# US 9,518,379 B2 · Shroud retention system having replaceable lug insert

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- Number: US 9,518,379 B2
- Document ID: US9518379B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/193,125
- Filed: 2014-02-28
- Published: 2015-09-03
- Granted: 2016-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2014-02-28
- Assignees: Caterpillar Inc.
- Applicants: Caterpillar Inc.
- Inventors: Phillip John Kunz
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9518379B2

## CPC

- E02F 9/2883: {Wear elements for buckets or implements in general}
- E02F 9/2825: {using adapters}
- E02F 9/2833: {Retaining means, e.g. pins}
- E02F 9/2858: {characterised by shape}
- E02F 9/2891: {Tools for assembling or disassembling}
- E02F 3/32: working downwardly and towards the machine, e.g. with backhoes
- E02F 3/40: Dippers; Buckets {; Grab devices, e.g. manufacturing processes for buckets, form, geometry or material of buckets (devices to connect tools to arms or booms E02F3/3604; teeth therefor E02F9/28)}
- E02F: DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING (winning peat E21C49/00)

## Abstract

A retention system is provided for use in connecting a shroud to a work tool. The retention system may have a mounting boss with a base portion, a shelf portion that overhangs opposing sides of the base portion, and a tapered depression formed within the base portion. The retention system may also have a replaceable lug insert removably disposed within the tapered depression.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A lug insert, comprising:
a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of tapered side surfaces connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and configured to attach a wear component to a work implement of an earth working machine;
the upper surface being generally parallel with the lower surface;
the plurality of tapered side surfaces including a pair of opposing shorter side surfaces angled in opposition to each other such that the lower surface is shorter than the upper surface, the plurality of tapered side surfaces further including a front side surface and a rear side surface, the front side surface extending from the lower surface to the upper surface at a first inner taper angle with respect to the lower surface, the rear side surface extending from the lower surface to the upper surface at a second inner taper angle with respect to the lower surface, wherein the first inner taper angle is larger than the second inner taper angle; and
a pair of frustoconical lugs protruding from the upper surface.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The lug insert of claim 1, further including a recess formed within the rear side surface and configured to receive a removal tool.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The lug insert of claim 2, wherein the recess is formed about midway along the rear side surface.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The lug insert of claim 1, wherein the first inner taper angle is about 75°.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The lug insert of claim 1, wherein the second inner taper angle is about 70°.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The lug insert of claim 1, wherein the front side surface and the upper surface meet along a pivot axis.