Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for installing a flexible panel into a trench

US5320454A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
4References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 1993
Grant dateJun 14, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 29, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE02D19/18
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A roller machine and method for installing a flexible panel into a trench including a frame, a prime mover connected to the frame, and a plurality of rollers positioned on the frame. The plurality of rollers defining a curved path of travel for the panel. The path of travel has an entry and an exit. The path of travel is nearly vertical adjacent to the exit above and adjacent to the trench. The prime mover is drivingly connected to at least one of the plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers includes a plurality of support rollers extending across the frame and having an adjustable length generally corresponding to a width dimension of the panel and a plurality of guide rollers arranged in aligned pairs. The guide rollers are positioned adjacent opposite ends of the support rollers and are arranged adjacent to the exit of the path of travel. The path of travel extends between each of the aligned pairs of guide rollers. The frame is supported by a plurality of wheels so as to allow the frame to be moved adjacent to and along the length of the trench. The guide rollers are configured to accept and conform to the edge of the panel or to the interlocking connector attached to the…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.