Spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging

Abstract

A spring lock mechanism for a ground-engaging tool, or bit. The spring lock mechanism is provided for engaging a bit into a positive engagement with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit block. The spring lock mechanism is configured to be received about the shank of a bit between a support block and a retainer. The spring lock mechanism defines a frustoconical configuration having a selected inside diameter, outside diameter, and uncompressed height. The spring lock mechanism is fabricated from a resilient material to allow it to compress. When compressed, the spring lock mechanism biases the bit into the support block receptor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 132,781, filed May 19, 2005.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of Invention [0004] The present invention pertains to the field of earth working equipment. More particularly, the present invention is related to a spring lock mechanism for reducing axial movement of a ground-engaging tool or bit within a bit holder block. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] In the field of earthworking, various types of equipment are used in various applications. Equipment varies from trenchers using chain excavation lines to rotatable drum equipment used for excavating rock, highly compressed earth, and mining materials. A plurality of ground-engaging tools, or bits, is attached to each of these machines for engaging and penetrating into the material being excavated. [0007] Prior to the use o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The present invention is a spring lock mechanism for an earthworking bit. The spring lock mechanism is provided for engaging an earthworking bit, or bit, into a positive engagement with a bit holder, thereby reducing the failure rate of the bit while also allowing the bit to rotate within the bit block.

[0019] The bit used in association with the present invention includes a body which defines a bit and a shank. The shank is adapted to be received within a receptor defined by a support block. The bit and the support block receptor are cooperatively configured such that when the bit is inserted into the support block receptor, the bit is permitted to rotate within the receptor. When the shank is fully inserted into the receptor, a distal end of the shank is extended from the receptor. The distal end of the shank defines a radial groove adapted to receive a retainer. The radial groove is disposed on the shank distal end such that it is exposed when the shank is fully inserted into the support block receptor. A retainer is received within the radial groove for preventing unselected removal of the bit from the support block.

Problems solved by technology

However, when the retainer is removed, the spring lock mechanism returns to its uncompressed height.

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