Shroud assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery. The shroud assembly comprises a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge. The shroud has a wear region at a second end thereof which is adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough. The shroud assembly also comprises a locking means having a portion which is rotatably received in the shroud such that the shroud is releasably secured with respect to the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge, the shroud including a leg portion having a channel extending parallel to its longitudinal extent; 
 the shroud having a wear region at a second end thereof, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough, the channel extending for a distance from an end of along the leg portion towards the second end of the shroud, terminating a distance from the wear region, such that opposed ends of the channel are closed; 
 an aperture extending through the leg portion from an upper surface of the leg portion into the channel, the aperture housing a locking means;  
 athe locking means having a portion which upon rotation is rotatably received in the channel of the shroud between the closed ends of the channel such that the shroud is to releasably secured secure the shroud with respect to the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position;, 
 wherein when in the a locked position the locking means is releasably retained in the locked position; 
 wherein, when the locking means is in the locked position, the locking means exerts a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge. 
 
     
     
       2. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the shroud has a slot at a first end extending along an axis of the shroud, the slot being adapted to snugly receive the wear edge, the leg portion of the shroud extends rearwardly from a front portion of the shroud such that the leg portion extends away from a closed end of the slot. 
     
     
       3. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 2  wherein the shroud comprises a body and a leg portion, the leg portion extending rearwardly from the body such that it extends away from a closed end of the slot, and the body incorporates the slot. 
     
     
       4. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  3  1 wherein an attachment means is secured adjacent the wear edge of the earthmoving machinery, whereby in use the attachment means cooperates with the locking means to releasably secure the shroud with respect to the wear edge, the attachment means is in the form of a boss over which the shroud is slidingly received, wherein the channel receives the boss when the shroud is being positioned relative to the wear edge. 
     
     
       5. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 4  wherein the channel receives the boss when the shroud is being positioned relative to the wear edge. 
     
     
       6. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  5  4 wherein the channel is complementary in shape to the boss such that the boss is snugly received and retained in the channel when the shroud is in position such that the shroud is restricted to move relative to the boss along the length of the channel. 
     
     
       7. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 6  wherein the boss has tapered sidewalls such that as the channel slides over the boss the shroud self centres and self aligns with respect to the boss. 
     
     
       8. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the locking means comprises a locking device and a compressible member, whereby in use the locking device is adapted to engage the a compressible member to retain the shroud in position relative to the wear edge. 
     
     
       9. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the compressible member has a first face which is adapted to be supported against a boss secured relative to the wear edge when in use, and a second face adapted to engage an external face of the locking device. 
     
     
       10. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 9  wherein the compressible member comprises a compressible material secured to a metal plate whereby the metal plate provides the second face. 
     
     
       11. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the shroud has an aperture therein for receiving the locking device. 
     
     
       12. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the aperture is towards a rear of the leg portion. 
     
     
       13. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  11  1 wherein the aperture extends through the leg portion substantially perpendicular thereto, the aperture opening into the channel of the leg portion. 
     
     
       14. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  11  1 wherein the locking device means comprises a locking mechanism which is threadingly received in the aperture so as to be rotatably received therein. 
     
     
       15. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  8  14 wherein the locking device mechanism is in the form of a cylinder. 
     
     
       16. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 15  wherein the cylinder has a sidewall surface which incorporates at least one helix ramped surface, the at least one helix ramped surface projecting from at least a portion of the sidewall a surface of the cylinder. 
     
     
       17. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 16  wherein the surface is a sidewall of the cylinder and the at least one helix ramped surface is in the form of a helix extending around the cylinder, wherein the at least one helix is adapted to engage the compressible member. 
     
     
       18. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  16  17 wherein the at least one helix extends from the bottom of the cylinder sidewall towards the top of the sidewall. 
     
     
       19. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  16  17 wherein the at least one helix extends between the bottom of the cylinder sidewall and the top of the sidewall. 
     
     
       20. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 16  wherein the helix ramped surface is in the form of a ramp extending outwardly from the centre of the cylinder as it travels around the cylinder so as to provide a cam like projection. 
     
     
       21. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 20  wherein the ramp extends progressively outwardly as the ramp moves from adjacent the bottom surface of the cylinder towards the top of the sidewall. 
     
     
       22. The protective shroud assembly according to claim  16  17 wherein the thickness of the helix extending from the side wall is substantially uniform. 
     
     
       23. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 8  wherein the locking device is adapted to receive a tool to enable the locking device to be rotated. 
     
     
       24. A bucket or similar wear component of an earthmoving vehicle having a protective shroud assembly according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
       25. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery the wear edge having a boss secured to a surface adjacent the wear edge, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge; 
 the shroud having a wear region at a second end thereof, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough; 
 a locking means having a portion which including a locking device and a compressible member, wherein the locking device is rotatably received supported in the shroud such that the shroud is, the locking means is adapted to engage the boss to releasably secured secure the shroud with respect to the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position, the locking means including a locking device and a compressible member, whereby in use the locking device is adapted to engage the compressible member which engages the boss to retain the shroud in position relative to the wear edge, the locking device being in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder having a sidewall which incorporates at least one helix, the at least one helix projecting from at least a portion of the sidewall; 
 wherein when in the locked position the locking means is retained in the locked position; 
 wherein, when the locking means is in the locked position, the locking means exerts a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge; 
 wherein the compressible member has each of a first face and a second face, and 
 wherein a portion of an external surface of the helix has at least one engaging section adapted to directly engage the second face of the compressible member such that when engaged the locking means is held in the locked position to retain the locking device in position relative to the compressible member. 
 
     
     
       26. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  whereby in the locked position the top of the cylinder is flush with or below an upper surface of the leg portion of the shroud. 
     
     
       27. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  wherein the engaging section is in the form of a flat surface which engages the second face of the compressible member. 
     
     
       28. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  wherein the engaging section and the second face of the compressible member are shaped to be complementary to each other such that when they align they cooperate to releasably lock together. 
     
     
       29. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 28  wherein the engaging section has one or more projections on the engaging section of the locking device and a corresponding number of complementary recesses in the second face of the compressible member. 
     
     
       30. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  further comprising means to indicate when the engaging section of the locking device is in position. 
     
     
       31. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  wherein the engaging section is positioned along the helix such that the compressible member is equal or close to maximum compression when the engaging section engages the compressible member. 
     
     
       32. The protective shroud assembly according to  claim 25  when dependent on  claim 21  wherein the locking device has a plurality of engaging sections to allow the locking device to be adjusted as the shroud assembly experiences wear. 
     
     
       33. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received on the wear edge; 
 the shroud having a wear region at a second end thereof, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough; 
 a leg portion extending rearwardly from a first end of the shroud; 
 an underside of the leg portion having a closed ended channel incorporated therein; 
 an aperture through which a locking means is receivable, the aperture passing through the leg portion substantially perpendicular thereto, the aperture extending into the channel; 
 wherein the locking means cooperates with the leg portion to releasably secure the shroud with respect to the wear edge; and 
 the locking means being arranged to exert a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position. 
 
     
     
       34. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge, the shroud having a leg portion extending rearwardly from a first end of the shroud and a closed ended channel incorporated therein; 
 a wear region at a second end of the shroud, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough; 
 an aperture that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the shroud and extending through the leg portion from an upper surface of the leg portion into the channel, through which the aperture housing a cylindrical locking device is receivable mechanism; and 
 the cylindrical locking device mechanism being rotatably received in rotatable relative to the aperture such that the shroud is releasably secured with respect to the wear edge when the cylindrical locking device mechanism is in a locked position wherein the shroud is locked relative to the wear edge, the cylindrical locking device mechanism being held in position when in the locked position. 
 
     
     
       35. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery, the wear edge having an attachment mechanism in the form of a boss fixed relative to the wear edge, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge, the shroud comprises a leg portion extending rearwardly from a first end of the shroud and incorporating a channel;   the shroud having a wear region at a second end thereof, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough;   the shroud providing an aperture therein, the aperture extending through the leg portion such that an axis of the aperture is substantially perpendicular thereto, the aperture extending from an upper surface of the leg portion through to the channel;   a locking mechanism for locking the shroud relative to the attachment mechanism, the locking mechanism is adapted to be housed in the aperture and is rotatable about an axis which is transverse to a longitudinal extent of the leg portion between a locked position wherein the locking device co-operates with the attachment mechanism to lock the shroud relative to the wear edge, and an unlocked position wherein the shroud can be placed on or removed from the wear edge.   
     
     
       36. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 35 wherein the channel extends parallel to its longitudinal extent and is adapted to receive the attachment mechanism when the shroud is positioned relative to the wear edge. 
     
     
       37. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 35 wherein the locking mechanism is cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
       38. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 35 wherein the locking mechanism has a body which incorporates at least one ramped surface. 
     
     
       39. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 38 wherein the at least one ramped surface projects from at least a portion of the body. 
     
     
       40. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 38 wherein the at least one ramped surface is adapted to co-operate with the attachment mechanism to lock the shroud in position relative to the wear edge when received thereon and when the locking device is in the locked position. 
     
     
       41. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 38 wherein the ramped surface extends progressively outwardly. 
     
     
       42. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 38 wherein the ramped surface extends from a sidewall of the body as it travels around the body so as to provide a cam like projection. 
     
     
       43. The protective shroud assembly according to claim 35 wherein the channel is complementary in shape to the boss such that the boss is snugly received and retained in the channel when the shroud is in position such that the shroud is restricted to move relative to the boss along the length of the channel. 
     
     
       44. A protective shroud assembly adapted to be fitted with respect to a body having a wear edge, the protective shroud assembly comprising a shroud adapted to fit over the wear edge, the shroud comprising:
 a first portion having a first end adapted to receive the wear edge and a second end providing a wear region;   a second portion extending rearward from the second end of the first portion; and   an aperture extending through the second portion from an upper surface to a lower surface to terminate in a closed ended channel extending along the second portion, an axis of the aperture being substantially perpendicular thereto;   a locking mechanism which is rotatably locatable in the aperture and cooperates with the second portion and the body to releasably secure the shroud with respect to the wear edge;   the locking mechanism being in the form of a cylinder having a cam like surface;   the locking mechanism exerts a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge when in a locked position.   
     
     
       45. A shroud for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery to protect the wear edge from wear, the wear edge having an attachment mechanism fixed in the form of a boss relative to the wear edge, the shroud being adapted to be releasably locked relative to the attachment mechanism by a locking mechanism, the shroud comprising:
 a body and a leg portion, the leg portion extending rearwardly from the body, the leg portion incorporating a closed ended channel extending at least partially therealong;   an aperture extending through the leg portion from an upper surface of the leg portion through to the channel, the aperture being substantially perpendicular thereto;   the aperture being adapted to rotatably support the locking mechanism whereupon the locking mechanism being located in the aperture the locking mechanism is rotatable between a locked position wherein the locking means cooperates with the attachment mechanism to lock the shroud relative to the wear edge, and an unlocked position wherein the shroud may be placed on or removed from the wear edge;   the locking mechanism exerts a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge when in the locked position.   
     
     
       46. A protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery, the shroud assembly comprising:
 a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge, the shroud including a leg portion having a channel extending parallel to its longitudinal extent;   the shroud having a wear region at a second end thereof, the wear region being adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough, the channel extending for a distance from an end of the leg portion towards the second end of the shroud, terminating a distance from the wear region, such that opposed ends of the channel are closed;   a locking means having a portion which is rotatably received in channel of the shroud between the closed ends of the channel such that the shroud is releasably secured with respect to the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position,   wherein when in the locked position the locking means is retained in the locked position;   wherein, when the locking means is in the locked position, the locking means exerts a force upon the shroud in a direction away from the wear edge.