Patent ID: 7278692

Claim:
An improved bit block for mounting on earth displacement equipment and for insertion of a bit, the bit having a shank with a first length, the improved bit block defining a gusset at a leading end, the leading end defining a leading edge, a trailing edge defined on a trailing end, a welding surface defining a welding area and a welding edge defining a length, and a bit receptor body having a bit receptor defined by a through opening having a depth less than the first length of the shank of the bit whereby a second length of a distal end of the shank extends from the through opening, the improvement comprising: a shroud disposed on the trailing end, said shroud having an inner wall and an outer wall, said shroud defining a third length greater than the second length of the shank, said inner wall at least partially encircling the second length of the shank of the bit, whereby the second length of the shank of the bit is received within and protected by said shroud, and whereby said bit block defines an enlarged radius proximate said shroud whereby excavated material is encouraged away from said shroud; and said gusset defining an extended portion extending forwardly away from said bit receptor and beyond the bit, whereby said welding area and said welding edge are each increased, said gusset leading edge and said gusset trailing edge each defining a length greater than a width of said bit receptor body; said gusset further defining a plow, said leading edge being disposed above and forward from the welding edge, a portion of the leading end between the leading edge and the welding edge defining said plow.