US20060011357A1

US20060011357A1 - Edging and trenching system

Info

Publication number: US20060011357A1
Application number: US11/182,298
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas Casey; Richard Bednar
Original assignee: Electrolux Professional Outdoor Products Inc
Current assignee: Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products NA Inc
Priority date: 2004-07-16
Filing date: 2005-07-15
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

The invention provides a combination bed edger and cable layer unit having a common platform and interchangeable cutting wheels and shrouds. The protective shrouds can be attached and removed using knobs, without the need for tools. The cutting blades can be selectively mounted to the drive shaft using bolts on the face of the cutting blades. The unit includes an adjustable handle that can be adjusted to different operating heights, or can be folded over the unit in a storage position. The handle includes a release lever that allows an operator to convert the unit between a transport position and an operating position. The unit includes a chain drive transmission, providing a direct chain drive transmission from the engine shaft to the drive shaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/588,897, filed Jul. 16, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to landscape bed edgers and more particularly to combination landscape bed edgers and cable layers. The invention finds particular applicability in the field of commercial landscaping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Edgers have been used in many landscaping applications to create landscape beds, for example around flower beds, decorative gardens, pools, or trees. Edgers create well-defined edges around a bed by cutting the soil to a depth of several inches. The displaced soil is moved outwardly away from the edger, creating a clean definition of the bed edge.
Cable layers have been used to dig a narrow trench and bury cable wire in the trench. Cable layers are useful to lay pet fence or landscape lighting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a combination bed edger and cable layer having a common platform and interchangeable cutting wheels and shrouds. The bed edger shroud has a pentagon shape with an open bottom and includes baffle plates on its inside surface to direct soil away from the bed edger unit. The bed edger shroud is attachable to the bed edger using knobs, and therefore can be attached and removed from the bed edger without the use of tools. Thus, the operator can remove the shroud without tools in order to clean the edger or change the blade. In this way, the bed edger shroud can be easily removed by an operator without tools, and the cable layer shroud can be easily attached when the operator desires to change applications. The cable layer shroud is also attachable and removable through easy to use knobs.
The bed edger shroud has a pentagon shape that directs displaced soil toward the outside of the bed edger. The pentagon shape is strong and easy to manufacture.
Both shrouds are provided with a pivot pin through which the bed edger shroud or the cable layer shroud can be pivoted. An operator can thereby remove the knobs and pivot the shroud, exposing the interior surface of the shroud for cleaning purposes, and exposing the cutting blade for replacement, maintenance, and cleaning purposes.
For quick change capability between bed edger applications and cable layer applications, the bed edger cutting blade and the cable layer cutting blade are both easily attachable and removable from the drive shaft through a pilot nose mounting arrangement. The pilot nose mounting arrangement allows the cutting blades to be mounted to the drive shaft by bolts on the face of the cutting blade. This allows the operator easy access to loosen and remove the bolts and the cutting blade without the need to clamp the tool drive shaft.
The bed edger unit includes a chain drive that provides a direct link between an engine output shaft and the cutting blade drive shaft through a centrifugal clutch. The direct link chain drive supplies reliable power for heavy duty cutting, for example through tree roots. The centrifugal clutch provides a safety release of the drive shaft, for example when the cutting blade hits a rock.
The bed edger unit includes a release lever mounted on the handle that allows an operator to convert the unit from an operating position to a transport position. An operator can easily move from one bed to another without having to adjust the unit from the front and without having to move the unit on only two wheels. Moreover, the operating depth of the cutting blade can be modified to dig deeper or shallower ditches.
The fully adjustable and folding handle allows for easy transport, storage and comfortable working height. The adjustable handle can be adjusted to one of several heights allowing an operator to customize the unit to his own preferences. The folding handle allows the unit to be conveniently stored without taking up too much storage space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device configured as a bed edger.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device configured as a cable layer.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device with a protective shroud removed and with a cutting blade tool removed.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the device configured as a bed edger.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the device configured as a cable layer.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the device configured as a bed edger.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the device configured as a cable layer.
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the device configured as a bed edger.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the device configured as a cable layer.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device shown from a side opposite the cutting blade tool.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a bed edger shroud and bed edger cutting blade.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a bed edger shroud.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a bed edger shroud.
FIG. 14 is a rear view of a bed edger shroud.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a bed edger shroud.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the chain drive, frame and housing assemblies.
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the unit and the bed edger shroud.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cable layer shroud.
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a cable layer shroud and cable layer cutting blade.
FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a chain drive assembly.
FIG. 21 is a view of a chain drive assembly mounted to the unit.
FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a handle assembly.
FIG. 23 is a side view of the unit showing the handle assembly in a first and second position.
FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a steering axle assembly for the device.
FIG. 25 is a view of the steering axle in a locked position.
FIG. 26 is a view of the steering axle in an unlocked position.
FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a rear axle assembly.
FIG. 28 is a view of the rear axle assembly.
FIG. 29 is a side view of the rear axle assembly from the outside in the operating position.
FIG. 30 is a side view of the rear axle assembly from the outside in the transport position.
FIG. 31 is a side view of the rear axle assembly from the inside in the operating position.
FIG. 32 is a side view of the rear axle assembly from the inside in the transport position.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the rear axle assembly in a first and second position.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bed edger shroud.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cable layer shroud.
FIG. 36 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the device having a bed edger shroud and a cable layer cutting blade.
FIG. 37 is rear view of the device in FIG. 32 having a bed edger shroud and a cable layer cutting blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A convertible bed edger and cable layer unit 50 is shown generally in FIGS. 1-3. The unit or ground digging device 50 has a common platform with interchangeable cutting blades and protective shrouds. The unit 50 includes an engine 52, front wheels 54, 56, rear wheels 58, 60, a bed edger shroud 100, a bed edger tool 150, a cable layer shroud 200, a cable layer tool 250, a handle assembly 300, a steering axle assembly 330, a rear axle assembly 400, and a frame 500.
The engine 52, which can be either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, provides power to the unit and drives the cutting blade tool. The handle assembly 300 is attached to the frame 500 through the steering axle assembly 330. FIG. 3 shows the unit 50 without a protective shroud or cutting blade tool attached. Knobs 132, 133 are provided for easily attaching or removing a protective shroud to the frame 500. Mounting hub 158 includes a pilot nose, 3-bolt attachment feature to easily attach or detach a cutting blade to the unit. Thus, the common platform as shown in FIG. 3 can be easily configured as either a bed edger as shown in FIG. 1, or a cable layer as shown in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4-5 show a top view of the unit 50 configured as a bed edger and configured as a cable layer, respectively. FIGS. 6-7 show a side view of the working side of the unit 50 configured as a bed edger and configured as a cable layer, respectively. FIGS. 8-9 show a rear view of the unit 50 configured as a bed edger and configured as a cable layer, respectively. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the unit 50 from a side opposite the working side of the unit.
A bed edger shroud 100 is shown generally in FIGS. 11-15. The bed edger shroud includes a body 102, attachment holes 114 and 116, an attachable rear flap 118, an attachable main flap 120, a handle 122, mounting tabs 130 and a plurality of baffle plates 140, 142, and 144.
The bed edger shroud body 102 has a pentagon shape with an open bottom side, which allows for the removal of dirt. The body 102 includes angled top surfaces 104 and 106, angled side surfaces 108 and 110, and a rear surface 112. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, baffle plates 140, 142, and 144 are welded to the interior surface of the shroud body 102. Baffle plates 140, 142, and 144 are advantageously placed within the interior of the shroud body 102 to efficiently direct the flow of dirt to the side of the bed edger unit. The shape of the shroud body 102 also advantageously directs the flow of dirt to the side of the bed edger unit. The pentagon shaped shroud body is easier and less expensive to manufacture, in comparison to a similar round type design.
Referring to FIG. 11, the angled side surfaces 108 and 110 include a plurality of attachment holes 116 for the attachment of a main flap 120. The main flap 120 can be attached to the body 102 through bolts or other attachment devices. Similarly, rear surface 112 includes a plurality of attachment holes 114 for the attachment of rear flap 118. The rear flap 118 can be attached to the body 102 through bolts or other attachment devices. The main flap 120 and the rear flap 118 further direct the flow of dirt towards the side of the bed edger unit. Advantageously, main flap 120 can be removed to allow replacement of the flap 120.
FIGS. 16-17 show an exploded view of the unit 50. Chain cover housing 136 is attached to frame 500 with bolts. The chain cover housing 136 serves the dual function of providing a protective cover to the chain drive transmission and of providing an attachment location for the protective shroud. A handle 122 is secured to the top of the shroud body 102, which allows an operator a convenient grip to remove the bed edger shroud 100. The bed edger shroud 100 is attachable to the unit 50 through mounting tabs 130, locating pins 134, and threaded knobs 132, 133. Four mounting tabs 130 are welded to the shroud body 102. Locating pins 134 are secured to the chain cover housing 136 and include a nut and bushing arrangement 126. The mounting tabs 130 include a slot 135. The slots 135 fit over locating pins 134 and the nut and bushing arrangement 126. In order to provide a secure connection for the shroud body 102, a threaded bolt 122 passes through a hole in the chain cover housing 136 and through a hole in the mounting tabs 130. Nut 124 secures the bolt to the chain cover housing. Knobs 132 include a threaded aperture that engages the threaded bolts 122, thereby securing the bed edger shroud 100 to the unit 50. Knobs 133 include threaded stud portion 139, which engages a threaded aperture 141 on the chain cover housing 136.
The construction allows an operator to easily attach and detach the bed edger shroud 100 to the unit without tools. Knobs 132, 133 can be removed manually by hand, and mounting tabs 130 can be slid off the chain cover housing 136. An operator can simply unscrew the knobs 132, 133 and lift the edger shroud 100 off the unit by handle 122. This design advantageously allows for greater convertibility of the unit. Bed edger shroud 100 can be removed when an operator wants to use the unit as a cable layer. Cable layer shroud 200 can then easily be attached to the frame. Moreover, the design allows an operator a quick and simple way to detach the shroud 100 in order to clean the interior surface of the shroud, or to gain access to the edger tool blade 150.
A cable layer shroud 200 is shown generally in FIGS. 18-19. The cable layer shroud 200 is used when the unit is converted to its cable layer function. The cable layer shroud 200 includes a cable guard body 202, a handle 222, a spool shaft 204, a tube 206, a tube mounting plate 208, and mounting tabs 230. The spool shaft 204 is fixed to the top of the cable guard body 202 through holes 212 in protrusions 210. The spool shaft is fixed using a pin 214 or any other attachment device.
Tube mounting plate 208 is fixed to the interior surface of the cable guard body 202 by bolts and wingnuts, or alternatively using any attachment device, and holds tube 206. A roll of cable sits over the spool shaft 204, and the cable passes through hole 216 located on the top surface of the cable guard body 202, and through tube 206, which directs the cable toward the ditch.
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the mounting tabs 230 are used to secure the cable layer shroud 200. A handle 222 is secured to the top of the cable guard body 202, which allows an operator a convenient grip to remove the shroud. The cable layer shroud 200 is attachable to the unit 50 through mounting tabs 230, locating pins 134, and threaded knobs 132, 133 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this embodiment, four mounting tabs 230 are welded to the cable guard body 202. The mounting tabs 230 fit over locating pins 134. In order to provide a secure connection for the cable guard body 202, knobs 132, 133 secure the mounting tabs to the chain cover housing.
Another embodiment of a bed edger shroud 1100 is shown in FIG. 34. Pivot pin 1146 is located on the surface of the bed edger shroud 1100. The bed edger shroud 1100 can be pivoted away from the unit about the pivot pin 1146 when the knobs 132, 133 are removed. By unfastening the knobs 132, 133, the bed edger shroud 1100 can be pivoted toward the front of the unit, so that the operator can gain access to the edger blade tool 150. Similarly, a pivot pin 1246 can be provided on the cable layer shroud 1200, as seen in FIG. 35. The cable layer shroud 1200 can be pivoted away from the unit about the pivot pin 1246 when the knobs 132, 133 are removed.
By pivoting either the bed edger shroud 1100 or the cable layer shroud 1200, an operator can gain easy access to the interior surface of the shroud for cleaning purposes. The operator can also gain easy access to the cutting tool for either cleaning purposes or for maintenance purposes.
A bed edger tool 150 is shown generally in FIG. 11. The bed edger tool 150 includes a three-prong backplate 152, a plurality of carrier plates 154 and a plurality of blades 156. Three carrier plates 154 are welded to the three-prong backplate 152. Blades 156 are attached to the carrier plates 154. Bolts 162 fasten the bed edger tool 150 to a mounting hub 158, which is connected to the tool drive shaft 178 through mounting hub 158.
A cable layer tool 250 is shown generally in FIG. 19. The cable layer tool 250 includes a three-prong backplate 252 and three blades 256. The cable layer tool 250 is secured to the mounting hub 158 with three bolts 162 that extend through holes 260 on the three prong backplate 252.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 19, The three bolt attachment feature on the backplates 152 and 252 of the bed edger tool 150 and the cable layer tool 250 allows an operator to quickly remove and replace the bed edger tool 150 or the cable layer tool 250. Because the three bolts are located on the face of the tool, an operator has easy access to the bolts, allowing the operator to quickly remove the tool heads without the need to clamp the tool drive shaft.
The chain drive transmission is shown generally in FIG. 20. Mounting hub 158 is connected to drive sprocket 172 through drive shaft 178. In this embodiment, the mounting hub 158 is attached to drive shaft 178 with a key 180 and set screws 182.
Referring to FIG. 21, the engine drives an engine sprocket 170. Engine sprocket 170 is connected to drive sprocket 172 through chain 174. Chain 174 provides a direct connection from the engine output to the tool head input. Chain 174 also passes over and drives an idler sprocket 176, which may be used to appropriately tension the chain 174. Referring to FIG. 20, the drive shaft 178 is connected to drive sprocket 172 with a key 183 and a bolt attachment 184.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 21, a bearing attachment plate housing 188 is mounted on frame 500. A bearing 186 is mounted to the bearing attachment plate housing 188. The bearing 186 provides additional support for the drive shaft 178.
Referring to FIG. 21, a centrifugal clutch 189 is provided between the engine output and the engine sprocket 170. The clutch allows the engine to disconnect from the main drive when it appears that disconnect is needed, such as when the cutting tool encounters a hard object. The chain 174 provides a heavy duty reliable source of power to drive the edger blades 150 or the cable layer blades 250.
Referring to FIGS. 22-24, a handle 300 comprises a first section 302 and a second section 304. The first section 302 includes handlebars 305 attached at one end and a pivotable mounting hub 306 at the other end. The first section 302 is pivotable around axis 307 with respect to the second section 304. The second section 304 is fixed to the steering axle assembly 330 at its lower end and includes a fixed mounting hub 308 at the upper end. The handle 300 may also include an operator presence lever 309, a throttle lever 311 and a release lever 324.
Pivotable mounting hub 306 is pivotably connected to the fixed mounting hub 308 with bolts 320. Bolts 320 pass through holes 316 in the pivotable mounting hub 306 and holes 318 in the fixed mounting hub 308. The attachment of the pivotable mounting hub 306 and the fixed mounting hub 308 by bolts 320 define the pivot axis 307 about which the first section 302 can pivot relative to the second section 304. A plurality of holes 310 are also provided on the pivotable mounting hub 306 that define a second connection point between the pivotable mounting hub 306 and the fixed mounting hub 308. In order to fix the handle bar at a discrete height, a spring pin 322 is inserted through one of the sets of holes 310 and through holes 312 in the fixed mounting hub 308. Holes 314 are provided for use in a folding position of the handlebars.
Different operators of the unit 50 may desire the handlebars to be located at different heights. FIG. 23 illustrates a first position 323 and a second position 325 for the handle 300. Depending on the operator's height and the operator's strength, an operator may have a differing preference of where the handle 300 should be located. Even the same operator may desire the handle 300 at different heights for different applications. The handle 300 provides the adjustability to allow the operator to quickly change the height of the handle 300 by simply moving the spring pin 322, pivoting the first section 302, and reinserting the spring pin 322 through one of the plurality of holes 310 provided on the pivotable mounting hub 306. In this way, the operator has multiple discrete options at which he can adjust the handle 300. Moreover, by providing two connections between the pivotable mounting hub 306 and the fixed mounting hub 308 using the bolts 320 and the spring pin 322, the handle 300 is not susceptible to slippage.
When an operator is finished using the unit 50, the unit 50 is usually stored in a storage area, such as a garage, a tool shed, a trailer or a truck. Because space in such storage areas is often limited, it is desirable for the unit 50 to be stored in a compact state. The operator can fold the handle 300 over the unit 50 folded to position 327 as shown in FIG. 23. In order to fold the handle, the spring pin 322 is moved, the first section 302 of the handle 300 is pivoted and the spring pin 322 is inserted into hole 314.
A steering axle assembly 330 is shown generally in FIG. 24. The steering axle assembly is advantageously located on the operator side of the unit 50. The steering axle assembly 330 includes steering axle shafts 334 and 336, a steering rod 332, an arm weldment 338, an axle shaft plate 340, and steering wheel assemblies 54 and 56.
The unit 50 can be steered from the handle 300. A lateral movement of the handle 300 will rotate the arm weldment 338. The rotation of the arm weldment 338 will be translated to the axle shaft plate 340 through the movement of the steering rod 332. Both the arm welment 338 and the axle shaft plate 340 rotate through the same degree of motion. The steering axle shafts 334 and 336 are likewise both rotated through the same degree of motion, such that the steering wheel assemblies 54 and 56 remain parallel to each other.
FIGS. 25-26 illustrate the wagon-style steering and locking feature of the steering axle assembly 330. The wagon-style steering feature of the present invention is desirable when an operator wishes to cut around curved edges, such as around trees. Other applications exist where the operator may wish to cut in a straight line. In these applications, it is preferable to lock the steering from rotation, so that the operator does not steer the unit 50 off of the straight line. A spring loaded pin 350 is provided to lock the steering so that the unit 50 can only move in a straight line. The spring loaded pin 350 is inserted into hole 352, which prevents the axle shaft plate 340 from rotating. Removing the spring loaded pin 350 allows the operator to alternate from a steering mode to a straight line mode. FIG. 25 shows a detailed view of the locking feature, where the spring loaded pin 350 is used to lock the steering axle 330 from rotating. FIG. 26 shows a detailed view of the locking feature, where the spring loaded pin 350 is removed from the hole 352, allowing the steering rod 332 to be steered by an operator.
The rear axle assembly 400 is shown generally in FIG. 27. The rear axle assembly includes a rear axle 402, a pivot plate 404, a locking plate 406, a depth plate 408, a spring pin 410, and wheel assemblies 58 and 60.
Wheel assemblies 58 and 60 are rotatably mounted on rear axle 402. Pivot plate 404 and locking plate 406 are each attached at one end to the rear axle 402. Pivot plate 404 and locking plate 406 are rotatably attached at the opposite end to frame 500 by bolts 416 and bushings 418.
The depth of the cutting blade for the unit 50 can be conveniently adjusted at the rear axle assembly 400, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. In addition, the unit 50 can be converted from an operating position to a transport position by the operator at the handle. A clevis pin 420 fits within the hole 422 on locking plate 406. The clevis pin 420 can be inserted into one of three operating positions corresponding to one of three holes 423, 425, 427 on depth plate 408. The clevis pin 420 is used to select a depth of the cutting blade by selecting one of three operating depth positions. The clevis pin 420 locks the rear axle 402 at one of three different points corresponding to one of three operating depths. Thus, referring to FIGS. 27, 28 and 30, an operator can select an operating depth by removing pin 420, sliding depth plate 408 until the hole 422 aligns with the selected depth hole 423, 425, 427, and locking the operating depth into place with clevis pin 420.
Referring to FIG. 30, the locking plate 406 includes three holes 433, 435, 437 which are spatially related to holes 423, 425, 427. In addition, these holes 433, 435, 437 can be selectively aligned with a slot 432 in depth plate 408 depending upon the position of holes 423, 425, 427 with hole 422 and pin 420. By moving the depth plate 408 to a specific hole 423, 425, 427, two of the holes 433, 435, 427 are blocked. Thus, if pin 420 is in hole 425, then the slot 432 will be aligned with hole 435 and holes 433 and 437 are not aligned with the slot 432 as shown in FIG. 30. Similarly, if pin 420 is aligned with hole 423, then the slot 432 will be aligned with hole 433 and holes 435 and 437 are not aligned with the slot 432. Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31, the spring pin 410 engages the slot 432 when the device is in the cutting position. Thus, depending upon the selected hole 423, 425, 427, the spring pin 410 will only engage the respective hole 433, 435, 437 through the slot 432.
Depth plate 408 includes a flat portion that is suitable for attaching a decal 429 as shown in FIG. 28. The decal 429 shows the operator the position on the depth plate corresponding to a particular operating depth of the cutting blade.
Referring to FIG. 33, the handle 300 includes a release lever 324 that allows the operator to alternate between an operating position of the unit, where the cutting blade is at an operating depth, and a transport position, where the cutting blade is above the tires. The unit 50 is shown in FIG. 33 in a transport position 441 with solid lines and in an operating position 443 with dashed lines. Release lever 324 actuates a spring cable 326. Referring to FIG. 27, the spring cable 326 releases the spring pin 410 from engagement with the locking plate 406 and the depth plate 408. Once the spring pin 410 is released, the rear axle 402 is free to pivot about axis 451. Referring to FIG. 33, the operator can then exert a downward force on the handle 300 and allow the rear axle 402 to pivot downward. Once the rear axle 402 is in a transport position 441, the operator can release the release lever 324 and the spring pin 410 will engage the hole 460 in the locking plate 406 as shown in FIGS. 30 and 32. When the operator wishes to return the unit to the operating position, the operator pulls the release lever 324 to release spring pin 410 from hole 460, allows the rear axle 402 to pivot upward, releases the lever 324 and the spring pin 410 engages the slot 432 and the aligned hole 435 as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31.
Thus, the rear axle assembly 400, by providing a pivotable rear axle 402, is capable of operating at different operating depths. Moreover, an operator can conveniently alternate the unit between an operating mode and a transport mode by pulling on release lever 324, which releases the rear axle 402 from a locked position to allow the rear axle to pivot from either an operating depth or a transport depth.
Another embodiment of the ground digging device 50 is shown generally in FIGS. 36-37. FIG. 36 shows the device 50 utilizing the cable layer tool 250 in combination with the bed edger shroud 100. In this configuration, the device 50 is capable of digging a narrow trench with the cable layer tool 250 and directing the dirt away and to the side of the narrow trench using the bed edger shroud 100. FIG. 37 shows a rear view of the device configured with the cable layer tool 250 and the bed edger shroud 100.
The configuration shown in FIGS. 36-37 is desirable in applications where the operator does not wish to refill the trench. Thus, the device 50, by using the cable layer tool 250 in combination with the bed edger shroud 100, is capable of creating a narrow trench that may, for example, be used for installing plastic edging around flower beds.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A ground digging device comprising:

a frame;

a steering handle;

wherein the steering handle is capable of multiple positions, and each of the multiple positions is located at a predetermined discrete height.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the multiple hand positions include at least three positions.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the multiple hand positions include a folding position.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the steering handle comprises a first section and a second section, the first section is pivotably attached to the second section.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first section is pivotably attached to the second section by quick adjust mechanism.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the quick adjust mechanism is a spring pin that can be inserted into one of a number of holes located on an end of the first section.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein three holes located on the end of the first section, each correspond to one of three multiple positions, and one hole located on the end of the first section corresponds to a folding position.

8. A ground digging device comprising:

a frame;

a cutting blade;

a steering handle;

a depth control cable; and

a release lever mounted on the steering handle, the release lever capable of selecting either a transport position or an operating position via the depth control cable.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising:

a rear axle, the rear axle is pivotably connected to the frame at a pivot connection; and

wherein the rear axle is located in a first position relative to the frame in a transport position, and the rear axle is located in a second position relative to the frame in an operating position.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the release lever operates to allow the rear axle to pivot freely relative to the frame about the pivot connection.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the rear axle can be locked into one of a plurality of discrete positions corresponding to different depth positions for the cutting blade.

12. A ground digging device comprising:

an engine, the engine including an engine output shaft;

a tool, the tool including a tool drive shaft; and

a chain drive through which the engine output shaft and the tool drive shaft are directly connected.

13. A ground digging device comprising:

a frame;

a cutting blade;

a shroud with an open bottom;

wherein the shroud is attached to the frame with a knob.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the shroud includes a mounting tab and the knob engages the mounting tab.

15. The device of claim 13, further comprising:

a pivot pin, the pivot pin connecting the shroud to the frame, and

wherein the shroud can be pivoted along an axis of the pivot pin.

16. A ground digging device comprising:

a frame;

a cutting blade;

a shroud having a polygon shape with an open bottom.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the shroud has a pentagon shape.

18. The device of claim 16, further comprising a baffle plate attached to an interior surface of the shroud.

19. A ground digging device comprising:

a drive shaft;

a cutting blade;

a mounting hub, the mounting hub attachable to the drive shaft;

wherein the cutting blade can be attached to the mounting hub using a bolt through a face of the cutting blade.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the cutting blade can be either a bed edger cutting blade or a cable layer cutting blade.