TRENCH SHORING APPARATUSES AND METHODS

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 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. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, 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. 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 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.

As FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, 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.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, 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. When cylinder 114 is fully retracted, first nested member 112 is fully nested within sleeve 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 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. When 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.

This telescopic cooperation allows first connecting member 110 and second connecting member 124 to 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.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, 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.

Turning attention to FIGS. 6 and 7, 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. 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 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.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, 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. Specifically, 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. Specifically, 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.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, 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. Likewise, 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.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, 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.

As FIGS. 1-5 illustrate, 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. 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.

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. 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 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.

Specifically, 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.

Although 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. 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 illustrates communication 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 a trench 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 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.

As FIG. 8-10 show, 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.

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. As illustrated, 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.

As FIG. 8 shows, 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, and 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, however, 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.

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 and second ram assembly 275 are configured to cooperatively telescope relative first connecting member 211 and fourth connecting member 225, respectively, and 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. As FIG. 10 illustrates, 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. However, 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.

Turning attention to FIGS. 11-13, a third example of a trench shoring apparatus, trench shoring apparatus 300 will now be described. 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.

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. 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 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.

Further detailing the hydraulic connection capabilities of trench shoring apparatus 300, coupler 306 includes a hydraulic input 312 configured to receive auxiliary hydraulic line 307. By connecting to 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. The example shown in 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. Likewise, 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.

As FIG. 12 illustrates, 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.

Similarly, 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. Although 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.

Similarly, 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. 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 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.

Turning to FIGS. 14-17, a fourth example of a trench shoring apparatus, trench shoring apparatus 400, will now be disclosed. 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.

Specifically, 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. However, 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.

As FIGS. 14-17 illustrate, trench shoring apparatus 400 includes a first plate extender 455i, a second plate extender 455ii, a first support 465i, a second support 465ii, a third support 465iii, a fourth support 465iv, a first brace 490i, a second brace 490ii, a third brace 490iii, a fourth brace 490iv, a first retaining bar 498i, and a first pin 488.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, first shoring plate 445 extends from a leading end 447 to a trailing end 449 opposite leading end 447. Likewise, 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 455i attached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall. First plate extender 455i includes a first retainer 456i, a second retainer 457i, a first panel 458i, and a second panel 458ii. First plate extender 455i is configured to longitudinally extend first shoring plate 445 along the length of first lateral trench wall 402 in both directions. Specifically, first plate extender 455i is configured to movably support first panel 458i and second panel 458ii 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 456i extends along the length of first shoring plate 445. First retainer 456i defines a first channel 461i that opens substantially opposite the ground. First retainer 456i is illustrated on the bottom of first shoring plate 445, however this placement is not specifically required.

Second retainer 457i extends along the length of first shoring plate 445. Second retainer 457i defines a second channel 463i that opens substantially towards the ground. Second retainer 457i is illustrated along the top of first shoring plate 445, but this placement is not specifically required.

First panel 458i has a similar height and is approximately half the width of first shoring plate 445, positioned proximate leading end 447. First panel 458i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461i and second channel 463i and is configured to partially extend beyond leading end 447 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 15. First panel 458i 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. When first panel 458i is extended, trench shoring apparatus 400 is configured to shore an additional area of first lateral trench wall 402.

Second panel 458ii is substantially similar to first panel 458i and is slidingly engaged within first channel 4611i and second channel 463i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 449 of first shoring plate 445.

First support 465i is attached to first panel 458i on an interior face of first panel 458i opposite first lateral trench wall 402. First support 465i includes a first rail 467i and a second rail 469i.

First rail 467i defines a projection extending from a first end proximate the top of first panel 458i to a second end proximate the bottom of first panel 458i. First rail 467i defines a plurality of openings 466i, the openings being spaced along the length of first rail 467i.

Second rail 469i is substantially similar to first rail 467i and is positioned on first panel 458i spaced from first rail 467i towards the center of first shoring plate 445. Second rail 469i includes a plurality of openings on rail 469i (not pictured) substantially aligned with plurality of openings 466i. Plurality of openings 466i and the plurality of openings on rail 469i (not pictured) define sets of openings that each include a first selected opening from plurality of openings 466i and a second selected opening from the plurality of openings on rail 469i (not pictured) that is aligned with the first selected opening.

Third support 465iii is substantially similar to first support 465i and is attached to first panel 458i on an interior face opposite second lateral trench wall 403, third support 465iii substantially aligned with first support 465i. Third support 465iii includes a first rail 467iii and a second rail 469iii similar to first rail 467i and second rail 469i. First rail 467iii and second rail 469iii define a plurality of openings 466iii and a plurality of openings on second rail 469iii (not pictured), similar to plurality of openings 466iii and the plurality of openings on second rail 469iii (not pictured) of the first support, respectively.

First support 465i and third support 465iii are configured to selectively couple with first brace 490i and second brace 490ii. When coupled, the supports support first brace 490i and second brace 490ii between first panel 458i and first panel 458iii. First brace 490i and second brace 490ii independently and collectively laterally brace apart the first panels.

Trench shoring apparatus 400 includes second plate extender 455ii attached to an interior face of first shoring plate 445 opposite the first lateral trench wall. Second plate extender 455ii includes a first retainer 456ii, a second retainer 457ii, a first panel 458iii, and a second panel 458iv, each similar to the corresponding sub-elements of first plate extender 455i. For example, first retainer 456ii defines a first channel 461ii and second retainer 457ii defines a second channel 463ii.

First panel 458iii is substantially similar to first panel 458i, positioned proximate leading end 452 of second shoring plate 450. First panel 458i is slidingly engaged within first channel 461i and second channel 463i and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 449.

Second panel 458iv is substantially similar to second panel 458ii, positioned proximate trailing end 454 of second shoring plate 450. Similar to second panel 458ii, second panel 458iv is slidingly engaged within first channel 461ii and second channel 463ii and is configured to partially extend beyond trailing end 454.

Trench shoring apparatus 400 additionally includes second support 465ii and fourth support 465iv, substantially similar to first support 465i and second support 465ii, respectively. Second support 465ii and fourth support 465iv are positioned on second panel 458ii and second panel 458iv, respectively. Second support 465ii is substantially opposite first support 465i and fourth support 465iv is substantially opposite third support 465iii. Second support 465ii and fourth support 465iv are configured to collectively retain third brace 490iii and fourth brace 490iv between second panel 458ii and second panel 458iv. Third brace 490iii and fourth brace 490iv laterally brace apart second panel 458ii and second panel 458iv as the panels shore first lateral trench wall 402 and second lateral trench wall 403, respectively.

First brace 490i extends laterally across longitudinally extending trench 401 from first support 465i to third support 465iii. First brace 490i defines a first bore 492i on a first brace end 494i and second bore 495i on a second brace end 496i opposite first brace end 494i. First brace 490i additionally includes a center bore 491i positioned between first brace end 494i and second brace end 496i.

First brace 490i extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 such that first bore 492i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from first brace 490i. Likewise, second bore 495i is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support 465iii. When so extended, first brace 490i provides additional shoring support to first shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450.

First bore 492i and second bore 495i may be aligned with various selected sets of openings on first support 465i and third support 465iii to increase and decrease first brace 490i's lateral bracing distance between the panels. Specifically, first brace 490i may extend at different effective lateral bracing distances based on the vertical position of the selected sets of openings. For example, when first brace 490i extends between a set of openings on first support 465i and third support 465iii that are substantially vertically aligned, first brace 490i will have a greater effective bracing distance than when first brace 490i extends between vertically misaligned sets of openings.

Second brace 490ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 from first support 465i to third support 465iii. Second brace 490ii defines a first bore 492ii on a first brace end 494ii and second bore 495ii on a second brace end 496ii opposite first brace end 494ii. Second brace 490ii additionally includes a center bore (not pictured) positioned between first brace end 494ii and second brace end 496ii. Second brace 490ii extends across longitudinally extending trench 401 such that first bore 492ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from first support 465i. Likewise, second bore 495ii is substantially aligned with a selected set of openings from third support 465iii. Second brace 490ii extends between first support 465i and third support 465iii at a different angle than first brace 490i. When so extended, second brace 490ii provides additional shoring support to first shoring plate 445 and second shoring plate 450.

Third brace 490iii and fourth brace 490iv are substantially similar to first brace 490i and second brace 490ii, and extend across longitudinally extending trench 401 from second support 465ii to fourth support 465iv in a similar manner to first brace 490i and second brace 490ii.

As FIG. 14 illustrates, first retaining bar 498i is detachably routed through the selected set openings of first support 465i and first bore 492i of first brace 490i. When first retaining bar 498i is so engaged, it serves to retain first brace end 494i in a fixed position within first support 465i. 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 491i of first brace 490i and the center bore of second brace 490ii. First pin 488 has a greater diameter than center bore 491i and the center bore of second brace 490ii at the points it extends beyond the supports, substantially retaining first brace 490i and second brace 490ii 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 490i and second brace 490ii, thereby allowing them to provide additional shoring support. A similar second pin connects third brace 490iii and fourth brace 490iv.

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

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.