SILT FENCE INSTALLATION ASSEMBLY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application

No. 60/803,718, filed June 2, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated fully herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of construction equipment and more particularly to the installation of silt fences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a work tool attachment for a work vehicle. The work tool attachment comprises two ground cutting members, at least one spool of silt fence material, and a silt fence material guide. The ground cutting members are adapted to cut two substantially parallel trenches. The silt fence material has a width. The silt fence material guide is disposed proximate the cutting members such that the material guide places a portion of the width of silt fence material into the trenches.

[0004] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a work tool attachment for a work vehicle. The work tool attachment comprises a vibratory plow, a spool of silt fence material, and a silt fence material guide. The vibratory plow has a first ground engaging blade. The silt fence material guide comprises a wheel. The silt fence material guide places the silt fence material into a trench proximate a path of the vibratory plow when the silt fence material is unspooled.

[0005] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for inserting silt fence material into the ground. The method comprises the steps of cutting a trench with a vibratory plow and inserting a portion of a silt fence material into the trench. The step of inserting the fence material comprises the using a guide and a stuffing wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a silt fence installation assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates a stake driver attachment for use with the installation assembly of Figure 1.

[0008] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation assembly of

Figure 1. [0009] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation assembly of

Figure 3.

[0010] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation assembly of

Figure 3.

[0011] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation assembly of Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates a work vehicle utilizing the silt fence installation assembly of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 8A is an overhead view of a translation apparatus for the installation assembly of Figure 1. [0014] Figure 8B is an overhead view of an alternative translation apparatus for the installation assembly of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Turning now to the drawings in general and Figure 1 in particular, shown therein is a silt fence installation assembly 10 for installing a silt fence material 12. A silt fence is a continuous run of water-permeable flexible material oriented in a generally vertical plane with a portion of the material buried in the ground. Silt fences are normally used on construction sites or other areas with disturbed soil to restrict movement of soil from disturbed ground surfaces.

[0016] With continued reference to Figure 1, the installation assembly 10 comprises a frame 14, a cutting assembly 16, a spool 18 of the silt fence material 12, a silt fence guide 20, and a soil compactor comprising a roller 22. The frame 14 is adapted to provide attachment to a work vehicle and support various components of the silt fence installation assembly 10.

[0017] The cutting assembly 16 is attached to the frame 14 and adapted to cut a trench. As shown in Figure 1, the cutting assembly 16 preferably comprises a vibratory plow

assembly. The vibratory plow assembly comprises a vibrator 24 and a ground engaging blade, or plow blade 26. The plow blade 26 is pulled by the work vehicle to dig a relatively narrow, shallow, straight-sided trench. The vibrator 24 transmits low amplitude, high frequency vibrations to the plow blade 26. The vibration greatly increases the ability of the plow blade 26 to cut through the ground. Use of vibratory plowing as compared to static plowing reduces the amount of vehicle pull required to pull the plow blade 26 through the ground, thus allowing a smaller, lighter, more maneuverable vehicle.

[0018] The spool 18 of the silt fence material 12 preferably comprises a spindle 28, a positioner assembly 30, and a length of the silt fence material 12. The spindle 28 is connected to and extends above the frame 14. The positioner assembly 30 is rotationally connected to the spindle 28. Preferably, the positioner assembly 30 is a collar 32 on the spindle 28. More preferably, the collar 32 may be moved along the spindle 28 to position the silt fence material 12 to accommodate optional widths of fence material and to determine the proportional amounts of the material for use as the silt fence in the manner described below. [0019] The silt fence guide 20 is adapted to place a length of the silt fence material 12 into an opened trench. As shown, the silt fence guide 20 preferably comprises a grab wheel 34. The grab wheel 34 is rotationally attached to the frame 14 and positioned to selectively contact a length of the silt fence material 12. As shown, the grab wheel 34 is positioned behind the cutting assembly 16 relative to the movement of the work vehicle. The grab wheel 34 preferably comprises spokes, scallops, or other teeth-like projections 36. More preferably, the spokes 36 are disposed on the circumference of the grab wheel 34. [0020] Preferably, the positioner assembly 30 is adjusted so that the grab wheel 34 will contact the silt fence material 12 at a selected point along a width of the material, to allow selected placement of the silt fence material in the ground. Adjustment of the collar 32 changes the point along the width of the spool 18 that the grab wheel 34 contacts the silt fence material 12 for placement of the material in the ground. Preferably, the grab wheel 34 contacts the spool such that a first flap of silt fence material 12 will extend a height above a ground level while a second flap does not extend above the ground level. Alternatively, the

grab wheel 34 may contact the spool at a substantially center point such that the first flap and the second flap are of relevant heights so that each flap extends above the ground level. [0021] The grab wheel 34 is positioned such that as the grab wheel rotates due to the unspooling of the silt fence material 12, the spokes 36 may selectively attach to the length of the silt fence material forming a crease in the silt fence material, and defining the two flaps in the material on each side of the crease. The grab wheel 34 is further disposed to place the crease of the silt fence material 12 into the trench. Thus, as the work vehicle traverses across the ground, the silt fence material 12 unspools and is installed into the trench. [0022] Preferably, the spool 18 of silt fence material 12 is carried in an orientation to ease feeding of silt fence material from the spool into the silt fence guide 12. As shown, the spool 18 is perpendicular to a direction of travel and inclined in a transverse vertical direction up to thirty degrees. ~ Adjustable positioning of the spindle 28 is provided to accommodate matching of the orientation of the spool to the desired feeding pattern of the fence material to the guide. [0023] The roller 22 is rotationally attached to the frame 14 and proximate the grab wheel 34. The roller 22 is adapted to pack the soil proximate the installed silt fence material 12 to increase the stability thereof. In some soil conditions, the roller 22 may be removed to better facilitate placement of the silt fence material. Alternatively, a compaction shoe may be substituted for the roller 22 to compact the soil after placement of the silt fence material 12 by the grab wheel 34.

[0024] Turning now to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of the silt fence installation assembly 10 comprising a stake driver attachment 38 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the stake driver attachment 38 is mounted to the installation assembly 10 with the plow blade 26 removed. The stake driver attachment 38 comprises a plurality of cross members 40 and a stake holder 42. The stake driver attachment 38 may further comprise stake storage baskets 44. The cross members 40 attach perpendicularly to a mounting tab which mounts proximate the vibrator 24. The stake storage baskets 44 are adapted to carry a plurality of stakes 46 and are preferably attached to distal ends 48 of the cross members 40. Alternatively, the stake storage baskets may be attached to the frame 14

of the installation assembly 10. The stakes 46 may be wooden or metal and are typically sharpened at a tip on one end.

[0025] The post holder 42 is centrally located on an underside of the vibrator 24. The vibrator 24 has a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the stake 46 is positioned in the post holder 42. When the vibrator 24 is activated and lowered to the lowered position, vibrations are used to drive the stake 46 into the ground. After the stake 46 is driven into the ground to a desired depth, the stake driver attachment 38 is lifted to the raised position, leaving the stake 46 in the ground. Preferably, stakes 46 are placed proximate the installed silt fence material 12. The silt fence material 12 of the installed silt fence is then fastened to the stake 46 by a fastening means, such as a staple, insulator, or other means.

[0026] Alternatively, a hollow steel tube (not shown) may be placed over the stake 46 while driving the stake into the ground. A first end of the steel tube is closed and is connectable to the stake holder 42. A diameter of the tube is sufficient to fit over the stake 46. The steel tube strengthens the stake 46 during the driving process in situations where vibratory force might tend to break the stake before it is driven to the desired depth. The tube can also be used to control the installed depth of the stake.

[0027] A distance between stakes 46 is preferably chosen based upon strength requirements of the silt fence material 12, elevation and other factors. More preferably, action to insert a stake 46 may be initiated automatically. Automatic insertion of a stake 46 may be repetitious as a function of distance or elevation, or may be determined using GPS coordinates or other methods.

[0028] Alternatively, stakes 46 may be installed in concert with installation of the silt fence material 12. Alternative methods of installing the stakes 46, such as rotating spike insertion could be utilized.

[0029] Turning now to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the silt fence installation assembly 10 is shown. The alternative embodiment comprises two cutting members, two silt fence guides, and at least one spool of silt fence material 12. The cutting members preferably comprise a first plow blade 50 and a second plow blade 52. Although

shown as plow blades 50, 52, the cutting members could alternatively be static plows, trencher blades, or other forms known in the art. The silt fence guides comprise a first grab wheel 54 and a second grab wheel 56. The installation assembly 10 further comprises a first roller 58 and a second roller 60. The first grab wheel 54 is located proximate the first plow blade 50, and the second grab wheel 56 is located proximate the second plow blade 52. The first plow blade 50, first grab wheel 54, and first roller 58 operate to create a first trench and place the silt fence material 12 therein The second plow blade 52, second grab wheel 56, and second roller 60 operate to create a second trench and place the silt fence material 12 therein. Preferably, the first and second trenchers are substantially parallel [0030] In the embodiment of Figure 3, a width of silt fence material 12 is placed into both the first trench and the second trench. Thus, when installed, a first portion of the width of silt fence material is installed into the first trench and a second portion of the width the silt fence material is installed into the second trench. Because the silt fence material 12 is inserted into two horizontally displaced trenches, a horizontal cover is left over the ground in- between the two trenches. This cover protects the ground from erosion caused by heavy water flow parallel to the silt fence along the trench. Preferably, the first grab wheel 54 and the second grab wheel 56 stretch the silt fence material 12 to reduce or eliminate slack in the horizontal cover. Adjustable cross members 62 and frame arms 64 may be utilized to vary a distance between the first plow blade 50 and the second plow blade 52, allowing varying widths of the horizontal cover and the distance between the first trench and the second trench. [0031] A position of each guide wheel 54, 56 may be adjusted along a line of travel.

As shown in Figure 4, to better reduce slack and facilitate installation of the silt fence material 12, the second guide wheel 56 may be offset, or positioned closer to the work vehicle than, the first guide wheel 58 along a length of the silt fence installation assembly. Thus, the first guide wheel 54 partially completes installation of a width of silt fence material 12 as the second guide wheel 56 begins installation of the width of silt fence material.

[0032] With reference again to Figure 3, the vibrator 24 may be utilized in combination with the two plow blades 50, 52 to impart a low-amplitude, high-frequency

vibration on the first plow blade and the second plow blade. The adjustable collar 32 on the spindle 28 positions the width of the spool 18 of the silt fence material 12 horizontally relative to the two grab wheels 54, 56. Thus, the adjustment of the collar 32 determines the width of the silt fence material 12 placed in the first trench and the width of the silt fence material placed in the second trench. Adjustment of the collar 32 in a first direction will increase the height of the silt fence extending above the ground level in the first direction. Adjustment of the collar 32 too far in the first direction will result in little to no silt fence material being placed in the trench opposite the first direction. Preferably, guides can be utilized to ensure that the collar is positioned to place a suitable amount of silt fence material in the first trench and the second trench.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, a second vibrator may be utilized for the second plow blade 52. Use of two vibrators in concert may be more effective when a width between the first plow blade 50 and the second plow blade 52 is large.

[0034] Turning now to Figure 5, the silt fence installation assembly 10 may alternatively comprise a first spool 66 and a second spool 68 of the silt fence material 12 for simultaneous installation of two silt fences. The first spool 66 preferably feeds the silt fence material 12 into the first trench with the first grab wheel 54. The second spool 68 preferably feeds the silt fence material 12 into the second trench with the second grab wheel 56. This technique would be used to simultaneously install parallel silt fences. Orientation of the spools 66, 68 relative to the guides 54, 56 and to each other is adjustable to accommodate spatial restraints and fence material 12 feeding patterns. Typically stakes 46 would then be installed in a secondary operation.

[0035] With reference now to Figure 6, shown therein is the silt fence installation assembly 10 wherein the cutting assembly 16 comprises a trencher attachment 70. The trencher attachment 70 can be used in conditions such as rocky soil where the vibratory plow may not be feasible.

[0036] The trencher attachment 70 comprises a boom 72, a chain 74, and a plurality of cutting teeth (not shown). The boom 72 is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The digging chain 74 is rotationally attached to the boom 72. The plurality

of cutting teeth is dispersed along the periphery of the digging chain 74, such that the trencher attachment 70 digs a trench when in the lowered position while the digging chain is rotating.

[0037] With continued reference to Figure 6 the silt fence guide 20 comprises a bracket 76 and a plurality of spur wheels 78. The spur wheels 78 are rotationally mounted on, and extend through, the bracket. The spurs 78 are adapted to grab the silt fence material 12 to hold it proximate the guide 20. The position at which the spurs 78 contact the silt fence material 12 is preferably adjustable with positioner assembly 30 to vary the relative height of the flaps. The silt fence material 12 is fed proximate the guide into an uncovered trench. A plate (not shown) is preferably used to cover the spurs to prevent the spurs from contacting objects other than the silt fence material.

[0038] The silt fence installation assembly 10 of Figure 6 further comprises a backfill blade 80. The backfill blade 80 is positioned proximate the silt fence guide 20 to return dislodged soil to the uncovered trench following insertion of the fence material 12 into the trench. Alternatively, another means of the returning dislodged soil, such as an auger, an auger/blade combination, a rotary broom, or a conveyor may be utilized. [0039] A roller 82, fastened to an end of the bracket, packs the soil into the trench to improve stability of the fence. Stakes 46 may preferably be added as previously described. Alternatively, an earth saw or rock saw may be utilized as the cutting assembly 16. [0040] With reference now to Figure 7, an embodiment of the silt fence installation assembly 10 is shown in a raised position as attached to a work vehicle 84. The silt fence installation assembly further comprises translation assembly 86. The translation assembly 86 varies a horizontal position of the cutting member 16 relative to the path of the work vehicle 84. [0041] As shown in Figure 7, the translation assembly 86 comprises a swing post 90, and swing arms 92 and 93. The swing arms 92 and 93 attach the swing post 90 to the silt fence installation assembly 10. The swing post is attached to the work vehicle 84 about a vertical pivot axis. Swing cylinders (not shown) are connected between the work vehicle 84

and the swing post 90 for swinging the frame 14 laterally. The frame 14 is suspended from the swing post 90 by upper 92 and lower 93 swing arms 92.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8A, utilizing the swing arms 92, 93 allows the work vehicle 84 to travel in a generally straight direction while a path 96 of the installed silt fence material 12 is curved or wavy. Installing the fence in this manner creates small sediment basins and retards concentrated sediment flow along the silt fence.

[0043] An alternative assembly for creating a curved trench is shown in Figure 8B.

Therein, the translation assembly 86 comprises rail assembly 98. The rail assembly comprises a top rail and a bottom rail. The top rail and the bottom rail of the rail assembly 98 extend across the width of the rear end of the work vehicle 84. The silt fence installation attachment 10 is adapted to hang from and slide along these rails such that the cutting member 16 may traverse along the width of the work vehicle 86. Hydraulic cylinders or other traversing means (not shown) may be used to traverse the plow attachment along the rails. [0044] The translation patterns shown in Figures 8A and 8B may be controlled by an operator, programmed to translate at a desired rate, or corresponding to the rate of forward travel or distance traveled. A further option is the use of a steerable plow blade in conjunction with the translation means. Other means of traversing the silt fence installation assembly 10 could be envisioned. [0045] Various modifications can be made in the design and operation of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Thus, while the principal preferred construction and modes of operation of the invention have been explained in what is now considered to represent its best embodiments, which have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.