Tile layer

An apparatus for laying semi-flexible arched plastic drainage tile having a flexible flat bottom in a trench, comprising:

• two spaced side shields, the side shields being rigidly interconnected by bracing means, the side shields defining a layer interior which is rearwardly and upwardly open, an upper tile entry end and a lower tile discharge end,
• a top panel means substantially enclosing the rearwardly and upwardly open interior of the layer when mounted on the side shields,
• plural guide rollers mounted within the interior of the layer for directing the tile in a smooth curved path between the side shields from the entry end to the discharge end for laying in the trench, a plurality of guide rollers being removably mounted on the side shields and a plurality of guide rollers being mounted on the top panel means,
• means for mounting the top panel on the side shields so it can be opened to provide access to the interior of the layer for loading and unloading of tile through the upwardly open interior,
• the arched tile being fed into the entry end in a collapsed form, the flat bottom of the arched tile lying within the apex of the curved upper portion of the tile, the guide means further including a spreader means for opening the collapsed arched tile, the spreader means comprising a concave roller, and a spreader roller, the spreader roller having a radially extending disc-shaped central portion and tapered ends, the spreader roller and the concave roller being in opposed spaced relation such that when arched tile is caused to pass therebetween, the concave roller applies a force on the tile substantially perpendicular to the apex of the curved portion of the tile and the arched tile is partially spread out in opposite directions across the spreader roller.