Patent Publication Number: US-11391012-B2

Title: Ripper shank pocket with wear inserts

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/698,370, filed Jul. 16, 2018, and entitled “Ripper Shank Pocket with Wear Inserts”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to ripper assemblies employed by earth moving, construction and mining equipment and the like to break ground or other work surfaces. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a ripper assembly that includes a ripper shank pocket with wear inserts that are attachable and detachable from ripper shank pocket. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Earth moving, construction and mining equipment and the like are often used in rough, off-road terrain. Such equipment, including bull dozers, may use ripper assemblies with pointed ripper members that are used to break the ground or other work material so that it can be more easily manipulated, moved, etc. 
     Over time or in heavy ripping applications, the force exerted at the point tips by the ground or work material as the pointed tips are dragged through the ground or other work material provides a moment or torque that tends to wear on the rear of the ripper shank pocket that holds the shank of the pointed ripper members. As a result, the ripper shank pocket may become worn and elongated, allowing for greater shank movement of the pointed ripper members during normal operation. This may lead to greater stress being exerted on shank of the ripper members. Consequently, either the shank or the pocket wall may become fatigued, necessitating replacement of various components. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,600 to Thigpen discloses what appears to be a wear insert disposed in the shank pocket of a ripper assembly between the rear wall of the shank pocket and the shank of the ripper member (see  FIG. 4 ). However, Thigpen fails to disclose a retention mechanism for holding the wear insert in the ripper shank pocket. Consequently, the wear insert may fall out of the ripper shank pocket, creating increased play of the shank of the ripper member in the ripper shank pocket, exacerbating the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     A ripper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a ripper cross-member defining at least a first ripper shank pocket, the ripper cross-member including a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall connecting the front wall to the rear wall, defining the perimeter of the at least first ripper shank pocket. The front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall also define a longitudinal axis and a free end disposed along the longitudinal axis adjacent the perimeter of the at least first ripper shank pocket. At least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define a retention boss aperture and a retention mechanism pocket. 
     A wear insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a first retention boss extending from the rear surface. 
     A lock member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a front tool engaging portion defining an axis of rotation, and a rear portion defining a retention cavity and a first retaining ledge overhanging the retention cavity, forming an undercut along the axis of rotation, the retaining ledge extending an angle about the axis of rotation that is less than 360 degrees. 
     A retaining bushing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an annular body defining a cylindrical axis, an outer radial direction, a first end disposed along the cylindrical axis, a second end disposed along the cylindrical axis, an inner annular surface, an outer annular surface. A first locking ridge may extend from the outer annular surface along the outer radial direction at the first end configured to engage the retaining ledge of the lock member after the lock member has been rotated to a locking configuration. The inner annular surface may define a keyway extending along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis. A rim portion at the second end may extend from the outer annular surface along the outer radial direction. A first male detent portion may extend from the outer annular surface along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis. 
     A retention mechanism with a lock member, or a lock member and a retaining bushing according to any embodiment disclosed within the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       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 side-view of a machine such as a bull dozer or the like that uses a ripper assembly including a ripper shank pocket with wear inserts according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the ripper assembly of  FIG. 1  removed from the machine, showing the ripper shank pocket with enhanced clarity. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a ripper shank pocket of a ripper assembly similar to that shown in  FIG. 2  that may have wear inserts inserted therein and held in place using a retention mechanism disposed on the rear side of the pocket according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional view of the ripper shank pocket of  FIG. 3  shown in a slightly different orientation, illustrating a retention boss of a wear insert seated in a retention mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear oriented perspective view of the lock member of the retention mechanism of  FIG. 4  shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the wear insert shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of the ripper shank pocket of  FIG. 3  shown in a slightly different orientation, illustrating a retention boss of a wear insert seated in a retention mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a top sectional view of the wear insert and retention mechanism of  FIG. 7 , depicting the snap fit of the retaining bushing onto the locking boss of the wear insert. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the retention mechanism and wear insert of  FIG. 7  shown in isolation from the ripper shank pocket. These components may be provided as a kit. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a retaining bushing according to another embodiment, utilized in the retention mechanism of  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear oriented perspective view of the lock member of the retention mechanism of  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the lock member of the retention mechanism of  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the lock member of the retention mechanism of  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the wear insert shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 . 
     
    
    
     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 by a prime for example,  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 and primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features, having similar or identical function or geometry, discussed within this written specification. 
     Various embodiments of an apparatus and a method for inserting wear inserts into a ripper shank pocket of a ripper assembly and holding the wear inserts in such a pocket will now be described. In some embodiments, the ripper shank pocket has a particular configuration. In other embodiments, the wear insert(s) designed to be inserted into the ripper shank pocket and retained therein using a retention mechanism will be discussed. Other configurations for either the ripper assembly, the ripper shank pocket, the ripper cross member, wear insert(s) etc. are possible other than what is specifically shown in the figures of the present application. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a tracked machine  100  in the form of a bulldozer that includes an embodiment of a ripper assembly  200  constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. Among other uses, a ripper assembly may be used to break up ground or other work material. 
     While the arrangement is illustrated in connection with a bulldozer, the arrangement disclosed herein has universal applicability in various other types of machines commonly used in the construction, mining or earthmoving industries. The term “machine” may refer to any machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, earth moving or construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine may be an excavator, wheel loader, bulldozer, grader, etc. Moreover, one or more implements may be connected to the machine. Such implements may be utilized for a variety of tasks, including, for example, manipulating a work material such as the ground, dirt, etc. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , an initial penetration view of the ripper tip  202  along a line of sight  112  from the operator cab  102  of a machine  100  using a track undercarriage  104  when the ripper assembly  200  is between a raised position and a dig position, and ripper tip  202  is at the ground penetration level  106 . Thus, the operator can see the ripper shank  204  and most, if not all, of ripper tip  202  without obstruction from other parts of ripper assembly  200 . This gives the operator better direct visual feedback when initiating a ripping operation. To initiate the ripping operation, the ripper assembly  200  is lowered about a pivot point  108  via hydraulic cylinder(s)  110  until the ripper tip  202  engages the ground penetration level  106 . As the ripper tip  202  engages the ground, reactive forces are concentrated at the front top portion  206  and rear bottom portion  208  of the ripper shank pocket  210 , disposed in an upwardly extending channel  212  connected to the ripper cross-member  214  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ), where the ripper shank  204  pushes on the walls forming the pocket  210 . Wear inserts  300  may be provided at the front top portion  206  and rear bottom portion  208  of the ripper shank pocket  210 . The wear inserts may be provided at only the front top portion, at only the rear bottom portion, in the front top and front bottom portions as well as the rear bottom and rear top portions simultaneously, or any suitable combination of these positions, etc. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it can be seen that the ripper assembly  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprises a ripper cross-member  214  defining at least a first ripper shank pocket  210 , the ripper cross-member  214  including a front wall  216 , a rear wall  218 , a first side wall  220  and a second side wall  222  connecting the front wall  216  to the rear wall  218 , defining the perimeter  224  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 , the front wall  216 , the rear wall  218 , the first side wall  220 , and the second side wall  222  also defining a longitudinal axis  226  (so called at its the axis of elongation) and a free end  228  disposed along the longitudinal axis  226  adjacent the perimeter  224  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 . At least one of the front wall  216 , the rear wall  218 , the first side wall  220  and the second side wall  222  defining a retention boss aperture  230  and a retention mechanism pocket  232 . 
     It should be noted that  FIG. 2  is showing the front top portion  206  of the pocket  210 . It is to be understood that a similarly or identically configuration may be provided at the rear bottom portion  208  of the pocket  210 . The term “top” is then a reference to the location where a wear insert  300  may be inserted, regardless of whether it is the front top portion  206  or the rear bottom portion  208 , or the front bottom portion or the rear top portion, etc. Similarly, the rear wall  218  is the wall providing support to the wear insert  300  regardless of whether it is the front top portion  206  or the rear bottom portion  208 , etc. The ripper assemblies  200  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are slightly differently configured compared to each other, showing the versatility of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as they are not limited to any particular configuration. 
     The ripper assembly  200  includes an articulated set of linkages  234  and hydraulic cylinders  110  for moving the ripper assembly  200  up and down, as alluded to previously. Also, the insertion of the ripper shank  204  into the channel  212  such that an attachment aperture  236  of the ripper shank  204  is aligned with the attachment aperture  238  of the channel  212 , allowing a pin (not shown) or the like to hold the ripper shank  204  in place relative to the channel  212 , is illustrated. 
     Focusing on  FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 and 8 , a ripper assembly  200  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a ripper cross-member  214  defining at least a first ripper shank pocket  210 . The ripper cross-member  214  may include a front wall  216 , a rear wall  218 , a first side wall  220  and a second side wall  222  connecting the front wall  216  to the rear wall  218 , defining the perimeter  224  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 . The front wall  216 , the rear wall  218 , the first side wall  220 , and the second side wall  222  also defining a longitudinal axis  226  and a free end  228  disposed along the longitudinal axis  226  adjacent the perimeter  224  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 . At least one of the front wall  216 , the rear wall  218 , the first side wall  220  and the second side wall  222  may define a retention boss aperture  230  and a retention mechanism pocket  232 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the retention boss aperture  230  may take the form of a first cylindrical hole  240  disposed on the rear wall  218  extending along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226  and the retention mechanism pocket  232  may be disposed adjacent the first cylindrical hole  240  on the rear wall. For example, the first cylindrical hole  240  may be above the retention mechanism pocket  232  along the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     The rear wall  218  may define an inner surface  244  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 , an outer surface  246 , and a second cylindrical hole  242  disposed adjacent the retention mechanism pocket  232  on the inner surface  244 . The first cylindrical hole  240  may be disposed axially above the retention mechanism pocket  232  on the inner surface  244 , and the second cylindrical hole  242  may be disposed axially below the retention mechanism pocket  232 . The rear wall  218  also defines a clearance pocket  248  that is in communication with the retention mechanism pocket  232  that extends from inner surface  242  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210  while the retention mechanism pocket  232  extends from the outer surface  246  of the rear wall  218 . 
     Looking at  FIGS. 3  thru  5 , and  7  thru  13 , the ripper assembly  200  may further comprise a retention mechanism  500  that is configured to fit within the retention mechanism pocket  232 . The retention mechanism  500 ,  500 ′ may include a lock member  502 ,  502 ′ defining an axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′, a retention cavity  506 ,  506 ′ and a retaining ledge  508 ,  508 ′ overhanging the retention cavity  506 ,  506 ′ forming an undercut  510 ,  510 ′ along the axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′, and a retaining bushing  512 . Only a lock member  502  is used in  FIGS. 4 and 5  since the function of the retaining bushing is incorporated into the wear insert  300 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4, 5, 7  thru  13 , the retention mechanism  500 ,  500 ′ is disposed in retaining mechanism pocket  232  after being assembled. In  FIGS. 7  thru  9 , the retaining bushing  512  is disposed between the lock member  500 ′ and the wear insert  400 . In  FIGS. 5, 11 and 12 , the undercut  510 ,  510 ′ extends an angle that is less than 360 degrees about the axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 4, 6, 7  thru  9 , and  14 , various embodiments of wear inserts  300 ,  400  may be used that are configured to fit within the at least first ripper shank pocket  210 . The wear insert  300 ,  400  may include a front surface  302 ,  402 , a rear surface  304 ,  404 , a top surface  306 ,  406 , a bottom surface  308 ,  408 , a first side surface  310 ,  410 , a second side surface  312 ,  412 , and a first retention boss  314 ,  414  extending from the rear surface  304 ,  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     In some embodiments, a second retention boss  316 ,  416  may extend from the rear surface  304 ,  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 , and a locking boss  318 ,  418  may extend from the rear surface  304 ,  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 . The locking boss  318 ,  418  may be disposed between the first retention boss  314 ,  414  and the second retention boss  316 ,  416  along the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the locking boss  318  may define a perimeter  320  and may include a locking ridge  322  that forms an undercut  324  along a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226  (see  FIG. 4 ) that extends less than the entire length of the perimeter  320 . Any of these various features and their associated configurations may be altered as needed or desired in other embodiments. 
     As used herein, a retention boss is so called since it prevents the removal of a wear insert along the longitudinal direction. A locking boss is so called since it prevents the removal of the wear insert along a direction that is not parallel, or perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. 
     When the wear insert  300  is disposed in the at least first ripper shank pocket  210  as shown in  FIG. 4 , the first retention boss  314  is seated in the first cylindrical hole  240 , the second retention boss  316  is seated in the second cylindrical hole  242 , and the locking boss  318  is disposed in the clearance pocket  248  and the retention cavity  506  of the lock member  502 . The locking ridge  322  of the locking boss  318  and the retaining ledge  508  of the lock member  502  extend an angle that is 180 degrees or less about the axis of rotation  504  of the lock member  502  (may be less than 90 degrees in some embodiments). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 14 , the wear insert  300 ,  400  includes a first blend surface  326 ,  426  connecting the top surface  306 ,  406  to the front surface  302 ,  402 , and a second blend surface  328 ,  428  connecting the bottom surface  308 ,  408  to the front surface  302 ,  402 . The wear insert  300 ,  400  may be configured such that the wear insert  300 ,  400  defines a rotational axis  330 ,  430  about which the wear insert  300 ,  400  may be rotated so that the initial position of the first retention boss  314 ,  414  becomes the new position of the second retention boss  316 ,  416 , and the initial position of the second retention boss  316 ,  416  becomes the new position of the first retention boss  314 ,  414 . The first blend surface  326  and the second blend surface  426  may serve the functions of providing wear indicators. As they disappear, the user may be notified that the wear insert needs to be replaced. 
     Looking at the ripper shank pocket  210  in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the retention boss aperture  230  may take the form of a first cylindrical hole  240  disposed on the rear wall  218  extending along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226  and the retention mechanism pocket  232  may be disposed adjacent the first cylindrical hole  240  on the rear wall  218 . The rear wall  218  also may define a notch  250  in communication with the retention mechanism pocket  232 , the notch  250  defining an undercut  252  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     The rear wall  218  may define an inner surface  244  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  214 , an outer surface  246 , and a second cylindrical hole  242  disposed adjacent the retention mechanism pocket  232  on the inner surface  244 . The first cylindrical hole may be disposed axially above the retention mechanism pocket  232  on the inner surface  244 , and the second cylindrical hole  242  may be disposed axially below the retention mechanism pocket  232 . The rear wall  218  also may define a clearance pocket  248  that is in communication with the retention mechanism pocket  232  that extends from inner surface  244  of the at least first ripper shank pocket  210  while the retention mechanism pocket  232  extends from the outer surface  246  of the rear wall  218 . 
       FIGS. 7  thru  13  illustrate a retention mechanism  500 ′ that is configured to fit within the retention mechanism pocket  232 . Looking at  FIGS. 11  thru  13 , the retention mechanism  500 ′ may include a lock member  502 ′ defining an axis of rotation  502 ′, an outer cylindrical surface  514 , an inner radial direction  516 , an outer radial direction  518 , a retention cavity  506 ′ and including a retaining ledge  508 ′ overhanging the retention cavity  506 ′ along the inner radial direction  516 , forming an undercut  510 ′ along the axis of rotation  504 ′. The lock member  502 ′ further defining a female detent portion  520  on the retaining ledge  508 ′ extending along a direction parallel with the axis of rotation  502 ′. The lock member  502 ′ may also include a lock tab  522  extending in the outer radial direction  518  from the outer cylindrical surface  514 . 
     Looking at  FIG. 10 , the retention mechanism  500 ′ may further comprise a retaining bushing  512  including an annular body  524  defining a cylindrical axis  526 , an outer radial direction  518 ′, a first end  528  disposed along the cylindrical axis  518 ′, a second end  530  disposed along the cylindrical axis  526 , an inner annular surface  532 , an outer annular surface  534 , and including a locking ridge  536  extending from the outer annular surface  534  along the outer radial direction  518 ′ at the first end  528  configured to engage the retaining ledge  508  of the lock member  502  after the lock member  502  has been rotated to a locking configuration. The inner annular surface  532  may define a keyway  537  extending along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis  526 . A rim portion  538  may be provided at the second end  530  and may extend from the outer annular surface  534  along the outer radial direction  518 ′. A male detent portion  540  may extend from the outer annular surface  534  along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis  526 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 7  thru  9 , the retention mechanism  500 ′ is disposed in retaining mechanism pocket  232 , the retaining bushing  512  is disposed between the lock member  502 ′ and the wear insert  400 , and the undercut  510 ′ extends an angle that is less than 360 degrees about the axis of rotation  504 ′ (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 14 , the wear insert  400  that is configured to fit within the at least first ripper shank pocket  210  may be described as follows. The wear insert  400  may include a front surface  402 , a rear surface  404 , a top surface  406 , a bottom surface  408 , a first side surface  410 , a second side surface  412 , a first retention boss  414  extending from the rear surface  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 , a second retention boss  416  extending from the rear surface  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 , and a locking boss  418  extending from the rear surface  404  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226  and that is disposed between the first retention boss  414  and the second retention boss  416  along the longitudinal axis  226 . The locking boss  418  may include a free end  420  and an attachment portion  422  extending from the rear surface  404 , a key portion  424  configured to be inserted into the keyway  537  of the retaining bushing  512 , an inwardly flaring portion  432  extending from the free end  420 , and an outwardly flaring portion  434  extending from the inwardly flaring portion  432  to the attachment portion  422 . 
     The diameter of the inwardly flaring portion  432  decreases from the free end  420  to the outwardly flaring portion  434  and the diameter of the outwardly flaring portion  434  increases from the inwardly flaring portion  432  to the attachment portion  422  along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7  thru  9 , the wear insert  400  may be disposed in the at least first ripper shank pocket  210  and the first retention boss  414  may be seated in the first cylindrical hole  240 . At about the same time, the second retention boss  416  may be seated in the second cylindrical hole  242  and the locking boss may be disposed in the clearance pocket  248  and the retention cavity  506 ′ of the lock member  502 ′. Previously, the retaining bushing  512  may have already been installed onto the locking boss  418 . The locking ridge  536  of the retaining bushing  512  and the retaining ledge  508 ′ of the lock member  502 ′ may extend an angle that is 90 degrees or less about the axis of rotation  504 ′ of the lock member  502 ′. 
     Various embodiments of a wear insert that may be provided as a replacement part will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 14 . The wear insert  300 ,  400  may comprise a front surface  302 ,  402 , a rear surface  304 ,  404 , a top surface  306 ,  406 , a bottom surface  308 ,  408 , a first side surface  310 ,  410 , a second side surface  312 ,  412 , a first retention boss  314 ,  414 , and a second retention boss  316 ,  416 . A first blend surface  326 ,  426  may be provided that connects the top surface  306 ,  406  to the front surface  302 ,  402 . In some embodiments, a second blend surface  328 ,  428  may also be provided that connects the bottom surface  308 ,  408  to the front surface  302 ,  402 . As used herein, “blend” may mean any form of transitional geometry including chamfers, radii, etc. 
     The wear insert  300 ,  400  may be configured such that the wear insert  300 ,  400  defines a rotational axis  330 ,  430  about which the wear insert  300 ,  400  may be rotated so that the initial position of the first retention boss  314 ,  414  becomes the new position of the second retention boss  316 ,  416 , and the initial position of the second retention boss  316 ,  416  becomes the new position of the first retention boss  314 ,  414 . In some embodiments, a Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z with an origin O placed at the center of mass C (centroid) of the wear insert  300 ,  400 , may define one, two, or three axes of rotation (e.g. X axis, Y axis, Z axis) that allow the wear insert  300 ,  400  to be used in multiple orientations. Similarly, one, two or three planes of symmetry for the wear insert  300 ,  400  may be provided (e.g. X-Y plane, Y-Z plane, X-Z plane) so that these features are also mirrored or symmetrical about these various planes. Other embodiments may lack any symmetry or rotational axes, etc. 
     As alluded to earlier herein, the first retention boss  314 ,  414  and the second retention boss  316 ,  416  may extend from the rear surface  304 ,  404  and the wear insert  300 ,  400  may further comprise a locking boss  318 ,  418  extending from the rear surface  304 ,  404 . The wear insert  300 ,  400  may also define a longitudinal axis  226 ′, and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 ′ and the rear surface  304 ,  404 . The locking boss  318 ,  418  may be longer than the first retention boss  314 ,  414  and the second retention boss  316 ,  416  along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  226 ′ (e.g. Y axis). As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 14 , the first retention boss  314 ,  414  is identically configured as the second retention boss  316 ,  416 , and the locking boss is disposed between the first retention boss  314 ,  414  and the second retention boss  316 ,  416  along the longitudinal axis  226 ′. This may not the case for other embodiments. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , the locking boss  318 ,  418  may include a cylindrical surface  336  defining a radial direction  338  and a cylindrical axis  340 , a free end  342  and a locking ridge  322  extending radially from the cylindrical surface  336  defining an angle about the cylindrical axis  340  that is 180 degrees or less. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 14 , the first retention boss  314 ,  414  and the second retention boss  316 ,  416  each include a free end  344 ,  444 , a cylindrical portion  346 ,  446  connecting to rear surface  304 ,  404  and a spherical radial portion  348 ,  448  at the free end  344 ,  444 . In  FIG. 14 , the locking boss  418  may include a free end  444  and may further comprise a key  42  extending from the free end  444  toward the rear surface  404 , an inwardly flaring portion  432  extending from the free end  444  toward the rear surface  404 , and an outwardly flaring portion  434  extending from the inwardly flaring portion  432  toward the rear surface  404 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6 and 14 , the first side surface  310 ,  410  includes a first angled surface  350 ,  450  (e.g. not substantially parallel to the Y-Z plane) disposed adjacent the front surface  302 ,  402  and a first straight surface  352 ,  452  (e.g. substantially parallel to the Y-Z plane) disposed adjacent the rear surface  304 ,  404 . Likewise, the second side surface  312 ,  412  includes a second angled surface  354 ,  454  disposed adjacent the front surface  302 ,  402  and a second straight surface  356 ,  456  disposed adjacent the rear surface  304 . For these embodiments, the first side surface  310 ,  410  and the second side surface  312 ,  412  and their associated features may be symmetrical about the Y-Z plane. This may not be the case in other embodiments. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6 and 14 , the first blend surface  326 ,  426  may be a first chamfered surface  358 ,  458  and the second blend surface  328 ,  428  may be a second chamfered surface  360 ,  460 . The first blend surface  326 ,  426  and the second blend surface  328 ,  428  may be symmetrical about the X-Y plane. Also, the wear insert  300 ,  400  may further comprise a third blend surface  362 ,  462  (e.g. a radius) joining the first straight surface  352 ,  452  to the rear surface  304 ,  404  and a fourth blend surface  364 ,  464  joining the second straight surface  356 ,  456  to the rear surface  304 ,  404 . The third blend surface  362 ,  462  and fourth blend surface  364 ,  464  may be symmetrical about the Y-Z plane. Any of the features discussed herein may not be symmetrical to each other about any plane in other embodiments. 
     The wear inserts  300 ,  400  may have a height along the Z axis (maximum dimension) that is greater than the width along the X axis (maximum dimension). The width may be greater than the thickness along the Y axis (maximum dimension). In particular, the wear inserts  300 ,  400  may have a substantially cubic or rectangular configuration. 
     Focusing on  FIGS. 5, and 11  thru  13 , a lock member  502 ,  502 ′ may also be provided that comprises a front tool engaging portion  542 ,  542 ′ defining an axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′, and a rear portion  544 ,  544 ′ defining a retention cavity  506 ,  506 ′ and a first retaining ledge  508 ,  508 ′ overhanging the retention cavity  506 ,  506 ′, forming an undercut  510 ,  510 ′ along the axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′. The retaining ledge  508 ,  508 ′ may extend an angle about the axis of rotation  504 ,  504 ′ that is less than 360 degrees. The angle may be 180 degrees or less. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the rear portion  544  may include an outer cylindrical surface  514 ′ defining a radial direction  518 ′,  516 ′, and a first female detent portion  520 ′ that extends along the axis of rotation  504  and is in phase angularly about the axis of rotation  504  with the first retaining ledge  508 . The first retaining ledge  508  may include an offset outer cylindrical surface  546  that is spaced radially from the outer cylindrical surface  514 ′ of the rear portion  544 . The outer cylindrical surface  514 ′ may define a second female detent portion (not shown-hidden) disposed diametrically opposite of the first female detent portion  520 ′. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 7  thru  9 , the rear portion  544 ′ may further comprise a second retaining ledge  508 ′ overhanging the retention cavity  506 ′, forming an undercut  510 ′ along the axis of rotation  504 ′. The first retaining ledge  508 ′ and the second retaining ledge  508 ″ may each extend an angle about the axis of rotation  504  that is 90 degrees or less. More particularly, the first and the second retaining ledges  508 ′,  508 ″ may be identically configured. The first female detent portion  520 , the second female detent portion  520 ′, the first retaining ledge  508 ′ and the second retaining ledge  508 ″ are all angularly in phase with each other about the axis of rotation  504 ′. The lock member  502 ′ may further comprise a locking rib  522 ′ that extends from the outer cylindrical surface  514  of the rear portion. The locking rib  522 ′ may include an arcuate surface  548  having a first angular extent  550 , a second angular extent  552 , and a peak  554  therebetween. The arcuate surface  548  connects to the outer cylindrical surface  514  at the first angular extent  550  and at the second angular extent  552 . This locking rib  522 ′ is configured to fit in the notch  250  of the rear wall  218 , preventing removal of the wear insert  400 . 
     Various embodiments of a retaining bushing  512  that may be provided as a replacement part will now be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . The retaining bushing  512  may comprise an annular body  524  defining a cylindrical axis  526 , an outer radial direction  518 ′, a first end  528  disposed along the cylindrical axis  526 , a second end  530  disposed along the cylindrical axis  526 , an inner annular surface  532 , and an outer annular surface  534 . The retaining bushing  512  may include a first locking ridge  536  extending from the outer annular surface  534  along the outer radial direction  518 ′ at the first end  528  configured to engage the retaining ledge  508 ′ of the lock member  502 ′ after the lock member  502 ′ has been rotated to a locking configuration (e.g. 180 degrees). The inner annular surface  532  may define a keyway  537  extending along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis  526 . A rim portion  530  may be provided at the second end  430  extending from the outer annular surface  534  along the outer radial direction  518 ′. Various features may be omitted or be differently configured than what has been discussed herein. 
     A first male detent portion  540  may extending from the outer annular surface  534  along a direction parallel with the cylindrical axis  526 . The first male detent portion  540  may be angularly in phase with the first locking ridge  536  about the cylindrical axis. Likewise, a second retaining ridge  536 ′ may be provided that is diametrically opposite the first retaining ridge  536 . 
     As shown, the first and the second retaining ridges  536 ,  536 ′ may be identically configured, extending an angle about the cylindrical axis  526  that is 90 degrees or less. The inner annular surface  532  may be divided into a lead-in surface  556  (so called as it eases installation of the retaining bushing  512  onto the locking boss  418  of the wear insert  400 , see  FIG. 8 ) and a catch surface  558  (so called as it helps prevent the removal of the retaining bushing  512  from locking boss  418  of the wear insert  400 , see  FIG. 8 ) and the rim  530  extends about the cylindrical axis  526  an angle of 360 degrees. Any of these features may be omitted or changed in configuration as needed or desired in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  shows another retaining bushing  512 ′ that may be used with certain embodiments. This retaining bushing  512 ′ is sold under the TRADENAME of CAPSURE by the assignee of the present disclosure. 
     For many embodiments, the wear insert and/or the lock member may be cast using iron, grey-iron, steel or other suitable materials. Other manufacturing processes may be used to make the wear inserts and/or the lock member such as any type of machining, forging, etc. For example, steel or “tough steel” may be used to create the wear insert and/or the lock member. Wear inserts and/or lock members may also be coated, heat treated, etc. to provide suitable characteristics for various applications. The wear insert or any other component discussed herein may be made for a unitary component or may be split into multiple components to form a subassembly, etc. The retaining bushing may be injection molded using a polyurethane material. Other suitable materials such as thermoplastic, thermoset materials, etc. may be used to form the bushing. 
     Any of the features discussed herein may omit the small blends shown in the drawings but not specifically mentioned in the written specification and these features may be ignored. Similarly, small draft angles (e.g. less than 5 degrees) may be ignored and/or omitted in various embodiments. Any suitable retention mechanism may be employed to retain the wear insert in the shank ripper pocket. Also, any of the dimensions, configurations, etc. discussed herein may be varied as needed or desired to be different than any value or characteristic specifically mentioned herein. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     In practice, a ripper assembly, a wear insert, a ripper cross-member, a retention mechanism, a lock member, a retaining bushing and/or a channel according to any embodiment described herein may be sold, bought, manufactured or otherwise obtained in an OEM or after-market context. In some cases, the wear insert and retention mechanism may be provided as a kit, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , a method  600  of assembling a ripper assembly  200  may be understood. A wear insert  300 ,  400  may be provided to which a retention boss  314 ,  414  is attached or integrally formed therewith (step  602 ). Then, the wear insert  300 ,  400  may be inserted downward along the longitudinal axis  226  of a shank ripper pocket  210  until the retention boss  314 ,  414  is aligned with a retention boss aperture  230  in the rear wall  216  (step  604 ). In many cases, the retention mechanism  500 ,  500 ′ may have already been inserted into the retention mechanism pocket  232  and held therein (step  606 ) in an unlocked configuration. That is to say, the retaining ledge  508 ,  508 ′,  508 ″ will not interfere with the locking ridge  322 ,  536 . Then, the wear insert  300 ,  400  is moved until the retention boss  314 ,  414  is in the retention boss aperture  230  (step  608 ). 
     At about the same time, if a second retention boss  316 ,  416  is provided, then the second retention boss  316 ,  416  enters into another retention boss aperture (step  610 ) and the locking ridge  322 ,  536  moves past the retaining ledge  508 ,  508 ′,  508 ″. Then, the lock member  502 ,  502 ′ is rotated 180 degrees until the lock member  502  is in a locked configuration (step  612 ). That is to say, the retaining ledge,  508 ,  508 ′,  508 ″ rotates past the locking ridge  322 ,  536 , preventing movement of the wear insert  300 ,  400  in a direction not parallel to the longitudinal axis  226 . 
     Rotation of the lock member may be achieved by inserting a square shaped drive head of a wrench (not shown) or similar tool into a complimentarily shaped pocket of the front tool engaging portion  542  (see  FIGS. 3 and 13 ). Then, the lock member is rotated to achieve the locked configuration. In either extreme position (locked or unlocked configuration), detents  540  on the retaining bushing  512 ,  512 ′ hold the lock member  502 ,  502 ′ in position unless sufficient torque is provided to move the lock member to overcome the detent force. This helps to ensure that the wear insert will not fall out of the ripper shank pocket due to vibration, gravity, etc. The locking and unlocking of the retention mechanism is repeated if there are two such retaining mechanisms used to hold the wear insert in place. 
     While wear inserts that are used to absorb the load exerted on a ripper member has been specifically discussed, it is to be understood that other applications are also considered to be within the scope of the present application. Any of the components or features disclosed herein may be altered compared to what has been specifically described in this specification or shown in the figures as needed or desired. 
     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. 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, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention(s) being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.