US3807067A

US3807067A - Automatic trench filler and tamper

Info

Publication number: US3807067A
Application number: US00316031A
Authority: US
Inventors: K Cloud
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-12-18
Filing date: 1972-12-18
Publication date: 1974-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-30

Abstract

A continuously longitudinally movable main frame is positionable at a longitudinally extending ditch having a continuously longitudinally extending mound of filler earth stacked transversely adjacent said ditch. The main frame mounts three spaced rotatable augers extending horizontally and transversely of said ditch, and a vertically actuated tamper following each auger engaged with filler earth in the ditch, all followed by a rotatable sweeper brush. During movement of the main frame, the augers are appropriately engaged with the mount of filler earth moving the earth into the ditch while the tampers compact the filler earth within the ditch, and the brush sweeps excess filler earth to the ditch.

Description

1451 Apr. 30, 1974 AUTOMATIC TRENCI-I FILLER AND TAMPER [76] Inventor: Kenneth R. Cloud, 3541 McLaughlin Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90066 22 Filed: Dec. 18, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 316,031

Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey Assistant ExaminerClifford D. Crowder Attorney, Agent, or FirmMahoney, Schick & Cislo 5 7] ABSTRACT A continuously longitudinally movable main frame is positionable at a longitudinally extending ditch having a continuously longitudinally extending mound of filler earth stacked transversely adjacent said ditch. The main frame mounts three spaced rotatable augers extending horizontally and transversely of said ditch, and a vertically actuated tamper following each auger engaged with filler earth in the ditch, all followed by a rotatable sweeper brush. During movement of the main frame, the augers are appropriately engaged with the mount of filler earth moving the earth into the ditch while the tampers compact the tiller earth within the ditch, and the brush sweeps excess filler earth to the ditch.

4 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures iATENTEBMPR 30 I914 3 Q 8 O7 06 7 sum 1 OF 5 Fig. l.

AUTOMATIC TRENCH FILLER AND TAMPER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an automatic trench or ditch filler and tamper, and more particularly, to such a device adapted for movement continuously longitudinally along a continuous longitudinal ditch and has means thereon engageable with a continuously longitudinally extending mound of filler earth stacked transversely adjacent the ditch for moving such filler earth into the ditch, while at the same time, tamping for compacting of the filler earth within the ditch. In the preferred form, the automatic trench filler and tamper accomplishes the combined filling and compacting functions in three stages, approximately one-third of the filler earth being moved into the ditch and immediately tamped for compacting in each stage, thereby assuring that both the filling and compacting operations will be satisfactorily performed. Also in the preferred form, the automatic trench filler and tamper may additionally include a final automatic sweeping operation wherein the excess filler earth remaining after the three stage filling operation is swept to the now filled ditch, and from the adjacent working area.

Various prior devices have heretofore been provided capable of moving filler earth stacked adjacent a ditch into the ditch for filling the same, but, prior to the present invention, none have been completely satisfactory as to the filling operation resulting in the requirement of additional clean-up work being required. Furthermore, none of these devices, other than on a slow and tedious stop and go basis, have combined with the filling operation the necessary compacting of the filler earth within the ditch vital for eliminating a later partial refilling operation. For instance, with the usual prior automatic trench filler, the filler earth stacked adjacent the ditch is moved into the ditch leaving a portion thereof at the original stacked site requiring workmen to then follow and complete the filling operation. Even then, the filler earth within the ditch is not compacted and after a short period of settling and washing, is required to be augmented by additional filler earth for final proper surface leveling.

One of the prior devices useful for the pure filling operation of shallow ditches has made use of a rotatable spiralauger which is positioned thereby with the rotating axis thereof extending horizontally and transversely of the ditch. With this structure, it is possible to move the auger continuously longitudinally along the ditch with the leading end thereof engaged with the filler earth stacked adjacent the ditch and a continuous filling operation will be carried out. If, however, compacting of the filler earth within the ditch is necessary, which it usually is, a separate operation with a separate device is then required for carrying out the compacting operation, usually with a vibrating tamper.

The only prior structure known attempting to combine the operations of both filling and compacting makes use of a form of scraper or scoop in combination with a following tamper, but this prior device is confined to stop and go operation relative to movement along the ditch and cannot carry out the combined operations on a continuously moving basis. The structure of this prior device includes a scoop or scraper mounted thereon transversely movable relative to the ditch whereby the device is moved in stop and go increments longitudinally along the ditch and the filler earth may be moved by the scoop or scraper into the ditch while the device is intermittently stationary. This same device mounts a vibrating tamper in a position following the ditch filling scoop or scraper which serves to compact the filler earth within the ditch once placed therein. Obviously, this intermittent stop and go required operation is relatively slow and tedious.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore, an object of this invention to provide an automatic trench filler and tamper which is constructed for continuous longitudinal movement along a longitudinally extending ditch and will continuously properly fill the ditch with filler earth from a longitudinally continuous stack of filler earth transversely adjacent the ditch, and will also properly and satisfactorily compact the filler earth once the same is placed within the ditch. With the device of the present invention, automatic trench filling means operates continuously during continuous longitudinal movement of the overall structure to move the filler earth transversely into the ditch. Immediately following the trench filling means is tamping means overlying and downwardly engaged with the filler earth within the ditch so that a complete compacting operation is carried out on the same continuous basis.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an automatic trench filler and tamper which, in themeferred form, carries out the continuous filling and compacting operation in predetermined stages, thereby assuring uniform and proper filling and a more complete and thorough compacting. Each stage consists of a portion of the filler earth being moved into the ditch followed by compacting of that filler earth portion with a multiplicity of such stages being required, although on a continuous longitudinally moving basis, for the complete overall filling and compacting. In this manner, the filling operation is much more nearly uniform than has heretofore been possible, and the compacting is likewise uniform and more complete.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an automatic trench filler and tamper of the foregoing type and which may include means for cleaning excess filler dirt adjacent the ditch after the filling and compacting operations in order to provide a final clean working area. Again, in the preferred form, the device of the present invention may include continuously operable sweeping means thereon positioned for sweeping the area adjacent the ditch of excess filler dirt and directing the same to the ditch after the filling and compacting operations. Thus, whether the ditch is located in areas containing grass or similar low plantings such as the usual improved areas, the work area in final form is relatively clean and eliminates the need for workmen to later perform such functions.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an automatic trench filler and tamper of the foregoing general character which performs the filling and compacting operations in a relatively simple and efficient manner, yet which, although being somewhat specialized in character, it is readily adaptable to a relatively wide variety of trench filling and compacting tasks. In the preferred form of the device, the entire mechanism may be constructed self-contained, that is, the main frame may be self-motivating and fully steerable for precise positioning relative to and movement along a trench or ditch to be filled. All of the components of the device are carried on the main frame and may be supported fully adjustable relative to the ground surface area within which the trench or ditch is formed, thus, adapting the device for exact control and manipulation to efficiently carry out a desired ditch filling and compacting operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings which are for the purpose of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of an embodiment of automatic trench filler and tamper incorporating the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front end view of the automatic trench filler and tamper of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows 2 -2 in FIG. 1, certain selective adjustments thereof being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 3 is a rear end view of the automatic trench filler and tamper of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 1, certain selective adjustments thereof being shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the automatic trench filler and tamper of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows 44 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 5-5 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, transverse, side elevational view of an optional form of earth moving means adapted for use on the automatic trench filler and tamperof FIG. 1, such moving means being illustrated relative to a ground surface and ditch to be filled performing the ditch filling function;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the optional earth moving means of FIG. 6 looking in the direction of the arrows 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a reduced, fragmentary, somewhat diagrammatic view of the automatic trench filler and tamper of FIGS. 1 through 4 positioned relative to a ditch to be filled and just beginning the ditch filling and compacting operation;

FIG. 9 is a reduced, fragmentary, top plan view looking in the direction of the arrows 9-9 in FIG. 8; and

FIGS. 10, ll, 12 and 13 are views similar to FIG. 8 and showing progressive longitudinal movement of the automatic trench filler and tamper along the ditch being filled and compacted in the performance of the trench filling and compacting operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED Referring to the drawings and, for the moment, particularly FIGS. 1 through 4, the embodiment of the automatic trench filler and tamper shown therein includes a main frame generally indicated at formed generally rectangularly in top plan view and from appropriate structural members well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the main frame 20 mounts and supports a somewhat usual gasoline or diesel drive motor 22 operably connected for driving an hydraulic fluid pump 24 which supplies hydraulic fluid for operating all of the various components of the device as will be hereinafter more clearly explained. The main frame 20 is supported movable by appropriately positioned wheels 26, each of which is separately rotatably driven by an hydraulic motor 28 and separately pivotally movable, although the front or forward of said wheels are tied to turn in unison and the rearward of said wheels are tied to turn in unison by transverse turning bars 30 individually controlled by hydraulic turning motors 32. Still further, as best seen in FIG. 2, the main frame 20 and the turning bars 30 are transversely extensible so that the wheels 26 at the right side of the main frame may be adjusted transversely to widen or narrow the transverse span of the main frame 20 to properly locate the device relative to the particular working area and terrain.

Earth moving means generally indicated at 34 is mounted on the main frame 20 and preferably includes a series of three generally horizontally and transversely extending spiral augers 36, each separately rotatably driven about its horizontal and transverse axis by an hydraulic motor 38. The augers 36 are mounted spaced longitudinally apart with the forward auger being on a separate support frame 40 and the intermediate and rearward augers on a common support frame 42. The support frame 40 for the forward auger 36 is vertically adjustable, preferably by usual hydraulic means, for vertically positioning the forward auger, and the common support frame 42 for the intermediate and rearward augers 36 is likewise vertically and angularly adjustable through forward vertically adjustable arms 44 and rearward pivotal arms 46, also preferably hydraulically controlled in the usual manner. A pair of guide wheels 48 may be mounted at the rearward end of the common support frame 42 for aiding in guiding the intermediate and rearward augers 36 along a ground surface generally indicated at 50.

Dirt compacting means generally indicated at 52 is also mounted on the main frame 20 preferably including a generally vertically vibrating tamper 54 spaced rearwardly of each of the augers 36 so that there is one tamper following each auger. The tampers 54 are longitudinally aligned on the main frame 20 at transverse locations just transversely outside of leading ends of the augers 36, although spaced longitudinally rearwardly of said augers. In other words, as the device is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 2, the leading ends of the augers 36 are to the left and the trailing ends thereof are to the right with the augers rotating so that the spiral appears to progress to the left, and the tampers 54 are in a longitudinal line just transversely to the left of the auger leading ends.

The tampers 54 are of generally well known construction as shown in FIG. 5, each including a lower, generally horizontally extending, impacting plate 56 which is moved up and down vertically in somewhat vibratory fashion by the combination of springs and bydraulic fluid power generated by separate hydraulic motors 58. As stated, the tampers 54 are of well known form and any of various well known constructions may be used. The important point is that these tampers 54 be of a form vertically vibrating the impacting plates 56 so as to serve their usual function of impacting earth when the tampers are positioned with the impacting plates thereof downwardly engaging loose filler earth.

The tampers 54 are each mounted on the main frame 20 through selectively adjustable, vertical control assemblies 60 adapted for selectively adjusting the vertical locations and working areas of the impacting plates 56. Without entering into detail, each of the tampers 54 is generally vertically and slidably mounted on a support arm 62, the particular tamper being tied through a cable 64 to vertically react to movement of a plunger 66 controlled by hydraulic fluid. Thus, the tampers 54 may be moved generally vertically upwardly and downwardly through the vertical control assemblies 60 so that the tampers may be adjusted to the desired vertical heights as will be hereinafter explained.

Finally, sweeping means generally indicated at 68 is mounted on the main frame spaced rearwardly of the rearmost of the tampers 54 and includes a generally horizontally and angularly transversely extending brush 70 rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The brush 70 is supported on the main frame 20 by an inverted U-shaped frame 72 and is rotated by an hydraulic motor 74. Furthermore, the brush frame 72 is selectively vertically adjustable to selectively position the brush 70 at a desired vertical height and against the ground surface 50 through a usual hydraulically actuated plunger (not shown).

All of the hydraulic driving and adjustments of the above-described components, including the driving and steering of the overall device, are controlled by an operator (not shown) located on a seat 76 supported transversely outwardly of andby the main frame 20 selectively adjusting a series of control levers on the main frame 20 as shown in FIG. 1. Starting forwardmost of the main frame 20, lever 78 controls the speed of rotation of all of the wheels 26, levers 80 control vertical movement of the augers 36, the tampers 54 and the brush 70, and lever 82 controls the throttle of the drive motor 22. Additionally, levers 84 simultaneously turn the front wheels 26 and simultaneously turn the rear wheels 26, levers 86 control the speed of rotation of the augers 36, levers 88 control the speed of vibratory motion of the tampers 54 and lever 89 controls the speed of rotation of the brush 70.

In operation of the trench filler and tamper shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, and referring to the operational, somewhat schematic views of FIGS. 8 through 13, the device is positioned longitudinally aligned for continuous longitudinal movement along a trench or ditch 90 formed extending downwardly from the ground surface 50. Furthermore, such longitudinal alignment is with the main frame 20 positioned such that the tampers 54 are longitudinally aligned with the ditch 90 and the augers 36 extend transversely to the side of the ditch alignment and in longitudinal interference alignment with a longitudinally extending mound or stack of filler earth 92 stacked transversely adjacent the ditch. Thus, the trench filler and tamper is ready for beginning the trench filling, compacting and sweeping operation.

Prior to the start of longitudinal movement of the device continuously along the ditch 90, the vertical heights of the augers 36 are adjusted such that the forward auger, the first to engage the filler earth 92, will engage the top portion thereof, the intermediate auger slightly lower to engage the top portion of the tiller earth remaining after the forward auger and the rear auger just above the ground surface 50, the position shown in FIG. 8. Also as shown in FIG. 8, at this time, all of the tampers 54 remain in raised positions, that is, at this initial starting time. The brush 70 likewise is retained in raised position.

Starting operation, the wheels 26 are rotated to transport the device continuously longitudinally along the ditch 90. At the same time, continuous rotation of the augers 36 is begun, but it is not yet necessary to begin actuation of the tampers 54 nor rotation of the brush 70. As shown in FIG. 8, this initial forward movement causes engagement with the forward auger 36 with the upper portion of the filler earth 92 and through the spiral action of the auger begins to cause the auger to deposit approximately the first one-third of the filler earth into the ditch 90, this initial engagement also being shown in top plan view in FIG. 9.

As the device progresses longitudinally as shown in FIG. 10, the forward or leading tamper 54 directly longitudinally rearwardly of the forward now-engaged auger 36 is moved over the ditch by the device forward movement and is immediately lowered downwardly until the impacting plate 56 thereof overlies and engages downwardly with the filler earth 92 that has been moved into the ditch by the forward auger. At the same time, impacting vibrational movement of this forward tamper 54 is begun so that as the device continues to move longitudinally along the ditch 90, the forward auger 36 continues to deposit filler earth 92 progressively from the stack thereof adjacent the ditch and into the ditch while the forward tamper 54 continues to impact this first approximately one-third of filler earth deposit. As also shown in FIG. 10, the continuous progressive longitudinal movement of the device moves the intermediate of the augers 36 into its engagement with the tiller earth 92 stacked transversely adjacent the ditch 90 which intermediate auger begins to move a second approximately one-third of the filler earth 92 stacked transversely adjacent the ditch into the ditch.

As the longitudinal movement of the device progresses as shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate tamper 54, or that tamper immediately longitudinally rearwardly of the intermediate auger 36 is lowered for the impacting plate 56 thereof to downwardly engage the filler earth 92 within the ditch 90 deposited by this intermediate auger and operation of this intermediate tamper is begun. The second approximately one-third of filler earth 92 deposited in the ditch 90 by the intermediate auger 36 is thereby progressively impacted on top of the first approximately one-third of the filler earth by this intermediate tamper 54. Immediately following the intermediate tamper 54, the last or rearward auger 36 begins to engage the remaining approximately one-third of the filler earth transversely adjacent the ditch 90 and progressively moves the same into the ditch to complete the filler earth deposit.

As shown in FIG. 12, the last or rearward of the tampers 54 arrives at the ditch 90 and is lowered and begun operation for the impacting plate 56 thereof to downwardly engage and impact the last approximately one-third of the filler earth 92 within the ditch 90 against the previously deposited and impacted'filler earth therein. It is pointed out that for complete compacting of the filler earth 92 deposited into the ditch 90 by the augers 36, it is, of course, preferred to make use of impacting plates 56. on the tampers 54 of proper width so as to completely transversely span the ditch 90 within the same and for ditches of various transverse widths, tamper impacting plates of various transverse widths would be used.

Finally, as the device continues to progress longitudinally along the ditch 90, the trailing brush 70 arrives at the ditch 90 as shown in FIG. 13. The brush 70 is lowered to the ground surface 50 overlying any of the filler earth 92 remaining thereon adjacent the ditch 90 and rotation of the brush is begun. The brush 70, therefore, will sweep any excess filler earth 92 remaining to the location of the ditch 90 reasonably cleaning the surrounding area with the final result of a completely continuously filled and filler earth impacted ditch 90. Furthermore, this continuous operation of the device may be continued for the entire longitudinal length of the ditch 90 merely by the continuous progressive longitudinal movement of the device therealong.

An alternate form of the earth moving means 34 is shown in side elevation FIG. 6 and top plan view in FIG. 7, the same again being supported on the main frame extending transversely adjacent the ditch 90 and being arranged for selective vertical adjustment positioning in the usual manner. As shown, the earth moving means 34, in this case, includes a continuously moving, endless conveyor belt 94 mounting a series of uniformly transversely spaced buckets 96 with one bucket and belt combination being located at and replacing each of the augers 36. Thus, by continuous movement of each of the conveyor belts 94 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6 engaging the buckets 96 with the filler earth 92, the desired amount of the filler earth may be moved into the ditch 90 in similar manner to that previously described.

According to the principles of the present invention, therefore, an automatic trench filler and tamper is provided which may move continuously longitudinally along a previously formed ditch 90 and through operation of the various components thereof will move filler earth 92 stacked transversely adjacent the ditch and continuously longitudinally therealong into the ditch for filling the same, while at the same time, impacting the filler earth within the ditch and finally reasonably sweeping the ground surface 50. In the preferred form, the automatic trench filler and tamper of the present invention carries out the ditch filling and impacting operation in multiple stages moving a portion of the filler earth 92 into the ditch 90, impacting that portion andrepeating so that the final filled ditch has the filler earth 92 therein properly stabilized, all accomplished in a unique and efficient manner.

I claim:

1. In an automatic trench filler and tamper of the type for filling a continuously longitudinally extending ditch from a continuously longitudinally extending mound of filler earth stacked transversely adjacent said ditch; the combination of: a main frame positionable continuously movable forwardly longitudinally along said ditch; earth moving means on said main frame movable for engaging and continuously moving said fillerearth transversely from adjacent said ditch into said ditch during movement of said main frame continuously longitudinally along said ditch including a plurality of rotatable spiral augers longitudinally spaced on said main frame each extending generally horizontally and transversely, said augers from forward to rearward of said main frame being positioned at progressively spaced lower levels one auger to the next to engage said filler earth mound as said filler earth mound is progressively decreased in vertical height by said plurality of augers, support means for each of said augers positioning said each auger engaged with said filler earth with a leading end at said ditch and a trailing end spaced from said ditch; a plurality of continuously vibratory tampers on said main frame with there being at least one of said tampers longitudinally rearwardly of each of said augers, said tampers being positioned with lower earth tamping means thereof at progressively spaced higher levels one tamper to the next'from forwardly to rearwardly of said main frame to engage and tamp said filler earth moved into said ditch as said ditch is progressively filled with said filler earth by said augers, said tampers including means positioning said tampers vertically over and against said filler earth in said ditch at said respective levels; power means for moving ,said main frame continuously forwardly longitudinally along said ditch, continuously rotating each of said augers to continuously move said filler earth into said ditch and continuously vibrating each of said tampers to compact said filler earth within said ditch.

2. An automatic trench filler and tamper as defined in claim 1 in which there are at least three of said continuously rotatable spiral augers longitudinally spaced on said main frame each at said spaced levels, and at least one of said continuously vibrating tampers longitudinally rearwardly of each of said augers at said progressively spaced levels.

3. An automatic trench filler and tamper as defined in claim 1 in which there are at least three of said continuously rotatable spiral augers longitudinally spaced on said main frame each at said spaced levels, and at least one of said continuously vibrating tampers longitudinally rearwardly of each of said augers at said progressively spaced levels; in which continuously rotatable sweeper brush means is mounted on said main frame longitudinally rearwardly of a rearwardmost of said tampers effective at approximately the same vertical level as said rearwardmost tamper for sweeping excess filler earth adjacent said ditch generally transversely to said ditch; and in which said power means continuously rotates said sweeper means during said main frame movement continuously longitudinally along said ditch.

4. An automatic trench filler and tamper as defined in claim 1 in which continuously rotatable sweeper brush means is mounted on said main frame longitudinally rearwardly of a rearwardmost of said tampers effective at approximately the same vertical level as said rearwardmost tamper for sweeping excess filler earth adjacent said ditch generally transversely to said ditch; and in which said power means continuously rotates said sweeper means during said main frame movement continuously longitudinally along said ditch.

Claims

1. In an automatic trench filler and tamper of the type for filling a continuously longitudinally extending ditch from a continuously longitudinally extending mound of filler earth stacked transversely adjacent said ditch; the combination of: a main frame positionable continuously movable forwardly longitudinally along said ditch; earth moving means on said main frame movable for engaging and continuously moving said filler earth transversely from adjacent said ditch into said ditch during movement of said main frame continuously longitudinally along said ditch including a plurality of rotatable spiral augers longitudinally spaced on said main frame each extending generally horizontally and transversely, said augers from forward to rearward of said main frame being positioned at progressively spaced lower levels one auger to the next to engage said filler earth mound as said filler earth mound is progressively decreased in vertical height by said plurality of augers, support means for each of said augers positioning said each auger engaged with said filler earth with a leading end at said ditch and a trailing end spaced from said ditch; a plurality of continuously vibratory tampers on said main frame with there being at least one of said tampers longitudinally rearwardly of each of said augers, said tampers being positioned with lower earth tamping means thereof at progressively spaced higher levels one tamper to the next from forwardly to rearwardly of said main frame to engage and tamp said filler earth moved into said ditch as said ditch is progressively filled with said filler earth by said augers, said tampers including means positioning said tampers vertically over and against said filler earth in said ditch at said respective levels; power means for moving said main frame continuously forwardly longitudinally along said ditch, continuously rotating each of said augers to continuously move said filler earth into said ditch and continuously vibrating each of said tampers to compact said filler earth within said ditch.