FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object. The invention also relates to an assembly of the first and second objects secured together by a securing device of the invention. Methods for use of a securing device embodied by the invention are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various securing devices have been described in the art for releasably securing a tooth to an adaptor of a mining or excavation bucket (e.g., a dragline bucket). Securing devices for securing a wear plate to such buckets or other equipment have also been described. However, conventionally known such securing devices involve the use of mechanical fastener for retention of the securing device in position or holding pins that involve the use of clips or brackets to retain the holding pin in position.

A securing device that involves the use of a mechanical fastener is for instance described in International patent publication No. WO 2015/054741. The use of a mechanical fastener can be problematic as dirt and detritus can become caked around the fastener head in use which can make access for removal of the device difficult. The fastener can also become cemented in position and/or incorrect use of tools can result in the head of the fastener being rounded or otherwise damaged which can also make loosening or removal of the fastener problematic. The need to fit and tighten the fastener is also time consuming. Likewise, the use of clips or brackets to retain a holding pin in position can also be cumbersome. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, in one or more forms the present disclosure relates to a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device comprising: a casing having a top and a bottom; and at least one magnet housed in the casing, the casing being configured for being inserted in a passageway formed by aligned openings of the first and second objects when assembled together whereby the casing blocks separation of the first object and the second object from one another, and the magnet is moveable from an initial position to a working position to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position in the passageway.

More particularly, the present invention in one aspect relates to a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device comprising: a casing having a top end and a bottom end; and at least one magnet housed within the casing, the casing being configured for being inserted in a passageway formed by aligned openings of the first and second objects when assembled together whereby the casing blocks separation of the first object and the second object from one another, the magnet being automatically movable along the casing to a working position from an initial position within the casing by magnetic attraction to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position when the casing is located in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the first and second objects, the peripheral wall of the casing surrounding the magnet and the magnet being retained captive within casing so as to be restricted to movement between the initial and working positions of the magnet.

Typically, the casing is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material.

Typically, the magnet is radially distanced from the casing by an essentially non-magnetically attracted material.

In embodiments in which the casing is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material and the magnet is radially distanced from the casing by an essentially non- magnetically attracted material, the magnet is typically unattached within the casing. In particularly preferred embodiments, the casing is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material (e.g., a ferrous metal as described herein) and the device further comprises a sleeve element receiving the magnet and disposed within the casing so as to radially distance the magnet from the casing, the sleeve element being fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, and wherein the magnet is moveable along the sleeve element from its initial position to its working position to form the magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position in the passageway.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device comprising: a casing having a top end and a bottom end, the casing being fabricated from a magnetically attracted material; and at least one magnet housed within the casing, the casing being configured for being inserted in a passageway formed by aligned openings of the first and second objects when assembled together whereby the casing blocks separation of the first object and the second object from one another; and a sleeve element receiving the magnet and disposed within the casing so as to radially distance the magnet from the casing, the sleeve element being fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, and wherein the magnet is moveable along the sleeve element from an initial position to a working position to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position in the passageway.

Typically, in embodiments in which the casing is of a magnetically attracted material magnet flux from the magnet is directed along the casing for securing the first and second objects together.

Typically, a securing device embodied by the invention is in the form of a unitary assembly in which the magnet is retained captive so as to be restricted to movement between the initial and working positions of the magnet.

Typically, the magnet is arranged for return to its initial position upon being released from the magnetic coupling to allow for removal of the casing of the device from the passageway and thereby separation of the first and second objects.

Typically, the sleeve element is retained in a fixed position within the casing.

Typically, the casing has a closed top end covering the sleeve element. In at least some embodiments, the closed top end of the casing is of a thickness that is greater than the peripheral side wall of the casing, the peripheral side wall of the casing surrounding the sleeve element.

Typically, the sleeve element has a closed bottom end, and the sleeve element extends to the bottom end of the casing whereby the closed bottom end of the sleeve element is exposed to exterior of the casing.

Typically, the closed bottom end of the sleeve element is essentially flush with the bottom end of the casing.

In other embodiments, the top end of the casing is open and the top end of the sleeve element is essentially flush with the top end of the casing.

Typically, the sleeve element comprises a top sleeve portion and a bottom sleeve portion, the top and bottom sleeve portions enclosing the moveable magnet.

Typically, at least the bottom sleeve portion of the sleeve element mates with the casing for retention of the sleeve element in its fixed position within the casing.

Typically, a space is provided within the sleeve element below the movable magnet for movement of the moveable magnet to its working position.

Typically, a further space is provided between the moveable magnet and the closed top end of the sleeve element.

In at least some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic flux directing element for radially directing magnetic flux from the moveable magnet to the casing is seated on top of the moveable element for movement with the movable magnet from its said initial position to its working position. Typically, the magnetic flux directing element is a disc fabricated from a magnetically attracted material, e.g., a ferrous metal.

Embodiments of the invention as described herein can further comprise at least one further magnet, wherein the further magnet is arranged for being in a magnetically repelling relationship with the moveable magnet when the moveable magnet is in its working position, wherein the moveable magnet and the further magnet are received in the sleeve element.

Typically, one of the moveable and the further magnets is received by the other of those said magnets. Typically, the moveable magnet and the further magnet are oppositely poled to one another in the initial position of the moveable magnet and wherein the moveable magnet is slidable relative to the further magnet.

Typically, the further magnet is retained in a fixed position within the sleeve element of the securing device.

Typically, the moveable magnet is disposed for movement into the magnetically repelling relationship with the further magnet with travel of the moveable magnet from its initial position to its working position.

Typically, the magnetically repelling relationship dampens movement of the movable magnet into its working position and facilitates return of the movable magnet to its initial position in the casing upon the movable magnet being withdrawn from the magnetic coupling.

Typically, the moveable magnet is disposed for automatically moving by magnetic attraction to its working position from its initial position to form the magnetic coupling when the casing is located in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the first and second objects.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device, comprising: a casing having a top and a bottom, the casing being fabricated from a magnetically attracted material; a first magnet; a moveable magnet, one of the moveable and the first magnets being received by the other of the magnets, the first magnet and the moveable magnet being oppositely magnetically poled to one another in an initial position of the movable magnet and the movable magnet being slidable relative to the first magnet; and a sleeve element receiving the first magnet and the moveable magnet, the sleeve element being disposed within the casing so as to radially distance the first magnet and the moveable magnet from the casing, wherein the sleeve element is fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, and wherein the moveable magnet is moveable along the sleeve element from an initial position to a working position to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position and thereby releasably securing the first object to the second object. Typically, the casing is profiled as describes herein for being located within the corresponding through passageway of the first object for said releasable securing of the first object and the second object together.

In at least some embodiments, the casing is cylindrical and tapers in the top to bottom direction of the casing whereby the width of the bottom of the casing is less than the top of the casing.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly of a first object and a second object releasably secured together by a securing device, the securing device comprising: a casing having a top end and a bottom end, the casing being fabricated from a magnetically attracted material; and at least one magnet housed within the casing, wherein openings of the first object and the second object are aligned forming a passageway in which the casing is positioned such that the casing extends from one of the first and second objects into the other of the first and second objects blocking separation of the first object and the second object from one another; and a sleeve element receiving the magnet and disposed within the casing so as to radially distance the magnet from the casing, the sleeve element being fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, and wherein the magnet is moveable along the sleeve element between an initial position and a working position, the magnet being in its working position and forming a magnetic coupling holding the casing in position in the passageway.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device comprising: a casing having a top end and a bottom end; at least one magnet housed in the casing, the magnet being moveable along within the casing from an initial position to a working position to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position to secure the first object to the second object, and at least one lever engagement formation being defined in an upper end region of the casing for engagement with an end of a lever element for levering of the casing to dislodge the securing device from its position for removal of the securing device. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a securing device for releasably securing a first object to a second object, the device comprising: a casing having a top end and a bottom end; at least one magnet housed in the casing, the casing being configured for being inserted in a passageway formed by aligned openings of the first and second objects when assembled together whereby the casing blocks separation of the first object and the second object from one another, and the magnet is moveable along the casing from an initial position to a working position to form a magnetic coupling for holding the casing in position in the passageway, and at least one lever engagement formation being defined in an upper end region of the casing for engagement with a lever element for levering of the casing to release the magnet from the magnetic coupling for removal of the securing device from the passageway.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a securing assembly releasably securing a first object to a second object, the securing assembly comprising; a casing having a top end and a bottom end; at least one magnet housed in the casing, the magnet being in a working position magnetically retaining the securing device in position formed by aligned openings of the first and second objects whereby the first and the second objects are releasably secured together, the moveable magnet being held in the working position by magnetic coupling of the moveable magnet with a magnetically attracted material against sliding return of the magnet along the casing to an initial resting position, at least one lever engagement formation being defined in an upper end region of the casing for engagement with a lever element for levering of the casing to release the magnet from the magnetic coupling for removal of the securing device from the passageway, and wherein a recess is defined in an outer one of the first and second objects for allowing access of the lever element to the groove of the casing.

Typically, the lever engagement formation is a groove defined in the casing and most usually, is a circumferential groove though alternative formations may also be provided e.g., a slot, ledge or protruberance for engagement with the lever element.

Typically, the lever element is a pry bar.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for releasably securing a first object to a second object, comprising: providing a securing device for securing the first object and the second object together, the securing device comprising a casing having a top end and a bottom end, the casing being fabricated from a magnetically attracted material; at least one magnet housed within the casing; and a sleeve element receiving the magnet and disposed within the casing so as to radially distance the magnet from the casing, the sleeve element being fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, and wherein the magnet is moveable along the sleeve element between an initial position and a working position; assembling the first and second objects together whereby openings of the first and the second objects are aligned forming a passageway; and positioning the casing of the securing device in the passageway such that the casing extends from one of the first and second objects into the other of the first and second objects blocking separation of the first object and the second object from one another, and wherein the magnet is moved from its initial position to its working position to form a magnetic coupling holding the casing of the securing device in position in the passageway.

Methods for releasably securing a first object to a second object using an embodiment of a securing device having a lever engagement formation as described above are also expressly encompassed by the invention.

Typically, the sleeve element, of embodiments of the invention provided with this component, acts as a spacer to radially space the magnet(s) of the device from the outer casing formed from the magnetically attracted material and to permit passage of magnetic flux from the magnet(s) to the casing whereby the magnetic flux is directed along the casing for magnetic bonding of the securing device in position via the bottom end of the casing in use.

In a related embodiment there is provided an assembly of a first object and a second object releasably secured together by a securing device as described herein, the securing device comprising a casing and at least one magnet housed in the casing, the magnet being moveable between an initial position and a working position, wherein openings of the first object and the second object are aligned forming a passageway in which the casing of the securing device is positioned such that the casing extends from one of the first and second objects into the other of the first and second objects blocking separation of the first object and the second object from one another, the magnet being in its working position forming a magnetic coupling holding the casing of the securing device in position in the passageway.

In another related embodiment there is provided a method for releasably securing a first object to a second object, comprising: providing a securing device as described herein for securing the first object and the second object together, the securing device comprising a casing housing at least one magnet moveable from an initial position to a working position; assembling the first and second objects together whereby openings of the first and the second objects are aligned forming a passageway; and positioning the casing of the securing device in the passageway such that the casing extends from one of the first and second objects into the other of the first and second objects blocking separation of the first object and the second object from one another, and the magnet is moved from its initial position to its working position to form a magnetic coupling holding the casing of the securing device in position in the passageway.

As described herein, embodiments of securing devices in accordance with the instant disclosure can include at least one further magnet, wherein the further magnet is arranged for being in a magnetically repelling relationship with the moveable magnet when the moveable magnet is in its working position. By magnetically repelling the moveable magnet the further magnet in at least some embodiments acts to dampen the movement of the moveable magnet into its working position when forming the magnetic coupling and assists release of the moveable magnet from the magnetic coupling for return of the moveable magnet to its initial position and thereby, the removal of the securing device from the passageway to allow for separation of the first object and the second object from one another.

In at least some embodiments described herein a retaining element can be used for retaining the first object and the second object in an assembled configuration wherein the moveable magnet is held in a working position by magnetic attraction to the retaining element against sliding return of the moveable magnet to its initial position. In at least some embodiments described herein the retaining element can be a holding pin received by the first object and the second object.

Typically, in embodiments of a securing device as described herein each magnet is respectively provided as a single, integrally formed magnet.

In other embodiments, a magnet may be provided in a number of respective magnet sections that may be spaced apart from one another but which are nevertheless arranged to function together as described herein.

Typically, the first and the second objects are first and second components for being held together in an assembly of those components.

The first and second components can, instance, be a tooth and an adaptor of a mining or excavation bucket for the tooth.

In other embodiments, the first and second components can be a wear plate and an adaptor for the wear plate.

In still other embodiments, the first and second components are machinery components and in particularly preferred embodiments, are ground engagement tools (G.E.T) and components.

In at least some embodiments, one of the first and second components can be pivotable relative to the other of the components when the components are secured together by a securing device as described herein.

As will be understood, the term “magnetic coupling” is used herein in the context of a magnetic bond with a magnetically attracted material arising from magnetic attraction for the magnetically attracted material. Similarly, “magnetically coupling” is used herein in the context of forming a magnetic bond with the magnetically attracted material.

By employing magnetic coupling of the moveable magnet as described herein, one or more embodiments of the securing device described herein provide for rapid installation and removal of the securing device in use. The use of a mechanical fastener for retaining the device in position in use and associated disadvantage(s) as described above may also be avoided or ameliorated. Advantageously also, as magnets as described herein are employed, wear and maintenance of the device may also be minimised. Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers, integers or steps.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure l is a cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a securing device;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the securing device of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a securing assembly comprising the securing device of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional end view of the securing assembly of Fig. 3 in an assembled form;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view from above of a first component and a second component secured together by a pair of securing assemblies of Fig. 4;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the assembled configuration of the first component and the second component of Fig 5;

Figures 7 and 8 are diagrammatic side views illustrating the removal of one of the securing devices from the assembled configuration of the first component and the second component of Fig 6;

Figure 9 is diagrammatic view from above of a first component and a second component secured together by a pair of further securing devices embodied by the invention; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the first and second components of Fig. 9 secured to one another;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view from above of further embodiments of a securing device and securing assembly;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic side view of the first and second components of Fig. 11 secured together;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view from above of further embodiments of securing device and securing assembly;

Figure 14 is a side view of the first and second components of Fig. 13 secured together;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the holding pin of the securing assembly of Fig. 13;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view from above of first and second components secured together by another embodiment of a securing device;

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view from above of first and second components secured together by another securing device, the securing device allowing for one of the components to pivot relative to the other of the components;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic side view of another securing device having a moveable ring magnet and a cylindrical magnet retained in a fixed position, the moveable ring magnet being shown in its initial position;

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic side view of the securing device of Fig. 18 showing the moveable ring magnet in its working position;

Figure 20A is a diagrammatic side view of yet another embodiment of a securing device showing the plunger of the device in its initial resting position. Fig. 20B shows the plunger of this embodiment in its working position. Fig. 20C is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the casing of this device;

Figures 21 A and 21B show a cutting edge secured to a support plate by securing devices of the type shown in Fig. 20A;

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating a securing device (shown in phantom outline) of Fig. 20 A securing the cutting edge to the plate of Fig. 21;

Figures 23 to 31 are diagrammatic views illustrating alterative magnet arrangements of embodiments of securing devices as described herein; Figure 32 is a diagrammatic side view of a further embodiment of a securing device having a fixed ring magnet and in which a movable cylindrical magnet is in its working position;

Figure 33 is a diagrammatic side view showing the cylindrical magnet in its initial position;

Figure 34 is a diagrammatic view of a yet further securing device having a fixed ring magnet and in which a movable cylindrical magnet in its initial position;

Figure 35 is a diagrammatic side view showing the cylindrical magnet in its working position;

Figure 36 is an exploded diagrammatic view of the casing of the securing device of Fig. 34 and 35;

Figure 37 is a diagrammatic side view of another tool for removing a securing device from its in use position showing the removal tool in an at rest configuration;

Figure 38 is a diagrammatic side view of the removal tool of Fig. 37 in an active configuration;

Figure 39 is a diagrammatic side view of the removal tool of Fig. 36;

Figures 40 A-D are diagrammatic side views of securing devices embodied by the invention. The moveable magnet of each device is shown in its initial position on the left and in its working position on the right;

Figures 41 A-D are diagrammatic side views of further securing devices embodied by the invention. The moveable magnet of each device is shown in its initial position on the left and in its working position on the right;

Figure 42 shows exploded diagrammatic views of the securing devices of Figs

40 A-D;

Figure 43 shows exploded diagrammatic views of the securing devices of Figs

41 A-D;

Figure 44 is a diagrammatic side view of another securing device embodied by the invention; and

Figure 45 shows a lever element for releasing or dislodging a securing device of the type shown in Fig. 44 from position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A securing device 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1. The device 10 comprises a casing 12 formed from a non-magnetic material having a top 14 and a bottom 16, and an internal cavity 18 which opens to the top of the casing. A plunger 20 which is also formed from an essentially non-magnetic material (i.e., a material that is not, or is essentially not, attracted by a magnet such as e.g., an austenitic metal) is disposed in the cavity and to one end of which is secured a permanent cylindrical magnet 22 by a fastener 24, the fastener being threadably engaged with an internal mating thread defined in plunger shaft 26 thereby fixedly securing the cylindrical magnet to the plunger shaft. A permanent ring magnet 28 is seated on the internal circumferential ledge 30 of the casing and is held stationary against the ledge by a retaining element in the form or a locking ring 32 threadably engaged with a corresponding female thread 34 defined in the casing wall. The cylindrical magnet 22 is partially received in an underside hollow of the locking ring 32 and the plunger shaft 26 slidably protrudes from a through opening 27 of the locking ring.

The cylindrical magnet 22 is received by the ring magnet 28, and the cylindrical magnet and the ring magnet are in an oppositely poled magnetic (i.e., attracted) relationship to one another (i.e., N-S, S-N or S-N, N-S) wherein the cylindrical magnet 22 is slidable back and forth within the ring magnet 28 with movement of the plunger 20 back and forth within the casing between resting and securing positions of the plunger as further described below. As can also be seen, an air space 36 is provided between the bottom of the casing and the cylindrical magnet 22.

A cap 38 fabricated from a magnetically attracted material (i.e., a ferromagnetic material) is fitted to the top end of the plunger shaft 26 and is secured in position by a retaining roll pin (not shown) inserted into the hole 40 in the plunger shaft. A sealing member in the form of an O-ring 42 is received about the cap in a groove 44 defined in the circumferential periphery of the cap and covers the retaining pin. In other embodiments, the sealing member can be a lip seal rather than an O-ring. In still yet further embodiments, a sealing member in the form of an O-ring can instead be provided in a circumferential groove defined in the inside face of the surrounding wall of the casing rather than on the cap itself. An exploded view of the securing device 10 is shown in Fig. 2 and the operation of the securing device is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the securing device 10 in at least some embodiments is employed in combination with a retaining element in the form of a mild-steel retaining plate 46 in which is mounted a further permanent magnet 48, the securing device and the plate forming a securing assembly which in at least forms, can be employed to prevent separation of first and second components as described herein from one another, thereby securing the first and second components together.

In use, the retaining plate 46 is located in position on the first component as described in greater detail below, such that the further magnet 48 is in an oppositely poled (i.e., attracted) magnetic orientation relative to the cylindrical magnet 22 (i.e., N- S or S-N). The bottom of the securing device 10 is then seated on the top of the retaining plate 46 so that the cylindrical magnet 22 of the device aligns with the further magnet 48.

Initially, the plunger 20 is in its resting position as shown in Fig. 3 whereby the cylindrical magnet 22 is located above the space 36 provided within the casing between that magnet and the bottom 16 of the casing 12.

With the positioning of the casing on the retaining plate 46, the cylindrical magnet 22 is partially, slidably drawn though the ring magnet 28 by magnetic attraction of the cylindrical magnet for the further magnet 48 whereby the cylindrical magnet is moved from its initial position into its working position in the space 36 and magnetically couples with the further magnet 48, thereby holding the securing device against the retaining plate 46. As with other embodiments of the securing device 10 as described herein, the bottom 16 of the casing has a thickness of typically about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm that is reduced compared to the surrounding side wall of the casing to facilitate the attraction and magnetic coupling of the cylindrical magnet 22 with the further magnet 48/retaining plate 46 or other magnetically attracted component as described herein.

As the cylindrical magnet 22 is drawn into its working position, the plunger 20 is likewise automatically drawn from its resting position to its securing position in which the top of the cap 38 is generally flush with the top of the casing 12 as shown in Fig. 4. In this position, the opening of the cavity 18 is closed by the cap and the interior of the cavity is substantially sealed by the O-ring of the cap, essentially preventing dust and detritus from entering the casing 12 through the cavity opening. Further, in this position, the top region of the cylindrical magnet 22 is in a repelling magnetic relationship (i.e., N-N or S-S) with the bottom region of the ring magnet 28, the magnetic attraction between the cylindrical magnet 22 and the further magnet 48 overcoming the magnetic repulsion between the cylindrical magnet and the ring magnet 28. The magnetic repulsion between the cylindrical magnet and the ring magnet that develops as the cylindrical magnet is drawn into its working position acts to dampen that movement. Likewise, the magnetic repulsion between the cylindrical and ring magnets assists the release and return of the cylindrical magnet from its working position to its initial position during removal of the securing device.

The use of the securing assembly shown in Figs. 3 and 4 to secure a tooth component 50 of a mining or excavation (e.g., drag-line) bucket to another component i.e., an adaptor 52 of the bucket, is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. The adaptor 52 in use is welded or otherwise fixed to the bucket in the conventionally known manner.

An opening in the form of a recess 54 is provided in the outer face of each side of the nose 56 of the adaptor for reception of a respective retaining plate 46. To secure the tooth 50 to the adaptor, a retaining plate is first located in each slot whereby each plate 46 is retained in position by the magnetic attraction of its further magnet 48 to the adaptor. The tooth 50 is then slid onto the nose 56 of the adaptor such that the nose is snugly received in the corresponding cavity 58 of the tooth as best shown in Fig. 6 whereby each recess 54 aligns with a respective through opening 60 defined in the adjacent side wall of the tooth, forming a passageway into which the a securing device is positioned in use as further described below. As shown in Fig. 5, once the tooth and the adaptor components are in their assembled configuration, one end of each retaining plate 46 is received under a respective ledge 62 of the tooth.

A securing device 10 is then inserted into one of the openings 60 at an angle such that the foot 64 of a forwardly directed protrusion 66 of the casing 12 is fitted into the recess 54 and slid under the overhanging ledge 62 provided by the tooth. With continued lowering of the casing the foot 64 slides into abutment with the front end 68 of the recess 54 and the cylindrical magnet 22 is magnetically attracted to the further magnet 48 in the retaining plate 46 as described above as the bottom 16 of the casing is seated on the retaining plate. The plunger 20 is thereby automatically moved into its securing position whereby the opening to the internal cavity 18 of the casing 12 of the device is closed by the cap 38 as the cylindrical magnet 22 is drawn into its working position by magnetic attraction to the further magnet 48 of the retaining plate. When the casing is located in position its rear end face 70 is disposed immediately adjacent to the wall 72 defining the opening 60 of the tooth. Another securing device is then inserted through the other of the through openings 60 so as to be seated on the other retaining plate 46 in the same manner as described above.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, the front end face 74 and opposite rear face 70 of the casing 12 of each securing device 10 are inclined relative to one another so that the length of the casing increases in the top to bottom direction of the casing to facilitate the insertion of the casing 12 into position and subsequent removal of the device from the opening 60. Whilst not shown, the opposite sides 74 and 76 of the casing between the front and rear ends of the casing are inclined relative to one another so that the width of the casing decreases in the top to bottom direction of the casing to also facilitate locating the casing in position.

When in position the securing assembly comprising the securing device 10 and the retaining plate 46 prevents the withdrawal of the tooth 50 from the nose 56 of the adaptor, and so acts as a “chock” effectively locking the tooth and adaptor together. That is, withdrawal of the adaptor from the tooth is stopped by abutment of the rear end of the casing 12 with the corresponding wall 72 of the tooth whilst withdrawal of the tooth from the adaptor is stopped by abutment of the front of the foot 64 of the casing with the front end of the corresponding recess 54.

Thus, the casing of a securing device 10 as described herein is sufficiently strong, rigid and robust to prevent the withdrawal/ separation of the two objects secured together by the location of the device between the two objects (in the present example, the tooth 50 and adaptor 52).

Extraction of a securing device 10 from the assembled configuration of the tooth and the adaptor is simply the reversal of the insertion of the device which can be assisted with the use of a removal tool 78 as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the removal tool comprises a nonmagnetic housing 80 open at a bottom end 82 thereof and in which there is a permanent magnet 84 located on the end of a spindle 86 that is threadably received in a collar 88. The spindle protrudes from the housing and a handle 90 is mounted on the outer end of the spindle. Whilst not shown, the cylindrical magnet 84 is enclosed in a cup formed from a magnetically attracted material (e.g., mild steel) except for the outwardly directed bottom face 85 of the magnet. The circumferential periphery of the magnet 182 is spaced from the cup as in conventionally known pot magnets. In the present embodiment, a thin layer of an epoxy is utilised to fill the spacing about the circumferential periphery of the magnet from the cup. Any suitable epoxy (e.g. an epoxy resin or adhesive) may be utilised for this purpose. As is known with conventional pot magnets, the encasing of the permanent magnet with a magnetically attracted material can substantially enhance the magnetic field generated for enhanced magnetic coupling as described herein.

Depending on which way the handle 90 is rotated, the magnet 84 is raised or lowered with the housing. To remove the securing device 10 from position on the retaining plate 46 and thereby the device from the tooth, the bottom end 82 of the removal tool is placed on the cap 38 of the device and the magnet 84 is wound down to the cap by rotation of the handle 90 for magnetic coupling of the magnet 84 with the cap. By rotating the handle 90 of the removal tool in the opposite direction the cylindrical magnet 22 is drawn into the casing 12, and the cap and thereby the plunger 20 are also drawn toward the housing of the removal tool resulting in the cylindrical magnet being drawn away from the bottom of the casing 12 of the securing device, releasing the securing device 10 from the retaining plate 46. The lifting of the cylindrical magnet away from the retaining plate is assisted by magnetic repulsion that is generated between the cylindrical magnet and the ring magnet when the cylindrical magnet is in its working position.

The return of the cylindrical magnet to its initial position from its working position and thereby the return of the plunger of the device from its securing position to its resting position is facilitated by the common (repelling) polarity of the cylindrical magnet relative to the ring magnet 28 in the working position of the cylindrical magnet. The generation of magnetic repulsion between the cylindrical magnet 22 and the ring magnet as the cylindrical magnet is drawn into its working position likewise dampens the movement of the cylindrical magnet to that position. In embodiments described herein, the lifting force applied to the cap 38 by the removal tool in order to release the securing device from the retaining plate is typically substantially less than the force required to dislodge the casing of an embodiment of the securing device from the surface of the magnetically attracted material to which it is magnetically coupled in use.

In the embodiment presently shown, once the securing device 10 has been released from the retaining plate, the device 10 can be lifted from the corresponding through opening 60 of the tooth by the removal tool as illustrated in Fig. 8.

The above removal process using the removal tool is repeated for the other securing device 10 on the opposite side of tooth and adaptor assembly and once both securing devices 10 have been removed, the tooth can then be slipped from the adaptor.

In other embodiments, the retaining element or plate 46 may be located or received on the adaptor in any suitable way so as to be retained in position thereon other than being located in a cavity or recess of the adaptor.

A further embodiment of a securing device 10 in accordance with the invention coupling a tooth 50 to the nose 56 of an adaptor 52 of a mining or excavation bucket is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. As with the embodiment described above, this securing device also includes a cylindrical magnet 22 secured to the bottom end of a plunger 20 and received by a stationary ring magnet 28 wherein in use, the cylindrical magnet is slidable relative to the ring magnet from an initial position into a working position in a space provided in the bottom region of the casing 12 to releasably secure the tooth to the adaptor. In this embodiment, the casing 12 of the device is cylindrical and desirably tapers in its top to bottom direction for being inserted in correspondingly tapered aligned through openings 92 and 94 of the tooth and the adaptor so as to be placed in an end to end relationship with a like securing device 10a as shown in Fig. 9. The moveable cylindrical magnet 22 of the securing device 10 is oppositely poled (i.e., N-S or S-N) with respect to the cylindrical magnet 22 of the other securing device 10a whereby the cylindrical magnets are attracted and magnetically couple with one another thereby holding the securing devices 10 and 10a in position and releasably securing the tooth 50 on the adaptor. To assist location and for maintaining the securing devices 10 and 10a in position, the casing 12 of each device is provided with a flange 96 which rests on the corresponding side face of the adaptor. Another embodiment of a securing device 10 is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. In this embodiment, a single securing device 10 is used to secure the tooth 50 in position on the nose of the adaptor 52 in combination with ferromagnetic holding pin 98. In this embodiment the casing 12 is again generally frustoconical in shape and is inserted into aligned correspondingly tapered openings 100 and 102 of the tooth 50 and adaptor 52 whereby the bottom of the casing is received in a round recess 104 provided in the side of the holding pin 98 which itself has been inserted into openings 106 of the tooth and though opening 108 of the adaptor whereby the casing and the holding pin 98 are disposed substantially perpendicularly to each other. As will be understood, in this embodiment, the cylindrical magnet 22 is magnetically attracted to the holding pin 98 and magnetically couples with the holding pin, maintaining the pin in position and releasably securing the tooth to the adaptor. Other embodiments of this type can also be provided wherein the holding pin 98 is inserted into the tooth and adaptor assembly in the side to side (i.e., transverse) direction of the assembly whilst the securing device is inserted in a top to bottom direction of the assembly.

Likewise, the holding pin 98 can be provided in a shape other than as a flattened bar as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12.

Such an embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15. In this embodiment, the movable cylindrical magnet 22 of the securing device is again received by the stationary ring magnet 28 and is slidable relative thereto as described above. However, in this instance, the bottom 110 of the casing 12 is concaved for mating with the ferromagnetic round holding pin 98 in a circumferentially directed groove 112 of the pin as best shown in Fig. 15. In this embodiment, the cylindrical magnet can likewise be concaved at its bottom end for enhancement of the magnetic coupling of that magnet with the holding pin 98. A side view of the holding pin 98 is illustrated in Fig. 15. Whilst the holding pin 98 in this embodiment can therefore rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the securing device 10, the pin is nevertheless held in position within the tooth and adaptor assembly by the securing device 10 by virtue of the reception of the casing 12 within the circumferentially directed groove of the pin.

Yet another embodiment of a securing device is illustrated in Fig. 16 with respect to the securing of a tooth 50 to an adaptor 52 of a mining excavation bucket. In this embodiment, the casing 12 of the securing device 10 is elongated and is inserted into aligned openings 114a and 114b of the tooth 50 the second of which is blind, via through opening 11 of the nose 56 of the adaptor 52. The securing device 10 in this embodiment thereby acts as a magnetic holding pin and the tooth is secured to the adaptor by the securing device without the need for a separate holding pin 98. As also illustrated in Fig. 16, the cylindrical magnet 22 when in its working position magnetically couples with the ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel) from which the adaptor is made. Further, in this embodiment, the cap 38 of the securing device 10 is located in a recess 116 defined in the side face of the tooth 50 when the cylindrical magnet 22 is in its working position as shown in Fig. 16 whereby the top of the cap is substantially flush with the side face of the tooth.

Whilst the above embodiments are described in the context of securing a tooth to an adaptor of a mining or excavation bucket, the invention is not limited thereto and securing devices 10 have a range of applications such as securing wear plates (e.g., comprising a tough and highly wear resistant ceramic or alloy material overlaid on a less dense material such as a mild steel or chromium steel plate) to equipment or a chute, bin, hopper, bucket or other material handling component to protect that component from abrasive material (e.g., rock, ore, minerals or the like) with which it would otherwise come into contact with in use. Typically, in such embodiments, the securing device is fitted into an aligned through opening and recess or slot of the wear plate and component assembly to secure the wear plate and the component to one another in the manner as described above.

In further embodiments, a securing device as described herein can be used for securing a first component to a second component wherein the first and the second components can pivot relative to one another. Such embodiments have application, for example, as a linkage pin for securing a pivoting component of machinery such as an excavator, backhoe or the like to a fixed component of the machinery. An example of such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 17.

As shown in Fig. 16, the stationary part 118 has a cavity 120 which opens to one side 122 of that part, and a recess 124 in a front end 126 in which the pivoting part 128 is located. The securing device 10 is inserted into the cavity 120 and extends entirely through the through passageway 130 of the pivoting part 128 whereby the bottom of the casing 12 of the device is in abutment with the side wall 130 defining the bottom of the cavity 120. As will be understood, the pivoting part 128 is pivotable relative to both the securing device 10 and the stationary part 118.

The cylindrical magnet 22 is shown in its working position in Fig. 17 in which it is magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic material of the end wall 130 of the stationary part 118, whereby the cap 38 is in its closed position by virtue of its connection to the cylindrical magnet 22 via the plunger 20. As also shown, the surrounding side wall 132 of the casing 12 in this embodiment is relatively thick and includes radially directed channels 134 which open to the exterior 136 of the side wall of the casing. The channels 134 are in communication with a one-way inlet valve in the form of a lubrication nipple 138 securing the cap 38 to the plunger 20 via central longitudinal channel 140 of the plunger shaft 26, and open to circumferential grooves defined in the exterior of the side wall 132 forming grease/lubrication lines 137. The longitudinal channel 140 and the radially directed channels 134 form conduits for the passage of grease or other lubricant to the exterior of the side wall of the casing 12 to allow for periodic lubrication of the exterior of the side wall, including between the casing and the pivoting/pivotable part 128. A one-way valve 131 protrudes from a through passageway of the stationary part for passage of excess grease from the assembly. The sealing means in the form of O-ring 42 about the circumferential periphery of the cap 38 closes the cavity though again, it will be understood that a lip seal or other suitable seal may be used instead. Sealing means in the form of further Ciring seals 142 also protect the securing device 10 from external dust and other detritus.

In each of the embodiments of the securing device 10 and 10a described above, the movable cylindrical magnet 22 is drawn into its working position by magnetic attraction of that magnet to e.g., a retaining plate 46, a ferromagnetic material such as a holding pin 98, or an oppositely poled cylindrical magnet such as that of another securing device 10 (e.g., magnet 22), as described above. However, in other embodiments, the cylindrical magnet can be moved to its working position by manually depressing the cap 38 to drive the plunger 20 downwardly whereby the cylindrical magnet is then retained in its working position and the securing device is held in position, by the cylindrical magnet magnetically coupling with the retaining plate 46, ferromagnetic holding pin 98 or oppositely poled magnet. Whether the cylindrical magnet 22 is automatically drawn into its working position by magnetic attraction of that magnet or the cap 38/plunger 20 needs to be depressed in order to at least initiate the movement of the cylindrical magnet into its working position depends on the size and magnetic field strength of the cylindrical magnet 22 and the ring magnet 28 relative to one another, as well as the nature of the material to which the cylindrical magnet 22 is attracted. Generally, if the magnetic field of the ring magnet 28 is weaker than that of the cylindrical magnet 22, the cylindrical magnet will typically be automatically drawn by magnetic attraction to its working position in use. Likewise, if the magnetically attracted material to which the cylindrical magnet 22 is magnetically coupled in its working position is only relatively thin or the cylindrical magnet is only attracted to that material relatively weakly, the movement of the cylindrical magnet to its working position in that instance may not be automatic. Persons in the field to which this invention relates will be able to determine the size and magnetic field strength of the cylindrical magnet 22 and the ring magnet 28 for either automatic or manually driven movement of the cylindrical magnet into its working position to suit the particular application of the securing device 10 in use.

Also, whilst the cylindrical magnet 22 is moveable and the ring magnet 28 is held in a stationary position in the above described embodiments, in other embodiments of the invention the cylindrical magnet 22 may be held in a stationary position and the ring magnet 28 is moveable from an initial position to a working position in use. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19.

As shown in Fig. 18, the casing 12 of the device 10 is again elongate in shape. In this embodiment though the ring magnet 28 is secured to the base 144 of the plunger 20 by mechanical fasteners indicated by the numeral 146 and so is moveable between initial and working positions relative to the cylindrical magnet 22 with travel of the plunger within the casing as described further below. The ring magnet is shown in its resting position in Fig. 18 with a circumferential air space 36 provided between the end of the cavity of the casing and the bottom of the ring magnet. The cylindrical magnet is securely mounted in a fixed position on a raised rest 148 of the casing and is received by the ring magnet 28. A recess 150 is formed in the base of the plunger 20 for reception of a top portion of the cylindrical magnet 22 when the plunger is moved to its securing position as shown in Fig. 19. When not in use, the ring magnet 28 is in its initial position and receives the cylindrical magnet 22, and the cap 38 is spaced from the top of the casing. The ring magnet and the cylindrical magnet are oppositely poled (e.g., N-S, S-N or S-N, N-S) and in the initial resting position of the ring magnet, the ring magnet and the cylindrical magnet are attracted to one another.

In use, the casing of the device is placed on a magnetically attracted material as in embodiments described above such as a sheet or plate 164 of ferromagnetic material (e.g., a mild-steel retaining plate). To secure the device 10 to the sheet, the cap 38 is depressed moving the ring magnet 28 to its working position with the travel of the plunger 20 to its securing position (or the ring magnet is otherwise automatically drawn into its securing position), wherein the ring magnet is magnetically coupled to the plate 164. In this position, the ring magnet is repelled by the cylindrical magnet (i.e., the magnets are N-N or S-S to each other) but the magnetic coupling of the ring magnet secures the device to the ferromagnetic plate.

Yet another embodiment of a securing device 10 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Fig. 20A. In this embodiment, the cap 38 is again formed from a magnetically attracted material but in this instance, the circumferential periphery of the cap is tapered to seat on a correspondingly tapered wall 116 defined in the top 14 of the casing 12 of the device as shown in Fig. 20B. A sealing member in the form of an O-ring 118 is located in position under the cap in a recess 120 adjacent the bottom end of the tapered wall and the receives the plunger shaft 26 to seal the cavity of the casing against entry of dirt and detritus. Locating the O-ring in this position also protects it against mechanical damage. A diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the casing 12 of this embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 20C. In this embodiment the ring magnet 28 is retained in a fixed position. However, it will be understood that as with other embodiments as described herein, forms of the device may be provided in which the cylindrical magnet 22 is movable between initial and working positions whilst the ring magnet is retained in a fixed position within the casing.

A cutting edge 120 secured to a support plate 122 by a pair of spaced apart securing devices 10 of the type shown in Fig. 20A is illustrated in Fig. 21 A. As best illustrated in Fig. 21B, each securing device is received in a respective passageway 124 which extends through the support plate from the outer surface of the cutting edge. In practice, the support plate can for instance be the lip of an excavation bucket. Likewise, rather than a cutting edge as shown, one or more securing devices of the type shown in Fig. 20A may be used to secure a replaceable excavation tooth to the lip of an excavation bucket or more generally, to an adaptor of an excavation bucket for the tooth.

Whilst in embodiments described above the first magnet and the moveable magnet (e.g., the ring magnet 28 and the cylindrical magnet 22) are each respectively provided as a single magnet, in other embodiments the first magnet and/or the moveable magnet may be provided in a number of respective magnet sections that may be spaced apart from one another but which are arranged to function together. It is also not essential that the first magnet and the moveable magnet are each circular in transverse cross-section, and magnets having other transverse cross-sectional shapes may be used in embodiments of the invention. Examples of embodiments of such magnet arrangements are illustrated in Figs. 22A in which the respective magnets have a triangular transverse cross-sectional profile and Fig. 23 A in which the magnets each have a square transverse cross-sectional profile. A diagrammatic side view of these magnet arrangements is illustrated in Fig. 22B and Fig. 23B, respectively.

In Fig. 24 the ring magnet is shown provided in four sections 28a-d spaced apart from one another around the cylindrical magnet 22. In Fig. 25, the ring magnet is provided in two sections 28a-b. A diagrammatic side view of the magnet arrangement of Fig. 24 or Fig. 25 is illustrated in Fig. 26. Further, such magnet arrangements are shown in Figs. 27-28.

More particularly, Fig. 27A illustrates an arrangement in which spaced apart L- shaped magnets 122 functioning as a ring magnet 28 are positioned about the comers of a square shaped magnet 124 functioning as a cylindrical magnet 22. A diagrammatic side view of this magnet arrangement is shown in Fig. 27B. In Fig. 28A, the magnet arrangement comprises a triangular shaped magnet 126 about which are positioned flat magnets 127a-c functioning as a ring magnet and which are respectively disposed adjacent a corresponding face of the triangular magnet 126. A diagrammatic side view of this magnet arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 28B.

Examples of embodiments in which the cylindrical magnet 22 is provided in a number of sections are illustrated in Fig. 29A and Fig. 30A. As can be seen, in Fig. 29A the cylindrical magnet is provided in two sections 22a-b whilst in Fig. 30A the cylindrical magnet is in four sections. In at least some embodiments, the magnet sections can be secured to the plunger shaft 26 as shown. A diagrammatic side view for the magnet arrangement of Fig. 29 or Fig. 30 is illustrated in Fig. 31.

A yet further embodiment of a securing device 10 as described herein is illustrated in Fig. 32. This embodiment has a short casing 12 which includes a removable base in the form of a closure plug 166 that is threadably received by a mating female thread of the casing and so is readily removable from the main body 168 of the casing 12 by unscrewing the base from the main body. In this embodiment, the plug 166 is again formed from the same essentially non-magnetic material from which the main body 168 of the casing 12 is formed. As shown, the floor 167 of the plug again has a reduced thickness (i.e., a thickness of typically from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm) compared to the surrounding side wall of the plug to facilitate the magnetic coupling of the cylindrical magnet 22 for retention of the casing/securing device in its in use position as described above in relation to other embodiments of the invention. In other embodiments, the plug may be formed from a magnetically attracted (e.g., ferric) material. In this instance, a stronger permanent cylindrical magnet 22 may be utilised to account for possible loss of magnetic coupling strength as a result of flux of that magnet being at least partially redirected by the magnetic attracted material from which the plug is formed. As also further illustrated in Fig. 32, the embodiment shown does not include a plunger 22 or plunger cap 38. Rather, the top end of the casing 12 is integrally formed with the surrounding side wall of the casing.

As with other embodiments as described above, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 32 the ring magnet 28 again slidably receives the cylindrical magnet 22 and is retained in a fixed position within the casing. In its initial position the cylindrical magnet is located in the upper end of the internal cavity 18 of the casing 12 as illustrated in Fig. 33, and there is an air space 36 between the plug and the bottom of the cylindrical magnet. In use, the cylindrical magnet is automatically slidably drawn through the fixed ring magnet 28 into the air space 36 from its initial position to its working position as shown in Fig. 32 by attraction to the magnetically attracted material to which it magnetically couples which may e.g., be an adaptor 52 or a retaining plate 46 as in embodiments described above, for holding the securing device 10 in its in use position.

Another embodiment of a securing device 10 which operates similarly to that shown in Figs. 32-33 is illustrated in Figs. 34-36. In this embodiment though the casing 12 is longer than that of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 32-33 and has a removable bottom closure member in the form of plug 166 as well as top closure member in the form of plug 170, both of which are threadably mated with corresponding female threads provided in the opposite ends of the main body 168 of the casing. Being longer, this embodiment may be used as a securing pin as generally illustrated in e.g., Figs. 16-17. In the present embodiment, the width of the casing tapers in the top to bottom direction of the casing whereby the bottom of the casing is slightly wider than the top. However, in embodiments of may also be provided in which the width of the casing remains essentially constant along its length.

More particularly, as can be seen in Fig. 34, this embodiment includes a connecting member in the form of a shaft 172 with cylindrical magnet 22 mounted on one end of the shaft. A further permanent (e.g. rare earth) magnet in the form of cylindrical magnet 174 is mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 172 for facilitating removal of the securing device as further described below. The cylindrical magnet 22 is again received by a permanent ring magnet 28 which is located within recess 176 of the main body 168 of the casing and retained against ledge 177 in a fixed position therein by a spacer in the form of a spacer ring 175 which in turn is seated on the bottom plug 166, whereby an air space 36 is formed between the floor of the bottom closure plug 166 and the bottom of the cylindrical magnet 22 when the cylindrical magnet 22 is in its initial position as shown in Fig. 34. As with the embodiment shown in Figs. 32-33, the cylindrical magnet 22 in this embodiment is automatically slidably drawn through the fixed ring magnet 28 into the air space 36 from its initial position to its working position by attraction to the magnetically attracted material to which it magnetically couples to hold the securing device in its in use position when securing the first and second objects together such as e.g., an excavating tooth and an adapter of an excavation bucket, as described above. As will be understood, the shaft 172 and thereby the further cylindrical magnet 174 is also drawn along the casing with the movement of the cylindrical magnet 22 into its working position within the casing 12 as shown in Fig. 35.

An exploded view of the casing 12 of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 34-35 is illustrated in Fig. 36.

A further removal tool 178 for removing embodiments of securing devices 10 of for instance the type shown in Figs. 32-36, is illustrated in Figs. 37-39. The removal tool 178 comprises an essentially non-magnetic housing 80 open at a bottom end thereof. Rather than a single permanent magnet 84 as in the embodiment of the removal tool illustrated in Fig. 7, the embodiment shown in Fig. 36 and Fig. 37 comprises a permanent cylindrical coupling magnet 18 as well as a further permanent cylindrical magnet 182 received by an oppositely poled permanent ring magnet 184 that is held in a fixed position within the interior of the housing 80 as further discussed below. As with the cylindrical magnet 84 of the removal tool 78 illustrated in Fig. 7, the cylindrical magnet 180 is enclosed in a cup 186 formed from a magnetically attracted material (e.g., mild steel) except for the outwardly directed bottom face 188 of the magnet. Again, the circumferential perimeter of the magnet 180 is spaced from the cup as in conventionally known pot magnets, whilst the top face of the magnet 180 is in direct contact with the cup (as is the top face of the magnet 84 of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7) as is also known in conventional pot magnets. In the present embodiment, a thin layer of an epoxy is again utilised to fill a spacing of about 1 mm (indicated by the numeral 183) from the surrounding cup 186.

As can be further seen, the cylindrical magnets 180 and 182 of the removal tool 178 are secured to either side of the cup 186 by respective mechanical fasteners in the form of internal screws 192 and 194, and the ring magnet 184 is seated on an internal ledge 196 of the housing 80. A closure member in the form of plug 198 of the housing 80 retains the ring magnet 184 in position on the ledge 196 and in the embodiment shown, the plug 198 threadably mating with the main body of the housing.

Handle members 200a and 200b extend from the cup 186 and together form a release handle. As best shown in Fig. 39, the handle members 200a and 200b each extend through a corresponding slot 202a and 202b formed in the surrounding side wall of the main body of the housing 80. As each slot is orientated in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the cylindrical magnets 180 and 182 are able to move back and forth in the lengthwise direction of housing with travel of the release handle as also described further below. Further handle members 204a and 204b extend from the plug 198 of the housing and together form a pulling handle. In at least some embodiments, these handle members may be integrally formed with the threaded closure plug 198. When the cylindrical coupling magnet 180 is in its initial position as shown in Fig. 37, an air space 36 is provided in the housing 80 immediately below that magnet.

To remove a securing device 10 as for instance exemplified in Figs. 32-36 from its in use position using the removal tool 178 such as from the passageway formed by aligned openings of a tooth and adaptor therefor of a mining or excavation bucket as described above, tool 178 is positioned bottom down on the top of casing 12 of the device.

The removal of the securing pin 10 comprises travel of the cylindrical magnet 180 of the removal tool 178 along the housing 80 to magnetically couple with the corresponding cylindrical magnet 22 or 174 against the magnetic repulsion provided by the ring magnet 184 to the travel of the further cylindrical magnet 182. The travel of the cylindrical coupling magnet 180 along the housing from its initial position is limited to the bottom end of the housing by the length of the slots 202a and 202b, and can be driven by the manual application of force to the pin release handle formed by handle members 200a and 200b or automatically by magnetic attraction of the cylindrical magnet 180 of the removal tool for the corresponding cylindrical magnet 22 or 174 of the securing device 10. In either case, the resistance to the travel of the cylindrical coupling magnet 180 provided by the ring magnet 184 acts to dampen the movement of the cylindrical magnet into a magnetic coupling relationship with the cylindrical magnet 22 or 174. Once this magnetic coupling is formed, the removal of the securing device 10 is then achieved by pulling rearwardly on the pulling handle of the removal tool formed by handle members 204a and 204b to dislodge the securing device from position. As will also be understood, the removal of the securing device 10 from its in use position is further facilitated by the attraction of the cylindrical magnet 22 or 174 of the securing device for the cylindrical magnet 180 of the removal tool.

When removed from its in use position the securing device 10 remains magnetically attached to the base of the removal tool 174. To physically remove the securing device from the removal tool, the release handle formed by handle members 200a and 200b is squeezed toward the pulling handle causing the cylindrical magnet 180 of the removal to be retracted into the housing 80. This movement is further facilitated by the magnetic repulsion between the ring magnet 184 and the further cylindrical magnet 182 acting to return that cylindrical magnet to its initial position with respect to the ring magnet 184. This ring magnet and cylindrical magnet arrangement thus functions in a corresponding manner to the ring magnet 28 and cylindrical magnet 22 arrangements of securing devices 10 as described herein.

Embodiments of a securing device 300 of the invention are illustrated in Figs. 40 A-D and Figures 41 A-D. As with the securing devices described above, each comprises a casing 12 though in these embodiments, the casing 12 is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material. The casing 12 has a top end 304 and an opposite bottom end 310. The magnetically attracted material can be e.g., a ferrous metal such as mild steel. Magnetically attracted stainless steels are also known and the casing 12 of embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 40 A-D and 41 A-D and/or other magnetically attracted components of embodiments of a securing device as described herein may alternatively be fabricated from any suitable such stainless steels.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 40 and 41 also each include a sleeve element 302 fabricated from an essentially non-magnetically attracted material. The sleeve element is retained in a fixed position within the casing 12 and comprises a top sleeve portion 302a and a bottom sleeve portion 302b. In embodiments A and B of each of Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 the top end 304 of the casing is closed by top wall 303 whereas in each of embodiments C and D of those figures, the top end of the casing is open. To retain the sleeve element 302 in position the bottom sleeve portion can threadably mate with the casing 12 to retain the top sleeve portion 302a in position in those embodiments in which the top end 304 of the casing is closed. In those embodiments in which the top end of the casing 304 is open, sleeve portion 302a can threadably mate with the bottom sleeve portion 302b which in turn can threadably mate with the casing. The top and/or bottom sleeve portions may also or alternatively be fixed to the casing by a suitable adhesive.

As can be seen, the top and bottom sleeve portions 302a and 302b are cupped whereby the moveable permanent cylindrical magnet 22 is enclosed within the sleeve element 302 for movement along within the sleeve element from its initial position to its working position in use. Also as in embodiments of securing devices described above, an air space 36 is provided below the moveable magnet 22 for movement of the magnet into its working position to form a magnetic coupling as described above. A further air space 306 is provided between the moveable magnet and the closed top of the sleeve element 302. The moveable cylindrical magnet is free to automatically move between its initial its position and its working position within the sleeve element and in contrast to the embodiments of the securing devices described in Figs. 1-39, is unattached. That is, the moveable magnet is not secured or fastened to any other component such as a plunger 20.

In embodiments A and B of Fig. 40 and Fig. 41, the top wall 303 of the casing is of a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the peripheral side wall 308 of the casing that surrounds the sleeve element, to protect the securing device against physical impact damage in use.

In embodiments C and D of Fig. 40 and Fig. 41, the top end 304 of the casing is open, and the sleeve element extends to the casing’s top end so as to be essentially flush with the casing, the top of the sleeve element thereby being exposed to exterior of the casing.

In the embodiments shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 41, the sleeve element extends 302 to the open bottom end 310 of the casing so as to be essentially flush with the bottom end of the casing, whereby the sleeve element is exposed to exterior of the casing.

Magnetic flux from the magnet(s) passes through the sleeve element to the casing whereby the magnetic flux is directed along the casing for magnetic bonding of the securing device with the object or component on which the securing device is seated in use, thereby enhancing the securing of the securing device in position within the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the first and second objects/components. The casing in these embodiments thereby acts similarly to the casing of a pot magnet as described above.

Hence, the sleeve element permits transmission of the magnetic flux emanating from the magnet(s) to the casing 12 and so acts as spacer for radially distancing the magnet(s) from the casing rather than as a shield against transmission of the magnetic flux to the peripheral side wall of the casing where it is directed therealong to the bottom of the casing as described above.

In embodiments B and D of Fig. 40 and Fig. 41, the securing devices shown further include a magnetic flux directing element 321 for radially directing magnetic flux from the moveable magnet to the casing 12. In the embodiments shown, the magnetic flux directing element is in the form of a disc fabricated from a magnetically attracted material (e.g., mild steel) seated on and thereby carried by, the moveable magnet 22 between its initial and working positions as described herein.

The moveable magnet is shown in its initial resting position in securing devices A to D shown on the left side of Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 and in its working position in devices A to D on the right side of those figures.

In the embodiments shown in A to D of Fig. 41, the respective securing devices include a permanent ring magnet 28 seated on the bottom sleeve portion 302b so as to be retained in a fixed position within the sleeve element 302, and which slidably receives the permanent moveable magnet 22.

As will be understood, the securing devices illustrated in Figs. 40 A-D and Figs. A-D have applications as described above e.g., for securing machinery components together such as for securing a tooth component of a mining or excavation bucket to an adapter of the bucket, and all such applications are expressly included.

Exploded diagrammatic views of the securing devices illustrated in Figs. 40 A- D are illustrated in Fig. 42. Exploded diagrammatic views of the securing devices illustrated in Figs. 41 A-D are illustrated in Fig. 43. As will be understood, further securing devices of the general type described in Figs. 40-43 that do not have e.g., plunger 20, plunger shaft 26 and cap 38 components whereby the moveable cylindrical magnet is unattached and free to automatically move between its initial and working position are expressly encompassed herein. Similarly, such embodiments in which the cylindrical magnet 22 is retained in a fixed position whilst the ring magnet 28 is unattached to any other components and free to automatically move between an initial position and a working position as described herein are also expressly contemplated.

As will be understood, the casing of a securing device of the type illustrated in Figs. 40-44 can be shaped and configured for use as illustrated in Figs 5-6, and/or be cylindrical and/or tapered as in embodiments as described above for use in accordance with the disclosure provided herein, including for use as a linkage pin or holding pin as described above, and all such embodiments are also contemplated herein. Indeed, embodiments of the type in which the casing is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material and the moveable magnet is radially spaced from the surrounding peripheral wall of the casing by an essentially non-magnetically attracted material, can also be used for securing of the first and the second objects together by end to end magnetically coupling such devices together as described herein.

In further embodiments, a securing device embodied by the invention can have at least one lever engagement formation defined in an outer face of the peripheral side wall of the casing 12 for engagement with a lever element for levering the securing device from the magnetic coupling to facilitate removal of the securing device from the passageway. Typically, the lever engagement formation is provided for reception of the lever engagement element and most generally, is in the form of a groove orientated in a crosswise direction of the casing.

Such an embodiment is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 44. In the embodiment shown, the groove 312 is a circumferential groove that extends entirely around an upper end region the casing. A lengthwise extending ledge 314 is defined by an upper side of the groove for engagement with an end of the lever element. The opposite lower side of the groove 315 slopes toward the base of the ledge to direct the lever element into position under the ledge.

As further illustrated in Fig. 44, a recess 316 is formed in the outer of the first and second objects or component to allow location of the lever element in position under the ledge for levering the securing device from its position in the passageway formed by the aligned openings of the first and second objects/components.

Any securing device as described herein may be provided with a groove 312 for facilitating release of the device from its magnetic coupling retaining the device in position or otherwise dislodgment of the securing device from position for removal of the device and separation of the first and second objects/components in the event the securing device becomes jammed in position due to accumulated dirt and debris. The provision of a groove 312 is particularly desirable to facilitate release and removal of securing devices of the type shown in Fig. 40 and Fig. 41 in which the moveable magnet 22 is automatically drawn by magnetic attraction from its initial position to its working position when located in position.

A lever element in the form of a pry bar 318 is illustrated in Fig. 45. The bar has a handle 320 and an upturned foot shaped end 318 for being received in the groove 312 in the peripheral side wall of the casing so as to be located under the ledge 314 of the groove, the heel 322 of the foot acting as a fulcrum to facilitate levering the securing device from its position. The handle 320 tapers toward the opposite end of the pry bar which can be used for digging away debris about the device to provide access to the groove 312.

In other embodiments, for example, a plurality of spaced apart, short longitudinally oriented grooves may be provided around the upper end region of the peripheral side wall of the casing of a securing device as described herein for facilitating levering of the securing device from its position with use of a pry bar 318, though a single circumferentially extending groove 312 as illustrated in Fig. 44 is preferred. Alternative lever engagement formation(s) that may be employed include slot(s), ledge(s), protruberance(s) or other suitable formations.

As described above, the casing 12 and plunger 20 of embodiments of a securing device 10 as described above are fabricated from a material that is essentially nonmagnetic. In contrast, the casing 12 of embodiments of the securing device 300 illustrated in Figs. 40-43 is fabricated from a magnetically attracted material (e.g., a suitable ferrous metal).

Any suitable such materials having the requisite strength, rigidity and robustness for the intended use of the device can be utilised.

Most desirably, in securing devices described herein comprising a plunger 20 such as embodiments as illustrated in Fig. 1, the casing and plunger are fabricated from an austenitic metal e.g., an austenitic steel or stainless steel. Similarly, the casing 80 of a removal tool (e.g., 178) or for instance, sleeve element 302 of a securing device illustrated in Figs. 40-43, may be formed from any suitable essentially non-magnetic or austenitic metal as described above. As will also be understood, a non-magnetic or essentially non-magnetic material is one which has essentially no or negligible magnetic properties or is otherwise an essentially non-magnetically attracted material for the intended purpose and use of the material as described herein. Preferred austenitic metals e.g., steels and stainless steels, are those including some or all of the additives selected from the group consisting of manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). In particularly preferred austenitic steels, the magnetic relative permeability of the steel is less than about 1.001. Most desirably, the nickel content of the steel is less than about 2% w/w. Suitable austenitic steel castings are, for example, available from Keech Castings Australia Pty Ltd, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

In embodiments where strength and robustness of the casing 10 or e.g., sleeve element 302 of an embodiment as described herein need not be great, a non-magnetic material such as a suitable plastics material, fibreglass or an aluminium or aluminium alloy may be used.

In some embodiments employing a retaining plate 46 or 164 as described above, the retaining plate may also be fabricated from a suitable austenitic or essentially non- magnetically attracted material although in such embodiments, the retaining plate can incorporate a further magnet as described above to which the cylindrical magnet or the ring magnet magnetically couples in use of the securing device.

Any suitable permanent magnets may be utilised for the purposes of the moveable and other magnet(s) of a securing device described herein, including rare- earth magnets and rare-earth-free magnets. Rare earth magnets can be selected from samarium-cobalt magnets and neodymium (e.g., neodymium, iron and boron) magnets.

As will also be understood, securing devices as described herein find broad application and can be used for instance to secure digger, ripper and excavation teeth, cutting edges, wear plates and the like to excavation buckets, drag-line buckets, rotating excavator buckets of diggers, excavators, mining and ground engaging equipment and machinery (e.g., a digger bucket of a front-end loader, bucket loader, wheel loader, or other machine loader).

However, applications of securing devices and methods as described herein are not limited to the securing of a ground engagement tool (G.E.T) or machinery component to an adaptor for the G.E.T or component, and the present disclosure extends to the use of securing devices as describe herein in articulation hinges and hitches, earth moving and mining machinery, booms gates and boom points, sprockets and idlers, and rack and pinion systems, amongst a broad range of other uses. In particular, wear plate(s) (e.g., commonly comprising a tough and highly wear resistant ceramic or alloy material overlaid on a less dense material such as a mild steel or chromium steel plate) can be secured by a securing device embodied by the invention to G.E.T equipment or to a chute, bin, hopper, bucket or other material handling component to protect that component from abrasive material (e.g., rock, ore, minerals or the like) with which it would otherwise come into contact in use.

More broadly, the present disclosure extends to the use of securing devices as describe herein for securing articulation hinges, hitches, booms gates and boom points together, or to e.g., earth moving and mining equipment or support components, amongst a broad range of other uses.

From the above it will be apparent that embodiments of the invention may variously provide one or more of the following advantages.

• A relatively quick an easy way of securing components together as described herein;

• Securing together of the components without the need for tightening of a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) and thereby, avoiding risk of damage to the fastener and/or the fastener rusting or otherwise becoming stuck or cemented in position;

• Ready removal of the securing device allowing for ease of separation of the secured components from one other;

• Protection against external dust and debris accumulating about the securing device;

• Minimisation of wear and thereby maintenance of the device by virtue of the use of a fixed and a moveable permanent magnet as described above;

• Damping of the coupling of the objects or components as described herein by virtue of the magnetic polarities of the fixed and movable magnets;

• Use of the securing device in a range of different applications; and

• Reusability of the securing device. As will also be understood, feature(s) and/or integer(s) of an embodiment as described above may be implemented in conjunction with feature(s) and/or integer(s) of other embodiments, e.g., aspects and/or features of one embodiment may be combined with aspects and/or features of another embodiment to realize yet further embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, and all such arrangements and embodiments are expressly provided for herein.

Although a number of embodiments of the invention have been described above it will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the invention. The above described embodiments are therefore only illustrative and are not to be taken as being restrictive.