Trencher
AssigneeFor the Edge, Inc.
InventorsPatrick E. Dean, Jerry M. Anderson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A trencher has an adjustable depth arbor support mechanism. The depth control mechanism includes a linkage which normally controls the depth of the trench being dug, but which also will allow the arbor to retract from the ground if it hits an obstacle. Preferably, the arbor support mechanism is at least partially counterbalanced by a spring, to allow the arbor to retract without undo force. The trencher has two wheels equidistant on either side of the arbor, and a third steerable wheel at the front of the trencher in line with the arbor. The cutting teeth are mounted to the arbor using a variety of chucks and mounting brackets, so the width of the trench is adjusted by adjusting the chucks and mounting brackets used.
Claims17
A trencher comprising:
- a) a main frame;
- b) an arbor support frame pivotally mounted to the main frame;
- c) an arbor rotatably mounted to the arbor support frame;
- d) an adjustable depth control mechanism having a fixed portion and an adjustable portion, the fixed portion being mounted to the main frame;
- and
- e) a linkage connecting the adjustable portion of the depth control mechanism to the arbor support frame, the weight of the arbor and arbor support frame normally pulling the linkage to an extended position, but the linkage allowing the arbor and arbor support frame to move upwards relative to the main frame in the event a force acts on the arbor in the upwards direction.
A trencher comprising:
- a) a main frame;
- b) an arbor support frame pivotally mounted to the main frame;
- c) an arbor rotatably mounted to the arbor support frame;
- d) a telescoping shaft having a fixed portion mounted to the main frame and an adjustable portion;
- e) a link having a slot formed therein;
- f) a first bolt mounted proximate to the end of the adjustable portion of the telescoping shaft and slidably extending through the slot in the link;
- g) a second bolt mounted to the arbor support frame and slidably extending through the slot in the link, the weight of the arbor and arbor support frame normally pulling the link downward so that the first bolt abuts against the upper end of the slot and the second bolt abuts against the lower end of the slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.