RETENTION SYSTEM WITH THREADED BLOCK AND PIN MECHANISM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to earth working machines with ground engaging implements, and, more particularly, to ground engaging implements having a retention system with a threaded block and pin mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Earth-working machines such as, for example, excavators, wheel loaders, hydraulic mining shovels, cable shovels, bucket wheels, bulldozers, and draglines are generally used for digging or ripping into the earth or rock and/or moving loosened work material from one place to another on a worksite. These earth-working machines include various earth-working implements, such as a bucket or a blade, for excavating or moving the work materials. These implements can be subjected to extreme wear from the abrasion and impacts experienced during earth-working applications.

To facilitate the earth-moving process and to prolong the useful life of the implement, a plurality of tip assemblies may be placed along a base edge of the implement and attached to the surface of the implement. The tip assemblies project forward from the base edge as a first point of contact and penetration with work material and reduce the amount of wear on the base edge. With this arrangement, the tip assemblies may be subjected to the wear and breakage caused by repetitive engagement with the work material. Eventually, the tip assemblies must be replaced, but the implement may remain useable through multiple cycles of replacement tip assemblies. Depending on the variety of uses and work materials for the equipment, it may also be desirable to change the type and/or shape of the tip assemblies to most effectively utilize the implement.

Installation and replacement of the tip assemblies may be facilitated by providing the tip assemblies in a two-part system. The system may include an adapter that is attached to the base edge of the implement and a ground engaging tip configured to be attached to the adapter. The adapter and the ground engaging tip may be connected by a retention mechanism. The adapter may be welded, bolted, or otherwise secured to the base edge and the tip may be attached to the adapter and held in place by the retention mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,364,553 (“the '553 patent”) of Christopher D. Snyder issued on Jul. 30, 2019 and discloses a ground engaging tool tip assembly including a base, a wear member, and a lock. The lock includes a retainer and a lock body. The lock body passes through aligned openings in the base, the retainer, and the wear member to engage the retainer and secure the wear member to the base. The lock body and retainer include corresponding fasteners with engaging elements such as lugs and threads.

The '553 patent may provide a ground engaging tool assembly including a base, a wear member, and a lock. The '553 patent, however, requires a lock body that is held in place in the wear member by a nut or retention ring. Providing a lock body and nut or retention ring may require precise manufacturing tolerances that may potentially reduce the sufficiency of the locking mechanism. Additionally, it may be difficult to ensure that the lock body has been tightened to a proper amount to provide maximum support to the ground engaging tool tip assembly of the '553 patent.

This disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and other problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a retention mechanism for connecting a ground engaging tip and an adapter. The retention mechanism may include a retainer block configured for insertion into a cutout in the adapter. The retainer block may include a cavity including an internal thread and at least one detent cutout. The retainer block may also include a retainer block outer surface including a plurality of surfaces configured to engage with corresponding surfaces in the cutout of the adapter. The retention mechanism may include retainer pin configured for insertion in the cavity of the retainer block. The retainer pin may include a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the internal thread in the cavity. The retainer pin may also include an opening extending through the retainer pin along a diameter of the retainer pin. Further, the retainer pin may include a spring assembly disposed in the opening and configured to engage with the at least one detent cutout.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tip sub-assembly. The tip sub-assembly may include a ground engaging tip and a retention mechanism. The ground engaging tip may be configured to be attached to a work implement. The ground engaging tip may include a nose cavity. The nose cavity may define a side wall. The ground engaging tip may also include a transverse hole disposed in the side wall. The retention mechanism may include a retainer block that may include a cavity comprising at least one detent cutout. The retention mechanism may include a retainer pin configured for insertion in the cavity of the retainer block through the transverse hole. Further, the retention mechanism may include an opening extending through the retainer pin. The retention mechanism may also include a spring-loaded dowel disposed in the opening and configured to engage with the at least one detent cutout.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tip assembly. The tip assembly may include an adapter, a ground engaging tip, and a retention mechanism. The adapter may be configured to be attached to a work implement. The adapter may include a nose and a cutout extending into the nose. The ground engaging tip may be configured to be attached to the nose. The ground engaging tip may include a nose cavity configured to receive the nose. The nose cavity may define a side wall. The ground engaging tip may also include a transverse hole disposed in the side wall. The retention mechanism may include a retainer block, a retainer pin, and a spring-loaded dowel. The retainer block may include at least a pair of outer faces disposed generally parallel to each other. Further, the retainer block may include a plurality of angled outer surfaces disposed between the pair of outer faces. The retainer block may also include a cavity including an internal thread and a pair of detent cutouts disposed diametrically opposite to each other. The retainer pin may be configured for insertion in the cavity of the retainer block. The retainer pin may include a retainer pin head and a retainer pin body extending axially from the retainer pin head. The retainer pin body may include a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the internal thread in the cavity. The retainer pin may also include an opening extending through the retainer pin. The spring-loaded dowel may include an annular sleeve, a pair of plungers, and a spring member. The pair of plungers may be slidingly insertable at opposite ends of the annular sleeve. The spring member may be disposed between and connected to the pair of plungers. Each of the pair of plungers may be configured to engage with a respective one of the pair of detent cutouts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary loader bucket having tip assemblies;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary excavator bucket having tip assemblies;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary tip assembly;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a nose of an exemplary adapter of the tip assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the nose of the adapter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a lower isometric view of the nose of the adapter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the nose of the adapter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is another side view of the nose of the adapter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is another side view of the nose of the adapter of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the nose of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of the adapter as shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of an exemplary ground engaging tip with openings;

FIG. 13 is a depiction of an exemplary nose cavity of the ground engaging tip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a depiction of an exemplary opening in the ground engaging tip of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary retainer pin;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the retainer pin of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is another side view of the retainer pin of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer pin of FIG. 15 along line C-C;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer pin of FIG. 18 along line D-D;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the spring assembly illustrated in FIG. 20 along line D-D of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an exemplary retainer block;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the retainer block of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer block of FIG. 22 along line E-E;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer block of FIG. 22 along line F-F;

FIGS. 25-27 depict installation of the tip assembly of the FIG. 3 using the retention mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 28-30 are cross-sectional views of the retention mechanism of FIG. 3, along line H-H of FIG. 27, as the retainer pin of FIG. 15 is being installed within the retainer block of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implement 100 for a bottom-wearing application, such as a loader machine application. The implement 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly that incorporates the features of the present disclosure. The bucket assembly may include bucket 102 which is partially shown in FIG. 1. Bucket 102 may be used on the loader machine to excavate material. The bucket assembly may include a pair of oppositely-disposed arms 104 on which corresponding corner guards 106 may be mounted. Bucket 102 may include a plurality of tip assemblies 110. The bucket assembly may further include a number of edge protector assemblies 109 interposed between tip assemblies 110, with the edge protector assemblies 109 and the tip assemblies 110 being secured along a base edge 108 of the bucket 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary implement 100 for a top wearing application, such as an excavator application. In this example, the implement 100 may have the form of an excavator bucket assembly. The excavator bucket assembly may include a bucket 102 having corner guards 106 on either side. Bucket 102 may include a plurality of tip assemblies 110. The excavator bucket assembly may further include edge protector assemblies 109 interposed between tip assemblies 110, with the edge protector assemblies 109 and the tip assemblies 110 being secured along a base edge 108 of the bucket 102.

Various embodiments of tip assemblies may be implemented in bottom-wearing or top-wearing applications. Although a particular tip assembly or component embodiment may be described with respect to a particular bottom-wearing or top-wearing application, it is to be understood that the tip assemblies are not limited to a particular type of application and may be interchangeable between implements of various applications.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating components of an exemplary tip assembly 110. Tip assembly 110 may be used on multiple types of ground engaging implements that have a base edge, such as base edge 108 (see FIGS. 1-2). Tip assembly 110 may include an adapter 205 configured for attachment to a base edge, such as the base edge 108 of the implement 100, and a tip sub-assembly 112. Tip sub-assembly 112 may include ground engaging tip 210 configured for attachment to the adapter 205 and a retention mechanism 200 for securing the ground engaging tip 210 to the adapter 205. In some exemplary embodiments, tip sub-assembly 112 may be provided to an end user for replacement of a worn or damaged ground engaging tip 210 at a work site. The retention mechanism 200 may comprise a retainer pin 225, a retainer block 230, and a spring assembly 235. Adapter 205 may include a cutout 220 to allow for installation of retainer block 230. Ground engaging tip 210 may include an opening 215, such as a thru hole, to allow for installation of retainer pin 225 into retainer block 230 when ground engaging tip 210 is connected to adapter 205. Once attached to the adapter 205, the ground engaging tip 210 may extend outwardly from a base edge, such as the base edge 108 of the implement 100, for initial engagement with work material.

Adapter 205 may extend from front end 206 to rear end 208 and may include a top strap 240 and a bottom strap 245. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the top strap 240 may be positioned higher than bottom strap 245 relative to a direction of gravity. However, the terms top and bottom should be understood as defining positions relative to each other and are not required to be relative to a direction of gravity. For example, depending on a position of implement 100 on a machine or when detached from a machine, the top strap 240 may be positioned higher or lower than the bottom strap 245 relative to a direction of gravity.

The top strap 240 and bottom strap 245 may define a gap therebetween for receiving the base edge 108 of the implement 100 (see FIGS. 1-2). The top strap 240 may have a bottom surface that may oppose and engage a top surface of the base edge 108. The bottom strap 245 may have a top surface that may oppose and engage a bottom surface of the base edge 108. Adapter 205 may be secured in place on the base edge 108 by attaching top strap 240 and bottom strap 245 to the base edge 108 using any known connection method or mechanism. In one embodiment, top strap 240, bottom strap 245, and base edge 108 may have corresponding apertures through which fasteners such as bolts or rivets may be inserted to hold adapter 205 in place. Alternatively, top strap 240 and bottom strap 245 may be welded to the corresponding top and bottom surfaces of the base edge 108 so that adapter 205 and the base edge 108 do not move relative to each other during use. Adapter 205 may also include a nose 250 that may have a longitudinal axis 251 passing through a center of the nose 250 in a direction from front end 206 to rear end 208 of adapter 205.

FIGS. 4-6 depict various views of the nose 250 of adapter 205 (see FIG. 3) As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, nose 250 of adapter 205 may have a bottom surface 315, a top surface 330, opposing side surfaces 335, a front surface 340, and a rear edge 380. The rear edge 380 may coincide with a plane disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 251 (see FIG. 3) and intersecting with the adapter 205 at a location at which the adapter 205 has its largest cross-sectional area.

The bottom surface 315 may comprise a generally planar front portion 316 disposed proximate to and extending rearwardly from the front surface 340 and a rear portion 317 extending rearwardly (e.g., in a direction from front end 206 towards rear end 208 of FIG. 3) from the front portion 316 toward the rear edge 380 of nose 250. The bottom surface 315 may provide a stable surface to act as a contact area during upload while reducing wear on the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3).

The top surface 330 of nose 250 may be configured to support the ground engaging tip 210 (see FIG. 3) during use of the implement 100 (see FIGS. 1-2) and to facilitate retention of the ground engaging tip 210 on the nose 250 when bearing a load of work material. The top surface 330 may include a plurality of surfaces as explained below.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the nose 250 may include surfaces such as a generally planar front side surface 305 disposed proximate to the front surface 340, a generally planar intermediate side surface 345 extending rearwardly (e.g., in a direction from front end 206 towards rear end 208 of FIG. 3) from the front side surface 305, and a rear side surface 350 extending rearwardly from the intermediate side surface 345 to the rear edge 380 of the nose 250.

The front surface 340 of the nose 250 may be planar as shown in FIGS. 4-6. In other embodiments (not shown) it may include a degree of curvature. As depicted in FIG. 4, front surface 340 may be hexagonally shaped comprising a bottom edge 341, opposing side edges 342 oriented at about 90° with respect to the bottom edge 341, a top horizontal edge 343 oriented about parallel to the bottom edge 341, and opposing top sloping edges 344 connecting the top horizontal edge 343 to the side edges 342. It is contemplated, however, that front surface may have a triangular, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or any other shape.

As depicted in FIG. 6, nose 250 may also include a bottom rib 320 of the bottom surface 315. The bottom rib 320 of the bottom surface 315 may comprise a generally planar front rib portion 321 inclined downwardly relative to the bottom surface 315 and a generally planar rear rib portion 322 inclined downwardly (e.g., in a direction from top surface 330 towards bottom surface 315) relative to the front rib portion 321, between opposing rib side surfaces. The bottom rib 320 provides increased stability during side loading and increased wedging during push-on loading.

The side surfaces 335 of nose 250 may be generally planar and extend between the bottom surface 315 and the top surface 330. As depicted in FIG. 5, the side surfaces 335 may comprise a generally planar front side surface 331 disposed proximate to the front surface 340, a generally planar intermediate side surface 332 extending rearwardly from the front side surface 331, and a rear side surface 333 extending rearwardly from the intermediate side surface 332 to the rear edge 380 of the nose 250.

Side surfaces 335 may include a cutout 220. Cutout 220 may be designed to receive retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3). Cutout 220 may include surfaces designed to increase surface area contact between retainer block 230 and nose 250. By increasing surface area contact between the retainer block 230 and nose 250, the load applied when the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3) is in use may be distributed throughout the tip assembly 110. This may create a tight and stable connection between the adapter 205 and ground engaging tip 210, which may reduce wear on the tip assembly 110 throughout its use. (see FIG. 3). In some embodiments, each of side surfaces 335 may have a cutout 220 for installation of a retention mechanism 200. In other embodiments, only one of side surfaces 335 may have a cutout 220 for installation of the retention mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) may function with the retention mechanism 200 for maintaining the connection between the ground engaging tip 210 and the adapter 205. (see FIG. 3). Cutout 220 may have a complementary configuration to the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3) such that the retainer block 230 may be installed in cutout 220 on one of the side surfaces 335. Cutout 220 may comprise a cutout height CH, cutout width CW, and cutout depth CD, as depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Cutout width CW may be equal to cutout height CH or up to two times cutout height CH. Additionally, cutout width CW may range between ten percent of nose length NL and fifty percent of nose length NL. Cutout depth CD may range between ten percent of rear nose width RNW up to 100 percent of the rear nose width RNW.

Cutout 220 may comprise outer angled surfaces 390, inner side surfaces 391, inner rounded surfaces 392, and base surface 222, as depicted in FIG. 5. Referring to outer angled surfaces 390, these surfaces may provide an angled connection (such as a bevel) between side surface 335 and inner side surfaces 391 of cutout 220. Outer angled surfaces 390 may extend around an outer perimeter of inner side surfaces 391 of cutout 220. Outer angled surfaces 390 may further comprise a partially or fully rounded connection between the inner side surfaces 391 and side surface 335.

Cutout 220 may further comprise inner side surfaces 391, as depicted in FIG. 4. Inner side surfaces 391 may provide surface area contact between cutout 220 and the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3). Inner side surfaces 391 may be located between outer angled surfaces 390 and inner rounded surfaces 392. Inner side surfaces 391 may define a perimeter of cutout 220 into which retainer block 230 may be inserted.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the nose 250 of the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). As depicted in FIG. 7, the inner side surfaces 391 (see FIG. 4) may comprise front surface 360, front upper surface 362, upper surface 364, rear upper surface 366, rear surface 368, rear lower surface 370, lower surface 372, and front lower surface 374. The inner side surfaces 391 may further comprise transition side surfaces 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, and 375.

As depicted in FIG. 7, the inner side surfaces 391 (see FIG. 4) may include a front surface 360. Front surface 360 may correspond to rear surface 712 of the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 21). Front surface 360 may extend between transition side surface 361 and transition side surface 375. Front surface 360 may be planar and parallel to front surface 340. The tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3) may experience peak loading forces in a direction towards front surface 340 and perpendicular to front surface 360. Therefore, front surface 360 may have relatively more surface area than other side surfaces. The increased surface area may allow the load applied to the tip assembly 110 to be distributed throughout tip assembly 110, which may reduce the wear on the tip assembly 110 during use. Front upper surface 362 may extend between transition side surface 361 and transition side surface 363. Front upper surface 362 may be parallel to rear side-sloping surface 385. Upper surface 364 may extend between transition side surface 363 and transition side surface 365. Rear upper surface 366 may extend between transition side surface 365 and transition side surface 367.

Rear surface 368 may extend between transition side surface 367 and transition side surface 369. Rear surface 368 may be planar and parallel to rear edge 380. The tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3) may experience high loading forces in a direction towards the rear edge 380 and perpendicular to rear surface 368. The cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) may be located on side surface 335 of nose 250 to provide significant distance between rear surface 368 and rear edge 380 of nose 250. In particular, the distance between rear surface 368 and rear edge 380 of nose 250 may be more than one-half the overall width (measured from front surface 360 to rear surface 368) of cutout 220. By maximizing the surface area of side surface 335 between rear surface 368 and rear edge 380, the loads applied in a direction toward rear edge 380 may be distributed throughout the rear area of nose 250. This distribution may allow for consistent loading throughout the tip assembly 110 and may reduce wear on the tip assembly 110 during use. Rear lower surface 370 may extend between transition side surface 369 and transition side surface 371. Lower surface 372 may extend between transition side surface 371 and transition side surface 373. Front lower surface 374 may extend between transition side surface 373 and transition side surface 375.

FIG. 8 depicts another side view of the nose 250 of the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). As depicted in FIG. 8, the inner side surfaces 391 (see FIG. 4) may further comprise transition side surfaces 361, 367, 369, and 375. Front surface 360 may be connected to front upper surface 362 by transition side surface 361. As depicted in FIG. 8, transition side surface 361 may connect front surface 360 and front upper surface 362 at an angle α relative to each other. Angle α may range between 95° and 135°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, angle α may be 110°. Rear upper surface 366 may be connected to rear surface 368 by transition side surface 367. As depicted in FIG. 8, transition side surface 367 may connect rear upper surface 366 and rear surface 368 at an angle δ relative to each other. Angle δ may range between 120° and 150°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, angle δ may be 135°. Rear surface 368 may be connected to rear lower surface 370 by transition side surface 369. As depicted in FIG. 8, transition side surface 369 may connect rear surface 368 and rear lower surface 370 at an angle δ relative to each other. Angle δ may range between 120° and 150°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, angle δ may be 135°. Front lower surface 374 may be connected to front surface 360 by transition side surface 375. As depicted in FIG. 8, transition side surface 375 may connect front lower surface 374 and front surface 360 at an angle θ relative to each other. Angle θ may range between 95° and 135°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, angle θ may be 110°. In some exemplary embodiments, angle α may be equal to angle θ, and angle δ may be equal to angle ϵ.

Cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) may further comprise inner rounded surfaces 392, as depicted in FIG. 4. Inner rounded surfaces 392 may provide additional surface area contact between cutout 220 and the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3), thereby distributing forces throughout the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3) and reducing wear on the tip assembly 110 during use of the implement 100 (see FIGS. 1-2). Inner rounded surfaces 392 may provide a transition between the base surface 222 (see FIG. 5) and inner side surfaces 391. Inner rounded surfaces 392 may define an inner perimeter of cutout 220 around the base surface 222.

FIG. 9 depicts another side view of the nose 250 of the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). As depicted in FIG. 9, the inner rounded surfaces 392 (see FIG. 4) may comprise front rounded surface 460, front upper rounded surface 462, upper rounded surface 464, rear upper rounded surface 466, rear rounded surface 468, rear lower rounded surface 470, lower rounded surface 472, and front lower rounded surface 474. The inner rounded surfaces 392 may further comprise transition rounded surfaces 461, 463, 465, 467, 469, 471, 473, and 475.

Cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) may further comprise base surface 222, as depicted in FIG. 5. Base surface 222 may comprise a planar surface recessed within cutout 220 for contact with the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3). Base surface 222 may provide additional surface area contact between cutout 220 and the retainer block 230 to distribute forces throughout the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3). Base surface 222 may be recessed within side surface 335 of nose 250 at cutout depth CD. Base surface 222 may be defined by the perimeter of the inner rounded surfaces 392 (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line A-A (see FIG. 9) of the nose 250. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view along line B-B (see FIG. 3) of the adapter 205. Cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) may extend into nose 250 from side surface 335 (see FIG. 4) of nose 250 to cutout base 224. In one exemplary embodiment, cutout base 224 may be generally parallel to side surface 335 and perpendicular to upper surface 364 and lower surface 372 (see FIG. 10) and to front surface 360 and rear surface 368 (see FIG. 11). Cutout 220 may further comprise an upper draft angle UDA, lower draft angle LDA, rear draft angle RDA, and forward draft angle FDA as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. Upper draft angle UDA may be an angle defined by upper surface 364 and cutout base 222 (see FIG. 10), lower draft angle LDA may be an angle defined by lower surface 372 and cutout base 222 (see FIG. 10), rear draft angle RDA may be an angle defined by rear surface 368 and cutout base 222 (see FIG. 11), and forward draft angle FDA may be an angle defined by front surface 360 and cutout base 222 (see FIG. 11). Upper draft angle UDA and lower draft angle LDA may comprise angles ranging between 90° and 110°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 10, upper draft angle UDA and lower draft angle LDA may each comprise an angle of 91°. Rear draft angle RDA and forward draft angle FDA may comprise angles ranging between 90° and 110°. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, rear draft angle RDA and forward draft angle FDA may each comprise an angle of 91°. While FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 depict upper draft angle UDA, lower draft angle LDA, rear draft angle RDA, and forward draft angle FDA, each of inner side surfaces 391 (see FIG. 4) may also comprise similar draft angles.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the ground engaging tip 210 with opening 215 for installation of the retainer pin 225 (see FIG. 3) into the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3). The ground engaging tip 210 may be generally wedge-shaped and have a rear edge 420. The tip may have a top outer surface 425 extending forward from a top of the rear edge 420, and a bottom outer surface 430 extending forward from a bottom of the rear edge 420 of ground engaging tip 210. The top outer surface 425 may be angled downwardly, and the bottom outer surface 430 may be angled upwardly relative to the rear edge 420 such that the top outer surface 425 and the bottom outer surface 430 converge at a front edge at the front of the ground engaging tip 210. The ground engaging tip 210 may also include lateral outer surfaces 435 extending between the top outer surface 425 and the bottom outer surface 430 on either side of ground engaging tip 210.

As depicted in FIG. 12, lateral outer surfaces 435 of ground engaging tip 210 may include openings 215 for receiving the retainer pin 225 (see FIG. 3) when ground engaging tip 210 is installed on the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). Opening 215 may be a thru-hole through the lateral outer surfaces 435 of ground engaging tip 210. Ground engaging tip 210 may contain an opening 215 on both sides, as depicted in FIG. 12. In other embodiments, ground engaging tip 210 may contain one opening 215 on either the right lateral outer surface 435 or the left lateral outer surface 435 of ground engaging tip 210. Opening 215 may comprise an opening depth OD and diameter D. Opening depth OD may be the same depth as ground engaging tip thickness T or up to three times the depth of ground engaging tip thickness T. In one exemplary embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 12, opening depth OD may be twice the depth of ground engaging tip thickness T. Diameter D of opening 215 may range between 40 percent to 100 percent of height H, as depicted in FIG. 13. In one exemplary embodiment as depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, diameter D of opening 215 may be sixty percent of height H.

As depicted in FIG. 13, ground engaging tip 210 may be configured to be received onto the nose 250 (see FIG. 4). A nose cavity 440 may be defined within the ground engaging tip 210. The nose cavity 440 may have a complimentary configuration to receive the nose 250, and may define side walls 442 and 444. Nose cavity 440 may include a bottom inner surface 445, a top inner surface 447, a pair of opposing side inner surfaces 449, and a front inner surface 450.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary opening 215 in the ground engaging tip 210. As depicted in FIG. 14, lateral outer surfaces 435 of ground engaging tip 210 may include the opening 215 for receiving the retainer pin 225 (see FIG. 3) when ground engaging tip 210 is installed on the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). Opening 215 may be pre-seated to provide good contact with the retainer pin 225 while the retainer pin 225 is installed through opening 215 into the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3). By increasing surface area contact between the retainer pin 225 and opening 215, loads applied to the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3) may be distributed between the retainer pin 225 and opening 215 of ground engaging tip 210. Opening 215 may also include drafted surface area 405 around the circumference of opening 215. Drafted surface area 405 may reduce surface contact during removal of the retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230.

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate a retainer pin 225 for use in the retention mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3) for maintaining a connection between the ground engaging tip 210 and the adapter 205. (See FIG. 3). FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an exemplary retainer pin 225 and FIG. 16 illustrates a top plan view of the retainer pin 225. As illustrated in FIG. 15, retainer pin 225 may include retainer pin head 502 and retainer pin body 504. Retainer pin 225 may extend from retainer pin first end 506 to retainer pin second end 508. Retainer pin head 502 may extend from retainer pin first end 506 towards retainer pin second end 508. Retainer pin body 504 may extend from retainer pin head 502 to retainer pin second end 508. A height H₁ of retainer pin head 502 may be generally smaller than a height H₂ of retainer pin body 504.

Retainer pin head 502 may have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter OD₁. As illustrated in FIG. 16, retainer pin head 502 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, retainer pin head 502 may have other shapes, for example, cuboidal, ellipsoid, or any other shape. Retainer pin head 502 may include a pocket 512.

As further illustrated in FIG. 15, retainer pin body 504 may have a generally cylindrical shape with outer surface 516 having an outer diameter OD₂, which may be equal to or smaller than outer diameter OD₁ of retainer pin head 502. Retainer pin body 504 may include a female thread 510. Retainer pin body 504 may have a thread surface 517 that may have a diameter TD smaller than OD₂. Thread surface 517 of retainer pin body 504 may include a chamfered bottom surface 514 adjacent retainer pin second end 508. In some exemplary embodiments, outer surface 516 of retainer pin body 504 may be tapered with an outer diameter of outer surface 516 decreasing in the direction from retainer pin head 502 towards retainer pin second end 508. Chamfered bottom surface 514 may be angled inwardly as it extends downward. Chamfered bottom surface 514 may aid in the installation of retainer pin 225 within the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 3).

As also illustrated in FIG. 15, retainer pin body 504 may include opening 518 that may be positioned adjacent to retainer pin second end 508 and may be configured to receive spring assembly 235. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a distance of opening 518 from retainer pin head 502 may be substantially larger than a distance of opening 518 from retainer pin second end 508. FIG. 17 illustrates another side view of retainer pin 225 looking at retainer pin 225 from a direction perpendicular to opening 518 and spring assembly 235. As illustrated in FIG. 17, opening 518 may extend through retainer pin body 504 along a diameter of retainer pin body 504. Spring assembly 235 may extend within opening 518 and opposite ends of spring assembly 235 may project outwards from opening 518 in retainer pin body 504.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retainer pin 225 along line C-C of FIG. 15. As illustrated in FIG. 18, retainer pin body 504 of retainer pin 225 may comprise an inner thread diameter TD corresponding to a diameter of female thread 510 and a block diameter BD corresponding to a diameter OD₂ of outer surface 516 of retainer pin body 504. In some embodiments, block diameter BD may be at least seventy-five percent of outer diameter OD₁ of retainer pin head 502, but not greater than outer diameter OD₁. In some exemplary embodiments as depicted in FIG. 18, outer diameter OD₁ of retainer pin head 502 may be about equal to block diameter BD of retainer pin body 504. In some exemplary embodiments, thread diameter TD may be between fifty percent of outer diameter OD₁ and ninety percent of outer diameter OD₁. In one exemplary embodiment as depicted in FIG. 18, thread diameter TD may be seventy-five percent of outer diameter OD₁.

Thread 510 may be of a size and spacing such that female thread 510 may engage with male internal thread 740 of the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 23). For example, female thread 510 may comprise a thread wrap angle TWA, that may represent an angle on a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of retainer pin 225 between radial lines connecting the ends of female thread 510. In some embodiments, thread wrap angle TWA may comprise a wrap angle ranging between 90° to 540°. In one exemplary embodiment, thread wrap angle TWA may comprise a wrap angle of 360°. When retainer pin 225 is installed in the retainer block 230, female thread 510 may interact with the male internal thread 740 of the retainer block 230 to prevent linear movement of retainer pin 225 within the retainer block 230. Additionally, because female thread 510 may have a thread wrap angle TWA between 90° and 540°, retainer pin 225 may be more easily removed from the retainer block 230. For example, dirt and debris may become wedged between the male internal thread 740 of the retainer block 230 and female thread 510 of retainer pin 225 which may cause increased friction force when removing retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230. The use of one female thread 510 with a thread wrap angle TWA between 90° and 540° may decrease the amount of dirt and debris that may enter the retainer block 230, thereby decreasing the friction force caused by such dirt and debris when removing retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230.

As also depicted in FIG. 18, pocket 512 may be a blind cavity that may extend into retainer pin head 502 from retainer pin first end 506 to pocket base 520 towards retainer pin second end 508. Pocket 512 may include side walls 522 extending from retainer pin first end 506 to pocket base 520. In one embodiment side walls 522 may be disposed generally perpendicular to pocket base 520. As depicted in FIG. 16, side walls 522 may define a generally square cavity for pocket 512. Pocket 512 may allow for rotation of retainer pin 225 using tools including, but not limited to, a flat head screwdriver, square drive, prybar, or any other tool suitable for rotating retainer pin 225. Pocket 512 may be of a size and shape to accept such tools, such that retainer pin 225 may be rotated into and out of the retainer block 230 (see FIG. 20). The square shape of pocket 512 may increase the case with which an end user may remove retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230. For example, dirt and debris may become stuck in the retention mechanism 200 during use of the tip assembly 110. (See FIG. 3). Because pocket 512 is square in shape, an impact hammer tool may be used to cut through dirt and debris stuck in the retention mechanism 200 and connect to square pocket 512 to remove retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230. This may increase safety for an end user when disassembling the tip assembly 110 because the end user does not need specific tools to remove the retainer pin 225 from the retainer block 230 despite the dirt and debris that may be stuck in the retention mechanism 200.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retainer pin 225 along line D-D (see FIG. 17). As illustrated in FIG. 19, opening 518 may extend through thread diameter TD of retainer pin body 504. A longitudinal axis 524 of symmetry of opening 518 may be disposed at an acute angle relative to an axis 526 defining diameter BD (or OD2) of outer surface 516 of retainer pin body 504. As also illustrated in FIG. 19, spring assembly 235 may be disposed in opening 518. Spring assembly 235 may be in the form of a spring-loaded dowel that may include sleeve 602, a pair of plungers 604, 606, and a spring member 608. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 29, sleeve 602 may be an annular cylindrical structure that may have an outer surface 610 that may slidingly engage with inner surface 612 of opening 518.

FIG. 20 illustrates a magnified view of the cross-section of spring assembly 235 of FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 20, sleeve 602 may extend from first end 614 to second end 616 along longitudinal axis 524. A length of sleeve 602 between first end 614 and second end 616 may be about equal to or smaller than thread diameter TD of retainer pin body 504. Sleeve 602 may have a generally tubular shape with an outer surface 610 and a sleeve opening 618 extending from first end 614 to second end 616 and having an inner surface 620. In some exemplary embodiments, outer surface 610 and inner surface 620 may have a cylindrical shape. In other exemplary embodiments, outer surface 610 and inner surface 620 may have non-cylindrical shapes. In some exemplary embodiments, sleeve 602 may include an overmolded tube of rubber, plastic, or elastomeric material. In other exemplary embodiments, sleeve 602 may be made of metal.

Spring member 608 may be slidingly received in sleeve 602 such that an outer surface 622 of spring member 608 may slidingly engage with inner surface 620 of sleeve 602. A length of spring member 608 may be about equal to or smaller than a length of sleeve 602. In some embodiments, spring member 608 may take the form of a helical or coil spring, disk spring, flat spring, machined spring, molded spring, or any other type of structural member configured to exert an outward force along a length of the spring member when compressed along the length of the spring member.

As further illustrated in FIG. 20, plunger 604 may be slidingly received in sleeve 602 adjacent first end 614 of sleeve 602, and plunger 606 may be slidingly received in sleeve 602 adjacent to second end 616 of sleeve 602. Plunger 604 may include plunger base 630 and plunger head 632 extending from plunger base 630. Plunger base 630 of plunger 604 may include a bottom surface 634 that may be in contact with and may be connected to spring member 608 adjacent to first end 614. In some exemplary embodiments, bottom surface 634 may be generally flat and may be disposed generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 524. Plunger base 630 of plunger 604 may extend outwards from sleeve 602 adjacent to first end 614.

Plunger head 632 may extend from plunger base 630 in a direction from second end 616 towards first end 614. Plunger head 632 may include leading inclined face 640, trailing inclined face 642, and end face 644. Leading inclined face 640 and trailing inclined face 642 may both be generally flat surfaces that may be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 524 such that faces 640 and 642 converge towards each other. End face 644 may extend from leading inclined face 640 to trailing inclined face 642. In some embodiments, end face 644 may be disposed perpendicular to longitudinal axis 524, whereas in other embodiments, end face 644 may also be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 524. As illustrated in FIG. 20, leading inclined face 640 may form an obtuse angle relative to longitudinal axis 524 as measured in a counterclockwise direction from longitudinal axis 524. As also illustrated in FIG. 20, trailing inclined face 642 may form an acute angle relative to longitudinal axis 524 as measured in a counterclockwise direction from longitudinal axis 524. As further illustrated in FIG. 20, in some embodiments, an angle between leading inclined face 640 and longitudinal axis 524 as measured in a clockwise direction from longitudinal axis 524 may be larger than the acute angle formed by trailing inclined face 642 relative to longitudinal axis 524.

As further illustrated in FIG. 20, Plunger 606 may include plunger base 650 and plunger head 652 extending from plunger base 650. Plunger base 650 of plunger 606 may include a bottom surface 654 that may be in contact with and may be connected to spring member 608 adjacent to second end 616. In some exemplary embodiments, bottom surface 654 may be generally flat and may be disposed generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 524. Plunger base 650 of plunger 606 may extend outwards from sleeve 602 adjacent to second end 616.

Plunger head 652 may extend from plunger base 650 in a direction from first end 614 towards second end 616. Plunger head 652 may include leading inclined face 660, trailing inclined face 662, and end face 664. Leading inclined face 660 and trailing inclined face 662 may both be generally flat surfaces that may be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 524 such that faces 660 and 662 converge towards each other. End face 664 may extend from leading inclined face 660 to trailing inclined face 662. In some embodiments, end face 664 may be disposed perpendicular to longitudinal axis 524, whereas in other embodiments, end face 664 may also be inclined relative to longitudinal axis 524. As illustrated in FIG. 20, leading inclined face 660 of plunger 606 may be disposed generally parallel to leading inclined face 640 of plunger 604. Similarly, trailing inclined face 662 of plunger 606 may be disposed generally parallel to trailing inclined face 642 of plunger 604. Further, end face 664 of plunger 606 may be disposed generally parallel to end face 644 of plunger 604.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a retainer block 230 for use in the retention mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3) for maintaining a connection between the ground engaging tip 210 and the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary retainer block 230. As depicted in FIG. 21, retainer block 230 may extend from front surface 710 to rear surface 712. Front surface 710 and rear surface 712 of retainer block 230 may be disposed generally parallel to each other. Retainer block 230 may include cavity 706 extending from front surface 710 to rear surface 712.

Retainer block 230 may also have an outer surface 708. Outer surface 708 may define a front surface 710 and rear surface 712 disposed spaced apart from and generally parallel to each other. Outer surface 708 may also define side surfaces 714, 716 that may be disposed spaced apart from and generally parallel to each other. Side surfaces 714 and 716 may also be disposed generally perpendicular to front surface 710 and rear surface 712. Outer surface 708 may include inclined surface 722 extending between rear surface 712 and side surface 714, inclined surface 724 extending between side surface 714 and front surface 710, inclined surface 726 extending between rear surface 712 and side surface 716, and inclined surface 728 extending between side surface 716 and front surface 710. Inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 may be inclined relative to front and rear surfaces 710 and 712 and relative to side surfaces 714 and 716.

Each of surfaces 710, 712, 714, 716, 722, 724, 726, and 728 may be connected to and may extend from front face 702 to rear face 704 of retainer block 230. Surfaces 710, 712, 714, 716, 722, 724, 726, and 728 may slidingly engage and contact one or more inner side surfaces 391 (see FIG. 3) of cutout 220 (see FIG. 3) of nose 250 (see FIG. 3) when retainer block 230 is inserted into cutout 220. For example, front surface 710 of retainer block 230 may contact front surface 360 (see FIG. 7) of cutout 220 in nose 250, rear surface 712 of retainer block 230 may contact rear surface 368 (see FIG. 7) of cutout 220 in nose 250. Similarly side surfaces 714 and 716 of retainer block 230 may contact lower surface 372 and upper surface 364 (see FIG. 7), respectively, of cutout 220 in nose 250. Further, inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 of retainer block 230 may contact front lower surface 374, rear lower surface 370, front upper surface 362 and rear upper surface 366 (see FIG. 7), respectively, of cutout 220 in nose 250. The increased surface area contact between surfaces 710, 712, 714, 716, 722, 724, 726, and 728 of retainer block 230 and the inner side surface 391 of the cutout 220 in nose 250 may allow for distribution of loads throughout the tip assembly 110, thus reducing the wear on both retainer block 230 and the adapter 205.

Inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 of retainer block 230 may distribute multi-directional loading forces throughout the adapter 205 (see FIG. 3) and retainer block 230. Inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 may be of such a size, angle, and length to maximize available surface area on the inner side surface 391 of the adapter 205. For example, inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 may correspond to the inner side surfaces 391 and the inner rounded surfaces 392 of the cutout 220. (See FIG. 4). Increasing surface area contact between inclined surfaces 722, 724, 726, and 728 and the cutout 220 may distribute loading forces throughout the tip assembly 110 which may reduce wear and damage to retainer block 230, the adapter 205, and the ground engaging tip 210. (See FIG. 3).

FIG. 22 illustrates an elevation view of retainer block 230 from a direction generally perpendicular to side surface 714. As illustrated in FIG. 21, each of side surface 714 and inclined surfaces 722 and 724 may include curved portions 730 adjacent to rear face 704 of retainer block 230. Front surface 710, rear surface 712, side surface 716, and inclined surfaces 726, 728 not shown in FIG. 21 may also include similar curved portions 730. Curved portions 730 may allow for case of insertion of retainer block 230 into cutout 220 (see FIG. 3).

FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retainer block 230 along line E-E as shown in FIG. 22. As depicted in FIG. 23, retainer block 230 may comprise male internal thread 740 located within cavity 706. Adjacently located portions of male internal thread 740 may be separated by depression 742 extending radially outwards from inner surface 752 of cavity 706. Male internal thread 740 of retainer block 230 may correspond to female thread 510 of the retainer pin 225 (see FIG. 15). During installation, the retainer pin 225 may be rotated into retainer block 230 and male internal thread 740 of retainer block 230 may engage with female thread 510 of the retainer pin 225. Male internal thread 740 may prevent linear movement of the retainer pin 225 out of or into retainer block 230 during operation. Additionally, the use of male internal thread 740 may minimize the amount of dirt and debris that may enter retainer block 230 during use of the tip assembly 110 (see FIG. 3). Minimizing the dirt and debris between male internal thread 740 and the female thread 510 may reduce friction forces when an end user removes the retainer pin 225 from retainer block 230.

As also illustrated in FIG. 23, retainer block 230 may include a detent cutout 750 located nearer to rear face 704 as compared to front face 702. Detent cutout 750 may be located on inner surface 752 of cavity 706. FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retainer block 230 along line F-F depicted in FIG. 22 passing through detent cutout 750. As illustrated in FIG. 24, retainer block 230 may include a pair of detent cutouts 750 and 754 disposed diametrically opposite to each other.

Detent cutout 750 may be a depression extending from inner surface 752 of cavity 706 towards side surface 714 into a body 756 of retainer block 230. Detent cutout 750 may include detent front surface 762, detent rear surface 764 and detent base 766. Detent base 766 may be disposed generally parallel to side surface 714 and generally perpendicular to a radial direction of cavity 706. Detent front surface 762 may be inclined relative to detent base 766 and detent rear surface 764, which may be disposed generally perpendicular to detent base 766. In some embodiments, detent rear surface 764 may also be inclined relative to detent base 766.

Detent cutout 754 may be a depression extending from inner surface 752 of cavity 706 towards side surface 716 into body 756 of retainer block 230. Detent cutout 754 may include detent front surface 772, detent rear surface 774 and detent base 776. Detent base 776 may be disposed generally parallel to side surface 716 and generally perpendicular to a radial direction of cavity 706. Detent front surface 772 may be inclined relative to detent base 776 and detent rear surface 774, which may be disposed generally perpendicular to detent base 776. In some embodiments, detent rear surface 774 may also be inclined relative to detent base 776. Detent front surface 762 of detent cutout 750 may be disposed generally parallel to detent front surface 772 of detent cutout 754, detent rear surface 764 of detent cutout 750 may be disposed generally parallel to detent rear surface 774 of detent cutout 754, and detent base 766 of detent cutout 750 may be disposed generally parallel to detent base 776 of detent cutout 754. Angular inclinations of detent front surfaces 762 and 772 may correspond to angular inclinations of leading inclined faces 640 and 660 (see FIG. 20) of plungers 604 and 606 (see FIG. 20), respectively, such that leading inclined faces 640 and 660 may slidingly engage with detent front surfaces 762 and 772 when retainer pin 225 is inserted into cavity 706 and rotated to assemble ground engaging tip 210 (see FIG. 3) and adapter 205 (see FIG. 3).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

FIGS. 25-27 depict a method for assembling tip assembly 110. FIG. 25, which is similar to FIG. 3, illustrates an exploded view of tip assembly 110 before ground engaging tip 210 is assembled onto adapter 205. An exploded view of retention mechanism 200 including retainer block 230, retainer pin 225 and spring assembly 235 is also illustrated in FIG. 25. FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of tip assembly 110 in which retainer block 230 has been inserted into cutout 220 (see FIG. 25) of nose 250 (see FIG. 25) of adapter 205 (see FIG. 25). After installing retainer block 230 in cutout 220 of adapter 205, ground engaging tip 210 may be installed over nose 250 of adapter 205. Ground engaging tip may include the nose cavity 440 (see FIG. 13) that is complementary to the size and shape of nose 250, such that the nose 250 of adapter 205 may be placed within the nose cavity 440 of ground engaging tip 210. Once ground engaging tip 210 is attached to nose 250, opening 215 may axially align with cutout 220. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, retainer pin 225 may be installed within retainer block 230 through opening 215 (see FIG. 26) of ground engaging tip 210. Retainer pin 225 may be installed within retainer block 230 by rotating retainer pin 225 such that the female thread 510 (see FIG. 15) of the retainer pin 225 may interconnect with the male internal thread 740 (see FIGS. 21 and 23) of the retainer block 230. As retainer pin 225 is rotated within retainer block 230, plungers 604 and 606 (see FIG. 20) may be forced towards each other compressing spring member 608. Retainer pin 225 may be rotated until plungers 604 and 606 (see FIG. 20) of spring assembly 235 (see FIG. 20) engage with detent cutouts 750 and 754 (see FIG. 24). In this configuration, spring member 608 may bias plungers 604 and 606 radially outward such that leading inclined faces 640 and 660 engage with and are in contact with detent front surfaces 762 and 772, respectively. In this condition, trailing inclined faces 642 and 662 of plungers 604 and 606 (see FIG. 20) of spring assembly 235 may engage with detent rear surfaces 764 and 774, respectively, in retainer block 230. Likewise, end faces 644 and 664 of plungers 604 and 606 (see FIG. 20) of spring assembly 235 may engage with detent base 766 and 776, respectively, of retainer block 230. In this locked condition of retention mechanism 200 (see FIG. 25), the retention mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3) may maintain the connection between adapter 205 and ground engaging tip 210 during use of the implement 100 (see FIGS. 1-2).

The tip assembly 110 may be disassembled by reversing the steps as shown in FIGS. 25-27. FIG. 27 depicts tip assembly 110 in its assembled form with retainer pin 225 installed within retainer block 230 through opening 215 of ground engaging tip 210. Retainer pin 225 may be removed from retainer block 230 through opening 215 of ground engaging tip 210, as depicted in FIG. 26. Retainer pin 225 may be removed by rotating retainer pin 225 out of retainer block 230 using tools including, but not limited to, a flat head, square drive, prybar, or any other tool suitable for rotating retainer pin 225. Such tools may be used to engage with the pocket 512 (see FIGS. 16 and 18) of the retainer pin 225 to rotate retainer pin 225 out of retainer block 230. Ground engaging tip 210 may then be removed from nose 250 of adapter 205, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIGS. 28-30 depict exemplary section views of retention mechanism 200, taken along the line F-F as depicted in FIG. 27, as retainer pin 225 is being installed in retainer block 230. FIG. 28 depicts retainer pin 225 when it is first inserted into cavity 706 of retainer block 230. As depicted in FIG. 28, retainer pin 225 may be partially installed within retainer block 230 before female thread 510 of retainer pin 225 begins interacting with male internal thread 740 of retainer block 230. In this condition, spring member 608 may bias plungers 604 and 606 radially outwards so that end faces 644 and 664 may engage with inner surface 752 of cavity 706.

FIG. 29 depicts retainer pin 225 after retainer pin 225 has been rotated partially. In this position, retainer pin 225 may be further rotated into retainer block 230, providing increased contact between female thread 510 of retainer pin 225 and male internal thread 740 of retainer block 230. As retainer pin 225 is rotated, end faces 644 and 664 of plungers 604 and 606 may engage with male internal thread 740, which may push plungers 604 and 606 towards each other compressing spring member 608. Further rotation of retainer pin 225 may result in the configuration of FIG. 29, in which plungers 604 and 606 may engage with depression 742 between adjacent portions of male internal thread 740. In this condition, spring member 608 may again bias plungers 604 and 606 radially outwards so that end faces 644 and 664 may engage with inner surface 752 of cavity 706 (or with depression 742).

FIG. 30 depicts retainer pin 225 in its fully locked position. To attain the locked position, retainer pin 225 may be further rotated into retainer block 230 starting from the configuration of FIG. 29. As retainer pin 225 is rotated, end faces 644 and 664 of plungers 604 and 606 may engage with male internal thread 740, which may push plungers 604 and 606 towards each other compressing spring member 608. Further rotation of retainer pin 225 may result in the configuration of FIG. 29, in which plungers 604 and 606 may engage with depression 742 between adjacent portions of male internal thread 740. In this condition, spring member 608 may again bias plungers 604 and 606 radially outwards so that end faces 644 and 664 may engage with inner surface 752 of cavity 706 (or with depression 742). In the fully locked position of retainer pin 225, retainer pin second end 508 may contact cutout base 222. In this position, retainer pin 225 may be installed within retainer block 230 and plungers 604 and 606 of spring assembly 235 may be engaged within detent cutouts 750 and 754. Internal thread 625 of retainer block 230 may be fully interconnected with female thread 510 of retainer pin 225 to prevent linear movement of retainer pin 225 within retainer block 230.

It will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed retention system with threaded block and pin mechanism. Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.