U.S. patent number RE35,088 [Application Number 08/106,151] was granted by the patent office on 1995-11-14 for trenching machine with laterally adjustable chain-type digging implement.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Trencor Jetco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jerry F. Gilbert.
United States Patent |
RE35,088 |
Gilbert |
November 14, 1995 |
Trenching machine with laterally adjustable chain-type digging
implement
Abstract
A trenching machine has an elongated chain type digging
implement that is pivotally mounted for vertical adjustment and
movably mounted to a main frame thereof for lateral adjustment. The
pivot coincides with the power shaft, and the elongated chain type
digging implement is supported so it can be moved laterally in
order to position the digging implement adjacent either side of the
digging machine main frame and anywhere therebetween to excavate
closely adjacent to buildings and other structures. The mechanism
for moving the digging implement can be manually actuated by a hand
crank arrangement. The main frame of the machine can be tilted
laterally to either side to align the digging implement to excavate
a vertical ditch. The tilting of the machine also makes it easier
to manually move the digging implement laterally.
Inventors: |
Gilbert; Jerry F. (Southlake,
TX) |
Assignee: |
Trencor Jetco, Inc. (Grand
Prairie, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
24799951 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/106,151 |
Filed: |
July 23, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
697137 |
May 8, 1991 |
05070632 |
Dec 10, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F
5/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E02F
5/10 (20060101); E02F 003/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;37/360,347,353,355,356,357,361,362,104,462,464,465,189,190,352
;198/312,315 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"VERMEER" Xerox copies (comprised of several sales brochures
containing 30 pages), provided by the firm of Davis, Hockenburg,
Wine, Brown, Koehn & Shors, P.C., of Des Moines, Iowa. Phone
(515) 288-2500..
|
Primary Examiner: Taylor; Dennis L.
Assistant Examiner: Warnick; Spencer
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nilles & Nilles
Claims
I claim:
1. An excavating machine .[.including.]. .Iadd.comprising:
a chassis; .Iaddend.
a main frame mounted .[.for pivotal movement to a.]. .Iadd.to said
.Iaddend.chassis, .Iadd.said main frame having a longitudinal axis;
.Iaddend.
a digging implement arranged .[.along a longitudinal axis of the
main frame and is removably mounted to said.]. .Iadd.to dig along a
line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the .Iaddend.main frame
.[.in a manner for effecting lateral movement therebetween so
that.]..Iadd.; .Iaddend.
.Iadd.a mount means for supporting said digging implement;
a support structure on which said mount means is mounted for
lateral and vertical movement respective to said main frame,
whereby .Iaddend.the digging implement is arranged for excavating
longitudinally of the machine at a location selected within a range
of lateral movement movement that .[.at least.]. includes a .[.a
generous.]. .Iadd.at least a .Iaddend.portion of the width of the
machine;
upper and lower guide means attached in spaced relationship to said
main frame, .Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said guide means extend
perpendicular respective to the longitudinal axis of the
.[.machine.]. .Iadd.main frame .Iaddend.and are arranged in
parallel relationship respective to one another .[.;.]..Iadd.,
wherein an angled end wall on said main frame extends from the
upper guide means down towards the lower guide means and is
interrupted by a conveyor opening having opposed walls and being
positioned longitudinally between said upper and lower guide means;
.Iaddend.
.[.a support structure has.]. upper and lower journal means by
which said support structure is supported from said main frame and
by which said suppport structure is connected for low friction
slidable lateral movement respective to said upper and lower guide
means;
.Iadd.wherein said support structure has a sloped wall that extends
upwards from said lower guide means and defines one of said opposed
walls of said conveyor opening, wherein said .Iaddend.mount means
.Iadd.is .Iaddend.pivotally supported .Iadd.respective .Iaddend.to
said support structure; .Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said digging
implement .Iadd.has a discharge end which .Iaddend.is supported by
.Iadd.said .Iaddend.mount means .[.which in turn are supported by
said support structure.]..Iadd., wherein a lateral conveyor is
mounted within said conveyor opening and is arranged to receive
excavated material from said discharge end.Iaddend.;
whereby; said upper and lower journal means .[.moves.].
.Iadd.support .Iaddend.said digging implement, mount means, and
support structure .Iadd.for lateral movement .Iaddend.along said
guide means to selectively position said digging implement
laterally of the .[.chassis.]. .Iadd.main frame. .Iaddend.
2. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the chassis is
supported from a set of ground supported tracks, and the digging
implement is a ladder type trencher having as power shaft that also
forms .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.pivot .[.for.]. .Iadd.by which
.Iaddend.said mount means .Iadd.and said digging implement are
pivotally supported on said support structure; .Iaddend.and
.Iadd.further comprising .Iaddend.a hydraulic motor .Iadd.means,
.Iaddend.mounted in said support structure.Iadd., .Iaddend.for
actuating the digging implement.
3. .[.The excavating machine of claim 1.]. .Iadd.An excavating
machine comprising: .Iaddend.
a chassis;
a main frame mounted for pivoted movement on said chassis, said
main frame having a longitudinal axis;
a digging implement arranged along the longitudinal axis of the
main frame, said digging implement being removably mounted to said
main frame in a manner for effecting lateral movement therebetween
so that the digging implement is arranged for excavating
longitudinally of the machine at a location selected within a range
of lateral movement that includes a generous portion of the width
of the machine;
upper and lower guide means attached in spaced relationship to said
main frame, wherein said guide means extend perpendicular
respective to a longitudinal axis of the machine and are arranged
in parallel relationship respective to one another;
a support structure which has upper and lower journal means by
which said support structure is supported from said main frame and
by which said support structure is connected for low friction
slidable lateral movement respective to said upper and lower guide
means;
mount means pivotally supported to said support structure; wherein
said digging implement is supported by said mount means which in
turn are supported by said support structure;
whereby, said upper and lower journal means move said digging
implement, mount means, and support structure along said guide
means to selectively position said digging implement laterally of
the chassis, wherein a hydraulic motor is mounted within said
support structure for powering said digging implement; said main
frame has a forward bulkhead on which said guide means is located,
.[.a rear bulkhead on.]. said support structure .Iadd.has a rear
bulkhead .Iaddend.on which said upper and lower journal means is
supported, and a lateral slot .Iadd.is formed .Iaddend.in said
forward bulkhead through which power fluid conduits extend for
conveying power fluid to and from the hydraulic motor. .[.
4. The excavating machine of claim 1 wherein the chassis is track
mounted for propelling the machine longitudinally along the ground,
means for tilting the main frame respective to the chassis for
vertical alignment of the digging implement, said support structure
can be laterally moved respective to the main frame to remove the
support structure, mount means and digging implement from the main
frame so that another digging implement can be substituted
therefor; manually actuated power means for forcing said support
structure to move laterally respective to the main frame; whereby,
said main frame can be tilted respective to the chassis to allow
gravity to facilitate lateral movement of the support structure
along the guide means..].
5. .[.The excavating machine of claim 1.]. .Iadd.An excavating
machine comprising:
a chassis;
a main frame mounted to said chassis, said main frame having a
longitudinal axis;
a digging implement arranged to dig along parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the main frame;
a mount means for supporting said digging implement;
a support structure on which said mount means is mounted for
lateral and vertical movement respective to said main frame,
whereby the digging implement is arranged for excavating
longitudinally of the machine at a location selected within a range
of lateral movement that includes at least a portion of the width
of the machine;
upper and lower guide means attached in spaced relationship to said
main frame, wherein said guide means extend perpendicular
respective to the longitudinal axis of the main frame and are
arranged in parallel relationship respective to one another;
wherein an angled end wall on said main frame extends from the
upper guide means down towards the lower guide means and is
interrupted by a conveyor opening having opposed walls;
upper and lower journal means by which said support structure is
supported from said main frame and by which said support structure
is connected for low friction slidable lateral movement respective
to said upper and lower guide means;
wherein said support structure has a sloped wall that extends
upwards from said lower guide means and defines one of said opposed
walls of said conveyor opening, wherein said mount means is
pivotably supported respective to said support structure, wherein
said digging implement has a discharge end which is supported by
said mount means, wherein a lateral conveyor is mounted within said
conveyor opening and is arranged to receive excavated material from
said discharge end;
whereby; said upper and lower journal means support said digging
implement, mount means, and support structure for lateral movement
along said guide means to selectively position said digging
implement laterally of the main frame, .Iaddend.wherein the chassis
is supported from a set of ground supported tracks, and the digging
implement is a latter type trencher having a power shaft that also
forms .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.pivot betweens said support
structure and said mount means; .[.said.]. .Iadd.further comprising
a .Iaddend.a hydraulic motor .Iadd.which .Iaddend.is mounted within
said support structure for powering said digging implement;
.Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said main frame has a forward bulkhead on
which said guide means is located, .[.a rear bulkhead on.]. said
support structure .Iadd.has a rear bulkhead .Iaddend.on which said
upper and lower journal means is supported, and a lateral slot is
formed in said rear bulkhead of said support structure through
which power fluid conduits extend for conveying power fluid to and
from the hydraulic motor. .[.
6. The excavating machine of claim 5 wherein the chassis is track
mounted for propelling the machine longitudinally along the ground;
means for tilting the main frame respective to the chassis for
vertical alignment of the digging implement; said support structure
can be laterally moved along said guide means and respective to the
main frame to remove the support structure, mount means, and
digging implement from the main frame so that another digging
implement can be substituted therefor..].
7. An excavating machine .[.having.]. .Iadd.comprising:
.Iaddend.
a main frame.[.;.]..Iadd.; .Iaddend.
a ground supported chassis for supporting said main frame .[.,
means by which said main frame can be tilted respective to said
chassis.].;
means .Iadd.for .Iaddend.propelling said chassis along the
ground;
a digging implement.[.;.]. .Iadd.having a discharge
end;.Iaddend.
a mount means for supporting said digging implement.[.,.]..Iadd.;
.Iaddend.
a support structure .[.by.]. .Iadd.on .Iaddend.which .Iadd.said
mount means is pivotally supported; whereby .Iaddend.said digging
implement and said mount means are pivotally mounted for vertical
adjustment thereof respective to said main frame; .Iadd.wherein
said main frame has a forward bulkhead, and wherein said support
structure has a rear bulkhead that confronts the main frame
bulkhead; .Iaddend.
a pair of .Iadd.longitudinally spaced .Iaddend.parallel .[.guide
means.]. .Iadd.upper and lower rail assemblies, .Iaddend.mounted in
spaced relationship .[.on.]. .Iadd.between .Iaddend.said main
frame.[.;.]. .Iadd.bulkhead and .Iaddend.said support structure
.[.has upper and lower journal means, respectively.].
.Iadd.bulkhead .Iaddend.by which said support structure is
supported from .[.the.]. .Iadd.said .Iaddend.main frame .[.upper
and lower guide means, respectively.]., and by which said support
structure is slidably connected for low friction lateral movement
respective to said .[.upper and lower guide means.]. .Iadd.main
frame, wherein a conveyor opening is formed betweens said main
frame and said support structure, and longitudinally between said
upper and lower rail assemblies;
a lateral conveyor supported on said main frame and located within
the conveyor opening and below the discharge end of said digging
implement, wherein .Iaddend.said mount means is pivotally supported
respective to said support structure;
and means for forcing said digging implement, mount means, and
support structure to move laterally along said .[.guide means.].
.Iadd.upper and lower rail assemblies .Iaddend.to selectively
position said digging implement laterally of the chassis. .[.
8. The excavating machine of claim 7 wherein the support structure
has a rear bulkhead; the digging implement is driven by a hydraulic
motor that drives a shaft aligned along the axis of the pivot by
which said mount means and said support structure are pivotally
connected; there is a motor driven hydraulic pump supported on the
chassis that provides lower fluid from the pump to the hydraulic
motor; power oil flow lines convey power fluid the bulkhead;
and manually actuated power means for moving said support structure
laterally respective to the main frame; whereby, said main frame
can be tilted respective to the chassis to allow gravity to
facilitate lateral movement of the support structure..].
9. The machine of claim 7 wherein .[.the main frame tilts laterally
respective to the chassis to enable a vertical ditch to be formed
in the ground; the means by which said mount means is pivotally
mounted to the.]. .Iadd.said .Iaddend.support structure is
.Iadd.pivotally mounted on .Iaddend.power shaft for actuating the
digging implement; whereby, the digging implement can be moved
laterally to excavate closely adjacent to buildings and other
structures; and can be adjusted to control the depth of a ditch and
to align the digging implement vertically respective to a ditch.
.[.
10. The machine of claim 7 wherein the guide means includes stops
at each terminal end thereof and captures the journal means
therebetween, said stops are removable to enable the digging
implement to be removed from the main frame and another digging
implement substituted therefor..].
11. The excavating machine of claim 7 wherein the chassis is
supported from a set of ground supported tracks, and the digging
implement is a ladder type trencher having power shaft that also
forms .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.pivot for said mount means
and.[.,.]..Iadd.further comprising .Iaddend.a hydraulic motor
mounted in said support structure for actuating the digging
implement.
12. .[.The excavating machine of claim 7.]. .Iadd.An excavating
machine comprising:
a main frame;
a ground supported chassis for supporting said main frame;
means propelling said chassis along the ground;
a digging implement having a discharge end;
a mount means for supporting said digging implement;
a support structure on which said mount means is pivotally
supported; whereby said digging implement and said mount means are
pivotably mounted for vertical adjustment thereof respective to
said main frame; wherein said main frame has a forward bulkhead,
and wherein said support structure has a rearward bulkhead that
confronts the main frame bulkhead;
a pair of longitudinally spaced parallel upper and lower rail
assemblies, mounted in spaced relationship between said main frame
bulkhead and said support structure bulkhead, by which said support
structure is supported from said main frame, and by which said
support structure is slidably connected for low friction lateral
movement respective to said main frame, wherein a conveyor opening
is formed between said main frame and said support structure, and
longitudinally betweens said upper and lower rail assemblies;
a lateral conveyor supported on said main frame and located within
the conveyor opening and below the discharge end of said digging
implement, wherein said mount means is pivotally supported
respective to said support structure;
and means for forcing said digging implement, mount means, and
support structure to move laterally along said upper and lower rail
assemblies to selectively position said digging implement laterally
of the chassis, .Iaddend.wherein a hydraulic motor is mounted
within said support structure for powering said digging implement
.[.; said main frame has a forward bulkhead on which.]..Iadd.,
.Iaddend.each of said rail assemblies includes guide means and
journal means, said guide means are .[.located, a rear bulkhead on
said support structure on which.]. .Iadd.mounted on said main frame
bulkhead and .Iaddend.said upper and lower journal means are
supported on said support structure bulkhead,and a lateral slot
.Iadd.is formed .Iaddend.in said .[.rear.]. .Iadd.support structure
.Iaddend.bulkhead through which power fluid conduits extend for
conveying power fluid to and from the hydraulic motor. .[.
13. The excavating machine of claim 7 wherein the chassis is track
mounted for propelling the machine longitudinally along the ground;
means tilting the main frame respective to the chassis for vertical
alignment of the digging implement; said support structure can be
laterally moved respective to the main frame to remove the support
structure, mount means, and digging implement from the main frame
so that another digging implement can be substituted
therefor..].
14. An excavating machine .[.having.]. .Iadd.comprising:
.Iaddend.
a chassis supported for movement along the ground.[.,.]..Iadd.,
.Iaddend.
a main frame attached to said chassis, said main frame .[.has.].
.Iadd.having .Iaddend.a bulkhead at one end thereof;
.[.means for tilting said main frame in a lateral direction
respective to said chassis;.].
a mount means;
a digging implement mounted to said mount means.Iadd., said digging
implement having a discharge end; .Iaddend.
an upper and a lower rail .[.system.]..Iadd.assembly; .Iaddend.
a support structure .[.having.]. .Iadd.on which said mount means is
mounted and which has .Iaddend.a bulkhead at one end thereof
.Iadd.that confronts the main frame bulkhead, .Iaddend.said support
structure .[.is.]. .Iadd.being .Iaddend.attached for .Iadd.lateral
.Iaddend.movement respective to said main frame .Iadd.bulkhead
.Iaddend.by said upper and lower rail .[.system.].
.Iadd.assemblies.Iaddend.;
.[.upper and lower journal means on said bulkhead of said support
structure, said upper and lower journal means form part of said
rail system; upper and lower guide means on said bulkhead of said
main frame; said upper and lower guide means form part of said
upper and lower rail system;.].
.Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.said upper and lower .[.guide means.].
.Iadd.rail assemblies .Iaddend.are spaced apart
.Iadd.longitudinally .Iaddend.and arranged in parallel relationship
respective to one another.[., said upper and lower journal means of
said support structure capture said guide means therewithin and
thereby.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.provide for lateral movement between
said support structure and said main frame, .Iadd.wherein a
conveyor opening is formed between said main frame and said support
structure, and longitudinally between the upper and lower rail
assemblies; .Iaddend.
a lateral conveyor, supported within the conveyor opening at a
location below the discharge end of said digging implement, for
receiving excavated material discharged from the digging
implement;
whereby; said upper and lower rail .[.system.]. .Iadd.assemblies
.Iaddend.selectively .[.positions.]. .Iadd.position .Iaddend.the
support structure, mount means and digging implement laterally
respective to the longitudinal axis of the main frame so that the
location of an excavation .[., such as a ditch,.]. respective to
the .Iadd.excavating .Iaddend.machine can be selected within the
range of positions effected by movement of the support structure
along the rail .[.system.]. .Iadd.assemblies. .Iaddend. .[.
15. The excavating machine of claim 14 wherein the chassis is
supported from a set of ground supported tracks, and the digging
implement is a ladder type trencher having a power shaft that also
forms the pivot for said mount means, and a hydraulic motor mounted
in said support structure for actuating the digging
implement..].
16. The excavating machine of claim 14 wherein
a hydraulic motor is mounted within said support structure for
powering said digging implement.[.;.]..Iadd.,
each of said upper and lower rail assemblies comprise a guide means
and a matching journal means, .Iaddend.
the main frame bulkhead .[.on which.]. .Iadd.supports .Iaddend.said
guide means .[.are located,.]. and .[.the.]. said support structure
bulkhead .[.on which.]. .Iadd.supports .Iaddend.said .[.upper and
lower.]. journal means.Iadd., .Iaddend.
.[.are supported,.]. move .Iadd.laterally .Iaddend.respective to
one another.[.;.]..Iadd., .Iaddend.
a lateral slot .Iadd.is formed .Iaddend.in said support structure
bulkhead through which power fluid conduits extend for conveying
power fluid to and from the hydraulic motor, and .Iadd.further
comprising .Iaddend.manually actuated crank means for moving said
support structure laterally respective to the main frame.[.;
whereby, said main frame can be tilted respective to the chassis to
facilitate lateral movement of the support structure..].
17. The excavating machine of claim 14 wherein the chassis track
mounted for propelling the machine longitudinally along the
ground.[.; said means pivoting the main frame from the chassis
provide for vertical alignment of the digging implement;.]..Iadd.,
and further comprising .Iaddend.stop means on said rail
.[.system.]. .Iadd.assemblies .Iaddend.that can be removed to allow
said support structure to be laterally moved respective to the main
frame to remove the support structure, mount means, and digging
implement from the main frame so that another .Iadd.support
structure, mount means, and .Iaddend.digging implement can be
substituted therefor. .[.
18. The excavating machine of claim 14 wherein the chassis is
supported from a set of ground supported tracks, and the digging
implement is a ladder type trencher having a power shaft that also
forms the pivot for said mount means; said hydraulic motor is
mounted within said support structure for powering said digging
implement; and said main frame has a forward bulkhead on which said
guide means is located, a rear bulkhead on said support structure
on which said upper and lower journal means is supported, and a
lateral slot in said rear bulkhead through which power fluid
conduits extend for conveying power fluid to and from the hydraulic
motor; and manually actuated positioning means for moving said
support laterally respective to the main frame;
whereby, said main frame can be tilted respective to the chassis to
allow gravity to facilitate lateral movement of the support
structure..].
19. An excavating machine .[.has.]. .Iadd.comprising: .Iaddend.
a main frame.[.,.]..Iadd., .Iaddend.
a chassis .Iadd.which .Iaddend.supports the main frame .[.and
includes means for tilting the main frame laterally respective to
said chassis.]..Iadd.; a support structure mounted on said main
frame; .Iaddend.
a mount device pivotally supported structure via a pivot;
an elongated chain type digging implement .[.is pivotally.].
mounted .Iadd.on and pivotable with said mount device .Iaddend.for
vertical adjustment; .[.and is movably mounted respective to the
main frame thereof for lateral adjustment, with.].
.Iadd.wherein .Iaddend.the pivot of the digging implement
.[.coinciding.]. .Iadd.and the mount device coincides .Iaddend.with
a power shaft for powering the digging implement;
.Iadd.and wherein .Iaddend.said digging implement .Iadd.has a
discharge end which .Iaddend.is supported from .[.a.]. .Iadd.said
.Iaddend.mount .[.means which is pivotally supported from a support
structure;.]. .Iadd.device, and further comprising longitudinally
and vertically spaced upper and lower rail assemblies by which
.Iaddend.said support structure is mounted to move laterally
respective to the main frame .[.and includes means by which it can
be moved laterally.]. in order to position the digging implement
adjacent either side of the digging machine main frame and anywhere
therebetween to excavate closely adjacent to buildings and other
structures; .[.means by which the digging implement can be moved
laterally respective the chassis of the machine,.].
.[.whereby the machine can be tilted laterally to either side
thereof to align the digging implement to excavate a vertical ditch
and the tilting of the machine also makes it easier to laterally
move the digging implement.].
.Iadd.wherein a conveyor opening is formed from facing cutouts in
said mainframe and said support structure, and longitudinally
between said upper and lower rail assemblies, and further
comprising a lateral conveyor supported within the conveyor opening
at a location below the digging implement discharge end for
receiving excavating material discharged from said digging
implement.Iaddend.. .[.
20. The excavating machine of claim 19 wherein the chassis is track
mounted for propelling the machine longitudinally along the ground;
means for tilting the main frame respective to the chassis for
vertical alignment of the digging implement, said support structure
can be laterally moved respective to the main frame to remove the
support structure, mount means, and digging implement from the main
frame so that another digging implement can be substituted
therefor, manually actuated power means for moving said support
structure laterally respective to the main frame, whereby, said
main frame can be tilted respective to the chassis to facilitate
lateral movement of the support structure..]. .Iadd.
21. An excavating machine comprising:
a chassis;
a main frame mounted on said chassis;
a support structure;
upper and lower longitudinally spaced rail assemblies connecting
said support structure to said main frame and permitting said
support structure to move laterally with respect to said main frame
while preventing said support structure from pivoting
longitudinally with respect to said main frame;
a digging implement which is pivotally supported on said support
structure and which has a discharge end; and
a lateral conveyor which underlies said discharge end of said
digging implement and which is disposed longitudinally between said
upper and lower rail assemblies. .Iaddend. .Iadd.22. An excavating
machine as defined in claim 21, wherein
said support structure includes a sloped rear bulkhead having a
cutout formed therein,
said upper and lower rail assemblies are disposed proximate
respective upper and lower ends of said sloped rear bulkhead,
and
said lateral conveyor is disposed adjacent said cutout.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd. An excavating machine as defined in claim 21, wherein each
of said upper and lower rail assemblies includes a guide rail and
rollers which mate with said guide rail. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24. An
excavating machine as defined in claim 23, wherein the guide rail
of each of said rail assemblies is mounted on said main frame and
the rollers of each of said rail assemblies are mounted on said
support structure. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. An excavating machine as
defined in claim 22, wherein
said main frame includes a sloped front bulkhead which faces said
sloped rear bulkhead of said support structure,
a cutout is formed in said main frame bulkhead and confronts said
cutout in said support structure bulkhead to define a conveyor
opening, and
said lateral conveyor is disposed in said conveyor opening.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.26. An excavating machine as defined in claim 21,
further comprising a mount device which is pivotally mounted on
said support structure and on which is supported said digging
implement. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. An excavating machine
comprising:
a chassis;
a main frame mounted on said chassis and having a front
bulkhead;
a support structure having a rear bulkhead which faces said main
frame front bulkhead, wherein facing cutouts are formed in said
main frame front bulkhead and said support structure rear bulkhead
and in combination define a conveyor opening;
a mount device pivotally mounted on said support structure;
a digging implement supported on said pivotable with respect to
said support structure and having a discharge end;
upper and lower longitudinally and vertically spaced rail
assemblies connecting said support structure rear bulkhead to said
main frame front bulkhead and permitting said support structure to
move laterally with respect to said main frame while preventing
said support structure from pivoting longitudinally with respect to
said main frame; and
a lateral conveyor which underlies asid discharge end of said
digging implement and which is disposed in said conveyor opening
longitudinally
between said upper and lower rail assemblies. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28.
An excavating machine as defined in claim 27, further comprising a
mount device which is pivotally mounted on said support structure
and on which is mounted said digging implement. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Numerous ditches are hand dug because adjacent obstructions, such
as, for example, a building immediately adjacent the proposed
ditch, precludes positioning an excavating machine close enough to
the building to form the ditch along the projected line of
construction. Often a proposed ditch will extend along the outer
edge of a paved road, and for one reason or another it will not be
possible for an excavating machine to travel with one side thereof
on the pavement. In such an instance there is no solution to this
problem other than using alternative excavating means, which
usually entails manually digging the ditch.
Therefore, it is desirable to have made available an excavating
machine having a digging implement thereon that is mounted for
lateral adjustment respective to the main frame thereof, An
excavating or trenching machine with such lateral adjustment
capability would make it possible to form a proposed excavation
longitudinally of the machine at a location anywhere within the
range of lateral travel of the digging implement, which should
include at least the width of the machine.
Accordingly, this disclosure comprehends a trenching or excavating
machine having a digging implement that is pivotally mounted for
vertical adjustment and movably mounted in a novel manner to the
main frame thereof for lateral adjustment, such that the digging
implement is supported to be moved laterally in order to position
the digging implement adjacent either side of the trenching machine
to thereby excavate closely adjacent to buildings, roads and other
structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention comprehends an excavating machine having a digging
implement supported thereon that is mounted to a main frame thereof
in a manner to provide for lateral adjustment of the digging
implement such that an excavation can be formed longitudinally of
the machine at a location anywhere within a range of travel that at
least includes a generous portion of the width of the machine.
More specifically, this disclosure comprehends a trenching machine
having a track mounted chassis to which there is mounted a main
frame. One end of the main frame supports an elongated chain-type
digging implement. The digging implement is pivotally mounted for
vertical adjustment and movably mounted for lateral adjustment
respective to the main frame. The pivot coincides with a power
shaft for the digging implement which is supported such that the
digging implement can be moved laterally respective to the main
frame in order to position the digging implement adjacent either
side of the trenching machine main frame to thereby excavate
closely adjacent to buildings and other structures.
This invention further comprehends a vehicle of the excavating type
having provisions by which various earth moving implements can be
mounted thereon to thereby enable one implement, such as for
example, a digging implement, to be substituted for a different
type earth moving implement.
Therefore, a primary object of this invention is to disclose and
provide an excavating machine having a digging implement mounted
thereon that is attached to the main frame thereof in a manner for
lateral adjustment such that the excavation can be formed
longitudinally of the machine at a location anywhere within a range
of lateral travel that at least includes part of the width of the
machine.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an
earth moving vehicle having attachments thereon by which one type
excavating apparatus can be substituted for another.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
vehicle of the excavating type having provisions by which various
earth moving implements can be mounted thereon to thereby enable
one implement, such as for example a ladder type trenching
apparatus to be substituted for another implement, such as for
example, a wheel type trenching apparatus.
A still further object of this invention is to provide improvements
in an excavating machine of the type having a trenching implement
mounted respective to a main frame thereof in a manner to provide
for lateral adjustment therebetween such that a proposed excavation
can be formed longitudinally of the machine at a location
respective to the machine that is within a range of lateral travel
provided between the excavating machine and the brenching
implement.
These and various other objects and advantages of the invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon
reading the following detailed description and claims and by
referring to the accompanying drawings.
The above objects are attained in accordance with the present
invention by the provision of a combination of elements which are
fabricated in a manner substantially as described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an
excavating or trenching machine made in accordance with this
invention, shown in operation while excavating a ditch;
FIG. 2 is a reduced scale showing an end view of the excavating
machine disclosed in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the excavating machine
disclosed in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the excavating machine disclosed
in FIG. 1, with some parts being removed therefrom to conserve
space;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, broken, top plan view of the excavating
machine disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 4;
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are side elevational views that illustrate
different digging implements that can be selected for attachment to
the apparatus set forth in the foregoing figures;
FIG. 7 is a broken, top plan view of the excavating machine
disclosed in the foregoing figures;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary.Iadd., .Iaddend.detailed top
view of part of the excavating machine disclosed in FIGS. 5 and
7;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, isolated, fragmented, detailed, side view of
part of the excavating machine disclosed in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is enlarged, fragmentary, detailed top view of part of the
excavating machine disclosed in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed side view of part of
the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed top view of part of
the excavating machine disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed side view of part of
the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 12; and,
FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, detailed side view of part of
a modification for the excavating machine of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
This disclosure broadly comprehends an excavating machine having a
laterally adjustable digging implement pivotally mounted thereon.
The digging implement is pivotally mounted for vertical adjustment
respective to a main frame thereof and is movably mounted for
lateral adjustment respective to the main frame thereof.
The pivot of the digging implement coincides with the digging
implement power shaft and is supported such that the digging
implement can be moved laterally in order to position the digging
implement adjacent either side of the trenching machine main frame
to thereby excavate closely adjacent to buildings and other
structures.
In the figures of the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1-5, the
arrow at numeral 10 indicates the preferred embodiment of a
trenching machine, made in accordance with this invention. The
trenching machine 10 includes a chassis 12 that is track mounted
and supports an endless chain-type digging implement 14 having a
continuous digging apparatus 15 associated therewith. A support
shoe assembly 16 has a shoe 116 at the free end thereof. The
support shoe assembly 16 is pivotally mounted for movement in a
vertical plane to gauge the depth of the ditch. Hydraulically
actuated cylinders .Iadd.216 .Iaddend.pivotally extend and retract
the shoe 116.
As best seen in FIGS. .[.3 and 7,.]. .Iadd.1, 3 and 4 .Iaddend.the
shoe 116 and chain-type digging implement 14 are concurrently
pivotally moved vertically by the illustrated pair of hydraulic
cylinders 18, 18' which are connected between the superstructure 84
of the support structure 22 and the superstructure 86 of .[.the.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.mount means .Iadd.or device .Iaddend.20. .[.The.].
.Iadd.A .Iaddend.laterally movable support structure 22 is mounted
for 1ateral movement respective to main frame 30. The mount means
20 is pivotally mounted to the support structure 22 by shaft 40.
Hence, lateral movement of support structure 22 respective to main
frame 30 moves the mount means 20 laterally to thereby position the
digging implement 14 and shoe 116 at either side of the main frame
and at any selected lateral position within its range of
operation.
In FIGS. 3 and 5, numeral 24 indicates positioning apparatus by
which the laterally movable support structure 22 is forced to move
laterally respective to the main frame 30, and includes an
elongated all-thread 26 rotatably journaled at opposed ends thereof
to the main frame and is threadedly mated to a traveling nut 28.
The traveling nut 28 is attached to move the support structure 22.
Rotation of the all-thread 26 therefore laterally moves support
structure 22 to thereby laterally position the digging implement
anywhere within the range of travel afforded by the apparatus.
In .[.FIG. 3.]. .Iadd.FIGS. 3 and 5 .Iaddend.numeral 30 indicates
the vehicle body and main frame which is mounted to tilt respective
to the chassis 12 and thereby remains in a horizontal position
while digging. Upper rail assembly 32 is affixed between one end of
the main frame 30 and support structure 22. Stop means 97, 98 at
opposed terminal ends of the rail assembly 32 limits lateral
movement of the support structure 22. Lower rail assembly 34
similarly has stop means 99, 100 at each extremity thereof. Upper
rail assembly 32 and lower rail assembly 34 are parallel to one
another and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
main frame. The upper rail assembly 32 and lower rail assembly 34
are spaced widely apart, as shown, for providing a large moment arm
that suitably carries the load presented by mount means 20 and
support structure 22, along with digging implement 14 and shoe
116.
As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10-13, the upper and lower rail assemblies
include journal means and guide means that are arranged .Iadd.on
.Iaddend.respective .[.mount means 20 and.]. support structure 22
.Iadd.and main frame 30 .Iaddend.to engage and capture the support
structure in low friction relationship to the main frame as will be
more fully discussed later on.
As shown in FIG. 5, crank 36 is attached to one end of the
all-thread 26. The crank 36 is manually rotated to selectively
position the digging implement laterally in relation to the main
frame. As illustrated in FIG. 14, powered means, such as an
electric or hydraulic motor 136, can be used in lieu of the manual
crank, if desired.
As shown in FIGS. .[.2.]. .Iadd.3 .Iaddend.and 4, a conveyor 38
underlies the discharge of the digging implement and conveys the
excavated material away from the trenching machine as the ditch is
being dug.
Pivot shaft 40 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 illustrates the end of a power
shaft which pivotally connects together mount means 20 and support
structure 22, and also provides means for supporting and operating
the conveyor type digging implement. This system, along with a
tilting mechanism that tilts the entire main frame in relation to
the tracks in order to keep the main frame level while digging,
provides the necessary control for the formation of a well
constructed ditch.
There is a large diesel engine in compartment 42 .[.(FIG. 3).].
.Iadd.(FIGS. 3 and 4) .Iaddend.that provides hydraulic power for
the trenching machine 10. Hydraulic hoses extend through a slot 44
(FIGS. 5 and 7) formed in an end wall or bulkhead of the
compartment 46 .Iadd.of support structure 22 .Iaddend.and delivers
power fluid to a hydraulic motor 47 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The slot
accommodates the lateral shifting of the hose as the support
structure 22 moves respective to the main frame 30.
As shown in FIG. 4, .Iadd.upper .Iaddend.journal means 48 are
located within the space 50 that is formed between the support
structure 22 and the main frame 30. The space 50 .Iadd.also
.Iaddend.accommodates the upper .[.rail assembly 32, and
includes.]. guide means in the form of an upper guide rail 52
rigidly attached to a laterally extending step 54. Upper guide rail
52 and step 54 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the trenching machine 10 which .Iadd.axis .Iaddend.is parallel to
the tracks and to the normal path of travel. The rail is captured
by a journal means .Iadd.48 .Iaddend.that includes a roller
assembly, the details of which are set forth in FIGS. 10 and
11.
FIGS. 10 and 11 disclose the details of the journal means .[.48.].
that forms part of the upper rail assembly 32, and by which the
support structure 22 is attached to the main frame
.Iadd.30.Iaddend.. The journal means includes rollers .[.148,150.].
.Iadd.48, 50 .Iaddend.and 56. Roller 56 has a shaft 57 supported
from a cage 58 which in turn is supported from .Iadd.a
.Iaddend.structural member 53 of support structure 22. The roller
56 is positioned to ride the upper surface of upper guide rail 52.
The rollers .[.148 and 150.]. .Iadd.48 and 50 .Iaddend.are attached
to spaced shafts that are bolted at 49 and 51 to structural member
53. There are a plurality of spaced roller assemblies, .[.as
seen.]. .Iadd.only one of which is illustrated .Iaddend.in .[.FIG.
10.]. .Iadd.FIGS. 10 and 11 .Iaddend.spaced along upper guide rail
52.
In FIG. 4, angled end wall 60 of the main frame 30 forms a bulkhead
that is spaced from the illustrated confronting end wall .Iadd.or
bulkhead .Iaddend.of the support structure 22. The wall structure
is then turned vertically downward and forms part of a conveyor
opening 62. Members 64 and 68 support opposed sides of a conveyor
38 while numeral 66 indicates a discharge end of conveyor 38.
.[.Sloped wall 70 of the support structure 22 is a.]. i A cutout
.[.that.]. .Iadd.70 is formed in the rear end wall or bulkhead of
the support structure 22, .Iaddend.forms another part of the
conveyor opening .[.62 and.]. .Iadd.62, .Iaddend.extends down into
proximity of the lower rail assembly 34, .[.which.]. .Iadd.and
.Iaddend.includes a mounting surface 72 that supports a lower guide
rail 74. The lower guide rail 74 is attached to the main frame
.Iadd.30 .Iaddend.while a plurality of roller assemblies, the
details of which are set forth in
FIGS. 12 and 13, are captured in low friction relationship
respective to the lower guide rail 74 and provides a low friction
journal means for effecting lateral movement of the support
structure 22.
.Iadd.FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose the details of the journal means
that form part of the lower rail assembly 34. .Iaddend.In FIGS. 12
and 13, plate member 75 supports a plurality of sets of rollers.
One set of rollers is seen at 76, 78 with the lower guide rail 74
being located therebetween and making rolling contact therewith.
The rol1ers 76, 78 have a shaft 76', 78' bolted to plate member 75.
Roller 156 is arranged perpendicularly respective rollers 76, 78 to
make rolling contact against the lower face of the lower guide rail
74 and is attached to plate member 75 by means of cage 158 in the
same manner of roller 56 of FIGS. 10 and 11.
The support structure 22 .Iadd.(FIG. 4) .Iaddend.continues
downwardly from the lower step to a lower edge 79, and then turns
upward to form the edge 80 adjacent the mount means 20. The mount
means 20 has a lower edge 82. Superstructure 84 forms the upper
part of support structure 22 and is spaced from superstructure 86
located on mount means 20, with the hydraulic cylinders 18, 18'
(FIG. 7) being located therebetween for pivoting mount means 20
about shaft 40 in response to the reciprocating action of hydraulic
cylinders 18, 18'.
In FIGS. 5 and 8, the before mentioned all-thread 26 has the
opposed ends thereof journaled to the main frame by suitable
bearings 88 and 90. Traveling nut 28 is secured to transfer member
92 which in turn is secured to the illustrated superstructure of
the support structure 22. The superstructure at 84, 84' pivotally
receives one end of the hydraulic cylinders 18, 18'. The arrow at
numeral 94 indicates the before mentioned slot 44 which forms an
elongated opening that extends from compartment 46 of the support
structure 22 and through the bulkhead 93 of the main frame.
Hydraulic hoses can extend through slot 44 as noted by numeral 94.
Numeral 96 indicates a chain drive housing by which hydraulic motor
47 (FIG. .[.4.]. .Iadd.5.Iaddend.) drives the before mentioned
power shaft that forms pivot 40 which in turn drives the chain type
digging implement 14. Numerals 97, 98, 99 and 100 are stop members
removably placed on the terminal ends of the upper rail assembly 32
and lower rail assembly 34.
In FIG. 6A, it will be noted that the digging implement 14, shoe
support assembly 16, mount means 20, and support structure 22 can
be removed as a unit from the main frame 30 of the trenching
machine by separating the two parts at the rail .[.assembly.].
.Iadd.assemblies 32 and 34.Iaddend.. This is achieved by
disconnecting the hydraulic hoses (not shown), removing the stop
means at the end of the guide rails, and removing the digging
implement 14 laterally from the main frame 30 of trenching machine
10. After removing the digging implement 14 from the main frame 30,
in the manner of FIG. 6A, other digging implements 114 and 214
having various configurations, as seen at 215 and 315 in FIGS. 6B
and 6C, can be substituted, therefor by reversing the above
detailed procedure.
In FIG. 14, a hydraulic motor 136 having .Iadd.a .Iaddend.brace 137
has been substituted for manual crank 36 .Iadd.of FIG. 5
.Iaddend.and drives all-thread 26 in either direction of rotation.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the operator is seated in a side
position in seat 102 to provide good visibility both front and
rear. All controls and operational gauges are conveniently grouped
at the operator's station 104 for safe, positive and efficient
operation. Located at this station are diagnostic ports to snap in
gauges to check all hydraulic functions.
In operation, the tracks of the excavating machine of this
invention are placed closely adjacent to an obstruction and the
digging implement 14 is moved laterally respective to the main
frame by rotating crank 36 in the appropriate direction to position
the ditch at the desired location respective to the obstruction.
This job is made effortless by tilting the main frame in the
appropriate direct, so that the support structure 22 gravitates
down the inclined upper and lower guide rails. In FIG. 9, the
laterally movable positioning apparatus 24 is next locked into the
selected position by placing pin 95 in the appropriate one of a
series of apertures before beginning the trenching operation. This
locks the support structure 22 to the main frame 30. The main frame
is automatically leveled while digging, so the ditch is excavated
along a vertical plane.
The depth of the ditch is controlled by positioning the support
shoe assembly 6 in the desired position by operation of the
hydraulic cylinder 216.
The mount means 20 is pivoted by the twin hydraulic cylinders 18,
18' to concurrently raise or lower the digging implement and shoe
assembly. A single hydraulic cylinder .Iadd.216 .Iaddend.is
employed for .[.actuating.]. .Iadd.pivoting .Iaddend.the shoe
assembly 16 and is located equidistant between and parallel to the
two spaced apart cylinders 18, 18'.
* * * * *