Inventors:
James M. Buck - Keller TX, US
Phillip M. Spradlin - Keller TX, US
Assignee:
GTE Southwest Incorporated, d/b/a Verizon Southwest - Irving TX
International Classification:
A01B 1/02
Abstract:
Apparatus for digging a trench in the soil for the purpose of installing underground infrastructure such as underground communication cable, underground sprinkler hoses, invisible underground dog fences, etc. The apparatus, termed a “chunker” is designed ergonomically to reduce muscle fatigue normally experienced by a trench-digger and to improve safety. The handle is ergonomically designed to accommodate the natural orientation of the hands. The length of the chunker can be adjustable to accommodate different heights of different people using the chunker. The chunker can be weighted for low center of gravity to improve stability and accuracy in usage. The spade-blade at the bottom of the chunker is oriented in a direction parallel to the intended route of the trench, allowing the trench-digger to widely straddle the line of the trench to avoid foot injury as the blade is vigorously thrown vertically downward into the soil near the trench-digger's body. The forming of the trench involves an easier left-right movement of the ground-inserted chunker instead of a forward-backward movement.