Spring clip

Claim 1

A spring clip for engaging a grooved section in the shank of a cutter pick and for securing said cutter pick to a mining machine drum, the spring clip being constructed of spring steel wire and comprising: a first leg and a second leg parallel to and spaced from each other, such that a constant spacing between said legs is provided along a substantial length of said legs; and a bight portion integral with and extending between said first and second legs to connect said legs together; wherein said first and second legs are provided with end portions remote from said bight portion which are outwardly splayed, and intermediate portions of a length substantially equal thereto located between said end portions and said bight portion which are inwardly directed and in opposition to each other such that a spacing between said inwardly directed intermediate portions of said legs is less than the constant spacing between said legs where said legs are spaced in parallel arrangement; and wherein said bight portion includes a generally U-shaped re-entrant bearing portion extending in the same direction as said parallel-spaced legs and terminating at a point between said bight portion and said intermediate portions.