US20110305529A1 - Trench shoring apparatuses and methods - Google Patents
Trench shoring apparatuses and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20110305529A1 US20110305529A1 US13/107,851 US201113107851A US2011305529A1 US 20110305529 A1 US20110305529 A1 US 20110305529A1 US 201113107851 A US201113107851 A US 201113107851A US 2011305529 A1 US2011305529 A1 US 2011305529A1
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- Prior art keywords
- shoring
- plate
- trench
- brace
- strut
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D17/00—Excavations; Bordering of excavations; Making embankments
- E02D17/06—Foundation trenches ditches or narrow shafts
- E02D17/08—Bordering or stiffening the sides of ditches trenches or narrow shafts for foundations
- E02D17/083—Shoring struts
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to trench shoring apparatuses.
- this disclosure relates to mobile trench shoring apparatuses and/or trench shoring apparatuses that shore trenches with a reduced need for the user to enter the trench.
- this disclosure relates to remotely operable trench shoring apparatuses.
- This disclosure additionally relates to methods of shoring trenches that reduce the need for user entry in the trench during shoring.
- trench shoring apparatuses and methods are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. Specifically, existing trench shoring apparatuses and methods may be slow and may create life threatening safety hazards. Specifically, conventional trench shoring apparatuses are often very difficult to move and to install along the length of a trench. Additionally, conventional trench shoring apparatuses and methods often require the user to enter the trench during shoring, which may be potentially life threatening if the trench walls cave in during shoring.
- a self-propelled trench shoring apparatus for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, including a frame with a first lateral member, a second lateral member spaced from the first lateral member, the second lateral member extending substantially parallel to the first lateral member, a connecting member extending between the first lateral member and the second lateral member, a first support member projecting from the first lateral member toward the ground to a first support end on a first lateral side of the trench, and a second support member projecting from the second lateral member toward the ground to a second support end on a second lateral side of the trench opposite the first lateral side.
- the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus additionally includes a ram assembly attached to the frame, including a telescoping arm including a first end proximate the frame and a second end opposite the first end, the telescoping ram arm extending between a retracted position and an extended position and a strut attached to the second end of the telescoping arm and including a first end proximate the first lateral trench wall and a second end opposite the first end, the strut including a strut extender configured to selectively extend and retract laterally across the longitudinally extending trench.
- a ram assembly attached to the frame, including a telescoping arm including a first end proximate the frame and a second end opposite the first end, the telescoping ram arm extending between a retracted position and an extended position and a strut attached to the second end of the telescoping arm and including a first end proximate the first lateral trench wall and a second end opposite the first end, the stru
- the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus also includes a first plate coupler attached to the first end of the strut and configured to couple with a shoring plate and a second plate coupler attached to the second end of the strut and configured to couple with a shoring plate.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a trench shoring apparatus positioned over a longitudinally extending trench.
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned over a trench, with the telescoping ram arm extended such that a strut and shoring panels are substantially within the trench.
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 , with phantom lines of the track rotated to an alternative position.
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second example of a trench shoring apparatus over a trench, the trench shoring apparatus including two ram assemblies attached to connecting members.
- FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 7 depicting a strut extending and retracting.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plate connected to a second shoring plate.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plate configured to vertically couple with a third shoring plate.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third example of a trench shoring apparatus.
- FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 11 depicting a strut extending and retracting.
- FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 11 depicting construction equipment detaching from the trench shoring apparatus.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a trench shoring apparatus.
- FIG. 15 is a front view of a shoring plate of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting panels sliding to extended positions beyond the edges of the shoring plate.
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of two shoring plates of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting a pair of braces supporting the shoring plates separated by a first width and separated by a second width greater than the first width.
- FIG. 17 is a top view of two shoring plates and four braces of the trench shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 14 depicting panels sliding to extended positions beyond the edges of the shoring plates.
- FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a first example of a trench shoring apparatus 100 for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall.
- trench shoring apparatus 100 includes a frame 107 , a first ram assembly 170 , a second ram assembly 185 an onboard control unit 101 , a plurality of drive units 102 , a power unit 103 , and remote control unit 104 , a first shoring plate 181 and a second shoring plate 183 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configured to move along longitudinally extending trenches and selectively raise and lower a strut with selectively coupled shoring panels to a shoring position within the trench's walls.
- Trench shoring apparatus 100 is additionally configured to telescope laterally to accommodate trenches of varying widths.
- Trench shoring apparatus 100 additionally includes individually telescoping members to accommodate uneven ground and/or adjust trench shoring apparatus 100 's height relative the trench.
- Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configured for user control from a position spaced from the apparatus.
- trench shoring apparatus 100 includes a collection of tracks each rotating and pivoting independent of the other tracks at the bottom of the support members to accommodate varying terrain.
- Frame 107 includes a first lateral member 108 , a second lateral member 109 , a first connecting member 110 , second connecting member 124 , a first support member 130 , a second support member 140 , a third support member 150 , and a fourth support member 160 .
- second lateral member 109 is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to first lateral member 108 .
- First and second lateral members extend longitudinally relative the trench when in use over a trench.
- first connecting member 110 extends between first lateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 .
- First connecting member 110 includes a sleeve member 111 , a first nested member 112 , a second nested member 113 , a first cylinder 114 , and a second cylinder 115 .
- First nested member 112 is attached to first lateral member 108 on a first end and extends laterally towards second lateral member 109 on an opposite end.
- Second nested member 113 is connected on a first end to second lateral member 109 and extends laterally towards first lateral member 108 on an opposite end. Second nested member 113 is substantially aligned with first nested member 112 .
- Sleeve member 111 is positioned between first lateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 and is substantially aligned with first nested member 112 and second nested member 113 .
- Sleeve member 111 includes a first opening on a first side and a second opening on its opposite side.
- Sleeve member 111 is configured to internally receive first nested member 112 through the first opening and to internally receive second nested member 113 through the second opening.
- First cylinder 114 is positioned within sleeve member 111 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of first nested member 112 .
- First cylinder 114 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend first nested member 112 beyond sleeve member 111 .
- first nested member 112 is fully nested within sleeve member 111 .
- the first nested member is partially nested within the sleeve member when the cylinder is fully retracted.
- Second cylinder 115 is positioned within sleeve member 111 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of second nested member 113 .
- second cylinder 115 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend second nested member 113 beyond sleeve member 111 .
- second cylinder 115 is fully retracted, second nested member 113 is substantially fully nested within sleeve member 111 .
- First cylinder 114 and second cylinder 115 are configured to function cooperatively or individually to telescopically adjust first connecting member 110 's length.
- Second connecting member 124 extends between first lateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 .
- Second connecting member 124 includes a sleeve member 125 , a first nested member 126 , a second nested member 127 , a first cylinder 128 , and a second cylinder 129 , which share substantially similar designs and functions with sleeve member 111 , first nested member 112 , second nested member 113 , first cylinder 114 , and second cylinder 115 , respectively.
- Sub-elements of first connecting member 110 and second connecting member 124 interact in a substantially similar manner as well.
- First cylinder 114 and first cylinder 128 are cooperatively configured to extend their corresponding nested members beyond the sleeve member in which they are contained. Specifically, they are configured to retract corresponding nested members to a position where they are substantially fully retracted within their corresponding sleeve member to a position where the nested member is extends beyond the sleeve member. Second cylinder 115 and second cylinder 129 are configured to similarly cooperate.
- first connecting member 110 and second connecting member 124 telescope laterally in either direction relative the longitudinally extending trench. Stated another way, this allows adjustment of the lateral position of first lateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 .
- This lateral adjustability of first lateral member 108 and second lateral member 109 is depicted using phantom lines in FIG. 3 .
- first support member 130 projects from a first end of first lateral member 108 toward the ground to a support end 131 on a first lateral side of the trench.
- First support member 130 includes a sleeve member 132 , a nested member 134 , and a cylinder 135 .
- First support member 130 additionally includes a panel support member 139 .
- Sleeve member 132 is connected on a first end to first lateral member 108 and defines a sieve opening 133 on the opposite end.
- Nested member 134 is mounts within sleeve member 132 on a first end and extends downward to support end 131 on the opposite end.
- Cylinder 135 is positioned within sleeve member 132 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of nested member 134 .
- Cylinder 135 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend nested member 134 beyond sleeve member 132 . When cylinder 135 is fully retracted, nested member 134 is substantially fully nested within sleeve member 132 .
- Cylinder 135 is configured to allow telescopic adjustment of the length of first support member 130 .
- Panel support member 139 defines a member projecting from first support member 130 to the interior of frame 107 , the member defining an upward facing slot. Panel support member 139 is sized to receive a shoring panel within its slot.
- first support member 130 additionally includes a track bearing 136 attached at support end 131 and a track 138 pivotally and rotationally connected to track bearing 136 .
- FIG. 6 shows track 138 rotated to a rotated position in phantom lines.
- FIG. 7 shows track 138 pivoted to a pivoted position in phantom lines.
- track 138 may pivot and rotate 360°. In other examples, the track may rotate 270°, 180°, 90°, or some other angle between 0° and 360°.
- Second support member 140 projects from a first end of second lateral member 109 toward the ground on a second lateral side of the trench opposite the first lateral side. Aside from being attached to second lateral member 109 rather than to first lateral member 108 , second support member 140 is substantially similar in design to first support member 130 . Specifically, second support member 140 includes a support end 141 , a sleeve member 142 , a nested member 144 , a cylinder 145 , track bearing 146 , track 148 , and a panel support member 149 , each substantially similar to the corresponding elements of first support member 130 .
- third support member 150 projects from a second end of first lateral member 108 opposite the first end toward the ground on the first lateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached to first lateral member 108 in a different location than first support member 130 , third support member 150 otherwise shares a substantially similar design with first support member 130 .
- third support member 150 includes a support end 151 , a nested member 154 , a sleeve member 152 , a cylinder 155 , track bearing 156 , track 158 , and panel support member 159 , each substantially similar to the corresponding elements of first support member 130 .
- Fourth support member 160 projects from a second end of second lateral member 109 opposite the first end toward the ground on the second lateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached to second lateral member 109 in a position different than second support member 140 , fourth support member 160 otherwise shares a substantially similar design with second support member 140 .
- fourth support member 160 includes a support end 161 , a sleeve member 162 , a nested member 164 , a cylinder 165 , track bearing 166 , track 168 , and panel support member 169 , each substantially similar to the corresponding elements of first support member 130 .
- Cylinder 135 , cylinder 145 , cylinder 155 , and cylinder 165 are configured to operate either in concert or individually to adjust the length of the support members. When acting in concert, cylinder 135 , cylinder 145 , cylinder 155 , and cylinder 165 cooperatively operate to raise and lower the level of the frame. When acting individually, cylinder 135 , cylinder 145 , cylinder 155 , and cylinder 165 operate to adjust the length of the respective support members to provide improved support on uneven ground.
- FIG. 4 depicts in phantom lines track 138 first support member 130 extended by cylinder 135 (shown in FIG. 1 ) a first distance and track 148 and second support member 140 extended by cylinder 145 (shown in FIG. 1 ) a second distance greater than the first distance.
- panel support member 139 and panel support member 159 extend in substantially the same direction and panel support member 149 and panel support member 169 extend in substantially the opposite direction.
- Panel support member 139 and panel support member 159 are configured to cooperatively support a trench shoring plate in slots defined in the panel support members.
- the panel support members support the plates along the interior side of first support member 130 and third support member 150 .
- panel support member 149 and panel support member 169 cooperatively support a trench shoring plate in slots along the interior side of second support member 140 and fourth support member 160 .
- First ram assembly 170 includes a telescoping arm 171 , a strut 175 , a first strut extender 177 , a second strut extender 199 , a first plate coupler 178 , a second plate coupler 179 , a third plate coupler 197 , and a fourth plate coupler 198 .
- first ram assembly 170 extends towards the ground substantially near the center of first connecting member 110 .
- First ram assembly 170 includes telescoping arm 171 projecting from first connecting member 110 towards the ground and strut 175 connected on the end of telescoping arm 171 opposite first connecting member 110 .
- Telescoping arm 171 is connected on a first end to first connecting member 110 and extends downward towards to a second end connected to strut 175 .
- Telescoping arm 171 includes a sleeve member 172 , a nested member 173 , and cylinder 175 .
- Telescoping arm 171 is generally configured to extend and retract longitudinally, thereby adjusting the vertical position of strut 175 .
- Sleeve member 172 is connected on a first end to first connecting member 110 and defines an opening on the opposite side. Nested member 173 is routed through the opening on a first end and extends vertically downward from sleeve member 172 to a lower end.
- Cylinder 175 defines a hydraulic cylinder positioned within sleeve member 172 and is drivingly connected to the first end of nested member 173 . Cylinder 175 is configured to extend nested member 173 beyond sleeve member 172 , thereby adjusting the length of telescoping arm 171 .
- strut 175 is attached to the lower end of telescoping arm 171 .
- Strut 175 includes first strut extender 177 , second strut extender 199 , first plate coupler 178 , second plate coupler 179 , third plate coupler 197 , and fourth plate coupler 198 .
- Strut 175 is generally configured to brace shoring plates as the shoring plates shore trench walls and to laterally move the shoring plates.
- First strut extender 177 and second strut extender 199 each include a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted within strut 175 .
- the hydraulic cylinders define a first strut cylinder directed towards the first lateral trench wall and a second strut cylinder directed in the opposite direction as the first strut cylinder.
- First strut extender 177 and second strut extender 199 are each additionally configured to extend and retract the strut in both lateral directions relative the longitudinal trench.
- First plate coupler 178 is drivingly connected to the first strut cylinder of first strut extender 177 and second plate coupler 179 is drivingly connected to the second strut cylinder of the second strut extender 199 .
- First plate coupler 178 is configured to extend towards the first lateral trench wall as first strut extender 177 extends, whereas second plate coupler 179 is configured to extend to the opposite trench wall.
- First plate coupler 178 is configured to magnetically couple with first shoring plate 181 and second plate coupler 179 is configured to magnetically couple with second shoring plate 183 .
- the plate couplers mechanically couple to the shoring plates.
- Magnetic coupling enables the plate couplers to selectively couple to the shoring plate. Magnetic coupling facilitates selective coupling to the shoring plates without manual intervention. Indeed, a user can instruct the plate couplers to selectively couple with the shoring plates from a remote position.
- First ram assembly 170 also includes third plate coupler 197 drivingly connected to the first strut cylinder of second strut extender 199 and fourth plate coupler 198 drivingly connected to the second strut cylinder of second strut extender 199 .
- Third plate coupler 197 is configured to extend towards the first lateral trench wall as second strut extender 199 extends, whereas fourth plate coupler 198 is configured to extend to the opposite trench wall.
- Third plate coupler 197 is configured to magnetically couple with first shoring plate 181 and fourth plate coupler 198 is configured to magnetically couple with second shoring plate 183 .
- the plate couplers employ mechanical coupling mechanisms.
- First shoring plate 181 is a rigid member formed from a magnetically attractable material. First shoring plate 181 includes a protection and recess complimenting the slots defined in storage panel support member 139 and panel support member 159 . First shoring plate 181 is an otherwise generally understood shoring panel.
- Second shoring plate 183 is configured to be magnetically attached to second plate coupler 179 and fourth plate coupler 198 and/or stored in the slots of panel support member 149 and panel support member 169 .
- First shoring plate 181 is an otherwise generally understood shoring panel.
- the first shoring plate 181 's projection and recess allow first shoring plate 181 to intermesh with an adjacent lower showing plate. Using two vertically plates shores a greater surface area of trench walls than a single shoring plate would allow.
- Second ram assembly 185 includes a telescoping arm 186 , a strut 190 , a first strut extender 191 , a second strut extender 192 , a first plate coupler 193 , a second plate coupler 194 , a third plate coupler 195 , and a fourth plate coupler 196 .
- Second ram assembly 185 connects to second connecting member 124 near the center of second connecting member 124 .
- Second ram assembly 185 includes telescoping arm 186 , strut 190 , first strut extender 191 , second strut extender 192 , first plate coupler 193 , second plate coupler 194 , third plate coupler 195 , and fourth plate coupler 196 .
- Each of the elements of second ram assembly 185 are substantially similar in structure and function to the corresponding elements of first ram assembly 170 .
- first plate coupler 193 and third plate coupler 195 are configured to selectively magnetically couple with first shoring plate 181 on the lateral side of first shoring plate 181 opposite first plate coupler 178 .
- Second plate coupler 194 and fourth plate coupler 196 are configured to selectively magnetically couple with second shoring plate 183 on the lateral side opposite second plate coupler 179 .
- This laterally spaced plate coupler design allows first ram assembly 170 and second ram assembly 185 to provide substantially even force to first shoring plate 181 and second shoring plate 183 .
- Onboard control unit 101 is operationally connected to the frame, the ram assemblies, and the drive units 102 .
- Onboard control unit 101 is configured to control the features to which it is operatively connected. Specifically, onboard control unit 101 is configured to control when and how the connecting members, the support members, and the telescoping arm extend and retract. Additionally, onboard control unit 101 controls when and how strut 175 retracts, the plate couplers selectively couple to and decouple from shoring plates, and drive units 102 independently drive each track.
- Drive units 102 are drivingly connected to each the tracks and are configured to independently drive each track. As previously mentioned, drive units 102 are operationally connected to and controlled by onboard control unit 101 .
- Remote control unit 104 includes a user interface 105 and is in electric communication with onboard control unit 101 via a communication interface 106 .
- User interface 105 defines a control panel configured to receive user input data from a user.
- Communication interface 106 is configured to receive the user input data from the user interface 105 and communicate the user input data to onboard control unit 101 .
- Onboard control unit 101 is configured to receive and implement the user input data for controlling trench shoring apparatus 100 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 100 additionally includes a power unit 103 attached to frame 107 .
- Power unit 103 is operationally connected to onboard control unit 101 , and is configured to generate the energy necessary to control and operate onboard control unit 101 's connected elements.
- Power unit 103 is an internal combustion engine. However, in other examples the power unit is an electric motor or a fuel cell.
- plate couplers are discussed as specifically implementing a magnetic means for coupling to first shoring plate 181 and second shoring plate 183 , respectively, other means are equally within this disclosure, including the use of static complimentary support members or other electromagnetic and/or mechanical coupling means.
- Cylinders in this disclosure have primarily been referred to as hydraulic cylinders, which are powered by a pressurized hydraulic fluid.
- cylinders are not so limited, and cylinders according to this disclosure may include any generally understood means of applying a unidirectional force.
- Specific other examples of means for applying an equivalent unidirectional force may include, but are not limited to, pneumatic and screw-type mechanical actuators, as well as electric or magnetic implements that may be used to serve the same purpose.
- first strut extender 177 was discussed above as specifically defining two opposing hydraulic cylinders.
- strut extenders may implement any understood selectively extending and retracting member capable of applying a bidirectional force sufficient to shore a trench wall.
- both automatic and manual selectively extending and retracting strut extenders may be used.
- FIG. 1 illustrates communication interface 106 defining a wired connection.
- wireless communication interfaces may include, but is not limited to, infrared, radio, and wireless networking protocols.
- trench shoring apparatus 200 serves an example of a trench shoring apparatus in which multiple shoring plates may be used in a vertical arrangement.
- Trench shoring apparatus 200 includes many similar or identical features to trench shoring apparatus 100 combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of trench shoring apparatus 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between trench shoring apparatus 100 and trench shoring apparatus 200 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two trench shoring apparatuses.
- trench shoring apparatus 200 includes a frame 207 , including a first lateral member 208 , a second lateral member 209 , a first connecting member 211 , a second connecting member 216 , a third connecting member 224 , a fourth connecting member 225 , a first support member 230 , a second support member 240 , a third support member 250 , and a fourth support member 260 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 200 additionally includes a first ram assembly 270 , a second ram assembly 275 , a third ram assembly 280 , and a fourth ram assembly 290 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 200 also includes a first shoring plate 281 , a second shoring plate 284 , a third shoring plate 291 , and a fourth shoring plate 294 .
- frame 207 Many elements of frame 207 are substantially the same as the corresponding elements of frame 107 .
- a difference between frame 207 and frame 107 is two additional connecting members extending between the lateral members, second connecting member 216 and third connecting member 224 .
- Second connecting member 216 and third connecting member 224 are otherwise substantially similar to other the other disclosed connecting members.
- first connecting member 211 and fourth connecting member 225 have essentially the same position relative frame 207 that first connecting member 110 and second connecting member 124 have relative frame 107 .
- trench shoring apparatus 200 includes four ram assemblies, each of which is similar in design and function to first ram assembly 170 .
- First connecting member 211 supports first ram assembly 270 substantially near its center
- fourth connecting member 225 supports second ram assembly 275 substantially near its center.
- First ram assembly 270 and second ram assembly 275 are configured to couple with first shoring plate 281 and second shoring plate 284 in a similar manner to first ram assembly 170 and second ram assembly 185 .
- a difference between trench shoring apparatus 200 and trench shoring apparatus 100 lies in third ram assembly 280 connected substantially near the center of third connecting member 224 and fourth ram assembly 290 substantially near the center of fourth connecting member 225 .
- Third ram assembly 280 and fourth ram assembly 290 are configured to selectively telescope and are configured to couple with third shoring plate 291 and fourth shoring plate 294 , respectively, in similar manner to first ram assembly 170 's and second ram assembly 275 's coupling with first shoring plate 281 and second shoring plate 284 .
- first ram assembly 270 and second ram assembly 275 are configured to cooperatively telescope relative first connecting member 211 and fourth connecting member 225 , respectively
- third ram assembly 280 and fourth ram assembly 290 are configured to cooperatively telescope relative second connecting member 216 and third connecting member 224 , respectively.
- First shoring plate 281 and third shoring plate 291 are substantially similar to first shoring plate 181 .
- first shoring plate 281 includes a first intermeshing member at its top defining a projection 282 on a first lateral side of the top of the first shoring plate.
- Laterally adjacent projection 282 is a first recessed area 283 on a second lateral side of the top of the first shoring plate complimentary to the first portion.
- Third shoring plate 291 includes a second projection 285 on a second lateral side of third shoring plate 291 opposite the first lateral side of first shoring plate 281 .
- Second projection 285 substantially aligned with first recessed area 283 and a second recessed area 286 is substantially aligned with projection 282 .
- Second shoring plate 284 and fourth shoring plate 294 are substantially similar to second shoring plate 183 .
- second shoring plate 284 and fourth shoring plate 294 include complimentary projections and recesses similar to first shoring plate 281 and third shoring plate 291 .
- the complimentary projections and recesses allow vertically aligned shoring plates to substantially intermesh when collectively shoring a trench wall.
- This intermeshed four plate design allows trench shoring apparatus 200 to shore a greater amount of trench wall area than the dual plate design of trench shoring apparatus 100 . Additionally, the intermeshing allows a more even distribution of force against the trench wall than a non-intermeshed four plate design would accommodate.
- Trench shoring apparatus 300 includes a connector 310 , an arm 320 , a strut 325 , a first shoring plate 345 , and a second shoring plate 350 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 300 is configured to shore longitudinally extending trenches, such as longitudinally extending trench 301 formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall 302 and a second lateral trench wall 303 opposite first lateral trench wall 302 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 300 is configured to detachably connect to external operating equipment, such as construction equipment 305 .
- Construction equipment 305 includes a coupler 306 and an auxiliary hydraulic line 307 configured to power and control connected accessories. Compatibility with coupler 306 allows trench shoring apparatus 300 to be transported and/or implemented by common moveable equipment, such as excavators, cranes, or other common construction equipment.
- trench shoring apparatus 300 Some differences between trench shoring apparatus 300 and trench shoring apparatus 100 are seen in trench shoring apparatus 300 's lack of an attached frame, power unit, or drive unit.
- the accessory or attachment nature of trench shoring apparatus 300 may provide a user with cost savings and convenience over using a discrete unit such as trench shoring apparatus 100 .
- trench shoring apparatus 300 's adaptability to external equipment allows a user to easily augment existing equipment with trench shoring functionality.
- trench shoring apparatus 300 includes connector 310 configured to detachably connect to coupler 306 .
- Coupler 306 defines the equipment side of a quick coupling system currently understood in the art.
- Connector 310 is configured to couple with coupler 306 to support and maneuver trench shoring apparatus 300 with construction equipment 305 .
- Connector 310 is configured to provide hydraulic power to drive trench shoring apparatus 300 's mechanical elements by hydraulically connecting trench shoring apparatus 300 to hydraulic lines of construction equipment 305 .
- Connectors may be configured to couple with understood quick coupler systems.
- coupler 306 includes a hydraulic input 312 configured to receive auxiliary hydraulic line 307 .
- trench shoring apparatus 300 is configured to connect to construction equipment 305 's hydraulic system. This allows construction equipment 305 to control and/or power any hydraulically powered elements of trench shoring apparatus 300 , such as strut 325 .
- FIG. 11 shows a coupler 306 with a single hydraulic input 312 ; however, couplers may include multiple hydraulic inputs configured to couple with construction equipment that includes multiple auxiliary hydraulic lines.
- FIG. 13 depicts further details of the connector and couple attachment mechanism, showing a detached coupler in solid lines and an attached coupler in dashed lines.
- Trench shoring apparatus 300 includes arm 320 connected to connector 310 that extends substantially toward the ground to an arm end 322 .
- Arm 320 defines a substantially rigid body designed to space strut 325 from connector 310 . This spacing allows an operator to use construction equipment 305 to maneuver trench shoring apparatus 300 substantially within longitudinally extending trench 301 .
- Strut 325 is attached to arm end 322 such that strut 325 may be positioned within longitudinally extending trench 301 when connector 310 is positioned above longitudinally extending trench 301 .
- Strut 325 includes a first strut arm 335 , a second strut arm 340 , a strut housing 326 , a first strut extender 331 and a second strut extender 333 .
- Strut 325 is configured to extend and retract first strut arm 335 and second strut arm 340 laterally across longitudinally extending trench 301 , with first strut arm 335 extending and retracting substantially opposite second strut arm 340 . Strut 325 ultimately extends and retracts first shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 via first strut arm 335 and second strut arm 340 , respectively. This allows first shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 to move between a shoring position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12 ) where the shoring plates are proximate the walls of longitudinally extending trench 301 and a retracted position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 12 ) where first shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 are proximate strut 325 .
- Strut housing 326 is attached to arm 320 at arm end 322 and is configured to support the elements of strut 325 .
- Strut housing 326 contains the mechanical elements of strut 325 , such as first strut arm 335 , second strut arm 340 , first strut extender 331 , second strut extender 333 , and other strut elements implicitly included for proper operation of these elements.
- First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 define cylinders contained within strut housing 326 attached to the housed end of first strut arm 335 and the housed end of second strut arm 340 , respectively.
- First strut extender 331 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to drive and retract first strut arm 335 relative to first lateral trench wall 302 .
- second strut extender 333 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to drive and retract second strut arm 340 relative to second lateral trench wall 303 opposite first strut extender 331 .
- Both first strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are powered hydraulically via a connection with hydraulic input 312 .
- First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are additionally capable of remaining extended when trench shoring apparatus 300 is detached from construction equipment 305 . This allows trench shoring apparatus 300 to continue to shore trenches when disconnected from construction equipment 305 and construction equipment 305 is used for other purposes.
- first strut arm 335 extends from strut 325 towards first lateral trench wall 302 while at least partially housed within strut housing 326 .
- First strut arm 335 is configured to be driven and retracted by first strut extender 331 , thereby adjusting the position of first shoring plate 345 relative first lateral trench wall 302 .
- second strut arm 340 extends from second strut extender 333 towards second lateral trench wall 303 while at least partially housed within strut housing 326 , extending substantially opposite first strut arm 335 .
- Second strut arm 340 is configured to similarly manipulate second shoring plate 350 .
- first strut arm 335 and second strut arm 340 are similar, they are configured to operate entirely independent of one another. Operating independently allows first strut arm 335 and second strut arm 340 to be extended to different positions within longitudinally extending trench 301 .
- First shoring plate 345 defines a substantially rectangular metal plate attached to first strut arm 335 opposite strut housing 326 .
- First shoring plate 345 is configured to cover a selected surface area on first lateral trench wall 302 and is configured to move relative to first lateral trench wall 302 when first strut extender 331 drives and retracts first strut arm 335 .
- second shoring plate 350 defines a substantially rectangular metal plate attached to second strut arm 340 opposite strut housing 326 .
- Second shoring plate 350 is configured to cover a selected surface area, on second lateral trench wall 303 and is configured to move relative to second lateral trench wall 303 and substantially opposite second shoring plate 350 when second strut extender 333 drives and retracts second strut arm 340 .
- First shoring plate 345 and second shoring plate 350 are both made of a steel-based material to provide rigidity when shoring first lateral trench wall 302 and second lateral trench wall 303 while maintaining a thin design.
- this disclosure contemplates shoring plates made of any rigid material.
- this disclosure contemplates shoring plates made of aluminum or other metals lighter than steel. Using such lighter materials may make trench shoring apparatus 300 easier to transport and may make trench shoring apparatus 300 easier to adapt to operating equipment unable to support heavy loads.
- Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes many similar or identical features to trench shoring apparatus 300 combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of trench shoring apparatus 400 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between trench shoring apparatus 400 and trench shoring apparatus 300 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two trench shoring apparatuses.
- trench shoring apparatus 400 includes a connector 410 , an arm 420 , a strut 425 , a first shoring plate 445 , and a second shoring plate 450 , each substantially similar to the corresponding elements of trench shoring apparatus 300 and connected in a similar manner.
- trench shoring apparatus 400 includes additional features that provide additional functionality. Similar to trench shoring apparatus 300 , trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore a longitudinally extending trench 401 formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall 402 and a second lateral trench wall 403 opposite the first lateral trench wall.
- trench shoring apparatus 400 includes a first plate extender 455 i , a second plate extender 455 ii , a first support 465 i , a second support 465 ii , a third support 465 iii , a fourth support 465 iv , a first brace 490 i , a second brace 490 ii , a third brace 490 iii , a fourth brace 490 iv , a first retaining bar 498 i , and a first pin 488 .
- first shoring plate 445 extends from a leading end 447 to a trailing end 449 opposite leading end 447 .
- second shoring plate 450 extends from a leading end 452 to a trailing end 454 opposite leading end 452 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes first plate extender 455 i attached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall.
- First plate extender 455 i includes a first retainer 456 i , a second retainer 457 i , a first panel 458 i , and a second panel 458 ii .
- First plate extender 455 i is configured to longitudinally extend first shoring plate 445 along the length of first lateral trench wall 402 in both directions.
- first plate extender 455 i is configured to movably support first panel 458 i and second panel 458 ii such that they can be moved to support a portion of first lateral trench wall 402 beyond leading end 447 and trailing end 449 .
- First retainer 456 i extends along the length of first shoring plate 445 .
- First retainer 456 i defines a first channel 461 i that opens substantially opposite the ground.
- First retainer 456 i is illustrated on the bottom of first shoring plate 445 , however this placement is not specifically required.
- Second retainer 457 i extends along the length of first shoring plate 445 .
- Second retainer 457 i defines a second channel 463 i that opens substantially towards the ground.
- Second retainer 457 i is illustrated along the top of first shoring plate 445 , but this placement is not specifically required.
- First panel 458 i has a similar height and is approximately half the width of first shoring plate 445 , positioned proximate leading end 447 .
- First panel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i and second channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond leading end 447 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 15 .
- First panel 458 i can also be placed in a stowed position where it does not extend beyond leading end 447 as shown in solid lines in FIG. 15 .
- trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore an additional area of first lateral trench wall 402 .
- Second panel 458 ii is substantially similar to first panel 458 i and is slidingly engaged within first channel 4611 i and second channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 449 of first shoring plate 445 .
- First support 465 i is attached to first panel 458 i on an interior face of first panel 458 i opposite first lateral trench wall 402 .
- First support 465 i includes a first rail 467 i and a second rail 469 i.
- First rail 467 i defines a projection extending from a first end proximate the top of first panel 458 i to a second end proximate the bottom of first panel 458 i .
- First rail 467 i defines a plurality of openings 466 i , the openings being spaced along the length of first rail 467 i.
- Second rail 469 i is substantially similar to first rail 467 i and is positioned on first panel 458 i spaced from first rail 467 i towards the center of first shoring plate 445 .
- Second rail 469 i includes a plurality of openings on rail 469 i (not pictured) substantially aligned with plurality of openings 466 i .
- Plurality of openings 466 i and the plurality of openings on rail 469 i (not pictured) define sets of openings that each include a first selected opening from plurality of openings 466 i and a second selected opening from the plurality of openings on rail 469 i (not pictured) that is aligned with the first selected opening.
- Third support 465 iii is substantially similar to first support 465 i and is attached to first panel 458 i on an interior face opposite second lateral trench wall 403 , third support 465 iii substantially aligned with first support 465 i .
- Third support 465 iii includes a first rail 467 iii and a second rail 469 iii similar to first rail 467 i and second rail 469 i .
- First rail 467 iii and second rail 469 iii define a plurality of openings 466 iii and a plurality of openings on second rail 469 iii (not pictured), similar to plurality of openings 466 iii and the plurality of openings on second rail 469 iii (not pictured) of the first support, respectively.
- First support 465 i and third support 465 iii are configured to selectively couple with first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii .
- the supports support first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii between first panel 458 i and first panel 458 iii .
- First brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii independently and collectively laterally brace apart the first panels.
- Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes second plate extender 455 ii attached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall.
- Second plate extender 455 ii includes a first retainer 456 ii , a second retainer 457 ii , a first panel 458 iii , and a second panel 458 iv , each similar to the corresponding sub-elements of first plate extender 455 i .
- first retainer 456 ii defines a first channel 461 ii and second retainer 457 ii defines a second channel 463 ii.
- First panel 458 iii is substantially similar to first panel 458 i , positioned proximate leading end 452 of second shoring plate 450 .
- First panel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i and second channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 449 .
- Second panel 458 iv is substantially similar to second panel 458 ii , positioned proximate trailing end 454 of second shoring plate 450 . Similar to second panel 458 ii , second panel 458 iv is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 ii and second channel 463 ii and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 454 .
- Trench shoring apparatus 400 additionally includes second support 465 ii and fourth support 465 iv , substantially similar to first support 465 i and second support 465 ii , respectively.
- Second support 465 ii and fourth support 465 iv are positioned on second panel 458 ii and second panel 458 iv , respectively.
- Second support 465 ii is substantially opposite first support 465 i and fourth support 465 iv is substantially opposite third support 465 iii .
- Second support 465 ii and fourth support 465 iv are configured to collectively retain third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv between second panel 458 ii and second panel 458 iv .
- Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv laterally brace apart second panel 458 ii and second panel 458 iv as the panels shore first lateral trench wall 402 and second lateral trench wall 403 , respectively.
- First brace 490 i extends laterally across longitudinally extending trench 401 from first support 465 i to third support 465 iii .
- First brace 490 i defines a first bore 492 i on a first brace end 494 i and second bore 495 i on a second brace end 496 i opposite first brace end 494 i .
- First brace 490 i additionally includes a center bore 491 i positioned between first brace end 494 i and second brace end 496 i.
- First brace 490 i extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 such that first bore 492 i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from first brace 490 i . Likewise, second bore 495 i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support 465 iii . When so extended, first brace 490 i provides additional shoring support to first shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450 .
- First bore 492 i and second bore 495 i may be aligned with various selected sets of openings on first support 465 i and third support 465 iii to increase and decrease first brace 490 i 's lateral bracing distance between the panels.
- first brace 490 i may extend at different effective lateral bracing distances based on the vertical position of the selected sets of openings. For example, when first brace 490 i extends between a set of openings on first support 465 i and third support 465 iii that are substantially vertically aligned, first brace 490 i will have a greater effective bracing distance than when first brace 490 i extends between vertically misaligned sets of openings.
- Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 from first support 465 i to third support 465 iii .
- Second brace 490 ii defines a first bore 492 ii on a first brace end 494 ii and second bore 495 ii on a second brace end 496 ii opposite first brace end 494 ii .
- Second brace 490 ii additionally includes a center bore (not pictured) positioned between first brace end 494 ii and second brace end 496 ii .
- Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 such that first bore 492 ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from first support 465 i .
- second bore 495 ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support 465 iii .
- Second brace 490 ii extends between first support 465 i and third support 465 iii at a different angle than first brace 490 i . When so extended, second brace 490 ii provides additional shoring support to first shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450 .
- Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv are substantially similar to first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii , and extend across longitudinally extending trench 401 from second support 465 ii to fourth support 465 iv in a similar manner to first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii.
- first retaining bar 498 i is detachably routed through the selected set openings of first support 465 i and first bore 492 i of first brace 490 i .
- first retaining bar 498 i When first retaining bar 498 i is so engaged, it serves to retain first brace end 494 i in a fixed position within first support 465 i .
- Similar retaining bars are implemented at each support end to retain each support end in a fixed position within support receivers. When the braces are fixed in place in the supports, they provide additional support to the shoring plates beyond that provided by the strut.
- first pin 488 is detachably routed through center bore 491 i of first brace 490 i and the center bore of second brace 490 ii .
- First pin 488 has a greater diameter than center bore 491 i and the center bore of second brace 490 ii at the points it extends beyond the supports, substantially retaining first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii proximate one another while allowing them to rotate around an axis defined by first pin 488 's center.
- First pin 488 provides additional structural support to first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii , thereby allowing them to provide additional shoring support.
- a similar second pin connects third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv.
- braces according to this disclosure are illustrated with uniform widths along their length, this disclosure specifically contemplates braces with an increased width proximate their first end and second end that is sufficient to span the entire width of the corresponding support.
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Abstract
Trench shoring apparatuses including an arm connected to a connector and extending to a first end substantially toward the ground, a strut attached to the first end of the arm, the strut including a first strut arm and a second strut arm and configured to drive and retract a first shoring plate connected to a first strut arm proximate a first lateral trench wall and a second shoring plate connected to a second strut arm proximate a second lateral trench wall. In some examples, the trench shoring apparatuses include a connector configured to detachably connect to a coupler of a piece of construction equipment. In other examples, the trench shoring apparatuses include plate extenders that extend and retract along the length of a longitudinally extending trench. In yet other examples, the trench shoring apparatuses may include detachable braces used to provide additional shoring support to the shoring plates.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of copending U.S. Application, Ser. No. 61/353,148, filed on Jun. 9, 2010, and copending U.S. application, Ser. No. 13/013,636, filed on Jan. 25, 2011, which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- The present disclosure relates generally to trench shoring apparatuses. In particular, this disclosure relates to mobile trench shoring apparatuses and/or trench shoring apparatuses that shore trenches with a reduced need for the user to enter the trench. Additionally, this disclosure relates to remotely operable trench shoring apparatuses. This disclosure additionally relates to methods of shoring trenches that reduce the need for user entry in the trench during shoring.
- Known trench shoring apparatuses and methods are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. Specifically, existing trench shoring apparatuses and methods may be slow and may create life threatening safety hazards. Specifically, conventional trench shoring apparatuses are often very difficult to move and to install along the length of a trench. Additionally, conventional trench shoring apparatuses and methods often require the user to enter the trench during shoring, which may be potentially life threatening if the trench walls cave in during shoring.
- Thus, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses that improve upon and advance the design of known trench shoring apparatuses. Specifically, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses with greater mobility and the ability to be operated from outside the trench being shored.
- A self-propelled trench shoring apparatus for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, including a frame with a first lateral member, a second lateral member spaced from the first lateral member, the second lateral member extending substantially parallel to the first lateral member, a connecting member extending between the first lateral member and the second lateral member, a first support member projecting from the first lateral member toward the ground to a first support end on a first lateral side of the trench, and a second support member projecting from the second lateral member toward the ground to a second support end on a second lateral side of the trench opposite the first lateral side. In some examples, the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus additionally includes a ram assembly attached to the frame, including a telescoping arm including a first end proximate the frame and a second end opposite the first end, the telescoping ram arm extending between a retracted position and an extended position and a strut attached to the second end of the telescoping arm and including a first end proximate the first lateral trench wall and a second end opposite the first end, the strut including a strut extender configured to selectively extend and retract laterally across the longitudinally extending trench.
- In some examples, the self-propelled trench shoring apparatus also includes a first plate coupler attached to the first end of the strut and configured to couple with a shoring plate and a second plate coupler attached to the second end of the strut and configured to couple with a shoring plate.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a trench shoring apparatus positioned over a longitudinally extending trench. -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus ofFIG. 1 positioned over a trench, with the telescoping ram arm extended such that a strut and shoring panels are substantially within the trench. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 , with phantom lines of the track rotated to an alternative position. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation close up view of a track of the trench shoring apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second example of a trench shoring apparatus over a trench, the trench shoring apparatus including two ram assemblies attached to connecting members. -
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 7 depicting a strut extending and retracting. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plate connected to a second shoring plate. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a close up elevation view of a first shoring plate configured to vertically couple with a third shoring plate. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third example of a trench shoring apparatus. -
FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 11 depicting a strut extending and retracting. -
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 11 depicting construction equipment detaching from the trench shoring apparatus. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a trench shoring apparatus. -
FIG. 15 is a front view of a shoring plate of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 14 depicting panels sliding to extended positions beyond the edges of the shoring plate. -
FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of two shoring plates of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 14 depicting a pair of braces supporting the shoring plates separated by a first width and separated by a second width greater than the first width. -
FIG. 17 is a top view of two shoring plates and four braces of the trench shoring apparatus shown inFIG. 14 depicting panels sliding to extended positions beyond the edges of the shoring plates. - The disclosed trench shoring apparatuses and methods will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
- Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of trench shoring apparatus examples are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
- This document may refer to certain features as included in collections and/or groups. For example, certain features may be described as being included in groups such as “electrical components” or “structural components.” These collections are merely included for the sake of clarity and are not to be read into the substance of the underlying elements in any way.
- The titles of such groups and/or collections, e.g. “electrical” and “structural” of the previous example, are merely illustrative, have no bearing on the substance of the underlying elements, and are not limited to elements that are generally understood to fall under the generic title of the collection. As an example, “electrical components” may include structural and other non-electrical components. Features in a collection may be read to have electrical and non-electrical characteristics should not be limited to the electrical characteristics.
- As discussed above,
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a first example of atrench shoring apparatus 100 for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall. As shown inFIGS. 1-7 ,trench shoring apparatus 100 includes aframe 107, afirst ram assembly 170, asecond ram assembly 185 anonboard control unit 101, a plurality ofdrive units 102, apower unit 103, andremote control unit 104, afirst shoring plate 181 and asecond shoring plate 183.Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configured to move along longitudinally extending trenches and selectively raise and lower a strut with selectively coupled shoring panels to a shoring position within the trench's walls. -
Trench shoring apparatus 100 is additionally configured to telescope laterally to accommodate trenches of varying widths.Trench shoring apparatus 100 additionally includes individually telescoping members to accommodate uneven ground and/or adjusttrench shoring apparatus 100's height relative the trench.Trench shoring apparatus 100 is configured for user control from a position spaced from the apparatus. Additionally,trench shoring apparatus 100 includes a collection of tracks each rotating and pivoting independent of the other tracks at the bottom of the support members to accommodate varying terrain. - Frame 107 includes a first
lateral member 108, a secondlateral member 109, a first connectingmember 110, second connectingmember 124, afirst support member 130, asecond support member 140, athird support member 150, and afourth support member 160. - As
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, secondlateral member 109 is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to firstlateral member 108. First and second lateral members extend longitudinally relative the trench when in use over a trench. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-5 , first connectingmember 110 extends between firstlateral member 108 and secondlateral member 109. First connectingmember 110 includes asleeve member 111, a first nestedmember 112, a second nestedmember 113, afirst cylinder 114, and asecond cylinder 115. - First nested
member 112 is attached to firstlateral member 108 on a first end and extends laterally towards secondlateral member 109 on an opposite end. - Second nested
member 113 is connected on a first end to secondlateral member 109 and extends laterally towards firstlateral member 108 on an opposite end. Second nestedmember 113 is substantially aligned with first nestedmember 112. -
Sleeve member 111 is positioned between firstlateral member 108 and secondlateral member 109 and is substantially aligned with first nestedmember 112 and second nestedmember 113.Sleeve member 111 includes a first opening on a first side and a second opening on its opposite side.Sleeve member 111 is configured to internally receive first nestedmember 112 through the first opening and to internally receive second nestedmember 113 through the second opening. -
First cylinder 114 is positioned withinsleeve member 111 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of first nestedmember 112.First cylinder 114 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend first nestedmember 112 beyondsleeve member 111. Whencylinder 114 is fully retracted, first nestedmember 112 is fully nested withinsleeve member 111. In some examples, the first nested member is partially nested within the sleeve member when the cylinder is fully retracted. -
Second cylinder 115 is positioned withinsleeve member 111 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of second nestedmember 113.second cylinder 115 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend second nestedmember 113 beyondsleeve member 111. Whensecond cylinder 115 is fully retracted, second nestedmember 113 is substantially fully nested withinsleeve member 111. -
First cylinder 114 andsecond cylinder 115 are configured to function cooperatively or individually to telescopically adjust first connectingmember 110's length. - Second connecting
member 124 extends between firstlateral member 108 and secondlateral member 109. Second connectingmember 124 includes asleeve member 125, a first nestedmember 126, a second nestedmember 127, afirst cylinder 128, and asecond cylinder 129, which share substantially similar designs and functions withsleeve member 111, first nestedmember 112, second nestedmember 113,first cylinder 114, andsecond cylinder 115, respectively. Sub-elements of first connectingmember 110 and second connectingmember 124 interact in a substantially similar manner as well. -
First cylinder 114 andfirst cylinder 128 are cooperatively configured to extend their corresponding nested members beyond the sleeve member in which they are contained. Specifically, they are configured to retract corresponding nested members to a position where they are substantially fully retracted within their corresponding sleeve member to a position where the nested member is extends beyond the sleeve member.Second cylinder 115 andsecond cylinder 129 are configured to similarly cooperate. - This telescopic cooperation allows first connecting
member 110 and second connectingmember 124 to telescope laterally in either direction relative the longitudinally extending trench. Stated another way, this allows adjustment of the lateral position of firstlateral member 108 and secondlateral member 109. This lateral adjustability of firstlateral member 108 and secondlateral member 109 is depicted using phantom lines inFIG. 3 . - As
FIG. 1 illustrates,first support member 130 projects from a first end of firstlateral member 108 toward the ground to asupport end 131 on a first lateral side of the trench.First support member 130 includes asleeve member 132, a nestedmember 134, and acylinder 135.First support member 130 additionally includes apanel support member 139. -
Sleeve member 132 is connected on a first end to firstlateral member 108 and defines asieve opening 133 on the opposite end.Nested member 134 is mounts withinsleeve member 132 on a first end and extends downward to supportend 131 on the opposite end. -
Cylinder 135 is positioned withinsleeve member 132 and is drivingly connected to the nested end of nestedmember 134.Cylinder 135 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend nestedmember 134 beyondsleeve member 132. Whencylinder 135 is fully retracted, nestedmember 134 is substantially fully nested withinsleeve member 132.Cylinder 135 is configured to allow telescopic adjustment of the length offirst support member 130. -
Panel support member 139 defines a member projecting fromfirst support member 130 to the interior offrame 107, the member defining an upward facing slot.Panel support member 139 is sized to receive a shoring panel within its slot. - Turning attention to
FIGS. 6 and 7 ,first support member 130 additionally includes atrack bearing 136 attached atsupport end 131 and atrack 138 pivotally and rotationally connected to trackbearing 136.FIG. 6 showstrack 138 rotated to a rotated position in phantom lines.FIG. 7 showstrack 138 pivoted to a pivoted position in phantom lines. In the example illustrated,track 138 may pivot and rotate 360°. In other examples, the track may rotate 270°, 180°, 90°, or some other angle between 0° and 360°. -
Second support member 140 projects from a first end of secondlateral member 109 toward the ground on a second lateral side of the trench opposite the first lateral side. Aside from being attached to secondlateral member 109 rather than to firstlateral member 108,second support member 140 is substantially similar in design tofirst support member 130. Specifically,second support member 140 includes asupport end 141, asleeve member 142, a nestedmember 144, acylinder 145, track bearing 146,track 148, and apanel support member 149, each substantially similar to the corresponding elements offirst support member 130. - As
FIG. 1 illustrates,third support member 150 projects from a second end of firstlateral member 108 opposite the first end toward the ground on the first lateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached to firstlateral member 108 in a different location thanfirst support member 130,third support member 150 otherwise shares a substantially similar design withfirst support member 130. Specifically,third support member 150 includes asupport end 151, a nestedmember 154, asleeve member 152, acylinder 155, track bearing 156,track 158, andpanel support member 159, each substantially similar to the corresponding elements offirst support member 130. -
Fourth support member 160 projects from a second end of secondlateral member 109 opposite the first end toward the ground on the second lateral side of the trench. Aside from being attached to secondlateral member 109 in a position different thansecond support member 140,fourth support member 160 otherwise shares a substantially similar design withsecond support member 140. Specifically,fourth support member 160 includes asupport end 161, asleeve member 162, a nestedmember 164, acylinder 165, track bearing 166,track 168, andpanel support member 169, each substantially similar to the corresponding elements offirst support member 130. -
Cylinder 135,cylinder 145,cylinder 155, andcylinder 165 are configured to operate either in concert or individually to adjust the length of the support members. When acting in concert,cylinder 135,cylinder 145,cylinder 155, andcylinder 165 cooperatively operate to raise and lower the level of the frame. When acting individually,cylinder 135,cylinder 145,cylinder 155, andcylinder 165 operate to adjust the length of the respective support members to provide improved support on uneven ground.FIG. 4 depicts in phantom lines track 138first support member 130 extended by cylinder 135 (shown inFIG. 1 ) a first distance and track 148 andsecond support member 140 extended by cylinder 145 (shown inFIG. 1 ) a second distance greater than the first distance. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 , 4, and 5,panel support member 139 andpanel support member 159 extend in substantially the same direction andpanel support member 149 andpanel support member 169 extend in substantially the opposite direction.Panel support member 139 andpanel support member 159 are configured to cooperatively support a trench shoring plate in slots defined in the panel support members. The panel support members support the plates along the interior side offirst support member 130 andthird support member 150. Likewise,panel support member 149 andpanel support member 169 cooperatively support a trench shoring plate in slots along the interior side ofsecond support member 140 andfourth support member 160. -
First ram assembly 170 includes a telescoping arm 171, astrut 175, afirst strut extender 177, asecond strut extender 199, afirst plate coupler 178, asecond plate coupler 179, athird plate coupler 197, and afourth plate coupler 198. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 , 4, and 5,first ram assembly 170 extends towards the ground substantially near the center of first connectingmember 110.First ram assembly 170 includes telescoping arm 171 projecting from first connectingmember 110 towards the ground and strut 175 connected on the end of telescoping arm 171 opposite first connectingmember 110. - Telescoping arm 171 is connected on a first end to first connecting
member 110 and extends downward towards to a second end connected to strut 175. Telescoping arm 171 includes asleeve member 172, a nestedmember 173, andcylinder 175. Telescoping arm 171 is generally configured to extend and retract longitudinally, thereby adjusting the vertical position ofstrut 175. -
Sleeve member 172 is connected on a first end to first connectingmember 110 and defines an opening on the opposite side.Nested member 173 is routed through the opening on a first end and extends vertically downward fromsleeve member 172 to a lower end. -
Cylinder 175 defines a hydraulic cylinder positioned withinsleeve member 172 and is drivingly connected to the first end of nestedmember 173.Cylinder 175 is configured to extend nestedmember 173 beyondsleeve member 172, thereby adjusting the length of telescoping arm 171. - As
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, strut 175 is attached to the lower end of telescoping arm 171.Strut 175 includesfirst strut extender 177,second strut extender 199,first plate coupler 178,second plate coupler 179,third plate coupler 197, andfourth plate coupler 198.Strut 175 is generally configured to brace shoring plates as the shoring plates shore trench walls and to laterally move the shoring plates. -
First strut extender 177 andsecond strut extender 199 each include a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted withinstrut 175. The hydraulic cylinders define a first strut cylinder directed towards the first lateral trench wall and a second strut cylinder directed in the opposite direction as the first strut cylinder.First strut extender 177 andsecond strut extender 199 are each additionally configured to extend and retract the strut in both lateral directions relative the longitudinal trench. -
First plate coupler 178 is drivingly connected to the first strut cylinder offirst strut extender 177 andsecond plate coupler 179 is drivingly connected to the second strut cylinder of thesecond strut extender 199.First plate coupler 178 is configured to extend towards the first lateral trench wall asfirst strut extender 177 extends, whereassecond plate coupler 179 is configured to extend to the opposite trench wall. -
First plate coupler 178 is configured to magnetically couple with first shoringplate 181 andsecond plate coupler 179 is configured to magnetically couple with second shoringplate 183. However, in other examples the plate couplers mechanically couple to the shoring plates. - Magnetic coupling enables the plate couplers to selectively couple to the shoring plate. Magnetic coupling facilitates selective coupling to the shoring plates without manual intervention. Indeed, a user can instruct the plate couplers to selectively couple with the shoring plates from a remote position.
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First ram assembly 170 also includesthird plate coupler 197 drivingly connected to the first strut cylinder ofsecond strut extender 199 andfourth plate coupler 198 drivingly connected to the second strut cylinder ofsecond strut extender 199.Third plate coupler 197 is configured to extend towards the first lateral trench wall assecond strut extender 199 extends, whereasfourth plate coupler 198 is configured to extend to the opposite trench wall.Third plate coupler 197 is configured to magnetically couple with first shoringplate 181 andfourth plate coupler 198 is configured to magnetically couple with second shoringplate 183. In other examples, the plate couplers employ mechanical coupling mechanisms. - First shoring
plate 181 is a rigid member formed from a magnetically attractable material. First shoringplate 181 includes a protection and recess complimenting the slots defined in storagepanel support member 139 andpanel support member 159. First shoringplate 181 is an otherwise generally understood shoring panel. - Second shoring
plate 183 is configured to be magnetically attached tosecond plate coupler 179 andfourth plate coupler 198 and/or stored in the slots ofpanel support member 149 andpanel support member 169. First shoringplate 181 is an otherwise generally understood shoring panel. - The first shoring
plate 181's projection and recess allow first shoringplate 181 to intermesh with an adjacent lower showing plate. Using two vertically plates shores a greater surface area of trench walls than a single shoring plate would allow. -
Second ram assembly 185 includes atelescoping arm 186, astrut 190, afirst strut extender 191, asecond strut extender 192, afirst plate coupler 193, asecond plate coupler 194, athird plate coupler 195, and afourth plate coupler 196. -
Second ram assembly 185 connects to second connectingmember 124 near the center of second connectingmember 124.Second ram assembly 185 includestelescoping arm 186,strut 190,first strut extender 191,second strut extender 192,first plate coupler 193,second plate coupler 194,third plate coupler 195, andfourth plate coupler 196. Each of the elements ofsecond ram assembly 185 are substantially similar in structure and function to the corresponding elements offirst ram assembly 170. - Specifically,
first plate coupler 193 andthird plate coupler 195 are configured to selectively magnetically couple with first shoringplate 181 on the lateral side of first shoringplate 181 oppositefirst plate coupler 178.Second plate coupler 194 andfourth plate coupler 196 are configured to selectively magnetically couple with second shoringplate 183 on the lateral side oppositesecond plate coupler 179. This laterally spaced plate coupler design allowsfirst ram assembly 170 andsecond ram assembly 185 to provide substantially even force to first shoringplate 181 and second shoringplate 183. -
Onboard control unit 101 is operationally connected to the frame, the ram assemblies, and thedrive units 102.Onboard control unit 101 is configured to control the features to which it is operatively connected. Specifically,onboard control unit 101 is configured to control when and how the connecting members, the support members, and the telescoping arm extend and retract. Additionally,onboard control unit 101 controls when and howstrut 175 retracts, the plate couplers selectively couple to and decouple from shoring plates, and driveunits 102 independently drive each track. - Drive
units 102 are drivingly connected to each the tracks and are configured to independently drive each track. As previously mentioned,drive units 102 are operationally connected to and controlled byonboard control unit 101. -
Remote control unit 104 includes auser interface 105 and is in electric communication withonboard control unit 101 via acommunication interface 106.User interface 105 defines a control panel configured to receive user input data from a user. -
Communication interface 106 is configured to receive the user input data from theuser interface 105 and communicate the user input data toonboard control unit 101.Onboard control unit 101 is configured to receive and implement the user input data for controllingtrench shoring apparatus 100. - Trench shoring
apparatus 100 additionally includes apower unit 103 attached to frame 107.Power unit 103 is operationally connected toonboard control unit 101, and is configured to generate the energy necessary to control and operateonboard control unit 101's connected elements.Power unit 103 is an internal combustion engine. However, in other examples the power unit is an electric motor or a fuel cell. - Although plate couplers are discussed as specifically implementing a magnetic means for coupling to first shoring
plate 181 and second shoringplate 183, respectively, other means are equally within this disclosure, including the use of static complimentary support members or other electromagnetic and/or mechanical coupling means. - Cylinders in this disclosure have primarily been referred to as hydraulic cylinders, which are powered by a pressurized hydraulic fluid. However, cylinders are not so limited, and cylinders according to this disclosure may include any generally understood means of applying a unidirectional force. Specific other examples of means for applying an equivalent unidirectional force may include, but are not limited to, pneumatic and screw-type mechanical actuators, as well as electric or magnetic implements that may be used to serve the same purpose.
- By the same token,
first strut extender 177 was discussed above as specifically defining two opposing hydraulic cylinders. However, strut extenders may implement any understood selectively extending and retracting member capable of applying a bidirectional force sufficient to shore a trench wall. For example, both automatic and manual selectively extending and retracting strut extenders may be used. -
FIG. 1 illustratescommunication interface 106 defining a wired connection. However, this is not required, and wireless communication interfaces are equally within this disclosure. Such wireless communication interfaces may include, but is not limited to, infrared, radio, and wireless networking protocols. - Turning attention to
FIGS. 8-10 , a second example of atrench shoring apparatus 200 for shoring longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall will now be described. Specifically,trench shoring apparatus 200 serves an example of a trench shoring apparatus in which multiple shoring plates may be used in a vertical arrangement. Trench shoringapparatus 200 includes many similar or identical features to trench shoringapparatus 100 combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature oftrench shoring apparatus 200 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions betweentrench shoring apparatus 100 andtrench shoring apparatus 200 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two trench shoring apparatuses. - As
FIG. 8-10 show,trench shoring apparatus 200 includes aframe 207, including a firstlateral member 208, a secondlateral member 209, a first connectingmember 211, a second connectingmember 216, a third connectingmember 224, a fourth connectingmember 225, afirst support member 230, asecond support member 240, a third support member 250, and afourth support member 260. - Trench shoring
apparatus 200 additionally includes afirst ram assembly 270, asecond ram assembly 275, athird ram assembly 280, and afourth ram assembly 290. Trench shoringapparatus 200 also includes a first shoringplate 281, a second shoringplate 284, a third shoringplate 291, and a fourth shoringplate 294. - Many elements of
frame 207 are substantially the same as the corresponding elements offrame 107. A difference betweenframe 207 andframe 107 is two additional connecting members extending between the lateral members, second connectingmember 216 and third connectingmember 224. Second connectingmember 216 and third connectingmember 224 are otherwise substantially similar to other the other disclosed connecting members. As illustrated, first connectingmember 211 and fourth connectingmember 225 have essentially the same positionrelative frame 207 that first connectingmember 110 and second connectingmember 124 haverelative frame 107. - As
FIG. 8 shows,trench shoring apparatus 200 includes four ram assemblies, each of which is similar in design and function tofirst ram assembly 170. - First connecting
member 211 supportsfirst ram assembly 270 substantially near its center, and fourth connectingmember 225 supportssecond ram assembly 275 substantially near its center.First ram assembly 270 andsecond ram assembly 275 are configured to couple with first shoringplate 281 and second shoringplate 284 in a similar manner tofirst ram assembly 170 andsecond ram assembly 185. - A difference between
trench shoring apparatus 200 andtrench shoring apparatus 100, however, lies inthird ram assembly 280 connected substantially near the center of third connectingmember 224 andfourth ram assembly 290 substantially near the center of fourth connectingmember 225.Third ram assembly 280 andfourth ram assembly 290 are configured to selectively telescope and are configured to couple with third shoringplate 291 and fourth shoringplate 294, respectively, in similar manner tofirst ram assembly 170's andsecond ram assembly 275's coupling with first shoringplate 281 and second shoringplate 284. - Including four ram assemblies, each on various connecting members, allows
trench shoring apparatus 200 to separately telescopically adjust and shore two shoring plates. Specifically,first ram assembly 270 andsecond ram assembly 275 are configured to cooperatively telescope relative first connectingmember 211 and fourth connectingmember 225, respectively, andthird ram assembly 280 andfourth ram assembly 290 are configured to cooperatively telescope relative second connectingmember 216 and third connectingmember 224, respectively. - First shoring
plate 281 and third shoringplate 291 are substantially similar to first shoringplate 181. AsFIG. 10 illustrates, first shoringplate 281 includes a first intermeshing member at its top defining aprojection 282 on a first lateral side of the top of the first shoring plate. Laterallyadjacent projection 282 is a first recessedarea 283 on a second lateral side of the top of the first shoring plate complimentary to the first portion. Third shoringplate 291 includes asecond projection 285 on a second lateral side of third shoringplate 291 opposite the first lateral side of first shoringplate 281.Second projection 285 substantially aligned with first recessedarea 283 and a second recessedarea 286 is substantially aligned withprojection 282. - Second shoring
plate 284 and fourth shoringplate 294 are substantially similar to second shoringplate 183. However, second shoringplate 284 and fourth shoringplate 294 include complimentary projections and recesses similar to first shoringplate 281 and third shoringplate 291. - The complimentary projections and recesses allow vertically aligned shoring plates to substantially intermesh when collectively shoring a trench wall. This intermeshed four plate design allows
trench shoring apparatus 200 to shore a greater amount of trench wall area than the dual plate design oftrench shoring apparatus 100. Additionally, the intermeshing allows a more even distribution of force against the trench wall than a non-intermeshed four plate design would accommodate. - Turning attention to
FIGS. 11-13 , a third example of a trench shoring apparatus,trench shoring apparatus 300 will now be described. Trench shoringapparatus 300 includes aconnector 310, anarm 320, astrut 325, a first shoringplate 345, and a second shoringplate 350. Trench shoringapparatus 300 is configured to shore longitudinally extending trenches, such as longitudinally extendingtrench 301 formed in the ground and defined by a firstlateral trench wall 302 and a secondlateral trench wall 303 opposite firstlateral trench wall 302. - Trench shoring
apparatus 300 is configured to detachably connect to external operating equipment, such asconstruction equipment 305.Construction equipment 305 includes acoupler 306 and an auxiliaryhydraulic line 307 configured to power and control connected accessories. Compatibility withcoupler 306 allowstrench shoring apparatus 300 to be transported and/or implemented by common moveable equipment, such as excavators, cranes, or other common construction equipment. - Some differences between
trench shoring apparatus 300 andtrench shoring apparatus 100 are seen intrench shoring apparatus 300's lack of an attached frame, power unit, or drive unit. The accessory or attachment nature oftrench shoring apparatus 300 may provide a user with cost savings and convenience over using a discrete unit such astrench shoring apparatus 100. Specifically,trench shoring apparatus 300's adaptability to external equipment allows a user to easily augment existing equipment with trench shoring functionality. - As
FIGS. 11-13 illustrates,trench shoring apparatus 300 includesconnector 310 configured to detachably connect tocoupler 306.Coupler 306 defines the equipment side of a quick coupling system currently understood in the art.Connector 310 is configured to couple withcoupler 306 to support and maneuvertrench shoring apparatus 300 withconstruction equipment 305.Connector 310 is configured to provide hydraulic power to drivetrench shoring apparatus 300's mechanical elements by hydraulically connectingtrench shoring apparatus 300 to hydraulic lines ofconstruction equipment 305. Connectors may be configured to couple with understood quick coupler systems. - Further detailing the hydraulic connection capabilities of
trench shoring apparatus 300,coupler 306 includes ahydraulic input 312 configured to receive auxiliaryhydraulic line 307. By connecting to auxiliaryhydraulic line 307,trench shoring apparatus 300 is configured to connect toconstruction equipment 305's hydraulic system. This allowsconstruction equipment 305 to control and/or power any hydraulically powered elements oftrench shoring apparatus 300, such asstrut 325. The example shown inFIG. 11 shows acoupler 306 with a singlehydraulic input 312; however, couplers may include multiple hydraulic inputs configured to couple with construction equipment that includes multiple auxiliary hydraulic lines.FIG. 13 depicts further details of the connector and couple attachment mechanism, showing a detached coupler in solid lines and an attached coupler in dashed lines. - Trench shoring
apparatus 300 includesarm 320 connected toconnector 310 that extends substantially toward the ground to anarm end 322.Arm 320 defines a substantially rigid body designed tospace strut 325 fromconnector 310. This spacing allows an operator to useconstruction equipment 305 to maneuvertrench shoring apparatus 300 substantially within longitudinally extendingtrench 301. -
Strut 325 is attached to arm end 322 such thatstrut 325 may be positioned within longitudinally extendingtrench 301 whenconnector 310 is positioned above longitudinally extendingtrench 301.Strut 325 includes afirst strut arm 335, asecond strut arm 340, astrut housing 326, a first strut extender 331 and a second strut extender 333. -
Strut 325 is configured to extend and retractfirst strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340 laterally across longitudinally extendingtrench 301, withfirst strut arm 335 extending and retracting substantially oppositesecond strut arm 340. Strut 325 ultimately extends and retracts first shoringplate 345 and second shoringplate 350 viafirst strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340, respectively. This allows first shoringplate 345 and second shoringplate 350 to move between a shoring position (shown in dashed lines inFIG. 12 ) where the shoring plates are proximate the walls of longitudinally extendingtrench 301 and a retracted position (shown in solid lines inFIG. 12 ) where first shoringplate 345 and second shoringplate 350 areproximate strut 325. -
Strut housing 326 is attached toarm 320 atarm end 322 and is configured to support the elements ofstrut 325.Strut housing 326 contains the mechanical elements ofstrut 325, such asfirst strut arm 335,second strut arm 340, first strut extender 331, second strut extender 333, and other strut elements implicitly included for proper operation of these elements. - First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 define cylinders contained within
strut housing 326 attached to the housed end offirst strut arm 335 and the housed end ofsecond strut arm 340, respectively. First strut extender 331 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to drive and retractfirst strut arm 335 relative to firstlateral trench wall 302. Likewise, second strut extender 333 defines a hydraulic cylinder configured to drive and retractsecond strut arm 340 relative to secondlateral trench wall 303 opposite first strut extender 331. Both first strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are powered hydraulically via a connection withhydraulic input 312. - First strut extender 331 and second strut extender 333 are additionally capable of remaining extended when
trench shoring apparatus 300 is detached fromconstruction equipment 305. This allowstrench shoring apparatus 300 to continue to shore trenches when disconnected fromconstruction equipment 305 andconstruction equipment 305 is used for other purposes. - As
FIG. 12 illustrates,first strut arm 335 extends fromstrut 325 towards firstlateral trench wall 302 while at least partially housed withinstrut housing 326.First strut arm 335 is configured to be driven and retracted by first strut extender 331, thereby adjusting the position of first shoringplate 345 relative firstlateral trench wall 302. - Similarly,
second strut arm 340 extends from second strut extender 333 towards secondlateral trench wall 303 while at least partially housed withinstrut housing 326, extending substantially oppositefirst strut arm 335.Second strut arm 340 is configured to similarly manipulate second shoringplate 350. Althoughfirst strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340 are similar, they are configured to operate entirely independent of one another. Operating independently allowsfirst strut arm 335 andsecond strut arm 340 to be extended to different positions within longitudinally extendingtrench 301. - First shoring
plate 345 defines a substantially rectangular metal plate attached tofirst strut arm 335opposite strut housing 326. First shoringplate 345 is configured to cover a selected surface area on firstlateral trench wall 302 and is configured to move relative to firstlateral trench wall 302 when first strut extender 331 drives and retractsfirst strut arm 335. - Similarly, second shoring
plate 350 defines a substantially rectangular metal plate attached tosecond strut arm 340opposite strut housing 326. Second shoringplate 350 is configured to cover a selected surface area, on secondlateral trench wall 303 and is configured to move relative to secondlateral trench wall 303 and substantially opposite second shoringplate 350 when second strut extender 333 drives and retractssecond strut arm 340. - First shoring
plate 345 and second shoringplate 350 are both made of a steel-based material to provide rigidity when shoring firstlateral trench wall 302 and secondlateral trench wall 303 while maintaining a thin design. However, this disclosure contemplates shoring plates made of any rigid material. Specifically, this disclosure contemplates shoring plates made of aluminum or other metals lighter than steel. Using such lighter materials may maketrench shoring apparatus 300 easier to transport and may maketrench shoring apparatus 300 easier to adapt to operating equipment unable to support heavy loads. - Turning to
FIGS. 14-17 , a fourth example of a trench shoring apparatus,trench shoring apparatus 400, will now be disclosed. Trench shoringapparatus 400 includes many similar or identical features to trench shoringapparatus 300 combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature oftrench shoring apparatus 400 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions betweentrench shoring apparatus 400 andtrench shoring apparatus 300 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two trench shoring apparatuses. - Specifically,
trench shoring apparatus 400 includes aconnector 410, anarm 420, astrut 425, a first shoringplate 445, and a second shoringplate 450, each substantially similar to the corresponding elements oftrench shoring apparatus 300 and connected in a similar manner. However,trench shoring apparatus 400 includes additional features that provide additional functionality. Similar to trench shoringapparatus 300,trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore alongitudinally extending trench 401 formed in the ground and defined by a firstlateral trench wall 402 and a secondlateral trench wall 403 opposite the first lateral trench wall. - As
FIGS. 14-17 illustrate,trench shoring apparatus 400 includes afirst plate extender 455 i, a second plate extender 455 ii, afirst support 465 i, asecond support 465 ii, athird support 465 iii, afourth support 465 iv, afirst brace 490 i, a second brace 490 ii, a third brace 490 iii, a fourth brace 490 iv, a first retaining bar 498 i, and afirst pin 488. - As illustrated in
FIG. 17 , first shoringplate 445 extends from aleading end 447 to a trailingend 449 oppositeleading end 447. Likewise, second shoringplate 450 extends from aleading end 452 to a trailingend 454 oppositeleading end 452. - Trench shoring
apparatus 400 includesfirst plate extender 455 i attached to an interior face of first shoringplate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall.First plate extender 455 i includes afirst retainer 456 i, asecond retainer 457 i, afirst panel 458 i, and asecond panel 458 ii.First plate extender 455 i is configured to longitudinally extend first shoringplate 445 along the length of firstlateral trench wall 402 in both directions. Specifically,first plate extender 455 i is configured to movably supportfirst panel 458 i andsecond panel 458 ii such that they can be moved to support a portion of firstlateral trench wall 402 beyond leadingend 447 and trailingend 449. -
First retainer 456 i extends along the length of first shoringplate 445.First retainer 456 i defines a first channel 461 i that opens substantially opposite the ground.First retainer 456 i is illustrated on the bottom of first shoringplate 445, however this placement is not specifically required. -
Second retainer 457 i extends along the length of first shoringplate 445.Second retainer 457 i defines asecond channel 463 i that opens substantially towards the ground.Second retainer 457 i is illustrated along the top of first shoringplate 445, but this placement is not specifically required. -
First panel 458 i has a similar height and is approximately half the width of first shoringplate 445, positioned proximateleading end 447.First panel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i andsecond channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond leadingend 447 as shown in dotted lines inFIG. 15 .First panel 458 i can also be placed in a stowed position where it does not extend beyond leadingend 447 as shown in solid lines inFIG. 15 . Whenfirst panel 458 i is extended,trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore an additional area of firstlateral trench wall 402. -
Second panel 458 ii is substantially similar tofirst panel 458 i and is slidingly engaged within first channel 4611 i andsecond channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailingend 449 of first shoringplate 445. -
First support 465 i is attached tofirst panel 458 i on an interior face offirst panel 458 i opposite firstlateral trench wall 402.First support 465 i includes afirst rail 467 i and asecond rail 469 i. -
First rail 467 i defines a projection extending from a first end proximate the top offirst panel 458 i to a second end proximate the bottom offirst panel 458 i.First rail 467 i defines a plurality ofopenings 466 i, the openings being spaced along the length offirst rail 467 i. -
Second rail 469 i is substantially similar tofirst rail 467 i and is positioned onfirst panel 458 i spaced fromfirst rail 467 i towards the center of first shoringplate 445.Second rail 469 i includes a plurality of openings onrail 469 i (not pictured) substantially aligned with plurality ofopenings 466 i. Plurality ofopenings 466 i and the plurality of openings onrail 469 i (not pictured) define sets of openings that each include a first selected opening from plurality ofopenings 466 i and a second selected opening from the plurality of openings onrail 469 i (not pictured) that is aligned with the first selected opening. -
Third support 465 iii is substantially similar tofirst support 465 i and is attached tofirst panel 458 i on an interior face opposite secondlateral trench wall 403,third support 465 iii substantially aligned withfirst support 465 i.Third support 465 iii includes a first rail 467 iii and a second rail 469 iii similar tofirst rail 467 i andsecond rail 469 i. First rail 467 iii and second rail 469 iii define a plurality of openings 466 iii and a plurality of openings on second rail 469 iii (not pictured), similar to plurality of openings 466 iii and the plurality of openings on second rail 469 iii (not pictured) of the first support, respectively. -
First support 465 i andthird support 465 iii are configured to selectively couple withfirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii. When coupled, the supports supportfirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii betweenfirst panel 458 i andfirst panel 458 iii.First brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii independently and collectively laterally brace apart the first panels. - Trench shoring
apparatus 400 includes second plate extender 455 ii attached to an interior face of first shoringplate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall. Second plate extender 455 ii includes a first retainer 456 ii, asecond retainer 457 ii, afirst panel 458 iii, and asecond panel 458 iv, each similar to the corresponding sub-elements offirst plate extender 455 i. For example, first retainer 456 ii defines a first channel 461 ii andsecond retainer 457 ii defines a second channel 463 ii. -
First panel 458 iii is substantially similar tofirst panel 458 i, positioned proximateleading end 452 of second shoringplate 450.First panel 458 i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 i andsecond channel 463 i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailingend 449. -
Second panel 458 iv is substantially similar tosecond panel 458 ii, positioned proximate trailingend 454 of second shoringplate 450. Similar tosecond panel 458 ii,second panel 458 iv is slidingly engaged within first channel 461 ii and second channel 463 ii and is configured to partially extend beyond trailingend 454. - Trench shoring
apparatus 400 additionally includessecond support 465 ii andfourth support 465 iv, substantially similar tofirst support 465 i andsecond support 465 ii, respectively.Second support 465 ii andfourth support 465 iv are positioned onsecond panel 458 ii andsecond panel 458 iv, respectively.Second support 465 ii is substantially oppositefirst support 465 i andfourth support 465 iv is substantially oppositethird support 465 iii.Second support 465 ii andfourth support 465 iv are configured to collectively retain third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv betweensecond panel 458 ii andsecond panel 458 iv. Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv laterally brace apartsecond panel 458 ii andsecond panel 458 iv as the panels shore firstlateral trench wall 402 and secondlateral trench wall 403, respectively. -
First brace 490 i extends laterally across longitudinally extendingtrench 401 fromfirst support 465 i tothird support 465 iii.First brace 490 i defines afirst bore 492 i on afirst brace end 494 i andsecond bore 495 i on asecond brace end 496 i oppositefirst brace end 494 i.First brace 490 i additionally includes a center bore 491 i positioned betweenfirst brace end 494 i andsecond brace end 496 i. -
First brace 490 i extends across longitudinally extendingtrench 401 such thatfirst bore 492 i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings fromfirst brace 490 i. Likewise,second bore 495 i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings fromthird support 465 iii. When so extended,first brace 490 i provides additional shoring support to first shoringplate 445 and second shoringplate 450. - First bore 492 i and
second bore 495 i may be aligned with various selected sets of openings onfirst support 465 i andthird support 465 iii to increase and decreasefirst brace 490 i's lateral bracing distance between the panels. Specifically,first brace 490 i may extend at different effective lateral bracing distances based on the vertical position of the selected sets of openings. For example, whenfirst brace 490 i extends between a set of openings onfirst support 465 i andthird support 465 iii that are substantially vertically aligned,first brace 490 i will have a greater effective bracing distance than whenfirst brace 490 i extends between vertically misaligned sets of openings. - Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extending
trench 401 fromfirst support 465 i tothird support 465 iii. Second brace 490 ii defines a first bore 492 ii on a first brace end 494 ii and second bore 495 ii on a second brace end 496 ii opposite first brace end 494 ii. Second brace 490 ii additionally includes a center bore (not pictured) positioned between first brace end 494 ii and second brace end 496 ii. Second brace 490 ii extends across longitudinally extendingtrench 401 such that first bore 492 ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings fromfirst support 465 i. Likewise, second bore 495 ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings fromthird support 465 iii. Second brace 490 ii extends betweenfirst support 465 i andthird support 465 iii at a different angle thanfirst brace 490 i. When so extended, second brace 490 ii provides additional shoring support to first shoringplate 445 and second shoringplate 450. - Third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv are substantially similar to
first brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii, and extend across longitudinally extendingtrench 401 fromsecond support 465 ii tofourth support 465 iv in a similar manner tofirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii. - As
FIG. 14 illustrates, first retaining bar 498 i is detachably routed through the selected set openings offirst support 465 i andfirst bore 492 i offirst brace 490 i. When first retaining bar 498 i is so engaged, it serves to retainfirst brace end 494 i in a fixed position withinfirst support 465 i. Similar retaining bars are implemented at each support end to retain each support end in a fixed position within support receivers. When the braces are fixed in place in the supports, they provide additional support to the shoring plates beyond that provided by the strut. - As
FIG. 14 additionally illustrates,first pin 488 is detachably routed through center bore 491 i offirst brace 490 i and the center bore of second brace 490 ii.First pin 488 has a greater diameter than center bore 491 i and the center bore of second brace 490 ii at the points it extends beyond the supports, substantially retainingfirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii proximate one another while allowing them to rotate around an axis defined byfirst pin 488's center.First pin 488 provides additional structural support tofirst brace 490 i and second brace 490 ii, thereby allowing them to provide additional shoring support. A similar second pin connects third brace 490 iii and fourth brace 490 iv. - Although braces according to this disclosure are illustrated with uniform widths along their length, this disclosure specifically contemplates braces with an increased width proximate their first end and second end that is sufficient to span the entire width of the corresponding support.
- The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
- Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.
Claims (20)
1. A trench shoring apparatus configured to detachably connect to a coupler of a piece of construction equipment, the trench shoring apparatus being used to shore longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, the trench shoring apparatus comprising:
a connector configured to detachably connect to the coupler of the piece of construction equipment;
an arm connected to the connector and extending to a first end substantially toward the ground;
a strut attached to the first end of the arm, the strut including:
a strut housing;
a first strut arm movably supported at least partially within the strut housing proximate the first lateral trench wall;
a second strut arm movably supported at least partially within the strut housing proximate the second lateral trench wall; and
a strut extender configured to selectively extend and retract one or both of the first strut arm and the second strut arm laterally across the longitudinally extending trench;
a first shoring plate connected to the first strut arm proximate the first lateral trench wall; and
a second shoring plate connected to the second strut arm proximate the second lateral trench wall.
2. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plate extender attached to the first shoring plate, the plate extender including a panel configured to extend beyond a leading end of the first shoring plate.
3. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 2 , wherein:
the first shoring plate defines a first plate interior face opposite the first lateral trench wall; and
the plate extender includes a retainer connected to the first plate interior face supporting the panel, the panel configured to move along the length of the channel.
4. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 3 , wherein:
the retainer defines a channel that extends along the length of the retainer and opens substantially opposite the ground; and
the panel is slidingly engaged within the channel.
5. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 4 , wherein:
the retainer defines a first retainer;
the plate extender comprises a second retainer defining a channel that extends across the length of the second retainer and opens substantially towards the ground; and
the panel is slidingly engaged within the channel of the second retainer.
6. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:
a support attached to an interior face of the panel, the first support including spaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at a plurality of vertical positions; and
a brace defining a brace end and a bore proximate the brace end, the brace extending towards the second lateral trench wall with the bore aligned with a selected set of aligned rail openings at a selected vertical position.
7. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a retaining bar extending through the bore aligned with the selected set of aligned rail openings.
8. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 6 , wherein:
the plate extender defines a first plate extender; and
the panel defines a first panel; and
the trench shoring apparatus further comprises a second plate extender attached to the second shoring plate and including a second panel configured to extend beyond a trailing end of the first shoring plate opposite the leading end.
9. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the support defines a first support and further comprising:
a second support attached to an interior face of the panel, the first support including spaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at a plurality of vertical positions;
wherein:
the brace defines a second brace end opposite the first brace end and a second bore proximate the second brace end; and
the second bore of the brace is aligned with a selected set of aligned rail openings at a selected vertical position.
10. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first shoring plate is detachably connected to the first strut arm.
11. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the strut extender includes a hydraulic cylinder configured to extend and retract the first strut arm.
12. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first shoring plate is formed primarily from aluminum.
13. A trench shoring apparatus used to shore longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, the trench shoring apparatus comprising:
a strut configured to selectively extend and retract a strut arm laterally across the longitudinally extending trench;
a shoring plate connected to the strut arm proximate the first lateral trench wall, the shoring plate defining an interior face opposite the first lateral trench wall; and
a plate extender connected to the interior face of the shoring plate, the plate extender including:
a retainer extending substantially across the shoring plate, the retainer defining a channel opening substantially opposite the ground; and
a panel slidingly supported within the channel and configured to extend beyond a leading end of the plate.
14. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13 , wherein:
the shoring plate defines a first shoring plate;
the plate extender defines a first plate extender;
the panel defines a first panel; and
the strut arm defines a first strut arm;
the trench shoring apparatus further comprising:
a second strut arm;
a second shoring plate attached to the second strut arm; and
a second plate extender attached to the second shoring plate including a second panel configured to extend beyond a trailing end of the first shoring plate opposite the leading end.
15. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13 , wherein:
the retainer defines a first retainer; and
the channel defines a first channel;
the plate extender further comprising a second retainer defining a second channel extending along the length of the retainer and opening substantially toward the ground;
wherein the panel of the extender is configured to slidingly engage within the first channel and the second channel.
16. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the panel is configured to be manually adjusted by sliding the panel within the channel of the plate extender.
17. A trench shoring apparatus configured to shore longitudinally extending trenches formed in the ground and defined by a first lateral trench wall and a second lateral trench wall opposite the first lateral trench wall, the trench shoring apparatus comprising:
a strut configured to selectively extend and retract a first strut arm and a second strut arm laterally across the longitudinally extending trench;
a shoring plate connected to the first strut arm proximate the first lateral trench wall;
a plate extender attached to the shoring plate and including a panel configured to extend beyond a leading end of the shoring plate, the panel defining an interior face opposite the first lateral trench wall;
a support attached to the interior face of the panel, the first support including spaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at a plurality of vertical positions;
a brace defining a brace end and a bore proximate the brace end, the brace extending towards the second lateral trench wall with the bore aligned with a selected set of aligned rail openings at a selected vertical position; and
a retaining bar extending through the bore and the selected set of aligned rail openings.
18. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 17 , wherein:
the support defines a first support;
the brace end defines a first brace end;
the bore defines a first bore;
the plate extender defines a first plate extender;
the panel defines a first panel; and
the shoring plate defines a first shoring plate;
the trench shoring apparatus further comprising:
a second shoring plate connected to the second strut arm proximate the second lateral trench wall;
a second plate extender attached to the second shoring plate and including a second panel configured to extend beyond a leading end of the second shoring plate, the second panel defining an interior face opposite the second lateral trench wall; and
a second support attached to an interior face of the panel, the second support including spaced and vertically extending rails defining sets of aligned rail openings at a plurality of vertical positions; and
wherein:
the brace defines a second brace end opposite the first brace end and defines a second bore proximate the second brace end; and
the second bore is aligned with a selected set of aligned openings of the second support.
19. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the brace defines a first brace and includes a center bore between the first brace end and the second brace end; and
the trench shoring apparatus further comprises:
a second brace extending from the first support to the second support, the second brace including a center bore substantially aligned with the center bore of the first brace; and
a pin routed through the center bore of the first brace and the center bore of the second brace, the pin configured to retain the first brace proximate the second brace.
20. The trench shoring apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the brace extends diagonally from the first support to the second support.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/107,851 US20110305529A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2011-05-13 | Trench shoring apparatuses and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US35314810P | 2010-06-09 | 2010-06-09 | |
US13/013,636 US20110305528A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2011-01-25 | Trench shoring apparatuses and methods |
US13/107,851 US20110305529A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2011-05-13 | Trench shoring apparatuses and methods |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/013,636 Continuation-In-Part US20110305528A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2011-01-25 | Trench shoring apparatuses and methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110305529A1 true US20110305529A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
Family
ID=45096336
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/107,851 Abandoned US20110305529A1 (en) | 2010-06-09 | 2011-05-13 | Trench shoring apparatuses and methods |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110305529A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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BE1020529A3 (en) * | 2012-10-12 | 2013-12-03 | Fst Funderingstechniek Besloten Vennooteschap Met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid | METHOD FOR ENJOYING BUILDINGS. |
US8845238B1 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2014-09-30 | Roger F. Fontaine | Trench box and panel assembly therefor |
US9033619B2 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2015-05-19 | John Riggle, JR. | Trench shoring apparatuses |
US20170002538A1 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2017-01-05 | Trinity Shoring Products, Inc. | System and Method for a Telescopic Strut |
WO2017135238A1 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-08-10 | 清水建設株式会社 | Earth retaining method and falsework system |
JP6431239B1 (en) * | 2018-06-15 | 2018-11-28 | 独立行政法人労働者健康安全機構 | Sediment barrier |
US20190100930A1 (en) * | 2017-10-02 | 2019-04-04 | General Steel And Supply Company | Concrete Forming System |
US10427916B1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2019-10-01 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Structure installation system with vehicle having hangers to support a wall |
US10633887B1 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2020-04-28 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard setting and installation system |
US10633812B1 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2020-04-28 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall gate system |
US11105116B1 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2021-08-31 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall system |
US11352030B2 (en) * | 2018-02-19 | 2022-06-07 | Inter-Rail Transport, Inc. | Railcar spacing tool |
US11427981B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2022-08-30 | Frank A. Scopetti, JR. | Shoring device for corners |
WO2022248819A1 (en) * | 2021-05-28 | 2022-12-01 | Trenchsafe Limited | A system and method for erecting a temporary retainer in a trench |
WO2023099906A1 (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-08 | Autoshore Ltd | Hydraulically operable trench shoring apparatus and its method of use |
GB2613559A (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-14 | Autoshore Ltd | Hydraulically operable trench shoring apparatus and its method of use |
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US8845238B1 (en) * | 2011-11-23 | 2014-09-30 | Roger F. Fontaine | Trench box and panel assembly therefor |
BE1020529A3 (en) * | 2012-10-12 | 2013-12-03 | Fst Funderingstechniek Besloten Vennooteschap Met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid | METHOD FOR ENJOYING BUILDINGS. |
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WO2017135238A1 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-08-10 | 清水建設株式会社 | Earth retaining method and falsework system |
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US11807498B2 (en) | 2018-10-05 | 2023-11-07 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Structure installation system with vehicle having hangers to support a wall |
US10654689B2 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-05-19 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Structure installation system with vehicle having hangers to support a wall |
US11339032B2 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2022-05-24 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Structure installation system with vehicle having hangers to support a wall |
US10633812B1 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2020-04-28 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall gate system |
US11629470B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2023-04-18 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall gate system |
US11105117B2 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2021-08-31 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard setting and installation system |
US11708705B2 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2023-07-25 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard setting and installation system |
US10633887B1 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2020-04-28 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard setting and installation system |
US11952795B2 (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2024-04-09 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard setting and installation system |
US11427981B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2022-08-30 | Frank A. Scopetti, JR. | Shoring device for corners |
US11499339B2 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2022-11-15 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall system |
US11105116B1 (en) | 2021-03-18 | 2021-08-31 | Tgr Construction, Inc. | Bollard wall system |
WO2022248819A1 (en) * | 2021-05-28 | 2022-12-01 | Trenchsafe Limited | A system and method for erecting a temporary retainer in a trench |
WO2023099906A1 (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-08 | Autoshore Ltd | Hydraulically operable trench shoring apparatus and its method of use |
GB2613559A (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-14 | Autoshore Ltd | Hydraulically operable trench shoring apparatus and its method of use |
GB2613663A (en) * | 2021-12-03 | 2023-06-14 | Autoshore Ltd | Hydraulically operable trench shoring apparatus and its method of use |
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