Patent Publication Number: US-9896824-B2

Title: Ground engaging tool system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to construction equipment, and more particularly, to a ground engaging tool system having replaceable components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Block handling clearing rakes are generally used for separating stone pieces from a pile of stone and positioning the material such that it can be accessed and moved by an implement like a fork that is attached to the machine. During use, the clearing rake can be subjected to wear from the abrasion and impacts experienced during the earth working applications. 
     The wear of the clearing rake leads to repair or worn parts, replacement of individual components, and eventually the replacement of the rake. The process for replacing each individual component can be cumbersome, costly, and not easily performed at a work location. Welding is often involved in replacing components which increases the amount of effort and time required to remove each component, and increases the risk of weld stresses, therefore decreasing predicted service life of the clearing rake. 
     A current system for replacing components of a ground engaging machine is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0269221 A1. The described system involves excavating equipment that includes removably attaching a tooth point to an adapter. The tooth point is mounted onto the adapter by using one or more tooth point retainer pins. Although this system allows the tooth point to be removed, the system also includes multiple removable components that can be damaged during use or otherwise wear down making the tooth point difficult to remove and reattach. 
     Thus, an improved ground engaging tool system having easily replaceable components is desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure provides a wear plate assembly. The wear plate assembly includes a wear plate and a connection plate. The wear plate has a first end, a second end spaced from the first end along a first direction, a back surface, and a front surface spaced from the back surface along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The back surface and the front surface extend between the first end and the second end. The connection plate extends from the front surface at least partially in the second direction. The connection plate has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface along a third direction. A lock cavity is formed by the connection plate and extends from a first opening that opens to the inner surface to a second opening that opens to the outer surface. The first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a ground engaging tool system. The ground engaging tool system includes a wear plate assembly and a lock. The wear plate assembly includes a wear plate and a connection plate. The wear plate has a back surface and a front surface spaced from the back surface along a first direction. The connection plate extends from the front surface at least partially in the first direction. The connection plate has an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface along a second direction. The connection plate defines a lock cavity that extends from a first opening that opens to the inner surface to a second opening that opens to the outer surface. The first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The lock is configured to be rotatably positioned within the lock cavity and configured to rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lock includes a slot configured to receive a post within. When the post is received within the slot and when the lock is in the locked position, the post is prevented from moving from the slot. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a ground engaging tool system. The ground engaging tool system includes a wear plate assembly, a rake support member, and a lock. The wear plate assembly includes a wear plate and a connection plate. The wear plate has a back surface and a front surface spaced from the back surface along a first direction. The connection plate extends from the front surface at least partially in the first direction, the connection plate having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface along a second direction. The connection plate defines a lock cavity that extends from a first opening that opens to the inner surface to a second opening that opens to the outer surface. The first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. A receiving cavity is at least partially defined by the inner surface and the front surface. 
     The rake support member has a first end configured to be positioned within the receiving cavity. The rake support member includes a post coupled to the first end. The lock is rotatably positioned within the lock cavity and configured to rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lock includes a slot configured to receive the post within. When the first end of the rake support member is positioned within the receiving cavity, the post is received within the slot, and when the lock is in the locked position the post is prevented from moving from the slot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a machine, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a clearing rake, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a wear plate assembly, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded side view of the wear plate assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a back side of a wear plate, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a front side of the wear plate shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lock of a retainer system, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view from a bottom of the lock shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a retainer bushing, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is another perspective view of the retainer bushing shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating a cooperative arrangement between the lock of  FIGS. 7 and 8  and the retainer bushing of  FIGS. 9 and 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a front side of a slide lock retainer, according to an aspect of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a back side of the slide lock retainer shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a wear plate with a first grip pattern, according to an aspect of this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a wear plate with a second grip pattern, according to an aspect of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates generally to a ground engaging system, such as a clearing rake having a wear plate, configured to clear and control loose work material, such as rocks, stones, or other debris. During operation, the wear plate may become worn and eventually need repair and/or replacement. The wear plate may be slideably removed from an end of the ground engaging system, and replaced with a new wear plate. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a machine  100 , according to an aspect of this disclosure. In the illustrated aspect, the machine  100  includes a machine body  102  having a drive system  104  supported thereon configured to drive the front wheels  106  and the rear wheels  108  of the machine  100 . The drive system  104  may receive power from an internal combustion engine  110 , or other power source, and transmit the power to one or more ground engaging elements, such as front wheels  106 , rear wheels  108 , or both. The drive system  104  may also include a transmission, a torque converter, final drive assembly, or the like. 
     The engine  110  may also be configured to provide power for a ground engaging tool system  200 , such as a clearing rake system, coupled to the machine body  102  of the machine  100 . One or more actuators, for example hydraulic cylinders  103 , may be coupled to the machine body  102  to control movement of the ground engaging tool system  200 . Work applications capable of being performed by the ground engaging tool system  200  coupled to the machine body  102  may include, but are not limited to, trenching, digging, raking, grading, moving pallets, material handling, snow removal, tilling soil, demolition work, and backfilling. 
     An operator control station  112  may be mounted to the machine body  102 . The operator control station  112  is configured such that an operator may control and direct operation of the machine  100 . The control station  112  may include devices such as, for example, a seat assembly  114 , a steering device  116 , and an engine speed control device  118 . 
     To facilitate control and coordination of the machine  100 , the machine  100  may include a controller  120 , such as an electronic controller, system computer, central processing unit, or other data storage and manipulation device known in the art. The controller  120  may be used to facilitate control and coordination of any methods or procedures described herein. Components of the controller  120  may include, for example, a processor, memory, and a display that may be housed in the operator control station  112 , on the machine  100 , located remotely, or any combination thereof. While the controller  120  is represented as a single unit, in other aspects the controller  120  may be distributed as a plurality of distinct but interoperating units, incorporated into another component, or located at different locations on or off the machine  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ground engaging tool system  200 , according to an aspect of this disclosure. The ground engaging tool system  200  may include a support member  206  that has a first portion  202  and a second portion  204  spaced from the first portion  202  along a first longitudinal axis  250 . The first portion  202  may include a mounting plate  208  and support arms  210 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first portion  202  may be secured to the machine body  102  by the mounting plate  208  or other securing mechanism known in the art. The support arms  210  may be coupled to the mounting plate  208  and to the support member  206  to provide support by limiting movement of the support member  206  relative to the mounting plate  208 . 
     A wear plate assembly  300  is coupled to the second portion  204  of the support member  206 . In an aspect of this disclosure, the second portion  204  may be angularly offset from the first longitudinal axis  250  and extend at least partially along a second longitudinal axis  260 . The angular offset of the second portion  204  from the first longitudinal axis  250  may increase the strength of the support member  206 , facilitate ground engaging operations and object placement, enhance operator visibility, or any combination thereof, in addition to other reasons. In an alternative aspect, the first longitudinal axis  250  and the second longitudinal axis  260  may be coaxial. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an exploded perspective view and an exploded side view of the wear plate assembly  300 , respectively, according to an aspect of this disclosure. The wear plate assembly  300  may include a wear plate  301 , post plates  304 , a lock system  400 , and a slide lock retainer  500 . The post plates  304  and the slide lock retainer  500  may be coupled to the support member  206  at the second portion  204  by using bolts, welding, adhesives, or other coupling means known in the art. 
     In an aspect of this disclosure, the support member  206  includes a first support plate  306 , a second support plate  308 , and a third support plate  310 . The first support plate  306  and the third support plate  310  are coupled to the second support plate  308  so as to form a support channel  312  that extends at least partially along the second longitudinal axis  260 . The slide lock retainer  500  may be positioned within the support channel  312 . The slide lock retainer  500  may be secured to the support member  206  by coupling a first lock retainer side  502 , a second lock retainer side  504 , and a third lock retainer side  506  (See  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) to the first support plate  306 , the second support plate  308 , and the third support plate  310 , respectively. In alternative aspects, one or more of the lock retainer sides  502 ,  504 , and  506  may be coupled to the support member  206 . The support member  206  may include other support plates or beams, such as an additional support beam  313 , or other components to further provide support to the ground engaging tool system  200 . 
     Each of the post plates  304  may be coupled to one of the first, second, or third support plates  306 ,  308 , and  310 . In an aspect, there may be two post plates  304  that are each coupled to the first support plate  306  and the third support plate  310 , respectively. The post plates  304  may be coupled to a side of the support plates  306 ,  308 , and  310  that is located outside the support channel  312 . 
     The post plates  304  may include a first plate end  330  spaced from a second plate end  332  along a plate offset axis  262 . The plate offset axis  262  may be angularly offset from the second longitudinal axis  260  by a plate offset angle φ. The plate offset angle φ may depend upon the configuration of the wear plate  301 , as discussed in further detail below. 
     Each of the post plates  304  may include one or more posts or alignment pins  320  extending therefrom. Each of the posts  320  may be coupled to or integral with one of the post plates  304  and extend outward in a first transverse direction  362  from the support member  206 . The first transverse direction  362  may extend along a first transverse axis  360 . The posts  320  may be spaced evenly along the post plates  304  from the first plate end  330  to the second plate end  332 , or spaced at different locations along the post plates  304 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate perspective views of the wear plate  301 , according to an aspect of this disclosure. The wear plate  301  includes a back wear plate  302 , a first connection plate  340 , and a second connection plate  342 . The first connection plate  340  and the second connection plate  342  extend from the back wear plate  302 . The back wear plate  302  includes a first wear plate portion  344 , a second wear plate portion  346  spaced from the first wear plate portion  344  along a first wear plate direction  462  that extends parallel to a wear plate axis  460 , a back surface  348 , and a front surface  352  spaced from the back surface  348  along a second wear plate direction  464  that is substantially perpendicular to the first wear plate direction  462 . The back surface  348  and the front surface  352  extend from the first wear plate portion  344  to the second wear plate portion  346 . In an aspect of this disclosure, the front surface  352  may be a distance of approximately 40 millimeters from the back surface  348  in the second wear plate direction  464 . Unless specified otherwise, use of the word “substantially” herein is intended to mean considerable in extent or largely but not necessarily wholly that which is specified. 
     The front surface  352  of the back wear plate  302  may include a slide lock member  353  coupled thereto. The slide lock member  353  includes a slide lock back surface (not visible) and an opposing slide lock front surface  355 . The slide lock back surface is coupled to the front surface  352  of the back wear plate  302 . In an aspect of this disclosure, a cross section of the slide lock member  353 , as viewed from the first wear plate direction  462 , includes a quadrilateral shape, t-shape, combinations thereof, or other shape such that the slide lock member  353  includes a first diameter that extends in a third wear plate direction  468  that is less than a second diameter that extends in the third wear plate direction  468 . The third wear plate direction  468  may be substantially perpendicular to both the first wear plate direction  462  and the second wear plate direction  464 . 
     The back surface  348  may include at least one casting mount  359 . Each casting mount  359  may be formed during manufacture by, for example, a casting mold cavity during a casting process. In alternative aspects, each casting mount  359  may be formed by computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, three-dimensional printing, or other commonly used technique for manufacturing the back wear plate  302 . 
     Each of the casting mounts  359  may be positioned along the wear plate axis  460  and extend in an opposing second wear plate direction  466  that is a direction opposing the second wear plate direction  464 . In an alternative aspect, each of the casting mounts  359  may be positioned at various locations along the back surface  348  and extend from the front surface  352  to approximately 45 millimeters in the opposing second wear plate direction  466 . Each casting mount  359  may provide increased strength and/or rigidity to the back wear plate  302 . 
     The first connection plate  340  and the second connection plate  342  extend from the front surface  352  of the back wear plate  302  at least partially in the second wear plate direction  464 . In an aspect of this disclosure, each connection plate  340  and  342  is coupled adjacent to the first wear plate portion  344  of the back wear plate  302 . Each of the connection plates  340  and  342  may have a substantially similar structure; therefore, the details of the first connection plate  340  described herein may also apply to the second connection plate  342 . 
     The first connection plate  340  includes an first inner surface  354  and a first outer surface  356  spaced from the first inner surface  354  in the third wear plate direction  468 . In alternative aspects, the third wear plate direction  468  may be aligned with the first wear plate direction  462  or may be offset from the first wear plate direction  462  by any angle between 0 and 90 degrees. 
     The first connection plate  340  may form at least one lock cavity  370  and at least one lock access channel  372 . Each lock cavity  370  may include a first opening  374  and a second opening  376  spaced from the first opening  374  in the third wear plate direction  468 . The second opening  376  includes a diameter dimension D 2  that is smaller than a diameter dimension D 1  of the first opening  374 . The lock cavity  370  may have an inner cavity surface  377  that has a shape that is conical, frustoconical, rectangular, cylindrical, or combinations thereof, configured to allow the lock system  400  to fit within. Each lock access channel  372  may have a diameter dimension D 3  sized to allow at least one post  320  to slideably fit within. Therefore, a diameter dimension (not labelled) of the at least one post  320  may be less than the diameter dimension D 3  of the lock access channel  372 . The lock access channel  372  may be linear or curvilinear and extend in the first wear plate direction  462  from an intersection  379  between the first inner surface  354  and the first outer surface  356  to the lock cavity  370 . 
       FIGS. 7 through 11  illustrate portions of the lock system  400 , including a lock  402  and a retainer bushing  404 . The wear plate assembly  300  may include a variety of configurations for accommodating the lock system  400  therein. In the exemplary aspect of the wear plate assembly  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the lock  402  and the retainer bushing  404  may be seated within the lock cavity  370  of the first connection plate  340  when the wear plate assembly  300  is fully assembled onto the support member  206 . The lock  402  may be configured to receive at least one post  320  within for locking the first connection plate  340  to the support member  206 . 
     In an aspect of this disclosure, the lock  402  and retainer bushing  404  may be configured to seat within the inner cavity surface  377  of the lock cavity  370  in a manner allowing lock  402  to rotate at least partially around a lock rotation axis  560  relative to the retainer bushing  404 . The retainer bushing  404  may seat directly against the inner cavity surface  377  of the lock cavity  370 , and lock  402  may seat against retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the retainer bushing  404  may include a C-shaped retainer skirt  452  that extends around a retainer axis  570 . The retainer skirt  452  may extend only partway around retainer axis  570 . 
     The retainer bushing  404  may be configured to mate with the inner cavity surface  377  of the lock cavity  370 . For example, the retainer bushing  404  may include a retainer outer surface  456  with a frustoconical portion  458  configured to mate with a corresponding frustoconical portion of inner cavity surface  377  in the lock cavity  370 . When the retainer bushing  404  is disposed within the lock cavity  370  with frustoconical portion  458  of retainer outer surface  456  mated to the corresponding frustoconical portion of inner cavity surface  377 , retainer axis  570  may coincide with lock rotation axis  560  of lock  402  (See  FIG. 11 ). 
     The lock cavity  370  may be configured such that, when the lock  402  and the retainer bushing  404  are seated in the lock cavity  370 , rotation of the retainer bushing  404  with respect to the lock rotation axis  560  is substantially prevented. The retainer inner surface  454  may be opposite the retainer outer surface  456  and extend circumferentially around and concentric with retainer axis  570 . Accordingly, the retainer inner surface  454  may extend circumferentially around and concentric with lock rotation axis  560  when the retainer bushing  404  is assembled with the lock  402  in the lock cavity  370 . 
     The retainer bushing  404  may include one or more detents for engaging corresponding detents of lock  402 . For example, retainer bushing  404  may include detent projections  470  extending radially inward from retainer inner surface  454 . Detent projections  470  may be located at various positions on the retainer bushing  404 . Each detent projection  470  may be spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another around the retainer axis  570 . In an aspect of this disclosure, a retainer portion  472  of the retainer outer surface  456  that is opposite the location of detent projection  470  may have a smooth surface without any depression or surface discontinuity. 
     The detent projections  470  may have various shapes. In an aspect, each detent projection  470  may include a generally convex curved surface, such as a constant radius surface, jutting radially outward from the retainer inner surface  454 . The convex curved surface may decrease in size (e.g., radius) along a direction substantially parallel to the retainer axis  570 . 
     As mentioned above, the lock  402  may be configured to mate with the retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . For example, the lock  402  may include a lock skirt  474  with a lock outer surface  476  having a substantially similar profile as the retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404 . The lock outer surface  476  of the lock skirt  474  may be concentric with and extend circumferentially around the lock rotation axis  560 . The lock skirt  474  and the lock outer surface  476  may extend only partway around the lock rotation axis  560 . For example, the lock skirt  474  and the lock outer surface  476  may extend around the lock rotation axis  560  substantially the same angular degree that retainer skirt  452  of the retainer housing  404  extends around the retainer axis  570 . When the lock  402  is positioned within the retainer bushing  404 , the lock rotation axis  560  may coincide with the retainer axis  570 . 
     The lock  402  may include one or more detent recesses  478  configured to engage corresponding detent projections  470  of the retainer housing  404  to releasably hold the lock  402  in predetermined rotational positions about the lock rotation axis  560 . The detent recesses  478  of the lock  402  may extend radially inward from the lock outer surface  476  of the lock skirt  474 . The detent recesses  478  may have a shape configured to mate with the detent projections  470 . The detent recesses  478  may include a concave surface, such as a constant-radius curved surface, extending radially inward from the lock outer surface  476 . The detent recesses  478  may be spaced approximately the same distance from one another as the detent projections  470 . Thus, where the detent projections  470  are spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another, detent recesses  478  may likewise be spaced approximately 180 degrees from one another. Accordingly, the lock  402  may be positioned in the retainer bushing  404  with the lock outer surface  476  seated against the retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404  and detent projections  470  extending into detent recesses  478 . 
     The retainer bushing  404  may be configured to deflect so as to allow detent projections  470  to engage and/or disengage detent recesses  478  of the lock  402 . In an aspect, the retainer bushing  404  may be constructed at least partially of a flexible material, including but not limited to, a plastic material or an elastomeric material. In an alternative aspect, the retainer bushing  404  may be constructed wholly of such a flexible material. 
     The retainer bushing  404  may be constructed of self-lubricating material that may either exude or shed lubricating substance. In an aspect, the retainer bushing  404  may be made of thermoplastic material comprising polyoxymethylene (POM). The retainer bushing  404  made of such material may exhibit low friction while maintaining dimensional stability. 
     The lock  402  may be constructed of metal. Alternatively, all or a portion of the surface of the lock  402  may be coated with a friction-reducing material. The term “friction-reducing material” as used herein, refers to a material that renders the surface of the lock  402  to have a friction coefficient ranging from approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.7. 
     The lock  402  may be configured to receive at least part of the post  320  of the post plate  304 . For example, the lock  402  may include a lock slot  480  extending into the lock skirt  474 . The lock slot  480  may have a slot open end  481  between two circumferential ends of the lock skirt  474  and a slot closed end  482 . In an aspect, the lock slot  480  may have a size and shape such that it can receive a post  320  having a frustoconical shape. A lock inner surface  484  of the lock skirt  474  may be sloped so as to mate with a post  320  having a frustoconical shape adjacent to the slot closed end  482 . 
     The lock  402  may also include a head portion  486  attached to the lock skirt  474 . The head portion  486  may include a wall  488  extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the lock rotation axis  560 . In an aspect, the wall  488  may fully enclose the side of the lock slot  480 . The side of the head portion  486  opposite the lock slot  480  may include a projection  490  extending from the wall  488  away from the lock skirt  474  along the lock rotation axis  560 . The projection  490  may include a substantially cylindrical outer surface  489  extending around most of the lock rotation axis  560  and a tab  492  extending radially outward relative to the lock rotation axis  560 . In an aspect, the tab  492  may extend transverse relative to the direction that the lock slot  480  extends from the slot open end  481  to the slot closed end  482 . 
     As mentioned above, the lock  402  may be installed with the retainer bushing  404  in the lock cavity  370  with outer surface  476  of the lock  402  mated to the retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404  and detent recesses  478  of lock  402  mated to detent projections  470  of the retainer bushing  404 . When the lock  402  is disposed in this position, the open end  481  of the lock slot  480  may face rearward. This position allows sliding insertion and removal of the post  320  into and out of the lock slot  480  through the open end  481 . Accordingly, this position of the lock  402  may be considered an unlocked position. 
     To lock the post  320  inside the lock slot  480 , the lock  402  may be rotated with respect to the lock rotation axis  560  to a locked position. In this locked position, the portion of the lock skirt  474  adjacent to the closed end  482  may preclude sliding movement of the post  320  relative to the lock slot  480 , thereby preventing sliding movement of the wear plate  301  relative to the support member  206 . The locked position of the lock  402  may be approximately 180 degrees from the unlocked position about the lock rotation axis  560 . In the locked position, as in the unlocked position, the detent recesses  478  of the lock  402  may engage the detent projections  470  of the retainer busing  404 , which may releasably hold the lock  402  in the locked position. 
     To rotate the lock  402  between the unlocked position and the locked position, sufficient torque may be applied to the lock  402  with respect to the lock rotation axis  560  to cause the detent projections  470  and/or the detent recesses  478  to deflect and disengage from one another. Once the detent projections  470  and the detent recesses  478  are disengaged from one another, the outer surface  476  of the skirt  474  may slide along the retainer inner surface  454  of the retainer bushing  404  as the lock  402  rotates approximately 180 degrees around the lock rotation axis  560 . Once the lock  402  rotates approximately 180 degrees around the lock rotation axis  560 , the detent projections  470  and the detent recesses  478  may reengage one another to releasably hold the lock  402  in that rotational position. 
     The lock  402  may also include a tool interface  494  in the head portion  486  to facilitate rotating the lock  402  about the lock rotation axis  560 . The tool interface  494  may include any type of feature configured to be engaged by a tool for applying torque to the lock  402  about the lock rotation axis  560 . When the lock  402  is seated within the lock cavity  370 , the head portion  486  defining the tool interface  494  may extend at least partially through the lock cavity  370 , and the second opening  376  of the lock cavity  370  may provide access for a tool to engage the tool interface  494 . 
     Ground engaging tools and the associated retainer systems of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary configurations described above. In an aspect, the ground engaging tool system  200  may include a different number of lock cavities  370 , and the ground engaging tool system  200  may employ a different number and configuration of posts  320 , locks  402 , and retainer bushings  404 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a perspective view of a front side and a back side of the slide lock retainer  500 , respectively. The slide lock retainer  500  includes the first lock retainer side  502 , the second lock retainer side  504 , the third lock retainer side  506 , a front surface  508 , a back surface  510 , and a fourth lock retainer side  512 . The fourth lock retainer side  512  opposes the second lock retainer side  504  in a first retainer direction  662 . The front surface  508  opposes the back surface  510  in a second retainer direction  664 . The first retainer direction  662  may extend along a lock retainer axis  660 , and the second retainer direction  664  may extend substantially perpendicular to the lock retainer axis  660 . 
     The slide lock retainer  500  defines a slide lock channel  514  that extends from the fourth lock retainer side  512  to a first inner lock surface  516  within the slide lock retainer  500 . The slide lock channel  514  may open to both the fourth lock retainer side  512  and the front surface  508  of the slide lock retainer  500 . A cross section of the slide lock channel  514 , as viewed from the first retainer direction  662 , includes a quadrilateral shape, t-shape, combinations thereof, or other shape configured to slideably receive the slide lock member  353  within. In an aspect of this disclosure, the slide lock member  353  may slide in the first retainer direction  662  within the slide lock channel  514  from the forth lock retainer side  512  to the first inner lock surface  516  to secure the wear plate  301  to the support member  206 , such that the first wear plate direction  462  aligns with the first retainer direction  662 . When the slide lock member  353  is positioned within the slide lock channel  514 , movement of the wear plate  301  relative to the slide lock retainer  500  in a direction perpendicular to the lock retainer axis  660  may be substantially restricted. 
     The slide lock retainer  500  may be coupled to the support member  206  such that the lock retainer axis  660  is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis  260  of the support member  206 . The wear plate  301  may be removed from or place onto the support member  206  by sliding the wear plate  301  In an alternative aspect, the lock retainer axis  660  may be angularly offset between 0 and 90 degrees from the second longitudinal axis  260 . 
     The front surface  352  of the wear plate  301  may be configured to improve a grip between the wear plate  301  and the work material being engaged. The wear plate  301  may include a diamond texture  602 , a plank grating  604 , or other surface configured to improve grip such as checker plates, rigidized surfaces, or the like. In an aspect, the front surface  352  may include a grip surface towards a bottom portion  606  of the wear plate  301 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-13 , the present disclosure provides a system and method for coupling and de-coupling the wear plate  301  to the support member  206 . During a ground engaging operation, pieces of hardened material, such as rocks, concrete, or the like, contact and/or strike the wear plate  301 . Over time, the wear plate  301  may become worn minimizing the effectiveness of the ground engaging operation. 
     An easily replaceable wear plate  301  decreases down time while still providing maximum effectiveness for the ground engaging operation. The wear plate  301  may be coupled to the support member  206  by aligning the lock access channels  372  of the wear plate  301  with the corresponding post  320  of the support member  206 , and aligning the slide lock member  353  with the slide lock channel  514  of the slide lock retainer  500 . After alignment, the posts  320  may slide into the corresponding lock cavities  370  and the slide lock member  353  may slide into the slide lock channel  514 . The wear plate  301  may be held into place by rotating each lock  402  relative to each corresponding retainer  404  about the posts  320 , thereby securing the posts  320  within the lock cavities  370 . The posts  320  and the slide lock retainer  500  minimize movement of the wear plate  301  relative to the support member  206 . 
     During operation, as the wear plate  301  becomes increasingly worn, the wear plate  301  may be de-coupled by rotating each lock  402  relative to each corresponding retainer  404  about the posts  320 . After rotating each lock  402 , the wear plate  301  may slide off the support member  206  by sliding the posts  320  through the lock access channels  372  and sliding the slide lock member  353  out of the slide lock channel  514 . 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and method. 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.