US 11,686,072 B2
Work implement assembly using adapters, adapter covers, and a notched base edge
Eric T. Sinn, Tremont, IL (US); Douglas C. Serrurier, Morton, IL (US); and Rammagy Yoeu, Dunlap, IL (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 18, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/951,231.
Prior Publication US 2022/0154433 A1, May 19, 2022
Int. Cl. E02F 9/28 (2006.01)
CPC E02F 9/2825 (2013.01) [E02F 9/2833 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An adapter for attaching a tool to a work implement using a mounting mechanism, the adapter comprising:
a body that defines a vertical direction and a horizontal direction and that includes:
a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool;
a first bifurcated leg that includes a pair of first leg side surfaces, the first bifurcated leg defining a vertical slot splitting the first bifurcated leg into a first fork portion and a second fork portion;
a second leg that includes a pair of second leg side surfaces;
a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portion together; and
at least one of the first fork portion and the second fork portion defines an aperture that is configured to receive a mounting mechanism; and
wherein the first and the second legs and the throat portion define a horizontal slot that includes a closed end and an open end, the horizontal slot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement, and the first bifurcated leg includes a first sloped portion disposed in the vertical slot, the first sloped portion forming a first acute angle with the direction of assembly ranging from 20 degrees to 40 degrees, and the first bifurcated leg defines a key receiving slot that is disposed forward of the aperture along the horizontal direction, the key receiving slot being disposed on at least one of the pair of the first leg side surfaces, and defining an open end facing along the horizontal direction toward the nose portion.