Expandable shim systems and methods

A shim system configured to engage with at least one of a bucket, finger, or attachment on a shaft extending from an arm of an earth working machine, the shim system comprising:

• a first member defining an opening for receiving the shaft;
• the first member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• a second member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• and
• a fastener engaged with the first member and the second member, the fastener being configured to selectively fix the outside surface of the first member relative to the outside surface of the second member;
• wherein:
• the at least one wedge of the first member contacts the at least one wedge of the second member;
• the outside surface of the first member is configured to selectively contact the arm of the earth working machine and the outside surface of the second member is configured to selectively contact the at least one of a bucket, finger, or attachment;
• the at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a first direction increases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member and increases the distance between the arm of the earth working machine and the at least one of a bucket, finger, or attachment, and the at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a direction opposite the first direction decreases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member and decreases the distance between the arm of the earth working machine and the at least one of a bucket, finger, or attachment;
• the first member comprises a first circular plate;
• the second member comprises a second circulate plate;
• the at least one wedge of the first member comprises a first protruding wedge that extends beyond an outer periphery of the first circular plate;
• and
• the at least one wedge of the second member comprises a second protruding wedge that extends beyond an outer periphery of the second circular plate.

A shim system configured for receipt of a shaft, the shim system comprising:

• a first member defining an opening for receiving the shaft;
• the first member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• a second member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• and
• a fastener engaged with the first member and the second member, the fastener being configured to selectively fix the outside surface of the first member relative to the outside surface of the second member;
• wherein:
• the at least one wedge of the first member contacts the at least one wedge of the second member;
• and
• the at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a first direction increases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member, and at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a direction opposite first direction decreases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member;
• the first member further comprises a first cylindrical side wall;
• the first cylindrical side wall forms a cavity;
• and
• the at least one wedge of the first member is disposed within the cavity.

A shim system configured for receipt of a shaft, the shim system comprising:

• a first member defining an opening for receiving the shaft;
• the first member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• a second member having a first side defining an outside surface and a second side opposite the first side and at least one wedge extending from the second side;
• and
• a fastener engaged with the first member and the second member, the fastener being configured to selectively fix the outside surface of the first member relative to the outside surface of the second member;
• wherein:
• the at least one wedge of the first member contacts the at least one wedge of the second member;
• the at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a first direction increases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member, and at least one wedge of the first member and the at least one wedge of the second member are configured such that relative rotation between the first member and the second member about the shaft in a direction opposite the first direction decreases the distance between the outside surface of the first member and the outside surface of the second member;
• the first member comprises a first circular plate;
• the second member comprises a second circular plate;
• the at least one wedge of the first member comprises a first protruding wedge that extends beyond an outer periphery of the first circular plate;
• and
• the at least one wedge of the second member comprises a second protruding wedge that extends beyond an outer periphery of the second circular plate.