Patent Publication Number: US-11649614-B2

Title: Retainer sleeve for ground engaging tools

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/479,320, filed Apr. 5, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/337,001, filed May 16, 2016. The contents of the above-referenced applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to ground engaging tools and, more particularly, to a retainer sleeve used in an assembly for removably attaching the ground engaging tools to various earth-working machines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Earth-working machines, such as, for example, excavators, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, bucket wheels, bulldozers, and draglines, are generally used for digging or ripping into the earth or rock and/or moving loosened work material from one place to another at a worksite. These earth-working machines include various earth-working implements, such as a bucket or a blade, for excavating or moving the work material. These implements can be subjected to extreme wear from the abrasion and impacts experienced during the earth-working applications. 
     To protect these implements against wear, and thereby prolong the useful life of the implements, various ground engaging tools, such as teeth, edge protectors, and other wear members, can be provided to the earth-working implements in the areas where the most damaging abrasions and impacts occur. These ground engaging tools are removably attached to the implements using customized retainer systems, so that worn or damaged ground engaging tools can be readily removed and replaced with new ground engaging tools. 
     Many retainer systems have been proposed and used for removably attaching various ground engaging tools to earth-working implements. One example of such retainer systems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,684 to Adamic et al. The disclosed retainer system includes a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. A pin retainer that is frustoconically shaped and threaded internally is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin that is externally threaded is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool. The pin extends through the wear member and into the recess in the support structure to lock the wear member to the support structure. The pin may be released using a ratchet tool and removed from the pin retainer. The wear member may then be removed from the support structure. 
     Another example of a retainer system for removably attaching various ground engaging tools to earth-working implements is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,015 to Smith et al. The retainer system includes a rotating lock having a slot for receiving a post of an adapter mounted to or part of a work tool. When the lock is rotated, the entrance to the slot is blocked and the post cannot slide out of the slot. 
     Many problems and/or disadvantages still exist with these known retainer systems. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may solve one or more of the problems and/or disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a retainer sleeve configured for use in a retainer system for a ground engaging tool. The retainer sleeve may include a plurality of plate-like sections, each section being flexibly joined with an adjacent section along either a radially inner edge or a portion of a radially outer edge. The radially inner edges of the plurality of sections form part of a segmented inner surface configured for engagement with an outer surface of a locking member of the retainer system. The inner surface may extend partially around a central axis of the retainer sleeve to form a substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve having opposite circumferential ends that are spaced from each other. The radially outer edges of the plurality of sections form part of a segmented, frustoconical outer surface configured for engagement in an internal lock cavity of a ground engaging tool tip. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a retainer system for a ground engaging tool may include a lock configured to be rotated about a lock rotation axis, and a metal retainer sleeve. The metal retainer sleeve may include an outer surface configured to mate with a lock cavity of a ground engaging tool tip, and an inner surface extending at least partially around the lock rotation axis and being aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis. The inner surface may be configured to receive the lock rotatably about the lock rotation axis and in a direction substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis. The metal retainer sleeve may also include a plurality of sections joined together along radially inner edges of adjacent sections or along radially outer edges of adjacent sections in an accordion-like arrangement configured such that the metal retainer sleeve is compressible for insertion into the lock cavity, and expandable when the metal retainer sleeve seats inside the lock cavity. 
     In still another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a metal retainer sleeve configured for use in a retainer system for a ground engaging tool may include an outer surface configured to mate with a lock cavity of a ground engaging tool tip, and an inner surface extending at least partially around a lock rotation axis. The inner surface may be aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis, and the inner surface may be configured to receive the lock rotatably about the lock rotation axis and in a direction substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis. The metal retainer sleeve may also include a plurality of sections joined together along radially inner edges of adjacent sections or along radially outer edges of adjacent sections in an accordion-like arrangement configured such that the metal retainer sleeve is compressible for insertion into the lock cavity, and expandable when the metal retainer sleeve seats inside the lock cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a loader bucket having a plurality of ground engaging tools attached thereto according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a tooth assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a tip of the tooth assembly shown in  FIG.  2   , with a lock and a retainer sleeve positioned in a lock cavity of the tip; 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation view from a radially outer side of a retainer sleeve according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view from a radially inner side of the retainer sleeve shown in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of a retainer sleeve according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a side elevation view from a radially inner side of the retainer sleeve of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a lateral cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip illustrating compression and installation of a retainer sleeve into a lock cavity of the tool tip; 
         FIG.  9    is a longitudinal cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip of  FIG.  8   , illustrating compression and installation of the retainer sleeve into the lock cavity; 
         FIG.  10    is a lateral cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip of  FIG.  8   , illustrating expansion and seating of the retainer sleeve in the lock cavity; 
         FIG.  11    is a longitudinal cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip of  FIG.  8   , illustrating expansion and seating of the retainer sleeve in the lock cavity; 
         FIG.  12    is a lateral cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip of  FIG.  8   , illustrating installation of a locking member into the retainer sleeve after the retainer sleeve is seated in the lock cavity; 
         FIG.  13    is a longitudinal cross-sectional assembly view through the ground engaging tool tip of  FIG.  8   , illustrating installation of the locking member of  FIG.  12    into the retainer sleeve after the retainer sleeve is seated in the lock cavity; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective assembly view of a lock seated in a retainer sleeve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective assembly view from the opposite side of the lock and retainer sleeve of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view from one side of the lock shown in  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view from the opposite side of the lock shown in  FIG.  15   ; and 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing a retainer sleeve in accordance with various disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an excavator bucket assembly  1  as an exemplary implement of an earth-working machine. Excavator bucket assembly  1  includes a bucket  2  used for excavating work material in a known manner. Bucket  2  may include a variety of ground engaging tools. For example, bucket  2  may include a plurality of tooth assemblies  10 , as ground engaging tools, attached to a base edge  5  of bucket  2 . Tooth assemblies  10  may be secured to bucket  2  employing retainer systems according to the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with a particular ground engaging tool (e.g., tooth assembly  10 ), it should be understood that the present disclosure may be applied to, or used in connection with, any other type of ground engaging tools or components. Further, it should be understood that one or more features described in connection with one embodiment can be implemented in any of the other disclosed embodiments unless otherwise specifically noted. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , tooth assembly  10  may include an adapter  20  configured to engage base edge  5  of bucket  2  or other suitable support structure of an implement. Tooth assembly  10  may also include a ground-engaging tool tip  30  configured to be removably attached to adapter  20 . Tooth assembly  10  may further include a retainer system  50  configured to secure tip  30  to adapter  20 . Tip  30  endures the majority of the impact and abrasion caused by engagement with work material, and wears down more quickly and breaks more frequently than adapter  20 . Consequently, multiple tips  30  may be attached to adapter  20 , worn down, and replaced before adapter  20  itself needs to be replaced. As will be detailed herein, various exemplary embodiments of retainer system  50 , consistent with the present disclosure, may facilitate attachment and detachment of ground engaging tools to and from support structure of an implement, and may provide components that are able to withstand high temperature and other harsh operating conditions. 
     Adapter  20  may include a pair of first and second mounting legs  26 ,  28  defining a recess  27  therebetween for receiving base edge  5 . Adapter  20  may be secured in place on base edge  5  by attaching first mounting leg  26  and second mounting leg  28  to base edge  5  using any suitable connection method. For example, mounting legs  26  and  28  and base edge  5  may have corresponding apertures (not shown) through which any suitable fasteners such as bolts or rivets may be inserted to hold adapter  20  in place. Alternatively or additionally, mounting legs  26  and  28  may be welded to the corresponding top and bottom surfaces of base edge  5 . Any other connection method and/or configuration known in the art may be used alternatively or additionally. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, an adapter may be configured to use any of the retainer systems disclosed herein to secure the adapter to a suitable support structure of an implement. 
     Adapter  20  may include a nose  21  extending in a forward direction. As shown in  FIG.  3   , nose  21  may be configured to be received in a mounting cavity  35  of tip  30 . Nose  21  may be configured to support tip  30  during use of bucket  2  and to facilitate retention of tip  30  on nose  21  when bearing the load of the work material. Nose  21  may include an integral post  23  extending from each lateral side  22 ,  24 . Post  23  may have various shapes and sizes. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  2   , post  23  may have a frustoconical shape. As will be described in more detail herein, posts  23  may cooperate with retainer system  50  to secure tip  30  to adapter  20 . 
     As shown in the rear view of tip  30  in  FIG.  3   , tip  30  may define mounting cavity  35  inside tip  30  having a complementary configuration relative to nose  21  of adapter  20 . Tip  30  may have various outer shapes. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , tip  30  may generally taper as it extends forward. For example, an upper surface  32  of tip  30  may slope downward as it extends forward, and a lower surface  38  of tip  30  may extend generally upward as it extends forward. Alternatively, lower surface  38  may extend generally straight or downward as it extends forward. At its forward end, tip  30  may have a wedge-shaped edge  31 . 
     As mentioned above, tip  30  may be secured to adapter  20  via retainer system  50 . Retainer system  50  may include a lock  60  and a retainer sleeve  70 . Tip  30  and/or adapter  20  may have various configurations for accommodating lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  therein. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , tip  30  may include a lock cavity  40  defined in a lock boss  45  protruding from each of its lateral sides  37  for housing lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70 . Lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  may be seated within lock cavity  40  when assembled to tip  30 . Tip  30  may also include lock boss  45  extending outwardly of each lock cavity  40 . While the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3    has lock cavity  40  and lock boss  45  on each lateral side  37  of tip  30 , tip  30  may have different numbers and/or arrangements of lock cavities  40  and lock bosses  45 . 
       FIGS.  4 - 7    illustrate various views of an exemplary metal retainer sleeve  70  in accordance with an implementation of this disclosure. The accordion-like structure of metal retainer sleeve  70  enables metal retainer sleeve  70  to be resiliently compressed for insertion into lock cavity  40  and expanded for seating within lock cavity  40 .  FIGS.  8 - 13    are lateral and longitudinal cross-sectional assembly views that illustrate compression of metal retainer sleeve  70  during insertion into lock cavity  40  ( FIGS.  8  and  9   ), expansion of metal retainer sleeve  70  for seating within lock cavity  40  ( FIGS.  10  and  11   ), and insertion of lock  60  into metal retainer sleeve  70  after the metal retainer sleeve is seated within lock cavity  40 . In one exemplary embodiment, lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  may be configured to seat within an inner surface  43  of lock cavity  40  in a manner allowing lock  60  to rotate at least partially around a lock rotation axis  65  ( FIG.  17   ) relative to retainer sleeve  70 . As best shown in  FIGS.  10 - 13   , retainer sleeve  70  may seat directly against inner surface  43  of lock cavity  40 . Lock  60  may seat against a segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of retainer sleeve  70 .  FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a tip of the tooth assembly shown in  FIG.  2   , with a lock  60  and a retainer sleeve  70  positioned in lock cavity  40  of tip  30 . On the rear side of lock cavity  40 , lock cavity  40  may open into a side slot  41  that extends rearward from lock cavity  40  along inner surface  39  of lateral side  37 . Side slot  41  may have a cross-section configured to allow passage of at least a portion of post  23  of adapter  20  being inserted from the rear end of tip  30 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , retainer sleeve  70  may be configured to include a plurality of plate-like sections  55  extending from a bottom edge  53  to a top edge  52  of retainer sleeve  70 . Each section  55  may have a substantially equivalent shape, and each section may be flexibly joined by a web section  57  with an adjacent section along either substantially the entire length of a radially inner edge  74  or along a portion of a radially outer edge  73 . Radially inner edges  74  of the plurality of sections  55  form part of a segmented inner surface configured for engagement with an outer surface  66  of lock  60 . The segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70  may extend partially around a central axis  75  of retainer sleeve  70  to form a substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve having opposite circumferential ends that are spaced from each other. Radially outer edges  73  of the plurality of sections may form part of a segmented, frustoconical outer surface configured for engagement in lock cavity  40  of ground engaging tool tip  30 . 
     As best seen in the cross-sectional assembly views of  FIGS.  8 - 11   , the plurality of plate-like sections  55  may be flexibly joined together such that the substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve  70  is compressible for insertion into lock cavity  40 , and expandable when the substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve  70  seats inside lock cavity  40 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , at least some of the plate-like sections  55  may be substantially trapezoidal or triangular in shape. The radially outer edges  73  forming the segmented frustoconical outer surface may be joined together by web sections  57 , which may extend along a portion of each of radially outer edges  73  for less than the full length of each outer edge  73 . Sections  55  may also include longer radially outer edges  76  that are angled away from each other and not joined to each other along their lengths, thereby allowing retainer sleeve  70  to flexibly compress and expand as at least portions of some of the sections  55  move toward and away from each other. 
     Lock  60  may be received within retainer sleeve  70  and may be configured to be rotated about lock rotation axis  65 . Outer frustoconical surfaces formed by radially outer edges  73  and  76  of retainer sleeve  70  may be configured to mate with lock cavity  40  of ground engaging tool tip  30 . The segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70  formed by radially inner edges  74  of the plurality of sections  55  may extend at least partially around the lock rotation axis  65 , and may be aligned in a direction substantially parallel to the lock rotation axis. Pairs of the plurality of sections  55  of retainer sleeve  70  may be joined together along radially inner edges  74  of adjacent sections or along portions of radially outer edges  73  of adjacent sections in an accordion-like arrangement configured such that retainer sleeve  70  is compressible for insertion into lock cavity  40 , and expandable when the retainer sleeve  70  seats inside lock cavity  40 . The above-described configuration of retainer sleeve  70  also enables fabrication of the retainer sleeve from metal, thus providing a retainer system component that is able to withstand much higher temperatures and harsher environments than many existing plastic components for ground engaging tool retainer systems. Retainer sleeve  70  may also be formed with a generally elliptical shape, as best seen in  FIG.  6   . In this manner, manufacturing tolerances for retainer sleeve  70  may be more easily accommodated such that retainer sleeve  70  will fit snugly into lock cavity  40  after compression and expansion during assembly into lock cavity  40 . Additionally, a tighter fit between retainer sleeve  70  and lock  60  may be achieved. As shown in  FIG.  6   , a length of a semi-major axis of an ellipse defined by the radially outermost edge of retainer sleeve  70  may be designated “A”, and a length of a semi-minor axis of the ellipse may be designated “B”. In one exemplary implementation, at least the length B of the semi-minor axis of the elliptically shaped retainer sleeve may be compressed to a smaller length D when retainer sleeve  70  is inserted into lock cavity  40 . 
     As best seen in the radially inner perspective view of  FIG.  5   , the radially inner side elevation view of  FIG.  7   , and the perspective assembly views of  FIGS.  14  and  15   , retainer sleeve  70  may further include at least one resiliently cantilevered lock detent arm  51  joined at a first, proximal or base end to a plate-like section at one or both of the opposite circumferential ends of substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve  70 . Lock detent arms  51  may each include a top lip  78  at a second, distal end  56  opposite from the first, proximal end of the lock detent arm. Top lip  78  may be configured to slidably engage with a bottom surface of lock  60  of the retainer system to retain lock  60  in position relative to retainer sleeve  70  and lock cavity  40 . Each lock detent arm  51  may also include a bottom lip  71  at the first, proximal end configured to engage with a shoulder  82  of lock  60 . 
     Assembly of lock  60  into retainer sleeve  70  may be performed after retainer sleeve  70  has been compressed and then expanded into position within lock cavity  40 . The resiliently cantilevered lock detent arms  51  of retainer sleeve  70  allow for assembly of lock  60  into retainer sleeve  70  after retainer sleeve  70  has been installed in lock cavity  40 . Each lock  60  may be pressed into retainer sleeve  70  in a laterally outward direction relative to ground engaging tool tip  30  from within mounting cavity  35  of tip  30  before tip  30  is installed on nose  21  of adaptor  20 . Lock  60  resiliently deflects top lips  78  at distal ends  56  of lock detent arms  51  radially outward as lock  60  is inserted into retainer sleeve  70 . Lock detent arms  51  and top lips  78  spring back to slidably engage with a bottom surface of lock  60  once shoulder  82  of lock  60  contacts lips  71 , as best seen in  FIG.  15   . In this manner retainer sleeve  70  rotatably retains lock  60  in lock cavity  40  such that lock  60  may be rotated about lock rotation axis  65  while being prevented from moving axially out of lock cavity  40 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , at least one lock detent arm  51  may include a detent projection  77  extending from a radially inner surface adjacent second, distal end  56  of lock detent arm  51 . Detent projection  77  may be configured for engagement with a recess  67  ( FIGS.  16  and  17   ) formed in lock  60 . Engagement of detent projections  77  of lock detent arms  51  on retainer sleeve  70  in recesses  67  of lock  60  serves to releasably hold locks  60  in the position shown in  FIG.  3    during assembly of tip  30  onto nose  21  of adaptor  20 . Once tip  30  has been fully installed on nose  21 , each lock  60  may be forcibly rotated 180 degrees, causing lock detent arms  51  and detent projections  77  to deflect out of recesses  67 , and then reengage with recesses  67  in a locked position with posts  23  of adaptor  20  trapped in lock cavities  40  by locks  60 . 
     Retainer sleeve  70  may be configured to mate with inner surface  43  of lock cavity  40 . For example, retainer sleeve  70  may include segmented outer frustoconical surfaces defined by radially outer edges  73  and  76  configured to mate with corresponding frustoconical portions of inner surface  43  in lock cavity  40 . When retainer sleeve  70  is disposed within lock cavity  40  with the segmented frustoconical outer surfaces mated to the corresponding frustoconical portions of inner surface  43 , retainer sleeve central axis  75  may coincide with lock rotation axis  65  of lock  60 . 
     Lock cavity  40  may be configured such that, when retainer sleeve  70  is seated in lock cavity  40 , rotation of retainer sleeve  70  with respect to lock rotation axis  65  is substantially prevented. For example, as best shown in  FIG.  2   , lock cavity  40  may include a shoulder  48  extending adjacent the circumferential outer ends of inner surface  43  and abutting the circumferential outer ends of substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve  70 . Retainer sleeve  70  may also include a segmented inner surface defined by radially inner edges  74  opposite the frustoconical outer surfaces and extending circumferentially around and concentric with retainer sleeve central axis  75 . Accordingly, the segmented inner surface may extend circumferentially around and concentric with lock rotation axis  65  when retainer sleeve  70  is assembled with lock  60  in lock cavity  40 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, retainer sleeve  70  may include one or more lock detent arms  51  with detent projections  77  configured for engagement with corresponding recesses  67  of lock  60 . Detent projections  77  may have various shapes. In one exemplary embodiment, each detent projection  77  may include a generally convex curved surface, such as a constant-radius surface, jutting radially outward from distal end  56  of lock detent arm  51 . The convex curved surface may decrease in size (e.g., radius) along a direction substantially parallel to retainer sleeve central axis  75 . Each of detent projections  77  may have a convex curved surface with a substantially constant radius, whose center may be positioned at a distance from retainer sleeve central axis  75  that is greater than a distance between retainer sleeve central axis  75  and an outer-most surface of retainer sleeve  70 . 
     As mentioned above, lock  60  may be configured to mate with inner surface  74  of retainer sleeve  70 . For example, as best shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , lock  60  may include a skirt  63  with an outer surface  66  having substantially the same profile as the segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of retainer sleeve  70 . Outer surface  66  of skirt  63  may be concentric with and extend circumferentially around lock rotation axis  65 . Skirt  63  and outer surface  66  may extend only partway around lock rotation axis  65 . For example, skirt  63  and outer surface  66  may extend around lock rotation axis  65  substantially the same angular degree that the substantially C-shaped retainer sleeve  70  extends around retainer sleeve central axis  75 . With skirt  63  and outer surface  66  of lock  60  so configured, lock  60  may be seated within retainer sleeve  70  with outer surface  66  of lock  60  mated to the segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70 . When lock  60  is so positioned within retainer sleeve  70 , lock rotation axis  65  may coincide with retainer sleeve central axis  75 . 
     As discussed above, lock  60  may include one or more detent recesses  67  configured to engage corresponding detent projections  77  on distal ends  56  of lock detent arms  51  resiliently cantilevered from opposite circumferential ends of retainer sleeve  70 . Interaction of detent projections  77  and detent recesses  67  may releasably hold lock  60  in predetermined rotational positions about lock rotation axis  65 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , detent recess  67  of lock  60  may extend radially inward from outer surface  66  of skirt  63 . Detent recesses  67  may have a shape configured to mate with detent projections  77 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , detent recesses  67  may include a concave surface, such as a constant-radius curved surface, extending radially inward from outer surface  66 . In some embodiments, detent recesses  67  may be spaced approximately the same distance from one another as detent projections  77 . Thus, where detent projections  77  on lock detent arms  51  of retainer sleeve  70  are spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another, detent recesses  67  of lock  60  may likewise be spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another. Accordingly, lock  60  may be positioned in retainer sleeve  70  with outer surface  66  seated against the segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70  and detent projections  77  extending into detent recesses  67 . In an alternative embodiments, lock  60  may include only one detent recess  67  while retainer sleeve  70  may include two detent projections  77 , wherein one detent projection  77  may be formed at distal end  56  of each of two lock detent arms  51 . 
     Resiliently cantilevered lock detent arms  51  of metal retainer sleeve  70  may be configured to deflect so as to allow detent projections  77  to engage and/or disengage detent recesses  67  of lock  60 . As a result, even a retainer sleeve  70  made from a relatively rigid metal material may still allow sufficient flexibility in the cantilevered lock detent arms  51  to accommodate engagement and disengagement of detent projections  77  from detent recesses  67 . 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, metal retainer sleeve  70  may be constructed of a high temperature steel alloy or other metal material, which may be formed into the desired configuration by any of a variety of manufacturing techniques. Lock  60  may also be constructed of metal. Alternatively or additionally, all or a portion of the surface of lock  60  may be coated with a friction-reducing material. The term “friction-reducing material,” as used herein, refers to a material that renders the surface of lock  60  to have a friction coefficient ranging from approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.7. For example, at least a portion of the surface of lock  60  may be plated with zinc to reduce friction on the surface of lock  60  (e.g., surface between lock  60  and the segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70  formed by radially inner edges  74 ) to a friction coefficient between approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.7. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the surface of lock  60  may be coated with graphite powder. The graphite powder may be aerosolized and sprayed directly onto the surface of lock  60 . Alternatively or additionally, the graphite powder may be mixed with a suitable solvent material and applied to the surface of lock  60  by using a brush or dipping the lock  60  into the mixture. In one exemplary embodiment, a commercially available graphite lubricant, such as the products sold under trademark SLIP Plate, may be used alternatively or additionally. 
     Lock  60  may be configured to receive at least part of post  23  on nose  21  of adapter  20 . For example, as best shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  16 , and  17   , lock  60  may include a lock slot  62  extending into a skirt  63 . Lock slot  62  may have an open end  69  between two circumferential ends of skirt  63  and a closed end  68  adjacent a middle portion of skirt  63 . In some embodiments, lock slot  62  may have a size and shape such that it can receive frustoconical post  23  of adapter  20 . The inner surface  64  of skirt  63  may be sloped so as to mate with frustoconical post  23  of adapter  20  adjacent closed end  68  of lock slot  62 . 
     Lock  60  may also include a head portion  80  attached to skirt  63  adjacent the narrow end of skirt  63 . As best shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , head portion  80  may include a shoulder  82  extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to lock rotation axis  65  and across the narrow end of skirt  63 . In some embodiments, shoulder  82  may fully enclose the side of lock slot  62  adjacent the narrow end of skirt  63 . The side of head portion  80  opposite lock slot  62  may include a projection  86  extending from shoulder  82  away from skirt  63  along lock rotation axis  65 . Projection  86  may include a substantially cylindrical outer surface  87  extending around most of lock rotation axis  65  and a tab  88  extending radially outward relative to lock rotation axis  65 . In some exemplary embodiments, tab  88  may extend transverse relative to the direction that lock slot  62  extends from open end  69  to closed end  68 . 
     As mentioned above, lock  60  may be installed with retainer sleeve  70  in lock cavity  40  with outer surface  66  of lock  60  mated to the segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of retainer sleeve  70 . Detent recesses  67  of lock  60  may be mated to detent projections  77  on lock detent arms  51  of retainer sleeve  70 . When lock  60  is disposed in this position, open end  69  of lock slot  62  may face rearward, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  14   . This position allows sliding insertion and removal of post  23  into and out of lock slot  62  through open end  69 . Accordingly, this position of lock  60  may be considered an unlocked position. 
     To lock post  23  inside lock slot  62 , lock  60  may be rotated about lock rotation axis  65  and relative to stationary retainer sleeve  70  to a locked position. In this locked position, the portion of lock skirt  63  adjacent closed end  68  may preclude sliding movement of post  23  relative to lock slot  62 , thereby preventing sliding movement of tip  30  relative to adapter  20 . The locked position of lock  60  may be approximately 180 degrees from the unlocked position about lock rotation axis  65 . In the locked position, as in the unlocked position, detent recesses  67  of lock  60  may engage detent projections  77  on lock detent arms  51  of retainer sleeve  70 , which may releasably hold lock  60  in the locked position. 
     To rotate lock  60  between the unlocked position and the locked position, sufficient torque may be applied to lock  60  with respect to lock rotation axis  65  to cause detent projections  77  and/or detent recesses  67  to deflect and disengage from one another. Once detent projections  77  and detent recesses  67  are disengaged from one another, outer surface  66  of skirt  63  of lock  60  may slide along the segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70  as lock  60  rotates around lock rotation axis  65 . Once lock  60  rotates approximately 180 degrees around lock rotation axis  65 , detent projections  77  and detent recesses  67  may reengage one another to releasably hold lock  60  in that rotational position relative to retainer sleeve  70  and lock cavity  40 . 
     Lock  60  may also include a tool interface  84  in head portion  80  to facilitate rotating lock  60  about lock rotation axis  65 . Tool interface  84  may include any type of features configured to be engaged by a tool for applying torque to lock  60  about lock rotation axis  65 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  16   , tool interface  84  may include a socket recess with a cross-section configured to engage a socket driver, such as a socket wrench. When lock  60  is seated within lock cavity  40 , head portion  80  defining tool interface  84  may extend at least partially through lock cavity  40  and lock bosses  45 , and lock cavity  40  may provide an access opening for a tool to engage tool interface  84 . 
     Ground engaging tools and the associated retainer systems of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary configurations described above. For example, ground engaging tool  10  may include a different number of lock cavities  40 , and ground engaging tool  10  may employ a different number and configuration of posts  23 , locks  60 , and retainer sleeves  70 . Additionally, in lieu of adapter  20  and posts  23 , ground engaging tool  10  may employ one or more pins fixed to or integrally formed with suitable support structure. 
     Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure may provide various alternative and/or additional configurations of retainer systems for removably attaching ground engaging tools to suitable support structure of an implement. For example, further modifications to a lock and/or a retainer sleeve of a retainer system may be possible to improve the performance of the retention system. Outer surface  66  of lock  60  and the segmented inner surface of retainer sleeve  70 , which together form the interface between lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70 , may be tapered or conical in shape, or generally cylindrical in shape with respect to lock rotation axis  50 . A more cylindrical configuration may facilitate rotation of lock  60  relative to retainer sleeve  70  despite the presence of some packed work material in the space around lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70 . Moreover, as discussed above, retainer sleeve  70  may also be formed with an elliptical shape, as best seen in  FIG.  6   . In this manner, manufacturing tolerances for retainer sleeve  70  may be more easily accommodated such that retainer sleeve  70  will fit snugly in lock cavity  40  after compression and expansion during assembly into lock cavity  40 . Additionally, a tighter fit between retainer sleeve  70  and lock  60  may be achieved when retainer sleeve  70  starts off in a substantially elliptical configuration before insertion of a substantially round lock  60 , but is deformed into a substantially round configuration upon installation into lock cavity  40  and insertion of lock  60 . 
     Having the interface between lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  aligned in parallel with respect to lock retainer axis  50  may allow insertion of lock  60  into retainer sleeve  70  along lock rotation axis  65  for engagement with retainer sleeve  70 . For example, lock  60  may be inserted into retainer sleeve  70 , where outer surface  66  of lock  60  may slide over the segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of retainer sleeve  70  in the direction of lock rotation axis  65 . As discussed above, this may also allow retainer sleeve  70  to be placed in lock cavity  40  prior to engagement with lock  60 . For example, retainer sleeve  70  may first be placed in lock cavity  40  before being assembled or engaged with lock  60 . Thereafter, lock  60  may be slid into retainer sleeve  70  in the direction of lock rotation axis  65 . 
     As discussed above, and as shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , lock detent arms  51  of retainer sleeve  70  may include top lips  78  at distal ends  56  of each lock detent arm, and bottom lips  71  at the base or proximal ends of each lock detent arm  51 . The radially outermost surface  54  of lock  60  resiliently deflects top lips  78  of lock detent arms  51  radially outward as lock  60  is inserted into retainer sleeve  70 . Lock detent arms  51  and top lips  78  spring back to slidably engage with a bottom surface of lock  60  once shoulder  82  of lock  60  contacts bottom lips  71 , as best seen in  FIG.  15   . In this manner retainer sleeve  70  rotatably retains lock  60  in lock cavity  40  such that lock  60  may be rotated about lock rotation axis  65  while being prevented from moving axially out of lock cavity  40 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The disclosed retainer systems and ground engaging tools may be applicable to various earth-working machines, such as, for example, excavators, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, bucket wheels, bulldozers, and draglines. When installed, the disclosed retainer systems and ground engaging tools may protect various implements associated with the earth-working machines against wear in the areas where the most damaging abrasions and impacts occur and, thereby, prolong the useful life of the implements. The disclosed metal retainer sleeve  70  of the retainer system may provide a high temperature and wear resistant component for retention of lock  60  in lock cavity  40  of ground engaging tool tips  30 . Moreover, the accordion-like configuration of metal retainer sleeve  70  and resiliently cantilevered lock detent arms  51  allow for even a relatively rigid material such as a high strength metal alloy to flexibly compress and expand as needed for insertion into lock cavity  40  and installation of a metal lock  60  into metal retainer sleeve  70 . 
     The disclosed elliptical configuration of metal retainer sleeve  70  in various exemplary embodiments of the retainer sleeve and retainer systems may improve manufacturability and reduce costs as a result of taking up relatively large tolerance ranges in the lock cavities  40  of tip  30 . The elliptical configuration of metal retainer sleeve  70  may also enable a tighter fit between lock detent projections  77  on lock detent arms  51  and detent recesses  67  on locks  60 . Various embodiments of the disclosed components such as metal retainer sleeve  70  provide secure and reliable attachment and detachment of ground engaging tools to various earth-working implements. In particular, certain configurations of the disclosed retainer systems may address certain issues associated with high temperature applications such as when the ground engaging tools are being used for working with slag or when ripping rock. 
     In one exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  8 - 13   , a retainer system  50  includes lock  60  and metal retainer sleeve  70 . Metal retainer sleeve  70  is formed in an accordion-like structure configured to mate with inner surface  43  of lock cavity  40  of tip  30 . Lock  60  is configured to mate with the segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of retainer sleeve  70 . To attach tip  30  to adapter  20 , lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  are assembled into lock cavity  40  of tip  30 . Lock cavity  40  opens into side slot  41  that extends rearward, which allows passage of post  23  of adapter  20 . Once post  23  is inserted inside lock slot  62 , lock  60  is rotated about lock rotation axis  65  to a locked position. In this position, lock  60  and retainer sleeve  70  cooperatively lock post  23  inside lock slot  62 , so as to prevent sliding movement of tip  30  relative to adapter  20 . In the locked position, detent recess  67  of lock  60  may engage detent projection  77  on lock detent arm  51  of metal retainer sleeve  70 , which may releasably hold lock  60  in the locked position. 
     To detach tip  30  from adapter  20 , lock  60  is rotated from the locked position to an unlocked position to cause detent recess  67  and detent projection  77  to disengage from one another. Once detent recess  67  and detent projection  77  are disengaged from one another, outer surface  66  of lock  60  may slide along the segmented inner surface formed by radially inner edges  74  of metal retainer sleeve  70 , as lock  60  rotates around lock rotation axis  65 . Once lock  60  rotates approximately 180 degrees around lock rotation axis  65 , detent recess  67  and detent projection  77  may reengage one another to releasably hold lock  60  in a locked rotational position. 
     The disclosed metal retainer sleeve  70  may be manufactured using conventional techniques such as, for example, casting or molding. Alternatively, the disclosed metal retainer sleeve may be manufactured using conventional techniques generally referred to as additive manufacturing or additive fabrication. Known additive manufacturing/fabrication processes include techniques such as, for example, 3D printing. 3D printing is a process wherein material may be deposited in successive layers under the control of a computer. The computer controls additive fabrication equipment to deposit the successive layers according to a three-dimensional model (e.g. a digital file such as an AMF or STL file) that is configured to be converted into a plurality of slices, for example substantially two-dimensional slices, that each define a cross-sectional layer of the metal retainer sleeve  70  in order to manufacture, or fabricate, the retainer sleeve. In one case, the disclosed retainer sleeve would be an original component and the 3D printing process would be utilized to manufacture the retainer sleeve. In other cases, the 3D process could be used to replicate an existing retainer sleeve and the replicated retainer sleeve could be sold as aftermarket parts. These replicated aftermarket retainer sleeves could be either exact copies of the original retainer sleeve or pseudo copies differing in only non-critical aspects. 
     With reference to  FIG.  18   , the three-dimensional model  1001  used to represent an original metal retainer sleeve  70  may be on a computer-readable storage medium  1002  such as, for example, magnetic storage including floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; semiconductor storage such as solid state disk (SSD) or flash memory; optical disc storage; magneto-optical disc storage; or any other type of physical memory on which information or data readable by at least one processor may be stored. This storage medium may be used in connection with commercially available 3D printers  1006  to manufacture, or fabricate, the metal retainer sleeve  70 . Alternatively, the three-dimensional model may be transmitted electronically to the 3D printer  1006  in a streaming fashion without being permanently stored at the location of the 3D printer  1006 . In either case, the three-dimensional model constitutes a digital representation of the retainer sleeve suitable for use in manufacturing the retainer sleeve  70 . 
     The three-dimensional model may be formed in a number of known ways. In general, the three-dimensional model is created by inputting data  1003  representing the retainer sleeve to a computer or a processor  1004  such as a cloud-based software operating system. The data may then be used as a three-dimensional model representing the physical retainer sleeve. The three-dimensional model is intended to be suitable for the purposes of manufacturing the retainer sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the three-dimensional model is suitable for the purpose of manufacturing the retainer sleeve by an additive manufacturing technique. 
     In one embodiment depicted in  FIG.  18   , the inputting of data may be achieved with a 3D scanner  1005 . The method may involve contacting the retainer sleeve via a contacting and data receiving device and receiving data from the contacting in order to generate the three-dimensional model. For example, 3D scanner  1005  may be a contact-type scanner. The scanned data may be imported into a 3D modeling software program to prepare a digital data set. In one embodiment, the contacting may occur via direct physical contact using a coordinate measuring machine that measures the physical structure of the retainer sleeve by contacting a probe with the surfaces of the retainer sleeve in order to generate a three-dimensional model. In other embodiments, the 3D scanner  1005  may be a non-contact type scanner and the method may include directing projected energy (e.g. light or ultrasonic) onto the retainer sleeve to be replicated and receiving the reflected energy. From this reflected energy, a computer would generate a computer-readable three-dimensional model for use in manufacturing the retainer sleeve. In various embodiments, multiple 2D images can be used to create a three-dimensional model. For example, 2D slices of a 3D object can be combined to create the three-dimensional model. In lieu of a 3D scanner, the inputting of data may be done using computer-aided design (CAD) software. In this case, the three-dimensional model may be formed by generating a virtual 3D model of the disclosed retainer sleeve using the CAD software. A three-dimensional model would be generated from the CAD virtual 3D model in order to manufacture the retainer sleeve. 
     The additive manufacturing process utilized to create the disclosed retainer sleeve may involve materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, etc. In some embodiments, additional processes may be performed to create a finished product. Such additional processes may include, for example, one or more of cleaning, hardening, heat treatment, material removal, and polishing. Other processes necessary to complete a finished product may be performed in addition to or in lieu of these identified processes. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed retainer sleeve, retainer systems, and/or ground engaging tool systems. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.