Micro trench shovel

Abstract

A micro trench backfill trimming shovel comprises a handle 102 attached to a shaft 104 attached at to a shovel blade 106. An adjustable gauge bar 108 is attached to the rear of the shovel blade and i

Description

This invention relates to a shovel used during the installation of utilities. Introduction and background The telecommunications industry faces a unique set of challenges when installing utilities in existing infrastructure such as footpaths and roads. These include working on a number of different surfaces that are unregulated. The utility operative will be trying to trim stone to a set levels prior to tarmacking. Currently trimming is done by an operatives using their own judgement and ad hoc measurements using ‘dip sticks’. This can lead to an inconsistent fill area, which is to be filled with tarmac. If levels are inconsistent this can mean increased amount of tarmac being used to make up the difference (note tarmac can be three times more expensive than stone). Micro trenches are narrow, shallow trenches used primarily for laying cables and utility lines, especially for telecommunications and fibre-optic networks. They typically measure 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide and 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) deep. The main aim of micro trenching is to minimize disruption to existing infrastructure and the environment while providing a quick and efficient method for deploying new utility lines. This method is increasingly favoured for its efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to traditional trenching methods. Benefits of Micro Trenching: Reduced Disruption: Due to their narrow width and shallow depth, micro trenches cause minimal disruption to traffic and daily activities compared to traditional trenches. Cost-Effective: Less material is removed and restored, reducing labour and material costs. Speed: Faster installation means that utilities can be deployed more quickly. Environmental Impact: Smaller trenches mean less disturbance to the ground and surrounding environment. A typical installation of a micro trench is as follows: A specialized micro trenching machine is used, equipped with a cutting wheel that creates the narrow trench. The machine cuts the trench to the specified width and depth, simultaneously removing the excavated material. A small conduit (plastic pipe) is often laid in the trench to protect the cable. The fibre-optic or other utility cable is pulled through the conduit. The trench is filled with a special backfill material designed to protect the cable and restore the surface. The surface is restored to its original condition, often using a quick-setting concrete or asphalt mix. This ensures that the trench blends seamlessly with the surrounding area. According to an embodiment there is provided a shovel comprising: a handle; a shaft attached at one end to the handle, and at another end to a shovel blade; and an adjustable gauge bar, for attachment to the rear of the shovel blade, that is wider and shallower than the shovel blade; wherein the gauge bar is attached to the shovel blade by at least one fastening that passes through the shovel blade and a fixing region of the gauge bar, and is secured at the back of the gauge bar; wherein the gauge bar can be vertically adjusted with respect to the shovel blade to change the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar; and an integrated depth bar extending from the base of the shovel blade, wherein the width of the depth bar is less than the width of the shovel blade. Preferably, the at least one fastening is two screws, and associated nuts, one below the other, that pass through the shovel blade to secure the gauge bar to the shovel blade. Further preferably,wherein the gauge bar is adjustable with respect to the shovel blade so that the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar can be between 30-150mmmm. Preferably, the fixing region of the gauge bar is a vertical slot. In an embodiment, the vertical slot is centrally positioned in the gauge bar. Preferably, the gauge bar extends the same distance on either side of the shovel blade. Further preferably, the gauge bar extends between 100-300mm beyond the shovel blade, on either side of the shovel blade. Preferably, the gauge bar has a width between 300-600mm. Further preferably, the width of the gauge bar is between 450500mm. In an embodiment, the integrated depth bar is centrally located with respect to the base of the shovel blade. Preferably, the integrated depth bar has a width of between 4080% of the width of the shovel blade, Further preferably, the width of the integrated depth bar is between 60-70% of the width of the shovel blade. In a preferred embodiment, the integrated depth bar has a depth of between 50150mm. Further preferably, the integrated depth bar has a width of between 300600mm. In a preferred embodiment, the shovel blade, gauge bar and depth bar are all formed of metal. Further preferably, the metal is stainless steel. Brief description of the figures Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Figure 1 is a front view of the shovel according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a rear view of the shovel according to an embodiment; Figure 3(a) is a view of the shovel part of the micro shovel, according to an embodiment; Figure 3(b) is a view of the gauge bar of the micro shovel, according to an embodiment; Figure 3(a) is a view of the nuts and bolts, according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a view of the gauge bar component of the shovel according to an embodiment: Figure 5 is a side view of the gauge bar connected to the shovel blad of the shovel. Figure 6(a) is a view of an example trench, and Figure 6(b) is an example of the shovel in use in the trench. Detailed description of Invention Examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which there is illustrated an example of a micro trench shovel. It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that the concepts disclosed are not limited to the specific examples herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. To address the challenges with the prior art, the inventors have created a Micro Trench Depth Gauge Shovel, an innovative tool designed for the reinstatement of micro trenches. Micro trenches, as discussed above, are narrow trenches not exceeding 100mm in width, essential for minimising disruption and maintaining the integrity of the existing surfaces. The shovel of this invention has been designed to ensure that these micro trenches are reinstated correctly with composite materials being applied at the required depth, using the adjustable gauging bar set to the required depth. By using the Micro trench shovel an operative can set the gauge to a the required trim height ensuring consistency along the lengths of the trench. The uniqueness of this shovel tool lies in its precision-focused design. It features a wide head, preferably 100mm wide, coupled with an adjustable gauge, which allows installers who require a micro trench to set the bar to the required gauge as required by the local council or other commissioning body. This precision of the trench depth is critical for ensuring a flush surface post-tarmacking, thereby eliminating uneven surfaces and protrusions that are common with conventional trenching methods. Figure 1 shows a front view of the shovel according to an embodiment, and figure 2 shows the rear view of the shovel according an embodiment. Figure 3(a) is a view of the shovel component of the micro shovel, figure 3(b) is a view of the gauge bar 108, and figure 3(c) is a view of the nuts and bolts, this figure shows the components before they are all fixed together to form the micro trench shovel 100. The shovel 100 has a handle 102, shaft 104, shovel plate 106, extending gauge bar 108, with a central fixing strip 110, insert holes 140, for receiving screws 112, and depth bar 114. The depth bar is provided with measurement marking 122, to assist in the use of the shovel 100. Preferably, the shovel plate 106, gauge bar 108 and depth bar 114 are made from metal, more preferably from stainless steel. In an embodiment, there is provided a shovel comprising: a handle; a shaft attached at one end to the handle, and at another end to a shovel blade; and an adjustable gauge bar, for attachment to the rear of the shovel blade, that is wider and shallower than the shovel blade; wherein the gauge bar is attached to the shovel blade by at least one fastening that passes through the shovel blade and a fixing region of the gauge bar, and is secured at the back of the gauge bar; wherein the gauge bar can be vertically adjusted with respect to the shovel blade to change the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar, and an integrated depth bar extending from the base of the shovel blade, wherein the width of the depth bar is less than the width of the shovel blade .. Preferably, handle 102 is a robust fibreglass D-handle that provides a comfortable and firm grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during extended use. The handle is attached to the shaft 104, this is preferably a lacquer-coated carbon steel blade, known for its strength and durability. This coating not only protects the shaft 104 from corrosion but also helps in smooth soil penetration. A unique aspect of this shovel 100 is its depth control mechanism. The shovel 100 is equipped with adjustable gauge bar ,108 which substantially extends horizontally outwards from the sides of the shovel blade 106 . The adjustable gauge bar is wider that the shovel blade, but also has a shorter depth that the shovel blade 106. Preferably the gauge bar is between 300-550 mm wide, more preferably the gauge bar 108 is 450 mm wide, and preferably 30-60mm deep. The primary function of the adjustable gauge bar 108 is to prevent the shovel 106 from digging deeper than the set depth for the micro trench (which varies between local authorities). This feature is crucial for tasks requiring consistent trench depth, such as laying cables or pipes at a specific underground level. The gauge bar 108 can be adjusted by unscrewing the bolts 112 at the back from the locking nuts 150 and vertically moving the adjustable gauge bar 108 inline to the desired gauge with respect to the shovel blade 106.. To secure the gauge bar 108, the bolts 112 are tightened, and secured with nuts 150. Preferably, the at least one fastening is two bolts 112, and associated nuts 150, one below the other, that pass through the shovel blade to secure the gauge bar 108 to the shovel blade 106. In an embodiment, the gauge bar is adjustable so that the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar can be between 30-150 mm, more preferably between 80-120mm. The depth bar 114 is integrated in the base of the shovel blade 106 and protrudes from the base of the shovel blade 106, below the adjustable gauge bar 108. Preferably, the integrated depth bar 114 is attached to the base of the shovel blade, or is integral to the shovel blade, wherein the width of the depth bar is less than the width of the shovel blade Further preferably, the integrated depth bar is centrally located with respect to the base of the shovel blade. In an embodiment the integrated depth bar 114 has a width of between 40-80% of the width of the shovel blade. Further preferably, the width of the integrated depth bar is between 60-70% of the width of the shovel blade. In a preferred embodiment the integrated depth bar has a depth of between 50-150mm, more preferably, between 80-120mm. Further preferably, the integrated depth bar has a width of between 300-600mm, more preferably the width is 450-55mm. This depth bar allows the user to scrape back excess material, ensuring that the trench maintains a precise depth that is required from the surface. This design feature is particularly beneficial for achieving uniform trench depths over long distances, making the shovel ideal for micro trench installation. Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the adjustable gauge bar 108. The bar is preferable made of stainless steel and is provided with a slot 130, and top edge 132, bottom edge 134 and side edges 136. Preferably, the slot 130 is centrally located and extends vertically down the gauge bar 108. The central slot 130 allows the bar to be mounted onto the shovel blade 106, and moved vertically up and down with respect to the shovel blade 106, to provide the correct depth gauge for the micro trench. Once the adjustable gauge bar 106 is correctly positioned with respect to the shovel blade 106, the bolts 112 will be tightened, securing the bar 108 to the shovel blade 106, for use. In a preferred embodiment, the gauge bar 108 extends the same distance on either side of the shovel blade 106. Preferably the distance is 100-300mm beyond the outer edges of the shovel blade 106. Preferably the gauge bar is between 300-600mm mm wide, more preferably the gauge bar 108 is 450 mm wide, and preferably 5-150 mm deep. Figure 5 is a side view showing the gauge bar 108 attached to the shovel blade 106. As shown, bolts 112 pass through the shovel blade 106, and through the slot 130 in the gauge bar 108, to be secured by nuts 150. As shown, the gauge bar 108 is secured with two bolts 112, but it could be secured by more than two bolts. Figures 6(a) and (b) illustrates the shovel 100 in use. Figure 6(a) shows a cross section of ground 200 with a trench 210 containing unregulated gravel. The trench has base 202, and side walls 206, the trench contains material 204, such as gravel. In figure 6(b) the shovel 100 is inserted into the trench 210. The Depth Guage Shovel 100 is scarping gravel to required height as set by the gauge bar 106. As shown, the gauge bar 108 ensures that only the depth bar 114 will fit into the trench 210, the main shovel blade 106 is prevented from entering the trench 210, by the gauge bar 108, which extends over the width of the trench. This allows the unregulated gravel as shown in figure 6(a) to be set to the required height in the trench 210, by use of the shovel 100 of this invention. Key Benefits Precision and Accuracy: The adjustable gauge bar 108 ensures that the trench 210 is installed precisely at the required depth, ensuring uniform depth of materials when reinstating the micro trench 210. Multiple application: As a result of the adjustable gauge bar 108 the shovel 100 can be used for multiple sites that may vary in required depths, with local authorities across the UK having differing gauges for tarmac to be reinstated at (as set out in the local authorities highway design guide). Additionally, the adjustable gauge bar 108 means that the shovel 100 can be applied to differing surfaces including; footpaths and roads, each of which have differing depth requirements for reinstating. Surface Integrity Maintenance: By enabling exact backfilling, the shovel 100 ensures that post-tarmacking surfaces are flush, preventing uneven or protruding surfaces. Efficiency in Installation: The shovel 100 reduces the time and effort needed for measuring and adjusting trench depths, streamlining the installation process. Safety Enhancement: A uniform trench depth minimizes risks associated with uneven surfaces, enhancing safety for both workers and the public. Cost-Effectiveness: Precise trenching and backfilling reduce the need for subsequent adjustments and repairs, leading to cost savings. Compatibility with Urban Environments: The shovel is especially beneficial in urban areas where maintaining the integrity of footpaths and roads is crucial. Furthermore, because the illustrated embodiments of the present invention may, for the most part, be implemented using components known to those skilled in the art, details will not be explained in any greater detail than that considered necessary as illustrated below, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention. In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and that the claims are not limited to the specific examples described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments. However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms ‘a’ or ‘an,’ as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as ‘at least one’ and ‘one or more’ in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles ‘a’ or ‘an’ limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases ‘one or more’ or ‘at least one’ and indefinite articles such as ‘a’ or ‘an.’ The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A shovel comprising:a handle;a shaft attached at one end to the handle, and at another end to a shovel blade;and an adjustable gauge bar, for attachment to the rear of the shovel blade, that is wider and shallower than the shovel blade;wherein the gauge bar is attached to the shovel blade by at least one fastening that passes through the shovel blade and a fixing region of the gauge bar, and is secured at the back of the gauge bar;wherein the gauge bar can be vertically adjusted with respect to the shovel blade to change the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar; andan integrated depth bar extending from the base of the shovel blade, wherein the width of the depth bar is less than the width of the shovel blade.

2. The shovel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one fastening is two screws, and associated nuts, one below the other, that pass through the shovel blade to secure the gauge bar to the shovel blade.

3. The shovel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the gauge bar is adjustable with respect to the shovel blade so that the depth of the shovel blade below the gauge bar can be between 30-150mmmm.

4. The shovel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fixing region of the gauge bar is a vertical slot.

5. The shovel as claimed in claim 4 wherein the vertical slot is centrally positioned in the gauge bar.

6. The shovel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the gauge bar extends the same distance on either side of the shovel blade.

7. The shovel as claimed in claim 6 wherein the gauge bar extends between 100300mm beyond the shovel blade, on either side of the shovel blade.

8. The shovel as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gauge bar has a width between 300-600mm.

9. The shovel as claimed in claim 8 wherein the width of the gauge bar is between 450-500mm.

10. The shovel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the integrated depth bar is centrally located with respect to the base of the shovel blade.

11. The shovel as claimed in claim 10 wherein the integrated depth bar has a width of between 40-80% of the width of the shovel blade.

12. The shovel as claimed in claim 11 wherein the width of the integrated depth bar is between 60-70% of the width of the shovel blade.

13. The shovel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the integrated depth bar has a depth of between 50-150mm.

14. The shovel as claimed in claim 13 wherein the integrated depth bar has a width of between 300-600mm.

15. The shovel as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the shovel blade, gauge bar and depth bar are all formed of metal.

16. The shovel as claimed in claim 15 wherein the metal is stainless steel.

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