Patent Publication Number: US-10323390-B2

Title: Heavy duty adapter

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of machines that perform work on a material using work implements such as mining, construction and earth moving machines and the like. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to ground engaging tools including adapters, tips and shrouds used on buckets and the like that are durable and capable of enduring high loads. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During normal use on machines such as mining, construction, and earthmoving machines and the like, ground engaging tools such as adapters, tips and shrouds attached to the lips of buckets and the like may experience stresses in various portions of the adapter, tip or tool and shrouds. It is not uncommon for these components to see extremely high loads due to severe operating or material conditions. Consequently, these ground engaging tools may have portions that may be weakened over time, requiring that the adapter, tip and shrouds be repaired or replaced. This can lead to undesirable maintenance and downtime for the machine and the economic endeavor that employs the machine using the bucket and ground engaging tools. 
     Specifically, wheel loaders, such as large wheel loaders, are used in extremely demanding environments such as quarries or mines and the like. These wheel loaders employ buckets that have ground engaging tools such as adapters, tips and shrouds that are subjected to high loads in use. For example, these work implements are often used to break up, lift, and carry rock from one location at a work sight to another. The payload demands for these machines are increasing, requiring that the ground engaging tools be more durable than ever before. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a heavy duty adapter, tip or tool, and shroud that may satisfy these demanding needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A tip adapter for attached a tip to a work implement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tip, a first leg, a second leg, and a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portion together and that includes a top throat surface that spans from the nose portion to the first leg. The first and second legs define a slot that includes a closed end and an open end, the slot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement and the tip adapter defines a Cartesian coordinate system having a X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis and defining a X-Y plane, a X-Z plane, and a Y-Z plane, wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly, and the top throat surface includes a top flat portion that is parallel to the direction of assembly and a top arcuate portion that extends rearward from the top flat portion, the top arcuate portion defining a radius of curvature projected onto a X-Z plane along the Y-axis ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm. 
     A tip adapter for attaching a tip to a work implement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tip, a first leg, a second leg, and a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portion together and that includes a side throat surface that spans from the nose portion to the first leg and to the second leg. The first and second legs define a slot that includes a closed end and an open end, the slot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement and the tip adapter defines a Cartesian coordinate system having a X-axis, Y-axis and a Z-axis and defining a X-Y plane, a X-Z plane, and a Y-Z plane, wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly, and the side throat surface includes a side flat portion that extends rearward and a variable blend portion connected to the side flat portion and that extends substantially along Z-axis, the variable blend portion defining a radius of curvature projected onto a X-Y plane substantially along the Z-axis ranging from 200 mm to 270 mm. 
     A tip adapter for attaching a tip to a work implement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tip and defines a bottom forward extremity, the nose portion also including a lower nose surface extending rearward from the bottom forward extremity, a first leg, a second leg, and a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portion together. The first and second legs define a slot that includes a closed end and an open end, the slot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement and the tip adapter defines a Cartesian coordinate system having a X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis and defining a X-Y plane, a X-Z plane, and a Y-Z plane, wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly. The lower nose surface includes a first planar portion disposed near the bottom forward extremity and a second planar portion extending from the first planar portion, defining a lower obtuse angle with the first planar portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a machine in the form of a wheel loader using a work implement in the form of a bucket that has a front lip with heavy duty shroud or lip protectors, heavy duty adapters and heavy duty tips attached to the bucket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an alternate perspective view of a machine and bucket with heavy duty shrouds, heavy duty adapters and heavy duty tips, similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the bucket elevated and tilted upwardly, moving a payload of rocks. 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a bucket with heavy duty shrouds, heavy duty adapters and heavy duty tips, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a partially exploded assembly view, illustrating the attachment of a heavy duty shroud onto a lip of a bucket and a heavy duty tip onto a heavy duty adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top oriented perspective view of a heavy duty adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing reinforced portions highlighted. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom oriented perspective view of the heavy duty adapter of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the heavy duty adapter of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the heavy duty adapter of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts the heavy duty adapter of  FIG. 5  without highlighting the reinforced portions. 
         FIG. 10  depicts the heavy duty adapter of  FIG. 6  without highlighting the reinforced portions and adding more contour lines. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear oriented perspective view of a heavy duty tip with a plurality of tapered walls according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the heavy duty tip of  FIG. 11  sectioned along its midplane, which is also a plane of symmetry. 
         FIG. 13  is a front oriented perspective view of a heavy duty center shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear oriented perspective view of the heavy duty center shroud of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is an alternate rear oriented perspective view of the heavy duty center shroud of  FIG. 13 , showing the upper pads in the slot of the shroud more clearly. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the heavy duty center shroud of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the heavy duty center shroud of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front oriented perspective view of a heavy duty right handed shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the heavy duty right handed shroud of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front oriented perspective view of a heavy duty left handed shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the heavy duty left handed shroud of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  shows the projected areas of the rearward facing pads of a heavy duty shroud compared to the projected area of the projected area of the entire front surface of the slot of the heavy duty shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  shows the projected areas of the upward facing pads of a heavy duty shroud compared to the projected area of the projected area of the entire lower leg of the heavy duty shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged side view of the tool adapter of  FIG. 8 , showing that the top arcuate blend may take the form of an ellipse. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example,  100   a ,  100   b  or a prime indicator such as  100 ′,  100 ″ etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification. 
     Various embodiments of an adapter, tip configured to be attached to the adapter, and a shroud configured to be attached to a working edge such as a lip of a work implement such as a bucket will be described. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the machine  100  is a large wheel loader and includes a linkage system for attaching a work implement, an operator cab  104 , a chassis  106 , tires  108 , and a hood covering a power source  114 , such as an internal combustion engine. The linkage system  102  has an attachment coupler (not shown) at its free end configured to hold work implement such as a bucket  110 . The operator cab  104  includes, among other components, a steering system  112  to guide the machine  100  in various spatial directions. The operator cab  104  may be suitably sized to accommodate a human operator. Alternatively, the machine  100  may be controlled remotely from a base station, in which case, the operator cab  104  may be smaller or eliminated. The steering system  112  may be a steering wheel or a joystick, or other control mechanism to guide a motion of the machine  100 , or parts thereof. Further, the operator cab  104  may include levers, knobs, dials, displays, alarms, etc. to facilitate operation of the machine  100 . 
     The work implement or tool is a bucket  110  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  but various embodiments of an adapter  200 , tip  300  and/or shroud  400  may be used with other work implements such as a rake, etc. The linkage system  102  is moved by the power source  114  of the machine  100  so that the bucket  110  can dig into earth, dirt, rock, soil, etc. Then, the bucket  110  may be lifted and tilted up and suspended, holding its payload  116  (e.g. rocks) while the machine  100  moves to a dump site (see  FIG. 2 ). As can be imagined, the digging process may exert loads onto the adapter  200 , tip  300  and shroud  400  that could weaken these components over time. Therefore, these components are designed to be replaceable. Though not clearly discernable in  FIGS. 1  thru  4 , the adapter  200 , tip  300  and shroud  400  have certain features according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, which will be discussed in further detail later herein. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shroud  400  and adapter  200  may be attached to the front lip  118  of a bucket  110  or other working edge of another work implement. The shroud  400  and adapter  200  in  FIGS. 3 and 4  may be attached to the front lip by welding or by an attachment mechanism. More particularly, for the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the adapter  200  may be welded to the front lip  118  of the bucket  110  while the shroud  400  may be attached to the front lip  118  using an attachment mechanism  120  sold by the assignee of the present application under the TRADENAME of CAPSURE. Other attachment mechanisms are possible. The tip  300  is also attached to the adapter  200  using the CAPSURE attachment mechanism  120 . 
     For the bucket  110  shown in  FIGS. 1  thru  4 , the front lip  118  of the bucket  110  has a V-shaped configuration, with the vertex  122  disposed at the centerline or midplane of the bucket  110 . Consequently, the shroud  400 , adapter  200 , or tip  300  may have different configurations depending on where along the front lip  118  the component is placed. For example, the adapters  200  may have a straight configuration, left corner configuration, or a right corner configuration, etc. For the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1  thru  4 , the adapters  200  all have a straight configuration but this might not the case in other embodiments. The shrouds  400  in  FIG. 2  include a center shroud  400   a , disposed at the vertex  122  of the front lip  118 , left handed shrouds  400   c  configured to mate with the left angled portion  124  of the front lip of the bucket (when viewed from behind the bucket), and right handed shrouds  400   b  configured to mate with the right angled portion  126  of the front lip  118  of the bucket  110  (when viewed from behind the bucket). The tips  300  in  FIGS. 1  thru  4  are all similarly configured but it is contemplated that their configuration could vary in other embodiments. 
     It is further contemplated that the working edge of the work implement may be straight, allowing the shrouds, tips and adapters to have a consistent configuration. In many embodiments, an alternating pattern of tips and adapters and shrouds along the working edge is provided as shown in  FIGS. 1  thru  4 . 
     Focusing on  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that the direction of assembly A for all the components, regardless if they are shrouds, adapters or tips is in a straight rearward direction regardless of their position relative to the angled portions  124 ,  126  or vertex  122  of the front lip  118  of the bucket  110 . 
       FIGS. 5  thru  10  illustrate an adapter  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the adapter  200  includes reinforced portions indicated by the cross-hatching, helping the adapter withstand heavy loads in use. As used herein, the term “tip adapter” means that the adapter is configured to allow a tip, tool or tool bit, etc. to be attached to the adapter with the adapter acting as connecting point to the work implement. It is contemplated that the tip adapter may be integral or unitary with the work implement in some embodiment, readily attachable to or detachable from the work implement in other embodiment, etc. The term “arcuate” includes any bowed shape including polynomial, sinusoidal, spline, radial, elliptical, etc. Similarly, any blend or transitional surface may include any of these arcuate shapes or may be flat, etc. 
     Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “rear”, “rearward”, “forward”, “forwardly”, etc. are to be interpreted relative to the direction of assembly of the component onto a front lip of a bucket or the like but also includes functional equivalents when the components are used in other scenarios. In such cases, these terms including “upper” may be interpreted as “first” and “lower” as “second”, etc. Reference to a Cartesian coordinate system will also be made. Such coordinate systems inherently define a X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as well as corresponding X-Y, X-Z, and Y-Z planes. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 5  thru  10 , a tip adapter  200  may be provided for attaching a tip  300  to a work implement such as a bucket. The tip adapter  200  may comprise a nose portion  202  that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tip, a first leg  204  extending rearward, a second leg  206  extending rearward, and a throat portion  208  that connects the legs  204 ,  206  and nose portion  202  together and that includes a top throat surface  210  that spans from the nose portion  202  to the first leg  204 . The first and second legs  204 ,  206  are space away from each other and define a slot  212  that includes a closed end  214  and an open end  216 . Hence, the slot  212  defines a direction of assembly A onto a work implement. Similarly, the tip adapter  200  defines a Cartesian coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other) wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly A. In the  FIGS. 5  thru  10 , the X-axis is also to be understood to pass through the center of mass of the tip adapter. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 5, 8 and 9 , the top throat surface  210  includes a top flat portion  218  that is parallel to the direction of assembly A and a top radial portion  220  that extends rearward from the top flat portion  218 . The top arcuate portion  220  defines a radius of curvature R 220  projected onto a X-Z plane along the Y-axis ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm in some embodiments. The top arcuate portion  220  may be divided into a first part  222  and a second part  224 , each having different radii of curvatures as shown. In some embodiments, the first part  222  and second part  224  may mimic or be an exact radius. The top flat portion  218  may define a top flat portion length L 218  measured along the X-axis ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm in some embodiments. The top arcuate portion  220  may define an angle of extension θ 220  projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y axis ranging from 0 degrees to 90 degrees and may be approximately 60 degrees in some embodiments. 
     It may be useful to design the top flat portion length L 218  and the radius of curvature R 220  of the top arcuate portion  220  so that enough bearing surface area is provided by the top flat portion  218  and the radius of curvature R 220  is generous enough so that stress concentrations are kept to minimum. The tradeoff between these desired properties may be expressed as a ratio. That is to say, the tip adapter  200  may defines a ratio of the radius of curvature R 220  of the top arcuate portion  220  to the top flat portion length L 218  ranging from 15:1 to 20:1 in some embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 24 , it can be seen that the top arcuate portion  220  may comprise an elliptical surface  272 . This elliptical surface may be defined by an ellipse  274  projected onto the X-Z plane along the Y direction. The ellipse  274  defines a major axis  276  running substantially along the X direction and a minor axis  278  perpendicular to the major axis  276 . The ratio of the minor axis  278  to the major axis  276 , sometimes referred to as the conical parameter, may range from 0.2 to 0.4 in some embodiments, and may be approximately 0.23 to 0.3 in certain embodiments. These dimensions may be varied as needed or desired. This elliptical surface  272  may have radius of curvature that ranges as previously described relative to the top arcuate portion  220 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 6, 8 and 10 , the throat portion  208  further includes a bottom throat surface  226 , and the slot  212  defines a forward extremity  228  at the closed end  214 . The tip adapter  200  further defines a distance  230  from the top throat surface  210  to the bottom throat surface  226  measured along the Z-axis at the forward extremity  228  of the slot  212  ranging from 220 mm to 250 mm in some embodiments. This distance allows the tip adapter to have suitable strength in certain embodiments. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 5  thru  10 , the throat portion  208  defines a side throat surface  232  extending substantially (i.e. at least the majority of the distance) from the top throat surface  210  to the bottom throat surface  226 . The side throat surface  232  may define a conical blend portion  234  defining a radius of curvature R 234  increasing from proximate the top throat surface  210  toward the bottom throat surface  226 . The radius of curvature R 234  of the conical blend portion  234  may range from 50 mm to 250 mm in some embodiments. The side throat surface  232  may be further characterized as spanning from the nose portion  202  to the first leg  204  and to the second leg  206  in a rearward manner (along the X direction or along the X-axis). The side throat surface  232  includes a side flat portion  236  that extends rearward and a variable blend portion  238  connected to the side flat portion  236  and that extends substantially along the Z-axis. As alluded to earlier, the variable blend portion  238  defines a radius of curvature  8238  projected onto a X-Y plane substantially along the Z-axis ranging from 200 mm to 270 mm. In some embodiments, the variable blend portion is a conical blend portion, but other variable blends could be used or a consistent blend could be used, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the throat portion  208  may further include a ridge  240  extending from the side throat surface  232  along the Y-axis, defining a ridge height H 240  along a direction parallel with the Y-axis (see  FIG. 7 ). This ridge  240  may also extend along the X-axis to the first leg  204 . More particularly, the ridge  240  may define a side ridge surface  242  generally parallel to the X-Z plane and the first leg  204  may define a first leg side surface  244  coplanar with the side ridge surface  242 . This may not be the case in other embodiments. The throat portion  208  and the first leg  204  define a pocket  246  and the ridge  240  partially forms that pocket  246 . The pocket  246  is designed to receive the tongue  128  of a cap or cover  130  intended to protect the various portions of the tip adapter  200  including its lifting eye  248  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 6, 8 and 10 , the nose portion  202  may include a lower nose surface  250  extending rearwardly from the bottom forward extremity  252  of the nose portion  202 . The lower nose surface  250  may include a first planar portion  254  disposed near the bottom forward extremity  252  and a second planar portion  256  extending from the first planar portion  254 , defining a lower obtuse angle α with the first planar portion  254 . In some embodiments, the lower obtuse angle α ranges from 160 degrees to 180 degrees and may be approximately 170 degrees in some embodiments. Similarly, the first planar portion  254  of the lower nose surface  250  may define a first planar portion length L 254  ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm and the first planar portion  254  may generally parallel to the X-axis in some embodiments. Any of these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired. 
     Also, the throat portion  208  may include a bottom throat surface  226  that is generally coplanar with the second planar portion  256  of the lower nose surface  250 . The bottom throat surface  226  may extend to the second leg  206  with a blend  258  connecting the leg bottom surface  260  to the bottom throat surface  226 . 
     As mentioned previously, the throat portion  208  may further include a top throat surface  210 , and the slot  212  may define a forward extremity  228  at the closed end  214 . The tip adapter  200  may further define a distance  230  from the top throat surface  210  to the bottom throat surface  226  measured along the Z-axis at the forward extremity  228  of the slot  212  ranging from 220 mm to 250 mm in certain embodiments. 
     As also alluded to earlier herein, the throat portion  208  may define a side throat surface  232  extending substantially from the top throat surface  210  to the bottom throat surface  226 , the side throat surface  232  defining a variable blend portion  238  defining a radius of curvature R 238  decreasing from proximate the bottom throat surface  226  toward the top throat surface  210 , wherein the radius of curvature R 238  of the variable blend portion  238  may range as previously described herein. 
     The slot  212  is bounded by flat bearing surfaces  262  formed by the first leg  204  and the second leg  206 , both of which are parallel to the X-axis. The slot  212  is also bounded by an angled bearing surface  264 . The forward extremity  228  of the slot  212  is formed by an enlarged radius  266  that provides clearance for the front of the lip of the bucket. These bearing surfaces and the slot may be differently configured as needed or desired. For example, the working edge may be differently configured and the slot and associated bearing surfaces would be changed to match. 
     Bosses  268  are provided on either side of the tip adapter  200  that are used to retain the tip to the tip adapter using the retaining mechanism in a manner known in the art. The nose portion  202  of the tip adapter  200  may also be differently configured as compared to what is shown depending on the application, etc. 
       FIG. 10  shows additional contour lines compared to  FIGS. 5  thru  9 . These additional contour lines indicate that the tip adapter  200  includes draft angles and blends not specifically discussed herein, allowing the tip adapter to be cast. For example, a parting line  270  runs down the middle of the tip adapter since the tip adapter  200  is symmetrical about the X-Z plane. Thus, the flat and arcuate surfaces discussed concerning the tip adapter may be actually bifurcated or further divided. It is to be understood that these features such as draft and blends at corners and intersections are taken into account when using the terms “substantially”, “generally” and the like for any of the embodiments of tip adapter, shroud or tip discussed herein. Likewise, distances may be described as being “maximum” or “minimum” as used herein in order to take into consideration these features. Other embodiments may lack such draft features or may have more planes of symmetry or none at all, etc. 
     Next, an embodiment of tip configured to be attached the tip adapter will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The tip has a cavity that is at least complimentarily configured to match the nose geometry of the tip adapter. Hence, most of the description of the tip adapter applies equally to the tip and vice versa by understanding that the geometry is substantially mirrored (forming a negative image) from one component to the other. Furthermore, transition geometry will be discussed disposed in the cavity that may match or provide clearance with respect to the corresponding geometry (e.g. the throat geometry) of the tip adapter. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a tip  300  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may define a cavity for being attached to a work implement and a working portion on the front end. In many applications, a tip adapter as just described may act as the intermediary between the work implement (e.g. a bucket) and the tip. It is to be understood that the working portion and cavity may be differently configured as compared to what is shown and described herein. 
     The tip  300  may comprise a body  302  including a closed end  304  and an open end  306 , a forward working portion  308  disposed proximate the closed end  304 , and a rearward connecting portion  310  disposed proximate the open end  306 . The rearward connecting portion  310  defines the cavity  312 , which extends from the open end  306  toward the closed end  304 . The cavity  312  is defined by a plurality of surfaces defining a direction of assembly A and the tip  300  defines a Cartesian coordinate system wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly A. The tip  300  may define a cavity upper surface  314  disposed proximate the open end  306 , the cavity upper surface  314  including an cavity upper flat portion  316  that is generally parallel to the direction of assembly A and a cavity upper transition portion  318  that extends rearward from the cavity upper flat portion  316  toward the open end  306 . The cavity upper transition portion  318  may be configured to avoid interference with a tip adapter or may be configured to match the corresponding geometry of the tip adapter. 
     The cavity upper flat portion  316  may define a cavity upper flat portion length L 316  measured along the X-axis ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm. The cavity  312  may be further defined by a cavity upper angled planar portion  320  extending from the cavity upper flat portion  316  forming an upper obtuse angle θ with the cavity upper flat portion  316  projected onto a X-Z plane along the Y axis. The upper obtuse angle θ may range from 140 degrees to 160 in some embodiments and may be approximately 150 degrees in certain embodiments. In addition, the cavity upper angled planar portion  320  may define a cavity upper angled planar portion length L 320  measured in the X-Z plane, ranging from 120 mm to 160 mm in certain embodiments. The ratio of the cavity upper angled planar portion length L 320  to the cavity upper flat portion length L 316  may range from 0.04 to 0.125 in some embodiments. Any of these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired. 
     Opposite of the cavity upper surface  314 , the tip  300  may further include a cavity lower surface  322  disposed proximate the open end  306 . The cavity lower surface  322  may comprise a cavity lower transition portion  324  extending from the open end  306  toward the closed end  304  and an aft cavity lower angled planar portion  326  extending forwardly from the cavity lower transition portion  324 . As a result, the tip  300  may also define a maximum distance  328  from the cavity upper flat portion  316  to the cavity lower surface  322 , measured along the Z-axis ranging from 160 mm to 200 mm in some embodiments. The tip  300  may further include a cavity side surface  330  extending substantially from the cavity upper surface  314  to the cavity lower surface  322 . The cavity side surface  330  may define a cavity side transition portion  332  configured to avoid interference with a tip adapter or to closely match the corresponding geometry of the tip adapter. The cavity side transition portion  332  may also extend substantially from the cavity upper surface  314  to the cavity lower surface  322  in some embodiments. 
     The cavity  312  or cavity side surface  330  is further defined by a side bearing surface  334  and the cavity side transition portion  332  includes a planar portion  336  disposed proximate the open end  306  and a radial portion  338  blending the planar portion  336  to the side bearing surface  334 . The cavity side surface  330  jogs along the Y-axis, forming a boss receiving slot  340 . The attachment mechanism  120  is disposed in an aperture  342  positioned at the blind end of the slot  340 . The boss receiving slot  340  is defined by lead-in features  348  that help the boss of the tip adapter find its way into the catch pocket  344  defined by the attachment mechanism  120  as the tip  300  is inserted onto the nose portion of the tip adapter. Once the boss is inserted into the catch pocket  344 , the attachment mechanism  120  may be rotated 180 degrees until the boss is trapped by the catch lip  346  of the attachment mechanism  120  in a manner known in the art. The lead-in features  348  may be configured in any suitable manner including those discussed already herein with respect to transitional geometry in general. For the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lead-in features  348  include a chamfered portion  350  disposed proximate the open end  306  and a radial portion  352  (i.e. a radial blend) extending forwardly from the chamfered portion  350 . 
     Focusing now on the cavity lower surface  322 , it can be seen that the cavity lower surface  322  may include a cavity first lower planar surface  354  spaced away from the open end  306  and a cavity second lower planar surface  356  extending forwardly of the cavity first lower planer surface  354 , forming an oblique angle φ therewith. The oblique angle φ may range from 160 degrees to 180 degrees and may be approximately 170 degrees in some embodiments. The cavity lower surface  322  may include a cavity lower transition portion  324  disposed proximate the open end  306  and connected to the cavity first lower planar surface  354 . The cavity lower transition portion  324  may also be configured to clear or match closely the corresponding geometry of the tip adapter and may be constructed in any suitable manner. 
     For the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cavity lower transition portion  324  includes a planar portion  358  disposed proximate the open end  306  and a radial portion  360  blending the planar portion  358  to the cavity first lower planar surface  354 . The planar portion  358  of the cavity lower transition portion  324  may form an angle γ with the cavity first lower planar surface  354  ranging from 160 degrees to 180 degrees and may be approximately 170 degrees in some embodiments. Also, the tip  300  is symmetrical about the X-Z plane but other embodiments of the tip may have more or no planes of symmetry. 
     Furthermore, the cavity second lower planar portion  356  may define a cavity second lower planar portion length L 356  measured in the X-Z plane ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm in some embodiments. Also, the cavity second lower planar portion  356  may be generally parallel with the X-axis. This version of the tip is shown to be symmetrical about the X-Z plane of the tip (X-axis passes through the center of mass of the tip). Any of these dimensions or angles discussed herein may be varied as needed or desired. 
     For the embodiment of the tip  300  disclosed in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , all of the transition portions  318 ,  324 ,  332 , and  348  are similarly configured. As best seen in  FIG. 12  by looking at the cavity lower transition portion  324 , the geometry for this features moves downwardly a distance  362  in the Z direction (or along the Z-axis) and extends rearward a distance  364  in the X direction (or along the X-axis). One may the outline of the lower transition portion  324  and sweep it along the perimeter  366  of the cavity  312  to essentially create or understand the configuration of the geometry of all the transition portions. This may not be the case in other embodiments. 
     Now various embodiments of a shroud of the present disclosure will be described with respect to  FIGS. 13  thru  23 . More particularly,  FIGS. 13  thru  17  are directed to a center shroud,  FIGS. 18 and 19  are directed to a right handed shroud while  FIGS. 20 and 21  are directed to a left handed shroud. 
     Starting with  FIGS. 13  thru  17 , the shroud  400  is configured to be attached to a work implement. The shroud  400  may comprise a body  402  defining a closed end  404 , an open end  406 , a first side surface  408  and a second side surface  410 . The first side surface  408  and the second side surface  410  span from the closed end  404  to the open end  406 . A working portion  412  is disposed proximate the closed end  404 , a first leg  414  extends rearward from the working portion  412  to the open end  406 , and a second leg  416  extends rearward from the working portion  412  to the open end  406 . The side surfaces  408 ,  410  also form the side surfaces of the legs  414 ,  416 . A throat portion  418  connects the legs  414 ,  416  and working portion together  412 . The first and second legs  414 ,  416  define a slot  420 , the slot  420  defining a direction of assembly A onto a work implement and the body  402  defines a Cartesian coordinate system wherein the X-axis is parallel with the direction of assembly A. The working portion  412  defines a ground engaging surface  422  at the closed end  404  that may comprise a convex arcuate portion  424  intersecting with the X-axis, a first concave arcuate portion  426  extending from the convex arcuate portion  424  toward the first side surface  408 , and a second concave arcuate portion  428  extending from the convex arcuate portion  424  toward the second side surface  410  when the ground engaging surface  422  is projected onto a X-Y plane along the Z-axis. 
     In some embodiments, the convex arcuate portion  424  may define a radius of curvature R 424  projected onto a X-Y plane along the Z-axis ranging from 80 mm to 120 mm. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first concave arcuate portion  426  may define a radius of curvature R 426  projected onto a X-Y plane along the Z-axis ranging from 350 mm to 450 mm. Also, the second concave arcuate portion  428  may define a radius of curvature R 428  projected onto a X-Y plane along the Z-axis ranging from 350 mm to 450 mm. The ground engaging surface thus constructed may be well suited for penetrating the ground or other working surface. Flute portions  438  may be provided on top of the shroud proximate the first and second side surfaces for conveying material as the shroud penetrates a work surface. Other configurations for the ground engaging surfaces are possible. 
     For the embodiment of the shroud  400  shown in  FIGS. 13  thru  17 , the X-Z plane defines a plane of symmetry for the body  402  of the shroud, yielding a center shroud. As a result, the first concave portion  426  extends primarily in the positive Y direction (or along the Y-axis) and slightly in the positive X direction (or along the X-axis) while the second concave portion  428  extends primarily in the negative Y direction and slightly in the positive X direction (or along the positive X-axis) to a similar extent in both the X and Y directions (or along the X-axis and Y-axis). As best seen in  FIG. 17 , the convex arcuate portion  424  comprises a single face  430  (may be or approximate an exact radius). On the other hand, both the first concave arcuate portion  426  and the second concave arcuate portion  428  each comprise two different faces (i.e. first face  432  and second face  434 ) that may have slightly different radii of curvature R 432 , R 434 . 
     For  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the shape of the ground engaging surface  422 ′ is modified compared to the ground engaging surface  422  of the center shroud, but may be described and measured in a similar manner. For example, the first concave arcuate portion  426 ′ extends in the X and Y directions (or along the X-axis and the Y-axis) to a similar extent, while the second concave arcuate portion  428 ′ extends primarily in the negative Y direction (or along the negative Y-axis) and slightly in the X direction (or along the X-axis). Hence, the ground engaging surface  422 ′ follows the sweep path S defined by the front of the slot  420 ′ of the right handed shroud  400 ′, which mates with and mimics the front edge of the bucket. As best seen in  FIG. 18 , the convex arcuate portion  424 ′ comprises a single face  430 ′ (may be or approximate an exact radius). On the other hand, both the first concave arcuate portion  426 ′ and the second concave arcuate portion  428 ′ comprise two different faces  432 ′,  434 ′ that may have slightly different radii of curvature R 432 ′, R 434 ′. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show that the left handed shroud  400 ″ is a mirror image of the right handed shroud. Accordingly, the first concave arcuate portion  426 ″ extends primarily in the Y direction (or along the Y-axis) and slightly in the X direction (or along the X-axis), while the second concave arcuate portion  428 ″ extends in the X and negative Y directions (or along the X-axis and the negative Y-axis) to a similar extent. As best seen in  FIG. 20 , the convex arcuate portion  424 ″ comprises a single face  430 ″ (may be or approximate an exact radius). On the hand, both the first concave arcuate portion  426 ″ and the second concave arcuate portion  428 ″ comprise two different faces  432 ″,  434 ″ that may have slightly different radii of curvature R 432 ″, R 434 ″. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 13  thru  17 , in addition to the working portion  412  defining a ground engaging surface  422  at the closed end  404 , the working portion  412  may also include an upper outside loading surface  436  extending from the ground engaging surface  422  toward the open end  406  and the first leg  414 . The upper outside loading surface  436  may comprise a first concave arcuate loading portion  440  extending from the ground engaging surface  422  toward the first leg  414 , a first convex arcuate loading portion  442  extending from the first concave arcuate loading portion  440  toward the first leg  414 , and a second convex arcuate loading portion  444  extending from the first convex arcuate loading portion  442  toward the first leg  414 . Since a center shroud is shown, the slot  420  is defined by a front abutment face  446  defining a sweep path S and the first concave arcuate loading portion  440  defines a radius of curvature R 440  projected onto the X-Z plane along the sweep path S (parallel to the Y-axis in this instance) ranging from 250 mm to 350 mm (see  FIG. 17 ). Similarly, the first convex arcuate loading portion  442  defines a radius of curvature R 442  projected onto the X-Z plane along the sweep path S ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm. Likewise, the second convex arcuate loading portion  444  defines a radius of curvature R 444  projected onto the X-Z plane along the sweep path S ranging from 100 mm to 200 mm. 
     As alluded to earlier, the right handed shroud  400 ′ of  FIGS. 18 and 19  and the left handed shroud  40 ″ of  FIGS. 20 and 21  have sweep paths S′, S″ that are angled relative to the Y-axis to match the front edge of a bucket. However, their geometry regarding the upper outside loading surface  436 ′,  436 ″ may be similarly described and measured. The geometry concerning the upper outside loading surface may be modified for any shroud of any embodiment of the present disclosure but may provide more strength in use than previous shrouds known in the art in some cases. 
     Looking at  FIG. 17 , each shroud  400  has a body  402  defining a slot  420  that includes an upper slot angled bearing surface  448  and that defines a maximum distance  450  from the upper slot angled bearing surface  448  to the second convex arcuate loading portion  444  measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper slot angled bearing surface  448  ranging from 40 mm to 120 mm. A minimum distance  452  is similarly provided and measured. 
     For many embodiments of the shroud, it is desirable to help ensure that the slot of the shroud is snugly engaged with the front edge of the bucket. Consequently, referring to  FIGS. 13  thru  21 , each shroud  400  may define a slot  420  defining a front clearance face  454  and the body  402  may further include a first rearward facing pad  456  extending from the front clearance face  454  along the X-axis adjacent the first side surface  408  and a second rearward facing pad  456 ′ extending from the front clearance face  454  along the X-axis adjacent the second side surface  410  (see  FIG. 14 ). The rearward facing pads  456 ,  456 ′ are configured to contact the front face of the front lip of the bucket. The rear facing pads extend approximately 4 mm (+/−1 mm) from the front clearance face  454 . As best understood with reference to  FIG. 22 , the rearward facing pads  456  define a total rearward facing pad surface area  458  (e.g. 8500 mm 2  after adding the surface area of each pad together) and the front clearance face with the rear facing pads defines a total front clearance face surface area  460  (e.g. 11200 mm 2 ), and the total rearward facing pad surface area  458  divided by the total front clearance face surface area  460  ranges from 0.6 to 0.90 and may be approximately 0.75 in some embodiments. These surface areas may be measured by projecting them onto a Y-Z plane along the X direction (or along the X-axis). 
     In like fashion, the body  402  may further comprise a bottom clearance face  462  in the slot  420  defining a generally rectangular configuration with four corners  464  and four upward facing pads  465  positioned at the four corners of the bottom clearance face  462  extending in the Z direction (or along the Z-axis). A front intermediate platform  466  may extend along the Z direction (or along the Z-axis) from the bottom clearance face  462  (extends about half the distance of the upward facing pads) and along the sweep path S, connecting two forward instances of the upward facing pads  465  together. Also, a rear intermediate platform  468  (extends about half the distance of the upward facing pads) may extend along the Z direction (or along the Z-axis) from the bottom clearance face  462 , connecting the two rearward instances of the upward facing pads  465  together. The upward facing pads  465  may extend approximately 10 mm (+/−1 mm) from the bottom clearance face  462 , the upward facing pads  465  define a total upward facing pad surface area  470  (e.g. 10000 mm 2 ) and the bottom clearance face defines a total bottom clearance face surface area  472  (e.g. 17000 mm 2 ), and the total upward facing pad surface area  470  divided by the total bottom clearance face surface area  472  ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 (see  FIG. 23 ) and may be approximately 0.588 in some embodiments. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 15 , the body of the shroud may further comprise a top clearance face  474  in the slot  420  defining a generally rectangular configuration with two rear corners  476  and two downward facing pads  478  positioned at the two rear corners  476  extending in the negative Z direction (or along the negative Z-axis). The downward facing pads  478  may extend approximately 4 mm from the top clearance face  474 . The downward facing pads  478  may also define a total downward facing pad surface area  480  (e.g. 8500 mm 2 ) and the top clearance face defines a total top clearance face surface area  482  (e.g. 39000 mm 2 ), and the total downward facing pad surface area  480  divided by the total top clearance face surface area  482  ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 and may be approximately 0.218 in some embodiments. 
     The configuration of any embodiment of an adapter, tip, or shroud of the present disclosure, as well as associated features, dimensions, angles, surface areas, and ratios may be adjusted as needed or desired. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     In practice, a work implement such as a bucket may be sold with one or more shrouds, adapters or tips according to any of the embodiments discussed herein. In other situations, a kit that includes components for retrofitting an existing work implement or a newly bought work implement with one or more shrouds, adapter or tips may be provided. It is further contemplated that a shroud, adapter, or tip may be provided separately or in any combination with other shrouds, adapters, or tips. 
     Economic endeavors such as mining operations may require that a work implement be used under harsh conditions and the severity of the operation conditions may be ascertained when shrouds, adapters and/or tips are frequently needed to be repaired or replaced. If so, then the user or the entity conducting the operation may opt to purchase or otherwise obtain work implements using shrouds, adapters, and/or tips as described herein. Alternatively, the individual shrouds, adapters, and/or tips may be individually procured. 
     Other entities may provide, manufacture, sell, retrofit or otherwise obtain work implements having the shrouds, adapters, and/or tips according to any embodiment discussed herein or may provide, manufacture, sell, refurbish, remanufacture, or otherwise obtain shrouds, adapters, and/or tips individually or in any suitable combination, etc. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Also, the numbers recited are also part of the range. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps or combined. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments. 
     Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.