Abstract:
Trench shoring apparatuses configured to be moved by construction equipment and including major vertical arms, struts attached to the lower ends of the major vertical arms, connectors rigidly connected to the major vertical arms proximate the upper ends of the major vertical arms, the connectors being configured to detachably couple with the construction equipment. In some examples, struts include strut arms movably supported by the major vertical arm and strut actuators configured to selectively extend and retract the strut arm laterally across trenches, the strut arms being configured to pair with shoring plates proximate outer ends. In some examples, connectors include first retaining arms and second retaining arms extending transverse to the major vertical arm. In some examples, connectors include metallic rings defining openings sized to receive projections of construction equipment. Some examples include remote control receivers and remote control transmitters in electronic communication with the remote control receivers.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/675,141, filed on Dec. 16, 2013. Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/675,141 claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/737,654, filed on Dec. 14, 2012. Both of the above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to trench shoring apparatuses. In particular, trench shoring apparatuses being configured to mechanically expand and retract shoring panels, adaptable for attachment to a wide variety of presently-existing construction operating equipment via connectors, and/or controlled remotely via remote control transmitters and receivers are described. 
         [0003]    Existing trench shoring apparatuses and methods are often slow and may create life threatening safety hazards. Specifically, conventional trench shoring apparatuses are often very difficult to move and to install along the length of a trench. Additionally, conventional trench shoring apparatuses and methods often require the user to enter the trench during shoring, which may be potentially life threatening if the trench walls cave in during shoring. 
         [0004]    Because of these safety hazards, many conventional trench shoring devices and methods are often quite dangerous. Accordingly, there exists a need for improvements that improve trench shoring apparatuses&#39; safety profiles. In particular, improvements that reduce the need for users to enter un-shored or improperly shored trenches are greatly needed. Accordingly, there exists a need devices that allow trench shoring struts and shoring plates to be inserted into trenches and extended to a proper shoring position without requiring a user to manually enter the trench and adjust the strut and shoring plates. 
         [0005]    Further, many conventional trench shoring apparatuses are expensive, single-purpose devices suitable only for shoring trenches. Accordingly, trench shoring activities can add a great deal of financial expense to a project. 
         [0006]    Moreover, conventional trench shoring apparatuses are not configured to readily interface and be used cooperatively with construction equipment commonly on site where trenches are being dug. The ability to easily and effectively use common construction equipment to move trench shoring apparatuses into and out of trenches would make shoring trenches faster and less expensive. Accordingly, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses that can readily interface with common construction equipment to cooperatively perform trench shoring activities. 
         [0007]    Thus, there exists a need for trench shoring apparatuses that improve upon and advance the design of known trench shoring apparatuses and methods. Examples of new and useful trench shoring apparatuses relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
         [0008]    Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/107,851, filed on May 13, 2011, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/013,636, filed on Jan. 5, 2011, and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/37123, filed on May 9, 2012, each provide examples of trench shoring apparatuses and additional or alternative features relevant to the disclosure provided below. The complete disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/107,851, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/013,636, and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US12/37123, are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to trench shoring apparatuses configured to be moved by construction equipment. The trench shoring apparatuses include a major vertical arm, struts attached to the lower ends of the major vertical arm a connector rigidly connected to the major vertical arm proximate the upper end of the major vertical arm. The connector is configured to detachably couple with the construction equipment. 
         [0010]    In some examples, the struts include strut arms movably supported by the major vertical arm and strut actuators configured to selectively extend and retract the strut arm laterally across trenches. Further, the strut arms may be configured to pair with shoring plates proximate outer ends. In some examples, the connector includes first retaining arms and second retaining arms extending transverse to the major vertical arm. 
         [0011]    In other examples, the connector includes metallic rings defining openings sized to receive projections of construction equipment. Some trench shoring apparatus examples include remote control receivers and remote control transmitters in electronic communication with the remote control receivers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first example of a trench shoring apparatus coupled with a piece of construction operating equipment defining a backhoe. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with shoring plates removed and with internal elements illustrated in dash-dash-dash broken lines. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  showing the trench shoring apparatus in a retracted configuration in solid lines and showing the trench shoring apparatus in an extended configuration in dash-dot-dash broken lines. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  showing the trench shoring apparatus in an extended configuration in solid lines and showing the trench shoring apparatus in a retracted configuration dash-dot-dash broken lines. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second example of a trench shoring apparatus coupled with a piece of construction operating equipment defining a backhoe. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a connector and a major vertical arm of the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  in a disconnected configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a connector of the trench shoring apparatus and a major vertical arm of the trench shoring apparatus in a disconnected configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  coupled with the backhoe via a metal cable. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the trench shoring apparatus shown a  FIG. 5  coupled with a piece of construction operating equipment defining a forklift. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the trench shoring apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  taken about the line  9 - 9  to show the internal elements of the trench shoring apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The disclosed apparatuses will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
         [0023]    Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various apparatuses are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , an example of a trench shoring apparatus relevant to the needs discussed above, trench shoring apparatus  100  wilt now be described. As  FIG. 2  shows, apparatus  100  includes a major vertical arm  125 , a strut  150 , a connector  175 , an internal power supply  115 , and a remote control receiver  190 . As  FIG. 1  shows, apparatus  100  further includes a first shoring plate  170  and a second shoring plate  172 . 
         [0025]    Apparatus  100  is configured to shore longitudinally extending trenches, such as trench  92  defined by first lateral trench wall  94  and second lateral trench wall  96 . In particular, apparatus  100  includes numerous features that adapt it to be placed in a trench, adjusted between expanded and retracted configurations within the trench, and removed from the trench without a user needing to manually enter the trench. Because improperly-shored trenches are a safety hazard, any improvement that allows trenches to be shored without a user entering the trench dramatically improves the safety of trench-shoring projects. 
         [0026]    As  FIG. 1  further illustrates, apparatus  100  is configured to be selectively and removably supported by construction equipment without the use of complicated attaching means. Indeed, as  FIG. 1  illustrates, connector  175  is adapted to interface with construction equipment. In particular, connector  175  may interface with construction equipment having two or more horizontally spaced, load-bearing projections, such as construction equipment  108 . 
         [0027]    Construction equipment  108  defines a backhoe and includes an articulating arm  107  and a bucket  109 . As  FIG. 1  shows, bucket  109  defiles a first projection and a second projection: the first projection defines a first tooth  110  of the backhoe while the second projection defines a second tooth  112  of the backhoe. By coupling connector  175  with bucket  109 , construction equipment  108  may support apparatus  100  as articulating arm  107  is used to adjust the position of apparatus  100 . 
         [0028]    Apparatus  100  may effectively interface with construction equipment in addition to backhoes. For example, apparatus  100  is configured to interface with forklifts or other construction operating equipment including two load-bearing projections with which connector  175  can couple. 
         [0029]    As  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate, apparatus  100  enables users to control the extending and retracting functions of the strut arms of apparatus  100  using a remote control transmitter  195 . Remote control transmitter  195  is configured to communicate with remote control receiver  190  via wireless data connection. By allowing users to control the extending and retracting functions of the strut arms, the remote control mechanism of apparatus  100  allows users to adjust shoring plates to a proper shoring position within a trench without physically entering the trench. When apparatus  100  is to be removed from the trench, the remote control mechanism further allows users to adjust the shoring plates to a proper removal/insertion position. 
         [0030]    As  FIG. 2  shows, major vertical arm  125  extends from an arm upper end  127  proximate construction equipment  108  to an arm lower end  129  distal from arm upper end  127  and proximate strut  150 . As  FIG. 1  shows, major vertical arm  125  defines a length selected to position strut  150  at an appropriate shoring position within a trench of a predetermined depth. 
         [0031]    As  FIG. 1  shows, the distance at which major vertical arm  125  extends may be selected to space the construction equipment from strut  150  and, as a result, the shoring plates. As  FIGS. 3 and 4  show, strut  150  is substantially aligned with the center of first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172 . As  FIGS. 3 and 4  also show, major vertical arm  125  extends at approximately one half the height of the shoring plates. Accordingly, all of first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172  are positioned below construction equipment  108  (and in this example, below bucket  109 ), thereby allowing first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172  to adjust between extended and retracted positions without inadvertently contacting construction equipment  108 . 
         [0032]    As  FIG. 2  shows, strut  150  is connected to major vertical arm  125  proximate arm lower end  129 . As further shown in  FIG. 2 , strut  150  includes a strut housing  151 , a first strut arm  152 , a second strut arm  153 , and a strut actuator  167 . As  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4  each illustrate, strut  150  is configured to support first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172 . Strut  150  is also configured to mechanically extend and retract the shoring plates between extended and retracted positions.  FIG. 3 , for example, shows strut  150  extending first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  to position first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172  in an extended, shoring configuration. 
         [0033]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, strut housing  151  houses strut actuator  167  and interior portions of first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . In some examples, strut housing additionally or alternatively house electrical or mechanical lines that connect strut actuator  167 , first strut arm  152 , and second strut arm  153  to elements with which they are in electrical or mechanical communication, such as internal power supply  115  and/or remote control receiver  190 . 
         [0034]    As  FIG. 2  shows, first strut arm  152  is movably supported by strut  150  at a predetermined vertical position selected to flow apparatus  100  to properly shore a trench. As  FIG. 2  illustrates, strut  150  is vertically supported by major vertical arm  125  proximate arm lower end  129  of major vertical arm  125 . Accordingly, first strut arm  152  is likewise vertically supported by major vertical arm  125  proximate arm lower end  129 . 
         [0035]    As  FIG. 2  shows, first strut arm  152  extends from an inner end  159  received within strut housing  151  to an outer end  161  positioned proximate a first lateral trench wall of a shored trench. As  FIG. 1  shows, first strut arm  152  is configured to pair with a shoring plate proximate outer end  161 . For example, first strut arm  152  is affixed to first shoring plate  170  at outer end  161 , but this particular location and type of pairing is not specifically required. 
         [0036]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, second strut arm  153  is substantially similar to first strut arm  152 , but extends in an opposite direction and is similarly received within strut housing  151  on the side opposite first strut arm  152 . As  FIG. 1  shows, second strut arm  153  extends from strut housing  151  towards a second lateral trench wall of a shored trench opposite the first lateral trench wall proximate first strut arm  152 . 
         [0037]    As  FIGS. 2 and 9  show, strut actuator  167  is disposed within strut housing  151  between first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , strut actuator  167  defines a pair of hydraulic cylinders, with a first cylinder  166  engaged with and attached to inner end  159  of first strut arm  152  and a second cylinder  168  similarly engaged with and attached to an interior end of second strut arm  153 . 
         [0038]    Each cylinder is configured to mechanically drive the associated strut arm to extend the associated strut arm towards the corresponding trench wall. For example, the first cylinder is configured to drive first strut arm  152  out of strut housing  151  and toward first lateral trench wall  94 . 
         [0039]    Conversely, each cylinder is configured to mechanically pull the associated strut arm to retract the associated strut arm away from the corresponding trench wall. For example, the first cylinder is configured to pull first strut arm  152  toward strut housing  151  and away from first lateral trench wall  94 . 
         [0040]    Accordingly, strut actuator  167  is configured to selectively extend and retract both strut arms laterally across a longitudinally-extending trench. Indeed, strut actuator  167  is configured to adjust the width of strut  150  to properly shore trenches of a wide variety of widths. 
         [0041]    Although the strut actuator of the illustrated example includes hydraulic actuators, this is not specifically required. Some examples may, for example, include electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, or other known linear actuating devices. 
         [0042]    As  FIG. 1  shows, first shoring plate  170  is paired to outer end  161  of first strut arm  152 . First shoring plate  170  may be substantially similar to several known shoring plates, such as those previously discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2011/0305529. Second shoring plate  172  is likewise substantially similar to previously discussed shoring plates and is paired to the outer end of second strut arm  153 . 
         [0043]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, connector  175  is rigidly connected to arm upper end  127  of major vertical arm  125 . As  FIG. 2  shows, connector  175  includes a vertical projection  177 , a first retaining arm  179 , and a second retaining arm  181 . As  FIG. 2  illustrates, connector  175  further defines a first void  183  and a second void  185 . With reference to  FIG. 1 , connector  175  allows apparatus  100  to detachably couple with construction equipment, such as construction equipment  108 . 
         [0044]    For example, connector  175  is configured to couple with construction equipment  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , by receiving vertical projection  177  between first tooth  110  and second tooth  112  of bucket  109 . When so inserted, first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  will remain engaged with the top of first tooth  110  and second tooth  112 , respectively, when apparatus  100  is suspended and construction equipment  108  is supporting apparatus  100 . Accordingly, when articulating arm  107  is used to raise bucket  109  and when bucket  109  is paired with connector  175 , articulating arm  107  may be used to raise apparatus  100  and adjust its position to insert or remove it from a trench. 
         [0045]    Similarly, articulating arm  107  may lower bucket  109  to release apparatus  100  from bucket  109 . When released, first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  disengage with the teeth of bucket  109 , allowing articulating arm  107  to maneuver bucket  109  away from apparatus  100 . 
         [0046]    Articulating arm  107 , bucket  109 , and the teeth of bucket  109  are each understood to be suitable for use in heavy construction operations. Accordingly, they are sufficiently rigid and structurally sound to lift, support, and maneuver apparatus  100 . Construction equipment similar to construction equipment  108  is commonly used on construction sites for non-trench-shoring uses, and thus may already be present on sites where trench shoring is required. Because connector  175  allows apparatus  100  to be easily paired with construction equipment  108 , apparatus  100  is able to provide remotely controlled trench shoring operations to construction projects without requiting extensive additional heavy operating equipment. 
         [0047]    Although connector  175  is connected on arm upper end  127 , this is not specifically required. Connectors may additionally or alternatively be connected proximate arm upper end  127 , such as by extending from one or more lateral sides of major vertical arm  125 . 
         [0048]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, vertical projection  177  is fixed to the upper end of major vertical arm  125 . As  FIG. 1  illustrates, vertical projection  177  defines a width selected to be received between two adjacent projections of a piece of construction equipment, such as first tooth  110  and second tooth  112 . Accordingly, vertical projection  177  may be easily received between the two adjacent projections. 
         [0049]    Further, vertical projection  177  extends from a first end  176  affixed to major vertical arm  125  to a second end  178  spaced from major vertical arm  125 . The length at which vertical projection  177  extends from major vertical arm  125  is selected to position first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  at a selected height. 
         [0050]    As  FIG. 2  shows, first retaining arm  179  extends from major vertical arm  125  at a vertical position selected to define first void  183  between first retaining arm  179  and major vertical arm  125 . As  FIG. 2  also shows, second retaining arm  181  additionally extends from vertical projection  177  substantially aligned with and opposite to first retaining arm  179 . Indeed, first retaining arm  179  is integral with second retaining arm  181  to define a single retaining arm. Further, first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  are integral with vertical projection  177  such that connector  175  defines a single, unified, integral body. 
         [0051]    Both first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  extend horizontally from vertical projection  177  at a distance selected to engage with two selected projections of a piece of construction equipment. For example, both first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  extend at lengths greater than one half of the distance of the spacing between first tooth  110  and second tooth  112 . Because both retaining arms extend at greater than half of the spacing between first tooth  110  and second tooth  112 , a portion of first retaining arm  179  and second retaining arm  181  is configured to align with a portion of first tooth  110  and second tooth  112 , respectively, when the rigid vertical projection is received between the first projection and the second projection. 
         [0052]    As  FIG. 1  shows, first void  183  is large enough to receive a retaining projection connected to construction equipment, such as first tooth  110 . 
         [0053]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, second retaining arm  181  defines second void  185  between second retaining arm  181  and major vertical arm  125 . Like first void  183 , second void  185  is large enough to receive a retaining projection connected to construction equipment, such as second tooth  112 . 
         [0054]    As  FIG. 2  illustrates, internal power supply  115  is disposed within major vertical arm  125 . Internal power supply  115  defines an electric battery with electrical storage capacity sufficient to power strut actuator  167  through at least one extension/retraction cycle. An extension/retraction cycle, in some examples, includes extending first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  from a fully retracted configuration to a fully extended configuration and returning first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  from the fully extended configuration back to the fully retracted configuration. 
         [0055]    Internal power supply  115  is in electric communication with strut actuator  167  and is configured to deliver energy thereto. Strut actuator  167  is configured to drive or pull first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  with energy received from internal power supply  115  to mechanically adjust the position of the outer end of the strut arm relative the trench wall. Accordingly, internal power supply  115  is configured to provide the power required to adjust first shoring plate  170  and second shoring plate  172  to a proper shoring position within a trench. 
         [0056]    Because internal power supply  115  is housed within apparatus  100 , a user does not need to manually attach a power supply to apparatus  100  to provide the energy necessary for it extending and retracting functions. Because there is no requirement for a user to attach a power source to apparatus  100  (or otherwise deliver power to apparatus  100 ), internal Dower supply  115  further reduces the need of user to enter an improperly shored trench. Further, because apparatus  100  does not require attachment of an external hydraulic line or other power source, apparatus  100  is compatible with a wide variety of types of construction operating equipment. 
         [0057]    In some examples, internal power supply  115  may be placed in electric communication with paired construction equipment, such as by connecting internal power supply  115  to an electrical outlet of the equipment with a wire. In such examples, internal power supply  115  may be configured to receive and store such energy delivered from the construction equipment. 
         [0058]    As  FIG. 2  shows, remote control receiver  190  is housed within major vertical arm  125 . As  FIG. 1  shows, remote control receiver  190  is in data communication with remote control transmitter  195 . As  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate, remote control transmitter  195  is configured to communicate a transmitter signal to remote control receiver  190  in response to a user manipulating remote control transmitter  195 . 
         [0059]    In response to receiving the transmitter signal, remote control receiver  190  sends an actuator signal to strut actuator  167  that causes strut actuator  167  to draw energy from internal power supply  115  and mechanically adjust, by hydraulically adjusting its cylinders, the position of the outer end  161  of first strut arm  152  relative a trench wall, such as first lateral trench wall  94 . In some examples, the actuator signal defines encoded data translated by the strut actuator to follow the signal&#39;s instructions. In other examples, the signal may simply define electrical energy delivered to the strut actuator that causes the strut actuator become operational. 
         [0060]    in some examples, remote control transmitter  195  may communicate transmitter signals to remote control receiver  190  wirelessly in response to user manipulation of remote control transmitter  195 . Indeed, as  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate, remote control transmitter  195  includes a plurality of buttons, each configured to wirelessly communicate a unique signal to remote control receiver  190 . The wireless communication may occur by any known wireless communication protocol, such as common WiFi and Bluetooth protocols. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication may occur via infrared communication or other known analog communication means. 
         [0061]    For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates a user having selected extension button  196 . Upon the user selecting extension button  196 , remote control transmitter  195  sends a transmitter signal indicating that remote control receiver  190  should extend first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . Accordingly, remote control receiver  190  sends an actuator signal to strut actuator  167  directing it to extend first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . As  FIG. 4  shows, strut actuator  167  mechanically extends first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  in response. 
         [0062]    Similarly,  FIG. 4  illustrates a user having selected retraction button  197 . Upon the user selecting retraction button  197 , remote control transmitter  195  sends a transmitter signal indicating that remote control receiver  190  should retract first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . Accordingly, remote control receiver  190  sends an actuator signal to strut actuator  167  directing it to retract first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153 . As  FIG. 4  shows, strut actuator  167  mechanically retracts first strut arm  152  and second strut arm  153  in response. 
         [0063]    Remote control receiver  190  is powered by internal power supply  115 . Accordingly, remote control receiver  190  does not require attachment at an external power supply to apparatus  100  to operate. 
         [0064]    Turning to  FIGS. 5-8 , a second example of a trench shoring apparatus, apparatus  200  will now be described. Apparatus  200  includes many similar or identical features to trench shoring apparatus  100  combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of apparatus  200  will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between trench shoring apparatus  200  and apparatus  100  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two trench shoring apparatuses. 
         [0065]    As  FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B  show, apparatus  200  includes a connector  275  that differs from connector  175  of apparatus  100 . As  FIGS. 6A-6B  show, connector  275  includes a metallic ring  277  defining an opening  279 . Opening  279  is configured to receive a projection extending from apparatus  200  to be supported by apparatus  200 . Because opening  279  is substantially aligned with the horizontal center of apparatus  200 , connector  275  allows apparatus  200  to be supported by a single projection extending from a piece of construction equipment. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5 , for example, shows apparatus  200  coupled to a single tooth  209  of backhoe  208  by inserting tooth  209  into opening  279 . Similarly,  FIG. 8  shows apparatus  200  coupled to a single fork  219  of forklift  218  by inserting fork  219  into opening  279 . 
         [0067]    Connector  275  is additionally configured for attaching to construction equipment by using suspension means, such as ropes, cables, chains, and straps, that can be inserted through opening  279 .  FIG. 7 , for example, shows apparatus  200  suspended by a circular cable  221  that is supported on a top end by a bucket  210  of backhoe  208  and routed through opening  279  on a lower end. As  FIG. 7  shows, cable  221  has a gauge sufficient to suspend the apparatus when the metal cable is routed through the opening and supported by the projection. 
         [0068]    As  FIGS. 5 and 6A-6B  show, apparatus  200  includes a telescoping major vertical arm  225  that is similar to major vertical arm  125 , but includes a number of additional or alternative features. As  FIGS. 5 and 7  collectively show, telescoping major vertical arm  225  is configured to telescope proximate an upper end  227 . By telescoping, apparatus  200  may be adjusted to space the strut at a variety of vertical positions relative the construction equipment. 
         [0069]    Because apparatus  200  includes a variable-length major vertical arm, apparatus  200  may be adaptable to a wide variety of trenches defining different depths.  FIG. 5 , for example, shows telescoping major vertical arm  225  in a retracted configuration, whereas  FIGS. 7 and 8  show telescoping major vertical arm  225  in an extended configuration. 
         [0070]    Further, telescoping major vertical arm  225  includes an extendable interior arm member  268  and a vertically-oriented arm actuator  226 . As  FIGS. 7 and 8  show, interior arm member  268  is configured to be at least partially positioned within the interior of telescoping major vertical arm  225 . Arm actuator  226  defines a hydraulic cylinder, substantially similar to cylinder  166  and cylinder  168  and is engaged with the bottom of interior arm member  268 . Like cylinder  166  and cylinder  168 , arm actuator  226  is in electrical communication with an interior power source within. apparatus  200  and is configured to extend and/or retract in response to signals received from remote control receiver  290 . Arm actuator  226  is configured to adjust telescoping major vertical arm  225  between extended configurations and retracted configurations by adjusting the position of the bottom of interior arm member  268 . 
         [0071]    As  FIGS. 5, 7, and 8  show, apparatus  200  additionally includes a remote control receiver  290  operatively paired with a remote control transmitter  295 , substantially similar to remote control receiver  190  and remote control transmitter  195 . As  FIGS. 5, 7, and 8  show, remote control transmitter  295  includes an up button  298  and a down button  299 . 
         [0072]    Similar to the remote control features of apparatus  100 , remote control transmitter  295 , sends a transmitter signal in response to a user selecting up button  298  to instruct remote control receiver  290  to retract interior arm member  268 , which positions apparatus  200  at a higher vertical position. In response, remote control receiver  290  sends an actuator signal to arm actuator  226 , directing it to retract interior arm member  268 . Arm actuator  226  mechanically extends interior arm member  268  in response. Interior arm member  268  may be extended in a similar manner in response to a user selecting down button  299 . 
         [0073]    As  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show, interior arm member  268  defines a threaded opening  272  on its top end proximate its horizontal center. As  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show, connector  275  additionally includes a threaded fastener  232  configured to be threaded into threaded opening  272 . By allowing connector  275  to be threadingly attached and detached from apparatus  200 , apparatus  200  may be adapted to a variety of construction equipment with interchangeable connectors. An additional or alternative connector may include, for example, a t-bar shaped connector substantially similar to connector  175 , but including a threaded fastener substantially similar to threaded fastener  232  disposed on the bottom of its vertical projection. 
         [0074]    The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
         [0075]    Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.