Base edge protection system

Abstract

A base edge protector for use with a base edge having at least one securing structure attached therewith is provided. The base edge protector includes a shroud portion having a top surface and having a recess for receiving the securing structure, a tail portion is attached to the shroud portion and it is structured and arranged to be captured by the securing structure, and a retaining member passage provided on the top surface and extending therethrough to the recess.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A base edge protector for use with a base edge having at least one securing structure attached therewith, comprising: 
 a shroud portion having a top surface and having a recess for receiving the securing structure;    a tail portion, attached to said shroud portion, said tail portion structured and arranged to be captured by the securing structure; and    a retaining device passage provided on said top surface and extending therethrough to said recess.    
     
     
         2 . The base edge protector as set for in  claim 1  wherein said tail portion comprises at least one leg structured and arranged for engagement with the securing structure.  
     
     
         3 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 2  wherein at least one said leg comprises at least one dovetailed portion structured and arranged for engagement with the securing structure.  
     
     
         4 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said recess comprises a channel portion bisecting said retaining member passage.  
     
     
         5 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said shroud portion comprises a hollow portion.  
     
     
         6 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 5  wherein: 
 said shroud portion further comprises a shroud portion leading edge; and  
 said hollow portion is located adjacent said shroud portion leading edge.  
 
     
     
         7 . A base edge protector system for protecting the base edge of a work implement from abrasive wear, comprising: 
 a securing structure attached to the base edge;    a base edge protector comprising: (i) a shroud portion having a top surface and having a recess for receiving said securing structure, (ii) a tail portion, attached to said shroud portion, structured and arranged to engage said securing structure, and (iii) a retaining device passage provided on said top surface and extending therethrough to said recess; and    a retaining device receivable within said retaining device passage and adapted for attachment to said securing structure.    
     
     
         8 . The base edge protector system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein: 
 said securing structure comprises an aperture adapted to receive said retaining device;  
 said securing structure opening comprises at least one planar portion; and  
 said retaining device comprises an insert having at least one planar portion adapted to matingly engage said planar portion of said aperture.  
 
     
     
         9 . The base edge protector system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein: 
 said retaining device comprises (i) an insert having an aperture, and (ii) a retaining member for receipt within said aperture provided in said insert.  
 
     
     
         10 . The base edge protector system as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said retaining member comprises a head portion adapted to lie adjacent an abutment surface of said base edge protector when said base edge protector is attached to said securing structure.  
     
     
         11 . The base edge protector system as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said abutment surface comprises a sidewall of said retaining device passage.  
     
     
         12 . The base edge protection system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein: 
 said securing structure comprises a dovetail portion; and  
 said tail portion comprises a dovetail portion for engagement with said dovetail portion of said securing structure.  
 
     
     
         13 . The base edge protection system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein: 
 said securing structure defines a gap when said securing structure is attached to said base edge; and  
 said tail portion is structured and arranged to be received by said gap.  
 
     
     
         14 . The base edge protection system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein: 
 said securing structure defines a channel when said securing structure is attached to said base edge; and  
 said tail portion is structured and arranged to be received by said channel.  
 
     
     
         15 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said shroud portion comprises a hollow portion.  
     
     
         16 . The base edge protector as set forth in  claim 15  wherein: 
 said shroud portion further comprises a shroud portion leading edge; and  
 said hollow portion is located adjacent said shroud portion leading edge.