Abstract:
This invention relates generally to the simultaneous in-ground anchoring of silt fence erosion barriers and wire mesh fencing, that includes a machine comprising a device for disrupting soil to create a trench, a device that simultaneously inserts portions of the silt fence and the wire mesh fencing into the trench and a device for backfilling the trench over the portions of the silt fence and wire mesh fencing that have been inserted in the trench so as to anchor the above-ground remainder of the silt fence and wire mesh fencing.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention pertains to earth working equipment, more particularly to a machine comprising a soil disrupter for slicing a thin trench in soil, an apparatus for simultaneously inserting silt fencing and wire mesh backing to support the silt fencing and to anchor the silt fencing into the soil in a proper position, and an apparatus for backfilling soil into such trench to secure the silt fencing with wire backing and anchor in the proper position. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the construction field, silt fence is a synthetic material, about the weight of canvas and typically 60 inches wide, installed around construction sites, disturbed areas, and in ditches to retain silt while allowing water to slowly pass through. Approximately 45 inches to 54 inches remain above the ground supported by posts, and the balance is buried in the ground to prevent soil and debris from escaping under the silt fencing. Most installation procedures follow engineering specifications calling for a trench 12 inches deep and 6 inches wide with a lap of silt fence covering the bottom of the trench to be covered and compacted with soil. 
   Erosion control, including silt fence, is mandated on all federal projects and on many urban projects, both public and private. Millions of feet are installed each year. Traditionally, the silt fence has been installed with support for its vertical position provided only through rigid support stakes set into the ground at varying intervals. This traditional method of installation without the presence of continuous vertical support between stakes often results in the failure of the silt fence to maintain its integrity. A breach in the integrity of the silt fence allows silt to flow over, under, or through the fence resulting in a failure of the silt barrier. Increasingly, administrative agencies and private entities responsible for construction projects, whose nature demands silt fencing, are requiring that the flexible silt fences be supported by rigid backing as support between stakes as a way to maintain the silt fence more securely in a vertical position and thus to prevent breaches of the silt barrier. 
   Furthermore, the traditional method of installation of silt fencing relies almost exclusively upon the compaction of soil around the subsurface portion of the silt fencing to anchor the silt fence in place. Due to poor compaction methods employed, silt fences installed in this traditional manner can become easily unanchored, especially during large rainwater events. Thus, this traditional method of anchoring often results in breaches of the integrity of the base of silt fence. Increasingly, administrative agencies and private entities responsible for construction projects whose nature demands silt fencing are requiring that improved methods for anchoring the silt fencing be employed to more securely affix the silt fence and better protect it against erosion and resulting gaps at the bottom. 
   Contractors from all over the country, hands-on people and large companies knowledgeable in the art and part of the industry, have attempted to build a machine that installs silt fencing efficiently and effectively. None have designed a means to simultaneously install a rigid wire mesh backing that will provide the horizontal and vertical benefits desired. Currently, most contractors use a trenching machine to dig and excavate a 150 mm deep trench, after which they pound in steel posts, insert wire mesh into the trench and then attach fabric to the wire in the open trench. The wire/fabric combination is then uprighted and held in place by posts with a short lip of the fabric/mesh combination on the bottom of the trench for soil to rest on. The trench is then manually backfilled by pushing the excavated soil into the open trench with a blade on their machine. 
   There exists one design of a machine invention disclosed in the Carpenter patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,878), whereby silt fencing in installed with a rope anchor in a trench sliced by the same invention, but it does not teach the simultaneous incorporation of the wire mesh support member in its installation claims and has a number of important design differences. Carpenter does not teach or contemplate the simultaneous installation of a relatively rigid backing member, including the wire mesh of the present application, and thus it fails to address the problem of support for silt fencing that is now being demanded and/or required. Furthermore, Carpenter specifically requires that large holes be drilled in its wheel, used to insert silt fencing into a trench, as a means to avoid bunching or gathering of the silt fence material during installation, whereas the introduction of the wire mesh backing in the present application configures the silt fence fabric to avoid drilling holes that could compromise the structural integrity of the wheel. The presence of holes in the wheel of the present application could cause the wire mesh to become entangled with the wheel and pull the wire mesh out of the ground. Carpenter also requires the use of static panels as a means to guide the silt fencing fabric to its proper position for insertion by the wheel in that invention. Carpenter also employs static panels to hold the soil that has been sliced back while its wheel rolls the fabric in the ground, then allowing the soil to collapse back against the fabric after it passes by the panels. These panels will not work with the wire mesh in the present application because the panels would cause the wire to bunch up and become entangled with the panels instead of flowing through them. Again, the introduction of the wire mesh backing in the present application configures the silt fence fabric to avoid the need for panels or other guides for the fencing during installation. Furthermore, the incorporation of crimped wire mesh into the subterranean fold of the silt fencing in the present application provides far stronger anchoring qualities than the rope anchor taught by Carpenter. Finally, the foot member in the present application automates the compaction of soil displaced through installation of the silt fencing, an element and process that is not taught in Carpenter. Many other examples of the prior art are referenced in the Carpenter patent. 
   Thus, the present application improves on the prior art by automating and mechanizing the simultaneous installation of a rigid support member for silt fencing, by providing superior anchoring for the silt fencing once installed and by automating and mechanizing the compaction of disturbed soil after installation of the silt fencing. These enhancements over the prior art reduce labor costs and improve the structural integrity of silt fencing, presenting a cost benefit to consumers and the public, as well as a reduction in silt pollution to the environment. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention mechanizes a part of the above operation with a device attached to the back of a tractor or other motive force which simultaneously does several things. First a plow head or other soil disturber (“plow head”) trenches a line, and two spools synchronized with the speed of the motive force respectively lay down wire mesh and silt fencing fabric above the trench. In-line with the plow head and behind it is a strong generally circular rigid plate (steel is a good choice) which rolls over the wire/fabric, pushes the wire and fabric into the disrupted soil or trench and crimps the wire and fabric so that it is seated in the “V” of the disrupted soil or trench. Just behind and offset slightly on one side of the circular plate is a backfill “foot” which pushes the just-plowed dirt back into the trench substantially covering the crimped wire and fabric. After this mechanized operation is completed, the main body of the wire and fabric is brought upright and held in that position by posts set at appropriate intervals along the line where the trenching has been done. The wire is clipped to the posts and the fabric to the wire. 
   Because the silt fencing material is of a lighter weight and more flexible than the wire mesh, once the machine of the invention begins to move and pull upon the silt fence material, there may be a tendency for the roll of material to rotate on its spool more rapidly than it is being embedded into the ground by virtue of inertial rotation. To retard such possible inertial “over-rolling,” an encumbrance of some kind may be desirable. Such an encumbrance could be an automatic or manual brake applied to the roll of silt fence material, or more simply, just a weight draped across the roll of silt fence material, such as a relatively heavy chain anchored to the frame at one end and with the loose end extending across the roll of silt fence material in the direction of rotation of the roll. 
   In order to be sure the correct depth has been achieved, one or more depth markers (such as a circle or concentric circles) have been placed onto the center of the circular plate generally up to 6 inches from its perimeter so that it is easy to see visually whether the desired depth of the trench has been consistently achieved, with the ability to vary the depth to greater than 6 inches (usually the minimum required depth) depending on the situation. 
   Because silt fencing can be attached to the wire mesh after the latter has been affixed to its support stakes, the simultaneous layering of the wire mesh or other support member and the silt fence during installation of the silt fence fabric would improve the speed of the complete installation of the fully supported fence and contributes to superior anchoring of the silt fence material into the ground. An improvement in the speed of installation would reduce costs to the public who are both taxpayers and consumers. Furthermore, the improvement in quality of the integrity of the traditional silt fence would reduce erosion and the resulting damage to our environment. 
   The integration of the wire mesh and fabric as an anchor in the crimped fold between the silt fence and the wire mesh backing will also improve the integrity of the installed fence and would eliminate reinstallation of silt fencing following a breach in the silt fencing material. The elimination of the labor costs associated with reinstallation of the silt fence would further reduce costs. Furthermore, the improvement in the integrity of the traditional silt fence would reduce erosion and the resulting damage to the environment. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects, structures, advantages, and functions are shown or are inherent in, and will become better understood with regard to, the following description and accompanied drawings where: 
       FIG. 1  is the right side view of the machine attached to the towing vehicle or other motive force. 
       FIG. 2  is the exploded right side perspective view of the machine. 
       FIG. 3  is the left side view of the machine with silt fence material (shaded) and the wire mesh (grid) being inserted in the vertical trench by the circular rigid plate. 
       FIG. 4  is the rear view of the invention as it would operate installing the silt fence with wire mesh backing in the ground by means of the rigid plate wheel crimping the wire mesh on top of the silt fence in the trench being sliced in advance of the wheel. 
       FIGS. 5A–C  shows a partial cross section conceptual view of the soil (a) before the operation of the machine, (b) during operation of the machine, and (c) after the operation of the machine with the silt fence and wire mesh backing installed and the soil trench compacted around it. 
       FIG. 6  is the rear view of the crimping wheel of the machine illustrating the bearing and shaft assembly for the wheel. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now more particularly to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several figures,  FIG. 1  shows the silt fence machine  10  attached to a towing vehicle  12  via a conventional three-point hitch  14 , the top link being a conventional hydraulic cylinder  14 A, and the lower arms  14 B. The cylinder  14 A directly acts to alter the angle of attack of a soil disrupter  20  for faster penetration into the soil  100  and to allow the silt fence machine  10  to adjust to the contours of the terrain of soil  100 , and the lower arms  14 B adjust the depth of the silt fence machine  10  approximately 4 inches to 14 inches during operation. The silt fence machine  10  will operate with a standard top link, but without the speed of penetration into the soil, and can be adapted to operate with other power sources also. 
   The silt fence machine  10  includes a frame  30 ,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , comprising a C-channel frame  30 A and a partial C-channel frame  30 B,  FIG. 2 , affixed together in a rigid manner with the soil disruptor  20  sandwiched between the two frames. The two frames  30 A and  30 B are welded to vertical plate  32 A which is attached by swiveling spindle  34  and hydraulic pistons  36  to a second vertical plate  32 B that is then connected to the conventional three-point hitch  14 . The swiveling spindle  34  and hydraulic pistons  36  between the two vertical plates  32 A and  32 B allow for easier navigation and maneuverability through turns by towing vehicle  10 . The top of vertical plate  32 A is supported by diagonal brace  31 . 
   The hydraulic pistons  36  are affixed in a rigid manner atop frames  30 A and  30 B. The piston arms  36 A of hydraulic pistons  36  are affixed to vertical plate  32 B by swiveling spindles  38 . The hydraulic pistons  36  are not affixed to power source  12  or any other power source. Rather, hydraulic fluid lines  36 B allow the transfer of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pistons  36  during operation of the silt fence machine  10  in order to allow the silt fence machine  10  to articulate around swiveling spindles  34  and  38 . When the silt fence machine  10  is not in operation, hydraulic line valve  36 C is closed thereby preventing the transfer of hydraulic fluid through hydraulic fluid lines  36 B and preventing silt fence machine  10  from articulating around swiveling spindles  34  and  38 . 
   Rigid forms, which in a preferred embodiment are tubular steel, comprise support structure  40  that also functions as one side of the partial C-channel frame  30 B,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . Support structure  40  is rigidly attached to the front and rear left side of partial C-channel frame  30 B extending rearwardly beyond frame  30 . Support structure  40  supports vertical support members  42  and  44  affixed, as by welding, perpendicular to said support structure  40 . Welded to support member  42  is an elongated member, such as a length of standard pipe or solid cold roll finish bar (pipe)  42 B, that extends perpendicular to vertical support member  42  and horizontal to the ground  100 . Pipe  42 B holds a roll of silt fence material  46 , which is bracketed by circular plate  42 A. Circular plate  42 A has a hole drilled through its center axis so as to fit over pipe  42 . Circular plate  42 A is mounted onto pipe  42  by fitting pipe  42  through the center axis hole in circular plate  42 A, and circular plate  42 A can be adjusted to its desired position along pipe  42 B and then locked into place. The roll of silt fence material  46  is positioned top first on pipe  42 B, and circular plate  42 A positions the bottom edge of the silt fence material  46  approximately 4 inches to 8 inches perpendicularly from the plane of wheel  50 . 
   Welded to support member  44  is an elongated member, such as a length of standard pipe or solid cold roll finish bar (pipe)  44 B, that extends perpendicular to vertical support member  44  and horizontal to the ground  100 . Pipe  44 B holds a roll of wire mesh fencing  48 , preferably 14 gauge or larger, which is bracketed by circular metal plate  44 A. Circular plate  44 A has a hole drilled through its center axis so as to fit over pipe  44 . Circular plate  44 A is mounted onto pipe  44  by fitting pipe  44  through the center axis hole in circular plate  44 A, and circular plate  44 A can be adjusted to its desired position along pipe  44 B and then locked into place. The roll of wire mesh fencing  48  is positioned bottom first on pipe  44 B, and circular plate  44 A positions the bottom edge of the wire mesh fencing  48  approximately 4 inches to 8 inches perpendicularly from the plane of wheel  50 . 
   Circular metal plates  42 C and  44 C have holes drilled through their center axis so as to fit over pipes  42 B and  44 B, respectively, to hold the rolls of silt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48  in their desired horizontal positions on pipes  42 B and  44 B. Pipe collars  42 D and  44 D are then fitted onto pipes  42 B and  44 B, respectively, to lock circular pates  42 C and  44 C so as to hold silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  into their respective horizontal positions. 
   Silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  are converted to a vertical position by wheel  50  engaging the horizontal silt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48  perpendicularly as they roll downward and away from the towing vehicle or motive force  12 , thus causing the silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  to fold into two flaps as they flow beneath and pivot against wheel  50  ( FIG. 3 ). The horizontal positions of the silt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48  on support structures  42  and  44 , respectively, determine the size of the flaps of the stilt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48 , and thus the height of the silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  above the fold, with the goal being one flap of the fold at least 4 inches long positioned below the surface of soil  100 , with the balance of the width of the silt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48  on the other flap, positioned partially below the surface of soil  100  for the depth of the trench and the remainder above the surface of soil  100 ,  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a weight  49 , such as a heavy chain, affixed to vertical brace  31  that extends over the roll of silt fence material  46  and onto the unrolling silt fence material  46  before its contact with the unrolling wire mesh backing  48 . The weight  49  is employed to maintain tension on silt fence material  46  as it is dispensed from the roll of silt fence material  46  mounted on pipe  42 B and to arrest the speed of silt fence material  46  as it is dispensed from the roll of silt fence material  46  mounted on pipe  42 B to ensure that silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  are dispensed at the same rate. 
     FIG. 2  details cotter pin  22  and locking wire fastener  22 A securing soil disrupter  20  in frame  30 , and cotter pin  24  and locking wire fastener pin  24 A securing same and also acting as a sheer bolt for soil disrupter  20 . Soil disruptor  20  is a rigid plate of hardened metal, preferably steel, approximately four (4) centimeters thick, presenting a forward edge  26 ,  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and a predetermined angle of attack, approximately 15 degrees to 40 degrees. 
   Wheel  50 ,  FIGS. 1–3  and  6 , attaches to the inside of static support arm  52  via a bearing and shaft assembly  52 A allowing silt fence material  46  and wire mesh fencing  48  to flow by without snagging. Wheel  50  is a solid piece of material, preferably steel. The bearing shaft assembly  52 A allows the wheel  50  to extend out approximately 4 inches from the support arm  52 . The flange end on the bearing shaft assembly  52 A is welded on to the support arm  52 . The end of the bearing assembly  52 A opposite the flange end is welded onto the wheel  50 . 
   Support arm  52  is fastened inside of housing  54 . Housing  54  is constructed of a strong rigid material (such as steel), and further houses ratchet mechanism  56  for the adjustment of the vertical depth of wheel  50 . The adjustment of the depth of wheel  50  is controlled by manual manipulation of ratchet arm  56 A. Housing  54  is welded to the right (inside) side of support structure  40 . 
   Foot  60 ,  FIGS. 1–3 , attaches to the inside and below support arm  62 . Foot  60  is a strong rigid piece (typically made of hardened metal) with a single 90° channel running the length of foot  60 . Foot  60  is affixed in a rigid manner to the bottom end of support arm  62 , with its forward face  60 A offset away from the vertical plane of the side of wheel  50 . Support arm  62  is drilled with large holes along its length to allow for adjustment of the depth of the operation of foot  60 . Support arm  62  is housed inside of sleeve  64 . Sleeve  64  is constructed of rectangular tubular steel. Sleeve  64  is also drilled along its length with holes at intervals corresponding to those drilled through support arm  62 . Holes drilled in support arm  62  and sleeve  64  accept cotter pin  66  to affix the operational depth of foot  60 . Cotter pin  66  is secured upon exit through the forward facing holes in sleeve  64  by wire fastening pin  66 A. 
   Pertaining to the operation of silt fence machine  10 ,  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 A– 5 C, the leading edge of silt fence material  46 , held by support member  42  and standard pipe  42 B, is affixed to the leading edge of wire mesh backing  48 , held by support member  44  and standard pipe  44 B. The silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  are threaded around and under vertical wheel  50 . As silt fence machine  10  moves forward, soil disrupter  20  engages soil  100  and pulls silt fence machine  10  into soil  100 . Soil disruptor  20  slices through soil  100  minimally disrupting soil  100  upward and minimizing horizontal compaction of soil  100  so as to create a narrow trench  110  in soil  100 . 
   As silt fence machine  10  levels off, vertical wheel  50  engages silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  and begins to rotate, and silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  are funneled to wheel  50  and inserted by wheel  50  into trench  110  in soil  100 . Wheel  50  crimps the wire mesh backing  48  on top of silt fence material  46  into trench  110  in soil  100  being formed by soil disrupter  20 , creating flaps of silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  of unequal proportion ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 B). The vertical components of the unequal flaps of silt fence material  46  and wire mesh  48  are then secured in soil  100  by foot  60  compacting trench  110  created by soil disrupter  20  against the flaps of silt fencing  46  and wire mesh backing  48  as the silt fence machine  10  progresses forward ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 C). The V-shape created when wheel  50  crimps the wire fence backing  46  on top of silt fence material  48  into the trench created by soil disruptor  20  acts as an anchor as soil  100  is collapsed around it by the operation of foot  60  compressing the soil in the created trench  110  ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 C). Compaction of soil  100  around the V-shape is demonstrated in  FIGS. 5A–C  and effectively locks silt fence material  46  and wire mesh backing  48  into soil  100 . 
   Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that, within the scope of the pending claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. To the extent other embodiments are herein created, it is intended that they fall within the scope and protection provided by the claims appended hereto.