Cutting tooth for a trencher chain

#The present invention relates generally to excavation machines. Specifically, the present invention relates to cutting teeth for use with trencher chains.

#Trenchers are conventionally used to dig lengths of trenches for laying underground pipe and cable. Most trenchers include a tractor unit equipped with an elongated boom. The boom is typically movable between a raised, generally horizontal position, and a lowered, substantially vertical position. The boom typically includes a cutting chain that is entrained about the boom. The chain generally includes exterior teeth or cutters for engaging the soil. Trenchers also commonly include a conveyer assembly for transporting the soil that is excavated by the chain.

#There are various types of cutting teeth or attachments that are commonly bolted to a trencher digging chain. One of the most popular attachments is called a “cup tooth.” An exemplary cup tooth cutter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,588 to Brown. The '588 reference discloses a cup cutter having a leading edge and a cupped portion for scooping loose material from a trench. In use, essentially the entire leading edge of the cup cutter engages the wall of a trench.

#The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

#FIG. 1 shows a side view of a trencher;

#FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the components of the trencher of FIG. 1;

#Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary trencher 15. The trencher 15 includes an engine 17 coupled to a right track drive 18 and a left track drive 20, which together form a tractor portion 22 of the trencher 15. A boom 24 is pivotally coupled to the tractor portion 22. A digger chain 26 is mounted on the boom 24. The chain 26 is driven around the boom 24 by a chain drive mechanism 23 powered by the engine 17. The boom 24 is pivotally movable between a substantially horizontal transport configuration 25, and a substantially vertical trenching configuration 27.

#When maneuvering the trencher 15 around the work site, the boom 24 is maintained in the transport configuration 25 such that the chain 26 generally remains above the ground. To excavate a trench, the boom 24 is lowered toward the trenching configuration 27 and the chain 26 is driven around the boom 24. When the chain 26 contacts the ground, cutting teeth of the chain 26 penetrate the ground and begin to excavate a trench. Once the boom 24 reaches the trenching configuration 27, the tracks 18 and 20 are engaged causing the tractor 22 to creep forward. The chain 26 digs the trench and removes loose geologic material from the trench as the tractor 22 creeps forward.