Wedge coupler lug brackets for coupling implements to excavation machines

Abstract

The present invention relates to wedge coupler lug brackets for attachment to an implement to permit connection of a wedge coupler on the work arm of a primary mover such as a back hoe, excavator or loader. The wedge hook brackets comprising a pair of lugs each lug having a rear facing hook section, a saddle section, the rear facing hook section and saddle section configured and adapted to accommodate bosses on the wedge coupler on the work arm that transfer the digging force from a powerlink of the primary mover to the attachment and wedge bar receiver sections to receive a wedge bar on the wedge coupler. The wedge bar receiver section is configured and adapted, in combination with the rear facing hook section, to retain the attachment to the wedge coupler by engagement with both lugs across the width of the pair of wedge coupler lug brackets mounted on the attachment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Wedge coupler brackets for attachment to an implement to permit connection of a wedge coupler on the work arm of a primary mover such as a back hoe, excavator or loader, said wedge coupler brackets comprising:
 first and second opposing sidewalls, each sidewall having a first rear facing recess section and a second recess section, the first and second recess sections configured and adapted to engage bosses on the work arm wedge coupler that transfer the digging force from a power link of the primary mover to the attachment;   each sidewall having a wedge bar receiver section to receive a wedge bar on the wedge coupler, the wedge bar receiver sections configured and adapted, in combination with the rear facing recess sections, to retain the attachment to the wedge coupler by engagement with both brackets across the width of the brackets on the attachment.   
     
     
         2 . Wedge coupler brackets according to  claim 1 , wherein each rear facing recess section is a rear facing hook section and the second recess section is a saddle section. 
     
     
         3 . Wedge coupler brackets according to  claim 1 , wherein the wedge bar receiver sections are configured and adapted to receive a manually or hydraulically operated wedge bar on the wedge coupler. 
     
     
         4 . Wedge coupler brackets according to  claim 1 , wherein the implement is a bucket, pneumatic hammer, hole auger, grapple, shears, or ripper. 
     
     
         5 . An implement having wedge coupler brackets for coupling the implement to a wedge coupler on the work arm of a primary mover such as a back hoe, excavator or loader, said wedge coupler brackets comprising:
 first and second opposing sidewalls, each sidewall including a first rear facing recess section and a second recess section; the first and second recess sections configured and adapted to engage bosses on the work arm wedge coupler that transfer the digging force from a power link of the primary mover to the implement;   each sidewall having a wedge bar receiver section to receive a wedge bar on the wedge coupler, the wedge bar receiver sections configured and adapted, in combination with the rear facing recess sections, to retain the attachment to the wedge coupler by engagement with both brackets across the width of the brackets on the implement.   
     
     
         6 . An implement according to  claim 5 , wherein each rear facing recess section is a rear facing hook section and the second recess section is a saddle section. 
     
     
         7 . An implement according to  claim 5 , wherein the wedge bar receiver sections are configured and adapted to receive a manually or hydraulically operated wedge bar on the wedge couple. 
     
     
         8 . An implement according to  claim 5 , wherein the implement is a bucket, pneumatic hammer, hole auger, grapple, shears, or ripper.