TRENCH FILLING MACHINE

Abstract

A trench filling machine having a hopper supported below a tub containing trench filling material. The hopper is configured to deposit the trench filling material into a narrow trench formed in the ground surface. The hopper is attached to a frame of the machine using a suspension system. The suspension system includes a shock absorber configured to raise and lower the hopper in response to shifting of the machine's trajectory. The suspension system further permits limited lateral movement of the hopper in response shifting of the machine's trajectory or variations of the path of the trench.

Description

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an apparatus comprising a frame configured to be supported by a plurality of ground-contacting motive elements, and a tub supported on the frame. The apparatus further comprises a hopper supported by the frame and having an upper opening positioned below the tub, and a shock absorber interconnecting the hopper and the frame such that the hopper is movable relative to the frame in response to movement of the shock absorber.

The present invention is further directed to a trench filling machine. The trench filling machine comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground-contacting motive elements configured to move the frame along a ground surface, a tub supported on the frame, and a hopper positioned below the tub and supported by the frame. The trench filling machine further comprises a suspension system interconnecting the hopper and the frame. The suspension system is configured to raise and lower the hopper in response to deviations in the ground surface as the machine moves along the ground surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a microtrenching operation known in the art. A vacuum system is shown supported on a ground surface in front of a microtrencher.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a trench filling machine known in the art attached to one embodiment of a work machine.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a trench filling machine disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a front and right-side perspective view of the trench filling machine shown in FIG. 3, with the grate removed from the open end of the tub.

FIG. 5 is another front and right-side perspective view of the trench filling machine shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front and right-side perspective view of the hopper, suspension system, and platform included in the trench filling machine shown in FIG. 3. A cover included in the suspension system is removed to expose more components of the suspension system.

FIG. 7 is a bottom, front, and right-side perspective view of the hopper and suspension system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is the front and right-side perspective view of the hopper and platform shown in FIG. 6, but another embodiment of a suspension system is shown interconnecting the hopper and the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Microtrenching is known in the art as the process of cutting narrow trenches or thin channels into the ground surface in which to lay fiber optic cables or small utility lines. The narrow trenches are normally around 1-3 inches wide and about 6-12 inches deep and cut using a microtrencher, such as the microtrencher 10, shown in FIG. 1. The microtrencher 10 comprises a thin blade installed within a hood 12 and pulled behind a work machine, such as one embodiment of a work machine 14, shown in FIG. 1. During operation, dust and spoils accumulated while cutting the trench are traditionally vacuumed away from the blade and trench using a hose 13 interconnecting the hood 12 and a vacuum system 15 known in the art, as shown for example in FIG. 1.

In many cases, the narrow trench is cut into pavement or other hard surfaces. After the cable or other utility line is laid within the trench, the trench must be filled with a grout material, or other filling material, to protect the installed utility line and bring the pavement's surface back to uniformity. One way to fill the narrow trench is by utilizing a trench filling machine, such as one embodiment of a trench filling machine 16, shown in FIG. 2. While described below, the trench filling machine 16 is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 10,450,708, issued to Vanderford, et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the trench filling machine 16 comprises a frame 18 supported by a plurality of motive elements 20. The motive elements 20 shown in FIG. 2 are wheels, but tracks or other motive elements known in the art may be used. Movement of the frame 18 is powered by another embodiment of a work machine 22.

The work machine 22 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a tool carrier capable of having any number of compact utility attachments attached thereto. An operator stands on a platform 24 supported in front of a control station 26 when operating the machine 22. The trench filling machine's frame 18 shown in FIG. 2 is a separate piece from a frame 28 included in the work machine 22. The frame 18 includes a mounting plate 19 configured to attach the trench filling machine 16 to the work machine 22 and interconnect the frames 18 and 28. In alternative embodiments, the frame 28 included in the trench filling machine 16 may be the same frame supporting the work machine. Such may be the case, for example, if the trench filling machine 16 is incorporated into a larger work machine, like the work machine 14, shown in FIG. 1.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the trench filling machine 16 further comprises a tub 30 supported on the frame 18 and a hopper 32 supported by the frame 18 and positioned below the tub 30. The tub 30 is configured to hold trench filling material, while the hopper 32 is configured to deposit the trench filling material within the narrow trench. The trench filling material flows into the hopper 32 by way of a chute 34 joined to an opening 36 formed near a lower end of the tub 30. The opening 36 is selectively sealed closed by a powered door 40. The powered door 40 slides up and down over the opening 36, transitioning between open and closed positions.

During operation, rotatable mixing blades 42 installed within the tub 30 continually mix and urge the trench filling material towards the opening 36, as shown in FIG. 4. The upper opening of the tub 30 may be covered by a grate 43, as shown in FIG. 5. A bag cutter 45 may be supported on the grate 43, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and used to open bags containing trench filling material prior to operation.

The hopper 32 has the shape of a funnel with a narrowed lower end 44 sized to correspond with the width of the trench. Trench filling material within the hopper 32 flows into the narrow trench through a lower opening 46 formed within the lower end 44. A vibrator 48 may be attached to the outer surface of the hopper 32 and vibrate the hopper 32 during operation, urging the filling material to flow through the lower opening 46 of the hopper 32. A guide wheel 50, supported on the hopper 32, trails behind it, providing stability during operation and aiding in compacting the filling material within the trench.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the frame 18 comprises a platform 52 positioned in front of the tub 30. An operator may use the platform 52 to access the interior of the tub 30. The hopper 32 is rigidly attached to the platform 52 using a pair of arms 54. The arms 54 may be configured to selectively raise and lower the hopper 32 in response to controls at the control station 26. However, the arms 54 do not respond to any deviations in the ground surface as the hopper 32 moves relative to the trench. As the machine 16 travels across the ground surface, discontinuities in that surface may cause the trajectory of the machine 16 to shift. Vertical and lateral changes in the machine 16 may cause the hopper 32 to move relative to the trench. There is a need in the art to suspend the hopper 32 relative to the machine 16 during operation.

Turning to FIGS. 3-5, another embodiment of a trench filling machine 60 is shown. For ease of reference, the features of the trench filling machine 60 that are the same as the trench filling machine 16 will be given the same reference number. The trench filling machine 60 is generally identical to the trench filling machine 16, but it comprises another embodiment of a hopper 33 and a novel way of securing the hopper 33 to the frame 18. The hopper 33 is attached to the platform 52 by a suspension system 62 instead of the arms 54. While not shown, the trench filling machine 60 would include the motive elements 20, shown in FIG. 2.

Continuing with FIGS. 3-5, the suspension system 62 disclosed herein allows, within limits, some relative movement, both vertically and laterally, between the hopper 33 and the rest of the machine 60. This allowed movement enables the hopper 33 to remain aligned with the trench, even in the presence of undesired machine 60 movements, thereby retaining a greater amount of filling material within the trench. The hopper 33 functions in the same manner as the hopper 32, shown in FIG. 2, but the hopper 33 has a different shape and includes additional features that will be described herein.

Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the suspension system 62 comprises a shock absorber 64 positioned between a pivot arm 66 and a bracket assembly 68. As will be described herein, the suspension system 62 is configured to raise and lower the hopper 33 in response to movement of the shock absorber 64. Like shock absorbers known in the art, the shock absorber 64 moves in response to the trajectory of the machine 60 shifting. The suspension system 62 is further configured to allow limited lateral movement of the hopper 33 in response to force exerted on the hopper 33.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket assembly 68 comprises a pair of side plates 70 joined by an upper plate 72. A first end of each side plate 70 extends past the edge of the platform 52 and the ends are joined by a horizonal fastener 76, as also shown in FIG. 5. A second end of each side plate 70 overlaps with a side wall 80 of the platform 52. The second ends are joined by a horizontally positioned first frame pin 82. The first frame pin 82 extends into the side wall 80 of the platform 52, thereby attaching a portion of the bracket assembly 68 to the frame 18. The side plates 70 are pivotable relative to the horizontal fastener 76 and the first frame pin 82. The side plates 70 are thus pivotable about a first horizontal axis, the first horizontal axis extending through the first frame pin 82.

The bracket assembly 68 further comprises a pair of vertical plates 84. Each vertical plate 84 is joined to an outer side surface of each side plate 70 near the first end of each side plate 70. The vertical plates 84 are joined to the side plates 70 by a horizontally positioned first bracket pin 86 that extends through both the vertical plates 84 and both the side plates 70. The plates 70 and 84 are thus pivotable relative to one another about the first bracket pin 86.

Continuing with FIG. 7, the vertical plates 84 are further joined by a horizontally positioned second bracket pin 88. The second bracket pin 88 joins a horizontal bar 90 to the vertical plates 84. The horizontal bar 90 is positioned between the vertical plates 84 and is situated below the sides plates 70. The second bracket pin 88 extends through the vertical plates 84 and a first end of the horizontal bar 90. The vertical plates 84 and the horizontal bar 90 are thus pivotable relative to one another about the second bracket pin 88. A second end of the horizontal bar 90 is joined to the side wall 80 of the platform 52 by a second frame pin 96. The horizontal bar 90 is pivotable relative to the side wall 80 about the second frame pin 96. The horizontal bar 90 is thus pivotable about a second horizontal axis, the second horizontal axis extending through the second frame pin 96.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket assembly 68 further comprises a pair of attachment plates 98 that extend horizontally away from the side wall 80 of the platform 52. The attachment plates 98 are rigidly attached to the vertical plates 84. The upper attachment plate 98 extends between the vertical plates 84 and is positioned between the first and second bracket pins 86 and 88. The lower attachment plate 98 likewise extends between the vertical plates 84 and is attached to a lower end of each vertical plate 84, as shown in FIG. 7. As will be described herein, the attachment plates 98 are configured to attach to a support arm 100 rigidly joined to the side of the hopper 32.

The various plates 70, 84, and 98 making up the bracket assembly 68 are oriented such that a portion of each attachment plate 98 extends along an X-axis, the vertical plates 84 extend along a Y-axis, and the side plates 70 extend along a Z-axis. Only the side plates 70 are directly secured to the frame 18 via the first frame pin 82. The vertical plates 84 and the attachment plates 98 are not directly secured to the frame 18.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the pivot arm 66 comprises a pair of pivot plates 102 joined by a lower plate 104, as shown in FIG. 7. The pivot arm 66 is positioned below the side plates 70 such that the upper and lower plates 72 and 104 face one another. A first end of each pivot plate 102 is joined to the side plates 70 by the first horizontal fastener 76. The first fastener 76 extends through the side plates 70 and the pivot plates 102, with the pivot plates 102 being positioned between the sides plates 70, as shown in FIG. 6.

A second end of each pivot plate 102 is joined to a shackle 110 by a second horizontal fastener 112. The second fastener 112 extends through each pivot plate 102 and extends through a first end of the shackle 110. The shackle 110 is pivotable relative to the pivot plates 102 about the second fastener 112. An end of the second fastener 112, which may carry a threaded nut, is positioned immediately adjacent the side wall 80 of the frame 18. A window 118 may be cut into the side wall 80 to allow movement of the second fastener 112 without interfering with the side wall 80. The window 118 also provides easy access to the second fastener 112 during assembly or maintenance of the suspension system 62.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, a second end of the shackle 110 is joined to the side wall 80 of the platform 52 by a horizontally positioned third frame pin 122. The third frame pin 122 extends through the second end of the shackle 110 and extends through the side wall 80. The shackle 110 is pivotable relative to the frame 18 about the third frame pin 122. The shackle 110 is thus pivotable about a third horizonal axis relative to the frame 18, the third horizontal axis extending through the third frame pin 122. As described above, only the first, second, and third frame pins 82, 96, and 122 of the suspension system 62 are directly attached to or installed within the frame 18.

At least a portion of the suspension system 62 may be protected by a cover 140 attached to the side wall 80 of the platform 52, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The frame pins 82, 92, and 122 may extend through the cover 140. A second window 118 may also be formed in the cover 140 to allow movement of the second fastener 112.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the shock absorber 64 extends between the upper and lower plates 72 and 104. The shock absorber 64 comprises a spring 126 surrounding a fastener 124. The fastener 124 shown in the figures comprises a bolt and a corresponding threaded nut. The fastener 124 extends between and through each of the plates 72 and 104 such that a head of the fastener 124 and a corresponding nut engage outer surfaces of the corresponding plate 72 and 104. The spring 126 is disposed between and engages inner surfaces of each plate 72 and 104.

Compression and relaxation of the spring 126 causes pivotal movement of the pivot arm 66. The bracket assembly 68 pivots in response to pivotal movement of the pivot arm 66. Specifically, the bracket assembly 68 pivots relative to the frame 18 about the first, second, and third horizontal axes corresponding with each frame pin 82, 96, and 122. Because the vertical plates 84 of the bracket assembly 68 are not directly attached to the frame 18 and are pivotal relative the side plates 70, pivotal movement of the side plates 70 raises and lowers the vertical plates 84. The hopper 33 raises and lowers in response to vertical movement of the vertical plates 84.

During operation, if the machine 60 is moving along a flat ground surface, the hopper 33 and the shock absorber 64 remain in their ordinary starting positions. The spring 126's ordinary starting position is partially compressed. For example, the spring 126 may be 50% compressed in its ordinary starting position. The pivot arm 66 and the hopper 33's ordinary starting positions are the position such components are at when the spring 126 is at its ordinary starting position.

If the machine 60 hits a bump in the ground surface, the spring 126 may further compress, thereby damping the energy absorbed by the shock absorber 64. At the same time, the lower plate 104 may move relative to the fastener 124, or at least a portion of the fastener 124 may extend further through the lower plate 104, thereby pulling the pivot arm 66 and the lower plate 104 upwards towards the upper plate 72. Upward pivotal movement of the pivot arm 66 causes the components of the bracket assembly 68 to pivot and move in a downward direction. Such movement of the bracket assembly 68 lowers the hopper 33 downwards away from its ordinary starting position.

Once the machine 60 clears the bump, the spring 126 relaxes back to its ordinary starting position, thereby forcing the pivot arm 66 downwards and back to its ordinary starting position. Such movement of the pivot arm 66 causes the components of the bracket assembly 68 to pivot and move upwards, thereby raising the hopper 33 back to its ordinary starting position.

If the machine 60 hits a dip in the ground surface, the spring 126 may slightly extend from its ordinary starting position, thereby forcing the pivot arm 66 to pivot downwards towards the horizontal bar 90. Such movement of the pivot arm 66 causes the components of the bracket assembly 68 to pivot and move upwards, thereby raising the hopper 33 upwards away from its ordinary starting position. During operation, movement of the pivot arm 66 is limited by the shackle 110 and the horizontal bar 90, thereby limiting the height at which the hopper 33 can be raised and lowered. Actual vertical movement of the hopper 33 may be very small during operation.

In alternative embodiments, the shock absorber 64 may comprise other types of shock absorbers known in the art. For example, the shock absorber 64 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder. As is known in the art, the hydraulic cylinder comprises a reciprocating piston installed within a cylinder. The cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder may be attached to one of the plates 72 or 104 while the piston may be attached to the other plate 72 and 104. During operation, retraction and extension of the piston into and out of the cylinder causes pivotal movement of the pivot arm 66. As described above, the bracket assembly 68 pivots in response to pivotal movement of the pivot arm 66. In further alternative embodiments, a spring may surround the hydraulic cylinder and be disposed between inner surfaces of each of the plates 72 or 104 to further dampen energy absorbed by the hydraulic cylinder.

In contrast to the hopper 32 shown in FIG. 1, the hopper 33 shown in FIGS. 3-7 comprises a ground engaging member 152 and a trench guide 154. The ground engaging member 152 surrounds a lower opening 153 of the hopper 33 and faces the ground surface as hopper 33 moves along the trench. At least a portion of the ground-engaging member 152 may engage the ground surface during operation. The trench guide 154 projects downwards from a forward end of the ground engagement member 152 and is configured to be disposed within the trench. The trench guide 154 ensures that the lower opening 153 of the hopper 33 remains aligned with the trench during operation.

If the path of the machine 60 or the trench shifts laterally during operation, the trench guide 154 may contact a side wall of the trench. The hopper 33 is attached to the bracket assembly 68 such that it can move laterally a limited distance in response to any force applied to the trench guide 154.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, the hopper 33 is attached to the bracket assembly 68 by the support arm 100. The support arm 100 is rigidly joined to a front end 132 of the hopper 33 and projects away from the hopper 33. The support arm 100 comprises upper and lower plates 134 joined by a side plate 136 and is sized to be closely positioned between the pair of attachment plates 98. When positioned therein, the upper and lower plates 134 overlap at least a portion of each attachment plate 98.

The support arm 100 is attached to the attachment plates 98 by a first vertical fastener 138. The first vertical fastener 138 extends through the upper and lower plates 134 of the support arm 100 and through each attachment plate 98. The first vertical fastener 138 is tightly secured to the attachment plates 98, but the support arm 100 is pivotable relative to the attachment plates 98 about the first vertical fastener 138. Thus, the support arm 100 and the hopper 33 may pivot side-to-side, relative to the bracket assembly 68 about a vertical axis, the vertical axis extending through the first vertical fastener 138.

Continuing with FIGS. 4-7, side-to-side or lateral pivotable movement of the support arm 100 is limited by a first stop member 142 and a second stop member 144. The first stop member 142 is a vertical plate interconnecting the attachment plates 98 immediately adjacent the side plate 136 of the support arm 100, as shown in FIG. 7. The second stop member 144 is a second vertical fastener that extends between the attachment plates 98 immediately adjacent an edge of the upper and lower plates 134 of the support arm 100. Because the attachment plates 98 allow the hopper 33 to swing side-to-side between the stop members 142 and 144, the attachment plates 98 may together be referred to as a swing plate 98.

In operation, the suspension system 62 allows the hopper 33 to move vertically in response to pivotal movement of the various features of the bracket assembly 68 and the pivot arm 66, and to move laterally in response to pivotal movement of the support arm 100 about the first vertical fastener 138. The suspension system 62 may thus be characterized as providing “float” to the hopper 32 during operation.

Turning back to FIGS. 3-4, the trench filling machine 60 may be attached to the work machine 22 shown in FIG. 2 using the mounting plate 19. In alternative embodiments, the trench filling machine 60 may be included in the work machine 14 shown in FIG. 1, for example. While not shown, the trench filling machine 60 may utilize the guide wheel 50 shown in FIG. 2.

Turning to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a suspension system 158 is shown. The suspension system 158 is identical to the suspension system 62, but a hydraulic cylinder 160 is used in place of the shackle 110. The hydraulic cylinder 160 comprises a piston 162 installed within a cylinder 164. The piston 162 is pivotally attached to the second horizontal fastener 112 while the cylinder 164 is attached to the third frame pin 122. The piston 162 retracts into or extends from the cylinder 164 in response to movement of the shock absorber 64. The suspension system 158 functions in the same manner as the suspension system 62. Using the hydraulic cylinder 160 in place of the shackle 110 may help further dampen energy absorbed by the suspension system 158 during operation.

If needed, the suspension systems 62 or 158 may be removed from the frame 18 by removing each of the frame pins 82, 96, and 122 from the side wall 80 of the platform 52. Likewise, the hopper 32 may be removed from bracket assembly 68 by removing the first vertical fastener 138 from the support arm 100 and the attachment plates 98.

The present application discloses numerous fasteners used with the various embodiments. The fasteners may comprise any number of fasteners known in the art, such as screws, bolts, and studs and nuts. The fasteners used within each embodiment are not limited to those specific fasteners shown in the figures. Other fasteners known in the art may be used instead, as is practical on a case-by-case basis.

The present application also discloses numerous pins used with the various embodiments. The pins may comprise any number of pins known in the art, such as a dowel pin, clevis pin, lynch pin, etc. Each of the disclosed pins may be secured in place using a clip or securing mechanism known in the art.

In alternative embodiments, one or more of the pins disclosed herein may be replaced with fasteners, as long as the various parts engaging the fasteners are secured and rotatable, as desired. Likewise, one or more of the fasteners disclosed herein may be replaced with pins, as long as the various parts engaging the pins are secured and rotatable, as desired.

The present application discloses pairs of plates, such as the side plates 70, vertical plates 84, attachment plates 98, and pivot plates 102. In alternative embodiments, a single plate may be used in place of the pair of plates, as long as the invention can be configured to still function as described herein.

Changes may be made in the construction, operation and arrangement of the various parts, elements, steps and procedures described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a frame configured to be supported by a plurality of ground-contacting motive elements;

a tub supported on the frame;

a hopper supported by the frame and having an upper opening positioned below the tub; and

a shock absorber interconnecting the hopper and the frame such that the hopper is movable relative to the frame in response to movement of the shock absorber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the shock absorber comprises a fastener surrounded by a spring.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the hopper moves vertically in response to movement of the shock absorber.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a suspension system interconnecting the hopper and the frame, the suspension system comprising: the shock absorber; and a bracket assembly interconnecting the shock absorber and the hopper; in which the bracket assembly is pivotal relative to the frame.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the bracket assembly pivots in response to movement of the shock absorber; and in which the hopper moves vertically in response to pivotal movement of the bracket assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, in which in which the hopper is movable relative to the bracket assembly about a vertical axis.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the bracket assembly is joined to the frame by at least one pin; in which the bracket assembly is pivotable relative to the frame about a horizonal axis that extends through the at least one pin.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the suspension system further comprises:

a pivot arm, a first end of the pivot arm pivotably joined to the bracket assembly; and

in which the shock absorber interconnects at least a portion of the bracket assembly and the pivot arm.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, in which the bracket assembly comprises a pair of side plates joined by an upper plate; in which the pivot arm comprises a pair of pivot plates joined by a lower plate; and in which the shock absorber extends between the upper plate and the lower plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, in which the shock absorber comprises a hydraulic cylinder; and in which one end of the cylinder is attached to the pivot arm and another end of the cylinder is attached to the bracket assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, in which the bracket assembly comprises:

a side plate pivotally joined to the first end of the pivot arm;

a vertical plate joined to the side plate, the vertical plate movable relative to the side plate; and

an attachment plate rigidly joined to the vertical plate;

in which the hopper is attached to the attachment plate and is movable relative to the attachment plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, in which shock absorber comprises a hydraulic cylinder comprising a piston installed within a cylinder; in which the hopper raises vertically in response to extension of the piston from the cylinder; and in which the hopper is lowered vertically in response to retraction of the piston into the cylinder.

13. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the frame comprises a platform; and in which the suspension system is attached to a side of the platform.

14. A trench filling machine, comprising:

a frame supported by a plurality of ground-contacting motive elements configured to move the frame along a ground surface;

a tub supported on the frame;

a hopper positioned below the tub and supported by the frame; and

a suspension system interconnecting the hopper and the frame, the suspension system configured to raise and lower the hopper in response to deviations in the ground surface as the machine moves along the ground surface.

15. The trench filling machine of claim 14, in which the suspension system comprises:

a shock absorber; and

a bracket assembly joined to the frame and interconnecting the shock absorber and the hopper;

in which the bracket assembly is pivotal relative to the frame.

16. The trench filling machine of claim 15, in which the hopper moves vertically in response to pivotal movement of the bracket assembly.

17. The trench filling machine of claim 15, in which the bracket assembly is joined to the frame by at least one pin; in which the bracket assembly is pivotable about a horizonal axis that extends through the at least one pin.

18. The trench filling machine of claim 15, in which the suspension system further comprises:

a pivot arm, a first end of the pivot arm pivotably joined to the bracket assembly; and

in which the shock absorber extends between the bracket assembly and the pivot arm.

19. The trench filling machine of claim 18, in which the pivot arm pivots in response to movement of the shock absorber; and in which the bracket assembly pivots in response to pivotable movement of the pivot arm.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, in which the hopper comprises a trench guide configured to be disposed within at least a portion of a narrow trench formed in the ground surface.