Patent ID: 6085448
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: E02F,Y10T

Abstract:
A mechanical retention system for detachably retaining a replaceable tool onto an earthworking implement, said implement including a mounting portion adapted to receive said tool and having an abutment surface in force receiving contact with a mating abutment surface of said tool, said tool having a sidewall with an interior surface positionable along a corresponding side surface of said mounting portion, said retention system comprising;a generally rectangular retainer opening through said sidewall of the tool, said opening having a pair of opposing end surfaces and a pair of opposing side surfaces, one of said pair of opposing side surfaces defining a first abutment and said end surfaces being disposed a predetermined distance apart to provide said opening with a predetermined length therebetween;a retainer pocket formed in said side surface of said mounting portion and positionable in registry with said retainer opening, said pocket defining a second abutment oriented in an opposing relation to said first abutment; andan elongated spring retainer having a pair of opposite sides, a pair of opposite end portions, an integral convolute spring portion formed by a plurality of interleaved slots cut into said retainer, with a first set of said slots extending from one of said sides toward the other and with a second set of said slots being disposed between adjacent ones of said first set of slots and extending from the other of said sides to the one of said sides, and a thickness sufficient to define a first elevational portion and a second elevational portion, each end portion having a flange extending therefrom within the confines of said first elevational portion a sufficient distance to provide said retainer with a predetermined length between said flanges that is greater than said predetermined length of said retainer opening, said spring portion being adapted to allow the forcible compression of the retainer to a length sufficient to permit the insertion of said flanges through said retainer opening wherein said first elevational portion is disposed in said retainer pocket where one of said sides of said retainer is in an abutting relation with said second abutment and said second elevational portion is positioned in said retainer opening where the other of said sides thereof is in an abutting relation with said first abutment and each of said flanges are disposed in abutting relation to said interior surface of the sidewall of said tool.