Trenching tooth and method

Abstract

A molded trenching tooth has a bracket (A) for attachment to a driven trenching member and carries a body having an outwardly inclined lower portion (B) and inwardly extending upper portion (C) that are joined by a curved intermediate portion integrally connecting the body members. A forward edge (D) is provided for facilitating entry of the tooth into the earth while at least one additional groove (E) in the body is aligned with the forward edge (D) providing a next successive edge of a new tooth formed thereby when the forward edge of the body wears away.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tooth for use in a trenching apparatus positionable to project from a driven trenching member for entry into the earth comprising: 
 a bracket attachable to the driven trenching member;    a body having an outwardly inclined lower portion carried by the bracket integrally therewith, and an inwardly inclined upper portion carried integrally by the lower portion;    a forward edge facilitating entry of the tooth into the earth carried on a forward portion of said body; and    at least one groove in the body in alignment with the forward edge for forming an additional forward edge defining an additional tooth exposed after the first mentioned forward portion of said body is worn away by the abrasive action of the earth during trenching;    whereby the useful life of the tooth is enlarged after the forward portion of said body is worn away so as to expose the additional forward edge to the earth to again facilitate entry of the tooth into the earth.    
     
     
         2 . The tooth set forth in  claim 1  constructed of molded material having a hardness exceeding that of sheet steel capable of bending and machining.  
     
     
         3 . The tooth set forth in  claim 1  wherein a groove in the body is provided in a forward portion of said body in alignment with the forward edge providing an additional forward edge.  
     
     
         4 . The tooth set forth in  claim 3  wherein a plurality of grooves are provided in the body with each including tapered forward edges.  
     
     
         5 . The tooth set forth in  claim 4  wherein a bridge member is located between the grooves for providing additional stability.  
     
     
         6 . A tooth for use in a trenching apparatus positionable to project from a driven trenching member for entry into the earth comprising: 
 a bracket attachable to the driven trenching member;    a body having an offset intermediate portion carried by the bracket integrally therewith;    a forward edge facilitating entry of the tooth into the earth carried on said body; and    at least one groove in the body in general alignment with the forward edge for forming an additional forward edge defining an additional tooth exposed after the first mentioned forward edge is worn away by the abrasive action of the earth during trenching;    whereby the useful life of the tooth is enhanced after the first mentioned forward edge is worn away so as to expose the additional forward edge to the earth to again facilitate entry of the tooth into the earth.    
     
     
         7 . The tooth set forth in  claim 6  being of thickened molded construction.  
     
     
         8 . The tooth set forth in  claim 7  including a plurality of grooves in the body in general alignment with the forward edge having a transverse bridging member at an intermediate portion of the grooves.  
     
     
         9 . A method of trenching utilizing a tooth positionable to project from a driven trenching member for entry into the earth comprising the steps of: 
 molding a bracket for the tooth attachable to the driven trenching member;    molding a body having an outwardly inclined lower portion carried by the bracket integrally therewith, and an inwardly inclined upper portion carried integrally by the lower portion;    molding a tapered forward edge facilitating entry of the tooth into the earth carried on said body;    molding at least one groove in the body in alignment with the forward edge for forming an additional forward edge defining an additional tooth exposed after the first mentioned forward edge is worn away by the abrasive action of the earth during trenching;    whereby the useful life of the tooth is enhanced requiring a lesser number of tooth changes affording savings of labor, downtime, and fasteners for the attaching bracket, after the first mentioned forwarded edge is worn away so as to expose the additional forward edge to the earth to again facilitate entry of the tooth into the earth.    
     
     
         10 . The method of trenching set forth in  claim 9  including the step of molding a tapered forward edge on a forward edge of the tooth and upon an additional tooth.  
     
     
         11 . The method of trenching set forth in  claim 10  including the step of molding a transverse bridge across an intermediate portion of said grooves.