Apparatus and method for retaining a pin

Abstract

The invention is an improvement in a machine having a housing and a pin received in the housing and coupled to a link-like movable part, either directly or with a bushing interposed between the part and the pin. The improvement comprises a retainer, preferably of cruciform-shape, which is attached to one end of the pin and has a plurality of radially-extending retaining arms. The improvement also includes a plurality of arc-shaped abutment members, each of which extends between and is in torque-absorbing contact with a pair of arms. The pin, a wearing component like the movable part or the bushing, is intended for eventual replacement when sufficiently worn. The pin is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing which is a non-wearing part expensive to replace or repair. The invention also includes a method for assembling machine components including a housing and a pin so that there is substantially zero clearance between each abutment member and a retainer arm. Relative pin-housing rotational or axial movement is prevented without the necessity of resorting to close-tolerance machining at the field erection site.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.