Wear runner style wear member assembly and methods

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member and base. The wear member may include a projection projecting downward from a bottom surface and having an internally disposed first securement ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The base may include an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface and having a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member. The wear member and base may each have a lock-receiver opening extending therethrough that align when the wear member is seated on the base. A locking pin may be fittable in the lock-receiver openings of the wear member and base. The first securement ramp of the wear member may contact the second securement ramp of the base.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This disclosure claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application 63 / 570,474, filed Mar. 27, 2024, titled, “Wear Runner Style Wear Member Assembly,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure is generally directed to an improved wear member assembly for use on a material displacement apparatus. The wear member assembly may be affixed to a surface of a bucket to prevent wear of the bucket.BACKGROUND

[0003] Material displacement apparatuses, such as excavating buckets found on construction, mining, and other earth moving or ground engaging equipment, are used to move or displace various kinds of material. However, during use the material displacement apparatus comes into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced, causing the equipment to wear. Thus, material displacement apparatuses often have assemblies affixed to the surface of the bucket that improve their working life-span. These assemblies may wear before the bucket, and may be partially or entirely replaceable such that part or all of the assembly can be replaced after it is worn. Thus, these assemblies can reduce wear of the bucket itself, which may be more expensive to replace.SUMMARY

[0004] These assemblies may include a base that is welded or otherwise affixed to the surface of the bucket, a wear member that is placed on or over the base, and a locking pin assembly that couples the wear member to the base. The wear member and locking pin assembly may be removeable from the base so that the wear member and / or locking pin assembly can be replaced when they are worn during use. To improve functioning of the material displacement apparatus as a whole, the wear member assembly may be shaped to improve the operability and longevity of the wear member assembly and the surface of the bucket.

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on a base, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on a base, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. In some embodiments, the projection may also include a first push-out ramp, that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the first push-out ramp may be parallel to the first securement ramp. In some embodiments, the projection may be spaced from the first lateral side and the second lateral side, may have a central longitudinal axis, and may be centered on the central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the projection may be spaced from a front end of the wear member and spaced from a back end of the wear member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member. In some embodiments, the wall may extend along a front end of the wear member. In some embodiments, the wall may extend along the front end, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side. In some embodiments, the wall may include a second securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the wear member also includes a second push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the second push-out ramp is parallel to the second securement ramp.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first securement ramp may be parallel an angle of the second securement ramp. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a block extending downward from the bottom surface adjacent the lock-receiver opening. In some embodiment, a first part of the lock-receiver opening adjacent the block may have a first thickness and a different, second part of the opening may have a second thickness, where the first thickness is larger than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the lock-receiver opening may include a third ramp, where the third ramp is disposed on the first part of the lock-receiver opening and is configured to engage with a lock.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. In some embodiments, the base may include a top surface, a bottom surface, an aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The aperture may include a first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the wear member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aperture may also include a first push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the first push-out ramp may be parallel to the first securement ramp. In some embodiments, the base may also include a second securement ramp disposed along a front end of the base, where the second securement ramp is configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may include a second push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the second push-out ramp may be parallel to the second securement ramp. In some embodiments, the second securement ramp may extend from a first lateral side of the base to a second lateral side. In some embodiments, the opening may include a third ramp extending to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a recess, where the recess is proximate to and spaced from a bottom of the third ramp. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a pocket. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a ridge disposed adjacent to the pocket.

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a weld base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member. The locking pin may be fittable in the first lock receiver opening and the second lock receiver opening. The first securement ramp of the wear member may contact the second securement ramp of the base. The first lock-receiver opening of the wear member aligns with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member. The wall may extend along a first front end of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may include at least one twist control surface disposed on a perimeter of the base, where the at least one twist control surface is configured to contact an inner surface of the wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wall may include a third securement ramp. In some embodiments, the base may include a fourth securement ramp disposed along a second front end of the base. In some embodiments, the third securement ramp of the wear member may be configured to contact the fourth securement ramp of the base. In some embodiments, the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may include a fifth ramp. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may include a sixth ramp. In some embodiments, the fifth ramp of the wear member may align with the sixth ramp of the base such that the fifth ramp and the sixth ramp form a single ramp. In some embodiments, the locking pin may include a seventh ramp configured to slide along the single ramp.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include the step of providing a wear member including a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the first bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first wear top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The method may also include the step of providing a base including a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second top surface. The aperture may include a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member. The method may also include the step of placing the wear member on the base such that the first securement ramp of the wear member slides along the second securement ramp of the base. The method may also include the step of inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include the step of rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may include a third ramp. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may also include a recess, where the recess is proximate to and spaced from a bottom of the third ramp. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin may include moving a flange of the locking pin into the recess such that the flange contacts a surface of the recess. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base also includes a pocket configured to fit the lock of the locking pin. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin includes compressing a lock and decompressing the lock into the recess of the second lock-receiver opening. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may also include a ridge disposed adjacent to the pocket, and the ridge may be configured to compress the lock. In some embodiments, the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may include a fourth ramp and the flange of the locking pin may include a fifth ramp. In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include aligning the fourth ramp with the third ramp such that the fourth ramp and the third ramp form a single ramp. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin may include sliding the fifth ramp of the flange of the locking pin along the fourth ramp of the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member and the third ramp of the second lock-receiver opening of the base.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on a base, the internally disposed first push-out ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side.

[0016] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. The base may include a top surface, a bottom surface, an aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The aperture may include a first push-out ramp configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second push-out ramp configured to contact the first push-out ramp on the wear member. The locking pin may be fittable in the first lock-receiver opening and the second lock-receiver opening. The first push-out ramp of the wear member may contact the second push-out ramp of the base. The first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may align with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include A method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include providing a wear member. The wear member may include a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the first bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first wear top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp, the internally disposed first push-out ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The method may also include providing a base. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second push-out ramp configured to contact the first push-out ramp on the wear member. The method may also include placing the wear member on the base. The method may also include inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, and a front wall extending downward from a first end of the wear member. A bottom out surface may extend downward from the bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be configured to contact a corresponding bottom out surface on the base. A securement ramp may extend downward from the bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the bottom out surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the sidewall may be perpendicular to the bottom surface and may be configured to contact a corresponding surface on the base.

[0021] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. The base may include a top surface and a bottom surface. In some embodiments, a bottom out surface may extend along a first end of the base and may be configured to contact a corresponding bottom out surface on the wear member. A securement ramp may extend between the bottom out surface and the bottom surface and may be angled relative to the bottom out surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, a twist control surface may extend along a first lateral side of the base and configured to contact a corresponding surface on the wear member.

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a weld base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top wear surface, and a front wall extending downward from a first front end of the wear member. A first bottom out surface may extend downward from the first bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall. A first securement ramp may extend downward from the first bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the first bottom out surface. The base may include a second top surface and a second bottom surface. A second bottom out surface may extend along a second front end of the base. A second securement ramp may extend between the second bottom out surface and the second bottom surface and may be angled relative to the second bottom out surface. The first bottom out surface of the wear member may contact the second bottom out surface of the base. The first securement ramp of the wear member may contact the second securement ramp of the base.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the first bottom surface and the second bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the second bottom surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may also include a twist control surface extending along a first lateral side of the base. The twist control surface may contact an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0025] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include providing a wear member. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top wear surface, a front wall extending downward from a first front end of the wear member, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface. A first bottom out surface may extend downward from the first bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall. A first securement ramp may extend downward from the first bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the first bottom out surface. The method may also include providing a base. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. A second bottom out surface may extend along a second front end of the base. A second securement ramp may extend between the second bottom out surface and the second bottom surface and may be angled relative to the second bottom out surface. The method may also include placing the wear member on the base. The method may also include inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0026] In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include sliding the first securement ramp along the second securement ramp. In some embodiments placing the wear member on the base may include contacting the first bottom out surface and the second bottom out surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may also include a twist control surface extending along a first lateral side of the base. In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include contacting an inner surface of the sidewall and the twist control surface.

[0027] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a locking pin assembly. The locking pin assembly may include a pin having a cavity, a first flange extending outward from the pin, a second flange extending outward from the pin, and a lock within the cavity. The second flange may be radially spaced from the first flange. The lock may include a locking tab and a compressible base coupled to the locking tab. The compressible base may be disposed within the cavity such that the tab extends outward from the cavity. The cavity may be radially spaced from the first flange and the second flange.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first flange may include a first gradual ramp on a top surface of the first flange and a first steep ramp on the top surface. The first steep ramp may be steeper than the first gradual ramp. The second flange may include a second gradual ramp on a top surface of the second flange and a second steep ramp on the top surface. The second steep ramp may be steeper than the second gradual ramp.

[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the front end of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of the ramped aperture of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the opening of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of the ramped projection of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective bottom view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective top view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective bottom view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the lock of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate cross-sectional views of the wear runner and weld base during an assembly process, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate cross-sectional views including the openings in the wear runner and weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate the lock assembly in various configurations, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] These Figures will be better understood by reference to the following Detailed Description.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0054] The present disclosure is directed to an improved wear member assembly that may be attached to an implement, such as a bucket, usable in various material displacement or ground-engaging applications. Although the implement is referenced herein as a bucket, it could be any implement for material displacement and ground engaging applications. In some examples, the wear member assembly is shaped and configured to provide at least partially protect the bucket from the abrasive flow of materials in and around the bucket. In addition to providing improved protection to the bucket, the wear member assembly may also be easier to use and may be less expensive than conventional systems.

[0055] The wear member assembly includes a weld base, a wear member, and a locking pin assembly. In some embodiments, the wear member may be a wear runner. The weld base is affixed to a surface of the bucket. The wear runner can be placed over the weld base, thus covering the weld base and at least partially protecting it from abrasive wear. The wear runner may include one or more ramps that correspond to one or more ramps on the weld base. The ramps may allow the wear runner to slide onto the weld base at an angle. When the wear runner is fully seated on the weld base, the ramps may hold the wear runner to the weld base. For these reasons, the ramps may improve installation.

[0056] Additionally, the wear runner may include one or more push-out ramps that correspond to one or more ramps on the weld base. The push-out ramps of the wear runner may push against the push-out ramps on the weld base during removal of the wear runner from the weld base. Thus, the push-out ramps may improve removal.

[0057] The wear runner and weld base may have contact surfaces that may provide improved support to the coupling therebetween. In particular, the wear runner comprises an extension that corresponds to a depression on the weld base. When fully seated, the surfaces of the extension may contact one or more surfaces of the depression to stabilize and support the wear runner assembly.

[0058] The locking pin assembly, which may also be referred to as a locking pin, may be installed into aligned openings in the wear runner and weld base. The locking pin assembly includes one or more flanges and a lock. The lock can be compressed as the locking pin assembly rotates, then may decompress into a pocket in the weld base, thereby locking the wear runner to the weld base. The locking pin assembly may be easy to install and remove while providing improved locking between the wear runner and weld base.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wear runner assembly 100 affixed to a surface of a bucket 50 for a material displacement apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wear runner assembly includes a weld base 200 (not shown in FIG. 1A), a wear runner 300, and a locking pin assembly 400. The weld base 200 is present on the surface of the bucket 50. The weld base 50 may be attached to or formed as a part of the bucket. If attachable, the weld base may attached by any suitable method or process. For example, the weld base 200 may be welded to the surface of the bucket 50. The wear runner 300 may be disposed over part or all of the weld base 200. The locking pin assembly 400 may be disposed through aligned openings in the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 thereby coupling the wear runner 200 to the weld base 200.

[0060] In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may be non-removably or permanently affixed to the surface of the bucket 50 such as through integral formation or welding. The wear runner 300 may be removably coupled to the weld base 200 via the locking pin assembly 400. The locking pin assembly 400 may be removed from the aligned openings, thus allowing the wear runner 300 to be removed from the weld base 200. Thus, the wear runner assembly 100 may be designed so that the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 are more exposed, with the wear runner bearing the brunt of the abrasive, wearing contact from the material displaced during use of the material displacement equipment. The wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 may be removed and replaced when the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 experience sufficient wear. In this way, the wear runner assembly 100 may reduce or prevent wear of the underlying surface of the bucket 50.

[0061] In other embodiments, the weld base 200 may be removably affixed to the bucket 50. In yet other embodiments, the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be non-removably coupled to the weld base 200.

[0062] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate various views of a weld base 200, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a perspective view, FIG. 2B is a top view, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the weld base 200. FIG. 2D is a zoomed-in perspective view of the front end 208 of the weld base 200. FIG. 2E is a zoomed-in perspective view of the ramped aperture 240 of the weld base 200. FIG. 2F is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the opening 202 of the weld base 200 taken through the 2F-2F line shown in FIG. 2A. The weld base 200 includes a top surface 204 and a bottom surface 206. The opening 202 extends from the top surface 204 to the bottom surface 206. The opening 202 may be disposed at a center of the weld base 200. However, in other embodiments, the opening 202 may be off-center. The opening 202 may be shaped and sized to receive a locking pin assembly 400 and, thus, may be described as a lock-receiving opening 202.

[0063] The weld base 200 has a front end 208 and back end 210 opposite from the front end 208. A first side 212 and a second side 214 opposite the first side 212 extend from the front end 208 to the back end 210. Although the terms “front” and “back” are used herein, it should be understood that these terms are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, end 210 may be considered the “front” and end 208 may be considered the “back.” In some embodiments, the sides 212, 214 may be considered the “front” and “back.” In other embodiments, none of the ends 208, 210 or sides 212, 214 may be considered “front” or “back.”

[0064] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the weld base 200 may be generally rectangularly shaped as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, the weld base 200 may be any suitable shape. For example, the weld base 200 may be a square, hexagon, octagon, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape. The weld base 200 may also be symmetrical. For example, when viewed from the top, the weld base 200 may be nearly symmetrical along a horizontal axis running from the front end 208 to the back end 210. In some cases, the weld base 200 may be symmetrical along the vertical axis and / or other axes.

[0065] The bottom of the weld base 200 may include one or more weld grooves 207 disposed around part or all of the perimeter of the weld base 200. The weld grooves 207 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206. The weld grooves 207 may allow the weld base 200 to be welded to the surface of a bucket 50. The weld groovers 207 may also advantageously reduce the amount of material needed to form the weld base 200 decreasing the weight and lowering the cost.

[0066] There may be one or more cut outs 217 in the sides 212, 214 or ends 208, 210 of the weld base 200. For example, there may be a cut out 217 in each side 212, 214 of the weld base 200. Here, the cut outs 217 create a more narrow central region compared to the wider ends. There may be twist control surfaces 219 around the cut out 217 along the sides 212, 214. The twist control surfaces 219 may be disposed at the end regions and may contact the wall of the wear runner 300 and prevent movement in the side to side or lateral direction, as described in more detail below. There may also be cut outs 217 in the bottom surface 204 of the weld base 200. The cut outs 217 may decrease the weight of the weld base 200, which may make it easier to handle and lower the cost

[0067] The weld base 200 may also include a pry feature 215. The pry feature 215 may be disposed proximate to or at the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The pry feature 215 may be shaped to a allow a user to apply leverage to the wear runner 300 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. Thus, the pry feature 215 may be shaped to fit a tool such as a pry bar. The pry feature 215 may be any suitable shape. For example, the pry feature 215 may be a hole extending from the top surface 204 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the pry feature 215 may not extend completely through the weld base 200 but may be a cavity or recess within the top surface 204. In some embodiments, the pry feature 215 may be cut into the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The pry feature 215 may have one or more inclined or angled surfaces or may have no angled surfaces.

[0068] The front end 208 of the weld base 200 may include a front securement ramp 216. The front securement ramp 216 may extend entirely along the front end 208 (i.e. from the first side 212 to the second side 214). The front securement ramp 216 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206 and outward away from the center of the weld base 200. A front ledge 227 may be formed between the top surface 204 and the front securement ramp 216 under which a front securement ramp 326 on the wear runner 300 may fit, as described in more detail below. The front ramp 216 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the front securement ramp 216 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 216 may only extend along part of the front end 208. In some embodiments, the front end 208 may include more than one front securement ramps 216 or may not include a front securement ramp 216.

[0069] The front end 208 may also include a bottom out surface 270. In some implementations, the bottom out surface 270 may face in a lateral direction on the base, and may act effectively as a thrust face. In some implementations, the bottom out surface 207 may be vertical or may be angled to face in the lateral direction and may extend between the top of the front securement ramp 216 and the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The bottom out surface 270 may contact and / or bear against a corresponding bottom out surface on the wear runner 300, as described in more detail below.

[0070] The weld base 200 may include a depression 218 that is sunken with respect to the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The depression 218 may include a front portion 220, a back portion 222, and a central portion 224 disposed between the front portion 220 and the back portion 222. The front portion 220 may be located proximate to but spaced from the front end 208 of the weld base 200 and the back portion 222 may be located proximate to but spaced from the back end 210 such that the depression 218 extends along most of the length of the weld base 200. However, in some embodiments, the depression 218 may extend along only a smaller part of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, there may be multiple smaller depressions 218 rather than a single larger depression 218. The depression 218 may have a first side 223 proximate the first side 212 of the weld base 200 and a second side 225 proximate the second side 214 of the weld base 200. The sides 223, 225 of the depression 218 may be spaced from the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the sides 223, 225 of the depression 218 may be disposed along the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200. The front portion 220, center portion 224, and back portion 222 may be descriptive and are not intended to be limiting.

[0071] The front portion 220 of the depression 218 may include a front push-out ramp 226. The front push-out ramp 226 may extend from the top surface 204 downward towards the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The front push-out ramp 226 may generally follow or align with the front securement ramp 216 on the front end 208 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 is parallel to the front securement ramp 216. In other embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 is disposed at a different angle than the front securement ramp 216. The front push-out ramp 226 may extend completely from the first side 223 of the depression 218 to the second side 225. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple front push-out ramps 226 disposed between the sides 223, 225.

[0072] The depression 218 may include an inclined surface 228 that extends upward from the bottom of the front push-out ramp 226 towards the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The inclined surface 228 may be disposed in the front portion 220 of the depression 218 proximate to the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 228 is spaced from the front push-out ramp 226, but, in other embodiments, the inclined surface 228 may be disposed directly adjacent to the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the depression 218 does not include an inclined surface 228 but instead includes a flat or curved surface.

[0073] The opening 202 may extend through the central portion 224 of the depression 218. The opening 202 may be disposed proximate to the inclined surface 228 and, in some embodiments, the inclined surface 228 may extend to and partially around the opening 202. A sunken surface 230 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 202. In some embodiments, the sunken surface 230 is sunken with respect to the inclined surface 228 of the depression 218. The sunken surface 230 may be disposed on the side of the opening 202 opposite the inclined surface 228. Shelves 232 may be disposed on either side of the sunken surface 230, defining a slot or recess between the sunken surface 230 and the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232.

[0074] The horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 may be sunken with respect to the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The horizontal surfaces 236 may extend around the sides of the opening 202 and may connect to the inclined surface 228 via connection ramps 238. The connection ramps 238 may be angled upward from the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 and towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200. The connection ramps 238 may be offset such that one is disposed closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200 and the other is disposed closer to the back end 210. In some embodiments, the depression 218 does not include connection ramps 238 but instead includes a vertical surface or a curved surface.

[0075] An aperture 240 may be disposed through the back portion 222 of the depression 218. The aperture 240 may extend from the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 to the top surface 204. The aperture 240 may define a back push-out ramp 242 that extends from the bottom surface 206 to the sunken surface 230 and the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232. Thus, the back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed on a back side of the shelves 232. The back push-out ramp 242 may be angled from the bottom surface 206 upwards towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200.

[0076] The aperture 240 may also include an internal back securement ramp 244. The internal back securement ramp 244 may extend from the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 to the top surface 204. The internal back securement ramp 244 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206 towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200. A back ledge 246 may be formed between the top surface 204 and the internal back securement ramp 244 under which a projection on the wear runner 300 may fit, as described in more detail below. The internal back securement ramp 244 may form a back end of the depression 218. The internal back securement ramp 244 may be proximate to but spaced from the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The internal back securement ramp 244 may extend completely from the first side 223 of the depression 218 to the second side 225. The internal back securement ramp 244 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 242. The back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed at the same angle as the internal back securement ramp 244. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed at a different angle than the internal back securement ramp 244. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 244 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front securement ramp 216.

[0077] The front push-out ramp 226, the back push-out ramp 242, and the internal back securement ramp 244 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 226, 242, 244 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle.

[0078] In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 244 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple internal back securement ramps 244 disposed between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple back push-out ramps 242 disposed between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there is a second aperture 240 including a second back push-out ramp 242 and / or a second internal back securement ramp 244. In general, the securement ramps 216, 244 on the weld base 200 face at least partially toward the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 or toward the work implement (e.g., bucket). The push-out ramps 226, 242 on the weld base face at least partially toward the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 and away from the work implement.

[0079] The opening 202 of the weld base 200 is shaped to fit and secure a locking pin assembly 400. The opening 202 may be defined by a wall 248 surrounding the opening 202. The opening 202 may include a full ramp 250 and a partial ramp 252. The full ramp 252 may extend from the top of the inclined surface 228 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. The partial ramp 252 may be disposed generally opposite the full ramp 252 and may extend from a horizontal surface 236 of one of the shelves 232 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. Thus, the full ramp 250 may have a larger vertical height than the partial ramp 252. The full ramp 250 may also be longer than the partial ramp 252. The bottom part of the full ramp 250 may be disposed opposite the partial ramp 252.

[0080] Because the sunken surface 230 and shelves 232 are disposed on one side of the opening 202, the height of the opening on the side adjacent the sunken surface 230 and shelves 232 may be smaller than the height of other parts of the opening 202.

[0081] In some embodiments, the surface of the ramps 250, 252 may be generally flat. In other embodiments, the surface of the ramps 250, 252 may be curved. The ramps 250, 252 may include more than one surface. The ramps 250, 252 may be disposed at the same angle. In other embodiments, the ramps 250, 252 may be disposed at different angles.

[0082] Recesses 254 may be disposed in the wall 248 of the opening 202. The recesses 254 may be spaced from the bottoms of the ramps 250, 252. The recesses 254 may be shaped to contact and fit the flanges on the locking pin assembly 400 to prevent further rotation, as described in more detail below. The recess 254 may be disposed at the bottom of the opening 202 such that the bottom of the recesses 254 are aligned with the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. Thus, there may be no surface, projection, or other part between the recesses 254 and the bottom of the weld base 200. The top of the recesses 254 may form a ledge between the recesses 254 and the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 under which the flanges of the locking pin assembly 400 may fit, as described in more detail below.

[0083] In some embodiments, there may only be one recess 254 or may be more than two recesses 254. In some embodiments, the recesses 254 may include multiple surfaces. The recesses 254 may curve around the wall 248 of the opening 202.

[0084] There is a pocket 260 disposed in the wall 248 of the opening 202. The pockets 218 may be shaped to fit part or all of a lock of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below. The pocket 260 may include a back surface 262 and two angled surfaces 264 on either side of the back surface 262. A ridge 266 may be disposed adjacent the pocket 260. The ridge 266 may include an angled surface that extends from the wall 248 of the opening 202 or a recessed or sunken portion of the wall 248 towards the pocket 260. In some embodiments, there may be a compression surface 268 disposed between the ridge 266 and an angled surface 264 of the pocket 260. In other embodiments, there may be no compression surface 268. The pocket 260 and the ridge 266 may be spaced from the ramps 250, 252 and / or the recesses 254. The pocket 260 may be located on the side of the opening 202 adjacent the inclined surface 228 such that the pocket 260 is disposed closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200.

[0085] The ridge 266 may be configured to contact and press against the lock of the locking pin assembly 400, compressing the lock so that it can decompress into the pocket 260, as described in more detail below. Thus, the pocket 260 may prevent rotation of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below.

[0086] There is a pin shaft contact surface disposed on the wall 248 of the opening 202 around the pocket 260 and, thus, may be located closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200. The pin shaft contact surface may be configured to contact and / or bear against the pin of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below.

[0087] In some embodiments, the opening 202 includes more than one pocket 260 and / or more than one ridge 266. The number of pockets 260 and ridges 266 may be the same or may be different. In some embodiments, the opening 202 may not include a ridge 266 or recesses 254. In some embodiments, the opening 202 may not include ramps 216.

[0088] In some embodiments, the pocket 260 may only include one angled surface 264 and one back surface 262. In other embodiments, the pockets 260 may only include two angled surfaces 264 and no back surface 262. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces 264 are angled at 90 degrees relative to the surrounding surface. In some embodiments, the pockets 260 may include more than two angled surfaces 264 and more than one back surface 262. The angled surfaces 264 may be disposed at the same angle or different angles. In some embodiments, the ridge 266 may not include an angled surface. In some embodiments, the ridge 266 is curved. In other embodiments, the ridges 266 may include more than one angled surface or may include an angled surface and a non-angled surface adjacent the pocket 260.

[0089] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate various views of a wear runner 300 for use in a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a perspective view, FIG. 3B is a top view, and FIG. 3C is a bottom view. FIG. 3D is a zoomed-in view of the ramped projection 350 of the wear runner 300. FIG. 3E is a perspective bottom view of the wear runner 300. The wear runner 300 includes a top surface 304 and a bottom surface 306. The opening 302 extends from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306. The opening 302 may be disposed at the center off the wear runner 300. However, in other embodiments, the opening 302 may be off-center. The opening 302 may be shaped and sized to receive a locking pin assembly 400 and, thus, may be described as a lock-receiving opening 302.

[0090] The wear runner 300 may comprise a front end 308 and a back end 310 opposite from the front end 308. A first side 312 and a second side 314 opposite the first side 312 extend from the front end 308 to the back end 310. As explained above, the terms “front” and “back” are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0091] The top surface 304 may be a wear surface, where the top wear surface 304 may come into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced by the material displacement apparatus. The top surface 304 may include a central flat portion 308 and an inclined outer portion 316. The inclined outer portion 310 may be inclined downward from the central flat portion 308 around the edges of the top surface 304. In some embodiments, the top surface 304 may only have a flat portion 308. In some embodiments, the top surface 304 may be partially or completely curved or may be pyramid-shaped.

[0092] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the wear runner 300 may be generally rectangularly shaped as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, the wear runner 300 may be any suitable shape. For example, the wear runner 300 may be a square, hexagon, octagon, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape. The wear runner 300 may also be symmetrical. For example, when viewed from the top, the wear runner 300 may be nearly symmetrical along a horizontal axis running from the front end 308 to the back end 310. In some cases, the wear runner 300 may be symmetrical along the vertical axis and / or other axes.

[0093] The wear runner 300 may also include a wall 322 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 along the perimeter of the wear runner 300. The wall 322 may extend partially or completely along the perimeter of wear runner 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 322 extends along the first side 312, the front end 308, and the second side 314. In this embodiment, the wall 322 does not extend along the back end 310. This may allow the wear runner 300 to slide onto and off of the weld base 200 for installation and removal, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, there may be more than one wall 322. The inner surfaces 372 of the sidewalls along the sides 312, 314 may be configured to contact and / or bear against the twist control surfaces 219 of the weld base 200. The inner surfaces 372 may be oriented vertically. For example, the inner surfaces 372 may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 306. In other embodiments, there may be no wall 322. In some embodiments, the wall 322 may extend along the front end 308.

[0094] There may be one or more cut outs 320 in the sides 312, 314 or ends 308, 310 of the wear runner 300. For example, there may be a cut out 320 in each side 312, 314 and in each end 308, 312, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. If the wear runner 300 includes a wall 322 the cut outs 320 may cut upward from the bottom of the wall 322. There may also be cut outs 320 in the bottom surface 304 of the wear runner 300. The cut outs 320 may decrease the weight of the wear runner 300, which may make it easier to handle and lower the cost.

[0095] The wear runner 300 may also include a pry feature 324. The pry feature 324 may be disposed proximate to or at the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The pry feature 324 may be shaped to a allow a user to apply leverage to the wear runner 300 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. Thus, the pry feature 324 may be shaped to fit a tool such as a pry bar. The pry feature 324 may be any suitable shape. For example, the pry feature 324 may be cut into the back end 310, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The pry feature 324 may include an angled surface that extends from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 302. In some embodiments, the pry feature 324 may be a hole extending from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300.

[0096] The pry feature 324 of the wear runner 300 may align with the pry feature 215 of the weld base 200 such that a tool can be inserted and contact both pry features 324, 215 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. The pry features may provide leverage to the user, allowing for easier removal of the wear runner 300.

[0097] The wear runner 300 may include a front securement ramp 326 that extends downward relative to the bottom surface 206 proximate to the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. The front securement ramp 326 may contact the wall 322 along the front end 308 and may be disposed on the inner surface of the wall 322 along the front end 308. The front securement ramp 326 may extend from the wall 322 on the first side 312 of the wear runner 300 to the wall 322 on the second side 314. The front securement ramp 326 may extend downward from the bottom surface 306 towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. Thus, a tab 328 may be formed between front securement ramp 326 and the bottom of the wall 322. The tab 328 may be configured to fit under the ledge 227 defined by the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The front securement ramp 326 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the front securement ramp 216 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may be the same angle as the front securement ramp 326 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 326 may only extend along partially between the sides 312, 314. In some embodiments, there may be more than one front securement ramp 326 or there may not be a front securement ramp 326.

[0098] There may be a bottom out surface 370 that extends between the top of the front securement ramp 326 and the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 along the inner surface of the wall 322. The bottom out surface 370 may contact and / or bear against the bottom out surface 270 on the weld base 200 when the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The bottom out surface 370 may be oriented vertically. For example, the bottom out surface 370 may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 306.

[0099] The wear runner 300 may comprise an extension 330 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306. The extension 330 may include a front portion 332, a back portion 334, and a central portion 336 disposed between the front portion 332 and the back portion 334. The front portion 332 may be located proximate to but spaced from the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 and the back portion 334 may be located proximate to but spaced from the back end 310 such that the extension 330 extends along most of the length of the wear runner 300. However, in some embodiments, the extension 330 may extend along only a smaller part of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, there may be multiple smaller extensions 330 rather than a single larger extension 330. The extension 330 may have a first side 331 proximate the first side 312 of the wear runner 300 and a second side 333 proximate the second side 314 of the wear runner 300. The sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 may be spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 may extend to the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. If the wall 322 extends along the sides 312, 314, then the extension 330 may extend between the portions of the wall 322 on the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The front portion 332, center portion 336, and back portion 334 may be descriptive and are not intended to be limiting.

[0100] The extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may be shaped to fit into the depression 218 of the weld base 200. Thus, in some embodiments, the extension 330 may be a “mirror” of the depression 218 such that the extension 330 contacts all surfaces of the depression 218. In other embodiments, the extension 330 may contact a subset of the surfaces of the depression 218.

[0101] The front portion 332 of the extension 330 may include a front push-out ramp 338. The front push-out ramp 338 may extend from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 downwards towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The front push-out ramp 338 may generally follow or align with the front securement ramp 326 on the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 is parallel to the front securement ramp 326. In other embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 is disposed at a different angle than the front securement ramp 326. The front push-out ramp 338 may extend completely from the first side 331 of the depression 218 to the second side 333. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there may be multiple front push-out ramps 338 disposed between the sides 331, 333. The front push-out ramp 338 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the front push-out ramp 226 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below

[0102] The extension 330 may include an inclined surface 340 that extends upward from the bottom of the front push-out ramp 338 towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The inclined surface 340 may be spaced from the front push-out ramp 338 such that a flat surface extends therebetween, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The inclined surface 340 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the inclined surface 228 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the extension 330 does not include an inclined surface 340 but instead includes a flat or curved surface.

[0103] The opening 302 may extend through the central portion 336 of the extension 330. The opening 302 may be disposed proximate to the inclined surface 340 and, in some embodiments, the inclined surface 340 may extend to and partially around the opening 302. The extension 330 may include a block 342 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 adjacent to the opening 302. The block 342 may be disposed on the side of the opening 302 opposite from the inclined surface 340. Shelves 344 may be disposed on either side of the block 342. A lower surface 343 of the block 342 may be shaped to contact the sunken surface 230 in the depression 218 of the weld base 200 and the block 342 may be shaped to fit between the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232, as described in more detail below. The horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 of the wear runner 300 may be shaped to contact the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below.

[0104] The horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 may be sunken with respect to the lower surface 343 of the block 342. The horizontal surfaces 346 may extend around the sides of the opening 302 and may connect to the inclined surface 340 via connection ramps 348. The connection ramps 348 may be angled upward from the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 and towards the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. The connection ramps 348 may be offset such that one is disposed closer to the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 and the other is disposed closer to the back end 310. The connection ramps 348 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and / or slide against the connection ramps 238 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. Thus, in some embodiments, the connection ramps 348, 238 may be disposed at the same angle. In some embodiments, the extension 330 does not include connection ramps 348 but instead includes a vertical surface or a curved surface.

[0105] The extension 330 may also include a projection 350 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300. The projection 350 may be adjacent to the block 342 and the shelves 344 such that it contacts and connects to the block 342 and shelves 344. The projection 350 may have a back push-out ramp 352 that extends downward from the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 around the block 342. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may also extend downward from the lower surface 343 of the block 342. The back push-out ramp 352 may extend downward towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The back push-out ramp 352 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the back push-out ramp 242 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below.

[0106] The projection 350 may also have an internal back securement ramp 354 opposite the back push-out ramp 352. The internal back securement ramp 354 may extend downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 towards the back end 310. The internal back securement ramp 354 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. Thus, at least part of the projection 350 may be configured to fit below the back ledge 246 of the weld base 200.

[0107] The projection 350 may be internally disposed such that the sides 256 of the projection 250 are spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The projection may also be spaced from the front end 308 and the back end 310. Thus, the back securement ramp 354 and / or the back push-out ramp 352 may also be internally disposed such that their sides are spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The back securement ramp 354 and / or the back push-out ramp 352 may also be spaced from the front end 308 and the back end 310.

[0108] The internal back securement ramp 354 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 352. The internal back securement ramp 244 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 242. The back push-out ramp 352 may be disposed at the same angle as the internal back securement ramp 354. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may be disposed at a different angle than the internal back securement ramp 354. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front push-out ramp 326. In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 354 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front securement ramp 326. 3

[0109] The front push-out ramp 338, the back push-out ramp 352, and the internal back securement ramp 354 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 338, 352, 354 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle.

[0110] In some embodiments, the sides 256 of the projection 350 may be angled inward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 to the lower surface 356 of the projection 300. In some cases, the sides of the aperture 240 in the weld base 200 may follow or align with the sides 256 of the projection 250.

[0111] In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 354 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330. In some embodiments, there may be multiple internal back securement ramps 354 disposed between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there may be multiple back push-out ramps 352 disposed between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there is a projection 350 including a second back push-out ramp 352 and / or a second internal back securement ramp 354.

[0112] In general, the securement ramps 326, 354 on the wear runner 300 face at least partially toward the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 or toward the work implement (e.g., bucket). The push-out ramps 338, 352 on the weld base face at least partially toward the top surface 304 of the wear runner 300 and away from the work implement.

[0113] The opening 302 of the wear runner 300 is shaped to fit the locking pin assembly 400. The opening 302 may include a ramp 258. The ramp 258 may include an upper section 260 and a lower section 262. The upper section 260 may be disposed at a smaller angle than the lower section 262. In some embodiments, the upper section 260 may be flat or at a 180-degree angle. The ramp 358 may be located along the same side of the opening 302 as the shelves 344 and the block 342. In some embodiments, the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to align with the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and, thus, the ramp 358 and the partial ramp 252 may form a single ramp, as described in more detail below. A flange of the locking pin assembly 400 may be configured to contact and slide along the single ramp, as described in more detail below.

[0114] The upper section 360 of the ramp 358 may be spaced from the top surface 304 and, thus, the top of the opening 302. The wall 364 of the opening 302 may not be angled and thus may extend vertically from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306. A pin shaft contact surface of the wall 364 may be disposed on an outer surface 368 of the ramp 358. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface may be located along the side of the opening 302 adjacent the block 342 such that the pin shaft contact surface is disposed closer to the back end 310 of the wear runner 300.

[0115] Because the block 342 and shelves 344 are disposed on one side of the opening 302, the height of the opening on the side adjacent the block 342 may be larger than the height of other parts of the opening 302.

[0116] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various views of a locking pin assembly 400 for a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a perspective top view, FIG. 4B is a perspective bottom view, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken through the 4C-4C line shown in FIG. 4A of the locking pin assembly 400. FIG. 4D is a top perspective view of a lock 404 of the locking pin assembly 400. The locking pin assembly 400 includes a pin 402 and a lock 404. The locking pin assembly 400 may shaped and sized to fit into the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and, thus, may be described as being fittable into the openings 202, 302.

[0117] The pin 402 includes a shaft 406 and one or more flanges 410 that project outward from the shaft 406. In some embodiments, the shaft 406 has a generally constant diameter.

[0118] The top surface 408 of the shaft 406 may include a tool engagement feature 416 that projects upward from the top surface 408. There may be a groove 412 disposed in the top surface 408 of the shaft 406 around the tool engagement feature 416. The tool engagement feature 416 may have a hexagonal outer surface 418 and a hexagonal inner surface 420. The hexagonal inner surface 420 may define a socket 422. In some embodiments, the height of the socket 422 may be greater than the height of the tool engagement feature 416. The hexagonal surfaces 418, 420 allows for insertion and removal of the locking pin assembly 400 in two ways. First, a tool such as a socket wrench may contact or grip the hexagonal outer surface 418 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. Second, a tool such as a screw driver or allen wrench may be inserted into the socket 422 and contact the hexagonal inner surface 420 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. Thus, if the pin 402 is degraded or worn down during use of the material displacement apparatus, the user has multiple options for removing the locking pin assembly 400 from the wear runner 300 and weld base 200. For example, if the tool engagement feature is completely worn down, the socket 422 may still extend into the top surface 408 of the shaft 406, thus allowing a tool to be inserted therein.

[0119] The one or more flanges 410 of the pin 402 may project outward from the bottom of the shaft 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 402 includes two flanges 410 disposed opposite each other around the shaft 406. In other embodiments, the pin 402 may include one flange 410 or more than two flanges 410.

[0120] Each flange 410 may include a top ramp 424 and a bottom ramp 426. The top ramp 424 may extend from an insertion end 432 of the flange 410 to a removal end 434 on the upper surface of the flange 410. The bottom ramp 426 may extend completely or partially from one end of the flange 410 to the other end on the lower surface of the flange 410. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 extends from the removal end 434 towards the insertion end 432. In these embodiments, a flat bottom surface 426 may extend from the bottom of the bottom ramp 426 to the insertion end 432 of the flange 410. An outer flange surface 430 may extend between the top ramp 424 and the bottom ramp 426 and the flat bottom surface 428. The outer flange surface 430 may be curved from the insertion end 432 to the removal end 434.

[0121] The top ramp 434 may be configured to contact and slide against a top surface of the recess 254 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200, guiding the flange 210 into the recess 254 and the locking pin assembly 400 into the locked position, as described in more detail below.

[0122] The bottom ramp 426 on one of the flanges 410 may be configured to contact and slide along the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. During removal, the bottom ramp 436 may provide additional push-out, which may advantageously make it easier for a user to remove the locking pin assembly 400. The bottom ramp 426 on the other flange 410 may contact and slide along the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200.

[0123] The top ramp 424 and bottom ramp 426 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 424, 426 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the top ramp 424 and the bottom ramp 426 are disposed at the same angle. However, in other embodiments, the top ramp 424 and bottom ramp 426 are disposed at different angles. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 may not have top ramps 424 and / or bottom ramps 426.

[0124] The flanges 410 may be arranged so that the insertion end 432 of the first flange 410 is proximate and spaced from the removal end 434 of the second flange 410. Similarly, the insertion end 432 of the second flange 410 is proximate and spaced from the removal end 434 of the first flange 410.

[0125] A cavity 440 may be disposed in the shaft 406 of the pin 402. In some embodiments, the cavity 440 may be located between the flanges 410. The cavity 440 is shaped and configured to fit and hold the lock 404.

[0126] The lock 404 may include a locking tab 442 and a base 444. In some embodiments, the base 444 may be formed of a compressible material such as rubber. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 may be formed of a non-compressible material or a material that is less compressible than the material of the base 444, such as a rigid polymer or metal material, such as steel, though other materials are contemplated. The base 444 of the lock 404 may be disposed within the cavity 440 such that the locking tab 442 extends outward from the cavity 440.

[0127] Thus, when the locking tab 442 contacts another surface or part, the locking tab 442 may receive a force directed inward towards the shaft 406 of the pin 402. The locking tab 442 may then exert a force on the base 444 directed inward towards the shaft 406 of the pin 402. The inward force may cause the base 444 to compress, moving the locking tab 442 further into the cavity 440. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 may be moved completely into the cavity 440. When the force is removed, the base 444 may decompress, moving the locking tab 442 outward to its original position (where the locking tab 442 extends outward from the cavity 440).

[0128] The locking tab 442 and base 444 are coupled in any suitable manner. For example, the locking tab 442 and base 444 may be coupled via an adhesive. The locking tab 442 may have any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end 445 of the locking tab 442 has two angled surfaces 446 such that the outer end 445 is partially pointed. The angled surfaces 446 are connected by an outer flat surface 448. The outer end 445 may be configured to fit in the pocket 218 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The angled surfaces 446 may contact and press against the ridge 266 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the angled surfaces 264 of the pocket 260 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. Thus, the angled surfaces 446 may allow the lock 404 to be more easily compressed during insertion and / or removal. The inner end 450 of the locking tab 442 may include a slot 452 for receiving an extension 454 on the base 444. This may provide a better coupling between the locking tab 442 and the base 444. The base 444 may be slightly wider than the outer opening of the cavity 440 so that the base 444 can be compressed into the cavity 440 and remain in the cavity 440 after decompressing.

[0129] In some embodiments, the base 444 comprises a spring. In some embodiments, the base 444 is non-compressible and the locking tab 442 is compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and the locking tab 442 are both compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and the locking tab 442 are both non-compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and locking tab 442 are a single part. In some embodiments, the cavity 440 is disposed on one or both of the flanges 410. Thus, in these embodiments, the lock 404 extends outward from the cavity 440 and outward from the outer flange surface 430. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 are not disposed on the bottom of the shaft 406, but are disposed between the bottom of the shaft 406 and the head 408 of the pin 402.

[0130] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method 500 of assembling a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 will be described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, 8, 9A-9C, and 10.

[0131] The method 500 may include the step 502 of providing a weld base 200 and a wear runner 300. The weld base 200 may be any weld base 200 described herein. For example, the weld base 200 may be a weld base 200 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 2A-2F. In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may be welded to the surface of a bucket 50 of a material displacement apparatus. The user may weld the weld base 200 along the weld groove 207.

[0132] The wear runner 300 may be any wear runner 300 described herein. For example, the wear runner 300 may be a wear runner 300 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3E.

[0133] The method 500 may include the step 504 of placing the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200. One or more embodiments of step 504 may be shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, and 8. FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional views of the wear runner 300 and the weld base 200 along the 6A-6A line in FIGS. 2A and 3A at several points during the step of placing the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200. FIG. 6A illustrates the wear runner 300 aligned over the weld base 200. FIG. 6B illustrates the point where the securement ramps 216, 244 of the wear runner 300 contact the corresponding securement ramps 326, 354 on the weld base 300. FIG. 6C illustrates the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 in a use configuration where the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200.

[0134] The wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may be attached via a slide-on installation where the wear runner is placed on or over the weld base 200 diagonally or at an angle, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6A. As the wear runner 300 slides onto the weld base 200, the front securement ramp 326 and internal back securement ramp 354 of the wear runner 300 may slide along the front securement ramp 216 and internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the wear runner 300 may be inserted vertically or not at an angle. In yet other embodiments, the wear runner 300 may be rotated as it is placed over the weld base 200.

[0135] In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may only fit together in one orientation. For example, the wear runner 300 may only fit over the weld base 200 such that the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 is disposed over the front end 208 of the weld base 200. In other embodiments, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may fit over each other in more than one orientation.

[0136] To place the wear runner 300 over the weld base 200, the user may maneuver the wear runner 300 so that the front securement ramp 326 contacts or engages the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200 and the internal back securement ramp 354 contacts or engages the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. The user may then slide the ramps 326, 354 of the wear runner 300 along the respective ramps 216, 244 of the weld base 200 until the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200. During this process, the wear runner 300 may drop on the weld base 200 at an angle.

[0137] When fully seated, the tab 328 formed by the front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may fit under the front ledge 227 formed by the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200. Similarly, the projection 350 may fit under the back ledge 246 formed by the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. The ledges 227, 246 may help to hold the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200 preventing the wear runner 300 from falling off or being removed from the weld base 200. In some embodiments, a user may place the wear runner 300 over the weld base 200 and, after it is fully seated, use one hand (or, in some embodiments, no hands) to hold or press onto the wear runner 300 while inserting and rotating the locking pin assembly 400 (steps 506 and 508) to secure the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. Thus, the ledges 227, 246 may allow a single user to assemble the wear runner assembly 100.

[0138] When the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, the extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may be disposed in and contact or engage the surfaces of the depression 218 on the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the front push-out ramp 226 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 340 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the inclined surface 228 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the connection ramps 348 of the extension 330 contact and / or bear or press against the connection ramps 238 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 of the extension 330 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the block 342 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the sunken surface 230 and / or the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 of the projection 350 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the back push-out ramp 242 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the sides 356 of the projection 350 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the sides of the aperture 240 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the sides 223, 225 of the depression 218. One or more of the above contact surfaces may contact or engage each other when the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled or fully seated. In some embodiments, when the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may be in the use configuration.

[0139] Moreover, the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 may contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 when the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 372 of the wall 322 along the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300 may contact or engage the twist control surfaces 219 on the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200, thereby bearing loads and preventing movement in the laterally direction (side-to-side).

[0140] These contact surfaces may provide stability to the wear runner assembly 100 and may bear forces along one or more directions of the wear runner assembly 100. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces may bear forces in the side-to-side directions, bear forces from the front end 208, 308, and bear top loads. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces may not bear forces from the back end 210, 310.

[0141] FIGS. 7 and 8 show zoomed-in views of the aligned openings 202, 302 after the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled. The wear runner 300 may be placed on the weld base 200 such that the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 aligns with the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the ramps 358, 252 may form a single ramp.

[0142] In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 may fit over the weld base 200 such that the wall 322 extends partially or completely down the height of the weld base 200. Thus, the top surface 304 and outer surface of the wall 322 may mostly cover the weld base 200, preventing material from contacting and wearing the weld base 200 during use of the bucket 50. In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 may fit on the weld base 200 such that there are minimal gaps between the wear runner 300 and weld base 200. This may prevent material from getting between the wear runner 300 and weld base 200, particularly from the back ends 210, 310.

[0143] The method 500 may include the step 506 of inserting a locking pin assembly 400 into the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. The locking pin assembly 400 may be any locking pin assembly 400 described herein. For example, the locking pin assembly 400 may be a locking pin assembly 400 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0144] The locking pin assembly 400 may be inserted such that the top surface 408 of the shaft 406 of the pin 402 is pointing upwards. The locking pin assembly 400 may be inserted into the opening 302 in one or more different orientations. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 and / or the flat bottom surface 428 of one of the flanges 410 contacts or engages the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 and / or the flat bottom surface 428 of one of the flanges 410 contacts or engages the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 may be oriented such that it points down the single ramp 358, 252 or the full ramp 350.

[0145] The method 500 may include the step 508 of rotating the locking pin assembly 400 to lock the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. One or more embodiments of step 508 may be shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. FIGS. 9A-9C may be cross-sectional views of the wear runner assembly 100 taken along the 9A-9C-9A-9C line shown in FIG. 1. The locking pin assembly 400 may be rotate in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the user may use a tool to rotate the locking pin assembly 400. For example, the user may use a tool such as a socket wrench to contact, engage, or grip the hexagonal outer surface 418 of the tool engagement feature 416 on the pin 402 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. In another example, the user may insert a tool such as a screw driver or allen wrench into the socket 422 of the tool engagement feature 416 of the pin 402 and contact the hexagonal inner surface 420 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400.

[0146] As the locking pin assembly 400 is rotated in a first direction, the bottom ramp 426 on one flange 410 may contact or engage and slide along the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 may be slide along the ramps 358, 252, 250 first. During rotation, the top ramps 424 of the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 412 may contact the top of the recesses 254 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The top ramps 424 may guide the locking pin assembly 400 into the correct position as it approaches the lock position.

[0147] When the lock 404 contacts or engages the ridge 266 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200, the locking tab 442 exerts an inward force on the base 444 of the lock 404. This inward force may compress the base 444. When the base 444 compresses, it moves or pulls the locking tab 442 inward such that the locking tab 442 is more disposed more the cavity 440. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 is completely disposed in the cavity 440 when the base 444 is compressed and in other embodiments the locking tab 442 is only disposed partially in the cavity 440.

[0148] FIG. 9A illustrates the locking tab 442 as it first contacts the ridge 266 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, an angled surface 446 of the locking tab 442 contacts or engages the ridge 266.

[0149] FIG. 9B illustrates the lock 404 after it has been compressed by the ridge 266. At this point, the lock 404 may be at its maximum compression and maximum tension. The locking tab 442 may contact or engage and slide against the compression surface 268 between the ridge 266 and the angled surface 264 of the pocket 260.

[0150] As the locking pin assembly 400 continues to rotate, the locks 404 align with the pocket 260 of the opening 202. When the lock 404 aligns with the pocket 266, the base 444 of the lock 404 decompresses. As the base 444 decompresses, the locking tab 442 moves or is pushed outward. In some embodiments, the lock 404 may decompress into its original position. The locking tab 442 may extend outward from the cavity 440 and extend into the pocket 266. When the locking tab 442 is disposed in the pocket 266, the locking tab 442 may prevent further movement of the locking pin assembly 400. Thus, this may be considered the lock position of the locking pin assembly 400. In some embodiments, the locking pin assembly 400 may be rotated 45 degrees to move it into the lock position. In the lock position, the locking pin assembly 400 secures the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. FIGS. 9C and 10 illustrate the locking pin assembly 400 in the lock position. FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the assembled wear runner assembly 100 taken along the 10-10 line in FIG. 1.

[0151] In the lock position, the surfaces 446, 448 of the locking tab 442 may contact or engage one or more surfaces 262, 264 of the pocket 218. The top ramps 424 of the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 and / or the outer flange surfaces 430 may contact or engage the surfaces of the recesses 254 in the openings 202 of the weld base 200 to further prevent forward rotation of the locking pin assembly 400.

[0152] One or more of these contact surfaces between the locking pin assembly 400 and the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may prevent movement of the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 relative to the weld base 200. The contact surfaces may secure the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 to the weld base 200 during use of the bucket 50. In particular, the shaft 406 of the pin 404 may contact, engage, and / or bear against the pin shaft contact surface on wall 248 of the opening 202 around the pocket 260. Moreover, the shaft 406 may also contact, engage, and / or bear against the pin shaft contact surface on the wall 364 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 on the outer surface 368 of the ramp 358. These contact or bearing surfaces may hold the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface around the pocket 260 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 may bear forces from the back ends 210, 310. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface on the outer surface of the 368 of the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may bear forces from the front ends 208, 308. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 do not carry load, but serve to maintain the coupling between the wear runner 300 and weld base. In some embodiments, the flat bottom surfaces 428 of the flanges 410 may contact or be configured to contact the top surface 204 of the weld base 200.

[0153] The locking pin assembly 400 may be removed by rotating the locking pin assembly 400 in the opposite direction that it was rotated in for installation. Thus, steps 508 and 506 may be performed in reverse to rotate the locking pin assembly 400 such that it moves upward and out of the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. The bottom ramp 426 of the removal end 434 of one of the flanges 410 may slide along and push against the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. Similarly, the bottom ramp 426 of the removal end 434 of one of the flanges 410 may slide along and push against the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. This may make it easier for the user to rotate the locking pin assembly 400 out.

[0154] Similarly, to remove the wear runner 300 from the weld base 200, step 504 may be performed in reverse. The user may insert a tool into the pry feature 324 on the back end 310 of the wear runner 300 and the pry feature 215 on the back end 210 of the weld base 200 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. The front push-out ramp 338 on the extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may slide along and push or press against the front push-out ramp 226 on the depression 218 of the weld base 200. The back push-out ramp 352 may slide along and push or press against the back push-out ramp 242 on the depression 218 of the weld base 200. The push-out ramps 338, 226, 352, 242 may make it easier for the user to slide and push or pull the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200.

[0155] Once removed, the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 may be discarded. In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be reused on a different weld base 200. The locking pin assembly 400 may be used in a different type of wear assembly such as a tooth and / or an adapter for a nose of the lip or a shroud for a lip of the bucket. In some embodiments, a new wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be secured to the same weld base 200. In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may also be replaced.

[0156] The wear runner 300, weld base 200, and pin 404 may be formed of any suitable material. Some examples include metals, such as case iron steel, or alloys, polymers, or other materials.

[0157] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the implementations encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary implementations described above. In that regard, although illustrative implementations have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, combination, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0053]For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the sa...

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This disclosure claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application 63 / 570,474, filed Mar. 27, 2024, titled, “Wear Runner Style Wear Member Assembly,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure is generally directed to an improved wear member assembly for use on a material displacement apparatus. The wear member assembly may be affixed to a surface of a bucket to prevent wear of the bucket.BACKGROUND

[0003] Material displacement apparatuses, such as excavating buckets found on construction, mining, and other earth moving or ground engaging equipment, are used to move or displace various kinds of material. However, during use the material displacement apparatus comes into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced, causing the equipment to wear. Thus, material displacement apparatuses often have assemblies affixed to the surface of the bucket that improve their working life-span. These assemblies may wear before the bucket, and may be partially or entirely replaceable such that part or all of the assembly can be replaced after it is worn. Thus, these assemblies can reduce wear of the bucket itself, which may be more expensive to replace.SUMMARY

[0004] These assemblies may include a base that is welded or otherwise affixed to the surface of the bucket, a wear member that is placed on or over the base, and a locking pin assembly that couples the wear member to the base. The wear member and locking pin assembly may be removeable from the base so that the wear member and / or locking pin assembly can be replaced when they are worn during use. To improve functioning of the material displacement apparatus as a whole, the wear member assembly may be shaped to improve the operability and longevity of the wear member assembly and the surface of the bucket.

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on a base, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on a base, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. In some embodiments, the projection may also include a first push-out ramp, that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the first push-out ramp may be parallel to the first securement ramp. In some embodiments, the projection may be spaced from the first lateral side and the second lateral side, may have a central longitudinal axis, and may be centered on the central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the projection may be spaced from a front end of the wear member and spaced from a back end of the wear member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member. In some embodiments, the wall may extend along a front end of the wear member. In some embodiments, the wall may extend along the front end, the first lateral side, and the second lateral side. In some embodiments, the wall may include a second securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the wear member also includes a second push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the base. In some embodiments, the second push-out ramp is parallel to the second securement ramp.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first securement ramp may be parallel an angle of the second securement ramp. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a block extending downward from the bottom surface adjacent the lock-receiver opening. In some embodiment, a first part of the lock-receiver opening adjacent the block may have a first thickness and a different, second part of the opening may have a second thickness, where the first thickness is larger than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the lock-receiver opening may include a third ramp, where the third ramp is disposed on the first part of the lock-receiver opening and is configured to engage with a lock.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. In some embodiments, the base may include a top surface, a bottom surface, an aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The aperture may include a first securement ramp configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the wear member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the aperture may also include a first push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the first push-out ramp may be parallel to the first securement ramp. In some embodiments, the base may also include a second securement ramp disposed along a front end of the base, where the second securement ramp is configured to contact a corresponding securement ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may include a second push-out ramp that is configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member. In some embodiments, the second push-out ramp may be parallel to the second securement ramp. In some embodiments, the second securement ramp may extend from a first lateral side of the base to a second lateral side. In some embodiments, the opening may include a third ramp extending to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a recess, where the recess is proximate to and spaced from a bottom of the third ramp. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a pocket. In some embodiments, the opening may also include a ridge disposed adjacent to the pocket.

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a weld base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member. The locking pin may be fittable in the first lock receiver opening and the second lock receiver opening. The first securement ramp of the wear member may contact the second securement ramp of the base. The first lock-receiver opening of the wear member aligns with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member. The wall may extend along a first front end of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may include at least one twist control surface disposed on a perimeter of the base, where the at least one twist control surface is configured to contact an inner surface of the wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wall may include a third securement ramp. In some embodiments, the base may include a fourth securement ramp disposed along a second front end of the base. In some embodiments, the third securement ramp of the wear member may be configured to contact the fourth securement ramp of the base. In some embodiments, the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may include a fifth ramp. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may include a sixth ramp. In some embodiments, the fifth ramp of the wear member may align with the sixth ramp of the base such that the fifth ramp and the sixth ramp form a single ramp. In some embodiments, the locking pin may include a seventh ramp configured to slide along the single ramp.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include the step of providing a wear member including a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the first bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first wear top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first securement ramp, the internally disposed first securement ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The method may also include the step of providing a base including a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second top surface. The aperture may include a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member. The method may also include the step of placing the wear member on the base such that the first securement ramp of the wear member slides along the second securement ramp of the base. The method may also include the step of inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include the step of rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may include a third ramp. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may also include a recess, where the recess is proximate to and spaced from a bottom of the third ramp. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin may include moving a flange of the locking pin into the recess such that the flange contacts a surface of the recess. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base also includes a pocket configured to fit the lock of the locking pin. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin includes compressing a lock and decompressing the lock into the recess of the second lock-receiver opening. In some embodiments, the second lock-receiver opening of the base may also include a ridge disposed adjacent to the pocket, and the ridge may be configured to compress the lock. In some embodiments, the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may include a fourth ramp and the flange of the locking pin may include a fifth ramp. In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include aligning the fourth ramp with the third ramp such that the fourth ramp and the third ramp form a single ramp. In some embodiments, rotating the locking pin may include sliding the fifth ramp of the flange of the locking pin along the fourth ramp of the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member and the third ramp of the second lock-receiver opening of the base.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top wear surface to the bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on a base, the internally disposed first push-out ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side.

[0016] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. The base may include a top surface, a bottom surface, an aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and a lock-receiver opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The aperture may include a first push-out ramp configured to contact a corresponding push-out ramp on the wear member.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second push-out ramp configured to contact the first push-out ramp on the wear member. The locking pin may be fittable in the first lock-receiver opening and the second lock-receiver opening. The first push-out ramp of the wear member may contact the second push-out ramp of the base. The first lock-receiver opening of the wear member may align with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include A method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include providing a wear member. The wear member may include a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, a projection projecting downward from the first bottom surface, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first wear top surface to the first bottom surface. The projection may include an internally disposed first push-out ramp, the internally disposed first push-out ramp being spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side. The method may also include providing a base. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. The aperture may include a second push-out ramp configured to contact the first push-out ramp on the wear member. The method may also include placing the wear member on the base. The method may also include inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member attachable to a base on ground engaging equipment. The wear member may include a top wear surface, a bottom surface opposite the top wear surface, and a front wall extending downward from a first end of the wear member. A bottom out surface may extend downward from the bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be configured to contact a corresponding bottom out surface on the base. A securement ramp may extend downward from the bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the bottom out surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the sidewall may be perpendicular to the bottom surface and may be configured to contact a corresponding surface on the base.

[0021] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base for stabilizing a wear member on ground engaging equipment. The base may include a top surface and a bottom surface. In some embodiments, a bottom out surface may extend along a first end of the base and may be configured to contact a corresponding bottom out surface on the wear member. A securement ramp may extend between the bottom out surface and the bottom surface and may be angled relative to the bottom out surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, a twist control surface may extend along a first lateral side of the base and configured to contact a corresponding surface on the wear member.

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment. The wear member assembly may include a wear member, a weld base, and a locking pin. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top wear surface, and a front wall extending downward from a first front end of the wear member. A first bottom out surface may extend downward from the first bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall. A first securement ramp may extend downward from the first bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the first bottom out surface. The base may include a second top surface and a second bottom surface. A second bottom out surface may extend along a second front end of the base. A second securement ramp may extend between the second bottom out surface and the second bottom surface and may be angled relative to the second bottom out surface. The first bottom out surface of the wear member may contact the second bottom out surface of the base. The first securement ramp of the wear member may contact the second securement ramp of the base.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the first bottom surface and the second bottom out surface may be perpendicular to the second bottom surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may also include a twist control surface extending along a first lateral side of the base. The twist control surface may contact an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0025] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of assembling a wear member assembly. The method may include providing a wear member. The wear member may include a first top wear surface, a first bottom surface opposite the first top wear surface, a front wall extending downward from a first front end of the wear member, and a first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface. A first bottom out surface may extend downward from the first bottom surface along an inner surface of the front wall. A first securement ramp may extend downward from the first bottom out surface along an inner surface of the front wall and may be angled relative to the first bottom out surface. The method may also include providing a base. The base may include a second top surface, a second bottom surface, and a second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface. A second bottom out surface may extend along a second front end of the base. A second securement ramp may extend between the second bottom out surface and the second bottom surface and may be angled relative to the second bottom out surface. The method may also include placing the wear member on the base. The method may also include inserting a locking pin into the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member. The method may also include rotating the locking pin to lock the wear member to the base.

[0026] In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include sliding the first securement ramp along the second securement ramp. In some embodiments placing the wear member on the base may include contacting the first bottom out surface and the second bottom out surface. In some embodiments, the wear member may also include a sidewall extending downward from a first lateral side of the wear member. In some embodiments, the base may also include a twist control surface extending along a first lateral side of the base. In some embodiments, placing the wear member on the base may include contacting an inner surface of the sidewall and the twist control surface.

[0027] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a locking pin assembly. The locking pin assembly may include a pin having a cavity, a first flange extending outward from the pin, a second flange extending outward from the pin, and a lock within the cavity. The second flange may be radially spaced from the first flange. The lock may include a locking tab and a compressible base coupled to the locking tab. The compressible base may be disposed within the cavity such that the tab extends outward from the cavity. The cavity may be radially spaced from the first flange and the second flange.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first flange may include a first gradual ramp on a top surface of the first flange and a first steep ramp on the top surface. The first steep ramp may be steeper than the first gradual ramp. The second flange may include a second gradual ramp on a top surface of the second flange and a second steep ramp on the top surface. The second steep ramp may be steeper than the second gradual ramp.

[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom view of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the front end of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of the ramped aperture of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the opening of a weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of the ramped projection of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective bottom view of a wear runner, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective top view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective bottom view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the lock of a locking pin assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate cross-sectional views of the wear runner and weld base during an assembly process, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate cross-sectional views including the openings in the wear runner and weld base, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate the lock assembly in various configurations, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled wear runner assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] These Figures will be better understood by reference to the following Detailed Description.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0054] The present disclosure is directed to an improved wear member assembly that may be attached to an implement, such as a bucket, usable in various material displacement or ground-engaging applications. Although the implement is referenced herein as a bucket, it could be any implement for material displacement and ground engaging applications. In some examples, the wear member assembly is shaped and configured to provide at least partially protect the bucket from the abrasive flow of materials in and around the bucket. In addition to providing improved protection to the bucket, the wear member assembly may also be easier to use and may be less expensive than conventional systems.

[0055] The wear member assembly includes a weld base, a wear member, and a locking pin assembly. In some embodiments, the wear member may be a wear runner. The weld base is affixed to a surface of the bucket. The wear runner can be placed over the weld base, thus covering the weld base and at least partially protecting it from abrasive wear. The wear runner may include one or more ramps that correspond to one or more ramps on the weld base. The ramps may allow the wear runner to slide onto the weld base at an angle. When the wear runner is fully seated on the weld base, the ramps may hold the wear runner to the weld base. For these reasons, the ramps may improve installation.

[0056] Additionally, the wear runner may include one or more push-out ramps that correspond to one or more ramps on the weld base. The push-out ramps of the wear runner may push against the push-out ramps on the weld base during removal of the wear runner from the weld base. Thus, the push-out ramps may improve removal.

[0057] The wear runner and weld base may have contact surfaces that may provide improved support to the coupling therebetween. In particular, the wear runner comprises an extension that corresponds to a depression on the weld base. When fully seated, the surfaces of the extension may contact one or more surfaces of the depression to stabilize and support the wear runner assembly.

[0058] The locking pin assembly, which may also be referred to as a locking pin, may be installed into aligned openings in the wear runner and weld base. The locking pin assembly includes one or more flanges and a lock. The lock can be compressed as the locking pin assembly rotates, then may decompress into a pocket in the weld base, thereby locking the wear runner to the weld base. The locking pin assembly may be easy to install and remove while providing improved locking between the wear runner and weld base.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wear runner assembly 100 affixed to a surface of a bucket 50 for a material displacement apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wear runner assembly includes a weld base 200 (not shown in FIG. 1A), a wear runner 300, and a locking pin assembly 400. The weld base 200 is present on the surface of the bucket 50. The weld base 50 may be attached to or formed as a part of the bucket. If attachable, the weld base may attached by any suitable method or process. For example, the weld base 200 may be welded to the surface of the bucket 50. The wear runner 300 may be disposed over part or all of the weld base 200. The locking pin assembly 400 may be disposed through aligned openings in the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 thereby coupling the wear runner 200 to the weld base 200.

[0060] In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may be non-removably or permanently affixed to the surface of the bucket 50 such as through integral formation or welding. The wear runner 300 may be removably coupled to the weld base 200 via the locking pin assembly 400. The locking pin assembly 400 may be removed from the aligned openings, thus allowing the wear runner 300 to be removed from the weld base 200. Thus, the wear runner assembly 100 may be designed so that the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 are more exposed, with the wear runner bearing the brunt of the abrasive, wearing contact from the material displaced during use of the material displacement equipment. The wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 may be removed and replaced when the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 experience sufficient wear. In this way, the wear runner assembly 100 may reduce or prevent wear of the underlying surface of the bucket 50.

[0061] In other embodiments, the weld base 200 may be removably affixed to the bucket 50. In yet other embodiments, the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be non-removably coupled to the weld base 200.

[0062] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate various views of a weld base 200, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a perspective view, FIG. 2B is a top view, and FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the weld base 200. FIG. 2D is a zoomed-in perspective view of the front end 208 of the weld base 200. FIG. 2E is a zoomed-in perspective view of the ramped aperture 240 of the weld base 200. FIG. 2F is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the opening 202 of the weld base 200 taken through the 2F-2F line shown in FIG. 2A. The weld base 200 includes a top surface 204 and a bottom surface 206. The opening 202 extends from the top surface 204 to the bottom surface 206. The opening 202 may be disposed at a center of the weld base 200. However, in other embodiments, the opening 202 may be off-center. The opening 202 may be shaped and sized to receive a locking pin assembly 400 and, thus, may be described as a lock-receiving opening 202.

[0063] The weld base 200 has a front end 208 and back end 210 opposite from the front end 208. A first side 212 and a second side 214 opposite the first side 212 extend from the front end 208 to the back end 210. Although the terms “front” and “back” are used herein, it should be understood that these terms are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, end 210 may be considered the “front” and end 208 may be considered the “back.” In some embodiments, the sides 212, 214 may be considered the “front” and “back.” In other embodiments, none of the ends 208, 210 or sides 212, 214 may be considered “front” or “back.”

[0064] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the weld base 200 may be generally rectangularly shaped as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, the weld base 200 may be any suitable shape. For example, the weld base 200 may be a square, hexagon, octagon, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape. The weld base 200 may also be symmetrical. For example, when viewed from the top, the weld base 200 may be nearly symmetrical along a horizontal axis running from the front end 208 to the back end 210. In some cases, the weld base 200 may be symmetrical along the vertical axis and / or other axes.

[0065] The bottom of the weld base 200 may include one or more weld grooves 207 disposed around part or all of the perimeter of the weld base 200. The weld grooves 207 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206. The weld grooves 207 may allow the weld base 200 to be welded to the surface of a bucket 50. The weld groovers 207 may also advantageously reduce the amount of material needed to form the weld base 200 decreasing the weight and lowering the cost.

[0066] There may be one or more cut outs 217 in the sides 212, 214 or ends 208, 210 of the weld base 200. For example, there may be a cut out 217 in each side 212, 214 of the weld base 200. Here, the cut outs 217 create a more narrow central region compared to the wider ends. There may be twist control surfaces 219 around the cut out 217 along the sides 212, 214. The twist control surfaces 219 may be disposed at the end regions and may contact the wall of the wear runner 300 and prevent movement in the side to side or lateral direction, as described in more detail below. There may also be cut outs 217 in the bottom surface 204 of the weld base 200. The cut outs 217 may decrease the weight of the weld base 200, which may make it easier to handle and lower the cost

[0067] The weld base 200 may also include a pry feature 215. The pry feature 215 may be disposed proximate to or at the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The pry feature 215 may be shaped to a allow a user to apply leverage to the wear runner 300 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. Thus, the pry feature 215 may be shaped to fit a tool such as a pry bar. The pry feature 215 may be any suitable shape. For example, the pry feature 215 may be a hole extending from the top surface 204 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the pry feature 215 may not extend completely through the weld base 200 but may be a cavity or recess within the top surface 204. In some embodiments, the pry feature 215 may be cut into the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The pry feature 215 may have one or more inclined or angled surfaces or may have no angled surfaces.

[0068] The front end 208 of the weld base 200 may include a front securement ramp 216. The front securement ramp 216 may extend entirely along the front end 208 (i.e. from the first side 212 to the second side 214). The front securement ramp 216 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206 and outward away from the center of the weld base 200. A front ledge 227 may be formed between the top surface 204 and the front securement ramp 216 under which a front securement ramp 326 on the wear runner 300 may fit, as described in more detail below. The front ramp 216 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the front securement ramp 216 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 216 may only extend along part of the front end 208. In some embodiments, the front end 208 may include more than one front securement ramps 216 or may not include a front securement ramp 216.

[0069] The front end 208 may also include a bottom out surface 270. In some implementations, the bottom out surface 270 may face in a lateral direction on the base, and may act effectively as a thrust face. In some implementations, the bottom out surface 207 may be vertical or may be angled to face in the lateral direction and may extend between the top of the front securement ramp 216 and the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The bottom out surface 270 may contact and / or bear against a corresponding bottom out surface on the wear runner 300, as described in more detail below.

[0070] The weld base 200 may include a depression 218 that is sunken with respect to the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The depression 218 may include a front portion 220, a back portion 222, and a central portion 224 disposed between the front portion 220 and the back portion 222. The front portion 220 may be located proximate to but spaced from the front end 208 of the weld base 200 and the back portion 222 may be located proximate to but spaced from the back end 210 such that the depression 218 extends along most of the length of the weld base 200. However, in some embodiments, the depression 218 may extend along only a smaller part of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, there may be multiple smaller depressions 218 rather than a single larger depression 218. The depression 218 may have a first side 223 proximate the first side 212 of the weld base 200 and a second side 225 proximate the second side 214 of the weld base 200. The sides 223, 225 of the depression 218 may be spaced from the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the sides 223, 225 of the depression 218 may be disposed along the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200. The front portion 220, center portion 224, and back portion 222 may be descriptive and are not intended to be limiting.

[0071] The front portion 220 of the depression 218 may include a front push-out ramp 226. The front push-out ramp 226 may extend from the top surface 204 downward towards the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The front push-out ramp 226 may generally follow or align with the front securement ramp 216 on the front end 208 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 is parallel to the front securement ramp 216. In other embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 is disposed at a different angle than the front securement ramp 216. The front push-out ramp 226 may extend completely from the first side 223 of the depression 218 to the second side 225. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 226 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple front push-out ramps 226 disposed between the sides 223, 225.

[0072] The depression 218 may include an inclined surface 228 that extends upward from the bottom of the front push-out ramp 226 towards the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The inclined surface 228 may be disposed in the front portion 220 of the depression 218 proximate to the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 228 is spaced from the front push-out ramp 226, but, in other embodiments, the inclined surface 228 may be disposed directly adjacent to the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the depression 218 does not include an inclined surface 228 but instead includes a flat or curved surface.

[0073] The opening 202 may extend through the central portion 224 of the depression 218. The opening 202 may be disposed proximate to the inclined surface 228 and, in some embodiments, the inclined surface 228 may extend to and partially around the opening 202. A sunken surface 230 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 202. In some embodiments, the sunken surface 230 is sunken with respect to the inclined surface 228 of the depression 218. The sunken surface 230 may be disposed on the side of the opening 202 opposite the inclined surface 228. Shelves 232 may be disposed on either side of the sunken surface 230, defining a slot or recess between the sunken surface 230 and the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232.

[0074] The horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 may be sunken with respect to the top surface 204 of the weld base 200. The horizontal surfaces 236 may extend around the sides of the opening 202 and may connect to the inclined surface 228 via connection ramps 238. The connection ramps 238 may be angled upward from the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 and towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200. The connection ramps 238 may be offset such that one is disposed closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200 and the other is disposed closer to the back end 210. In some embodiments, the depression 218 does not include connection ramps 238 but instead includes a vertical surface or a curved surface.

[0075] An aperture 240 may be disposed through the back portion 222 of the depression 218. The aperture 240 may extend from the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 to the top surface 204. The aperture 240 may define a back push-out ramp 242 that extends from the bottom surface 206 to the sunken surface 230 and the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232. Thus, the back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed on a back side of the shelves 232. The back push-out ramp 242 may be angled from the bottom surface 206 upwards towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200.

[0076] The aperture 240 may also include an internal back securement ramp 244. The internal back securement ramp 244 may extend from the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 to the top surface 204. The internal back securement ramp 244 may be angled upward from the bottom surface 206 towards the front end 208 of the weld base 200. A back ledge 246 may be formed between the top surface 204 and the internal back securement ramp 244 under which a projection on the wear runner 300 may fit, as described in more detail below. The internal back securement ramp 244 may form a back end of the depression 218. The internal back securement ramp 244 may be proximate to but spaced from the back end 210 of the weld base 200. The internal back securement ramp 244 may extend completely from the first side 223 of the depression 218 to the second side 225. The internal back securement ramp 244 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 242. The back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed at the same angle as the internal back securement ramp 244. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may be disposed at a different angle than the internal back securement ramp 244. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front push-out ramp 226. In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 244 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front securement ramp 216.

[0077] The front push-out ramp 226, the back push-out ramp 242, and the internal back securement ramp 244 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 226, 242, 244 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle.

[0078] In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 244 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple internal back securement ramps 244 disposed between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 242 may extend only partially between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there may be multiple back push-out ramps 242 disposed between the sides 223, 225. In some embodiments, there is a second aperture 240 including a second back push-out ramp 242 and / or a second internal back securement ramp 244. In general, the securement ramps 216, 244 on the weld base 200 face at least partially toward the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200 or toward the work implement (e.g., bucket). The push-out ramps 226, 242 on the weld base face at least partially toward the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 and away from the work implement.

[0079] The opening 202 of the weld base 200 is shaped to fit and secure a locking pin assembly 400. The opening 202 may be defined by a wall 248 surrounding the opening 202. The opening 202 may include a full ramp 250 and a partial ramp 252. The full ramp 252 may extend from the top of the inclined surface 228 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. The partial ramp 252 may be disposed generally opposite the full ramp 252 and may extend from a horizontal surface 236 of one of the shelves 232 to the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. Thus, the full ramp 250 may have a larger vertical height than the partial ramp 252. The full ramp 250 may also be longer than the partial ramp 252. The bottom part of the full ramp 250 may be disposed opposite the partial ramp 252.

[0080] Because the sunken surface 230 and shelves 232 are disposed on one side of the opening 202, the height of the opening on the side adjacent the sunken surface 230 and shelves 232 may be smaller than the height of other parts of the opening 202.

[0081] In some embodiments, the surface of the ramps 250, 252 may be generally flat. In other embodiments, the surface of the ramps 250, 252 may be curved. The ramps 250, 252 may include more than one surface. The ramps 250, 252 may be disposed at the same angle. In other embodiments, the ramps 250, 252 may be disposed at different angles.

[0082] Recesses 254 may be disposed in the wall 248 of the opening 202. The recesses 254 may be spaced from the bottoms of the ramps 250, 252. The recesses 254 may be shaped to contact and fit the flanges on the locking pin assembly 400 to prevent further rotation, as described in more detail below. The recess 254 may be disposed at the bottom of the opening 202 such that the bottom of the recesses 254 are aligned with the bottom surface 206 of the weld base 200. Thus, there may be no surface, projection, or other part between the recesses 254 and the bottom of the weld base 200. The top of the recesses 254 may form a ledge between the recesses 254 and the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 under which the flanges of the locking pin assembly 400 may fit, as described in more detail below.

[0083] In some embodiments, there may only be one recess 254 or may be more than two recesses 254. In some embodiments, the recesses 254 may include multiple surfaces. The recesses 254 may curve around the wall 248 of the opening 202.

[0084] There is a pocket 260 disposed in the wall 248 of the opening 202. The pockets 218 may be shaped to fit part or all of a lock of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below. The pocket 260 may include a back surface 262 and two angled surfaces 264 on either side of the back surface 262. A ridge 266 may be disposed adjacent the pocket 260. The ridge 266 may include an angled surface that extends from the wall 248 of the opening 202 or a recessed or sunken portion of the wall 248 towards the pocket 260. In some embodiments, there may be a compression surface 268 disposed between the ridge 266 and an angled surface 264 of the pocket 260. In other embodiments, there may be no compression surface 268. The pocket 260 and the ridge 266 may be spaced from the ramps 250, 252 and / or the recesses 254. The pocket 260 may be located on the side of the opening 202 adjacent the inclined surface 228 such that the pocket 260 is disposed closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200.

[0085] The ridge 266 may be configured to contact and press against the lock of the locking pin assembly 400, compressing the lock so that it can decompress into the pocket 260, as described in more detail below. Thus, the pocket 260 may prevent rotation of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below.

[0086] There is a pin shaft contact surface disposed on the wall 248 of the opening 202 around the pocket 260 and, thus, may be located closer to the front end 208 of the weld base 200. The pin shaft contact surface may be configured to contact and / or bear against the pin of the locking pin assembly 400, as described in more detail below.

[0087] In some embodiments, the opening 202 includes more than one pocket 260 and / or more than one ridge 266. The number of pockets 260 and ridges 266 may be the same or may be different. In some embodiments, the opening 202 may not include a ridge 266 or recesses 254. In some embodiments, the opening 202 may not include ramps 216.

[0088] In some embodiments, the pocket 260 may only include one angled surface 264 and one back surface 262. In other embodiments, the pockets 260 may only include two angled surfaces 264 and no back surface 262. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces 264 are angled at 90 degrees relative to the surrounding surface. In some embodiments, the pockets 260 may include more than two angled surfaces 264 and more than one back surface 262. The angled surfaces 264 may be disposed at the same angle or different angles. In some embodiments, the ridge 266 may not include an angled surface. In some embodiments, the ridge 266 is curved. In other embodiments, the ridges 266 may include more than one angled surface or may include an angled surface and a non-angled surface adjacent the pocket 260.

[0089] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate various views of a wear runner 300 for use in a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a perspective view, FIG. 3B is a top view, and FIG. 3C is a bottom view. FIG. 3D is a zoomed-in view of the ramped projection 350 of the wear runner 300. FIG. 3E is a perspective bottom view of the wear runner 300. The wear runner 300 includes a top surface 304 and a bottom surface 306. The opening 302 extends from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306. The opening 302 may be disposed at the center off the wear runner 300. However, in other embodiments, the opening 302 may be off-center. The opening 302 may be shaped and sized to receive a locking pin assembly 400 and, thus, may be described as a lock-receiving opening 302.

[0090] The wear runner 300 may comprise a front end 308 and a back end 310 opposite from the front end 308. A first side 312 and a second side 314 opposite the first side 312 extend from the front end 308 to the back end 310. As explained above, the terms “front” and “back” are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0091] The top surface 304 may be a wear surface, where the top wear surface 304 may come into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced by the material displacement apparatus. The top surface 304 may include a central flat portion 308 and an inclined outer portion 316. The inclined outer portion 310 may be inclined downward from the central flat portion 308 around the edges of the top surface 304. In some embodiments, the top surface 304 may only have a flat portion 308. In some embodiments, the top surface 304 may be partially or completely curved or may be pyramid-shaped.

[0092] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the wear runner 300 may be generally rectangularly shaped as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, the wear runner 300 may be any suitable shape. For example, the wear runner 300 may be a square, hexagon, octagon, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape. The wear runner 300 may also be symmetrical. For example, when viewed from the top, the wear runner 300 may be nearly symmetrical along a horizontal axis running from the front end 308 to the back end 310. In some cases, the wear runner 300 may be symmetrical along the vertical axis and / or other axes.

[0093] The wear runner 300 may also include a wall 322 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 along the perimeter of the wear runner 300. The wall 322 may extend partially or completely along the perimeter of wear runner 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 322 extends along the first side 312, the front end 308, and the second side 314. In this embodiment, the wall 322 does not extend along the back end 310. This may allow the wear runner 300 to slide onto and off of the weld base 200 for installation and removal, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, there may be more than one wall 322. The inner surfaces 372 of the sidewalls along the sides 312, 314 may be configured to contact and / or bear against the twist control surfaces 219 of the weld base 200. The inner surfaces 372 may be oriented vertically. For example, the inner surfaces 372 may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 306. In other embodiments, there may be no wall 322. In some embodiments, the wall 322 may extend along the front end 308.

[0094] There may be one or more cut outs 320 in the sides 312, 314 or ends 308, 310 of the wear runner 300. For example, there may be a cut out 320 in each side 312, 314 and in each end 308, 312, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. If the wear runner 300 includes a wall 322 the cut outs 320 may cut upward from the bottom of the wall 322. There may also be cut outs 320 in the bottom surface 304 of the wear runner 300. The cut outs 320 may decrease the weight of the wear runner 300, which may make it easier to handle and lower the cost.

[0095] The wear runner 300 may also include a pry feature 324. The pry feature 324 may be disposed proximate to or at the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The pry feature 324 may be shaped to a allow a user to apply leverage to the wear runner 300 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. Thus, the pry feature 324 may be shaped to fit a tool such as a pry bar. The pry feature 324 may be any suitable shape. For example, the pry feature 324 may be cut into the back end 310, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The pry feature 324 may include an angled surface that extends from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 302. In some embodiments, the pry feature 324 may be a hole extending from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300.

[0096] The pry feature 324 of the wear runner 300 may align with the pry feature 215 of the weld base 200 such that a tool can be inserted and contact both pry features 324, 215 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. The pry features may provide leverage to the user, allowing for easier removal of the wear runner 300.

[0097] The wear runner 300 may include a front securement ramp 326 that extends downward relative to the bottom surface 206 proximate to the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. The front securement ramp 326 may contact the wall 322 along the front end 308 and may be disposed on the inner surface of the wall 322 along the front end 308. The front securement ramp 326 may extend from the wall 322 on the first side 312 of the wear runner 300 to the wall 322 on the second side 314. The front securement ramp 326 may extend downward from the bottom surface 306 towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. Thus, a tab 328 may be formed between front securement ramp 326 and the bottom of the wall 322. The tab 328 may be configured to fit under the ledge 227 defined by the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The front securement ramp 326 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the front securement ramp 216 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may be the same angle as the front securement ramp 326 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front securement ramp 326 may only extend along partially between the sides 312, 314. In some embodiments, there may be more than one front securement ramp 326 or there may not be a front securement ramp 326.

[0098] There may be a bottom out surface 370 that extends between the top of the front securement ramp 326 and the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 along the inner surface of the wall 322. The bottom out surface 370 may contact and / or bear against the bottom out surface 270 on the weld base 200 when the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. The bottom out surface 370 may be oriented vertically. For example, the bottom out surface 370 may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 306.

[0099] The wear runner 300 may comprise an extension 330 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306. The extension 330 may include a front portion 332, a back portion 334, and a central portion 336 disposed between the front portion 332 and the back portion 334. The front portion 332 may be located proximate to but spaced from the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 and the back portion 334 may be located proximate to but spaced from the back end 310 such that the extension 330 extends along most of the length of the wear runner 300. However, in some embodiments, the extension 330 may extend along only a smaller part of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, there may be multiple smaller extensions 330 rather than a single larger extension 330. The extension 330 may have a first side 331 proximate the first side 312 of the wear runner 300 and a second side 333 proximate the second side 314 of the wear runner 300. The sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 may be spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 may extend to the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. If the wall 322 extends along the sides 312, 314, then the extension 330 may extend between the portions of the wall 322 on the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The front portion 332, center portion 336, and back portion 334 may be descriptive and are not intended to be limiting.

[0100] The extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may be shaped to fit into the depression 218 of the weld base 200. Thus, in some embodiments, the extension 330 may be a “mirror” of the depression 218 such that the extension 330 contacts all surfaces of the depression 218. In other embodiments, the extension 330 may contact a subset of the surfaces of the depression 218.

[0101] The front portion 332 of the extension 330 may include a front push-out ramp 338. The front push-out ramp 338 may extend from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 downwards towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The front push-out ramp 338 may generally follow or align with the front securement ramp 326 on the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 is parallel to the front securement ramp 326. In other embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 is disposed at a different angle than the front securement ramp 326. The front push-out ramp 338 may extend completely from the first side 331 of the depression 218 to the second side 333. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there may be multiple front push-out ramps 338 disposed between the sides 331, 333. The front push-out ramp 338 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the front push-out ramp 226 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below

[0102] The extension 330 may include an inclined surface 340 that extends upward from the bottom of the front push-out ramp 338 towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The inclined surface 340 may be spaced from the front push-out ramp 338 such that a flat surface extends therebetween, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The inclined surface 340 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the inclined surface 228 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the extension 330 does not include an inclined surface 340 but instead includes a flat or curved surface.

[0103] The opening 302 may extend through the central portion 336 of the extension 330. The opening 302 may be disposed proximate to the inclined surface 340 and, in some embodiments, the inclined surface 340 may extend to and partially around the opening 302. The extension 330 may include a block 342 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 adjacent to the opening 302. The block 342 may be disposed on the side of the opening 302 opposite from the inclined surface 340. Shelves 344 may be disposed on either side of the block 342. A lower surface 343 of the block 342 may be shaped to contact the sunken surface 230 in the depression 218 of the weld base 200 and the block 342 may be shaped to fit between the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232, as described in more detail below. The horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 of the wear runner 300 may be shaped to contact the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below.

[0104] The horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 may be sunken with respect to the lower surface 343 of the block 342. The horizontal surfaces 346 may extend around the sides of the opening 302 and may connect to the inclined surface 340 via connection ramps 348. The connection ramps 348 may be angled upward from the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 and towards the front end 308 of the wear runner 300. The connection ramps 348 may be offset such that one is disposed closer to the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 and the other is disposed closer to the back end 310. The connection ramps 348 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and / or slide against the connection ramps 238 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. Thus, in some embodiments, the connection ramps 348, 238 may be disposed at the same angle. In some embodiments, the extension 330 does not include connection ramps 348 but instead includes a vertical surface or a curved surface.

[0105] The extension 330 may also include a projection 350 that projects downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300. The projection 350 may be adjacent to the block 342 and the shelves 344 such that it contacts and connects to the block 342 and shelves 344. The projection 350 may have a back push-out ramp 352 that extends downward from the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 around the block 342. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may also extend downward from the lower surface 343 of the block 342. The back push-out ramp 352 may extend downward towards the back end 310 of the wear runner 300. The back push-out ramp 352 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the back push-out ramp 242 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below.

[0106] The projection 350 may also have an internal back securement ramp 354 opposite the back push-out ramp 352. The internal back securement ramp 354 may extend downward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 towards the back end 310. The internal back securement ramp 354 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to contact and slide along the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. Thus, at least part of the projection 350 may be configured to fit below the back ledge 246 of the weld base 200.

[0107] The projection 350 may be internally disposed such that the sides 256 of the projection 250 are spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The projection may also be spaced from the front end 308 and the back end 310. Thus, the back securement ramp 354 and / or the back push-out ramp 352 may also be internally disposed such that their sides are spaced from the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300. The back securement ramp 354 and / or the back push-out ramp 352 may also be spaced from the front end 308 and the back end 310.

[0108] The internal back securement ramp 354 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 352. The internal back securement ramp 244 may generally follow or align with the back push-out ramp 242. The back push-out ramp 352 may be disposed at the same angle as the internal back securement ramp 354. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may be disposed at a different angle than the internal back securement ramp 354. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front push-out ramp 326. In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 354 may be the same angle as or a different angle than the front securement ramp 326. 3

[0109] The front push-out ramp 338, the back push-out ramp 352, and the internal back securement ramp 354 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 338, 352, 354 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is in a range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and in some implementations about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In some implementations, the angle is about a 45 degree angle.

[0110] In some embodiments, the sides 256 of the projection 350 may be angled inward from the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 to the lower surface 356 of the projection 300. In some cases, the sides of the aperture 240 in the weld base 200 may follow or align with the sides 256 of the projection 250.

[0111] In some embodiments, the internal back securement ramp 354 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330. In some embodiments, there may be multiple internal back securement ramps 354 disposed between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 may extend only partially between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there may be multiple back push-out ramps 352 disposed between the sides 331, 333. In some embodiments, there is a projection 350 including a second back push-out ramp 352 and / or a second internal back securement ramp 354.

[0112] In general, the securement ramps 326, 354 on the wear runner 300 face at least partially toward the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 or toward the work implement (e.g., bucket). The push-out ramps 338, 352 on the weld base face at least partially toward the top surface 304 of the wear runner 300 and away from the work implement.

[0113] The opening 302 of the wear runner 300 is shaped to fit the locking pin assembly 400. The opening 302 may include a ramp 258. The ramp 258 may include an upper section 260 and a lower section 262. The upper section 260 may be disposed at a smaller angle than the lower section 262. In some embodiments, the upper section 260 may be flat or at a 180-degree angle. The ramp 358 may be located along the same side of the opening 302 as the shelves 344 and the block 342. In some embodiments, the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may be configured to align with the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and, thus, the ramp 358 and the partial ramp 252 may form a single ramp, as described in more detail below. A flange of the locking pin assembly 400 may be configured to contact and slide along the single ramp, as described in more detail below.

[0114] The upper section 360 of the ramp 358 may be spaced from the top surface 304 and, thus, the top of the opening 302. The wall 364 of the opening 302 may not be angled and thus may extend vertically from the top surface 304 to the bottom surface 306. A pin shaft contact surface of the wall 364 may be disposed on an outer surface 368 of the ramp 358. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface may be located along the side of the opening 302 adjacent the block 342 such that the pin shaft contact surface is disposed closer to the back end 310 of the wear runner 300.

[0115] Because the block 342 and shelves 344 are disposed on one side of the opening 302, the height of the opening on the side adjacent the block 342 may be larger than the height of other parts of the opening 302.

[0116] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various views of a locking pin assembly 400 for a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a perspective top view, FIG. 4B is a perspective bottom view, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken through the 4C-4C line shown in FIG. 4A of the locking pin assembly 400. FIG. 4D is a top perspective view of a lock 404 of the locking pin assembly 400. The locking pin assembly 400 includes a pin 402 and a lock 404. The locking pin assembly 400 may shaped and sized to fit into the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and, thus, may be described as being fittable into the openings 202, 302.

[0117] The pin 402 includes a shaft 406 and one or more flanges 410 that project outward from the shaft 406. In some embodiments, the shaft 406 has a generally constant diameter.

[0118] The top surface 408 of the shaft 406 may include a tool engagement feature 416 that projects upward from the top surface 408. There may be a groove 412 disposed in the top surface 408 of the shaft 406 around the tool engagement feature 416. The tool engagement feature 416 may have a hexagonal outer surface 418 and a hexagonal inner surface 420. The hexagonal inner surface 420 may define a socket 422. In some embodiments, the height of the socket 422 may be greater than the height of the tool engagement feature 416. The hexagonal surfaces 418, 420 allows for insertion and removal of the locking pin assembly 400 in two ways. First, a tool such as a socket wrench may contact or grip the hexagonal outer surface 418 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. Second, a tool such as a screw driver or allen wrench may be inserted into the socket 422 and contact the hexagonal inner surface 420 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. Thus, if the pin 402 is degraded or worn down during use of the material displacement apparatus, the user has multiple options for removing the locking pin assembly 400 from the wear runner 300 and weld base 200. For example, if the tool engagement feature is completely worn down, the socket 422 may still extend into the top surface 408 of the shaft 406, thus allowing a tool to be inserted therein.

[0119] The one or more flanges 410 of the pin 402 may project outward from the bottom of the shaft 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 402 includes two flanges 410 disposed opposite each other around the shaft 406. In other embodiments, the pin 402 may include one flange 410 or more than two flanges 410.

[0120] Each flange 410 may include a top ramp 424 and a bottom ramp 426. The top ramp 424 may extend from an insertion end 432 of the flange 410 to a removal end 434 on the upper surface of the flange 410. The bottom ramp 426 may extend completely or partially from one end of the flange 410 to the other end on the lower surface of the flange 410. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 extends from the removal end 434 towards the insertion end 432. In these embodiments, a flat bottom surface 426 may extend from the bottom of the bottom ramp 426 to the insertion end 432 of the flange 410. An outer flange surface 430 may extend between the top ramp 424 and the bottom ramp 426 and the flat bottom surface 428. The outer flange surface 430 may be curved from the insertion end 432 to the removal end 434.

[0121] The top ramp 434 may be configured to contact and slide against a top surface of the recess 254 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200, guiding the flange 210 into the recess 254 and the locking pin assembly 400 into the locked position, as described in more detail below.

[0122] The bottom ramp 426 on one of the flanges 410 may be configured to contact and slide along the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. During removal, the bottom ramp 436 may provide additional push-out, which may advantageously make it easier for a user to remove the locking pin assembly 400. The bottom ramp 426 on the other flange 410 may contact and slide along the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200.

[0123] The top ramp 424 and bottom ramp 426 may be disposed at any suitable angle. For example, the ramps 424, 426 may be disposed at an any angle in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the top ramp 424 and the bottom ramp 426 are disposed at the same angle. However, in other embodiments, the top ramp 424 and bottom ramp 426 are disposed at different angles. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 may not have top ramps 424 and / or bottom ramps 426.

[0124] The flanges 410 may be arranged so that the insertion end 432 of the first flange 410 is proximate and spaced from the removal end 434 of the second flange 410. Similarly, the insertion end 432 of the second flange 410 is proximate and spaced from the removal end 434 of the first flange 410.

[0125] A cavity 440 may be disposed in the shaft 406 of the pin 402. In some embodiments, the cavity 440 may be located between the flanges 410. The cavity 440 is shaped and configured to fit and hold the lock 404.

[0126] The lock 404 may include a locking tab 442 and a base 444. In some embodiments, the base 444 may be formed of a compressible material such as rubber. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 may be formed of a non-compressible material or a material that is less compressible than the material of the base 444, such as a rigid polymer or metal material, such as steel, though other materials are contemplated. The base 444 of the lock 404 may be disposed within the cavity 440 such that the locking tab 442 extends outward from the cavity 440.

[0127] Thus, when the locking tab 442 contacts another surface or part, the locking tab 442 may receive a force directed inward towards the shaft 406 of the pin 402. The locking tab 442 may then exert a force on the base 444 directed inward towards the shaft 406 of the pin 402. The inward force may cause the base 444 to compress, moving the locking tab 442 further into the cavity 440. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 may be moved completely into the cavity 440. When the force is removed, the base 444 may decompress, moving the locking tab 442 outward to its original position (where the locking tab 442 extends outward from the cavity 440).

[0128] The locking tab 442 and base 444 are coupled in any suitable manner. For example, the locking tab 442 and base 444 may be coupled via an adhesive. The locking tab 442 may have any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end 445 of the locking tab 442 has two angled surfaces 446 such that the outer end 445 is partially pointed. The angled surfaces 446 are connected by an outer flat surface 448. The outer end 445 may be configured to fit in the pocket 218 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The angled surfaces 446 may contact and press against the ridge 266 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the angled surfaces 264 of the pocket 260 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. Thus, the angled surfaces 446 may allow the lock 404 to be more easily compressed during insertion and / or removal. The inner end 450 of the locking tab 442 may include a slot 452 for receiving an extension 454 on the base 444. This may provide a better coupling between the locking tab 442 and the base 444. The base 444 may be slightly wider than the outer opening of the cavity 440 so that the base 444 can be compressed into the cavity 440 and remain in the cavity 440 after decompressing.

[0129] In some embodiments, the base 444 comprises a spring. In some embodiments, the base 444 is non-compressible and the locking tab 442 is compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and the locking tab 442 are both compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and the locking tab 442 are both non-compressible. In some embodiments, the base 444 and locking tab 442 are a single part. In some embodiments, the cavity 440 is disposed on one or both of the flanges 410. Thus, in these embodiments, the lock 404 extends outward from the cavity 440 and outward from the outer flange surface 430. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 are not disposed on the bottom of the shaft 406, but are disposed between the bottom of the shaft 406 and the head 408 of the pin 402.

[0130] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for a method 500 of assembling a wear runner assembly 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 will be described in reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, 8, 9A-9C, and 10.

[0131] The method 500 may include the step 502 of providing a weld base 200 and a wear runner 300. The weld base 200 may be any weld base 200 described herein. For example, the weld base 200 may be a weld base 200 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 2A-2F. In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may be welded to the surface of a bucket 50 of a material displacement apparatus. The user may weld the weld base 200 along the weld groove 207.

[0132] The wear runner 300 may be any wear runner 300 described herein. For example, the wear runner 300 may be a wear runner 300 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3E.

[0133] The method 500 may include the step 504 of placing the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200. One or more embodiments of step 504 may be shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, and 8. FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional views of the wear runner 300 and the weld base 200 along the 6A-6A line in FIGS. 2A and 3A at several points during the step of placing the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200. FIG. 6A illustrates the wear runner 300 aligned over the weld base 200. FIG. 6B illustrates the point where the securement ramps 216, 244 of the wear runner 300 contact the corresponding securement ramps 326, 354 on the weld base 300. FIG. 6C illustrates the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 in a use configuration where the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200.

[0134] The wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may be attached via a slide-on installation where the wear runner is placed on or over the weld base 200 diagonally or at an angle, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6A. As the wear runner 300 slides onto the weld base 200, the front securement ramp 326 and internal back securement ramp 354 of the wear runner 300 may slide along the front securement ramp 216 and internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the wear runner 300 may be inserted vertically or not at an angle. In yet other embodiments, the wear runner 300 may be rotated as it is placed over the weld base 200.

[0135] In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may only fit together in one orientation. For example, the wear runner 300 may only fit over the weld base 200 such that the front end 308 of the wear runner 300 is disposed over the front end 208 of the weld base 200. In other embodiments, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may fit over each other in more than one orientation.

[0136] To place the wear runner 300 over the weld base 200, the user may maneuver the wear runner 300 so that the front securement ramp 326 contacts or engages the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200 and the internal back securement ramp 354 contacts or engages the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. The user may then slide the ramps 326, 354 of the wear runner 300 along the respective ramps 216, 244 of the weld base 200 until the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200. During this process, the wear runner 300 may drop on the weld base 200 at an angle.

[0137] When fully seated, the tab 328 formed by the front securement ramp 326 of the wear runner 300 may fit under the front ledge 227 formed by the front securement ramp 216 of the weld base 200. Similarly, the projection 350 may fit under the back ledge 246 formed by the internal back securement ramp 244 of the weld base 200. The ledges 227, 246 may help to hold the wear runner 300 on the weld base 200 preventing the wear runner 300 from falling off or being removed from the weld base 200. In some embodiments, a user may place the wear runner 300 over the weld base 200 and, after it is fully seated, use one hand (or, in some embodiments, no hands) to hold or press onto the wear runner 300 while inserting and rotating the locking pin assembly 400 (steps 506 and 508) to secure the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. Thus, the ledges 227, 246 may allow a single user to assemble the wear runner assembly 100.

[0138] When the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, the extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may be disposed in and contact or engage the surfaces of the depression 218 on the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the front push-out ramp 338 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the front push-out ramp 226 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 340 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the inclined surface 228 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the connection ramps 348 of the extension 330 contact and / or bear or press against the connection ramps 238 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the horizontal surfaces 346 of the shelves 344 of the extension 330 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the horizontal surfaces 236 of the shelves 232 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the block 342 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the sunken surface 230 and / or the vertical surfaces 234 of the shelves 232 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the back push-out ramp 352 of the projection 350 of the extension 330 contacts, engages, and / or bears or presses against the back push-out ramp 242 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the sides 356 of the projection 350 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the sides of the aperture 240 of the depression 218. In some embodiments, the sides 331, 333 of the extension 330 contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the sides 223, 225 of the depression 218. One or more of the above contact surfaces may contact or engage each other when the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled or fully seated. In some embodiments, when the wear runner 300 is fully seated on the weld base 200, the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 may be in the use configuration.

[0139] Moreover, the bottom surface 306 of the wear runner 300 may contact, engage, and / or bear or press against the top surface 204 of the weld base 200 when the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 372 of the wall 322 along the sides 312, 314 of the wear runner 300 may contact or engage the twist control surfaces 219 on the sides 212, 214 of the weld base 200, thereby bearing loads and preventing movement in the laterally direction (side-to-side).

[0140] These contact surfaces may provide stability to the wear runner assembly 100 and may bear forces along one or more directions of the wear runner assembly 100. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces may bear forces in the side-to-side directions, bear forces from the front end 208, 308, and bear top loads. In some embodiments, the contact surfaces may not bear forces from the back end 210, 310.

[0141] FIGS. 7 and 8 show zoomed-in views of the aligned openings 202, 302 after the wear runner 300 and weld base 200 are assembled. The wear runner 300 may be placed on the weld base 200 such that the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 aligns with the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the ramps 358, 252 may form a single ramp.

[0142] In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 may fit over the weld base 200 such that the wall 322 extends partially or completely down the height of the weld base 200. Thus, the top surface 304 and outer surface of the wall 322 may mostly cover the weld base 200, preventing material from contacting and wearing the weld base 200 during use of the bucket 50. In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 may fit on the weld base 200 such that there are minimal gaps between the wear runner 300 and weld base 200. This may prevent material from getting between the wear runner 300 and weld base 200, particularly from the back ends 210, 310.

[0143] The method 500 may include the step 506 of inserting a locking pin assembly 400 into the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. The locking pin assembly 400 may be any locking pin assembly 400 described herein. For example, the locking pin assembly 400 may be a locking pin assembly 400 illustrated in and / or described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0144] The locking pin assembly 400 may be inserted such that the top surface 408 of the shaft 406 of the pin 402 is pointing upwards. The locking pin assembly 400 may be inserted into the opening 302 in one or more different orientations. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 and / or the flat bottom surface 428 of one of the flanges 410 contacts or engages the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. In some embodiments, the bottom ramp 426 and / or the flat bottom surface 428 of one of the flanges 410 contacts or engages the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 may be oriented such that it points down the single ramp 358, 252 or the full ramp 350.

[0145] The method 500 may include the step 508 of rotating the locking pin assembly 400 to lock the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. One or more embodiments of step 508 may be shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. FIGS. 9A-9C may be cross-sectional views of the wear runner assembly 100 taken along the 9A-9C-9A-9C line shown in FIG. 1. The locking pin assembly 400 may be rotate in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the user may use a tool to rotate the locking pin assembly 400. For example, the user may use a tool such as a socket wrench to contact, engage, or grip the hexagonal outer surface 418 of the tool engagement feature 416 on the pin 402 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400. In another example, the user may insert a tool such as a screw driver or allen wrench into the socket 422 of the tool engagement feature 416 of the pin 402 and contact the hexagonal inner surface 420 to maneuver the locking pin assembly 400.

[0146] As the locking pin assembly 400 is rotated in a first direction, the bottom ramp 426 on one flange 410 may contact or engage and slide along the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 may be slide along the ramps 358, 252, 250 first. During rotation, the top ramps 424 of the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 412 may contact the top of the recesses 254 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. The top ramps 424 may guide the locking pin assembly 400 into the correct position as it approaches the lock position.

[0147] When the lock 404 contacts or engages the ridge 266 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200, the locking tab 442 exerts an inward force on the base 444 of the lock 404. This inward force may compress the base 444. When the base 444 compresses, it moves or pulls the locking tab 442 inward such that the locking tab 442 is more disposed more the cavity 440. In some embodiments, the locking tab 442 is completely disposed in the cavity 440 when the base 444 is compressed and in other embodiments the locking tab 442 is only disposed partially in the cavity 440.

[0148] FIG. 9A illustrates the locking tab 442 as it first contacts the ridge 266 of the weld base 200. In some embodiments, an angled surface 446 of the locking tab 442 contacts or engages the ridge 266.

[0149] FIG. 9B illustrates the lock 404 after it has been compressed by the ridge 266. At this point, the lock 404 may be at its maximum compression and maximum tension. The locking tab 442 may contact or engage and slide against the compression surface 268 between the ridge 266 and the angled surface 264 of the pocket 260.

[0150] As the locking pin assembly 400 continues to rotate, the locks 404 align with the pocket 260 of the opening 202. When the lock 404 aligns with the pocket 266, the base 444 of the lock 404 decompresses. As the base 444 decompresses, the locking tab 442 moves or is pushed outward. In some embodiments, the lock 404 may decompress into its original position. The locking tab 442 may extend outward from the cavity 440 and extend into the pocket 266. When the locking tab 442 is disposed in the pocket 266, the locking tab 442 may prevent further movement of the locking pin assembly 400. Thus, this may be considered the lock position of the locking pin assembly 400. In some embodiments, the locking pin assembly 400 may be rotated 45 degrees to move it into the lock position. In the lock position, the locking pin assembly 400 secures the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. FIGS. 9C and 10 illustrate the locking pin assembly 400 in the lock position. FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the assembled wear runner assembly 100 taken along the 10-10 line in FIG. 1.

[0151] In the lock position, the surfaces 446, 448 of the locking tab 442 may contact or engage one or more surfaces 262, 264 of the pocket 218. The top ramps 424 of the insertion ends 432 of the flanges 410 and / or the outer flange surfaces 430 may contact or engage the surfaces of the recesses 254 in the openings 202 of the weld base 200 to further prevent forward rotation of the locking pin assembly 400.

[0152] One or more of these contact surfaces between the locking pin assembly 400 and the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may prevent movement of the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 relative to the weld base 200. The contact surfaces may secure the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 to the weld base 200 during use of the bucket 50. In particular, the shaft 406 of the pin 404 may contact, engage, and / or bear against the pin shaft contact surface on wall 248 of the opening 202 around the pocket 260. Moreover, the shaft 406 may also contact, engage, and / or bear against the pin shaft contact surface on the wall 364 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 on the outer surface 368 of the ramp 358. These contact or bearing surfaces may hold the wear runner 300 to the weld base 200. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface around the pocket 260 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200 may bear forces from the back ends 210, 310. In some embodiments, the pin shaft contact surface on the outer surface of the 368 of the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 may bear forces from the front ends 208, 308. In some embodiments, the flanges 410 do not carry load, but serve to maintain the coupling between the wear runner 300 and weld base. In some embodiments, the flat bottom surfaces 428 of the flanges 410 may contact or be configured to contact the top surface 204 of the weld base 200.

[0153] The locking pin assembly 400 may be removed by rotating the locking pin assembly 400 in the opposite direction that it was rotated in for installation. Thus, steps 508 and 506 may be performed in reverse to rotate the locking pin assembly 400 such that it moves upward and out of the opening 202 of the weld base 200 and the opening 302 of the wear runner 300. The bottom ramp 426 of the removal end 434 of one of the flanges 410 may slide along and push against the single ramp formed by the ramp 358 in the opening 302 of the wear runner 300 and the partial ramp 252 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. Similarly, the bottom ramp 426 of the removal end 434 of one of the flanges 410 may slide along and push against the full ramp 250 in the opening 202 of the weld base 200. This may make it easier for the user to rotate the locking pin assembly 400 out.

[0154] Similarly, to remove the wear runner 300 from the weld base 200, step 504 may be performed in reverse. The user may insert a tool into the pry feature 324 on the back end 310 of the wear runner 300 and the pry feature 215 on the back end 210 of the weld base 200 to pry the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200. The front push-out ramp 338 on the extension 330 of the wear runner 300 may slide along and push or press against the front push-out ramp 226 on the depression 218 of the weld base 200. The back push-out ramp 352 may slide along and push or press against the back push-out ramp 242 on the depression 218 of the weld base 200. The push-out ramps 338, 226, 352, 242 may make it easier for the user to slide and push or pull the wear runner 300 off of the weld base 200.

[0155] Once removed, the wear runner 300 and locking pin assembly 400 may be discarded. In some embodiments, the wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be reused on a different weld base 200. The locking pin assembly 400 may be used in a different type of wear assembly such as a tooth and / or an adapter for a nose of the lip or a shroud for a lip of the bucket. In some embodiments, a new wear runner 300 and / or locking pin assembly 400 may be secured to the same weld base 200. In some embodiments, the weld base 200 may also be replaced.

[0156] The wear runner 300, weld base 200, and pin 404 may be formed of any suitable material. Some examples include metals, such as case iron steel, or alloys, polymers, or other materials.

[0157] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the implementations encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to the particular exemplary implementations described above. In that regard, although illustrative implementations have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, combination, and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0053]For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the sa...

Claims

1. A wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment, comprising:a wear member, comprising:a first top wear surface;a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface;a first lateral side;a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side;a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, the projection comprising an internally disposed first securement ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side; anda first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface;a base, comprising:a second top surface;a second bottom surface;an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, wherein the aperture comprises a second securement ramp configured to contact the first securement ramp on the wear member; anda second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface; anda locking pin fittable in the first lock-receiver opening and the second lock-receiver opening;wherein the first securement ramp of the wear member contacts the second securement ramp of the base, andwherein the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member aligns with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

2. The wear member assembly of claim 1, wherein the wear member further comprises a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member, wherein the wall extends along a first front end of the wear member.

3. The wear member assembly of claim 2,wherein the base further comprises at least one twist control surface disposed on a perimeter of the base, andwherein the at least one twist control surface is configured to contact an inner surface of the wall.

4. The wear member assembly of claim 2, wherein the wall comprises a third securement ramp.

5. The wear member assembly of claim 4, wherein the base comprises a fourth securement ramp disposed along a second front end of the base.

6. The wear member assembly of claim 5, wherein the third securement ramp of the wear member is configured to contact the fourth securement ramp of the base.

7. The wear member assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member comprises a fifth ramp.

8. The wear member assembly of claim 7, wherein the second lock-receiver opening of the base comprises a sixth ramp.

9. The wear member assembly of claim 8, wherein the fifth ramp of the wear member aligns with the sixth ramp of the base such that the fifth ramp and the sixth ramp form a single ramp.

10. The wear member assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking pin comprises a seventh ramp configured to slide along the single ramp.

11. A wear member assembly for ground engaging equipment, comprising:a wear member, comprising:a first top wear surface;a first bottom surface opposite the top wear surface;a first lateral side;a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side;a projection projecting downward from the bottom surface, the projection comprising an internally disposed first push-out ramp spaced from the first lateral side and from the second lateral side; anda first lock-receiver opening extending from the first top wear surface to the first bottom surface;a base, comprising:a second top surface;a second bottom surface;an aperture extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface, wherein the aperture comprises a second push-out ramp configured to contact the first push-out ramp on the wear member; anda second lock-receiver opening extending from the second top surface to the second bottom surface; anda locking pin fittable in the first lock-receiver opening and the second lock-receiver opening;wherein the first push-out ramp of the wear member contacts the second push-out ramp of the base, andwherein the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member aligns with the second lock-receiver opening of the base when the wear member is in a use configuration on the base.

12. The wear member assembly of claim 11, wherein the wear member comprises a third push-out ramp.

13. The wear member assembly of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a fourth push-out ramp.

14. The wear member assembly of claim 13, wherein the third push-out ramp of the wear member is configured to contact the fourth push-out ramp of the base.

15. The wear member assembly of claim 12, wherein the wear member further comprises a wall projecting downward from the bottom surface and extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the wear member, wherein the wall extends along a first front end of the wear member.

16. The wear member assembly of claim 15,wherein the base further comprises at least one twist control surface disposed on a perimeter of the base, andwherein the at least one twist control surface is configured to contact the wall.

17. The wear member assembly of claim 11, wherein the projection of the wear member comprises a first securement ramp.

18. The wear member assembly of claim 17, wherein the aperture of the base comprises a second securement ramp.

19. The wear member assembly of claim 18, wherein the first securement ramp of the wear member is configured to contact the second securement ramp of the base.

20. The wear member assembly of claim 11, wherein the first lock-receiver opening of the wear member comprises a fifth ramp.

21. The wear member assembly of claim 20, wherein the second lock-receiver opening of the base comprises a sixth ramp.

22. The wear member assembly of claim 21, wherein the fifth ramp of the wear member aligns with the sixth ramp of the base such that the fifth ramp and the sixth ramp form a single ramp.

23. The wear member assembly of claim 22, wherein the locking pin comprises a seventh ramp configured to slide along the single ramp.

24. The wear member assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking pin comprises:a pin comprising:a cavity;a first flange extending outward from the pin;a second flange extending outward from the pin, the second flange is radially spaced from the first flange;a lock disposed within the cavity and comprising:a locking tab; anda compressible base coupled to the locking tab, wherein the compressible base is disposed within the cavity such that the tab extends outward from the cavity,wherein the cavity is radially spaced from the first flange and the second flange.

25. The wear member assembly of claim 24,wherein the first flange comprises:a first gradual ramp on a top surface of the first flange; anda first steep ramp on the top surface,wherein the first steep ramp is steeper than the first gradual ramp; andwherein the second flange comprises:a second gradual ramp on a top surface of the second flange; anda second steep ramp on the top surface,wherein the second steep ramp is steeper than the second gradual ramp.

Images