Patent Description:
Machines such as motor graders employ a long blade that is used to level work surfaces during the grading phase of a construction project or the like. These blades often encounter abrasive material such as rocks, dirt, etc. that can degrade the working edge, making such blades ineffective for their intended purpose. Some blades have a serrated cutting edge meaning that the edge is not continuously flat but undulates up and down, forming teeth. A drawback to such blades is that the teeth may be more easily worn than is desired. In harsh environments, such blades may be rendered dull, with the teeth having been essentially removed, after <NUM>-<NUM> hours of operation. Necessitating their replacement. Serrated cutting edges are sometimes provided to improve penetration, etc..

It is sometimes desirable to alter the distance between the teeth or to virtually eliminate gaps altogether in the field. For example, the user in the field may leave empty spots where a bit could be place if needed or desired for some applications. Leaving an empty spot increases the distance between teeth, which may be desirable for use when the ground or other working material that is desired to be broken up has larger sized aggregate.

However, the mounting structure that is used to attach bits may wear when the bit is not used. This may make it difficult to mount a bit in the worn area when it is desired to reduce the distance between bits.

<CIT> discloses a wear cap for an excavating tooth which has a replaceable element which is used in conjuction with an adaptor or tooth holder element of the composite tooth.

<CIT> discloses the use of tooth carriers mounted on a receptical having a digging edge with a tooth at the rear of the edge secure to the carrier.

<CIT> describes a detachable joint construction for interconnecting two members used for tools such as the digger teeth of power shovels, dredges, percussion drill bits and the like.

<CIT> describes an excavator bucket which has tooth adaptor-fixing members to which are coupled tooth adaptors.

<CIT> describes a grader blade assembly comprising a grader blade having a body and projections extending from the body to form pick apertures.

<CIT> describes carbide edge snow plough and grader blades which have carbide inserts alon the edge and/or bottom of the blade.

Accordingly, there exists a need for providing a blade assembly that is more versatile and durable in various configurations than heretofore devised.

A wear member for separating tool bits attached to an adapter board and protecting bores of the adaptor board from wear, said wear member according to the present disclosure comprises a shank portion defining a longitudinal axis, a free end and a perimeter, at least one flat surface on the perimeter extending to the free end and a cross-hole defining a cross-hole axis along which the cross-hole extends through the at least one flat surface perpendicularly, and a wear portion extending downwardly axially from the shank portion. The wear portion has a rectangular or square configuration. The shank portion includes a cylindrical portion and the wear portion includes a straight surface which is parallel to the flat surfaces; and the wear portion includes a bottom portion and a plurality of inserts are attached to the bottom portion.

A blade assembly for use with a grading machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an adapter board defining an upper adapter board attachment portion, terminating in an upper adapter board free end, and a lower tool bit attachment portion, terminating in a lower adapter board free end, the adapter board defining a lateral direction and a width measured along the lateral direction, and vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, a plurality of tool bits configured to be attached to the adapter board, each tool bit including a working portion defining a working length measured along the vertical direction and a working width measured along the lateral direction, and a plurality of wear members as described above configured to be attached to the adapter board, each wear member including a wear portion defining a wear length measured along the vertical direction and a wear width measured along the lateral direction, wherein the wear length is less than the working length.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100a, 100b or a prime indicator such as <NUM>', <NUM>"etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification.

A blade assembly using tool bits with arcuate surfaces according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Then, a tool bit with an arcuate surface will be discussed.

First, a machine will now be described to give the reader the proper context for understanding how various embodiments of the present disclosure are used to level or grade a work surface. It is to be understood that this description is given as exemplary and not in any limiting sense. Any embodiment of an apparatus or method described herein may be used in conjunction with any suitable machine.

<FIG> is a side view of a motor grader in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The motor grader <NUM> includes a front frame <NUM>, rear frame <NUM>, and a work implement <NUM>, e.g., a blade assembly <NUM>, also referred to as a drawbar-circle-moldboard assembly (DCM). The rear frame <NUM> includes a power source (not shown), contained within a rear compartment <NUM>, that is operatively coupled through a transmission (not shown) to rear traction devices or wheels <NUM> for primary machine propulsion.

As shown, the rear wheels <NUM> are operatively supported on tandems <NUM> which are pivotally connected to the machine between the rear wheels <NUM> on each side of the motor grader <NUM>. The power source may be, for example, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a natural gas engine, or any other engine known in the art. The power source may also be an electric motor linked to a fuel cell, capacitive storage device, battery, or another source of power known in the art. The transmission may be a mechanical transmission, hydraulic transmission, or any other transmission type known in the art. The transmission may be operable to produce multiple output speed ratios (or a continuously variable speed ratio) between the power source and driven traction devices.

The front frame <NUM> supports an operator station <NUM> that contains operator controls <NUM>, along with a variety of displays or indicators used to convey information to the operator, for primary operation of the motor grader <NUM>. The front frame <NUM> also includes a beam <NUM> that supports the blade assembly <NUM> and which is employed to move the blade assembly <NUM> to a wide range of positions relative to the motor grader <NUM>. The blade assembly <NUM> includes a drawbar <NUM> pivotally mounted to a first end <NUM> of the beam <NUM> via a ball joint (not shown). The position of the drawbar <NUM> is controlled by three hydraulic cylinders: a right lift cylinder <NUM> and left lift cylinder (not shown) that control vertical movement, and a center shift cylinder <NUM> that controls horizontal movement. The right and left lift cylinders are connected to a coupling <NUM> that includes lift arms <NUM> pivotally connected to the beam <NUM> for rotation about axis C. A bottom portion of the coupling <NUM> has an adjustable length horizontal member <NUM> that is connected to the center shift cylinder <NUM>.

The drawbar <NUM> includes a large, flat plate, commonly referred to as a yoke plate <NUM>. Beneath the yoke plate <NUM> is a circular gear arrangement and mount, commonly referred to as the circle <NUM>. The circle <NUM> is rotated by, for example, a hydraulic motor referred to as the circle drive <NUM>. Rotation of the circle <NUM> by the circle drive <NUM> rotates the attached blade assembly <NUM> about an axis A perpendicular to a plane of the drawbar yoke plate <NUM>. The blade cutting angle is defined as the angle of the blade assembly <NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis of the front frame <NUM>. For example, at a zero degree blade cutting angle, the blade assembly <NUM> is aligned at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the front frame <NUM> and beam <NUM>.

The blade assembly <NUM> is also mounted to the circle <NUM> via a pivot assembly <NUM> that allows for tilting of the blade assembly <NUM> relative to the circle <NUM>. A blade tip cylinder <NUM> is used to tilt the blade assembly <NUM> forward or rearward. In other words, the blade top cylinder <NUM> is used to tip or tilt a top edge <NUM> relative to the bottom cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>, which is commonly referred to as blade tip. The blade assembly <NUM> is also mounted to a sliding joint associated with the circle <NUM> that allows the blade assembly <NUM> to be slid or shifted from side-to-side relative to the circle <NUM>. The side-to-side shift is commonly referred to as blade side shift. A side shift cylinder (not shown) is used to control the blade side shift. The placement of the blade assembly <NUM> allows a work surface <NUM> such as soil, dirt, rocks, etc. to be leveled or graded as desired. The motor grader <NUM> includes an articulation joint <NUM> that pivotally connects front frame <NUM> and rear frame <NUM>, allowing for complex movement of the motor grader, and the blade.

<CIT> to Polumati illustrates another motor grader with fewer axes of movement than that just described with respect to <FIG>. It is contemplated that such a motor grader could also employ a blade according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, etc. Other machines than graders may use various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Turning now to <FIG>, a blade assembly <NUM> for use with a grading machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The blade assembly <NUM> comprises an adapter board <NUM> defining an upper adapter board attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in an upper adapter board free end <NUM>. This portion <NUM> is used to attach to a moldboard (not shown). The adapter board <NUM> further comprising a lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in a lower adapter board free end <NUM>. The lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> defines a length along the lateral direction. A plurality of tool bits <NUM> are provided that are configured to be attached to the adapter board <NUM>. While <FIG> shows the tool bits <NUM> already attached to the adapter board <NUM> via mounting hardware (not shown), it is to be understood that the tool bits <NUM> may be supplied with the adapter board <NUM> or separately from the adapter board <NUM>, without being attached to the adapter board <NUM>.

Looking now at <FIG> and <FIG>, each tool bit <NUM> may include a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> may include at least a first arcuate surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, and the at least first arcuate surface <NUM> may define a radius of curvature ROC (measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L) that is equal to or greater than half of the width W of the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter board <NUM>. Examples of arcuate surfaces include radial, elliptical, polynomial surfaces, etc..

As best seen in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter board <NUM> may define a plurality of cylindrical thru-bores <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the shank portion <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> may include a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R. The shank portion <NUM> may be configured to fit snugly within one of the plurality of cylindrical thru-bores <NUM>.

Focusing on <FIG>, the working portion <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> includes a second arcuate surface <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM> circumferentially on one side of the first arcuate surface <NUM> and a third arcuate surface <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM> on the other side of the first arcuate surface <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> defines two flat surfaces <NUM> circumferentially aligned with the first arcuate surface <NUM>, the two flat surfaces <NUM> partially defining a cross-hole <NUM> extending radially thru the shank portion <NUM>. Mounting hardware (not shown) may be used in conjunction with the cross-hole <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> for retaining the tool bit <NUM> to the adapter board <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the flat surfaces <NUM> may be used with an orientation plate <NUM> that sits on top of the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> to control the angle of inclination α of the tool bits <NUM> relative to the centerline CL of the blade assembly <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the first arcuate surface <NUM>, second arcuate surface <NUM> and/or third arcuate surface <NUM> may define a radius of curvature ROC ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. As alluded to earlier herein, the radius of curvature ROC may be adjusted based on the width W of the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter board <NUM> and is measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. As used herein, the width W is often the minimum dimension of the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the shank portion <NUM> (parallel to CL in <FIG>). The tool bit <NUM> may further comprising a rear face <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> extending from the second arcuate surface <NUM> to the rear face <NUM>, and a second side region <NUM> extending from the third arcuate surface <NUM> to the rear face <NUM>. The first side region <NUM> may be divided into a first set of multiple side surfaces <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may be divided into a second set of multiple side surfaces (not shown). The working portion <NUM> defines a free axial end <NUM> and a notch <NUM> disposed proximate the free axial end <NUM>. An insert <NUM> or tile may be disposed in the notch <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may be made from a carbide material such as Tungsten Carbide with a binding agent (such as Cobalt). The tool bit <NUM> itself or the adapter board <NUM> may be forged or cast using iron, grey cast-iron, steel or any other suitable material.

Various surfaces of the working portion <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> may be drafted relative to the longitudinal axis L of the shank portion <NUM>, allowing the tool bit <NUM> to enter and exit the ground or other work surface more easily. The draft angle would be the angle formed between the longitudinal axis L and the surface in a cross-section defined by a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L. The draft angle may be negative, resulting in the width of the cross-section of the working portion, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, decreasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L toward the shank portion (this may be the case in <FIG>). Alternatively, the draft angle may be positive, resulting in the width of the cross-section of the working portion increasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L toward the shank portion (this may be the case in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>).

As seen in <FIG>, the rear face <NUM> may define a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Similarly, the first side region <NUM> may define a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Likewise, the second side region <NUM> may define a third draft angle β3 (same as β2 since the tool bit is usually symmetrical) with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Also, the first arcuate surface <NUM>, second arcuate surface <NUM> and/or third arcuate surface <NUM> define a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Other draft angles or no draft angle may be provided for any of these surfaces in other embodiments.

For the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a Cartesian coordinate system X, Y, Z may be placed with its origin O at the longitudinal axis L of the shank portion <NUM> and its X-axis oriented parallel to the cross-hole <NUM> of the shank potion <NUM>. The tool bit <NUM> may be symmetrical about the X-Z plane. This may not the case in other embodiments.

Other configurations of the tool bit are possible and considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, <FIG> discloses another embodiment for a tool bit <NUM> of the present disclosure similarly configured to that of <FIG> except for the following differences. This tool bit <NUM> includes a first arcuate surface <NUM>, a second arcuate surface <NUM> and a third arcuate surface <NUM>. The tool bit <NUM> further comprises a fourth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the third arcuate surface <NUM>, a fifth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the fourth arcuate surface <NUM>, and a sixth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the fifth arcuate surface <NUM>. The angle of extension γ of the tool bit <NUM> formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L is greater than the angle of extension y of the tool bit <NUM> in <FIG>.

The fourth draft angle β4 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> varies more than the fourth draft angle β4 of first, second, and third arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the embodiments shown in <FIG>. This forms a depression <NUM> at the X-Z plane as the arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend downwardly along the longitudinal axis L. The first draft angle β1 of the rear face <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Similarly, the second draft angle β2 of the first side region <NUM> and the third draft angle β3 of the second side region <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The radius of curvature ROC of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM> for the embodiment shown in <FIG>. Again, the tool bit <NUM> is symmetrical about the X-Z plane. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

A tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG> that may be provided separately from the blade assembly <NUM>. The tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes at least a first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R.

The working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a second arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> circumferentially on one side of the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a third arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on the other side of the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may define two flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> circumferentially aligned with the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The two flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> partially defining a cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending radially thru the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The shank portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be similarly configured so that they will work with the same adapter board <NUM> of the blade assembly <NUM>.

The working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a second arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or a third arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that defines a radius of curvature ROC ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> further comprising a rear face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the second arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the rear face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and a second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the third arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the rear face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> may further comprising a fourth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the third arcuate surface <NUM>, a fifth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the fourth arcuate surface <NUM>, and a sixth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the fifth arcuate surface <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may define a free axial end <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a notch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed proximate the free axial end <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. An insert <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed in the notch <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The rear face <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and the first arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, second arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and third arcuate surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> define a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Each of the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are symmetrical about the X-Z plane. Tool bit <NUM> has greater draft angles β1, β2, β3, β4 than tool bit <NUM>. Tool bit <NUM> has greater drafter angles β1, β2, β3, β4 than tool bit <NUM>.

The differences between the various tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> will now be discussed. As mentioned previously the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> has a greater angle of extension γ as compared to the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG>. Also, the side regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> are slightly different configured than those of <FIG>. The tool bit of <FIG> includes a top side transitional surface <NUM> connecting the second arcuate surface <NUM> to the top rear side surface <NUM>. Both these surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> transition downwardly along the negative Z axis to a bottom side surface <NUM>. The tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> omits the bottom side surface but includes a top side transitional surface <NUM> and a top rear side surface <NUM>. The differences may be at least partially attributed to providing suitable back support for the inserts <NUM>, <NUM>, which have predominantly angled flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The insert <NUM> in <FIG> has a depression <NUM>, matching the depression <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM>. Thus, the tool bit <NUM>, <NUM> helps provide proper support to the insert <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby helping to prolong its useful life.

The tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> and the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> have heavier draft angles β1, β2, β3, β4 than those of the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG>, allowing the these tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> to penetrate the ground or other work surface more easily than the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG>. The tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> has a heavier draft angle β1, β2, β3, β4 than the tool bit <NUM> of <FIG> for similar reasons. The side regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of these tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> also have a top side transitional surface <NUM>, <NUM> a top rear side surface <NUM>, <NUM> and a bottom side surface <NUM>, <NUM> for the same reasons just discussed Also, the inserts <NUM>, <NUM> comprise predominately angled flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. This may not the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. The inserts for any embodiment may be symmetrical about the X-Z plane.

Additional drafted tool bits will now be described with reference to <FIG>. It is to be understood that various features of the tool bits of <FIG> may have arcuate surfaces such as disclosed in <FIG>. Likewise, the tool bits of <FIG>, may have the features such as the drafted surfaces, dimensions, angles, etc. as will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

Specifically, in <FIG> and <FIG>, surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed as surface <NUM>, surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed as surface <NUM>, and surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed as surface <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed as surface <NUM>, and surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed as surface <NUM>, etc. In <FIG> and <FIG>, surface <NUM> and surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed. Surface <NUM> and surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed and surface <NUM> and surface <NUM> may be similarly constructed, etc. In <FIG> and <FIG>, surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>, surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>, and surface <NUM> and surface <NUM> may be similarly, constructed, etc..

Looking at <FIG>, a tool bit <NUM> (e.g. a wide grading tool bit) for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> is illustrated. The tool bit <NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> is so called since this region that predominantly performs the work when contacting or penetrating the ground or other work surface.

The shank portion <NUM> may include a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R. The rear region <NUM> may at least partially form a right angle RA with the radial direction R in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (best seen in <FIG>).

The front working region <NUM> may include a first angled surface <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM> forming a first included angle <IMG><NUM> with the first angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Similarly, the front working region <NUM> may further comprise a third angled surface <NUM> forming a first external angle α1 with the second angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Likewise, the front working region <NUM> further comprises a fourth angled surface <NUM> forming a second included angle <IMG><NUM> with the third angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The first side region <NUM> or second side region <NUM> may include a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to reduce drag of the tool bit <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L in use. For the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, this surface may have little to no draft (e.g. <NUM> to <NUM> degrees). In many embodiments such as that shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> is symmetrical about an X-Z plane of a Cartesian coordinate system with its origin O on the longitudinal axis L and its X-axis aligned with the cross-hole <NUM> passing through the flat surfaces <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear region <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, the first draft angle β1 ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> may form a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The second side region <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axi s L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. β2 and β3 are negative draft angles as seen in <FIG> since the width of the cross-section of the working portion <NUM> is decreasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L.

This tool bit <NUM> may be further describe as follows with reference to <FIG>. A tool bit <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> or the second side region <NUM> include a first vertical surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, and a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to reduce drag of the tool bit <NUM> through the ground or other work surface extending from the first vertical surface <NUM>.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from or past the first vertical surface <NUM> and the working portion <NUM> and terminate at the free axial end <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM>. The first drafted surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first obtuse included angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first drafted side surface <NUM> and the first vertical surface <NUM> may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

<FIG> show how the cross-section of the tool bit <NUM> changes over time as the tool bit wears. <FIG> shows a first state of initial wear. <FIG> shows an intermediate state of wear while <FIG> shows an advanced state of wear. Polygonal cross-sections, such nearly trapezoidal cross-sections, are formed.

<FIG> depict a standard grading tool bit. This tool bit is similarly configured as the tool bit of <FIG>. The tool bit <NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM> extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region716 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The shank portion <NUM> may include a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R and the rear region <NUM> may at least partially form a right angle RA with the radial direction R in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (best seen in <FIG>).

The front working region <NUM> may include a first angled surface <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM> forming a first included angle <IMG><NUM> with the first angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> or second side region <NUM> may include a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM> in use. In many embodiments such as that shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> is symmetrical about an X-Z plane about a Cartesian coordinate system with its origin O on the longitudinal axis L and its X-axis aligned with the cross-hole <NUM> passing through the flat surfaces <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear region <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and longitudinal axis L, the first draft angle β1 ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the first side region may form a second draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and longitudinal axis L, forming a second draft angle β2, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The second side region <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Returning to <FIG>, the front working region <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. β2 and β3 are positive draft angles as seen in FIGS. <NUM> thru <NUM> since the width of the cross-section of the working portion <NUM> is increasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L.

This tool bit <NUM> may be further describe as follows with reference to <FIG>. A tool bit <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> or the second side region <NUM> includes a first vertical surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, and a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM> extending from the first vertical surface <NUM>.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from the first vertical surface <NUM> and the working portion <NUM> may include a second vertical surface <NUM> extending downwardly longitudinally from the first drafted side surface <NUM>. The first drafted side surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first included obtuse angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The first drafted side surface <NUM> and the second vertical surface <NUM> may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

<FIG> show how the cross-section of the tool bit <NUM> changes over time as the tool bit <NUM> wears. <FIG> shows a first state of initial wear. <FIG> shows an intermediate state of wear while <FIG> shows an advanced state of wear. Polygonal cross-sections, such nearly trapezoidal cross-sections, are formed.

<FIG> depict a sharp grader tool bit. This tool bit is similarly configured as the tool bit of <FIG>, but with more draft, etc. The tool bit <NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM> extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

As shown in <FIG>, the rear region <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and longitudinal axis L, the first draft angle β1 ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the first side region <NUM> may form a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The second side region <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. Returning to <FIG>, the front working region <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. β2 and β3 are positive draft angles as seen in <FIG> since the width of the cross-section of the working portion <NUM> is increasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from the first vertical surface <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> may include a second vertical surface <NUM> extending downwardly longitudinally from the first drafted side surface <NUM>. The first drafted side surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first included obtuse angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The first drafted side surface <NUM> and the second vertical surface <NUM> may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

<FIG> depict a penetration grader tool bit. This tool bit is similarly configured as the tool bit of <FIG>, but with more draft, etc. The tool bit <NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM> extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The front working region <NUM> may include a first angled surface <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM> forming a first included angle <IMG><NUM> with the first angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> or second side region <NUM> may include a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM> in use. In many embodiments such as that shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> is symmetrical about an X-Z plane about a Cartesian coordinate system with its origin O on the longitudinal axis L and its X-axis aligned with the cross-hole <NUM> passing through the flat surfaces <NUM>.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from the first vertical surface <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> may include a second vertical surface <NUM> extending downwardly longitudinally from the first drafted side surface <NUM>. The first drafted side surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first included obtuse angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (best seen in <FIG>). The first drafted side surface <NUM> and the second vertical surface <NUM> may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

Looking at <FIG>, a tool bit <NUM> (e.g. a wide mining tool bit, similarly configured as the wide grading bit except that the working portion is longer axially and includes an extra insert, etc.) for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> is illustrated. The tool bit <NUM><NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> is so called since this region that predominantly performs the work when contacting or penetrating the ground or other work surface.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear region <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, the first draft angle β1 ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> may form a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The second side region <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. β2 and β3 are negative draft angles as seen in <FIG> since the width of the cross-section of the working portion <NUM> is decreasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L.

This tool bit <NUM> may be further describe as follows with reference to <FIG>. A tool bit <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> or the second side region <NUM> include a first vertical surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, and a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to reduce draft of the tool bit <NUM> through the ground or other work surface extending from the first vertical surface <NUM>.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from or past the first vertical surface <NUM> and the working portion <NUM><NUM> and terminate at the free axial end <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM>. The first drafted surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first obtuse included angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first drafted side surface <NUM> and the first vertical surface <NUM> may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

The working portion <NUM> of this tool bit <NUM> further defines a slot <NUM> extending along a direction parallel to the Y-axis, from one drafted side surface <NUM> of the first side region <NUM> to the other drafted side surface <NUM> of second side region <NUM>. An extra reinforcement insert <NUM> may be disposed therein made of a similar material and/or having similar properties as the other insert <NUM>.

Looking at <FIG>, a tool bit <NUM> (e.g. a standard mining tool bit, similarly configured as the wide mining bit except that the working portion is more narrow, etc.) for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> is illustrated. The tool bit <NUM> comprises a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> and the second side region <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, forming a wider front working region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> is so called since this region that predominantly performs the work when contacting or penetrating the ground or other work surface.

The front working region <NUM> may include a first angled surface <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM> forming a first included angle <IMG><NUM> with the first angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> or second side region <NUM> may include a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L in use. In many embodiments such as that shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> is symmetrical about an X-Z plane of a Cartesian coordinate system with its origin O on the longitudinal axis L and its X-axis aligned with the cross-hole <NUM> passing through the flat surfaces <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear region <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, the first draft angle β1 ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The first side region <NUM> may form a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The second side region <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. β2 and β3 are positive draft angles as seen in <FIG> since the width of the cross-section of the working portion <NUM> is increasing as one progresses upwardly along the longitudinal axis L.

This tool bit <NUM> may be further describe as follows with reference to <FIG>. A tool bit <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L, and a working portion <NUM>. The working portion <NUM> includes a rear region <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, and the first side region <NUM> or the second side region <NUM> include a first vertical surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, and a first drafted side surface <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM> into the ground or other work surface extending from the first vertical surface <NUM>.

The first drafted side surface <NUM> may extend downwardly longitudinally from or past the first vertical surface <NUM> and the working portion <NUM> and terminate at the free axial end <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM>. The first drafted surface <NUM> forms at least partially a first obtuse included angle φ1 with the rear region <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. A second vertical surface <NUM> may extend downwardly from the first drafted side surface <NUM>, both of which may at least partially border a notch <NUM> configured to receive an insert <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an insert (may also be referred to as a tile) that may be similarly or identically configured as the insert used in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. It should be noted that the geometry of the insert may be doubled in a single insert or two similar inserts may be used side by side such as shown in <FIG>, etc. Accordingly, the insert <NUM> is configured to be attached to the notch of a tool bit for use with a grading machine as previously described. The insert <NUM> may comprise a first side face <NUM>, a second side face <NUM>, a top face <NUM>, a bottom face <NUM>, a rear face <NUM>, and a front region <NUM> including a first flat face <NUM>, and a second flat face <NUM> forming an obtuse included angle <NUM> with the first flat face <NUM> on the top face <NUM> ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The first side face <NUM> may be perpendicular to the rear face <NUM> and to the top face <NUM> and may be parallel to the second side face <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may further comprise a blend <NUM> transitioning from the first flat surface <NUM> to the second flat surface <NUM> and a bottom face <NUM> that forms right angles with the rear face <NUM>, the first side face <NUM>, and the second side face <NUM>. The insert <NUM> further comprises a chamfered surface <NUM> connecting the first flat face <NUM>, second flat face <NUM>, blend <NUM> and the bottom face <NUM>. The chamfered surface <NUM> may from a chamfer angle <NUM> with bottom face ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. It should be noted that the first side face <NUM> and second side face <NUM>, and the associated obtuse included angle <NUM> may be designed to match to the corresponding surfaces of a tool bit and vice versa. Any of the angles may be varied as needed or desired in any embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an insert (may also be referred to as a tile) that may be similarly or identically configured as the insert used in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The insert <NUM> is configured to be attached to the notch of a tool bit for use with a grading machine as previously described. The insert <NUM> may comprise a first side face <NUM>, a second side face <NUM>, a top face <NUM>, a bottom face <NUM>, a rear face <NUM>, and a front region <NUM> including a first flat face <NUM>, and a second flat face <NUM> forming an obtuse included angle <NUM> with the first flat face <NUM> on the top face <NUM> ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The first side face <NUM> may be perpendicular to the rear face <NUM> and to the top face <NUM> and may be parallel to the second side face <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may further comprise a blend <NUM> transitioning from the first flat surface <NUM> to the second flat surface <NUM><NUM> and a bottom face <NUM> that forms right angles with the rear face <NUM>, the first side face <NUM>, and the second side face <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may further comprise a bottom region <NUM>, similarly configured to the front region <NUM>, allowing the geometry to wrap around the bottom of the insert <NUM>. The bottom region <NUM> may form a bottom obtuse angle <NUM> with the rear face <NUM> ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees (see <FIG>). The bottom region <NUM> includes a third flat face <NUM> and a fourth flat face <NUM> that form a bottom included angle <NUM> with each other that may match the obtuse included angle <NUM>.

The bottom and rear regions of a tool bit using such inserts <NUM>, <NUM> may have faceted features that allow the included angle of the front region to extend from the top of the front region about the bottom of the tool bit up to the top portion of the rear region of the tool bit. For examples, see <FIG> and <FIG>.

Various embodiments of a tool bit that allows greater versatility of its orientation with respect to the centerline of an adapter board will now be discussed. For brevity, only specific embodiments of the tool bits shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the same features are present and the same description applies to the embodiments shown in the tool bits of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, etc..

Looking at <FIG>, and <FIG>, a tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for use with a blade assembly <NUM> of a grading machine <NUM> as just mentioned is shown. The tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L and a perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. A pair of parallel flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on the perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may define a cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a cross-hole axis A5014, A6014, A7014 along which the cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extends through the flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> perpendicularly. The tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also include a working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a rear region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a width W5005, W6005, W7005 with a midpoint MW5005, MW6005, MW7005, a first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The cross-hole axis A5014, A6014, A7014 may pass through the width W5005, W6005, W7005 of the front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the angle of extension γ forms a wider front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> than the rear region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The angle of extension γ may range from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R, and the rear region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at least partially forms a right angle RA with the radial direction in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having a cylindrical configuration defining a cylindrical axis L5014, L6014, L7014 passing perpendicularly through the longitudinal axis L of the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cross-hole axis A5014, A6014, A7014 passes through the midpoint MW5005, MW6005, MW7005 of the width W5005, W6005, W7005 of the front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. These features may be differently configured or omitted in other embodiments.

For the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>, the front working region <NUM>, <NUM> includes a first angled surface <NUM>, <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM>, <NUM> forming a first included angle e1 with the first angled surface <NUM>, <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. For the tool bit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> further comprises a third angled surface <NUM> forming a first external angle α1 with the second angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The front working region <NUM> further comprises a fourth angled surface <NUM> forming a second included angle e2 with the third angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

For the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> thru <NUM>, the first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first drafted side surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> configured to improve penetration of the tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or reduce drag in use. Also, the rear region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may form a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis measured L in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may form a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may form a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and the front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may form a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L measured in a plane containing the radial direction R and the longitudinal axis L, ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

For the tool bit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the working portion <NUM> includes at least a first arcuate surface <NUM> disposed longitudinally adjacent the shank portion <NUM>, the at least first arcuate surface <NUM> defining a radius of curvature ROC that is equal to or greater than the half of the width W of the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter board <NUM>. Returning to <FIG> and <FIG>, and the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter board <NUM> may define a plurality of cylindrical thru-bores <NUM> and the shank portion <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> includes a cylindrical configuration defining a circumferential direction C and a radial direction R. The shank portion <NUM> is configured to fit within one of the plurality of cylindrical thru-bores <NUM> and the cross-hole <NUM> may have a cylindrical configuration defining a cylindrical axis L7014 passing perpendicularly through the longitudinal axis L of the shank portion <NUM>. The cross-hole axis A7014 passes through the midpoint MW7005 of the width W7005 of the front working region <NUM> when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

Still Referring to <FIG>, the working portion <NUM> includes a second arcuate surface <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM> circumferentially on one side of the first arcuate surface <NUM> and a third arcuate surface <NUM> disposed adjacent the first arcuate surface <NUM> on the other side of the first arcuate surface <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, the front working region <NUM> includes a first angled surface <NUM> and a second angled surface <NUM> forming a first included angle e1 with the first angled surface <NUM> projected along the longitudinal axis L onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

The first arcuate surface <NUM>, the second arcuate surface <NUM> or third arcuate surface <NUM> may define a radius of curvature ROC as previously described herein. The tool bit <NUM> may further comprise a rear face <NUM>, a first side region <NUM> extending from the second arcuate surface <NUM> to the rear region <NUM>, and a second side region <NUM> extending from the third arcuate surface <NUM> to the rear region <NUM>. The tool bit <NUM> may further comprise a fourth arcuate surface <NUM> extending circumferentially from the third arcuate surface <NUM>.

For the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> thru <NUM>, each tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a first draft angle β1 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a second draft angle β2 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, the second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a third draft angle β3 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and (see <FIG>) the first arcuate surface <NUM>, the second arcuate surface <NUM> and third arcuate surface <NUM> define a fourth draft angle β4 with the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

Now, an embodiment of a blade assembly <NUM> that may use tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having a greater versatility of orientations relative the centerline CL of the adapter board will be discussed with reference to <FIG>. A blade assembly <NUM> for use with a grading machine <NUM> may comprise an adapter board <NUM> defining an upper adapter board attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in an upper adapter board free end <NUM>, and a lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in a lower adapter board free end <NUM>, the lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM> defining a width W.

A plurality of tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g. see <FIG> and <FIG>) may be configured to be attached to the adapter board <NUM>, each tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a longitudinal axis L and a perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a pair of parallel flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on the perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a cross-hole axis A5014, A6014, A7014 (best seen in <FIG>, and <FIG>), extending through the flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> perpendicularly. The working portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a rear region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defining a width W5005, W6005, W7005 with a midpoint MW5005, MW6005, MW7005, a first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The first side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the second side region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may define an angle of extension γ measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The cross-hole axis A5014, A6014, A7014 may pass through the width W5005, W6005, W7005 of the front working region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

For the tool bit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the tool bit <NUM> may comprise a first arcuate surface <NUM> defining a radius of curvature ROC in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. Additional arcuate surfaces may be provided. This radius of curvature ROC may allow the tool bit <NUM> to be better supported in a plurality of orientations relative to the CL of the adapter board <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Focusing on <FIG>, an orientation plate <NUM> may also be provided that defines a plurality of apertures <NUM>, each aperture <NUM> having an orientation flat <NUM> configured to contact a flat surface <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> of tool bit <NUM>. It is to be understood that any of the tool bits discussed herein may be used with the blade assembly <NUM> or blade assembly <NUM>.

More specifically, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an orientation plate <NUM> configured to orient a tool bit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the centerline CL of an adapter board <NUM> may be described as follows. The orientation plate <NUM> may comprise a rectangular body <NUM> defining a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a front surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM>, a first end surface <NUM>, a second end surface <NUM>, and a thickness <NUM> that is the minimum dimension of the body <NUM>.

A plurality of apertures <NUM> may extend through the thickness <NUM> of the body <NUM>, each aperture <NUM> defining a perimeter <NUM> having at least one orientation flat <NUM>. In the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the plurality of apertures <NUM> are similarly configured, having two orientation flats <NUM> parallel to each other and two circular portions <NUM> connecting the two orientation flats <NUM>. The two orientation flats <NUM> of each perimeter <NUM> of each aperture <NUM> may be similarly configured such that all the orientation flats <NUM> are parallel to each other. In many embodiments, the plurality of apertures <NUM> are identically configured. The thickness <NUM> of the plate <NUM> may defines a midplane MP and the plate <NUM> may be symmetrical about the midplane MP.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, mounting hardware <NUM> may be used to hold the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in place. The mounting hardware <NUM> may include the orientation plate <NUM> and a lynch pin <NUM> with a pull ring <NUM>. The user simply needs to install the lynch pin <NUM> into the cross-hole <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM> to hold the tool bit <NUM> in place (e.g. see <FIG>). Pulling on the pull ring <NUM> removes the lynch pin <NUM> from the cross-hole <NUM>, allowing removal of the tool bit <NUM>.

The relative dimensions of the shaft portion may enable any tool bit discussed herein to mate as desired with the mounting hardware <NUM> in order to attach the tool bit to the adapter board, allowing interchangeability. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the axial length AL7002 (measured along the longitudinal axis L) of the shank portion <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. The axial length AL7012 (measured along the longitudinal axis L) of the flats <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. The axial positioning (AD7012) of the flats <NUM> to the working portion <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. The diameter D7002 of the shaft portion <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>. The shaft portion of any tool bit discussed herein may be similarly or identically configured as other shaft portions to facilitate the interchangeability of the tool bits with the adapter board.

Various embodiments of a serrated blade assembly using differently configured components to form the serrated configuration as well as a wear member that may be used in such a serrated assembly will now be discussed. For brevity, only specific embodiments of the tool bit shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown of the tool bits of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, etc. may be used instead in other embodiments of the serrated blade assembly.

A blade assembly (such as a serrated blade assembly) for use with a grading machine is shown in <FIG>. The blade assembly <NUM> may comprise an adapter board <NUM> defining an upper adapter board attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in an upper adapter board free end <NUM>, and a lower tool bit attachment portion <NUM>, terminating in a lower adapter board free end <NUM>, the adapter board <NUM> defining a lateral direction LD and a width W11002 measured along the lateral direction LD, and vertical direction VD perpendicular to the lateral direction LD, a plurality of tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> configured to be attached to the adapter board <NUM><NUM>, each tool bit <NUM>, <NUM> including a working portion <NUM>, <NUM> defining a working length L304, L604 measured along the vertical direction VD (parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis) and a working width W304, W604 measured along the lateral direction LD, and a plurality of wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' configured to be attached to the adapter board <NUM>.

Each wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may include a wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' defining a wear length L11014, L11014' measured along the vertical direction VD and a wear width W11014, W11014' measured along the lateral direction LD. The wear length may be less than the working length. In some embodiments, the wear length L11014, L11014' is at least <NUM>% less than the working length L304, L604 and may be as much as <NUM>% less than the working length L304, L604 or more. The wear portion and the working portion may be differently configured from each other in other ways. For example, the perimeter of the working portion may have more intricate features as compared to the wear portion.

Looking now at <FIG>, the features of the wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may be seen more clearly. The wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may include a rectangular configuration. In other embodiments, the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' includes a square configuration. Looking at <FIG> along with <FIG>, the wear width W11014, W11014' may be the same as the working width W304, W604. This may be useful when the distance from tool bit <NUM>, <NUM> to the wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' is consistent as one progresses along the lateral direction LD of the blade assembly <NUM>. Looking at <FIG>, the wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may include an insert <NUM> (e.g. made from a ceramic material, white iron, wear button) that forms part of the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Focusing now on <FIG>, the working portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the tool bit <NUM>, <NUM> includes angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> or arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG> for an example). In some embodiments, the working portion <NUM> may include both angled surfaces <NUM> and arcuate surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Referring back to <FIG>, once the plurality of tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the adapter board <NUM> and the plurality of wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' are attached to the adapter board <NUM>, the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> and the wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' may form an alternating pattern along the lateral direction LD switching from tool bit to wear member. In some embodiments, the tool bit <NUM>, <NUM> may include an insert <NUM>, <NUM> that forms part of the working portion <NUM>, <NUM> and the plurality of tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> are identically configured to each other. Similarly, the plurality of wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' may be identically configured to each other. Also, the plurality of tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> and the plurality of wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' may include identical shank portions <NUM>, <NUM>, allowing the tool bits <NUM>, <NUM> and the wear members <NUM>, <NUM>' to be attached to the adapter board.

Focusing now on <FIG>, various embodiments of the wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may be characterized as follows. The wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may comprise a shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>' defining a longitudinal axis L11018, L1 <NUM>' and a perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>' a pair of parallel flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' on the perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>' and a cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>' defining a cross-hole axis A11024, A11024' along which the cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>' extends through the flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' perpendicularly, and a wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may include a rectangular configuration and the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may include a cylindrical configuration.

In other embodiments, the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' includes a polygonal configuration other than a rectangular or square configuration. In some embodiments, the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may not have a polygonal configuration, etc. (e.g. circular, polynomial, elliptical).

The wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may define a bottom portion <NUM> and may include an insert <NUM> attached to the bottom portion <NUM>.

In embodiments where a polygonal configuration is provided for the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' of the wear member <NUM>, the polygonal configuration may include a straight surface <NUM>, <NUM> that is parallel to the flat surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>' of the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>'.

A wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be described as follows. The wear member <NUM>, <NUM>' may comprise a shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>' defining a longitudinal axis L11018, L11018' and a perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>', at least one flat surface <NUM>, <NUM>' on the perimeter <NUM>, <NUM>' and a cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>' defining a cross-hole axis A11024, A11024' along which the cross-hole <NUM>, <NUM>' extends through the at least one flat surface <NUM>, <NUM>' perpendicularly, and a wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' extending downwardly axially from the shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>', the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' including a polygonal configuration.

The wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may include a bottom portion <NUM> and a plurality of inserts <NUM> may be attached to the bottom portion <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may define a shank longitudinal length <NUM>, <NUM>' and the wear portion <NUM>, <NUM>' may define a wear portion longitudinal length L11014, L11014' that is less than the shank longitudinal length <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desired or needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown in <FIG> to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and it is to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes when reading the present specification.

In practice, a machine, a blade assembly, a tool bit, a wear member, mounting hardware and/or an orientation plate may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit a machine, a tool bit, a wear member or blade assembly in the field in an aftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, sold or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.

Referring to <FIG>, a blade assembly with a serrated configuration may be provided that may be converted or adjusted by swapping a tool bit or a wear member as needed or desired. Using the wear members may protect the bores of the adapter board from being worn to the point where attaching a tool bit later is made difficult.

For any embodiment of a shank portion discussed herein, any anti-rotation feature may be provided on the shank portion. Such an anti-rotation may include a flat surface that extends to the free end of the shank portion, any asymmetrical feature, or a pair of parallel flat surfaces, etc..

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus as discussed herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments.

Claim 1:
A wear member (<NUM>, <NUM>') for separating tool bits (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to an adapter board (<NUM>) and protecting bores of the adaptor board (<NUM>) from wear, said wear member (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprising:
a shank portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') defining a longitudinal axis (L), a free end and a perimeter (<NUM>, <NUM>'), at least one flat surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') on the perimeter (<NUM>, <NUM>') extending to the free end and a cross-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>') defining a cross-hole axis (A11024, A11024') along which the cross-hole (<NUM>, <NUM>') extends through the at least one flat surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') perpendicularly; and
a wear portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') extending downwardly axially from the shank portion (<NUM>, <NUM>');
characterised in that the wear portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') has a rectangular or square configuration;
the shank portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') includes a cylindrical portion and that the wear portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') includes a straight surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') which is parallel to the flat surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>'); and
the wear portion (<NUM>, <NUM>') includes a bottom portion (<NUM>) and a plurality of inserts (<NUM>, <NUM>') are attached to the bottom portion (<NUM>).