CN115038845A

CN115038845A - Wear-resistant component

Info

Publication number: CN115038845A
Application number: CN202180012172.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·E·格里芬; M·B·罗斯卡; K·A·福克斯; S·辛格
Original assignee: Esco Corp
Current assignee: Esco Corp
Priority date: 2020-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-03
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Also published as: WO2021158705A1; CA3166411A1; AU2021216936A1; BR112022014602A2; US20210238829A1

Abstract

A wear member comprising: an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, and a lower leg spaced apart from the upper leg and further having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the mounting surfaces defining a mounting cavity therebetween and the legs meeting at a front portion, the upper leg defining (i) a keyhole therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lifting feature located proximate to and between the keyhole and the rear edge; the lifting feature defines (a) a front surface positioned below and inclined relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, (b) a lower support surface opposite the front surface, and (c) a rear engaging surface extending between the front surface and the lower support surface and recessed relative to the rear edge; wherein the front surface, the lower support surface and the rear engagement surface provide a narrowing around which a lifting device is positionable for repositioning the wear member.

Description

Wear-resistant component

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wear member for use along a digging edge of an excavator.

Background

Various types and sizes of excavating equipment incorporate various wear members to protect the front excavating edge from damage and wear. The wear member comprises a point (or tip), an adapter, a shroud, a chute, and the like. These wear resistant members are typically subjected to friction from extremely rough materials and are used under difficult conditions. In order to withstand the rigors of excavation, the wear members must be securely fixed to the excavating equipment to prevent their wear during use. Furthermore, in order to prevent excavated material from entering the gaps between the wear members or between the wear members and the excavation edge, it is desirable to have close fitting parts with as little gap as possible. However, due to the harsh environment, parts often wear out and require replacement.

Replacing the wear member can be difficult and dangerous for the personnel involved, as the replacement is typically a manual process, and the wear member can be heavy. Lifting hooks may be provided on the wear member to simplify the removal process; however, such lifting hooks typically wear out when the wear member needs to be replaced.

It is an object of some embodiments to avoid or mitigate the above-mentioned deficiencies or other deficiencies of prior art wear members, or to provide a useful alternative.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a wear member for protecting a digging edge (e.g., a lip of a bucket) of excavating equipment. The wear member includes a non-protruding lifting feature behind the keyhole such that the lifting feature does not wear away during operation of the digging edge to which it is attached.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a wear member comprising: an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, and a lower leg spaced apart from the upper leg and further having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the mounting surfaces defining a mounting cavity therebetween and the legs meeting at a front portion, the upper leg defining (i) a keyhole therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lifting feature located proximate to and between the keyhole and the rear edge; the lifting feature defines (a) a front surface positioned below and inclined relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, (b) a lower support surface opposite the front surface, and (c) a rear engaging surface extending between the front surface and the lower support surface and recessed relative to the rear edge; wherein the front surface, the lower support surface and the rear engagement surface provide a narrowing around which a lifting device is positionable for repositioning the wear member.

The front surface may extend from the upper leg ground engaging surface and may be inclined relative to and away from the upper leg ground engaging surface.

The front portion where the legs meet may comprise a central portion.

The narrowed portion may be recessed (or not protruding) relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, the upper leg inner surface, and the rear edge.

The front surface may define a concave shape (when viewed at an oblique angle parallel to the surface, or when viewed from above) such that a central portion thereof is farther from the locking hole than side portions thereof. The front surface may define a concave shape when viewed from above and when viewed from the front.

The lower support surface may be inclined relative to the front surface and may be spaced apart relative to the front surface to provide a narrow edge proximate the locking aperture and an enlarged portion toward the rear edge.

The rear engagement surface may define a concave shape such that a central portion thereof is farther from the rear edge than side portions thereof. The rear engagement surface may be inclined relative to the rear edge.

The front surface may include a wear indicator to indicate a level of wear at which the lifting feature should not be used. The wear indicator may comprise a geometric shape (line, circle, square, etc.) or text (e.g., "lift safe") recessed into (or alternatively, protruding from) the front surface.

The ground engaging surfaces on the outer sides of the upper and lower legs may meet at a shroud front edge on the central portion.

The ground engaging surface may comprise a wear resistant material.

The wear member may include a point (also referred to as a tip), an adapter (including an intermediate adapter), a shroud, a chute, and the like.

Where the wear member comprises a shroud, the rear engagement surface may be spaced from a lip of the digging edge of an excavator when the shroud is mounted thereto.

The lifting feature may be substantially centered behind the locking aperture.

The lifting features may define a rounded (convex) front edge (lower rear edge) at the junction of the lower support surface and the rear engagement surface. This reduces the risk of the lifting means (hooks, cables, ropes, belts, bands, wires, etc.) being damaged or even cut by the lifting feature.

Preferably, the locking hole receives a lock or other securing or attachment mechanism to secure the wear member to a base mounted on the digging edge of the excavating equipment.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a wear assembly comprising: (i) the wear member of the first aspect, (ii) a base on which the wear member is mounted, and (iii) a lock that secures the wear member to the base.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a wear assembly comprising: (i) a base; (ii) a wear member including an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the upper leg defining (i) a locking hole therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lift feature located adjacent to and between the locking hole and the rear edge; the lifting feature is recessed relative to the ground engaging surface, the mounting surface, and the rear edge; and (iii) a lock located within the lock bore and operable to engage with both the seat and a surface of the lock bore to secure the wear member to the seat.

The base may define a boss upstanding from an upper surface thereof, and the latch aperture may be located behind the boss such that the latch abuts a rear surface of the boss when located within the latch aperture.

The lifting feature may define (a) a front surface positioned below and inclined relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, (b) a lower support surface opposite the front surface, and (c) a rear engaging surface extending between the front surface and the lower support surface and recessed relative to the rear edge.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a wear member including an outer face-engaging surface defining a lock aperture in which a lock may be located, and a lifting feature adjacent the lock aperture, the lifting feature including a narrowed portion that is recessed (or does not protrude) relative to the outer ground-engaging surface, an inner surface and a rear edge of the wear member.

The narrowing portion may be located at the center and behind the locking hole.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a wear member comprising: an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the upper leg defining (i) a locking aperture therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lifting feature located proximate to and between the locking aperture and the rear edge; the lifting feature is recessed relative to the ground engaging surface, the mounting surface, and the rear edge.

These aspects have many advantages. For example, by providing a lift feature that is unobtrusive, the lift feature is less likely to wear away during use of the wear assembly.

By using a lifting feature adjacent the viewing aperture, access to the lifting feature may be provided via the lock aperture (once the lock has been removed), thereby ensuring that the lifting feature is accessible when the wear assemblies are sufficiently coupled together.

By positioning the lifting feature behind the locking hole, the outer engagement surface and the lock protect the lifting feature from excessive wear during use of the wear member. By locating the lifting feature behind the keyhole and below the upper surface, entry of excavated material may also be reduced.

In this application, relative terms, such as front, back, up, down, horizontal, vertical, and the like, are used for ease of description and understanding of the embodiments only, and are not limiting.

Drawings

These and other aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example only, and which will now be referred to with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wear assembly (including a wear member and a lock) mounted on a lip of a bucket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective front view of a portion of the lip of FIG. 1 showing the parts (base) in greater detail;

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the wear assembly of FIG. 1, showing the exploded parts coupled together and mounted on the lip;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the wear assembly and lip of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing the wear assembly mounted on the base in greater detail;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 4;

fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the wear member of fig. 1, further including portions (lifting features) shown in enlarged detail;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top (plan) view of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the wear member of FIG. 1;

fig. 11 is a rear elevational view of the wear member of fig. 1;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view (from the high position) of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view (from a low position) of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a simplified (not shown shaded) cross-sectional side view (taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 10) of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged front perspective view of the parts (lift feature and lock hole) of the wear member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the lift feature and the latch aperture of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a simplified (some shading may be omitted) cross-sectional front view (taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 14) of the wear member of FIG. 1; and is

Fig. 19 is an enlarged front perspective view of the lifting feature and the locking hole of the wear member of fig. 1, showing the lifting device (belt) passing through the lifting feature in an endless manner.

Detailed Description

Reference is first made to the drawings, which are various views of a wear assembly 10 mounted on a lip 12 (shown schematically in fig. 3 by dashed line 13) of a bucket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The lip 12 has five forwardly projecting noses 14 mounted thereon to receive a prong (or tip) (not shown). The nose 14 and point (not shown) collectively define digging teeth that penetrate and break the ground in front of the bucket. The lip 12 further includes four seats 16, each seat 16 being disposed between adjacent noses 14. The nose 14 and base 16 extend from a ramp portion 18 (fig. 1) of the lip 12. Each seat 16 is configured to receive a wear member 20 (according to another embodiment of the invention) thereon. In this embodiment, the wear member 20 is a shroud.

Shroud 20 is a wear member that fits over corresponding seat 16 between the digging teeth on lip 12 of excavating bucket 13 to protect bucket lip 12 and direct earthen material into bucket 13. The shield 20 is secured in place on the base 16 by a lock 22. In this embodiment, the nose 14 and base 16 are shown as cast portions of the lip 12, but in other embodiments they may be attached as adapters or inserts, for example by welding or mechanical attachment. In any event, each shroud 20 is placed over the base 16 between the noses 14 on the forward edge of the lip 12, as shown in fig. 1 and 3.

The base 16 may comprise a harder wear-resistant material (or may have a hard wear-resistant coating thereon) than the remainder of the lip 12 to resist wear caused by the shroud 20 during operation. However, the remainder of the lip 12 is not necessarily more flexible than the base 16.

The wear assembly 10 includes a shroud 20, a base 16, and a lock 22. The lock 22 (best seen in fig. 8) is similar in design to the lock described in US 7,536,811 and comprises two interlocking pivot members secured in place by a threaded pin (not shown) that screws into a threaded bore 24 defined by the two interlocking members.

With particular reference to fig. 2, 4 and 5, each base 16 includes a front surface 30, an upper surface 32, side surfaces 34, and an upstanding boss 36 generally centered between the side surfaces 34 and protruding above the upper surface 32. The boss 36 has a rear surface 38 against which the lock 22 abuts when the shroud 20 is secured in place. The base 16 and the shroud 20 have complementary surfaces to allow a stable and secure coupling to each other.

The front surface 30 defines a slightly convex curved shape that curves about two generally perpendicular axes. Specifically, the front surface 30 is generally curved about a vertical axis such that it curves rearwardly as it approaches each respective side surface 34; and the front surface is also generally curved about a horizontal axis such that it is also curved rearwardly as it approaches the upper surface 32 and a lower surface (not visible in the drawings) opposite the upper surface 32.

The shroud 20 includes a forward wear portion 40 (fig. 7) and a rearward mounting portion 42. The shroud 20 includes a pair of spaced apart

legs

44, 46 defining a cavity 48 therebetween and meeting at a central portion 49 (best seen in fig. 12 and 13). The cavity 48 is generally open along its sides such that when the shroud 20 is mounted on the base 16 on the lip 12, the

legs

44, 46 ride on the side surfaces 34 of the base.

The upper leg 44 defines an outer wear surface 50 (also referred to as an upper ground engaging surface) and an inner coupling surface 52 (best seen in fig. 11 and 13). Likewise, the lower leg 46 includes an outer wear surface 54 (also referred to as an lower ground engaging surface) and an inner coupling surface 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the

legs

44, 46 are spaced apart in the rearward direction to define a generally C-shaped configuration to correspond to the combined shape of the base 16 and the lip portion adjacent thereto. The use of

separate legs

44, 46 also facilitates easier removal of the shroud 20 from the lip 12.

The spaced apart

legs

44, 46 converge at the front of the shroud 20 to a narrow front edge 58 at the center of which is defined a lifting hook 60 to assist in mounting the shroud 20 to the base 16.

To reduce wear during use, the outer wear surfaces 50, 54 may comprise a highly wear resistant material or other hard wear resistant material, or may include a hardened layer on exterior portions thereof.

The outer wear surface 50 defines a raised central portion 61 that is sized to receive the base boss 36 on its underside.

The upper leg 44 (specifically, the raised central portion 61) defines a locking aperture 62 at an upper central location. The upper leg 44 also defines an upper leg rear edge 63 (best seen in fig. 7, 13, 14 and 15) extending across its width (except for a central indentation (rear engagement surface 80) described below). The raised central portion 61 does not extend to the leg rear edges 63 such that the upper legs 44 define a narrow strip 65 therebetween. The latch hole 62 is positioned much closer to the leg rear edge 63 than the front edge 58.

The lifting feature 64 is defined by the upper leg 44 immediately adjacent to and rearward of the latch aperture 62.

In a manner similar to the manner in which conventional shrouds are secured to the lip, the lock 22 is pivoted into the open position and inserted into the lock aperture 62. When inserted into the latch aperture, the latch 22 engages the side walls defining the latch aperture 62 and extends below the upper leg 44 to abut the boss rear surface 38 (fig. 5). This prevents the shroud 20 from being pulled away from the lip 12 and base 16.

The outer wear surface 50 defines a second (upper) lifting hook 66 for moving the shroud 20 into position on the base 16 during installation. Typically, the lifting hooks 60, 66 will wear away during operation of the excavating bucket 13 as these

hooks

60, 66 are exposed to the earthen material being excavated.

The locking aperture 62 is defined by a front wall 67, opposing side walls 68a, b extending from the front wall 67, and rear wall portions 69a, b each extending from a respective opposing side wall 68a, b generally parallel to the front wall 67.

The lifting feature 64 includes a narrowed central portion 70 (best seen in enlarged detail in fig. 7 and best seen in fig. 16 and 17) that is recessed from the upper ground engaging surface 50. The lifting feature 64 includes a concave (when viewed from above) leading edge 72 adjacent the latch aperture 62. The leading edge 72 provides an arcuate expansion of the latch aperture 62 such that the expanded latch aperture 62 is available for access to the lifting feature 64. Specifically, the front edge 72 extends between the opposing rear wall portions 69a, b.

A lower support surface 76 (fig. 11, 13 and 15) extends rearwardly from the front edge 72 to a lower rear edge 78 at an angle generally parallel to but spaced from the upper surface 32 to allow a lifting device (e.g., cable, belt, etc.) to be interposed therebetween (i.e., between the lower support surface 76 and the upper surface 32). Lower support surface 76 is inclined relative to upper ground engaging surface 50.

A rear engagement surface 80 (best seen in fig. 5, 11, 12, 13 and 17) that is arcuate when viewed from above extends from the lower rear edge 78 to an upper edge 82. A front surface 84 (which is also concave when viewed from the front) extends from front edge 72 to upper edge 82. The front surface 84 extends approximately 60% of the width of the adjacent locking aperture 62. The front surface 84 defines at a central portion thereof a calibrated wear indicator 86 in the form of a groove.

The configuration of the calibrated wear indicator 86 is designed to act as a wear indicator. In this embodiment, the depth and length of the groove 86 is selected based on the radius of the leading edge 72, specifically to alert the user that the leading edge 72 has worn and present a sharp edge to any lifting straps or cables that will be used to engage the lifting features 64.

In this embodiment, the calibrated recess 86 extends from the upper leg strap 65 to near the front edge 72. It is expected that the front surface 84 will wear from the upper edge 82 toward the front edge 72 (i.e., the front edge 72 will wear later than the upper edge 82). In this embodiment, the calibrated recess 86 extends 80% of the distance from the front of the upper leg strap 65 to the front edge 72.

When the calibrated recess 86 is no longer visible, the user knows that it is no longer safe to remove the shroud 20 using the lifting feature 64.

The lower support surface 76 also has a concave groove shape (relative to the adjacent portion of the inner coupling surface 52) when viewed from the rear (best seen in fig. 11 and 13).

The rear engagement surface 80 also has a concave groove shape (relative to the leg rear edge 63) when viewed from the top (best seen in fig. 9 and 12). In this embodiment, the rear engagement surface 80 is an indentation of the leg rear edge 63 at a central portion thereof.

Referring now to fig. 19, a band 90 is shown passing annularly through the lifting feature 64 to assist in removing the shroud 20 from the lip 12. Initially, the user checks the calibrated wear indicator 86 to ensure that it is safe to lift the shroud 20 using the lifting features 64. If the calibrated wear indicator 86 is visible, the user continues to engage the belt 90 to the lifting feature 64.

To position strap 90, the user first removes lock 22. This ensures that the locking hole 62 is available for easy access to the lifting feature 64. The user couples the first end of the strap 90 to a crane (not shown) above the shroud 20. The user then threads the second end of the strap 90 under the front edge 72, under the lower support surface 76, up through the rear engagement surface 80 and up towards the crane. The user then couples the second end of the strap 90 to a crane (not shown). The user may then operate the crane in a conventional manner to assist in removing the shroud 20 from the lip 12 in a safe manner.

It will now be appreciated that this embodiment has the advantage of providing an area on the shield which can be used to lift the shield off the lip when it is required to replace the shield. Unlike conventional lifting hooks, the lifting features are recessed from the ground engaging surface, protected by a lock used to secure the shroud to the lip (via the base), and located behind the ground engaging end of the shroud, thereby reducing any wear experienced by the lifting features, so that they can be used even after the conventional lifting hook has been fully worn away. When the lock is removed, the lifting feature is easily accessible to simplify the deployment of the lifting device around the lifting feature. The locking hole allows for easy removal of fines or other debris before the lifting device is deployed around the lifting feature. By locating the lift feature at the rear of the shroud behind the keyhole, the low stress portion of the shroud serves to define the lift feature and the load on this area is expected to be small during the operating life of the shroud.

Although the wear assembly is described with respect to a shroud secured to the lip, other wear members (e.g., adapters, prongs, wings, runners, etc.) are included in the definition of wear member. Such other wear members may be secured to a bucket lip or other excavating equipment.

Various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention. For example, the base front surface 30 may be defined as a spherical segment by curvatures that follow different paths or by varying curvatures; or may be formed in a generally planar configuration or curved about a single axis or multiple axes extending in only one direction. In other embodiments, different shapes for

legs

44, 46 may be used in place of the shapes described above; in particular to accommodate different lip shapes or different uses. In other embodiments, the outer wear surface 50 may not include the raised central portion 61. In other embodiments, the front surface 84 extends from between approximately 40% to 80% of the width of the adjacent latch aperture 62. In other embodiments, a different shape or length of calibrated indicator 86 may be used. In other embodiments, the depth and width of the groove 86 may be selected based on the thickness of the narrowed central portion 70. In other embodiments, the calibrated groove 86 may extend 50% to 90% of the distance from the upper leg strap 65 to the front edge 72.

List of reference numerals

Wear assembly 10

Lip 12

Bucket 13

Forwardly projecting nose 14

Base 16

Ramp portion 18

Wear-resistant member (shroud) 20

Lock 22

Threaded lock hole 24

Front base surface 30

Upper base surface 32

Side base surfaces 34

Upstanding boss 36

Lobe rear surface 38

Forward abradable portion 40

Rearward mounting portion 42

Spaced apart

legs

44, 46

Chamber 48

Shroud center section 49

Outer wear surface (upper ground engaging surface) 50

Inner coupling surface 52

Outer wear surface (lower ground engaging surface) 54

Inner coupling surface 56

Shroud leading edge 58

Lifting hook 60

Raised central portion 61

Lock hole 62

Upper leg rear edge 63

Lifting feature 64

Narrow upper leg strap 65

Second (upper) lifting hook 66

Lockhole front wall 67

Locking hole opposing sidewalls 68a, b

Latch hole rear wall portions 69a, b

Narrowed central portion 70

Front edge 72

Lower support surface 76

Lower rear edge 78

Rear joint surface 80

Upper edge 82

Front (upper) surface 84

Calibrated wear indicator 86

The belt 90 is lifted.

Claims

1. A wear member comprising: an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, and a lower leg spaced apart from the upper leg and further having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the mounting surfaces defining a mounting cavity therebetween and the legs meeting at a front portion, the upper leg defining (i) a keyhole therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lift feature located adjacent to and between the keyhole and the rear edge; the lifting feature defines (a) a front surface positioned below and inclined relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, (b) a lower support surface opposite the front surface, and (c) a rear engaging surface extending between the front surface and the lower support surface and recessed relative to the rear edge; wherein the front surface, the lower support surface and the rear engagement surface provide a narrowing around which a lifting device can be positioned for repositioning the wear member.

2. A wear member according to claim 1, wherein the narrowed portion is recessed relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, the upper leg mounting surface, and the rear edge.

3. A wear member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front surface defines a concave shape when viewed from above such that a central portion thereof is farther from the lock hole than side portions thereof.

4. A wear member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower support surface is inclined relative to the front surface and spaced relative to the front surface to provide a narrow edge proximate the lock aperture and an enlarged portion toward the rear edge.

5. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear engagement surface defines a concave shape such that a central portion thereof is further from the rear edge than side portions thereof.

6. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface includes a wear indicator to indicate a level of wear beyond which the lifting feature should not be used.

7. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground engaging surfaces on the outer sides of the upper and lower legs meet at a front edge on the front portion.

8. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground engaging surface comprises a wear resistant material.

9. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wear member comprises a shroud.

10. A wear member according to claim 9, wherein the rear engagement surface is spaced from a lip of a digging edge of an excavator when the shroud is mounted thereto.

11. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting feature is generally centrally located behind the lock aperture.

12. A wear member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting features define a rounded front edge at the junction of the lower support surface and the rear engagement surface to reduce the risk of damage to a lifting device by the lifting features.

13. A wear assembly comprising:

(i) a wear member according to any one of the preceding claims,

(ii) a base on which the wear member is mounted, an

(iii) A lock securing the wear member to the base.

14. A wear assembly comprising: (i) a base; (ii) a wear member including an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the upper leg defining (i) a locking hole therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lift feature located adjacent to and between the locking hole and the rear edge; the lifting feature is recessed relative to the ground engaging surface, the mounting surface, and the rear edge; and (iii) a lock located within the lock bore and operable to engage with both the seat and a surface of the lock bore to secure the wear member to the seat.

15. A wear assembly in accordance with claim 14 in which the base defines a boss upstanding from an upper surface thereof, and the lock aperture is located behind the boss such that the lock abuts a rear surface of the boss when located within the lock aperture.

16. A wear assembly in accordance with claim 14 or 15 wherein the lifting feature defines (a) a front surface that is positioned below and inclined relative to the upper leg ground engaging surface, (b) a lower support surface opposite the front surface, and (c) a rear engaging surface that extends between the front surface and the lower support surface and is recessed relative to the rear edge.

17. A wear member including an outer ground-engaging surface defining a lock aperture in which a lock can be located, and a lifting feature adjacent the lock aperture, the lifting feature including a narrowed portion that is recessed relative to the outer ground-engaging surface, an inner surface and a rear edge of the wear member.

18. A wear member in accordance with claim 17 wherein the narrowed portion is located centrally and rearwardly of the lock aperture.

19. A wear member comprising: an upper leg having a ground engaging surface on an exterior side thereof and a mounting surface on an interior side thereof, the upper leg defining (i) a locking aperture therein, (ii) a rear edge, and (iii) a lifting feature located adjacent to and between the locking aperture and the rear edge; the lifting feature is recessed relative to the ground engaging surface, the mounting surface, and the rear edge.

20. A wear member in accordance with claim 19, wherein the lifting feature includes a wear indicator to indicate a level of wear beyond which the lifting feature should not be used.