Trench box and method of assembly

A method of assembling a trench box, comprising:

• mounting a first side panel to a first end of a lateral support by a first connector, the first connector comprising:
• a pivotal connection that permits rotational movement of the first side panel relative to the lateral support about a pivot axis of the pivotal connection;
• and
• a releasable connection having a disengaged state in which the releasable connection permits rotational movement of the first side panel relative to the lateral support about the pivot axis, and an engaged state in which the releasable connection prevents relative movement of the first side panel and the lateral support;
• and
• with the releasable connection in the disengaged state and the pivot axis of the pivotal connection in a horizontal orientation, pivoting the first side panel relative to the lateral support until the releasable connection enters the engaged state, and such that a portion of the releasable connection carried by the lateral support remains in a fixed position relative to the lateral support and the pivotal connection when the releasable connection is in the disengaged state and the engaged state;
• wherein, in use, the pivot axis of the pivotal connection is in the horizontal orientation;
• and
• wherein, in use, the trench box is adapted to support the sidewalls of an excavation.