Berm forming apparatus

• US 6,722,816 B2
• Filed: 01/02/2002
• Issued: 04/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rexius Forest By-Products, Inc. (Rexius, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Rexius Forest By-Products, Inc. (Rexius, Inc.)
• Inventors: Hoeck, John L. Jr., Wilder, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Brittain, James R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MITCHELL, KATHERINE W
• Application Number:
  US10/047,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20030123933A1
• Time in Patent Office: 839 Days
• Field of Search: 404/96, 404/98, 404/105, 404/106, 404/108, 405/17, 104/12
• US Class Current: 404/96
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/223 for back-filling in association with trench excavators E02F5/12

Abstract

A chassis having a main member carries adjustable side members defining an area for the reception of berm forming particulate material conveyed by an air flow from a remote source. The discharged material forms a continuous berm of constant size and shape. Wheel assemblies are adjustably carried enabling the berm cross-sectional shape to best suit the job requirements. Forward travel to the apparatus may be imparted by a steerable tongue assembly.

Claims

1. A particulate-material-berm forming apparatus, said particulate material to serve as a barrier in place on a ground surface, said apparatus comprising

a chassis including an elongate main body having a lengthwise axis,

oppositely disposed perforate side members on said main body each of said side members oppositely disposed from the axis of the main body,

an airflow inlet on said main body for receiving a flow of airborne particulate and in communication with an area subjacent the main body and between the side members,

means for imparting horizontal travel to said chassis along a course, and

means for supporting said chassis proximate the ground surface.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said side members are adjustably supported by said main body.

3. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 additionally including hinge means connecting said side members to said main body.

4. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 additionally including a deflector on said main body acting on the airborne particulate material, a barrier acting on the particulate material and carried at one end of said main body.

5. The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said chassis includes wheels and struts coupling said wheels to said main body.

6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5 additionally includes sleeves each slidably housing one of said struts enabling raising and lowering of the main body and side members to determine berm height.

7. An apparatus for the formation of a berm of particulate material on a ground surface and comprising,

a main member,

side members and a frontal barrier depending from said main member,

said main member and side members and said frontal barrier defining an area for the reception and momentary confinement of particulate material to form a segment of the berm,

an airflow inlet on said main member for receiving and discharging particulate material into the area, and

means attached to the main member for moving the machine along a predetermined course to provide a continuous berm.

8. The apparatus claimed in claim 7 additionally including support means on said main member for maintaining the side members at selected positions relative said main member.

9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8 additionally including hinges coupling said main member to said side members.

10. The apparatus claimed in claim 7 additionally including wheels and downwardly diverging wheel supporting struts, sleeves on said main body each receiving one of said struts in an axially adjustable manner.

11. The apparatus claimed in claim 7 wherein said side members are of perforate construction.