Compaction Apparatus and Method of Use

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for compacting soils at an excavation site. The apparatus generally attaches to the bucket attachment linkage and allows an operator to compact soils using the boom and arm of the excavator. Included is a method for compaction wherein the apparatus does not interfere with the bucket for soil removal, but is easily rotated into place when needed for compaction.

1 . A tamping apparatus suited to operation with a boom structure comprising:
 a) a compaction structure having a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter and comprising a substantial mass;   b) an offset having a first end and a second end;   c) the top surface of the compaction structure being firmly affixed with the first end of said offset;   d) the bottom surface of the compaction structure being a rigid surface suited to compression operations;   e) the second end of said offset comprising a coupling being suited to attaching to a linkage for attaching a bucket to an arm associated with a boom structure.   
     
     
         2 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the perimeter of the compaction structure is formed substantially in the shape of at least one of a rectangle, hexagon, or polygon. 
     
     
         3 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the bottom surface of the compaction structure forms a convex surface. 
     
     
         4 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 2  wherein at least one edge of the perimeter further comprises a grading apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the compaction structure comprises a compaction mass mounted separately from the compaction structure and operatively compresses against and separates from the compaction structure during a tamping process. 
     
     
         6 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 5  wherein the bottom surface of the compaction structure further comprises cleaning members and the compaction mass further comprises cleaning vias. 
     
     
         7 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 6  wherein the operation of the cleaning members and the vias dislodge adhered material from the compaction structure. 
     
     
         8 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the offset is formed in two portions comprising an upper structure being semi-permanently attached to said coupling and a lower offset structure comprises a removable attachment to the upper structure. 
     
     
         9 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 8  wherein the offset further comprises a rigid ferrule structure. 
     
     
         10 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 9  wherein the removable attachment further comprises a series of connection pins and receivers. 
     
     
         11 . The tamping apparatus in accordance with  claim 10  wherein the offset further comprises stabilization fins. 
     
     
         12 . A soil compaction apparatus for operation with an earth moving machine, such as a backhoe or earth mover, comprising:
 a) a compaction member having a substantial mass and comprising a bottom surface a top surface and a perimeter,   b) the bottom surface being suited for compaction of soils,   c) the top surface being permanently connected at one end of an offset,   d) a mounting plate being permanently connected with another end of the offset,   e) the mounting plate being connected to at least one mounting bracket,   f) the mounting bracket being connected to the linkage pins of an arm which is operatively coupled with a boom structure,   g) the boom structure being able to be manipulated to perform a compacting operation.   
     
     
         13 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the perimeter of the compaction member comprises the shape of a hexagon. 
     
     
         14 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 13  wherein at least on surface of the hexagon further comprises at least one of a grading edge and a grading face. 
     
     
         15 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the bottom surface of the compaction member comprises at least one of; flat, diamond, convex, posted, or ribbed. 
     
     
         16 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 15  wherein a mass is operatively coupled with the compaction member such that, when the boom is manipulated to perform the compacting operation, the mass dislodges any material which may adhere to the compaction surface. 
     
     
         17 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 16  wherein the mass further comprises posts to dislodge material from the compaction surface. 
     
     
         18 . The soil compaction apparatus in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the offset further comprises a channeled opening and an attaching mechanism to provide an added level of convenience for an attachment or a detachment operation. 
     
     
         19 . A method for tamping with a boom structure comprising:
 a) providing a machine operatively coupled with a boom structure,   b) proving a compaction structure comprising substantial mass and having a top surface, a bottom surface being rigid and suited to compaction operations, and a perimeter,   c) attaching the compaction structure with the boom structure such that the compaction structure aligns with the boom structure to perform a compaction operation,   d) manipulating the boom structure to perform said compaction operation.