Abstract: A guard rail that mounts to a trench shield or shore. Trench shields and shores are used to maintain the patency of excavated areas. The length and/or spacing of the panels of the guard rail system can be adjusted to match the upper dimensions of a trench shield or shore to which the guard rail system can be mounted. The guard rail comprises panels that are readily assembled and disassembled, permitting ready reconfiguration, and permitting the system to be collapsed into a small area for storage and transportation. Use of the present invention does not require additional space around an excavated area or opening in which the system is mounted. A connection fitting for workers and equipments is provided on the rail system, as the secure attachment of the system to a trench shield or shore can be utilized to provide a convenient and secure means by which to workers and their equipment can be readily tracked and facilitates rescue if needed.

Abstract: Improved shoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a shoring system includes first and second opposing side walls. A manifold is pivotally connected to the first side wall and is pivotally moveable between a shielded position and an exposed position. In the shielded position, the manifold is at least partially covered by a shield. In the exposed position, the manifold is pivoted upward to expose components of the manifold, such as hydraulic inlets and outlets, valves, and hydraulic fluid lines. The shoring system is safer, easier, and more efficient to operate than conventional shoring systems.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus and method provides for restricting movement from a collapsed or folded position of a pair of rails employed by a shoring assembly. The shoring assembly has a plurality of first pads each pivotally connected to one of the rails, a plurality of second pads each pivotally connected to the other of the rails, and a plurality of hydraulic jacks each being operatively connected between an opposing pair of the first and second pads. The pivoting movement of the plurality of first pads is restricted relative to the one rail when the rails are disposed in the collapsed position. In a particular embodiment, a pair of first pads and a pair of second pads—respectively known as cylinder pads and socket pads—are employed by the shoring assembly. Accordingly, a pair of hydraulic jacks are further employed in this embodiment of the shoring assembly.

Abstract: A quick-release cam lock for selectively locking the relative position of a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The quick-release cam lock permits speedy unlocking and repositioning of the hydraulic cylinder and its accompanying piston and oversleeve, thus allowing for speed in repositioning, assembly or disassembly while also providing a secure positive positioning lock between the hydraulic cylinder, piston and oversleeve while the quick-release cam lock is engaged.

Abstract: A quick-release cam lock for selectively locking the relative position of a hydraulic cylinder and a piston. The quick-release cam lock permits speedy unlocking and repositioning of the hydraulic cylinder and its accompanying piston, thus allowing for speed in repositioning, assembly or disassembly while also providing a secure positive positioning lock between the hydraulic cylinder and the piston while the quick-release cam lock is engaged. A locking pin selectively locks the cam lock in an opened position.