Semi-automatic coupling apparatus

A coupling apparatus comprising, in combination,

• first throat means for engaging a first crossbar,
• second throat means for engaging a second crossbar parallel to and spaced from said first crossbar,
• wedge means disposed for linear translation between a first position in which said second crossbar may be translated into and out of said second throat means and a second position in which said second crossbar is retained in said second throat means, said wedge means including a surface for engaging said second crossbar and seating said second crossbar in said second throat when said wedge means is in said second position,
• means for translating said wedge means toward said first position, and
• compression spring means for biasing said wedge means toward said second position.

A coupler apparatus for disposition on a material handling device comprising, in combination,

• a pair of spaced apart wall members defining a first pair of throats for receiving a first crossbar of an attachment and a second pair of throats for receiving a second crossbar of the attachment,
• wedge means disposed for linear translation between a first, open position in which said second crossbar may be translated into and out of said second pair of throats and a second, closed position in which said second crossbar is retained in said second pair of throats, said wedge including an oblique surface for engaging said second crossbar and seating said second crossbar in said second throat when said wedge means is in said second position,
• spring means for biasing said wedge means toward said second position,
• latch means for maintaining said wedge means in said first position,
• pawl means disposed between said second pair of throats and in operable relationship with said latch means for translating said latch means when translated by said second crossbar to release said wedge means from said first position.