Patent Description:
Material displacement apparatuses, such as excavating buckets found on construction, mining, and other earth moving equipment, often include replaceable wear portions such as earth engaging teeth. These are often removably carried by larger base structures, such as excavating buckets, and come into abrasive, wearing contact with the earth or other material being displaced. For example, excavating tooth assemblies provided on digging equipment, such as excavating buckets and the like, typically comprise a relatively massive adapter portion which is suitably anchored to the forward bucket lip. The adapter portion typically includes a reduced cross-section, forwardly projecting nose. A replaceable tooth point typically includes an opening that releasably receives the adapter nose. To retain the tooth point on the adapter nose, generally aligned transverse openings are formed on both the tooth point and the adapter nose, and a suitable connector structure is driven into and forcibly retained within the aligned openings to releasably anchor the replaceable tooth point on its associated adapter nose.

There are a number of different types of conventional connector structures. One type of connector structure typically has to be forcibly driven into the aligned tooth point and adapter nose openings using, for example, a sledge hammer. Subsequently, the inserted connector structure has to be forcibly pounded out of the point and nose openings to permit the worn point to be removed from the adapter nose and replaced. This conventional need to pound in and later pound out the connector structure can easily give rise to a safety hazard for the installing and removing personnel.

Various alternatives to pound-in connector structures have been previously proposed to releasably retain a replaceable tooth point on an adapter nose. While these alternative connector structures desirably eliminate the need to pound a connector structure into and out of an adapter nose, they typically present various other types of problems, limitations, and disadvantages including, but not limited to, complexity of construction and use, undesirably high cost, and the necessity of removing the connector structure prior to removal or installation of the replaceable tooth point.

Some types of connector structures are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. However, the continuous vibration, high impact, and cyclic loading of the tooth point can result in inadvertent rotation of the connector structure from a locked position to an unlocked position. This may cause excess wear on the connector structure and tooth point interface and may affect the useful life of both the connector structure and the tooth point.

A need accordingly exists for an improved connector structure.

Reference is made to the following documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> which have been cited as exemplary of the state of the art. <CIT>, is directed to a static locking apparatus for a rotatable connector pin assembly which provides an arrangement including a ground engaging wear member telescoped onto and releasably retained on a support member by a connector pin assembly extending through aligned openings in the wear and support members. <CIT> is directed to a lock for an excavation tooth assembly having a body and a locking element mounted to the body.

It will be appreciated that the scope of the present application is in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, there is provided a locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element having side openings to a support structure as defined in claim <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Also provided is a method for locking a wear member to or unlocking a wear member from an adapter carried on earth engaging equipment using a locking pin assembly as defined in claim <NUM>. Further features are provided in the dependent claims. The specification also includes arrangements outside the scope of claims provided as background and to assist in understanding the invention.

According to one exemplary arrangement of the present specification, the present disclosure is directed to a locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element having side openings to a support structure alignable with the side openings. The locking pin assembly may include a body portion having a non-circular profile and being arranged to non-rotatably, selectively extend into the support structure. It may also include a shaft portion disposed within the body portion and rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure. The shaft portion may include an opening formed therein. A camshaft may be rotatably disposed within the opening of the shaft portion. The camshaft may be arranged to cooperate with the shaft portion to rotate within the shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion through a second range of motion. The locking pin assembly may include a radially extending locking element carried by one of the shaft portion and the body portion. It may be configured to selectively mechanically interfere with the other of the shaft portion and the body portion to selectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

The locking element may include a lock portion and a cam interfacing portion. In some aspects, the cam interfacing portion is being selectively engageable with the camshaft. The locking pin assembly may include a biasing element carried by the shaft portion. The biasing element may bias the locking element to a position that mechanically engages with the body portion. In some aspects, the camshaft may be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to an axis of the shaft portion. The camshaft may interact with the locking element against a force applied by the biasing element to radially displace the locking element. In some aspects, the shaft portion may include a groove formed therein, and the body portion may carry a rotation stopping element. The rotation stopping element may mechanically interfere with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion. The body portion may include an inner surface with a radially extending opening therein. The locking element may be configured to automatically enter the radially extending opening therein when the locking element is aligned with the radially extending opening. The camshaft may include a groove formed therein, and the shaft portion may carry a rotation stopping element. The rotation stopping element may mechanically interfere with a portion of the groove to limit a range of rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion. The camshaft may transfer applied torque loading to the shaft portion only after the camshaft reaches a rotational limit. In some aspects, the groove of the camshaft is a partially circumferential groove having end portions, and the rotation stopping element may be fixed in place relative to the shaft portion and selectively engageable with the end portions to prevent rotation of the camshaft relative to the shaft portion when the range of rotation is exceeded. In some aspects, the end portions of the groove permit rotation of the camshaft about <NUM> degrees relative to the shaft portion.

In some exemplary arrangement of the present specification, the present disclosure is directed to methods for locking a wear member to or removing a wear member from an adapter carried on earth engaging equipment using a locking pin assembly. The method may include rotating a camshaft relative to a shaft portion in a first direction through a first range of motion until the camshaft engages a stop element on the shaft portion; and rotating the shaft portion relative to a body portion in the first direction by continuing to rotate the camshaft through a second range of motion until a locking element carried by one of the shaft portion and the body portion prevents further rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the first direction and in an opposing second direction. One of the shaft portion and the body portion may prevent removal of the wear member from the adapter.

In some arrangement of the present specification, the method may include introducing a wear member over an adapter member of the earth engaging equipment so that the wear member passes over protruding tabs of the shaft portion. The protruding tabs may be displaceable with the shaft portion from a first position that permits the wear member to pass over the protruding tabs to a second position that mechanically prevents removal of the wear member from the adapter. The method may also include rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaft displaces the locking element so that the locking element no longer prevents rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction. It may also include rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion in the second direction by continuing to rotate the camshaft until the shaft portion is positioned to permit removal of a wear member from the adapter. In some aspects, rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion in the second direction until the camshaft displaces the locking element may include compressing a biasing element that biases the locking element toward a locked position. In some aspects, rotating the camshaft relative to the shaft portion includes rotating the camshaft through a range of motion in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, and rotating the shaft portion relative to the body portion includes rotating the shaft portion through a range of motion in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

In another exemplary arrangement of the present specification, the present disclosure is directed to a locking pin assembly that includes a first shaft portion rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure. The first shaft portion may have an opening formed therein. A second shaft portion may be rotatably disposed within the opening of the first shaft portion and may be rotatable relative to the first shaft portion. The second shaft portion may be arranged to cooperate with the first shaft portion to rotate within the first shaft portion through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the first shaft portion through a second range of motion. A radially extending locking element may be carried by one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion and configured to selectively radially project and retract to selectively prevent rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging element.

In some aspects, the locking element may include a lock portion and a cam interfacing portion. The locking pin assembly may include a cam. The cam interfacing portion may be selectively engageable with the cam to retract the locking element. In some aspects, the locking pin assembly may include a biasing element carried by one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The biasing element may bias the locking element to a position that mechanically prevents rotation of one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion relative to the ground engaging element.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following drawings and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. In that regard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following.

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

These Figures will be better understood by reference to the following Detailed Description.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In addition, this disclosure describes some elements or features in detail with respect to one or more implementations or Figures, when those same elements or features appear in subsequent Figures, without such a high level of detail. It is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one or more implementations or Figures may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other implementations or Figures of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure is directed to an excavating tooth assembly including a locking pin assembly that is arranged to statically and removably secure an adapter to a wear member such as an excavating tooth. The locking pin assembly includes a radially movable locking element that mechanically prevents the locking pin assembly from inadvertently moving from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking pin assembly may advance or retract the radially movable locking element using a cam member. In addition, the locking pin assembly may be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position using a two-step rotation process. The two-step process may include rotating a first element, such as a camshaft, that affects the radially movable locking element and may include engaging and rotating a second element, such as a shaft portion, when the first element reaches a limit of rotation.

Since the locking pin assembly employs mechanical interference to prevent inadvertent rotation of locking pin assembly components, the locking pin assembly may be able to withstand vibration, high-impact, and cyclic loading while minimizing the chance of becoming inadvertently unlocked. In addition, some embodiments of the locking pin assembly may be arranged to emit an audible noise such as a click when the locking pin assembly achieves a locked condition. Because of this, users such as machinery operators may have an easier time installing new wear members and replacing old wear members than can be done with conventional connector pins.

<FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment of an excavating tooth assembly <NUM> including a support structure representatively in the form of an adapter <NUM>, a wear member representatively in the form of a replaceable tooth point <NUM>, and a locking pin assembly <NUM>. The excavating tooth assembly <NUM> may find particular utility on earth moving equipment. For example, the excavating tooth assembly <NUM> may be used in construction, mining, drilling, and other industries. The adapter <NUM> has a rear base portion <NUM> from which a nose portion <NUM> forwardly projects, the nose portion <NUM> having a horizontally elongated elliptical cross-section along its length and having a non-circular transverse connector opening <NUM> extending horizontally therethrough between the opposite vertical sides of the nose portion <NUM>. Here, the connector opening <NUM> is a teardrop-shaped oval with the rear portion <NUM> formed of an arc having a relatively larger radius, and shaped with a leading portion <NUM> formed of an arc having a relatively smaller radius. Although shown as oval-shaped, other noncircular shapes may be used.

The replaceable tooth point <NUM> has a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM> through which a nose-receiving socket <NUM> forwardly extends, and a horizontally opposed pair of horizontally elongated elliptical connector openings <NUM> extending inwardly through thickened external boss portions <NUM> into the interior of the socket <NUM>. The interior surface of the socket <NUM> has a configuration substantially complementary to the external surface of the adapter nose portion <NUM>. A horizontally opposed pair of generally rectangular recesses <NUM> is formed in interior vertical side wall surface portions of the tooth point <NUM> and extend forwardly through the rear end <NUM> of the tooth point <NUM>. As will become apparent in the discussion that follows, each of these recesses <NUM> has a height less than the heights of the connector openings <NUM> and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, forwardly terminates at a bottom portion of one of such connector openings <NUM>. Thus, each recess <NUM> may have a front or inner end portion which is defined by a side surface of an associated connector opening <NUM>. This front or inner end portion of each recess <NUM> may be enlarged relative to a rear or outer end portion of the recess <NUM> in a direction parallel to the inner side surface of the tooth point side wall in which the recess <NUM> is formed.

The locking pin assembly <NUM> is sized and shaped to be received within the connector opening <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. As described herein, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may removably secure the tooth point <NUM> in place on the adapter <NUM>. In addition, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may be manipulated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the tooth point <NUM> may be introduced over the connector pin assembly and the nose portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. When the tooth point <NUM> is properly positioned on the adapter <NUM>, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may be manipulated from the unlocked position to the locked position. When in the locked position, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may prevent removal of the tooth point <NUM> from the adapter <NUM> by mechanically blocking the tooth point <NUM>. When desired, a user such as an operator may manipulate the locking pin assembly <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position. This may permit the user to remove the tooth point <NUM> from the adapter <NUM>.

The locking pin assembly <NUM> includes, among other components, a body portion <NUM> and a shaft portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> has a noncircular external surface configuration that, in this exemplary embodiment, corresponds with the shape of the connector opening <NUM> in the adapter <NUM>. Accordingly, the body portion <NUM> is formed with a teardrop oval shape that includes a rear portion <NUM> having a larger radius and a leading portion <NUM> having a smaller radius. In this exemplary embodiment, the body portion <NUM> is sized and shaped to have a clearance fit within the connector opening <NUM>, while simultaneously preventing rotation of the body portion <NUM> relative to the adapter <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> is disposed within and may extend from opposing ends of the body portion <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> may be rotated to change the locking pin assembly <NUM> from the unlocked position to the locked position and back again.

The body portion <NUM>, the shaft portion <NUM>, and other components of the locking pin assembly <NUM>, may be best seen in the exploded view of <FIG>. The locking pin assembly <NUM> may include the body portion <NUM>, the shaft portion <NUM>, a shaft rotation stop element <NUM>, a locking element <NUM>, a biasing element <NUM>, a backstop <NUM>, a camshaft <NUM>, a cam rotation stop element <NUM>, and a plug <NUM>.

The body portion <NUM> is sized and arranged to mechanically interface with the connector opening <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> as indicated with reference to <FIG>. Accordingly as described above, the body portion <NUM> has a noncircular peripheral profile or shape that prevents rotation of the body portion <NUM> relative to the adapter <NUM>. In this exemplary oval-shaped embodiment, the body portion <NUM> has a major axis <NUM> extending through the center points defined by the radii of the rear portion <NUM> and the leading portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> includes a main bore <NUM> extending from one end to the other, a stop element bore <NUM> and a locking bore <NUM>. In this embodiment, the main bore <NUM> is a through bore having a longitudinal axis <NUM>. The stop element bore <NUM> and the locking bore <NUM> each intersect the main bore <NUM>. The stop element bore <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. The stop element bore <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be a through bore. In other embodiments, the stop element bore <NUM> extends only partway through the body portion <NUM>.

The locking bore <NUM> also may or may not extend through the body portion <NUM>. In the example in <FIG>, the locking bore <NUM> is formed substantially parallel to the major axis <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the locking bore <NUM> may be formed at any angle relative to the major axis <NUM>. A cross-sectional view of the locking bore <NUM> can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. The locking bore <NUM> extends through structure of the body portion <NUM> that retains the locking element <NUM> to prevent rotation of the shaft portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the major axis <NUM> passes through the portion of the body portion <NUM> having the greatest structural integrity and wall thickness about the main bore <NUM>. As will be described herein, the locking bore <NUM> may mechanically interfere with the locking element <NUM> to prevent rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> when the locking pin assembly <NUM> is in the locked condition. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the body portion <NUM> includes grooves <NUM> formed therein adjacent each end to receive O-rings <NUM>. The O-rings <NUM> may inhibit the entry of undesired material into the main bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> when the shaft portion <NUM> is rotatably received therein.

The shaft portion <NUM> is sized and arranged to fit within the main bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the shaft portion <NUM> is fit with a clearance fit so that it may rotate around the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the main bore <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> has a cylindrically shaped outer surface <NUM>, end tabs <NUM>, and a shaft main bore <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> is, in this embodiment, substantially cylindrically shaped, so that the shaft portion <NUM> may rotate in the main bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>.

The outer surface <NUM> includes a circumferentially extending lock groove <NUM> formed therein on a longitudinally central portion of the shaft portion <NUM>. Here, the lock groove <NUM> extends only partially about the circumference of shaft portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc within a range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°. A cross-sectional view of the lock groove <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc extending greater than <NUM> degrees. In some of these embodiments, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc within the range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In some examples, the arc will extend about <NUM>°. The lock groove <NUM> may cooperate with the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the body portion <NUM>. The lock groove <NUM> may have a width sufficiently sized to receive the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. Particularly, ends <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) may be used as rotation stops to limit rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> relative to the body portion <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>.

The end tabs <NUM> are projections disposed at and extending from opposite ends of the shaft portion <NUM>. Each end tab <NUM> has an arcuate laterally outer side surface <NUM> which is a continuation of a curved side surface portion of the cylindrical outer surface <NUM>, and an opposing, generally planar laterally inner side surface <NUM> which extends generally chordwise of the shaft portion <NUM>. Each tab <NUM> longitudinally terminates at a flat end surface <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>, with the shaft main bore <NUM> extending inwardly through a portion of each flat end surface <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the shaft main bore <NUM> is slightly laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion <NUM>, which in this embodiment, is shown coaxial with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, the shaft main bore <NUM> is aligned with the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>.

The shaft portion <NUM> may also include a lateral lock pin bore <NUM> that intersects the shaft main bore <NUM>. The lock pin bore <NUM> is shown in cross-section in <FIG>. The lock pin bore <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive and cooperate with the locking element <NUM>, the biasing element <NUM>, and the backstop <NUM>. It may extend entirely through the shaft portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, the lock pin bore <NUM> includes two portions having different diameters, with both portions intersecting the bore <NUM>. The portions, referenced in <FIG> by the references 194a and 194b are each respectively sized to fit different portions of the locking element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lock pin bore portion 194a has substantially the same width or diameter as the locking bore <NUM>. An opening to the lock pin bore <NUM> permits the locking element <NUM> to selectively project radially out of the locking bore <NUM>, beyond the outer surface <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>, and into the locking bore <NUM> formed in the body portion <NUM>. When so extended, the locking element <NUM> prevents rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> relative to the body portion <NUM>.

The stop element bore <NUM> intersects the shaft main bore <NUM>. The stop element bore <NUM> may be sized and shaped to receive the cam rotation stop element <NUM>. The stop element bore <NUM> may, in some embodiments be a through bore. In other embodiments, the stop element bore <NUM> extends only partway through the shaft portion <NUM>.

The shaft rotation stop element <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fit through the stop element bore <NUM>. When the shaft portion <NUM> is disposed within the main bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>, the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> may be aligned to fit within the lock groove <NUM> and prevent axial displacement of the shaft portion <NUM> relative to the body portion <NUM>, while permitting limited rotational displacement. Accordingly, the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> may function to prevent axial movement, and also prevent rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> beyond limits allowed by the ends of the partially circumferential lock groove <NUM>.

The locking element <NUM> includes a longitudinally extending cylinder portion <NUM> having a cam flange <NUM> and a biasing element interfacing portion <NUM>. The cylinder portion <NUM> may have a width, which in this embodiment is a diameter, sized to permit the cylinder portion <NUM> to extend from the lock pin bore <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cylinder portion <NUM> is not shaped as a cylinder, but may be any type of lock portion, and may be shaped in cross-section as a square or some other polygonal shape. The cam flange <NUM> may have a width or size larger than a diameter of the first portion 194a lock pin bore <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As will be described herein, the cam flange <NUM> may cooperate with the camshaft <NUM> to displace the locking element <NUM> radially relative to the shaft portion <NUM>. As such, the cam flange <NUM> may be disposed within the shaft main bore <NUM> and the lock pin bore <NUM>. Although described as a flange, the cam flange <NUM> may be another type of cam interfacing portion. For example, it may be a shoulder, a boss, a projection or other body portion. The biasing element interfacing portion <NUM> may interface with the biasing element <NUM>.

The biasing element <NUM> may bias the locking element <NUM> to a lock position, where the cylinder portion <NUM> projects out of the lock pin bore <NUM> and into the locking bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the biasing element <NUM> is a coil spring. However, other types of springs or other biasing elements are contemplated. The backstop <NUM> provides a solid surface from which the biasing element <NUM> may apply its biasing load. In this embodiment, the backstop <NUM> is a set screw that may be threaded into the lock pin bore <NUM>.

The camshaft <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. It is sized and arranged to fit within the shaft main bore <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> may be rotated relative to the shaft portion <NUM> and may be rotated by a user to change the locking pin assembly <NUM> from the lock condition to the unlocked condition, and vice versa. The camshaft <NUM> includes an external surface <NUM>, a tool interface <NUM> (<FIG>) disposed at one end, and a cam <NUM> disposed at the opposing end. A snap-ring <NUM> or other type of ring may fit within a groove in the external surface <NUM> to secure the camshaft in the shaft main bore <NUM>. In this embodiment, the tool interface is a hex shaped tool interface configured to receive a hex shaped tool, such as a hex key wrench. Other tool interfaces and tools could be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The external surface <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM> includes a lock groove <NUM> that circumferentially extends about the camshaft <NUM>. Like the lock groove <NUM> on the shaft portion <NUM>, the lock groove <NUM> extends only partially about the circumference of the camshaft <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc within a range of <NUM> and <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc within the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some examples, the arc will extend about <NUM>° The lock groove <NUM> may cooperate with the cam rotation stop element <NUM> to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the shaft portion <NUM>. The lock groove <NUM> may have a radius or may be sized to receive the cam rotation stop element <NUM>. Particularly, ends <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM> may be used as rotation stops to limit the rotation of the camshaft <NUM> relative to the shaft portion <NUM> and the cam rotation stop element <NUM>.

The tool interface <NUM> is sized and arranged to receive a work tool (not shown) that may be handled by a user. The work tool may be inserted into the hex shaped tool interface <NUM> and turned to rotate the camshaft <NUM> to manipulate the locking pin assembly <NUM> from the locked position to the unlocked position and vice versa.

The cam <NUM> is a projection or boss extending from an end of the camshaft <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is laterally offset relative to a center line of the camshaft <NUM>. As will be described below, the cam <NUM> is disposed and arranged to interface with the cam flange <NUM> to radially displace the locking element <NUM> from a locked position to an unlocked position. In addition, the cam <NUM> may be rotated to allow the biasing element <NUM> to move the locking element <NUM> from an unlocked position to a locked position.

The cam rotation stop element <NUM> may be sized and shaped to fit through the stop element bore <NUM>. When the camshaft <NUM> is disposed within the shaft main bore <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>, the cam rotation stop element <NUM> may be aligned to fit within the lock groove <NUM> and prevent axial displacement of the camshaft <NUM> relative to the shaft portion <NUM>, while permitting limited rotational displacement. Accordingly, the cam rotation stop element <NUM> may function to prevent axial movement, and also prevent rotation of the camshaft <NUM> beyond limits allowed by the ends of the partially circumferential lock groove <NUM>.

The plug <NUM> is arranged to cover the opening of the locking bore <NUM>. It may be a set screw that threads into an end of the locking bore <NUM>, or other type of plug. In one embodiment, it is adhered over the opening to the locking bore <NUM> using an adhesive. Other attachment methods may be used and are contemplated.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. As can be seen, the shaft portion <NUM> is rotated when in the locked condition relative to the body portion <NUM>. This rotation displaces the end tabs <NUM> from a position where the tabs have a minimal vertical thickness T1 to a position where the end tabs have a much greater vertical thickness T2. Referring to <FIG>, when in the unlocked position, the end tabs <NUM> are arranged to pass through the recesses <NUM> in the tooth point <NUM> until they are aligned with the connector openings <NUM>. After rotating to the locked position, the vertical tabs mechanically interfere with structure on the tooth point <NUM> and prevent its removal from the adapter <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, reference indicators <NUM> are formed, marked, edged, or otherwise provided on both the body portion <NUM> and ends of the shaft portion <NUM>. When the reference indicators <NUM> are aligned, as shown in <FIG>, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may be in the locked position. When the reference indicators <NUM> are misaligned, as shown in <FIG>, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may not be in the locked position. This may provide a user with visual indication of when the locking pin assembly <NUM> is properly in the locked position.

<FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the unlocked condition. <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the locked condition. <FIG> shows a plan view of the locking pin assembly <NUM> in the unlocked position with the body portion and the shaft portion marked as transparent to more clearly show the other components. <FIG> show the locking pin assembly in different cross-sectional views with solid lines. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 5B-5B in <FIG> through the locking element <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 5C-5C in <FIG> through the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> and the lock groove <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 5C-5C in <FIG> through the cam rotation stop element <NUM> and the lock groove <NUM>. <FIG> shows a partial cross-section taken axially through only the body portion <NUM> and shaft portion <NUM> of the locking pin assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when in the unlocked position, the shaft portion <NUM> may be rotated to a stop limit in one direction, but may be rotated in the other direction. This can be best seen in <FIG> shows a cross-section taken through the shaft portion <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lock groove <NUM> extends only partially around the circumference of the shaft portion <NUM>. Accordingly, with the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> in the lock groove <NUM>, the amount of rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> is limited. Here, the ends <NUM> of the groove <NUM> abut against the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> and prevent further rotation.

In <FIG>, the locking element <NUM> is disposed completely within the lock pin bore <NUM>. As can be seen, the lock pin bore <NUM> includes the smaller diameter portion 194a having an opening disposed to face the inner wall of the main bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner wall includes a depression into which the locking element <NUM> may project to form a detent-like tactile feel to a user. The cam <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM> is disposed in the shaft main bore <NUM> and is in contact with the cam flange <NUM>. In the unlocked condition, the locking element <NUM> is retracted by the cam <NUM> against the force of the biasing element <NUM>. Here, the biasing element <NUM> is a coil spring compressed between the backstop <NUM> and the biasing element interfacing portion <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the camshaft <NUM> rotation relative to the shaft portion <NUM> is limited in a manner similar to that described with reference to the lock groove <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> includes the lock groove <NUM>, and the cam rotation stop element <NUM> extends through the locking bore <NUM> and into the lock groove <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM>, therefore, may be limited in its rotation to less than <NUM>° by virtue of the lock groove <NUM> extending less than completely about the circumference of the camshaft <NUM>. The ends <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM> come into contact with the cam rotation stop element <NUM> to limit the range of motion.

<FIG> shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking pin assembly <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the body portion <NUM> and the shaft portion <NUM> are shown in cross-section. Accordingly, the relationship between the lock groove <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> and between the cam lock groove <NUM> and the cam rotation stop element <NUM> are more particularly shown. In addition, the placement of the cam <NUM> relative to the cam flange <NUM> is also shown.

As indicated above, <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the locked condition. <FIG> shows a plan view of the locking pin assembly <NUM> in the locked position with the body portion and the shaft portion marked as transparent to more clearly show the other components. <FIG> show the locking pin assembly in different cross-sectional views. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 6B-6B in <FIG> through the locking element <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 6C-6C in <FIG> through the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> and the lock groove <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-section taken along lines 6D-6D in <FIG> through the cam rotation stop element <NUM> and the lock groove <NUM>. <FIG> shows a partial cross-section taken axially through only the body portion <NUM> and the shaft portion <NUM> of the locking pin assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when in the locked position, the shaft portion <NUM> has been rotated until the locking element <NUM> projects into the locking bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> and prevents further rotation in either opposing direction.

In <FIG>, the shaft portion <NUM> is rotated from the position shown in <FIG> until the locking element <NUM> is aligned with the locking bore <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>. Rather than being substantially completely disposed within the lock pin bore <NUM>, in this alignment, the cam <NUM> is displaced away from the cam flange <NUM> and the biasing element acts on the locking element <NUM> to displace the cylinder portion <NUM> out of the lock pin bore <NUM> and into the locking bore <NUM>.

It should be noted that the locking element <NUM> also has a different position relative to the cam <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM>. In this position, the cam <NUM> is not acting to maintain the locking element <NUM> within the lock pin bore <NUM>. Instead, the cam <NUM> is rotated out of engagement with the cam flange <NUM>. As such, the biasing element <NUM> operates to bias the locking element <NUM> out of the lock pin bore <NUM> and into the locking bore <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. With the locking element projecting into the locking bore <NUM>, inadvertent movement or rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> in either rotational direction may be inhibited. In some embodiments, the cam flange <NUM> may reengage when the locking element pops radially outwardly to the locked position.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the angle of rotation of the camshaft <NUM> relative to the shaft portion <NUM> is limited in a manner similar to that described with reference to the lock groove <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> includes the lock groove <NUM>, and the cam rotation stop element <NUM> is disposed within the lock groove <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM>, therefore, may be limited in its rotation to less than <NUM>° by virtue of the lock groove <NUM> extending less than completely about the circumference of the camshaft <NUM>. <FIG> shows a partial cross-sectional view of the locking pin assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows the locking element <NUM> projecting into the locking bore <NUM>.

An exemplary process for installing the tooth point <NUM> to the adapter <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>, and with reference to other Figures already described herein. Referring first to <FIG>, the locking pin assembly <NUM> in its fully assembled state is disposed within the connector opening <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. As described herein, the locking pin assembly <NUM> is prevented from rotating within the connector opening <NUM> by its noncircular shape. The locking pin assembly <NUM> is oriented in the unlocked position because the end tabs <NUM> are disposed to have a minimal vertical height or vertical thickness T1.

With the locking pin assembly <NUM> in place in the adapter <NUM>, the tooth point <NUM> is introduced over the adapter <NUM>. The end tabs <NUM> enter into the recesses <NUM> (<FIG>) formed in the interior of the tooth point <NUM> until the tooth point is seated on the adapter <NUM> and/or the locking pin assembly <NUM> is aligned with the connector openings <NUM>.

With the locking pin assembly <NUM> aligned with the connector openings <NUM>, a user may access the hex shaped tool interface <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM>. Using an appropriate tool, the user may rotate first the camshaft <NUM> and next the shaft portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and in the exemplary implementation shown, the camshaft <NUM> is rotated <NUM>°, and then the shaft portion <NUM> is rotated <NUM>° to change the locking pin assembly from the unlocked condition to the locked condition. These can change depending on the length of the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> or the thickness of the rotational stops. In some embodiments, a user may rotate the camshaft through a range of motion in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, and may rotate the shaft portion through a range of motion in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

As indicated above, <FIG>, and <FIG> show cross-sectional views of the locking pin assembly <NUM> in the unlocked condition. With reference to <FIG>, when a user rotates the camshaft <NUM> with a tool, the cam <NUM> first rotates up to <NUM>°, which moves the cam <NUM> away from the cam flange <NUM> of the locking element <NUM>. During this movement, the camshaft <NUM> rotates relative to the shaft portion <NUM> and the cam rotation stop <NUM>. In this state, however, the inner wall of the body portion <NUM> prevents the locking element <NUM> from extending beyond a minimal amount from the lock pin bore <NUM>. However, since the cam <NUM> is removed from the cam flange <NUM>, only the inner wall of the body portion <NUM> prevents the locking element <NUM> from substantially extending out of the lock pin bore <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> rotates so long as the lock groove <NUM> is permitted by the cam rotation stop element <NUM>. When the end <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM> abuts against the cam rotation stop element <NUM>, all relative movement of the camshaft <NUM> to the shaft portion <NUM> in the locking direction is prevented. Accordingly, any further rotational load applied by a user to rotate the camshaft <NUM> is transferred by the cam rotation stop element <NUM> to the shaft portion <NUM>. As such, in this embodiment, when the camshaft <NUM> reaches its rotational limit, torsional forces on the camshaft <NUM> are transferred to the shaft portion <NUM>, and the shaft portion <NUM> begins to rotate.

In this example, the shaft portion <NUM> rotates <NUM>° from the position shown in <FIG> toward the position shown in <FIG>. As it does so, the locking element <NUM> slides along the inner wall of the main bore <NUM> until the locking element <NUM> is aligned with the locking bore <NUM>. When the locking element <NUM> aligns with the locking bore <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the locking element <NUM> pops or clicks into the locking bore <NUM> under the spring force of the biasing element <NUM>. This may provide an audible indication to the user that the locking pin assembly is properly seated and in place.

<FIG> shows the locking pin assembly <NUM> in the locked position. Here, the end tabs <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> are rotated to have the vertical thickness T2. Although described as having vertical thicknesses T1 and T2, it should be noted that all the thicknesses described herein may be measured relative to the insertion direction of the tooth point <NUM> onto the adapter <NUM> or relative to the height or position of the insertion recesses <NUM>. With the locking pin assembly <NUM> in the locked position, the end tabs <NUM> are no longer aligned with the recesses <NUM> (<FIG>) in the tooth point <NUM>. Because of the misalignment, the end tabs <NUM> abut against inner surfaces of the connector openings <NUM> and prevent removal of the tooth point <NUM> from the adapter <NUM>.

If the tooth <NUM> becomes worn, a user may desire to remove it from the adapter <NUM>. In this embodiment, to do this, the shaft portion <NUM> must be rotated so that the end tabs <NUM> align with the recesses <NUM> in the tooth <NUM>. The locking pin assembly <NUM> does this by first, rotating the camshaft <NUM> through a first range of motion to radially withdraw the locking element <NUM> and then second, rotating the shaft portion <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the user may insert a tool and rotate the camshaft <NUM> with the tool. As the camshaft <NUM> rotates, the cam <NUM> acts on the cam flange <NUM> against the force of the biasing member <NUM>. With the cam <NUM> applying a retracting load on the cam flange <NUM> of the locking element <NUM>, the cylinder portion <NUM> begins to retract from the locking bore <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>. At the same time, the camshaft <NUM> rotates relative to the cam rotation stop <NUM>. When the locking element <NUM> is clear of the locking bore <NUM>, the end <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM> in the camshaft <NUM> will engage the cam rotation stop <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, this may occur after a rotation of about <NUM>° of the camshaft <NUM>. Accordingly, any further rotational force applied on the camshaft <NUM> results in a rotational force on the shaft portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, an additional rotation of <NUM>° will rotate the shaft portion <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> to the unlocked position shown in <FIG>. In this position, the end tabs <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> are aligned to have a minimal thickness that may fit through the recesses <NUM> (<FIG>) formed in the tooth <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> show another embodiment of a locking pin assembly, referenced herein by the numeral <NUM>. The locking pin assembly <NUM> includes many of the same features as the locking pin assembly <NUM> described above. Therefore, the description of the locking pin assembly <NUM> may be applicable to the elements of the locking pin assembly <NUM>. For ease of understanding, the components of the locking pin assembly <NUM> will not all be re-described, as the above description should be sufficient for understanding by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, for ease of understanding and to avoid repetition, some features of the locking pin assembly <NUM> are identified by the same reference numerals as similar features on the locking pin assembly <NUM>. The locking pin assembly <NUM> differs from the locking pin assembly <NUM> by being accessed from an opposite side and by having a different rotational range to move the locking pin assembly from a locked to an unlocked position and vice versa.

<FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. The locking pin assembly <NUM> includes the body portion <NUM>, a shaft portion <NUM>, and a camshaft <NUM>. The leading portion <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>, in this example implementation, may still face the leading nose of the adapter <NUM> and the tooth <NUM>. Accordingly, the locking pin assembly <NUM> may be arranged to be accessed from a left side of the adapter and tooth point rather than the right side, as is the locking pin assembly <NUM>. However, it should be understood that the locking pin assemblies described herein may be manufactured for access from either or both sides. As described above, rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> displaces end tabs <NUM> from a position where the tabs have minimal vertical thickness to a position where the tabs have a much greater vertical thickness in order to facilitate placing the tooth point <NUM> over the end tabs and securing the tooth point <NUM> to the adapter <NUM>.

<FIG>, and <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the unlocked condition. <FIG>, <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the locked condition. <FIG> shows the locking element <NUM> disposed to rotatably cooperate with the shaft portion <NUM> and the locking bore <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in this implementation, the locking pin assembly <NUM> includes a circumferentially extending lock groove <NUM> formed in an outer surface of the shaft portion <NUM>. Here, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc that permits rotation of about <NUM> degrees when cooperating with the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>. Accordingly, to accommodate the width of the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>, the lock groove <NUM> may extend between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. However, other implementations have a lock groove <NUM> extending through a larger or smaller arc. In some implementations, the lock groove <NUM> may permit rotation less than <NUM> degrees, while other implementations may permit rotation greater than <NUM>°. In some implementations, the lock groove <NUM> may be arranged to permit rotation of about <NUM>°. Other implementations may permit rotation in the range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. Yet other ranges are contemplated. The lock groove <NUM> may cooperate with the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> to limit the amount of rotation that can occur relative to the body portion <NUM>. The lock groove <NUM> includes the ends <NUM> that may be used as rotation stops to limit rotation of the shaft portion <NUM> relative to the body portion <NUM> and the shaft rotation stop element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the camshaft <NUM> rotatably disposed within the shaft portion <NUM>. The external surface of the camshaft <NUM> includes a lock groove <NUM> that circumferentially extends about the camshaft <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lock groove <NUM> may extend through an arc within a range of <NUM> and <NUM>°, or other ranges as described above with reference to the lock groove <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG> show the locking pin assembly <NUM> when arranged in the locked condition. As can be seen in <FIG>, in the locked condition, the locking element <NUM> has been rotated to project into the locking bore <NUM> of the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and as described herein with reference to the locking pin assembly <NUM>, the shaft portion <NUM> is rotated relative to the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> until the shaft rotation stop element <NUM> engages against the ends <NUM> of the lock groove <NUM>. <FIG> shows the camshaft <NUM> rotated relative to the shaft portion <NUM> and relative to the cam rotation stop element <NUM>. Here, the cam rotation stop element <NUM> has passed the lock groove <NUM> from one end <NUM> to the other.

<FIG>, <FIG> show an exemplary process for installing the tooth point <NUM> to the adapter <NUM>. Since the process is similar in many respects to the process described with reference to <FIG>, only differences will be described herein. <FIG> show an embodiment where the camshaft <NUM> rotates <NUM> degrees and the shaft portion <NUM> rotates <NUM>° when the locking pin assembly <NUM> is adjusted between the locked and unlocked position, although other embodiments are contemplated. <FIG>, <FIG> show that the camshaft <NUM> may rotate <NUM>° and that the shaft portion <NUM> may also rotate <NUM>° when the locking pin assembly <NUM> is adjusted between the lock and unlock positions, although other embodiments are contemplated. The rotation range may be controlled and adjusted by controlling or adjusting the length of the arc of the lock grooves in the shaft portion and the camshaft. Accordingly, since the lock groove <NUM> in the shaft portion <NUM> in <FIG> is shorter or has a smaller angle range than the lock groove <NUM> in the shaft portion <NUM> in <FIG>, the locking pin assembly <NUM> moves through a shorter or smaller angle range than the locking pin assembly <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element having side openings to a support structure alignable with the side openings, the locking pin assembly comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>) having a non-circular profile and being arranged to non-rotatably, selectively extend into the support structure; and
a shaft portion (<NUM>) disposed within the body portion (<NUM>) and rotatable between a locking position and a release position, the shaft portion (<NUM>) having an opening formed therein;
the locking pin assembly further comprising and characterized by:
a camshaft (<NUM>) rotatably disposed within the opening of the shaft portion (<NUM>), the camshaft (<NUM>) being arranged to cooperate with the shaft portion (<NUM>) to freely rotate within the shaft portion (<NUM>) through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion (<NUM>) through a second range of motion; and
a radially extending locking element (<NUM>) carried by one of the shaft portion (<NUM>) and the body portion (<NUM>) and configured to selectively mechanically interfere with the other of the shaft portion (<NUM>) and the body portion (<NUM>) to selectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion (<NUM>) relative to the body portion (<NUM>) when the shaft portion (<NUM>) is in the locking position in which the locking pin assembly mechanically inhibits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure, and to permit rotation of the shaft portion (<NUM>) relative to the body portion (<NUM>) when the shaft portion (<NUM>) is in the release position in which the locking pin assembly permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure.