Modular trench box system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular trench box system for supporting trench walls during excavation. The system includes adjustable struts with telescopic functionality, pinned pivotal connections for rapid assembly, and modular trench box panels with accessory attachment points. Designed for adaptability, portability, and ease of assembly, the system ensures enhanced safety and operational efficiency in a variety of trenching conditions. The method of assembly involves step-by-step attachment of the struts and panels, using pinned connections to achieve a stable and secure structure.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTIONModular Trench Box System and MethodCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] There are no cross-related applications.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to trench safety systems, specifically to a modular trench box system that utilizes adjustable struts and pinned connections to provide reliable and efficient support for trench walls during excavation. This invention is designed to enhance worker safety while offering flexibility, ease of assembly, and adaptability to different trench dimensions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Trench excavation is a critical aspect of many construction and utility projects, but it inherently involves significant risks, particularly the possibility of trench wall collapses. To mitigate this risk, trench boxes or shoring systems are often employed to provide structural support to trench walls, ensuring the safety of workers operating within the trench.

[0004] Traditional trench box designs exhibit shortcomings, including setup complexity, adaptability to varying trench dimensions, and safety concerns during assembly. Many systems rely on manual labor-intensive methods, involve time-consuming installation, and lack modularity, making them inefficient and impractical for modern construction needs.

[0005] The present invention addresses these shortcomings by introducing a modular trench box system with adjustable struts and pinned connections. This design provides a safer, more efficient, and adaptable solution for excavation support while simplifying assembly and disassembly.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The shortcomings of the prior art are generally mitigated by providing a modular trench box system comprising trench box panels, adjustable struts, pinned pivotalconnections, and lugs for accessory integration. The adjustable struts feature telescopic outer and inner parts, allowing the system to adapt to varying trench widths.

[0007] The method of assembly involves positioning the panels, attaching the adjustable struts using the pinned pivotal connections, and securing the structure by aligning and pinning all components together. This method ensures structural stability while maintaining simplicity and efficiency. The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.

[0008] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the modular trench box system in its fully assembled state, illustrating all major components and their spatial arrangement.

[0011] Figure 2 is a side view of the trench box system, showing the alignment of the front and rear lugs, adjustable struts, and trench box panels in relation to one another.

[0012] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the trench box system, highlighting the adjustable struts, pinned pivotal connections, and the trench box panels, as well as the points where accessories can be attached.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates Step 1 of the assembly process, showing the placement of the first trench box panel on the ground with connectors in an upward-facing position.

[0014] Figure 5 demonstrates Step 2, where the adjustable struts are attached to the first trench box panel using the pinned pivotal connections.

[0015] Figure 6 depicts Step 3, where the second trench box panel is positioned parallel to the first panel, and the upper connectors are aligned with the adjustable struts for pin insertion.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates Step 4, showing the process of lifting the second trench box panel to align its lower connectors with the pinned connections on the adjustable struts.

[0017] Figure 8 depicts a first and preferred version of Step 5, where the first trench box panel is lifted into alignment, and the remaining pins are inserted to complete the assembly, forming a rigid trench box system.

[0018] Figure 9 depicts a second version of Step 5, where the second trench box panel is lifted to allow the remaining pins in the first panel box panel to be inserted to complete the assembly, forming a rigid trench box system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A novel Modular Trench Box System and Method will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0020] In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals, and in order not to weigh down the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in another figure.

[0021] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more.

[0022] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “include and“includes”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements.

[0023] As used herein the word “essentially” means “mostly, but not exclusively”.

[0024] It is also to be understood that the word “about” or “approximately” means an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. Insofar as it refers to percentages in the specification and claims, it means rounding up or down to the nearest whole number percentage. Insofar as it refers to other numbers in the specification and claims, it means plus or minus 10%.

[0025] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers, material percentages or ratios, reaction conditions, and other numerical values are also to be understood as modified by the term “about” in all cases.

[0026] Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained. Without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, at a minimum each numerical parameter should be interpreted in light of the reported number of significant figures and by applying normal rounding techniques.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, the trench box system 100 consists of several critical components that work together to form a rigid structure for supporting trench walls. These components include a first trench box panel 10, a second trench box panel 2, adjustable struts 1, pinned connections 3, and pinned pivotal connections 4. Each trench box panel 10, 2 is a large, rectangular, rigid structure designed to provide vertical support for the walls of an excavation site. The panels are equipped with upper and lower strut connectors 9, 8, which are reinforced protrusions located along the top and bottom edges of the panels. These connectors include circular holes designed to accommodate the insertion of pins, allowing the adjustable struts 1 to be securely attached.

[0028] The adjustable struts 1, shown in their assembled state in Figure 1, are horizontal members that connect the two panels 10, 2 at corresponding points along the upper andlower strut connectors 9, 8. Each strut comprises two parts: an outer part 5 and an inner part 6. The inner part 6 is designed to slide telescopically within the outer part 5, allowing the struts to be extended or retracted. This telescopic functionality enables the trench box system to accommodate various trench widths, providing flexibility in the system’s application. The struts are made of a durable material capable of withstanding significant lateral pressures from the surrounding soil.

[0029] The pinned connections 3 and pinned pivotal connections 4 are mechanical fasteners that ensure the structural integrity of the trench box system while allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. As shown in Figure 1, the pinned pivotal connections 4 are used to attach the adjustable struts 1 to the trench box panels 10, 2 at the upper and lower connectors 9, 8. These connections also allow the struts to pivot slightly during assembly, simplifying the alignment process.

[0030] The front and rear lugs 7, visible in Figure 1, are integral features of each trench box panel. These lugs are strategically positioned along the edges of the panels and are designed to accommodate additional accessories, such as lifting hooks or alignment tools. The lugs enhance the system’s versatility, enabling the panels to be easily transported, manipulated, or reinforced as needed.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the side view provides a clearer representation of the spatial arrangement of the system’s components. The adjustable struts 1 are shown connecting the first trench box panel 10 and the second trench box panel 2 at their respective upper and lower strut connectors 9, 8. The telescopic functionality of the struts is highlighted in this view, where the inner part 6 of each strut can be seen extending into the outer part 5. This configuration allows the trench box system to adapt to various trench dimensions without requiring additional components.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, the front elevation view provides a detailed look at the adjustable struts 1 and their connection points on the trench box panels 10, 2. In this view, the pinned pivotal connections 4 are clearly visible, showing how they are inserted through the holes in the upper and lower strut connectors 9, 8 to attach the adjustable struts 1. These connections not only secure the struts in place but also allow for minor adjustments during assembly, ensuring that the system can be quickly aligned and locked into position.

[0033] Referring to Figures 4-8 or 4-7 and 9, the present invention also provides a method for assembling and disassembling a trench box system. Referring to Figure 4, Step 1 begins with placing the first trench box panel 10 on the ground. The panel is positioned so that the upper and lower connectors 9, 8 are oriented upward, preparing for the installation of the adjustable struts.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, Step 2 involves attaching the adjustable struts 1 to the first trench box panel 10. The struts are aligned with the lower connectors 8 on the panel, and pins are inserted through the aligned holes to create pivotal connections 4. This pivotal attachment allows the struts to rotate slightly for alignment during later steps.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6, Step 3 involves positioning the second trench box panel 2 parallel to the first panel. The upper connectors 9 on the second panel are aligned with the adjustable struts 1, and pins are inserted through the aligned holes to secure the struts.

[0036] Referring to Figure 7, Step 4 requires lifting the second trench box panel 2 to align its lower connectors 8 with the struts. Pins are inserted to secure the connections, ensuring the panel is properly attached.

[0037] Referring to Figure 8, in a preferred embodiment, Step 5 involves lifting the first trench box panel 10 into alignment with the upper strut connectors of the second panel. The remaining pins are inserted to complete the assembly.

[0038] Referring to Figure 9, in a second embodiment, Step 5 involves the lifting of the second trench box panel to allow the remaining pins in the first panel box panel to be inserted to complete the assembly, forming a rigid trench box system.

[0039] The description of the invention and its applications as set forth herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that features of various embodiments may be combined with other embodiments within the contemplation of this invention. Variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein are possible, and practical alternatives to and equivalents of the various elements of the embodiments would be understood to those of ordinary skillin the art upon study of this patent document. These and other variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A modular trench box system for supporting trench walls during excavation, comprising: a first trench box panel and a second trench box panel, each having upper and lower strut connectors; adjustable struts connecting the first and second trench box panels, each adjustable strut comprising a telescopic outer part and inner part; pinned pivotal connections for securing each of the adjustable struts to the upper and lower strut connectors of the first trench box panel and to the upper and lower strut connectors of the second trench box panel.2) The modular trench box system of claim 1, further comprising front and rear lugs integrated into the trench box panels.3) The modular trench box system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable struts are made of a high-strength material to withstand lateral soil pressure.4) The modular trench box system of claim 1 , wherein the telescopic inner part of each adjustable strut is slidably engaged within the telescopic outer part.5) The modular trench box system of claim 1, wherein the pinned pivotal connections allow rotational movement of the adjustable struts in relation respectively to the first and second trench box panels during assembly.6) The modular trench box system of claim 1, wherein the pinned pivotal connections comprise removable cylindrical pins to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly.7) The modular trench box system of claim 1, wherein the trench box panels are rectangular and include reinforced edges for enhanced structural integrity.8) The modular trench box system of claim 2, wherein the front and rear lugs are configured to support lifting hooks.9) The modular trench box system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to allow for replacement of individual components without disassembling the entire structure.10) A method of assembling a modular trench box for supporting trench walls, the method comprising the following steps: a) placing a first trench box panel having a first pair of upper strut connectors and a second pair of lower strut connectors on the ground with all its connectors facing upward; b) attaching a lower panel connector located near a first end of a first strut to one of the second pair of lower strut connectors of the first trench box panel using a first pinned pivotable connection; c) attaching a lower panel connector located near a second end of a second strut to the other of the second pair of lower strut connectors of the first trench box panel using a second pinned pivotable connection; d) positioning a second trench box panel having a third pair of upper strut connectors and a fourth pair of lower strut connectors over the remaining third end of the first strut and the remaining fourth end of the second strut with all its connectors facing downward; e) attaching an upper panel connector located near a second end of the first strut to one of the third pair of upper strut connectors of the second trench box panel using a third pinned pivotable connection; f) attaching an upper panel connector located near a second end of the second strut to the other of the third pair of upper strut connectors of the second trench box panel using a fourth pinned pivotable connection; g) lifting the first and second trench box panels into parallel alignment; h) attaching the remaining strut connectors to the remaining panel connectors to complete the rigid trench box.11) The method of claim 10, wherein the parallel alignment of the trench box panels is perpendicular to the ground.12) The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustable struts are extended or retracted telescopically to fit the width of the trench before being attached.13) The method of claim 10, wherein the pinned pivotable connections are used to temporarily rotate the adjustable struts for easier alignment during assembly.14) The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of securing lugs of the trench box panels to lifting equipment for positioning the panels.15) The method of claim 10, wherein pins are inserted through the strut connectors and the panel connectors using a tool. 16) The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second trench box panels are vertically parallel to resist lateral forces after the trench box is assembled.17) The method of claim 10, wherein the assembly of the trench box is accomplished without the use of welding or permanent fasteners, enabling disassembly and reuse.18) The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of inspecting the pinned connections for secure engagement before lifting the assembled trench box.19) The method of claim 10, wherein the assembled trench box is used to support excavation walls during trenching operations for utility installation or repair.20) The method of claim 10, wherein individual components of the trench box are configured to be removed or replaced during maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire trench box.

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