Shield Type Patents (Class 405/283)
  • Patent number: 11879224
    Abstract: An assembly for shoring temporary surface excavations includes a base unit and a first extension unit. The base unit includes features for allowing the assembly to be jacked out of the excavation when hoisting becomes impossible of impractical. The shoring structure may also be jacked into an unstable excavation from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Round Shield LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Hampton
  • Patent number: 11319690
    Abstract: A method for constructing an assembled recyclable rectangular working well with preset detachable door openings comprises steps of: (I) designing according to functional requirements for a rectangular working well; (II) constructing by supporting piles; (III) installing prefabricated top beam; (IV) edge protection construction; (V) alternate construction of earthwork excavation, retaining slabs and internal support breast beams; (VI) installing the ladder entering the rectangular working well; (VII) rectangular working well back cover; (VIII) demolition of the detachable subsection support piles in the door part and completing the construction of the assembled recyclable rectangular working well in the preset detachable door hole; (IX) after the operation in the well is completed, during the backfilling process of the rectangular working well, gradually recovering the working well components such as the retaining slab, the internal support girder, the prefabricated crown beam and the supporting piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: Infrastructure Renewal Institute of Southern China, WELEAD Infrastructure Engineering Technology (Zhengzhou), Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Hongyuan Fang, Yanhui Pan, Peng Zhao, Chengchao Guo
  • Patent number: 9683679
    Abstract: A method for pipe laying, includes the step of vertically forcing a generally rigid pipe section in a substantially vertical direction downwards from a position above ground towards a desired pipe section position in the ground, wherein the pipe section maintains a substantially horizontal position upon forcing the pipe section downwards. The vertically forcing a generally rigid pipe section in a substantially vertical direction downwards is beneficial for pipe laying because time consuming digging of a slit is not required anymore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: J.F. Karsten Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Franciscus Karsten
  • Patent number: 9297138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to both a trench box, the use of a trench box and the method for using said trench box. When assembled, said trench box comprises at least two oppositely placed side walls, each side wall having a thickness, a length and a height, an outer wall area and an inner wall area, said trench box further comprising a number of distance struts. Said distance struts are arranged to be secured between said oppositely placed side walls. A trench box according to the invention is new in that a side wall comprises at least a frame part with a first thickness, a length and a height being substantially the same as the length and height of the side wall, said side wall further comprising a center part placed inside the frame part, said center part having a second thickness and comprising one or more strengthening elements, and said side wall further comprising a cover on the outer area of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: STENGER APS
    Inventor: Preben Stenger
  • Patent number: 9228300
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly and method for slipforming a slot drain with concrete. The assembly includes a slipform paver, a movable sleeve adapted to fit over a void forming means, a first taut tether, sensing means and one or more actuators. The first taut tether is provided and maintained in an inclined or declined disposition to provide a parallel reference for guiding the sleeve which in use is driven forward by the slipform paver. The sensing means are adapted to receive guidance from the inclined or declined tether for dictating the elevations and dispositions of the sleeve. The one or more actuators are connected to the sleeve and adapted to be controlled by the sensing means to achieve the dictated elevations and dispositions of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Scattergood
  • Patent number: 9228311
    Abstract: A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: TAYMURF SHORING LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Taylor, Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 9127429
    Abstract: A device for supporting the walls of an excavation includes first and second opposing support panels that are spaced apart from one another by front and rear pairs of laterally extending separation members. Each support panel includes an outwardly bowed skin plate and a plurality of horizontal and vertical members secured to the inner surface of the skin plate for structural support. Each support panel additionally includes an inwardly bowed truss strap that is secured to the inner surface of the skin plate at its ends. In use, the truss strap serves to convert radial forces applied to the outer surface of the skin plate into tensile forces extending along the length of the strap. Accordingly, the outward radial curvature of the skin plate and the inclusion of the truss strap together serve to minimize the risk of panel deformation during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: John David Pateuk
  • Patent number: 8944725
    Abstract: A method of temporarily supporting a soil mass susceptible to slide at a scarp slope bounding the soil mass includes advancing a supporting wall in an advancing direction along the scarp slope; and, in addition to the movement in the advancing direction, also moving a surface portion, in direct contact with the soil mass, of the supporting wall, so as to minimize friction between the soil mass and the supporting wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Saipem S.p.A.
    Inventors: Diego Lazzarin, Massimo Fontolan
  • Patent number: 8926229
    Abstract: A dewatering system built onto trench shoring boxes and equipment for removing and pumping ground water from ditches or trenches excavated to install underground utility pipes and equipment. Ground water is pulled from the trench bottom by the dewatering system through slotted openings at the bottom of the trench shoring equipment and through the attached suction tubes. The suction tubes are attached to a pump at the top of the trench shoring equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Clair
  • Patent number: 8845238
    Abstract: A panel assembly of a trench box has a frame, a receptacle affixed within the frame, a connector having one end portion received in the receptacle at an opposite end portion extending outwardly of the frame, and a pipe having one end affixed to the opposite end portion of the connector member and extending outwardly therefrom. The connector member has a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. This flange bears directly or indirectly against either or both of the receptacle and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Roger F. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8151463
    Abstract: A process for making a panel for supporting the sidewalls of an excavation includes a plate, longitudinal members and vertical members. Each longitudinal member includes a first leg extending along the length, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate. The first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured to the first leg of another member. A second leg, integral with the first leg, extends along the length, away from the first leg and toward the plate, the second leg being secured to the plate. Axially spaced vertical members are welded to the plate and to the longitudinal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110305529
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: John Riggle, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110305528
    Abstract: A self-propelled trench shoring apparatus including a frame having a first lateral member, a second lateral member spaced from 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, and a second support member projecting from the second lateral member toward the ground, 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 arm extending between a retracted position and an extended position, and a strut attached to the second end of the telescoping arm and including 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, a including first plate coupler attached to the first end of the strut, and a second plate coupler attached to t
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: John Riggle, JR.
  • Patent number: 7887247
    Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Baro Construction Key-Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Man Kim
  • Patent number: 7883296
    Abstract: A shoring beam extension and reinforcement assembly allows a user to removably connect a plurality of shoring beams together so as to customize a support assembly to a particular excavation site. In use, main shoring beams extending around the periphery of an excavation site are connected at the corners by corner connections and are connected along the longitudinal sides of the excavation site by the extension of reinforcement assembly. Additionally, the first and second connectors support a center shoring beam laterally across the excavation site. The assembly is provided with additional support by tabs extending from each of the first and second connectors. Reinforcing beams include tabs having apertures adapted to align with apertures in the tabs of the first and second connectors such that connecting pins may be inserted there through to connect the reinforcing beams with the connectors. Eyelets located on the first and second connectors provide a means by which the assembly may be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: John W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7837413
    Abstract: An adjustable spreader bar of a trench box has male and female telescoping pipes. The male telescoping pipe has a plurality of indexed openings, and the female telescoping pipe has an outer threaded portion with a groove to receive a locking pin. A sleeve is threadably attached to the outer threaded portion of the female telescoping pipe, and the sleeve has a sleeve opening and an inside channel for receiving the locking pin therethrough, so that fine adjustments, in the relationship between opposing panels of the trench box, can be made by rotating the sleeve about the threaded portion of the female pipe for extension or retraction of the male pipe, by forcing the locking pin along the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7690867
    Abstract: A center beam connection assembly for temporary shoring includes a pair of end-caps adapted to fit over respective ends of a center shoring beam. Arms extending from each end-cap engage a web of a main shoring beam in a excavation site shoring system. The end-caps may be used alone, or in combination with reinforcing and spacer bars. Reinforcing bars include first and second hooks adapted to connect to a main shoring beam and a center shoring beam, respectively. When utilized, each spacer bar is connected to at least one tab on an end-cap and at least one tab on a reinforcing bar via connecting pins. In this manner, one or more center shoring beams can span an excavation hole to provide removable, reusable and temporary support for a shoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: John W. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100034597
    Abstract: A trench shoring or shielding unit, for securing the sidewalls of an earthen formation, trench or excavation, includes a plurality of adjustable, vertically arranged panels forming a protective wall. As a shielding unit, two opposing protective walls are spaced and attached by at least two spreader bars. Each adjustable panel has opposing top and bottom ends, a C-shaped channel traversing the panel's height, and opposing side edges that inter-engage with the side edges of adjacent panels. Further, each adjustable panel is attached to at least one of two or more whalers along an inner surface of the panel by a clamp-like fastener having a bolt passing through the whaler and into the C-shaped channel of the corresponding panel. The inter-engaging side edges are segmented, preferable concave and convex, so that adjacent adjustable panels inter-engage to resist lateral torque or twisting that may be caused by shifting or collapse of the excavation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, SR.
  • Patent number: 7537417
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: John H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7530767
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to trench box safety ladders and methods of constructing trench boxes with safety ladders. In one embodiment, a trench box comprises two side walls with a plurality of supports between the two walls, a built-in ladder within the inner face of a side wall, and an extension ladder positioned on the top face of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Davidson Equipment Leasing LLLP
    Inventor: Tom Randy Davidson, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090047074
    Abstract: A center beam connection assembly for temporary shoring includes a pair of end-caps adapted to fit over respective ends of a center shoring beam. Arms extending from each end-cap engage a web of a main shoring beam in a excavation site shoring system. The end-caps may be used alone, or in combination with reinforcing and spacer bars. Reinforcing bars include first and second hooks adapted to connect to a main shoring beam and a center shoring beam, respectively. When utilized, each spacer bar is connected to at least one tab on an end-cap and at least one tab on a reinforcing bar via connecting pins. In this manner, one or more center shoring beams can span an excavation hole to provide removable, reusable and temporary support for a shoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: John W. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20080247831
    Abstract: A handling device for depositing a trench box into an open excavation is provided. The handling device includes at least one reciprocal trench box wall contact member movable along a first axis; motor means for selective movement of the wall contact member; and a coupling for attaching the contact member and the motor means to a prime mover for selectively moving the handling device along an axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A system including the handling device and a trench box having a plurality of apertures engageable with the at least one wall contact member, and a method for depositing a trench box in an open excavation, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph W. Worley
  • Patent number: 7402003
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for moving with an excavator arm a trench box having a pair of adjacent spreader bars at a forward end. The apparatus has a bracket end for connecting to the excavator arm and a hooking fork. The hooking fork has a first surface that engages the first spreader bar of the trench box. The apparatus also includes a second surface for engaging the adjacent second spreader bar when used to lift the trench box from the trench or move the trench box along the trench floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7258511
    Abstract: Improved shoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a shoring system includes first and second opposing side walls. A manifold is pivotally connected to the first side wall and is pivotally moveable between a shielded position and an exposed position. In the shielded position, the manifold is at least partially covered by a shield. In the exposed position, the manifold is pivoted upward to expose components of the manifold, such as hydraulic inlets and outlets, valves, and hydraulic fluid lines. The shoring system is safer, easier, and more efficient to operate than conventional shoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Cerda Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor M. Cerda
  • Patent number: 7140808
    Abstract: A catwalk is provided for use in trenching operations that provides increased safety and improves efficiency. Methods are also provided that save time over the prior process of building multiple land bridges. Selected features include reduction in the number of ladders used increases worker safety, along with several other safety features such as catwalk railings, holding devices for ladders, etc. One catwalk is shown with a skid assembly to further increases efficiency by allowing the trench box to be towed with the catwalk in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: John Raspotnik
  • Patent number: 7128500
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: John H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7021868
    Abstract: An excavation shoring system having four vertical, cylindrical poles, each connected to a base element, arranged to constitute corners of a rectangle. At least one vertically oriented shoring panel corresponding to each side of the rectangle is provided, with each of the shoring panels corresponding to adjacent sides of the rectangle having one end rotatably connected to a first pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles in a manner forming four vertical walls of uniform height. At least two vertically oriented, U-shaped channels disposed at right angles to each other are connected to a second pair of diagonally opposed cylindrical poles. The U-shaped channels have a channel width substantially corresponding to a thickness of the panels and are oriented to receive a free end of each shoring panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Operations Technology Development NFP
    Inventors: Khalid A. Farrag, Alicia M. Farag
  • Patent number: 6984092
    Abstract: A corner connection used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site is provided with a reinforcing assembly that allows for greater loads. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof; however, any polygonal shape may be used. The corner connection itself comprises mating socket or connecting members that are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures that are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure the two connectors together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventors: John Henry Meyer, John Wayne Meyer
  • Patent number: 6907957
    Abstract: A trench shield ladder that hangs on the wall of the trench shield to provide workmen safe access to a trench. The ladder is provided with a top platform and hand rails that extend over the platform. The ladder can be adjusted in length by employing an extension portion with hooks that hang the extension on the main rungs of the main ladder. The extension portion is not as wide as the main portion of the ladder so that the legs of the extension rest between the legs of the main portion of the ladder. The ladder and extension are provided with stand off arms that hold the main and extension rungs of the ladder away from the wall of the trench shield. The present invention is designed to fit on trench shields of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur Allen Couch
  • Publication number: 20040247398
    Abstract: A self-propelled all terrain track driven trench box carrier, comprising a main frame, a pair of side frame members, a pair of transversely adjustable end wall frame members and detachable attachable extension structure members. A cat-walk, hand rails, access ladders and safety rails. A pair of adjustable hydraulic wheel track assemblies mounted along the two sides, supporting the apparatus, and allowing the trench box carrier to be propelled along the ground. A pair of detachable attachable extension structure members, for adjusting the width of the trench box carrier, to accommodate different widths of a trench. Adjustable wheel track connectors are detachably attached with an extension axle, to increase the overall wheel base of a trench box carrier for work on oversize trenches. A plurality of hydraulic cable wenches for controlling a trench shield. A main engine power supply for operating a self-propelled all terrain trench box carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Ty Dwain Lane, Carl Jason Young
  • Publication number: 20040170478
    Abstract: This shoring system enters in the category of slide rail shoring systems, including rails, panels and strutting assemblies. It applies on shoring of excavations of various shapes such as trenches, rectangular and polygonal pits of great or lesser depth. Rails are of two types, linear or corner rails. Pairs of linear rails are spaced apart along excavation so that a strutting assembly keeps opposite rails of a pair of rails pressing against wall of excavation; corner rails are placed on the corners of any polygonal shaped excavation. Shoring panels slide vertically between adjacent rails creating a shoring wall on two or more sides of excavation. Rails have opposite sides provided with an outer and an inner guide for sliding vertically panels. The outer guide runs the full length of rail while inner guide is halfway from the bottom up reducing the weight of rail and easing installation and removal of panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Max Kadiu
  • Patent number: 6554544
    Abstract: A method for building a continuous water seal, creep line increasing cutoff includes the steps of forming spaced borings into the soil in the presence of slurry; developing narrow slots between the formed borings by driving foil boards with cutting edges secured to the bottom therof between adjacent formed borings; and connecting adjacent foil board, which extend between and are recessed into a side of the borings, by means of compensating joint-pins. The steps of developing narrow slots and connecting adjacent foil boards are repeated so that the last boring is connected to the connected, recessecd foil boards forming the cutoff. A prefered embodiment of the invention may include armoring the borings by injecting concrete in the place of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Sándor Barkász
  • Patent number: 6474911
    Abstract: A trench sheeting device consists of trench sheeting boxes which are each made up of two trench plates supported against each other, the width of the trench apart, and at least one shaft sheeting box whose width exceeds that of the trench. The shaft sheeting box can therefore essentially be introduced into the ground with standard trench plates and with essentially the same elements as a plate of that type, that is, practically in one piece. To this end, the shaft sheeting box consists of a trench plate on each longitudinal shaft wall and shaft plates which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the trench plates connected to the adjoining trench sheeting boxes, in such a way that they cannot move. The shaft plates are therefore positioned cross-wise to the longitudinal direction of the trench and the trench plates and are relatively narrow compared to the trench plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Josef Krings
  • Publication number: 20020159844
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: John H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6443665
    Abstract: A portable shoring device for securing the sidewalls of an excavation having a pair of walls or panels mutually facing each other and being held in spaced apart relationship by at least one support bar. Attached at opposite ends of each panel are vertical supports, which are arranged to pair in a substantially perpendicular coupling relationship with the corresponding vertical supports of the opposite panel. Each vertical support traverses along the height of the panel and has a female connection bracket. A plurality of panel connectors having a male connection device are slideably connectable with each panel by interlocking the corresponding female connection bracket of the corresponding vertical support with the male connection extension of the panel connector. The support bar attaches between two panel connectors on paired panels. Further, each panel connector has a bottom stop plate and a top panel lock to vertically secure the connected panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Kundel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6416259
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for temporary shoring in an excavation site is used to secure I-beams together at corners within the excavation site. Typically, four I-beams are connected together to form a rectangular frame that is suspended within the excavation for bracing the shoring walls thereof. However, any polygonal shape may be used. The connection arrangement includes mating socket or connecting members which are placed over the ends of I-beams to be fastened together. One of the connecting members includes an outwardly extended tab while the other includes a pair of outwardly extended tabs. The first outwardly extending tab fits between the two extending tabs of the corresponding connecting member. All of the tabs are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment when the connection is made so that a bolt or pin can be passed through the apertures to secure adjacent connecting members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: John H. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6267538
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining at least two or more wales of a shoring system including a first substantially rigid end-cap adapted to enclose an end of a first horizontally disposed wale, the first end-cap having a horizontally extending flange with a first vertically disposed aperture cut there through, a second substantially rigid end-cap adapted to enclose an end of a second horizontally disposed wale, the second end-cap having a horizontally extending flange with a second vertically disposed aperture cut there through of substantially the same diameter of the first vertically disposed aperture, a locking pin dimensioned to be slideably received by the first and second vertically disposed apertures when the first and second vertically disposed apertures are in substantial alignment with one another wherein a leading end of the first horizontally disposed wale and a leading end of the second horizontally disposed wale are oriented in substantially perpendicular fashion to one another and in relative proximity so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6224296
    Abstract: A trench shoring system using panels as shoring walls to prevent possible collapse of natural ground walls of trenches in trenches such as for burying pipes underground, having a sliding panels type trench shoring system that offers increased safety during the job, and higher job efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Speed Shore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenich Fukumori
  • Patent number: 6164874
    Abstract: A sheeting device includes a column with two supporting surfaces in one guide channel. The second supporting surface is provided with an offset relative to the first supporting surface. The offset is both toward the middle of the column in the lengthwise direction of the trench and also in the transverse direction toward the wall of the trench, with one edge of an outer plate of the sheeting device abutting this second supporting surface. As a result of the two supporting surfaces that are offset with respect to one another in the lengthwise and transverse directions of the trench, the guide channel offers each of the plates support in extension of the lengthwise extent of the respective plate. Two inwardly projecting supporting edges on the outer plates are dispensable. Eliminating these supporting edges has the additional advantage that the stacked volume of the outer plates is reduced by approximately half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Emunds & Staudinger GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut May
  • Patent number: 6164875
    Abstract: A trench shield includes a pair of shielding panels for protecting opposite side walls of a trench excavation, two side frames are provided for restively adjustably securing the two shielding panels on the two side frames, and have a plurality of brace members spaced between the two side frames for retaining the two side frames and the two shielding panels, and two rolling devices respectively are mounted on a front bottom portion and a rear bottom portion of the trench shield for carrying the trench shield to be ridable and movable on a pipe under construction in the trench excavation. Upon rolling of the rolling devices on the constructing pipe, the trench shield will be conveniently moved on the pipe without any obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs
    Inventors: Shih-Hsiung Wu, Chen-Chung Lin, Cheng-Yang Hsu
  • Patent number: 6155750
    Abstract: A trench shield includes: a pair of shielding wheels rotatably mounted on a pair of retaining plates; a plurality of brace members passing through two retaining plates for retaining the two shielding wheels, each shielding wheel formed as a protective circular panel for shielding a side wall of a trench excavation for preventing collapse of the trench walls; and two control devices each provided for locking or unlocking each shielding wheel on each retaining plate; whereby upon unlocking of the wheels from the retaining plates and upon rolling of the wheels in the trench, the trench shield will be forwardly moved conveniently and smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs
    Inventors: Shih-Hsiung Wu, Chen-Chung Lin, Cheng-Yang Hsu
  • Patent number: 5931608
    Abstract: An trench shoring transport device having a trench box depending from a frame, the frame including a pair of side frame subassemblies which are slideably and adjustably engaged to each other allowing the width of the frame and hence the width of the device's wheelbase to be widened or narrowed as required. The frame is supported by a number of wheel assemblies which allow the device to be rolled along the ground. A trench box or a series of trench boxes depend below the frame from a pair of hydraulic vertical support members. The device is configured to allow the trench box to be raised between the pair of side frame subassemblies and substantially above the elevation of the frame. In addition the trench shoring transport device may include a feature which allows a pair of trench boxes to be split during operations to allow for passage of an obstruction encountered during excavation to pass through the pair of trench boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Ivan R. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5902075
    Abstract: Proposed is a trench falsework which includes a base box (3) made up of lining panels (5) held apart by braces (8). The panels making up the box have a flat edge (7) along the top and a cutting edge (6) along the bottom. The falsework system also includes at least one add-on box (4, 12) designed to be used as an extra tier and made up of lining panels (5) which meet flush with those of the base box (3). The invention calls for the lining panels (5) making up the raised box (4, 12) to be of the same design as those in the base box (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Wolfgang Richter
    Inventor: Josef Krings
  • Patent number: 5876153
    Abstract: A lining plate intended for employment in connection with trench lining in below-grade construction becomes assembly- and removal-friendly and simultaneously resistant to flexural buckling even against forces acting during driving in by means of the excavator bucket, if a hollow profile plate structure, which forms the plate frame and is welded together with the remaining plate part, is provided, and if at least one suspension eye is cut into the plate surface a distance apart from the circumferential hollow profile frame elements, which contains a fastening means for a lifting means of the crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Wolfgang Richter
    Inventor: Josef Krings
  • Patent number: 5868526
    Abstract: A trench shield or manhole shield which has tapered side shields. The walls of each side shield are tapered. The outer walls are tapered inwardly from front to rear (in the case of the trench shield) or from top to bottom (in the case of a manhole shield). This taper allows the shield to be pulled out of an excavated hole by reducing friction because the trailing portion of the shield is tapered inwardly and does not contact the sides of the hole. The inner wall of each side shield of the trench shield is tapered outwardly from front to rear, further reducing friction. In different embodiments either the outer or the inner walls or both are tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Richard Austin Caulder
  • Patent number: 5865567
    Abstract: An improved movable trench shoring device having a trench box depending from a frame, the frame including a pair of end frame members, a pair of side frame members and a pair of cross frame members. A pair of wheel assemblies are mounted along either of the two sides of the device allowing the device to be rolled along the ground. Each end frame members are configured to accommodate a removable frame member extension which allows the width of the trench shoring device's wheel base to be widened. A trench box depends below the frame from a pair of vertical support members. A pair of offset spreader couplings attached to the trench box spreaders accommodate attachment of the trench box to the vertical support members in a manner which allows the trench box to be raised substantially above the elevation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Ivan R. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5829921
    Abstract: The invention concerns a panel for use in trench falsework as part of a box construction or in sliding forms in civil-engineering. The falsework is easy to mount in place and is resistant to buckling, even along the triangular hollow section which forms the cutting edge at the bottom of the panel, by virtue of the fact that the triangular hollow section incorporates single-piece steel suspension rings which have a partly rounded and partly straight outside circumference. The outside shape of the rings fits into the surface of the metal sheet surrounding the ring, the straight part of the rings forming part of the cutting edge and the rounded part of the rings being welded to the adjacent parts of the hollow section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Wolfgang Richter
    Inventor: Josef Krings
  • Patent number: 5741091
    Abstract: A shoring device for supporting trench side walls during construction. The shoring device has opposite shoring shields having conventionally located spreaders adjacent the upper edge of the shields and a second pair of spreaders disposed at an upper location. A pair of auxiliary spreaders are associated with the shield assembly. Each auxiliary spreader member consists of a structural member having connectors at opposite ends which are detachably securable to the interior walls of the shields at a location below the horizontal center line of the shields to substantially increase the shield capacity. The auxiliary spreaders would be used primarily when the maximum pipe clearance is not required to achieve a greater load factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Safe-T-Shore
    Inventors: Gregory L. St. George, Charles B. Jennings
  • Patent number: 5725330
    Abstract: Joining arrangements (7) capable of swivelling around an axis bolt (6) are limited in their swivelling by one of the springs of a pair of springs (12, 13) welded together into a unit to make it possible to individually or alternately drive or pull opposite lining elements (1) of a canal lining system into or out of the soil without causing the braces (4) that prop the lining elements (1) against each other nor their joining arrangements (7) to be deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Wolfgang Richter
    Inventor: Josef Krings
  • Patent number: 5720580
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of shoring a trench. The apparatus includes two vertical posts which are adapted to be disposed at the borders of the trench in an opposite relation and a rigid frame which is locatable at and vertically movable along the posts and which is secured within the posts. Laterally, the posts have receptacles for shoring plates adapted to be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the trench. The posts with the shoring plates and the frame can be lowered successively to the corresponding working depth by the reinsertion of bolts at the posts which serve for holding the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: KVH Verbautechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Ryhsen