Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a culvert cleaning apparatus for attachment to a bucket of an earth moving machine. The culvert cleaning apparatus comprises a long shaft that has rotating arms attached to it. As the apparatus is inserted into a culvert and through a debris field the arms are pushed against the shaft to minimize the diameter of the apparatus. As the apparatus is removed from the culvert, the arms engage with debris, rotate outward to increase the functional diameter of the apparatus and pull/push debris out of the culvert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/779,436 filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “Culvert Cleaning Apparatus,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to attachments and assemblies used to clean out existing, in-place culverts used for water drainage below such things as roadways. Culverts often contain dirt, garbage, leaves, and the like that impede the culvert&#39;s primary function of draining water. This invention allows the user to leverage the power of earth moving machinery to remove obstructions from culverts. 
     Culverts, pipes, ditches, and other drainage structures are in wide use for such reasons as preventing soil erosion and controlling runoff. Culverts may be installed across or under roadways to prevent flooding of the roadway or to prevent water damage to the surrounding area. In other locations, culverts may be used to prevent alteration of the landscape by erosion, or shifting of the soil, for example. In some areas, controlling runoff from snowmelt is another issue that may be addressed, in part, by the use of culverts. 
     A culvert may lose its function if clogged with debris. Culverts become obstructed by soil, rocks, sand, intrusion of plant roots, snow, ice, or other debris. The location of some culverts makes them particularly susceptible to blockage. One way to address these problems is to place a covering or grating over the openings of the culvert. However, these coverings may require extensive and frequent cleaning and may allow smaller objects such as sand, silt, and gravel to enter the culvert. Additionally, coverings and gratings may not prevent plant roots from clogging the culvert. Culverts can be removed and replaced periodically but replacement may involve disturbing existing roadways and other structures which increases costs. 
     In the past, cleaning culverts often required a person entering the culvert and using hand tools, such as long shovels, hoes, and rakes, or using pressurized water from a hose to remove obstructions like dirt, leaves, and trash. These methods are limited by the strength of the person or the power of the water in the hose. Furthermore, the ability to reach obstructions in long culverts depended on whether the culvert was large enough in diameter for a person to enter it and reach the obstruction with hand tools. The use of water pressure is also limited by the access to a water source and capability of creating enough pressure to remove obstructions in long culverts. 
     The use of a culvert cleaning apparatus in conjunction with a motorized device is known in the art. U.S. Publication No. 2013/0020264 to Reiss, Jr. discusses a trash rake system for use in clearing debris from an intake screen of a water use facility. The intake screen is configured to collect debris transported by water, for example, a river, and prevent the debris from entering the intake port of the water use facility. The trash rake system includes a track system, a movable support structure, a rack and pinion drive mechanism, and a controller configured to receive signals from an encoder on a drive motor and a proximity sensor system. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,398,785 and 7,725,978 to Harr discuss tools for cleaning culverts. The tools comprise a rod having a center longitudinal axis. Various housings are coupled coaxially to one end of the rod. One such housing contains rotating cutting instruments. Another housing functions as a scoop. All of the tools are designed for insertion into a culvert to cut, push, or pull debris from the culvert. All of the tools are utilized as attachments to a motorized device such as a tractor. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,152 to Tate discusses a culvert cleaning apparatus for use with earth moving machinery having a bucket, such as a backhoe or trackhoe. The apparatus has an attachment assembly for connection to the machinery&#39;s bucket. An arm extends from the attachment assembly. A scoop is attached to the end of the arm opposite the attachment assembly. Extensions between the attachment assembly and the scoop are provided when extended reach is desired. The machine may be used to push the scoop into a culvert and scoop out material clogging the culvert. 
     While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned devices possess several deficiencies. One particular defect of the devices discussed in the references is that they are all fixed in size and width. The devices are not dynamic in nature. For example, the referenced tools cannot reduce their cross-section to push through a tight area nor can they expand to capture debris when the tool is removed from the culvert. 
     In contrast, the functional diameter of the claimed invention can change during use. As the tool of the present invention enters a culvert it possesses a first functional diameter. As it engages debris and is removed from the culvert it can possess a second functional diameter. In this regard, the present invention is an improvement over known designs. In this respect, the culvert cleaning tool according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known methods and types of culvert cleaning devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved apparatus. 
     In broad terms, one aspect of the invention encompasses a culvert cleaning apparatus comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and a body intermediate the first end and the second end. An attachment assembly is connected to the shaft wherein the attachment assembly is suitable for detachable engagement with a machine such as a backhoe or trackhoe. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of arm members connected to the shaft wherein the arms rotate from a first position adjacent the shaft to a second position. 
     Another aspect of the invention encompasses a culvert cleaning apparatus comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end and a body intermediate the first end and second end; an attachment assembly connected to the shaft wherein the attachment assembly is suitable for connecting to a machine; and a plurality of rotating arm members connected to the shaft wherein the arm members are capable of altering the functional diameter of the culvert cleaning apparatus. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention encompasses a method of cleaning a culvert containing debris. The method comprises the steps of inserting an apparatus into a culvert to engage debris, wherein upon insertion the apparatus has a first diameter, and then removing the apparatus from the culvert, wherein upon removal the apparatus has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In this method the apparatus comprises a plurality of arm members connected to a shaft. The arm members rotate from a first position defining the first diameter to a second position defining the second diameter in response to the arm members engaging with debris. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a trackhoe which sits on a roadway over a culvert with an embodiment of the invention attached to the trackhoe and inserted into a culvert. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view schematically illustrating attachment of the invention to a bucket of an earth moving machine. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention without an extension or attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention with an attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an extension utilized in one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating dynamic movement of arm members to alter the functional diameter of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings, reference character  10  generally designates a culvert cleaning apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. In broad terms, the culvert cleaning apparatus  10  comprises a shaft  12 , an attachment assembly  22  connected to the shaft  12 , and a plurality of arm members  24 . 
     The shaft  12  has a first end  14  and a second end  16  and a body  18  intermediate the first end  14  and second end  16 . The shaft  12  is made of a material suitable for high stress and strain applications, such as insertion into a debris laden culvert and removal from a debris laden culvert. In preferred embodiments, the shaft  12  is made of a metal such as commercially available steel, aluminum, or other metals or suitable alloys thereof. In some applications plastics, polymers, fiberglass, or carbon fibers may be suitable materials for shaft construction. The shaft  12  may be a solid rod or tubing or a combination of the two. In particularly preferred embodiments the shaft  12  is made from three (3) inch square steel tubing which is readily available to those skilled in the art. 
     The length of the shaft  12  may vary according to need. In the practice of the invention a user may make multiple shafts of varying length to accommodate any particular length of culvert. This might be the preferred method for entities such as highway departments that may have many culverts having a fixed length. 
     Alternatively, the shaft  12  may be paired with an extension  20  such as that shown in  FIG. 5 . In preferred embodiments, the extension  20  is made of the same or similar material as shaft  12 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  the extension  20  attaches to the first end  16  at the shaft. 
     In preferred embodiments the extension  20  and shaft  12  interact telescopically at the shaft/extension connecting point  26 . In other words, either the extension  20  slides within the shaft  12  for a distance or the shaft  12  slides within the extension  20  for a distance. In particularly preferred embodiments, the telescopic interaction between the extension  20  and the shaft  12  is such that they may be connected together to create an apparatus of varying lengths. This may be accomplished by drilling multiple aligned holes  28  along the length of both the shaft  12  and the extension  20  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The shaft  12  and extension  20  are then telescoped in or out to align the holes at desired positions. A pin  30  or pins is/are inserted through the aligned holes  28  to fix the relative positions of the shaft  12  and extension  20 . In this manner the length of the overall apparatus can be changed to fit a particular need. 
     During use, the apparatus according to the invention is preferably attached to a machine to provide the power necessary to insert the apparatus into a culvert and remove it. The term machine includes, but is not limited to, a motorized device such as a self-propelled earth moving machine. Trackhoes, backhoes, and tractors with hydraulically controlled bucket attachments are examples of earth moving machines suitable for use with the invention. Alternatively, the apparatus according to the invention could be attached to a stationary machine that moves in a piston like fashion to insert the apparatus into and out of a culvert. For ease of discussion the apparatus according to the invention will be described in the context of attachment to an earth moving bucket as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . This narrative convenience should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , an attachment assembly  22  is connected to the shaft  12 . In preferred embodiments the attachment assembly  22  is made of the same material as the shaft  12 . The connection between the attachment assembly  22  and the shaft  12  can be permanent as by welding. Alternatively, the attachment assembly  22  can be part of the extension  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Either mode of connection is encompassed by the phrase “connected to the shaft”. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the attachment assembly  22  is detachably engaged to a machine during use (e.g., to the bucket  32  of a trackhoe  34 ). In the embodiments of the attachment assembly  22  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the attachment assembly  22  comprises a plate bracket  36  that is connected either to the shaft  12  ( FIG. 2 ) or one end of an extension  20  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The plate bracket  36  is preferably sized to fit snugly within the interior of the bucket  32 . The attachment assembly  22  may be permanently connected to the shaft  12  and/or extension  20  via welds. Alternatively, the attachment assembly  22  may be detachably connected to the shaft  12  and/or extension  20  via pins and holes. If the attachment assembly is detachably connected, it may be cost effective to have multiple plate brackets  36  of multiple dimensions to fit within different sized buckets. Those skilled in the art are capable of constructing plate brackets  36  suitable for use with any given bucket. Alternatively, one skilled in the art could utilize an adjustable attachment assembly such as the one discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,152, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The attachment assembly  22  is connected to a machine and secured in place by any of several appropriate detachable engagement means and devices. For example and as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  6 , a plurality of “D” rings  44  may be welded to the shaft body  18 . These “D” rings are points of attachment for chains (not shown) that are then connected to the machine (e.g., trackhoe bucket). Alternatively, the attachment assembly  22  plate bracket  36  could have tabs that fit within matching slots cut in a bucket. The tabs would engage with the slots and be secured in place by pins. Other suitable methods of attaching the apparatus to a machine are known to those skilled in the art. 
     The culvert cleaning apparatus  10  further comprises a plurality of arm members  24 . Preferably, the arm members  24  are fixably yet detachably connected to the shaft body  18  and rotate from a first position adjacent the shaft body  18  to a second position apart from the shaft body  18  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The arm members  24  may comprise several shapes and configurations. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the arm members  24  are generally planar and “T” shaped. The length of the arm members  24  may vary depending on the size of the culvert. The shape of the arm members  24  may vary depending on user preference. For example, instead of “T” shaped, the arm members  24  could be spoon shaped or simple elongated rectangles. The edges of the arm members could be rounded or sharpened depending on culvert construction and anticipated debris. The arm members  24  can be made from the same materials used to construct the shaft  12  and any extension  20 . Those skilled in the art are capable of designing an arm member suitable for a particular application. 
     One of the benefits of the apparatus according to the invention is that the functional diameter of the apparatus is dynamic during use. In other words, because the arm members  24  rotate, the functional diameter of the apparatus can move from a minimized position to a maximized position. 
     Generally speaking, the arm members  24  are configured to enter a culvert in a first position “A” (or minimized position) where the arm members  24  are proximate to the shaft  12  as shown in  FIG. 7 . When in the first or minimized position “A” the arm members  24  are generally parallel to the long axis of the shaft  12 . The first or minimized position “A” schematically represents the minimal functional diameter of the apparatus during use. 
     In practice, the apparatus  10  is preferably pushed into and/or through a section of debris within a culvert. The resistance (e.g., frictional forces) encountered by and applied to the apparatus  10  as it passes into and through debris typically maintains the arm members  24  in the first position “A” during the insertion step. 
     As the movement of the apparatus  10  reverses and the apparatus is removed from the culvert, the direction of the resistance (e.g., frictional forces) encountered by and applied to the apparatus, specifically the arm members  24 , reverses. As the apparatus leaves the culvert, the arm members  24  engage with debris which causes them to rotate outward to a second position “B” (or maximized position as shown in  FIG. 7 ). This second position “B” represents the maximal functional diameter of the apparatus during use. The extended arm members  24  then carry debris out of the culverts as the apparatus is removed. 
     In other words, the rotation of the arm members  24  in response to changes in resistance applied to the apparatus alters the functional diameter of the apparatus during use. This process repeats until the culvert is cleared of debris. 
     The arm members  24  may be attached to the shaft  12  and/or extension  20  in any manner that allows them to rotate from a first position to a second position as shown in  FIG. 7 . The methods of attachment of the arm members shown in the Figures are exemplary. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  6 , and  7 , the plurality of arm members  24  are connected to the shaft  12  and/or shaft body  18  by hinges  38  and shear pins  40 . The arm members  24  rotate about the shear pins  40  in an arcuate fashion to move from a first position “A” to a second position “B” as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The rotation of an arm member  24  is limited by a detent  42  connected to the shaft  12 . The detent  42  shown in  FIG. 7  is a rounded wing to reduce drag during insertion but other configurations are possible. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the angular rotation of the arm members  24  is limited such that when the arm members are fully rotated, they are generally perpendicular to the shaft  12 . This arrangement maximizes the functional diameter of the apparatus which maximizes its effectiveness in removing debris from a culvert. Stated alternatively, in some embodiments, the maximum amount of rotation of any arm member is 90 degrees. In particularly preferred embodiments, the amount of rotation is less than 90 degrees such that when the arm members  24  move from said first position “A” to a second position “B” the arm members form an acute angle “C” with the shaft  12 . As used herein the term “acute angle” means an angle between 0 and 90 degrees and includes a 90 degree angle. 
     One can allow the arm members to rotate beyond 90 degrees, however this is not a preferred embodiment as it places the arm members  24  in a “swept back” position which allows debris to slide off the arm members rather than being captured by the arm members. 
     In those embodiments of the invention that utilize more than two arm members, it is preferred that those arm members are arranged in a staggered fashion around the circumference and along the length of the shaft  12  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . The staggered arrangement maximizes the functional diameter of the apparatus during use allowing for the removal of more debris. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the invention the shear pins  40  and/or the detents  42  and/or the hinges  38  have a tensile strength that is less than that of the shaft  12 . This feature is beneficial because there could be occasions where the apparatus gets stuck within a culvert. Since the apparatus is preferably operated by a machine such as a backhoe, one can foresee instances where the apparatus gets stuck and is damaged or destroyed during attempts to remove it. 
     If the shear pins  40  and/or the detents  42  and/or the hinges are designed to fail or “breakaway” before the shaft  12  and/or an extension  20  are damaged, a user has the opportunity to save the main portion of the apparatus with only the loss of a shear pin or detent and possibly an arm member. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the shear pins  40  slide in and out of the hinges  38  and are held in place by cotter pins or other detachable means. This allows the user to detach and re-attach arm members  24  as desired. For example, if a user encounters round and oval shaped culverts it may be convenient to have a set of arm members of varying length or shape that are interchangeable with each other. 
     Preferably, the first end  14  at the apparatus  10  (i.e., the part of the apparatus opposite the attachment assembly) is defined in part by a ring  46  or other such attachment and a rounded cap  48 . The rounded cap  48  helps the device traverse blockages. The ring  46  is a point of attachment that allows the option of pulling the apparatus  10  completely through culvert at minimum diameter if the apparatus  10  becomes stuck and backward movement is difficult. 
     The invention also encompasses a method of cleaning culverts. In light of the foregoing, the method according to the invention comprises inserting an apparatus into a culvert to engage debris, wherein upon insertion the apparatus has a first diameter. The method also comprises reversing the apparatus direction of movement to remove the apparatus from the culvert, wherein upon removal the apparatus has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. 
     In preferred embodiments the apparatus utilized in the method according to the invention is the apparatus described above. In short, the apparatus comprises a plurality of arm members connected to a shaft and said arm members rotate from a first position defining a first diameter of the apparatus to a second position defining a second diameter of the apparatus and wherein the rotation is in response to said arm members engaging with debris. 
     The foregoing describes various features of several embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art are capable of understanding the disclosure and modifying the invention&#39;s apparatus and methods to fit particular needs. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the invention should not be defined solely by the examples discussed herein.