Vehicle-Attached Excavation Implement

Abstract

A vehicle-attached, task-associated excavation implement with interchangeable rotational excavation apparatuses is conceptualized in this application. The implement is similar to McGee's Tractor-Mounted Excavation Implement, but is conceptualized in a new way of combing parts or portions of the implement with vehicles currently existing in the prior art, without the need for a tractor equipped with power-take-off. This vehicle-attached implement can be supported by a variety of motorized vehicles, utilizing a variety of apparatus-powering options. An assortment of steering options could be used, and movements of the apparatuses, either with or separate from the implement, provide diverse functionality. Tasks supported by the rotational excavating apparatuses include Foundation footings, trenches, rounded ditches, shallow V-shaped ditches, landscape or garden beds, and shallow graded depressions for sidewalks or simple slabs. Excavating apparatuses have claws or cutting elements attached to surface at angles to propel soil directionally.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 388,601 entitled “Vehicled Rotary Excavator” and dated Feb. 2, 2016.[0002]This application is partially related to previously awarded patent, awarded Nov. 24, 2015 to Bruce Wade McGee, and assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,103 B2. This application delineates a new combination of parts or portions of McGee's Tractor Mounted Excavation Implement with alternative vehicles commonly found in the prior art.[0003]A regular patent application for Tractor Mounted Excavation Implement Enhancements and Extensions was submitted on Feb. 25, 2017, and assigned application Ser. No. 15,415,811. The present application is related to, and claims benefit to, portions of the Enhancements and Extensions presented in application Ser. No. 15,415,811. Application Ser. No. 15,415,811 claimed benefit to the following Provisional Patent Applications:[0004]Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 388,350...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027]Advantages of the proposed embodiments in this application include those seen in the McGee Tractor Mounted Excavation Implement, such as its practicality and straightforward operation, and its safety, economy and convenience compared to larger, bulkier equipment. Its most unique features include its speed, effectiveness and flexibility. Its excavated depressions are ‘cleaner’ and more precise than those of larger, clumsier equipment, and are created in significantly less time. Lastly, but most importantly, its multiple interchangeable apparatuses provide solutions to numerous excavation tasks.

[0028]In the proposed embodiments herein, added advantages include improved versatility, with potential attachment to any number of vehicles, and various powering sources and maneuvering options. The need for a tractor with power-take-off capability is eliminated, and hydraulic control is one more effective option for powering implement apparatuses. Transporting various machines to the job site is replaced by one vehicle-attached implement with multiple apparatuses. Enhancements in accommodating excavation needs include methods to adjust and extend depth of cut and width or area excavated. In most vehicle-attached circumstances, the operator will have improved line of vision of the implement and apparatus operation.

[0029]Compared to larger, bulkier equipment such as backhoes, speed and precision in digging foundation footings is enhanced. Compared to chain-type trenchers, adjustable width of excavation and less extensive maintenance are key features. Compared to large ditchers, bedding equipment and boxblades, the need for transporting, storing and maintaining heavy equipment is reduced. Tillers and sod removers perform a portion of the work for creating sidewalks and slabs, but do not fulfill the whole task. Having the versatility of the McGee implement extended to applications other than tractor-pulled with power-take-off rotational power will provide solutions previously unrealized.

Problems solved by technology

Even so, the implement's main drawback is that it must be pulled behind a tractor, with somewhat difficult transportation and maneuvering.

It is also limited to power-take-off attachment for rotational power.

These machines are hefty and require heavy, large trucks and trailers for transport; transport itself can be dangerous and expensive.

Backhoes and track hoes have awkward, slow, and erratic motions.

Their resulting evacuated areas are not precise with clean sides, and often require significant backfill.

Their width of cut is not easily adjustable.

They require extensive and expensive maintenance.

Small scale applications often use a portable trencher, and even though these are smaller and lighter, they require separate transport to the site.

The shape and cutting depth of these implements are limited and they are dependent on large equipment.

These boxblade implements cannot easily excavate or penetrate into undisturbed ground, sod, roots or similar obstacles.

Agricultural implements are most often dependent on tractors, and require significant room for storage when not in use.

However, no one machine is found that can perform all, or a combination of, these tasks on a small scale, with speed, flexibility and preciseness, while dispersing soil evenly on banks of excavated area.

However, the implement, in its initial embodiment, is limited to being pulled behind, and powered by, a tractor.

It is not suited to function with multiple vehicles, or to using various methods of powering the implement's apparatuses.

It does not easily extend or adjust depth to accommodate excavation needs.

However, the implement still is dependent on tractors, which are not as maneuverable as modern day skid steer vehicles, zero-turn vehicles, or tracked vehicles.

Many tractors are not equipped with hydraulic support for implement functioning.

The three-point-hitch of tractors is typically in the rear, leaving it difficult for the operator to see the apparatuses and follow lines on the ground.

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