a nose portion 204 configured to facilitate attachment of the tool 118, a first leg 206 including a first leg side 208, a second leg 210 including a second leg side 212, and a throat portion 214 connecting the legs 206, 210, and the nose portion 204. At least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 may define an aperture 215 configured to receive the attachment mechanism 126.

[0024] The body 202 may also define a pocket 216 that defines an abutment surface 218. The pocket 216 may be located on at least one side 208, 212 of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210. The pocket 216 may be configured as previously described herein.

[0025] The first and second legs 206, 210 and the throat portion 214 may define a slot 220 including a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 may define an assembly direction 226 into the work tool assembly 100a, a lateral direction 238 perpendicular to the assembly direction 226, and a vertical direction 302 perpendicular to the assembly direction 226 and the lateral direction 238. The throat portion 214 may further include a first throat side 304 disposed along the lateral direction 238 and a second throat side 306 disposed opposite the throat portion 214 along the lateral direction 238. The first throat side 304 may define a first adapter cover receiving recess 308 including a first vertical surface 310. A first key 312 may extend laterally from the first vertical surface 310. The first key 312 may provide stability and support for the adapter cover being inserted into the adapter.

[0026] Similarly, the second throat side 306 may define a second adapter cover receiving recess 314 that includes a second vertical surface 316. A second key 318 may extend laterally from the second vertical surface 318.

[0027] Body 202 may include a top surface 320 that may extend from nose portion 204, over throat portion 214, to first leg 206. Throat portion 214 may further include a first sidewall 322 extending from first throat side 304 and partially defining first adapter cover receiving recess 308. First key 312 may be spaced from first sidewall 322 and may be spaced from top surface 320.

[0028] 6, the first sidewall 322 may include a front lead-out portion 324 disposed proximate the nose portion 204 along the assembly direction 226. The front lead-out portion 324 may form an acute lead-out angle 326 with the assembly direction 226 in the range of 15 degrees to 30 degrees. The first sidewall 322 also includes a rear abutment portion 328 disposed along the assembly direction 226, and a transition portion 330 connecting the rear abutment portion 328 with the front lead-out portion 324. The rear abutment portion 328 includes a rear abutment vertical surface 332. The transition portion 330 may include a serpentine shape. Other configurations for these various features are possible in other embodiments.

[0029] First key 312 may include a first key top surface 334 and a first key bottom surface 336. First key top surface 334 and first key bottom surface 336 may be tapered along assembly direction 226 configured to facilitate attachment of an adapter cover to adapter 200 (e.g., central adapter cover 900).

[0030] 1-5, a work tool assembly 100 will now be described. The work tool assembly 100a may be comprised of a notched base edge 700a defining a central notch 702, and a central adapter 200 configured to attach to the notched base edge 700a. The central adapter 200 has a body 202 including a nose portion 204 configured to facilitate attachment of a tool 118 using an attachment mechanism 126a, such as that sold under the trademark CAPSURE, sold by the assignee of the present application. The attachment mechanism 126a may be used to attach the tool 118 to a lug 276 located on the nose portion 204.

[0031] The body 202 also has a first leg 206 including a first leg side, a second leg 210 including a second leg side 212, and a throat portion 214 connecting the legs 206, 210 and the nose portion 204. At least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 defines an aperture 215 configured to receive the attachment mechanism 126.

[0032] The first and second legs 206, 210 and the throat portion 214 define a slot 220 including a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 may define an assembly direction 226 into the work implement assembly 100a and a lateral direction 238 perpendicular to the assembly direction 226. The throat portion 214 further includes a first throat side 240 disposed along the lateral direction 238 and a second throat side 242 disposed opposite the throat portion 214 along the lateral direction 238. The throat portion 214 further includes a protrusion 244 disposed at the closed end 222 of the slot 220. The protrusion 244 may extend along the lateral direction 238 adjacent the first throat side 240 and adjacent the second throat side 242 along the assembly direction 226.

[0033] 3, the protrusion 244 can define a protrusion height H244 along the assembly direction 226. The protrusion 244 can have a flat intermediate portion 258 that is spanned laterally by a first arcuate portion 260 and a second arcuate portion 262. The flat intermediate portion 258 can also define a lateral width W258. The protrusion height H244 can be in the range of 0.1×lateral width W258 to 0.5×lateral width W258.

[0034] The first arcuate portion 260 defines a midpoint 264 and a midpoint tangent 266 that forms a first obtuse angle 268 with the flat intermediate portion 258 in a range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). Similarly, the first arcuate portion 260 may also define an end point 270 and an end tangent 272 that forms a second obtuse angle 274 with the midpoint tangent 266 in a range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). The central notch 702 of the notched base edge 700a is configured complementary to and contacts (e.g., designed line-to-line) the protrusion 244.

[0035] 4 and 5, the notched base edge 700a may include a front portion 704 including an upper bevel surface 706. The first leg 206 includes an angled portion 228 disposed adjacent the closed end 222 along the assembly direction 226. The angled portion 228 forms a first oblique angle 230 with the assembly direction 226 and partially defines the slot 220. The first oblique angle 230 may range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. The angled portion 228 may contact the upper bevel surface 706. The adapter to base edge interface provides maximum contact area to reduce adapter stress in vertical loads, and the arcuate portion may reduce base edge stress. The components may be designed "pre-sheet" or line-to-line, which may help provide adapter support during loading by helping to distribute loads.

[0036] 11 and 12, the work implement assembly 100a may also have a load sharing block 400 attached to a notched base edge 700a having an arcuate reinforcing surface 402. The work implement assembly 100a may also have a vertical mounting mechanism 126' disposed in the aperture 215 of at least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210.

[0037] The body 202 of the central adapter 200 defines a pocket 216 disposed on the first leg side 208 that is configured complementarily with the arcuate stiffening surface 202 and defines an abutment surface 218 (e.g., designed line-to-line) that contacts the arcuate stiffening surface 402. The load sharing block 400 may be laterally spaced apart from the first leg side 208 a predetermined distance 128 laterally.

[0038] Various embodiments of the load sharing block 400 described hereinabove, and their associated features, will now be described in further detail with reference to Figures 13-15. The load sharing block 400 may comprise a body 404 including a flat outer surface 406 defining a first end 408 and a second end 410. There is a first arcuate outer portion 412 extending from the first end 408 of the flat outer surface 406, and a second arcuate outer portion 414 extending from the second end 410 of the flat outer surface 406. The first arcuate outer portion 412 terminates at a first free end 416 and includes a first elliptical outer surface 418 extending from the first free end 416.

[0039] 15, the first arcuate outer portion 412 may further include a first radial surface 420 disposed between the first elliptical outer surface 418 and the flat outer surface 406. The first elliptical outer surface 418 may define a minor axis 422 in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm and a major axis 424 in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm. The first radial surface 420 may define a radius of curvature 426 in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0040] The body 404 may further include a flat inner surface 428 of a predetermined thickness 430 offset inwardly from the flat outer surface 406. Similarly, the first arcuate inner portion 432 may be offset inwardly from the first arcuate outer portion 412 by the same predetermined thickness 430.

[0041] The body 404 may also define a vertical direction 434 (see also FIG. 13 ) perpendicular to the predetermined thickness 430, and a height 436 measured along the vertical direction 434. The height 436 may range from 1.5×the predetermined thickness 430 to 3.0×the predetermined thickness 430.

[0042] Additionally, the body 404 may define a midpoint 438 of the flat outer surface 406 and a plane of symmetry 440 passing through the midpoint 438. The body 404 may also include a top surface 442 disposed along the vertical direction 434 and forming a right angle 444 with the flat outer surface 406 and the first elliptical outer surface 418. The body 404 may further include a bottom surface 446 and a bevel surface 448 extending from the bottom surface 446 to the first arcuate inner portion 432 and the flat inner surface 428. The bevel surface 448 may form an oblique bevel angle 450 with the base surface 446 at the first free end 416 in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0043] The bevel feature allows a weld bead to be used to attach the load sharing block to the base edge, while the symmetry of the load sharing block allows it to be used on the opposite side of the adapter. The configuration of these various features of the load sharing block may be modified differently or omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Another embodiment of a load sharing block 400 will now be described with continued reference to Figures 13-15. Such a load sharing block 400 may comprise a body 404 including a flat outer surface 406 defining a first end 408 and a second end 410, a first arcuate outer portion 412 extending from the first end 408 of the flat outer surface 406, and a second arcuate outer portion 414 extending from the second end 410 of the flat outer surface 406.

[0045] 15, the flat inner surface 428 may be offset inwardly from the flat outer surface 406 by a predetermined thickness 430. The first arcuate inner portion 432 may be offset inwardly from the first arcuate outer portion 412 by the same predetermined thickness 430. And, the second arcuate inner portion 432' may be offset inwardly from the second arcuate outer portion 414 by the same predetermined thickness 430.

[0046] The first arcuate outer portion 412 may terminate at a first free end 416 and may include a first elliptical outer surface 418 extending from the first free end 416 to the flat outer surface 406. The second arcuate outer portion 414 may terminate at a second free end 416' and may include a second elliptical outer surface 418' extending from the second free end 416' toward the flat outer surface 406.

[0047] The first arcuate outer portion 412 may further include a first radial surface 420 disposed between the first elliptical outer surface 418 and the flat outer surface 406. The second arcuate outer portion 414 may further include a second radial surface 420' disposed between the second elliptical outer surface 418' and the flat outer surface 406.

[0048] The second elliptical outer surface 418' may be configured symmetrically with respect to the first elliptical outer surface 418, and both the first elliptical outer surface 418 and the second elliptical outer surface 418' may define a minor axis 422 in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm and a major axis 424 in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm. The second radial surface 420' may be configured symmetrically with respect to the first radial surface 420, and both the first radial surface 420 and the second radial surface 420' may define a radius of curvature 426 in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0049] The body 404 may also define a vertical direction 434 perpendicular to the predetermined thickness 430, and a height 436 measured along the vertical direction 434. The height 436 may range from 1.5 times the predetermined thickness 430 to 3.0 times the predetermined thickness 430.

[0050] The body 404 may include a top surface 442 disposed along a vertical direction 434 and forming a perpendicular angle 444 with the flat outer surface 406 and the first elliptical outer surface 418. The body 404 may further include a bottom surface 446 and a beveled surface 448 leading from the bottom surface 446 to the first arcuate inner portion 432 and the flat inner surface 428.

[0051] 2, 6, 7, 10, and 11, a work implement assembly 100 utilizing a load sharing block 400 and a central adapter 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be characterized as follows. Work implement assembly 100b may include a base edge 700 and a central adapter 200 configured to attach to base edge 700. Central adapter 200 may include a body 202 having a nose portion 204 configured to facilitate attachment of a tool 118, a first leg 206 including a pair of first leg opposing sides 208', a second leg 210 including a pair of second leg opposing sides 210', and a throat portion 214 connecting legs 206, 210 and nose portion 204.

[0052] At least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 may define an aperture 215 configured to receive the attachment mechanism 126. The body 202 may define a first upper pocket 216a defining a first upper pocket arcuate abutment surface 218a disposed adjacent one of the pair of first leg opposing sides 208'. The first and second legs 206, 208 and the throat portion 214 may define a slot 220 including a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 defines an assembly direction 226 into the work implement assembly 100, a lateral direction 238 perpendicular to the assembly direction 226, and a vertical direction 302 perpendicular to the lateral direction 238 and the assembly direction 226. The work implement assembly 100b may also include a first load sharing block 400a including a first arcuate reinforcement surface 402a that engages the first upper pocket arcuate abutment surface 218a.

[0053] Similarly, the body 202 further includes a second upper pocket 216b defining a second upper pocket arcuate abutment surface 218b disposed adjacent the other of the pair of first leg facing sides 208'. The work implement assembly 100b may also have a second load sharing block 400b that also includes a second arcuate reinforcement surface 402b that engages the second upper pocket arcuate abutment surface 218b.

[0054] 11 , the first and second load sharing blocks 400a, 400b are configured to create a wedge-shaped profile 278 for the retracted central adapter 200 and provide support for lateral and vertical loads. Additionally, the first load sharing block 400a may be spaced laterally from one of the pair of first leg opposing sides 208, and the second load sharing block 400b may be spaced laterally from the other of the pair of first leg opposing sides 208′.

[0055] The work implement assembly 100 may also include a vertical attachment mechanism 126' disposed in the aperture 215 of at least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210. The first arcuate stiffening surface 402 may be comprised of an ellipsoidal surface 418a and a radial surface 420.

[0056] The ellipsoidal surface 418a may define a minor axis 422 in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm and a major axis 424 in the range of 70 mm to 100 mm. The radial surface 420 may define a radius of curvature 426 in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0057] The shapes and features of the load-sharing block 400 described above have the following functions: An oval-shaped load-sharing block profile may maximize the contact area and reduce the risk of the load-sharing block material mushrooming, which may cause interference between the load-sharing block and the adapter, making it more difficult to install or remove the load-sharing block. An arc-shaped load-sharing block profile may match the adapter profile in some embodiments. A gap between the load-sharing block and the adapter may help prevent interference when installing or removing the load-sharing block from the adapter. Any of these features may be omitted or present in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] A corner adapter 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 16-20 and 32-34. The corner adapter 500 may be configured to allow attachment of a tool 118 to a work implement assembly 100 using an attachment mechanism 126. Turning to Figure 16, the corner adapter 500 may include a body 502 defining a vertical direction 504 and a horizontal direction 506. The body 502 may include a nose portion 508 configured to facilitate attachment of the tool 118 (e.g., via a lug 510 for use with an attachment mechanism 126a such as that sold under the trademark CAPSURE E by the assignee of the present invention; see Figures 32 and 33).

[0059] 16-18, the body 502 may also have a first bifurcated leg 512 including a pair of first leg sides 514. The first bifurcated leg 512 may define a vertical slot 516 that divides the first bifurcated leg 512 into a first bifurcated portion 518 and a second bifurcated portion 520. The body 502 may have a second leg 522 including a pair of second leg sides 524, a throat portion 526 connecting the legs 512, 522 and the nose portion 508. At least one of the first bifurcated portion 518 and the second bifurcated portion 520 defines an aperture 528 configured to receive an attachment mechanism 126 (e.g., the attachment mechanism 126 may take the form of a horizontal attachment mechanism 126''; see FIGS. 18, 29, and 30).

[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 16 , the first and second legs 512, 522, and the throat portion 526 define a horizontal slot 530 including a closed end 532 and an open end 534. The horizontal slot 530 may define an assembly direction 536 toward the work implement assembly 100. The first bifurcated leg 512 may include a first angled portion 538 disposed in the vertical slot 516. The first angled portion 538 may form a first acute angle 540 (see also FIG. 19 ) with the assembly direction 536 in a range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees (e.g., about 30 degrees). The first angled portion 538 may define a first angled portion surface normal 550 that faces upward and toward the assembly direction 536. In other words, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first acute angle 540 faces toward the assembly direction 536.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 17, the horizontal slot 530 defines a lateral direction 542 perpendicular to the assembly direction 536. The throat portion 526 further includes a first throat side 544 (see FIG. 18) disposed along the lateral direction 542 and a second throat side 546 disposed opposite the throat portion 526 along the lateral direction 542. The throat portion 526 further includes a protrusion 548 (see FIG. 16) disposed at the closed end 532 of the horizontal slot 530. The protrusion 548 extends along the lateral direction 542 adjacent the first throat side 544 and adjacent the second throat side 546 along the assembly direction 536. First bifurcated leg 512 may define a key receiving slot 547 disposed forward of aperture 528 along horizontal direction 506, with key receiving slot 547 disposed on at least one of the pair of first leg sides 514 and defining an open end 549 along horizontal direction 506 toward nose portion 508 (e.g., in a direction opposite assembly direction 536). Key receiving slot 547 may also be disposed at least partially vertically above horizontal slot 530 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] The horizontal slot 530 also defines a strap gap vertical height 531, and the projection 548 includes a flat intermediate portion 554 laterally spanned by a first arcuate portion 556 and a second arcuate portion 558 (see also FIG. 20). The flat intermediate portion 554 may also define a lateral intermediate portion width 560, and a lateral intermediate portion vertical height 561 (see FIG. 16). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral intermediate portion vertical height 561 is in the range of 0.7 to 0.75 times the strap gap vertical height 531. The horizontal slot 530 may define an upper clearance portion 533, and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a minimum thickness 535 of the throat portion 526, measured in a plane including the horizontal and vertical directions (e.g., the overhead view of FIG. 16), is in the range of 1.6 to 1.9 times the strap gap vertical height 531.

[0063] In FIG. 20, the first arcuate portion 556 can define a midpoint 562 and a midpoint tangent 564 that forms a first obtuse angle 566 with the flat intermediate portion 554 in the range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). Similarly, the first arcuate portion 556 can also define an end point 568 and an end tangent 570 that forms a second obtuse angle 572 with the midpoint tangent 564 in the range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). In this manner, the structure shown in FIG. 20 differs from the structure of FIG. 3. Other configurations of the features of FIGS. 3 and 20 are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure, beyond those expressly shown and described herein.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 16, at least one of the first branch portion 518 and the second branch portion 520 may include a lifting strap 521 extending vertically upward from either or both of the branch portions. As previously mentioned herein, one of the pair of first leg sides 514 may define a first key receiving slot 547 disposed proximate the nose portion 508 and extending along the assembly direction 536 and defining an open end 549 terminating at a rear abutment surface 578. Also provided are a top flared wall 580 and a bottom flared wall 582 that partially define the first key receiving slot 547. The top flared wall 580 and the bottom flared wall 582 are configured to facilitate installation of the corner adapter cover 1000 (see FIGS. 32-34).

[0065] 18, the body 502 may define a vertical plane of symmetry 586. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] An adaptor 500 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 16 to 20. It is noted that the adaptor 500 may take the form of a center adaptor or a corner adaptor.

[0067] 16, the adapter 500 may be configured as described herein with the following features: The first and second legs (e.g., 512, 522) and throat portion 526 may include upper and lower surfaces 602, 604 that at least partially define a slot (e.g., 530) including a closed end 532 and an open end 534. The slot may define an assembly direction 536 to the work instrument, a lateral direction 542 perpendicular to the assembly direction 536, and a vertical direction 504 perpendicular to the assembly direction 536 and the lateral direction 542. The slot may define a projection 548 at the closed end 532 of the slot that includes a first arcuate portion 556 and a flat intermediate portion 554 laterally straddled by a second arcuate portion 558. The flat intermediate portion 554 can define a lateral intermediate portion width 560 (see FIG. 20) and a protrusion projection distance 606 measured along the assembly direction from the closed end 532 of the slot to the flat intermediate portion 554, where the protrusion projection distance 606 can be in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 times the lateral intermediate portion width 560.

[0068] Additionally, the body 502 defines an arcuate boundary surface 626 that extends from the closed end 532 to at least one of the upper surface 602 and the lower surface 604 (see FIG. 16 ). The upper surface 602 may be a horizontal surface 628 and the lower surface 604 may be a horizontal surface 630. In other embodiments, this may not be the case.

[0069] 16, the slot may define a bottom clearance portion 636 proximate the closed end. This portion 636 may define a bottom clearance portion vertical height 538 measured from the lower surface 604 to the bottom end of the bottom clearance portion 636. The bottom clearance portion vertical height 638 may be in the range of 0.1 to 0.15 times the mid-portion vertical height 561 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] 18, 19 and 32-34, a work tool assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. As best seen in FIG. 19, the work tool assembly 100 may include a base edge 700 and a corner adapter 500 attached to the base edge 700 so as to contact the base edge 700. The corner adapter 500 may include a body 502 defining a vertical direction 504, a horizontal direction 506, and a vertical plane 586 (see FIG. 18) passing through the body 502. The body 502 may have a nose portion 508 configured to facilitate attachment of a tool 118.

[0071] A base edge 700 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 21-25. The base edge 700 may have a body 708 including a working edge 710 defining a lateral direction 712 and an assembly direction 714 perpendicular to the lateral direction 712 (so named because this is the direction in which an adapter or tool is attached to the base edge). The body 708 may further define a first lateral end 716, a second lateral end 718, a plurality of vertical attachment mechanism receiving apertures 720, a plurality of central notches 702 (so named because the central notches are spaced apart from the lateral ends) extending from the working edge 710, a first end notch 724 disposed proximate the first lateral end 716, and a second end notch 724' disposed proximate the second lateral end 718. The first end notch 724 and the second end notch 724' may extend from the working edge 710.

[0072] Each of the plurality of central notches 702 and the first and second end notches 724, 724' may include different configurations. For example, the first and second end notches 724, 724' may define a notch depth 725 (see FIG. 25) along the assembly direction 714 that is greater than the corresponding dimension of the central notch 702. That is, the end notch depth 725 may be greater than the central notch depth 725' (see FIG. 24). Each of the plurality of central notches 702 and the first and second end notches 724, 724' may further include a linear intermediate portion 726 that is laterally spanned by a first arcuate corner portion 728 and a second arcuate corner portion 728' (see FIGS. 21 and 25). In FIG. 25, the straight intermediate portion 726 may define a lateral straight intermediate portion width W726, and the notch depth 725 of the end notch may be in the range of 0.5×lateral straight intermediate portion width W726 to 1.25×lateral straight intermediate portion width W726.

[0073] The first arcuate corner portion 728 may define an arcuate midpoint 732 and an arcuate midpoint tangent 734 that form a first angle 736 with the straight intermediate portion 726 in a range between 100 degrees and 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees). The first arcuate corner portion 728 may also define an arcuate end point 738 and an arcuate end point tangent 740 that forms a second angle 742 with the arcuate midpoint tangent 734 in a range between 100 degrees and 160 degrees (e.g., about 130 degrees).

[0074] 21 and 24, the body may also include a chamfered surface 706'' extending from the working edge 710 that at least partially bounds each of the plurality of central notches 722 and each of the first and second end notches 724, 724'.

[0075] Further, the working edge 710 may be divided into a plurality of zones 744 disposed along the lateral direction 712 and offset from one another along the assembly direction 714. The plurality of zones 744 may include a central zone 744a that includes three of the plurality of central notches 722 linearly aligned in the lateral direction.

[0076] The plurality of zones 744 may also include a first end zone 744b including a first end notch 724 spaced from the first lateral end by a first end distance 746 that may range from 20 mm to 60 mm (see FIG. 25). The plurality of zones 744 may also include a first intermediate zone 744c laterally disposed between the central zone 744a and the first end zone 744b, and a second intermediate zone 744d laterally disposed between the first central zone 744c and the first end zone 744b. The first intermediate zone 744c may be offset by a first offset distance 748 along the assembly direction 714, and the second intermediate zone 744d may be offset by a second offset distance 750 from the central zone 744a. The first end zone 744b may be offset by a third offset distance 752 from the central zone 744a. The third offset distance 752 may be greater than the second offset distance 750, which may be greater than the first offset distance 748. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] Further, the plurality of zones 744 includes a plurality of angled zones 744e. One of the plurality of angled zones 744e can be disposed between the central zone 744a and the first intermediate zone 744c. Another of the plurality of angled zones 744e can be disposed between the first intermediate zone 744c and the second intermediate zone 744d. A third of the plurality of angled zones 744e can be disposed between the second intermediate zone 744d and the first end zone 744b. The central zone 744a can define a central zone midpoint 754, and the body 708 can define a plane of symmetry 756 (see FIG. 24 ) that passes through the central zone midpoint 754. In other embodiments, this may not be the basis.

[0078] 24, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the linear intermediate portion 726 of the first and second end notches 724, 724', the first arcuate corner portion 728 of the first and second end notches 724, 724', and the second arcuate corner portion 728' of the first and second end notches 724, 724' may have the same configuration as the linear intermediate portion 726 of the central notch 702, the first arcuate portion 728 of the central notch 702, and the second arcuate portion 728' of the central notch 702. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the central zone 744a may include three of the multiple central notches 702 that are laterally linearly aligned with one another, while other zones may have only one central notch 702. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] In FIG. 19, a work implement assembly 100, such as a bucket assembly 100', can employ a base edge 700 similar to that just described. More specifically, the work implement assembly 100 can be constructed with a notched base edge 700a (see FIG. 20) defining a notch 701, and a corner stabilizer 140 that overhangs the first and / or second end notches (see also FIGS. 21-23). ​​This corner stabilizer 140 can engage a first angled portion 538 of the corner adapter 500, as shown in FIG. 19, such that the corner stabilizer helps prevent the corner adapter from lifting vertically during excavation operations, etc.

[0080] 29-31 and 35-37, various embodiments of the adapter cover 900, which can take the form of a center adapter cover 900' or a corner adapter cover, will now be discussed in detail.

[0081] 29-31, adapter cover 900 can include a shell body 902 including an exterior surface 904 and an interior surface 906. As best seen in FIG 31, shell body 902 can define a vertical direction 908, a horizontal direction 910, and a vertical plane 912. Vertical plane 912 can define a plane of symmetry 912' relative to adapter cover 900, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0082] With continued reference to Figures 29-31, the shell body 902 may further include a front portion 914 defining a through hole 916 configured to allow the nose portion 804 of the adapter 800 to pass horizontally through the through hole 916, through the inner surface 906, and through the outer surface 904.

[0083] Shell body 902 also has a single upper leg 918 extending horizontally from front surface 914 and defining an adapter key receiving recess 920 on inner surface 906, with upper leg side portions 922 defining a concave arcuate portion 924 extending rearwardly from front surface 914 and a convex arcuate portion 926 extending horizontally from concave arcuate portion 924 and terminating at a vertical rear surface 928. Adapter key receiving recess 920 extends to vertical rear surface 928 and may define a vertical opening dimension 929 in the range of 15 mm to 35 mm, and a horizontal recess depth 930 in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm (see FIG. 30).

[0084] 31 , the through hole 916 may define a partial trapezoidal perimeter 936 having a bottom vertical open end 938 that defines a bottom lateral opening dimension 940, and a top vertical closed end 942 that defines a top closed end lateral dimension 944 that is greater than the bottom lateral opening dimension 940. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] Additionally, the tool adaptor lifting strap receiving notch 946 may extend horizontally through the vertical rear face 928 and vertically through the single upper leg 918. Additionally, a lifting strap 948 may be positioned horizontally in front of the tool adaptor lifting strap receiving notch 946 extending vertically upward from the single upper leg 918.

[0086] FIG. 30 shows that the single upper leg 918 terminates in a U-shaped portion 964 along a horizontal direction (or plane) and may further include a chamfer 966 extending horizontally from the rear U-shaped portion 964 toward the front portion 914.

[0087] Any of the immediately preceding features or dimensions may be configured differently or may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] 26-28, another embodiment of an adapter cover 900 is also described. The adapter cover 900 may include a shell body 902 including an exterior surface 904 and an interior surface 906. The shell body 902 may also define a vertical direction 908, a horizontal direction 910, and a vertical plane 912 (which may take the shape of a plane of symmetry 912').

[0089] The shell body 902 may also have an upper leg 918 extending horizontally from the front portion 914, and a bottom leg 932 extending horizontally from the front portion 914. The upper leg 918 may define an adapter key receiving recess 920 on the inner surface 906, and an upper leg side 922 defining a concave arcuate portion 924 extending rearwardly from the front portion 914. A convex arcuate portion 926 may extend horizontally from the concave arcuate portion 924 and terminate in a vertical rear surface 924. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figures 26-28 show a work tool assembly 100 that may use a central adapter cover 900' as shown in Figures 29-31. The work tool assembly 100 may include a base edge 700 and a central adapter 200 attached to the base edge 700.

[0091] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the central adapter 200 can include a body 202 (shown in FIGS. 26-28) having a nose portion 204 configured to facilitate attachment of the tool 118, a first leg 206 including a pair of first leg opposing sides 208', a second leg 210 including a pair of second leg opposing sides 210', and a throat portion 214 connecting the legs 206, 210 and the nose portion 204.

[0092] 6 and 7, at least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 defines an aperture 215 configured to receive the attachment mechanism 126. The body 202 may define a first upper pocket 216a defining a first upper pocket arcuate abutment surface 218a disposed adjacent one of the pair of first leg opposing sides 208'. The first and second legs 206, 210 and the throat portion 214 may also define a slot 220 including a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 may define an assembly direction 226 toward the work implement assembly 100e. The body 202 may define an upper central adapter cover receiving recess 308'.

[0093] 26-28, the work implement assembly 100 may further include a central adaptor cover 900' including a shell body 902 having an outer surface 904 and an inner surface 906. The shell body 902 may also define a vertical direction 908, a horizontal direction 910, and a vertical plane 912 (which may be a plane of symmetry 912'). The shell body may have a front portion 914 defining a through hole 916 configured to allow the nose portion 204 of the central adaptor 200 to pass through the inner surface 906, through the outer surface 904, and pass horizontally through the through hole 916. Additionally, a top leg 918 may extend horizontally from the front portion 914, and a bottom leg 932 may also extend horizontally from the front portion 914.

[0094] The central adapter cover 900' may be sandwiched between the tool 118 and the central adapter 200. The upper legs 918 of the central adapter cover 900' may be at least partially seated in the upper central adapter cover receiving recess 308' of the central adapter 200. The central adapter 200 includes an upper surface 320, and the upper legs 918 of the central adapter cover 900' may rise vertically above the central adapter 200, while the bottom legs 932 of the central adapter cover 900' may extend vertically below the central adapter 200. This may help protect the adapter as material passes over and under the cover (see material flow path 136 in FIG. 23).

[0095] To that end, the tool 118 may define a tool top surface 132, and the central adapter cover 900' may define a cover top surface 966 that mates with the tool top surface 132. The tool 118 may also define a tool bottom surface. Other configurations for these various features are possible in other embodiments.

[0096] Other features that may enable material to flow over the adapter and cover along material flow paths 136, etc., are now described. For example, the front surface 914 may include a front radial surface 970 that is interposed between the tool top surface 132 and the cover top surface 966. These features may thus be configured to provide a material flow path 136 along the tool top surface 132 on the cover top surface 966. Additionally, the front surface 914 of the central adapter cover 900' defines a front perimeter 976, and the front radial surface 970 may extend completely along the front perimeter 976 (see FIG. 31 ).

[0097] Other features may be provided to allow for reversal of material flow. For example, the upper leg 918 of the central adapter cover 900' defines an upper rear chamfer 972 that is angled from the cover top surface 966 toward the first leg 206 of the central adapter 200.

[0098] 29-31 and 35-37, yet another embodiment of the adapter cover may take the form of a center adapter cover or a corner adapter cover. Focusing on FIGS. 35-37, the adapter cover 1000 may comprise a shell body 1002 including an outer surface 1004 and an inner surface 1006. The shell body 1002 may also define a vertical direction 1008, a horizontal direction 1010, and a vertical plane 1012 (which may be, but is not necessarily, a plane of symmetry 1012', see FIG. 37). The shell body 1002 may comprise a front portion 1014 defining a through hole 1016 configured to allow the nose portion 508 of the adapter 500 to pass through the inner surface 1006, through the outer surface 1004, and pass horizontally through the through hole 1016. A single upper leg 1018 may be provided extending horizontally from the front portion 1014 and defining an adapter cover key 1020 on the inner surface 1006. Also provided is an upper leg side portion 1022 (see FIG. 35) that defines a concave arcuate portion 1024 that extends rearwardly from the front portion 1014. A convex arcuate portion 1026 may extend horizontally from the concave arcuate portion 1024 and terminate in a vertical rear surface 1028.

[0099] 36, the adapter cover key 1020 may be spaced from a vertical rear surface 1028 and may define a vertical adapter key dimension 1032 in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm, a horizontal key height 1034 in the range of 25 mm to 35 mm, and a lateral key width 1030. The ratio of the horizontal key height 1034 to the vertical adapter key dimension 1032 may range from 1.5 to 3.0. In other embodiments, other dimensions and ratios are possible. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 35-37, the lateral key height exceeds the vertical adapter key dimension and the vertical adapter key dimension exceeds the lateral key width.

[0100] 37, the through hole 1016 can define a trapezoidal perimeter 1038 having a right end 1040, a left end 1042, and a top end 1044. The through hole 1016 can also define a bottom open end 1036 having a bottom open end lateral width 1036w that, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 of the overall width W1002 of the adapter cover.

[0101] The upper leg 1018 may terminate along the horizontal direction 1010 (or plane) in a U-shaped portion 1062 (see FIGS. 35 and 36). The upper leg 1018 may further include a chamfer 1064 that extends horizontally from the rear U-shaped portion 1062 toward the front portion 1014.

[0102] The single upper leg may take the form of an upper bifurcated leg 1122 extending horizontally from the front portion 1114. The upper bifurcated leg 1122 may include a shelf 1124 that extends horizontally along the front portion 1114 and define an upper vertical slot 1126 that divides the upper bifurcated leg 1122 into a right bifurcated portion 1128 and a left bifurcated portion 1130.

[0103] The upper bifurcated leg 1122 includes a V-shaped pad 1134 disposed on a shelf 1124, with a right bifurcated portion 1128 and a left bifurcated portion 1130 extending from the shelf 1124. The upper bifurcated leg 1122 may also extend horizontally above and further define a notch 1162 through the V-shaped pad 1134.

[0104] 32-34 illustrate a work tool assembly 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The work tool assembly 100 may include a corner adapter cover 1000 including a base edge 700 and a shell body 1002 including an outer surface 1004 and an inner surface 1006 (see FIGS. 35-37).

[0105] 32-34, corner adapter 500 may be attached to base edge 700. Tool 118 may be attached to nose portion 508 in a manner described herein. In FIGS. 32-34, work tool assembly 100 may also include side edge 120. Corner adapter cover 1100 may be sandwiched between tool 118 and corner adapter 500.

[0106] 33, corner adapter 500 includes an upper surface 596, and upper branch leg 1122 of corner adapter cover 1000 may rise vertically above central adapter 500. Side edge 120 may be disposed in upper vertical slot 1126 of corner adapter cover 1100 (see FIGS. 32 and 33) and vertical slot 516 of corner adapter 500 (see FIG. 17).

[0107] 33, the tool 118 may define a top tool surface 132, and the corner adapter cover 1100 may define a top corner adapter cover surface 1154 that at least partially blends with the top tool surface 132. Additionally, the tool 118 may define a bottom tool surface 134.

[0108] The front portion 1114 of the corner adapter cover 1100 may include a front radial surface 1158 interposed between the tool top surface 132 and the corner adapter cover top surface 1154 and configured to provide a flow path along the tool top surface 132 on the corner adapter cover top surface 1154.

[0109] For a similar purpose, the front surface 1014 of the corner adapter cover 1100 may define a front surface perimeter 1160. The front radial surface 1158 may extend completely along the front surface perimeter 1160 (see FIG. 37).

[0110] Other streamlining features may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the upper bifurcated leg 1122 may extend horizontally above and further define a notch 1162 through the V-shaped pad 1134. The work implement assembly 100f may further include a side edge protector 124 attached to the side edge 120 including a V-shaped front portion 1164 that seats in the notch 1162. The V-shaped front portion 1164 may define an upper apex 1166, while the V-shaped pad 1134 may define a lower apex 1168 positioned proximate the upper apex 1166. These features may allow material to more easily flow into and along the sides of the work implement assembly 100f. Other configurations for these various features are possible, and these various features may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] Again, it is noted that any of the range of various dimensions, angles, surface areas, and / or configurations may be varied as desired or needed, including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connect the various surfaces. It is understood that these may be omitted in other embodiments, and their presence may be disregarded in reading this specification unless specifically mentioned. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] In practice, the machines, work implement assemblies, center adapters, corner adapters, load sharing blocks, center adapter covers, corner adapter covers, and / or base edges may be manufactured, purchased, or sold in an aftermarket context for retrofitting a machine or work implement assembly in the field, or alternatively may be manufactured, purchased, sold, or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.

[0113] Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material, such as iron, grey cast iron, steel, etc.

[0114] Of course, the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assemblies and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing embodiments. All references to the present disclosure or embodiments thereof are intended to refer to the specific embodiments discussed in that respect, and are not intended to imply limitations on the general disclosure. All language of distinction and disparagement regarding specific features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but does not entirely exclude such from the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated.

[0115] Recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each individual value within that range, unless otherwise stated herein, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually set forth herein.

[0116] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and assembly methods as 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 different structures and functions than those described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or sometimes performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to specific aspects or features of the various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments, and features and aspects of the various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide still further embodiments.

[0117] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by this disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A base edge (700), a body (708) including a working edge (710) defining a lateral direction (712) and an assembly direction (714) perpendicular to said lateral direction (712), said body (708) comprising: a first lateral end (716) and a second lateral end (718); a plurality of vertical attachment mechanism receiving apertures (720); a plurality of central notches (702) extending from said working edge (710); further defining a first end notch (724) disposed proximate said first lateral end (716) and a second end notch (724') disposed proximate said second lateral end (718), said first end notch (724) and said second end notch (724') extending from said working edge (710); said first and second end notches (724, 724') defining a notch depth (725) along said assembly direction (714), said first and second end notches (724, 724') further including a straight intermediate portion (726) spanned laterally by a first arcuate corner portion (728) and a second arcuate corner portion (728'), said straight intermediate portion (726) defining a lateral straight intermediate portion width (W726), said notch depth (725) being in the range of 0.5 x said lateral straight intermediate portion width (W726) to 1.25 x said lateral straight intermediate portion width (W726); A base edge (700), wherein end notch depths (725) of the first end notches and the second end notches (724, 724') along the assembly direction (714) are greater than a central notch depth (725') of the plurality of central notches (702) along the assembly direction (714).

2. The first arcuate corner portion (728) defines an arcuate midpoint tangent (734) that is tangent to an arcuate midpoint (732), which is the midpoint of a line segment length of the first arcuate corner portion (728); said straight intermediate portion (726) and said arcuate midpoint tangent (734) form a first angle (736) on said working edge (710) in the range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees; the first arcuate corner portion (728) defines an arcuate end point tangent (740) that is tangent to an arcuate end point (738) of the first arcuate corner portion (728) on the working edge (710); The base edge (700) of any preceding claim, wherein the arcuate midpoint tangent (734) and the arcuate end point tangent (740) form a second angle (742) on the working edge (710) in the range of 100 degrees to 160 degrees.

3. The base edge (700) of claim 1, further comprising a chamfered surface (706'') extending from the working edge (710) and chamfered above a corner of the working edge (710) along the lateral direction (712) between each of the plurality of central notches (702), the first end notch (724) and the second end notch (724').

4. 2. The base edge (700) of claim 1, wherein the working edges (710) are disposed along the lateral direction (712) and disposed at predetermined distances from one another along the assembly direction (714), the base edge (700) is divided into a plurality of zones (744) having the same predetermined distances, the plurality of zones (744) including a central zone (744a) including three of the plurality of central notches (702) linearly aligned in the lateral direction.

5. 5. The base edge (700) of claim 4, wherein the plurality of zones (744) includes a first end zone (744b) including the first end notch (724) spaced along the lateral direction (712) by a first end distance (746) in the range of 20 mm to 60 mm from the first lateral edge (716).

6. The plurality of zones (744) includes a first intermediate zone (744c) disposed in the lateral direction (712) between the central zone (744a) and the first end zone (744b), and a second intermediate zone (744d) disposed in the lateral direction (712) between the first intermediate zone (744c) and the first end zone (744b), the first intermediate zone (744c) being spaced apart from the central zone (744a) by a first predetermined distance (748) along the assembly direction (714), and the second intermediate zone (744d) being spaced apart from the central zone (744a) by a first predetermined distance (748) along the assembly direction (714).

6. The base edge (700) of claim 5, wherein an intermediate zone (744d) is spaced a second predetermined distance (750) from said central zone (744a) along said assembly direction (714), and said first end zone (744b) is spaced a third predetermined distance (752) from said central zone (744a) along said assembly direction (714), said third predetermined distance (752) being greater than said second predetermined distance (750), and said second predetermined distance (750) being greater than said first predetermined distance (748).

7. 7. The base edge (700) of claim 6, wherein the plurality of zones (744) includes a plurality of angled zones (744e), i.e., one of the plurality of angled zones (744e) disposed between the central zone (744a) and the first intermediate zone (744c), another one of the plurality of angled zones (744e) disposed between the first intermediate zone (744c) and the second intermediate zone (744d), and a third one of the plurality of angled zones (744e) disposed between the second intermediate zone (744d) and the first end zone (744b).

8. 8. The base edge (700) of claim 7, wherein the central zone (744a) defines a central zone midpoint (754) that is a midpoint of the lateral (712) length of the central zone (744a), and the body (708) defines a plane of symmetry (756) that passes through the central zone midpoint (754).

Images