Mounting arrangement for a cutting tooth for a trencher chain

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mounting arrangement for a cutting tooth for a trencher chain. The tooth includes a base portion aligned along a first plane. The base portion includes structure for allowing the cutting tooth to be connected to the trencher chain. The tooth also includes a distal portion that is generally obliquely aligned with respect to the first plane. A curved transition is located between the distal portion and the base portion. The curved transition curves away from the first plane and at least partially forms a cupped portion that is effective in the trenching operation. The base portion also includes a recess into which the mounting hardware can fit, to protect the mounting hardware from wear.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A cutting tooth for a trencher chain, the cutting tooth comprising: 
 a base portion comprising a first mounting side defined by a plane and a second side opposite the first side defining the thickness of the base portion with a hole that passes between the first and second sides;    the base portion having a void that is aligned with the hole and extends from the second side to between the first and second sides such that the void defines a fastener-engaging surface;    
     
     
         2 . The cutting tooth of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener engaging surface is parallel to the first mounting side and the void is a counterbore.  
     
     
         3 . The cutting tooth of  claim 1  wherein the fastener engaging surface is parallel to the first mounting surface and the void is a closed slot.  
     
     
         4 . The cutting tooth of  claim 1  wherein the fastener engaging surface is parallel to the first mounting surface and the void is an open slot.  
     
     
         5 . The cutting tooth of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener engaging surface is conical with an axis perpendicular to the first mounting side and the void is a countersink.  
     
     
         6 . A trenching chain for a trencher, the chain comprising: 
 a base chain assembly comprising rollers, rivets, side plates and side mounting plates;    mounting bolts and nuts; and,    cutting teeth comprising a base portion configured for mounting to the base chain assembly and a cutting portion for engagement with soils wherein the base portion includes a hole to receive the mounting bolt and a cooperating void wherein the head of the mounting bolt or the nut fits into the void.    
     
     
         7 . The trencher chain of  claim 6  wherein the bolt is a standard hex headed bolt and the nut is a standard hex nut  
     
     
         8 . The trencher chain of  claim 7  wherein the bolt and nut are Grade  8 .  
     
     
         9 . A cutting tooth for a trencher chain, said cutting tooth comprising: 
 a cutting portion;    a base portion having an inside surface adapted to abut a base chain assembly, said base portion also having an outside surface;    a hole disposed along an axis extending from said inside surface to said outside surface for receiving an elongated portion of a fastener; and    a void disposed in the outside surface of said base portion around said axis for receiving an enlarged portion on one end of said fastener whereby the enlarged portion of the fastener will be protected from wear.