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 attached to 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 forwardly projecting nose. A replaceable tooth typically includes a rear-facing cavity that releasably receives the adapter nose. To retain the tooth on the adapter nose, generally aligned transverse openings may be formed on both the tooth 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 on its associated adapter nose.

During normal operations, the tooth experiences loading in multiple directions. If the tooth is not positioned on the nose in a stable manner, the loads experienced by the tooth can cause additional wear on the adapter. A need accordingly exists for an improved adapter nose and corresponding opening in the tooth.

Reference is made to the document <CIT>, which discloses a digger shovel tooth-holder, the front portion of the tooth-holder has the tooth-holder head of band lockpin hole, the front end of the tooth-holder head has the front end face of the central axis being orthogonal to the tooth-holder head. Further reference is made to the documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, which have been cited as representative of the state of the art.

It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is in accordance with the claims. The specification includes description of arrangements not claimed in the present claims, but provided to assist in understanding the invention.

According to some example implementations, a wear member assembly in accordance with claim <NUM> including a nose attachable to a bucket lip. The nose including a rear portion having a first set of eight converging toward a longitudinal axis of the nose towards a distal end of the rear portion. The first set of eight surfaces including a first subset of surfaces having a top and bottom surface, a second subset of side surfaces, and a third subset of surfaces that comprise bearing surfaces. The third subset of surfaces being angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces. The nose also including a forward portion positioned forwardly to the rear portion, the forward portion having a second set of eight surfaces converging toward the longitudinal axis of the nose towards the distal end of the forward portion. The second set of substantially planar surfaces including a fourth subset having a top and bottom surface, a fifth subset of vertical side surfaces, and a sixth subset of surfaces being angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces; and an intermediate portion (<NUM>) disposed between the rear portion and the forward portion, the intermediate portion comprising a number of surfaces (216a-f, 204a-d) in cross-section that is greater than a number of surfaces of the forward portion in cross-section and the rear portion in cross-section; The wear member assembly may also include a wear member having a cavity opening toward a rearward end, the cavity comprising rear and forward bearing surfaces corresponding to at least some of the surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the forward (<NUM>) and rear portions (<NUM>) of the nose (<NUM>). Further optional features are provided in accordance with the dependent claims.

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.

The present disclosure is directed to an earth engaging wear member assembly that includes an adapter nose securable to a bucket lip. The earth engaging wear member assembly also includes a tooth or other wear member, such as an intermediate adapter, that is securable to the adapter nose. The wear member includes a rear facing cavity designed to fit over the adapter nose. The nose may include a front set of surfaces and a rear set of surfaces, and in some implementations, both the front set of surfaces and the rear set of surfaces may form a substantially octagonal shape in transverse cross-section. Various surfaces of both the front set of surfaces and the rear set of surfaces may be fit (or bearing) surfaces while other surfaces of the front set of surfaces and rear set of surfaces may be non-fit (or non-bearing) surfaces. In some particular embodiments, the top surface and the bottom surface of the rear set of surfaces may be fit surfaces and include an interference bearing feature such as a protrusion on one of the tooth or adapter and a matching indent on the other of the tooth or adapter. These may cooperate to distribute vertical loading in a manner assisting with stability and alignment of the wear member on the adapter nose. As used herein, a fit surface is a load bearing surface.

In some implementations, the adapter of the earth engaging wear assembly includes fit surfaces on angled side surfaces. These fit surfaces may be disposed in a manner that provides stabilizing contact on more than one fit surface when the earth engaging wear assembly is subjected to a vertical load or a horizontal load. For example, an applied vertical downward load may be supported by two angled fit surfaces, and an applied vertical upward load may be supported by two separate angled fit surfaces. Likewise, a left horizontal load may be supported by two angled fit surfaces and a right horizontal load may be supported by two angled fit surfaces. In some implementations, a set of angled fit surfaces are disposed at a distal or leading portion of the adapter nose and another set of angled fit surfaces are disposed at a proximal or trailing portion of the adapter nose. In this manner, a wear member, such as a tooth, may be supported by angled fit surfaces at both at the distal end and the proximal end of the adapter nose.

<FIG> is view of an exemplary earth engaging wear member assembly <NUM> according to one example of the present disclosure. In the implementation shown, the earth engaging wear member assembly <NUM> includes a tooth (or wear member) <NUM>, an adapter <NUM>, and a locking pin <NUM>. In this example, the wear assembly <NUM> also includes a shroud wear member <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> includes a hole (not shown) for receiving the locking pin <NUM>. The tooth <NUM> also includes a hole through which the locking pin <NUM> can be inserted. The locking pin <NUM> may secure the tooth <NUM> onto the adapter <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> may also be referred to herein as a support structure since it provides stabilizing support to an additional component, which in this implementation is the tooth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the adapter <NUM>. According to the present example, the adapter <NUM> includes a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The front end <NUM> includes a nose <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> includes a pair of bifurcated legs 214a, 214b arranged to secure the adapter <NUM> to a bucket lip (not shown). A longitudinal axis <NUM> is shown through the front and <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. A transverse axis <NUM> is shown for reference in a position that would run parallel to an edge of the bucket lip (not shown).

According to the present example, the nose <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM>, a rear portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM> extending between the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> includes a forward facing end surface <NUM> and a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> in an octagonal arrangement adjacent the end surface <NUM>. In this implementation, each of the surfaces <NUM> is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Further, at least four of the surfaces are angled relative to the transverse axis <NUM>. In some examples, at least four of the plurality of surfaces <NUM> may be load bearing fit surfaces. For example, in some implementations, the surfaces <NUM> may include angled surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d as load bearing fit surfaces. In other implementations, the surfaces <NUM> may include vertical and horizontal surfaces 202e, 202f, <NUM>, and <NUM> as load bearing fit surfaces. In some implementations, each of the surfaces <NUM> may be substantially planar, while in other implementations, only four of the eight surfaces <NUM> are substantially planar. In yet other implementations, a different number of the eight surfaces <NUM> are substantially planar.

In the present example, the rear portion <NUM> also includes a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> in an octagonal arrangement. Each of the surfaces <NUM> are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. Each of the rear surfaces <NUM> may be angled differently with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the side surfaces 204f, <NUM> may be angled differently with respect to the longitudinal axis than are the top and bottom surfaces 204e, <NUM>. In the present example, the rear surfaces <NUM> are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis at a different angle than the front surfaces <NUM>. Specifically, the rear surfaces <NUM> are angled at a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the front surfaces <NUM>. In the examples the various front surfaces <NUM> may have different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. Likewise, the rear surfaces <NUM> have different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis. In such examples, the average angle at which each of the rear surfaces <NUM> converges toward the longitudinal axis may be greater than the average angle at which the front surfaces <NUM> converge towards the longitudinal axis. As shown in the perspective view of <FIG>, the rear surfaces <NUM> include angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c. The opposing side of the nose <NUM> includes an additional angled surface 204d, which is identified in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. The rear surfaces <NUM> also include a top surface 204e and a side surface <NUM>. The nose <NUM> also includes a bottom surface <NUM> and an opposite side surface 204f which are identified in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. The rear surfaces <NUM> may also be bearing or fit surfaces. In some examples, each of the rear surfaces <NUM> may be bearing fit surfaces. In some examples, only the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d may be fit surfaces. In some examples, only the horizontal and vertical surfaces 204e, 204f, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be fit surfaces. In some implementations, each of the surfaces <NUM> may be substantially planar, while in other implementations, only four of the eight surfaces <NUM> are substantially planar. In yet other implementations, a different number of the surfaces <NUM> are substantially planar.

In the present example, the intermediate portion <NUM> includes a plurality of outwardly facing surfaces <NUM>. These outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> may extend between and intersect the surfaces <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM>. In some implementations, the surfaces <NUM> may be angled differently than the surfaces <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> may include a plurality of surfaces including, among other surfaces, an upper facing surface 216a, a lower facing surface 216b (<FIG> and <FIG>). In this implementation, the side surfaces of the intermediate portion <NUM> may contain a hole <NUM>. Additional angled surfaces 216c, 216d, 216e, 216f (best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>), are disposed about the intermediate portion of the nose.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper facing surface 216a of the intermediate portion <NUM> may extend at an angle different than both the adjacent upper surface 204e of the rear portion <NUM> and the adjacent top surface 202e of the front portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the upper facing surface 216a may be non-planar with the adjacent upper surface 204e of the rear portion <NUM> and non-planar with the adjacent top surface 202e of the front portion <NUM>. In a similar manner, the lower facing surface 216b of the intermediate portion <NUM> may extend at an angle different than both the adjacent bottom surface <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the front portion <NUM>.

In the present example, the top surface 204e includes a concave bearing surface <NUM> positioned thereon. In some examples, the top surface 204e circumscribes the concave bearing surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the concave bearing surface <NUM> bridges the intersection of the upper facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. The concave bearing surface <NUM>, in this implementation, is an indentation that may cooperate with a corresponding protrusion on the wear member <NUM> to provide load bearing stability as well as lateral stability. While not seen from this perspective view, the nose <NUM> may also have a similar concave bearing surface portion on the bottom surface that is opposite the top surface 204e. In some implementations, the concave bearing surface on the bottom surface may be shaped identically to the concave bearing surface <NUM> on the top surface 204e. In the present example, the concave bearing surface <NUM> is substantially elliptical in shape. Other shapes are contemplated as well. For example, instead of being elliptical in shape, the concave bearing surface <NUM> may be circular or may have some other configuration.

The nose <NUM> also includes a hole <NUM> that extends from the side surface <NUM> to the opposing side surface (not shown in this perspective). In this implementation, the hole <NUM> is formed in the intermediate portion <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive a locking pin. In the present example, the hole <NUM> is positioned forward of the concave bearing surface <NUM>. In other words, at least a portion of the concave bearing surface <NUM> is positioned rearward of the hole <NUM>. In some examples, the entire concave bearing surface <NUM> may be positioned rearward of the hole <NUM>. In other implementations, the hole <NUM> extends only partially through the nose <NUM>. A corresponding hole <NUM> may be formed in the opposing side of the nose <NUM>. In these implementations, two separate locking pins may be used to secure the wear member <NUM> to the adapter <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The nose also includes torsion control surfaces 230b, 230d. Torsion control surfaces 230a, 230c are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The torsion control features 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d may be substantially planar surfaces that are outward facing and are sized and shaped to fit against corresponding surfaces within the cavity of the tooth, which will be described in further detail below. In the present example, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d respectively intersect the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of the rear portion <NUM>. Particularly, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d intersect the angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d near where such surfaces meet the vertical surfaces 204f, <NUM>. In some examples, the torsion control surfaces 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d may be flush with the vertical surfaces 204f, <NUM>.

In some examples, the angled surfaces of both the front surfaces <NUM> and the rear surfaces <NUM> may be bearing (or fit) surfaces. Specifically, surfaces 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d may be bearing surfaces. Additionally, the horizontal and top surfaces of the front surfaces <NUM> and the rear surfaces <NUM> may be non-bearing (or non-fit) surfaces. Specifically, surfaces 202e, 202f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 204e, 204f, <NUM>, <NUM> may be non-bearing surfaces. Other combinations of bearing and non-bearing surfaces are contemplated as well.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams showing longitudinal cross-sectional views of a portion of the adapter <NUM>, showing the upper concave bearing surfaces <NUM> and a lower concave bearing surface <NUM>. <FIG> in particular shows the bearing surface portion <NUM> in the bottom surface <NUM> of the nose of the adapter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top surface 204e and the bottom surface <NUM> may both be fit surfaces. In such a case, other surfaces, such as the side surfaces or angled surfaces may be either fit or non-fit surfaces. For example, it may be the case that all angled surfaces are non-fit surfaces while the top, bottom, and side surfaces are fit surfaces. As indicated above, some implementations of the concave bearing surface <NUM> bridge the intersection of the upper facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In such implementations, the upper facing surface 216a may be a non-fit surface, while the concave bearing surface <NUM> forms a fit surface. In some examples, the concave surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be non-bearing surfaces. In such examples, various combinations of the horizontal, vertical, and angled surfaces may be fit surfaces, and in some instances, only the angled surfaces are fit surfaces. It may be the case that all surfaces are fit surfaces. Other combinations of fit and non-fit surfaces are contemplated. For example, the angled surfaces may be fit surfaces while the horizontal and vertical surfaces are non-fit surfaces in a manner similar to that described below in the text accompanying <FIG>.

The bottom concave bearing surface <NUM> may be substantially identical to the top concave bearing surface portion <NUM>. In some examples, the position and shape of the bottom concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may mirror the position and shape of the top concave bearing surface portion <NUM>. Accordingly, similar to the arrangement described above, the bottom concave bearing surface <NUM> may bridge the intersection of the lower facing surface 216b and the bottom surface <NUM>. In such implementations, the bottom facing surface 216b may be a non-fit surface, while the lower concave bearing surface <NUM> forms a fit surface. In some examples, the bottom concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be longitudinally offset from the top concave bearing surface portion <NUM>. For example, the bottom concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be closer or farther from the front of the nose than the top concave bearing surface portion <NUM>.

The concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> in this implementation are formed as indents that have smooth rounded surfaces as the shape transitions from the concave surface to the flat upper surface 204e. The indentation provides lateral stability to the rear of the wear member <NUM> when subjected to loading during use. In addition, when vertical loads are directed onto the leading tip of the wear member <NUM>, the indentation distributes the load at the rear portion of the wear member and the load is transferred through the concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> to the adapter (or an intermediate adapter if so equipped). In addition, the load bearing concave surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> provide a smooth surface, with curved sides that aid in lateral stability. Accordingly, lateral loads at the leading tip of the wear member <NUM> that result in opposite loads at the end of the wear member may be alleviated to some extent by the curved lateral sides of the concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM>. As can be seen, the indentations are formed on the top surface 204e that is longitudinally angled so as to face the leading end surface <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. Accordingly, corresponding protrusions on the inner surface of the wear member <NUM> may fit directly into the indented bearing surface portion <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams showing transverse cross-sectional views of the concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> in the adapter <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> also show each of the rear surfaces <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate upwardly facing top surface 204e, outwardly facing side surfaces 204f, <NUM>, and downwardly facing bottom surface <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> also illustrate outwardly facing angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. In the exemplary implementation shown, the concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in the rear portion <NUM> only in the upwardly facing top surface 204e and the downwardly facing bottom surface <NUM>, while the outwardly facing side surfaces 204f, <NUM> and the outwardly facing angled surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are all formed to be relatively planar. This may provide additional fit surface support for vertical loading on a supported tooth <NUM>, while providing standard support for horizontal or side to side loading.

<FIG> is a top view of the nose <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. The concave bearing surface portion <NUM> is shown extending into and across the intersection of the upper facing surface 216a and the top surface 204e. In some examples, the transverse width <NUM> of the concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> percent of the transverse width <NUM> of the top surface 204e. In some examples, the transverse width <NUM> of the concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be about <NUM>% of the transverse width <NUM> of the top surface 204e. The longitudinal length <NUM> of the concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be similar to the transverse width <NUM> of the concave bearing surface portion <NUM>. In some examples, the longitudinal length <NUM> of the concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> percent larger than the transverse width <NUM>. The concave bearing surface portion <NUM> may be sized to provide stability and increase the surface area of the top surface 204e while minimizing weakening of the adapter <NUM> through stress risers. Accordingly, the depth of the indented bearing surface portion may be selected to provide the necessary balance of stability and strength. In some implementations, the depth of the bearing surface portion is selected to be within a range of about <NUM> inch to about <NUM> inch, although other depths are contemplated.

<FIG> is a front, slightly tilted view of the adapter <NUM> with the concave bearing surface portion <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates top surface 204e and top surface 202e, and the top surface 216a. <FIG> also illustrates rear angled surfaces 204a, 204b, front angled surfaces 202a, 202b, and intermediate non-bearing surfaces 216c and 216f.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the wear member <NUM> that includes protrusions extending from inner surfaces of the cavity. The wear member <NUM> may also be referred to as a hollow ground-engaging wear member. Although the wear member <NUM> may also be referred to as a tooth, the wear member <NUM> may also form an intermediate adapter or other wear member configured to be supported by or to support other wear members. The wear member <NUM> includes a leading end <NUM> at the front end <NUM> of the wear member. The leading end <NUM> is arranged to engage or penetrate the ground, and may generally be referred to as the working end. The wear member <NUM> also includes a rear end, which has a cavity (shown in cross-section in <FIG>) that is sized and shaped to receive the nose <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

In the present example, the side <NUM> of the wear member <NUM> includes a hole <NUM> that is sized and shaped to receive the locking pin <NUM> (<FIG>). In some implementations, the opposing side of the wear member <NUM> may include a similar hole. The hole <NUM> may be positioned such that when the wear member <NUM> is properly set on the nose <NUM>, the hole <NUM> is aligned with the hole <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. Thus, the locking pin <NUM> may be inserted through both holes <NUM>, <NUM> and set so as to hold the wear member <NUM> on the adapter <NUM>.

In the present example, the wear member <NUM> includes a wear indicator <NUM>. The wear indicator <NUM> may be a divot or indentation in the wear member <NUM> that indicates to an operator when the wear member <NUM> should be replaced. Specifically, the wear member <NUM> wears as it is used for digging operations. When it wears to a point where the bottom of the wear indicator <NUM> is flush with the rest of the wear member <NUM>, then this indicates to an operator that it is time to replace the wear member <NUM>. The wear indicator <NUM> may be sized and shaped so that it has a depth associated with an expected amount of wear before the wear member <NUM> should be replaced. This expected amount of wear may be based on historical data that represents the manner in which the wear member <NUM> wears during normal operations. The wear indicator <NUM> may be positioned in other places on the wear member <NUM> as well.

<FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the wear member <NUM> showing an upper protrusion <NUM> and a lower protrusion <NUM> arranged to correspond to the concave bearing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the adapter <NUM>. The wear member <NUM> includes the leading end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. A cavity <NUM> is formed in the rear end <NUM>, extending longitudinally inward from the rear end <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> opens to the rear of the wear member <NUM> and is shaped and sized to fit over the nose <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

In some implementations, the cavity <NUM> is shaped to have surfaces corresponding with the various surfaces of the nose <NUM>. In some implementations, since not all surfaces are fit surfaces, only the fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> and the nose <NUM> have the same shape. That is, the cavity <NUM> may be contoured so that fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> match fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM>. Because of this, the descriptions applied herein relating to outer surfaces of the nose <NUM> are equally applicable to inner surfaces of the cavity <NUM> of the wear member <NUM>. Similar to the nose <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM>, a rear portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> also includes a longitudinal axis <NUM> that in this implementation is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the wear member <NUM>. A transverse axis <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and is arranged to lie substantially parallel to a leading end of a bucket lip.

According to the present example, the cavity <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM>, and a rear portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> includes a plurality of substantially planar inwardly facing surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, <NUM> in an octagonal shape (not all eight surfaces are shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>). These surfaces 721a, 721b, 721e, 721f, <NUM> may correspond to some of the outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. As described above, some surfaces <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> may be fit surfaces while some may be non-fit surfaces. The fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may fit with the fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> while the non-fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may have slightly different shapes than the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> or may be offset from the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM>.

The intermediate portion <NUM> includes a plurality of substantially planar inwardly facing surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f, <NUM> (not all surfaces are shown in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>). These surfaces 723a, 723b, 723e, 723f, <NUM> may correspond to some of the outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. Specifically, the fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may fit with the fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> while the non-fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may have slightly different shapes than the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> or may be offset from the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM>.

The rear portion <NUM> includes a plurality of substantially planar inwardly facing surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, <NUM> <NUM> in an octagonal shape (some surfaces are better shown in Figs. 8A and 8B). These surfaces include an upper inner surface 704e and a lower inner surface <NUM> (which are vertically separated, horizontally separated side surfaces 704f, <NUM>, upper angled inner surfaces 704a, 704c, and lower angled inner surfaces 704b, <NUM>. These surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, <NUM> <NUM> may correspond to the outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. Specifically, the fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may fit with the fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> while the non-fit surfaces of the adapter <NUM> may have slightly different shapes than the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM> or may be offset from the non-fit surfaces of the cavity <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> includes an upper inward facing surface 704e that is designed to fit with the upward facing surface 204e of the nose <NUM>. In some implementations, the upper inward facing surface 204e may be substantially planar. The upper inward facing surface 704e also includes an upper protrusion <NUM> extending therefrom. The upper protrusion <NUM> may also be described as an inwardly protruding bearing surface portion <NUM> since it protrudes inwardly toward a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the wear member <NUM> and the cavity <NUM>. The upper inwardly protruding bearing surface portion <NUM> is sized and shaped to fit with the concave bearing surface portion <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. Similarly, the cavity includes a lower inward facing surface <NUM> that is designed to fit with the downward facing surface <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. The lower inward facing surface <NUM> also includes an inwardly protruding bearing surface portion <NUM>. The cavity also includes other surfaces that correspond to the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. The inwardly bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> are convex and are arranged to support vertically imposed loads at the leading end.

The protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be centrally located on their respective surfaces 704e, <NUM>. Thus, the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be circumscribed by planar portions of surfaces 704e, <NUM>. Additionally, the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be laterally offset from each other if the corresponding concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the nose <NUM> are offset from each other. Both the upper protrusion <NUM> and the lower protrusion <NUM> may form a cross-sectional arc having tangents at oblique angles. In some examples, there may be only a single protrusion <NUM> on the upper surface <NUM> and only a single protrusion <NUM> on the lower surface <NUM>. In some examples, however, there may be additional protrusions on each surface 704e, <NUM>.

In the present example, the surfaces of the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may act as bearing surfaces against the bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the adapter nose <NUM>. Thus, the interference features that comprise the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and the bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> may provide additional support for loads in various directions. Furthermore, by their curved nature, the protrusions and indentations provide lateral stability as well as act as vertical bearing surfaces.

The cavity <NUM> may also include a hole <NUM> that aligns with hole <NUM> when the wear member <NUM> is placed on the adapter <NUM>. Such alignment allows for the locking pin to be inserted therethrough. In some examples, the wear member <NUM> may include a single hole on one side of the cavity and in some examples, the wear member <NUM> may include two holes, one on each side of the cavity <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> also includes inward facing torsion control surfaces 727a, 727c. Torsion control surfaces 727b, 727d are shown in <FIG>. The inward facing torsion control surfaces 727a, 727b, 727c, 727d are sized and shaped to fit against the outward facing torsion control features 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d of the adapter nose.

<FIG> and <FIG> are transverse cross-sectional views of the tooth with the protrusion. <FIG> illustrates vertically separated opposing inner walls 704e, <NUM>, which correspond to walls 204e, <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates horizontally separated opposing inner walls 704f, <NUM>, which correspond to walls 204f, <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates the transversely angled inward facing walls 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d that correspond to outward facing transversely angled walls 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d of the nose <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of the tooth looking into the cavity <NUM>. Looking into the cavity, the surfaces 721a, 721b, 721c, 721d, 721e, 721f, <NUM>, <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> can be seen. Additionally, the surfaces 723a, 723b, 723c, 723d, 723e, 723f, <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediate portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> can be seen. Furthermore, surfaces 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, <NUM> as well as the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> may be seen.

While the concave bearing surface portions <NUM>, <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially elliptical in shape, some embodiments may have polygonal shaped bearing surface portions and protrusions. In some examples, the bearing surface portions may be placed in the side surface near or adjacent the holes <NUM>, <NUM> through which the lock pin is inserted. Because the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the concave bearing surface portions, the description of either one applies equally to the other.

Although the indentations are described on the adapter <NUM> and the protrusions are described on inner surfaces of the wear member <NUM>, it should be noted that some implementations are oppositely arranged to have the protrusion on the adapter <NUM> and the indentations on the wear member <NUM>.

The present disclosure is also directed to an earth engaging wear member assembly that includes an adapter nose securable to a bucket lip and a tooth. The nose includes angled bearing surfaces arranged to be received into a cavity of the tooth. The cavity includes bearing surfaces that correspond with and engage the bearing surfaces of the nose. According to some examples, the adapter nose may include a forward portion at the distal end of the nose and a rear portion at the proximal end of the nose. The rear portion may include eight substantially planar surfaces that converge towards the longitudinal axis of the nose. The forward portion also may include eight substantially planar surfaces that converge towards the longitudinal axis of the nose, but at a shallower angle. In some implementations, both the forward portion and the rear portion thus have substantially octagonal-shaped cross-sections. In some implementations, in the rear portion, the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the octagonal-shaped cross-section may be non-bearing surfaces and the angled surfaces (e.g., the non-horizontal and non-vertical surfaces) may be bearing surfaces. In the forward portion the angled surfaces may be bearing surfaces as well.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an earth engaging wear member assembly <NUM>. According to the present example, the wear member assembly <NUM> includes a nose <NUM> and a wear member <NUM>. An exemplary implementation of the wear member <NUM> is a tooth <NUM>. In another implementation, the wear member <NUM> is an intermediate adapter. Other wear members are contemplated. The nose <NUM> includes a forward portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. In the example shown, the nose <NUM> extends from a base structure that is shown as a block but represents any additional attachment structure that make support the nose including a bucket receiving portion having bifurcated adapter legs, similar to the adapter <NUM> in <FIG>. In some implementations, the nose is securable to a bucket lip of an excavator. The nose may form a part of an adapter or an intermediate adapter, and may also be referred to herein as a support structure since it provides stabilizing support to an additional component, which in this implementation is the tooth <NUM>. The nose <NUM> also includes a hole <NUM> for receiving a locking pin. In the present example, the nose includes torsion control features <NUM>. The tooth <NUM> also includes a hole <NUM> through which the locking pin can be inserted. Since any of a number of known locking pins may be employed here, details of the locking pin are not included. The tooth <NUM> also includes a rear facing cavity (not shown in <FIG>) and a ground engaging end as a leading end <NUM>. An axis <NUM> extends through the wear member assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a view of the nose <NUM> looking along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of the nose <NUM>, looking along a transverse axis <NUM>. The transverse axis <NUM> is aligned in a position that would run parallel to an edge of the bucket lip (not shown). As described above, the nose <NUM> may be secured to a bucket lip and includes a forward portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> includes a set of eight substantially planar surfaces. Particularly the set includes a subset having a top surface 1108a and a bottom surface 1108b, a subset of two side surfaces 1106a, 1106b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d. The top and bottom surfaces may be referred to as horizontal surfaces and the side surfaces may be referred to as vertical surfaces because such surfaces are horizontal and vertical in cross-section. The four angled surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d may be bearing surfaces arranged to contact and interface with surfaces of the tooth <NUM>. Because each bearing surface is angled, each bearing surface is able to resist both horizontal and vertical loading. The angled surfaces may also be referred to as diagonal or oblique surfaces. Both the horizontal surfaces 1108a, 1108b and the vertical surfaces 1106a, 1106b may be non-bearing surfaces.

In this exemplary implementation, each of the eight substantially planar surfaces converges towards the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the nose <NUM>. In some examples, the angle of the eight substantially planar surfaces with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In some examples, the angle may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. Other ranges are contemplated as well. In this implementation, the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b may be wider than the side surfaces 1106a, 1106b. Thus, the octagon-shaped cross-section may be different in width <NUM> than in height <NUM>. This helps with torsion control and stability.

In the exemplary implementation shown, the forward portion <NUM> also includes a set of eight substantially planar surfaces. Particularly the set includes a subset having a top surface 1114a and a bottom surface 1114b, a subset of two side surfaces 1112a, 1112b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d. The four angled surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d may be bearing surfaces arranged to contact and interface with surfaces of the tooth <NUM>. Because each bearing surface is angled, each bearing surface is able to resist both horizontal and vertical loading. The top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b may also be non-bearing surfaces. In some examples, the side surfaces 1112a, 1112b may be bearing surfaces. In some examples, however, the side surfaces 1112a, 1112b may be non-bearing surfaces. In some implementations, the non-bearing surfaces of the front portion or <NUM> or the rear portion <NUM> may not be substantially planar.

In some implementations, each of the eight substantially planar surfaces of the forward portion <NUM> converges towards the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the nose <NUM> but at an angle that is shallower than the angle at which the eight substantially planar surfaces of the rear portion <NUM> converge towards the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In some examples, the angle of the eight substantially planar surfaces of the forward portion <NUM> with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. In some examples, the angle may be within a range of about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. Additionally, the top and bottom surfaces 1114a, 1114b may be wider than the side services 1112a, 1112b. Thus, the octagon-shaped cross-section is different in width <NUM> than it is in height <NUM>. This also helps with stability and torsion control. In some examples, the ratio of top or bottom surface width to side surface width is different in the forward portion <NUM> than it is in the rear portion <NUM>. For example, the ratio of top or bottom surface width to side surface width may be greater in the forward portion <NUM> than it is in the rear portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a view of the tooth <NUM> looking into the cavity <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the tooth <NUM> along the longitudinal axis <NUM>, taken along lines 12B-12B in <FIG>. The cavity <NUM> is formed in the rear end <NUM> of the tooth <NUM>, extending longitudinally inward from the rear end <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> has bearing surfaces that correspond to and interface with the bearing surfaces of the nose <NUM>. It also has reference longitudinal axis <NUM> and transverse axis <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> also includes a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> includes a set of eight substantially planar surfaces. Accordingly, in this exemplary implementation, the set of substantially planar surfaces includes a subset of having a top surface 1208a and a bottom surface 1208b, a subset of two side surfaces 1206a, 1206b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d. The four angled surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d may be bearing surfaces. Because each bearing surface is angled, each bearing surface is able to resist both horizontal and vertical loading that may be applied to the tooth <NUM> during use. Both the top and bottom surfaces 1208a, 1208b and the side surfaces 1206a, 1206b may be non-bearing surfaces. In some examples, the non-bearing surfaces may not be substantially planar. For example, the non-bearing surfaces may be curved.

The forward portion <NUM> also includes a forward set of eight substantially planar surfaces. Particularly the forward set includes a subset having a top 1214a surface and a bottom surface 1214b, a subset of two side surfaces 1212a, 1212b, and a subset of four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d. The four angled surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d may be bearing surfaces. Again, because each bearing surface is angled, each bearing surface is able to resist both horizontal and vertical loading. The horizontal surfaces 1214a, 1214b may also be non-bearing surfaces. In some examples, the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b may be bearing surfaces. In some examples, however, the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b may be non-bearing surfaces.

Referring now to <FIG>, the nose <NUM> includes a rear surface <NUM> and a front octagonal-shaped abutment surface <NUM>. The front abutment surface <NUM> may have an octagonal shape. The front abutment surface <NUM> may be a fit surface as it is designed to make contact with a front abutment surface <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The front abutment surface <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may also have an octagonal shape. The rear surface <NUM> at the rear end <NUM> of the tooth <NUM> may or may not make contact with the rear surface <NUM> of the nose <NUM>.

In some implementations, the nose <NUM> and the tooth <NUM> may be designed symmetrically so that the tooth can be rotated <NUM> degrees and still fit appropriately on the tooth. This allows the tooth <NUM> to be flipped after a certain period of wear. The tooth <NUM> may then continue to be used in the flipped position. This extends the life of the tooth <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the nose <NUM>. In addition to the substantially planar surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d, 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d, both the forward portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> may have curved surfaces positioned between the planar surfaces. In implementations having the rear surface <NUM>, the nose <NUM> may include surfaces <NUM> disposed between and transitioning from the rear surface <NUM> to the eight substantially planar surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the rear portion <NUM>. The nose <NUM> may also include elongated curved surfaces <NUM> between adjacent edges of each of the planar surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d, 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d in both the forward portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM>. The nose <NUM> may also include curved surfaces <NUM> positioned between the planar surfaces 1106a, 1106b, 1108a, 1108b, 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the rear portion <NUM> and the planar surfaces of the forward portion <NUM>. The nose <NUM> may also include curved surfaces <NUM> positioned between the front abutment surface <NUM> and the planar surfaces 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d of the forward portion <NUM>. In some implementations, these curved surfaces may be fillets or rounds intended to minimize locational stress during use. The curved surfaces may also help provide clearance for the cavity of the wear member.

In some examples, the cross-sectional width W1 of the top and bottom non-bearing surfaces 1108a, 1108b is different at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> than the cross-sectional width W3 at the proximal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional width W1 of the top and bottom non-bearing surfaces 1108a, 1108b may be smaller at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> than the cross-sectional width W3 at the proximal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> or vice versa. Furthermore, the cross-sectional width W2 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> may be different than the cross-sectional width W4 at the proximal end <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional width W2 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> may be smaller than the cross-sectional width W4 at the proximal end <NUM> or vice versa. Furthermore, the cross-sectional width W1 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> may be different than the cross-sectional width W2 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional width W1 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> may be smaller than the cross-sectional width W2 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the distal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> or vice versa. Furthermore, the cross-sectional width W3 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal <NUM> end of the rear portion <NUM> may be different than the cross-sectional width W4 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the proximal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional width W3 of the top and bottom surfaces 1108a, 1108b at the proximal <NUM> end of the rear portion <NUM> may be greater than the cross-sectional width W4 of the bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d at the proximal end <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> or vice versa.

<FIG> shows a view of an illustrative adapter nose <NUM> with torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d that resist torsional movement of the wear member <NUM> with respect to the nose <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of the adapter nose <NUM> with torsion control features. <FIG> is a perspective view of the adapter nose <NUM> with torsion control features. <FIG> is a top view of the adapter nose <NUM> with torsion control features. In the exemplary implementation shown, the adapter nose <NUM> includes the angled bearing surfaces described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. For convenience, these bearing surfaces will not be described again with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d comprise projections that extend from the nose <NUM>. Each of the torsion control features includes a vertical, planar, outwardly facing surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are positioned near the rearward end of the adapter nose <NUM>. The torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are also positioned such that the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d intersect the angled bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the nose <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1402b, 1402c, 1404d are tapered towards the longitudinal axis. This allows the tooth <NUM> to be removed from the nose <NUM> more easily.

As best seen in the side view of <FIG>, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are contained within the boundary created by the planar surfaces 1108a and 1108b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the adapter nose <NUM> includes torsion control features 1402a, 1402b disposed on an upper portion and includes torsion control features 1402c, 1402d disposed on a lower portion. In some implementations, the adapter nose <NUM> includes torsion control features on only one of the upper portion or the lower portion. Also, in the implementation shown, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b are shown vertically aligned with the torsion control features 1402c, 1402d. In some implementations, the torsion control features are not vertically aligned.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a tooth <NUM> having a cavity <NUM> designed to fit an adapter nose, such as the adapter nose <NUM>, with torsion control features, such as the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d. The cavity <NUM> may include a number of pockets 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d. The pockets 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d may be designed to receive the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d of the adapter nose <NUM>. In the exemplary implementation shown, the pockets 1502a, 1502b, 1502c, 1502d include vertical, planar, inward-facing surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d that correspond to the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the adapter nose <NUM>. Thus, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the nose <NUM> are designed to engage and interface with the vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d of the tooth <NUM> so as to resist twisting movement between the nose <NUM> and the tooth <NUM>. The tooth <NUM> may have, as indicated with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, planar bearing surfaces that interface with planar bearing surfaces on the adapter nose <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of the adapter nose <NUM> orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (e.g., <NUM>, <FIG>) in an assembled condition. Accordingly, <FIG> also illustrates the cross-section of the tooth <NUM>. As illustrated, the angled bearing surfaces 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, 1110d of the nose <NUM> fit against the angled bearing surfaces 1210a, 1210b, 1210c, 1210d of the tooth <NUM>. These angled bearing surfaces minimize or prevent both vertical and lateral movement of the tooth <NUM> relative to the adapter nose <NUM>. In some examples, there may be a gap between the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1108a, 1108b of the nose and the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1208a, 1208b of the tooth <NUM>. Likewise, there may be a gap between the vertical non-bearing surfaces 1106a, 1106b of the nose and the vertical non-bearing surfaces 1206a, 1206b of the tooth <NUM>. In some examples, however, the non-bearing surfaces of both the nose <NUM> and the tooth <NUM> may make contact when the tooth <NUM> is fit over the nose <NUM>. Because of the angled bearing surfaces, both vertical and lateral movement may be minimized.

<FIG> shows a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the adapter nose <NUM> with torsion control features. As described above, the vertical surfaces 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1404d of the nose <NUM> fit against the vertical surfaces 1504a, 1504b, 1504c, 1504d of the tooth <NUM>. Thus, the torsion control features 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1402d are arranged to resist twisting movement and torsion between the nose <NUM> and the tooth <NUM>. This may help stabilize the tooth <NUM> on the adapter nose <NUM> during use.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of the forward portion of the adapter nose <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates the cross-section of the tooth <NUM>. As illustrated, the angled bearing surfaces 1116a, 1116b, 1116c, 1116d of the nose <NUM> fit against the angled bearing surfaces 1216a, 1216b, 1216c, 1216d of the tooth <NUM>. In some examples, there may be a gap between the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1114a, 1114b of the nose and the horizontal non-bearing surfaces 1214a, 1214b of the tooth <NUM>. In the present example, the vertical surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the nose <NUM> and the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b of the tooth <NUM> are bearing surfaces and thus there is no gap between them. In some examples, however, there may be a gap between the vertical surfaces 1112a, 1112b of the nose <NUM> and the vertical surfaces 1212a, 1212b of the tooth <NUM>. In this exemplary implementation, the angled bearing surfaces 1116c and 1116d are adjacent to, but do not form a part of, a bottom surface 1114b of the adapter nose <NUM>. This angled design may, in some instances, extend the useful life of the adapter nose <NUM>. It is not uncommon during use for an operator to wear a bottom portion of a tooth away, inadvertently exposing and wearing a bottom surface of the adapter nose <NUM>. In conventional systems utilizing a bottommost surface of an adapter nose as a bearing surface, such where may adversely affect the stability of a subsequent tooth placed on the adapter nose. A adversely affect the stability of a subsequent tooth placed on the adapter nose. A worn bearing surface may introduce wobble, further accelerating wear, and potentially permanently damaging the adapter nose. However, the exemplary implementation disclosed herein includes bearing surfaces on angled bottom surfaces, rather than a horizontal bottom surface. Because of this, if an operator inadvertently wears away a portion of a bottom surface of the adapter nose, the angled bearing surfaces may still provide stability to the tooth in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This may increase the useful life of the adapter nose because the tooth may be properly supported even with a worn bottom surface of the adapter nose.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section of the adapter nose <NUM> with offset torsion control features. For example, surface 1454a is offset from surface 1454c. Similarly, surface 1454b is offset from surface 1454d. The tooth <NUM> includes corresponding surfaces 1554a, 1554b, 1554c, 1554d. The offsets are such that the tooth <NUM> can still be flipped upside down and fit on the nose <NUM>. In other words, the tooth is engageable with the adapter nose <NUM> in two rotational positions.

Claim 1:
A wear member assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a nose (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) attachable to a bucket lip, the nose comprising:
a rear portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first set of eight surfaces (204a-h) converging toward a longitudinal axis (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the nose towards a distal end of the rear portion, the first set of eight surfaces comprising:
a first subset of surfaces having a top surface and a bottom surface (204e, <NUM>);
a second subset of side surfaces (204f, <NUM>); and
a third subset of surfaces, the third subset of surfaces (204a-d) being angled and positioned between the first subset of surfaces and the second subset of surfaces; and
a forward portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned forwardly of the rear portion (<NUM>), the forward portion having a second set of eight surfaces (202a-h) converging toward the longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the nose towards the distal end of the forward portion, the second set of surfaces comprising:
a fourth subset having a top surface and a bottom surface (202e, <NUM>);
a fifth subset of vertical side surfaces (202f, <NUM>); and
a sixth subset of surfaces, the sixth subset of surfaces (202a-d) being angled and positioned between the fourth subset of surfaces and the fifth subset of surfaces; and
an intermediate portion (<NUM>) disposed between the rear portion and the forward portion, the intermediate portion comprising a number of surfaces (216a-f, 204a-d) in cross-section that is greater than a number of surfaces of the forward portion in cross-section and the rear portion in cross-section; and
a wear member (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a cavity opening (<NUM>) toward a rearward end (<NUM>), the cavity comprising a forward and a rear portion, the forward and rear portions comprising bearing surfaces corresponding to at least some of the surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the forward (<NUM>) and rear portions (<NUM>) of the nose (<NUM>).