Apparatus for advancing and retracting by hand a soil probing rod and method of using

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and method of using that grips a rod of small diameter and uniform cross-section of metal, fiberglass, or composite material used to probe the soil to locate underground utilities in a manner that permits a user of any height or strength to ergonomically and safely advance the rod into the soil and retract the rod from the soil regardless of how deep the utility may be buried.

Claims

1. An apparatus for gripping a rod of given length and uniform and regular effective diameter enabling a user to safely and ergonomically probe for and locate underground facilities, said apparatus comprising: a. a first component for loosely supporting said rod in the apparatus when the rod is positioned with its longitudinal axis vertical and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus; b. a second component to ready the rod for gripping; c. a third component, removably secured in said first component, that connects the first component slidably and rotatably to said second component; e. a fourth component, cushioned to provide comfort and electrical shock resistance for a user, that pushes the second component towards the first component slidably along said third component; and e. a fifth component, cushioned to provide comfort and electrical shock resistance for said user; whereby, when rod, first component, second component, third component, fourth component, and fifth component, are in communication, the apparatus securely grips the rod and enables the user to safely and ergonomically probe for and locate underground facilities.

2. Claim 1 wherein; a. the first component comprises a slotted block with a latch slot, a pin slot, a rod notch, an anti-slip notch, a static handle port, a securing handle port, and a latch pin port; b. the second component comprises a latch with an upper latch arm, a lower latch arm, a latch lock, a latch pin port, and a latch notch; c. the third component comprises a latch pin and a latch screw; d. the fourth component comprises a securing handle with a securing pin port, a securing pin, and a cover for cushion and electrical insulation; and e. the fifth component comprises a static handle with a static pin port, a static pin, and a cover for cushion and electrical insulation.

3. Claim 1 wherein the first component is a slotted block comprising; a. a large block of metal, with a front and a back of equal largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal smallest overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal intermediate overall area by product of length and width; (1) said front and said back with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and fifty-two millimeters in height, said left side and said right side with nominal dimensions of fifty-two millimeters in height and thirty-one millimeters in width, and said top and said bottom with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and thirty-one millimeters in width; (2) a latch slot comprising; (i) a first rectangular slot cut into the front of said large block extending from the top to the bottom with nominal dimensions of twenty millimeters deep, fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with the left side of said first rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the first rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (3) a pin slot comprising; (i) a second rectangular slot cut into the top of the large block with nominal dimensions of eight millimeters deep and fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with left side of said second rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the second rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (4) a rod notch comprising; (i) a first semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a first diameter equal to the effective diameter and parallel to and facing said latch slot, said first semi-circular slot positioned such that a point created by a first line passing perpendicular through the center of said first diameter is located at the centroid of the top and the bottom, and the distance between the terminal ends of the first diameter open to the latch slot; (5) an anti-slip notch comprising; (i) a second semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a second diameter of nominal dimension of three millimeters with said second diameter coincident with a chord of the first semi-circular slot equal to the length of the second diameter, and said second semi-circular slot positioned on the top of the large block such that said first line passes perpendicular through the center of the second diameter; (6) a static handle port comprising; (i) a first hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the left side of the large block extending into the large block nominally thirty-two millimeters deep and threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (7) a securing handle port comprising; (i) a second hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the right side of the large block extending from the right side of the large block through to the right side of the first rectangular slot threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; and (8) a latch pin port comprising; (i) a third hole of nominal four millimeters diameter centered nominally three millimeters from the back of the large block and nominally three millimeters from the top of the large block and drilled nominally fifty millimeters into the large block along a line perpendicular to the right side, with said third hole tapped to a nominal depth of ten millimeters with number 10-24 right-hand coarse threads.

4. Claim 1 wherein the second component is a latch comprising; a. a small block of metal, with a front and a back of largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal intermediate overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal smallest overall area by product of length and width, positioned so that when a viewer is facing said back, said left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, is vertical; (1) said small block with nominal dimensions of height of sixty-three millimeters, length of twenty-one millimeters, and width of nine millimeters; b. an upper latch arm of said metal, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from said right side and positioned so that the top horizontal edges of the small block and said upper latch arm form an unbroken line; (1) said upper latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eight millimeters, a first straight length of six millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal semi-circle with nominal diameter of eight millimeters, with diameter of said terminal semi-circle joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said first straight length; c. a lower latch arm of the solid metal, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from the right side and positioned so that the bottom horizontal edges of the small block and said lower latch arm form an unbroken line; (1) said lower latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eleven millimeters, a second straight length of four millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal beveled end joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said second straight length having a nominal height of eleven millimeters at the end closest to the small block, tapering uniformly to a nominal height of ten millimeters over a terminal length of nominal six millimeters; d. a latch pin port comprising; (1) a hole drilled through the upper latch arm with nominal dimension of three and one-half millimeters diameter with center positioned nominally four millimeters from the terminal end of the upper latch arm and four millimeters from the top; and e. a latch notch comprising; (1) a semi-circular indentation in said back of the small block, extending from said top to said bottom, positioned so that when a viewer is facing the back with the left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, vertical, the left edge of said semi-circular indentation nominally twelve millimeters from the left side and right edge nominally one millimeter from the right side, and nominally one and one-half millimeters deep at the deepest point.

5. Claim 1 wherein the third component is a latch pin comprising; a. a cylinder of metal with nominal dimensions of thirty-eight millimeters in length and diameter of three millimeters; and a latch screw to hold said latch pin in place.

6. Claim 1 wherein the fourth component is a securing handle and the fifth component is a static handle, each comprising; a. a first cylinder of a first metal with nominal dimensions of one-hundred forty millimeters in length and diameter of thirty-two millimeters; b. a second cylinder of said first metal with nominal dimensions of twenty-three millimeters in length and diameter of sixteen millimeters; c. a first end of the first cylinder joined permanently and indistinguishably to a first end of said second cylinder so that the centerlines of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are coincident; d. a hole with a nominal diameter of eight millimeters with flat bottom drilled longitudinally and centered at the centerlines of the first cylinder and the second cylinder beginning at a second end of the second cylinder and proceeding nominally thirty-seven millimeters through the second cylinder and into the first cylinder; e. the first end of the second cylinder cut to nominal dimensions of thirteen millimeters outside diameter and length of four millimeters, the next nominal fifteen millimeters threaded with nominal five-eighth inch coarse right-hand threads, and the final nominal three millimeters beveled to a sharp point ending at the second end of second cylinder; f. a third cylinder of a second metal with nominal dimensions of forty-four millimeters in length and diameter of eight millimeters interference fitted tightly and longitudinally as far as it will proceed into said hole; and g. a cover providing cushion and electrical insulation with nominal dimensions of twenty-nine millimeters inside diameter and overall length of one hundred fifteen millimeters stretched tightly to fit over the first cylinder to the extent of said overall length of the cover.

7. An apparatus for gripping a rod of given length and uniform and regular effective diameter enabling a user to safely and ergonomically probe for and locate underground facilities, said apparatus comprising: a. a slotted block comprising; (1) a large block of a first material, with a front and a back of equal largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal smallest overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal intermediate overall area by product of length and width; (i) said front and said back with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and fifty-two millimeters in height, said left side and said right side with nominal dimensions of fifty-two millimeters in height and thirty-one millimeters in width, and said top and said bottom with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and thirty-one millimeters in width; (2) a latch slot comprising; (i) a first rectangular slot cut into the front of said large block with nominal dimensions of twenty millimeters deep extending from the top to the bottom of the large block, fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with the left side of said first rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the first rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (3) a pin slot comprising; (i) a second rectangular slot cut into the top of the large block with nominal dimensions of eight millimeters deep and fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with left side of said second rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the second rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (4) a rod notch comprising; (i) a first semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a first diameter equal to the effective diameter and parallel to and facing said latch slot, said first semi-circular slot positioned such that a point created by a first line passing perpendicular through the center of said first diameter is located at the centroid of the top and the bottom, and the distance between the terminal ends of the first diameter open to the latch slot; (5) an anti-slip notch comprising; (i) a second semi-circular slot cut into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a second diameter of nominal dimension of three millimeters with said second diameter coincident with a chord of the first semi-circular slot equal to the length of the second diameter, and said second semi-circular slot positioned on the top of the large block such that said first line passes perpendicular through the center of the second diameter; (6) a static handle port comprising; (i) a first hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the left side of the large block extending into the large block nominally thirty-two millimeters deep and threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (7) a securing handle port comprising; (i) a second hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the right side of the large block extending from the right side of the large block through to the right side of the first rectangular slot threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (8) a latch pin port comprising; (i) a third hole of nominal four millimeters diameter centered nominally three millimeters from the back of the large block and nominally three millimeters from the top of the large block and drilled nominally fifty millimeters into the large block along a line perpendicular to the right side, with said third hole tapped to a nominal depth of ten millimeters with number 10-24 right-hand coarse threads; and b. a latch comprising; (1) a small block of said first material, with a front and a back of largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal intermediate overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal smallest overall area by product of length and width, positioned so that when a viewer is facing said back, said left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, is vertical; (i) said small block with nominal dimensions of height of sixty-three millimeters, length of twenty-one millimeters, and width of nine millimeters; (2) an upper latch arm of the first material, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to said small block, protrudes from said right side and positioned so that the top horizontal edges of the small block and said upper latch arm form an unbroken line; (i) said upper latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eight millimeters, a first straight length of six millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal semi-circle with nominal diameter of eight millimeters, with diameter of said terminal semi-circle joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said first straight length; (3) a lower latch arm of the first material, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from the right side and positioned so that the bottom horizontal edges of the small block and said lower latch arm form an unbroken line; (i) said lower latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eleven millimeters, a second straight length of four millimeters, and nine millimeters in width, a terminal beveled end joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said second straight length having a nominal height of eleven millimeters at the end closest to the small block, tapering uniformly to a nominal height of ten millimeters over a terminal length of nominal six millimeters; (4) a latch pivot port comprising; (i) a fourth hole drilled through the upper latch arm with nominal dimension of three and one-half millimeters diameter with center positioned nominally four millimeters from the terminal end of the upper latch arm and four millimeters from the top; and (5) a latch notch comprising; (i) a semi-circular indentation in said back of the small block, extending from said top to said bottom, positioned so that when a viewer is facing the back, with the left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, vertical, the left edge of said semi-circular indentation nominally twelve millimeters from the left side and right edge nominally one millimeter from the right side, and nominally one and one-half millimeters deep at the deepest point; c. a latch pin comprising a first cylinder of a second material with nominal dimensions of thirty-eight millimeters in length and diameter of three millimeters; d. a latch screw comprising an allen socket screw of a third material with nominal length of six millimeters, threaded 10-24 right-hand coarse threads, and two millimeters hexagonal head; and e. a securing handle and a static handle, each comprising; (1) a second cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of one-hundred forty millimeters in length and diameter of thirty-two millimeters; (2) a third cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of twenty-three millimeters in length and diameter of sixteen millimeters; (3) a first end of the second cylinder joined permanently and indistinguishably to a first end of the third cylinder so that the centerlines of the second cylinder and the third cylinder are coincident; (4) said first end of the third cylinder cut to nominal dimensions of thirteen millimeters outside diameter for a length of four millimeters, the next nominal fifteen millimeters threaded with nominal five-eighth inch coarse right-hand threads, and the final nominal three millimeters beveled to a sharp point ending at a second end of the third cylinder; (5) a securing pin port and a static pin port, each comprising; (i) a fifth hole with a nominal diameter of eight millimeters with flat bottom drilled longitudinally and centered at the centerlines of the second cylinder and the third cylinder beginning at said second end of the third cylinder and proceeding nominally thirty-seven millimeters through the third cylinder and into the second cylinder; (6) a securing pin and a static pin, each comprising; (i) a fourth cylinder of a fourth material with nominal dimensions of forty-four millimeters in length and diameter of eight millimeters interference fitted as far as it will proceed into said fifth hole; and (7) a cover of a fifth material providing cushion and electrical insulation with nominal dimensions of twenty-nine millimeters inside diameter and overall length of one hundred fifteen millimeters stretched tightly to fit over the second cylinder to the extent of said overall length of the cover.

8. Claim 7 wherein the first material comprises a machinable material with an ultimate tensile strength of at least 50,000 pounds-force per square inch.

9. Claim 7 wherein the second material comprises a 300 series stainless steel.

10. Claim 7 wherein the third material comprises mild steel.

11. Claim 7 wherein the fourth material comprises dowel pin metal with a surface hardness of at least Rockwell C 60 and a single shear strength of at least 11,500 pounds-force.

12. Claim 7 wherein the fifth material comprises natural or synthetic rubber with a dielectric strength of at least 400 volts per thousandth inch.

13. A method of gripping a rod of given length and uniform and regular effective diameter enabling a user to safely and ergonomically probe for and locate underground facilities, said method comprising the steps of: a. positioning said rod longitudinally in a slot in a first component so that a side of the rod loosely communicates with the first component; b. rotating a second component about a third component to a home position adjacent to and loosely touching an opposite side of the rod; c. communicating rotatably a fourth component into a first side of the first component; d. extending rotatably said fourth component into said first side of the first component until the fourth component communicates loosely with the third component; e. communicating rotatably a fifth component into a second side of the first component to a tight home position; f. securing provisionally the rod in the communicated first component, second component, third component, fourth component, and said fifth component; g. adjusting the position of the communicated first component, second component, third component, fourth component, and fifth component, vertically up or down along the length of the rod to a place about waist high on said user for safe and ergonomic probing; and h. securing finally the rod between the first component and second component by causing the second component to slidably move along the third component towards the rod by extending rotatably the fourth component into said first side of the first component until the fourth component communicates tightly with the third component.

14. Claim 13 wherein; a. the first component comprises a slotted block with a latch slot, a pin slot, a rod notch, an anti-slip notch, a static handle port, a securing handle port, and a latch pin port; b. the second component comprises a latch with an upper latch arm, a lower latch arm, a latch lock, a latch pin port, and a latch notch; c. the third component comprises a latch pin and a latch screw; d. the fourth component comprises a securing handle with a securing pin port, a securing pin, and a cover providing cushion and electrical insulation; and e. the fifth component comprises a static handle with a static pin port, a static pin, and a cover providing cushion and electrical insulation.

15. Claim 13 wherein the first component is a slotted block comprising; a. a large block of solid metal, with a front and a back of equal largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal smallest overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal intermediate overall area by product of length and width; (1) said front and said back with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and fifty-two millimeters in height, said left side and said right side with nominal dimensions of fifty-two millimeters in height and thirty-one millimeters in width, and said top and said bottom with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and thirty-one millimeters in width; (2) a latch slot comprising; (i) a first rectangular slot cut into the front of said large block with nominal dimensions of twenty millimeters deep extending from the top to the bottom of the large block, fourteen millimeters wide, positioned nominally with the left side of said first rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the first rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (3) a pin slot comprising; (i) a second rectangular slot cut into the top of the large block with nominal dimensions of eight millimeters deep and fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with left side of said second rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the second rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (4) a rod notch comprising; (i) a first semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a first diameter equal to the effective diameter and parallel to and facing said latch slot, said first semi-circular slot positioned such that a point created by a first line passing perpendicular through the center of said first diameter is located at the centroid of the top and the bottom, and the distance between the terminal ends of the first diameter open to the latch slot; (5) an anti-slip notch comprising; (i) a second semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a second diameter of nominal dimension of three millimeters with said second diameter coincident with a chord of the first semi-circular slot equal to the length of the second diameter, and said second semi-circular slot positioned on the top of the large block such that said first line passes perpendicular through the center of the second diameter; (6) a static handle port comprising; (i) a first hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the left side of the large block extending into the large block nominally thirty-two millimeters deep and threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (7) a securing handle port comprising; (i) a second hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the right side of the large block extending from the right side of the large block through to the right side of the first rectangular slot threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; and (8) a latch pin port comprising; (i) a third hole of nominal four millimeters diameter centered nominally three millimeters from the back of the large block and nominally three millimeters from the top of the large block and drilled nominally fifty millimeters into the large block along a line perpendicular to the right side, with said third hole tapped to a nominal depth of ten millimeters with number 10-24 right-hand coarse threads.

16. Claim 13 wherein the second component is a latch comprising; a. a small block of metal, with a front and a back largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal intermediate overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal smallest overall area by product of length and width, positioned so that when a viewer is facing said back, said left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, is vertical; (1) said small block with nominal dimensions of height of sixty-three millimeters, length of twenty-one millimeters, and width of nine millimeters; b. an upper latch arm of said metal, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from said right side and positioned so that the top horizontal edges of the small block and said upper latch arm form an unbroken line; (1) said upper latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eight millimeters, a first straight length of six millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal semi-circle with nominal diameter of eight millimeters, with diameter of said terminal semi-circle joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said first straight length; c. a lower latch arm of the solid metal, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from the right side and positioned so that the bottom horizontal edges of the small block and said lower latch arm form an unbroken line; (1) said lower latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eleven millimeters, a second straight length of four millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal beveled end joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said second straight length having a nominal height of eleven millimeters at the end closest to the small block, tapering uniformly to a nominal height of ten millimeters over a terminal length of nominal six millimeters; d. a latch pin port comprising; (1) a hole drilled through the upper latch arm with nominal dimension of three and one-half millimeters diameter with center positioned nominally four millimeters from the terminal end of the upper latch arm and four millimeters from the top; and e. a latch notch comprising; (1) a semi-circular indentation in said back of the small block, extending from said top to said bottom, positioned so that when a viewer is facing the back with the left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, vertical, the left edge of said semi-circular indentation nominally twelve millimeters from the left side and right edge nominally one millimeter from the right side, and nominally one and one-half millimeters deep at the deepest point.

17. Claim 13 wherein the third component is a latch pin comprising; a. a cylinder of metal with nominal dimensions of thirty-eight millimeters in length and diameter of three millimeters, and a latch screw holding said latch pin in place.

18. Claim 13 wherein the fourth component is a securing handle and the fifth component is a static handle, each comprising; a. a first cylinder of a first metal with nominal dimensions of one-hundred forty millimeters in length and diameter of thirty-two millimeters; b. a second cylinder of said first metal with nominal dimensions of twenty-three millimeters in length and diameter of sixteen millimeters; c. a first end of the first cylinder joined permanently and indistinguishably to a first end of said second cylinder so that the centerlines of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are coincident; d. a hole with a nominal diameter of eight millimeters with flat bottom drilled longitudinally and centered at the centerlines of the first cylinder and the second cylinder beginning at a second end of the second cylinder and proceeding nominally thirty-seven millimeters through the second cylinder and into the first cylinder; e. the first end of the second cylinder cut to nominal dimensions of thirteen millimeters outside diameter and length of four millimeters, the next nominal fifteen millimeters threaded with nominal five-eighth inch coarse right-hand threads, and the final nominal three millimeters beveled to a sharp point ending at the second end of second cylinder; f. a third cylinder of a second metal with nominal dimensions of forty-four millimeters in length and diameter of eight millimeters, interference fitted tightly and longitudinally as far as it will proceed into said hole; and h. a cover providing cushion and electrical insulation with nominal dimensions of twenty-nine millimeters inside diameter and overall length of one hundred fifteen millimeters, stretched tightly to fit over the first cylinder to the extent of said overall length of the cover.

19. A method of gripping a rod of given length and uniform and regular effective diameter enabling a user to safely and ergonomically probe for and locate underground facilities, said method comprising the steps of: a. positioning said rod longitudinally in a slot in a first component so that a side of the rod loosely communicates with said first component, wherein; (1) the first component is a slotted block comprising; (i) a large block of a first material, with a front and a back of equal largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal smallest overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal intermediate overall area by product of length and width; (A) said front and said back with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and fifty-two millimeters in height, said left side and said right side with nominal dimensions of fifty-two millimeters in height and thirty-one millimeters in width, and said top and said bottom with nominal dimensions of eighty-two millimeters in length and thirty-one millimeters in width; (ii) a latch slot comprising; (A) a first rectangular slot cut into the front of said large block with nominal dimensions of twenty millimeters deep extending from the top to the bottom of the large block, fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with the left side of said first rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the first rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (iii) a pin slot comprising; (A) a second rectangular slot cut into the top of the large block with nominal dimensions of eight millimeters deep and fourteen millimeters wide, and positioned nominally with left side of said second rectangular slot forty-three millimeters from the left side of the large block and the right side of the second rectangular slot twenty-five millimeters from the right side of the large block; (iv) a rod notch comprising; (A) a first semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a first diameter equal to the effective diameter and parallel to and facing said latch slot, said first semi-circular slot positioned such that a point created by a first line passing perpendicular through the center of said first diameter is located at the centroid of the top and the bottom, and the distance between the terminal ends of the first diameter open to the latch slot; (v) an anti-slip notch comprising; (A) a second semi-circular slot drilled into the top of the large block extending from the top to the bottom with a second diameter of nominal dimension of three millimeters with said second diameter coincident with a chord of the first semi-circular slot equal to the length of the second diameter, and said second semi-circular slot positioned on the top of the large block such that said first line passes perpendicular through the center of the second diameter; (vi) a static handle port comprising; (A) a first hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the left side of the large block extending into the large block nominally thirty-two millimeters deep and threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (vii) a securing handle port comprising; (A) a second hole of nominal thirteen and one-half millimeters diameter centered on and drilled into the right side of the large block extending from the right side of the large block through to the right side of the first rectangular slot threaded with nominal five-eighth inch right-hand coarse threads; (viii) a latch pin port comprising; (A) a third hole of nominal four millimeters diameter centered nominally three millimeters from the back of the large block and nominally three millimeters from the top of the large block and drilled nominally fifty millimeters into the large block along a line perpendicular to the right side, with said third hole tapped to a nominal depth of ten millimeters with number 10-24 right-hand coarse threads; and b. rotating a second component about a third component to a home position adjacent to and loosely touching an opposite side of the rod, wherein; (1) said second component is a latch comprising; (i) a small block of said first material, with a front and a back of largest overall area as measured by product of length and height, a left side and a right side of equal intermediate overall area by product of width and height, and a top and a bottom of equal smallest overall area by product of length and width, positioned so that when a viewer is facing said back, said left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, is vertical; (A) said small block with nominal dimensions of height of sixty-three millimeters, length of twenty-one millimeters, and width of nine millimeters; (ii) an upper latch arm of the first material, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to said small block, protrudes from said right side and positioned so that the top horizontal edges of the small block and said upper latch arm form an unbroken line; (A) said upper latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eight millimeters, a first straight length of six millimeters, nine millimeters in width, and a terminal semi-circle with nominal diameter of eight millimeters, with diameter of said terminal semi-circle joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said first straight length; (iii) a lower latch arm of the first material, being an integral part of and joined permanently and indistinguishably to the small block, protrudes from the right side and positioned so that the bottom horizontal edges of the small block and said lower latch arm form an unbroken line; (A) said lower latch arm with nominal dimensions of height of eleven millimeters, a second straight length of four millimeters, and nine millimeters in width, a terminal beveled end joined permanently and indistinguishably to end of said second straight length having a nominal height of eleven millimeters at the end closest to the small block, tapering uniformly to a nominal height of ten millimeters over a terminal length of nominal six millimeters; (iv) a latch pivot port comprising; (A) a fourth hole drilled through the upper latch arm with nominal dimension of three and one-half millimeters diameter with center positioned nominally four millimeters from the terminal end of the upper latch arm and four millimeters from the top; and (v) a latch notch comprising; (A) a semi-circular indentation in said back of the small block, extending from said top to said bottom, positioned so that when a viewer is facing the back, with the left side, the left side being the longest unbroken side, vertical, the left edge of said semi-circular indentation nominally twelve millimeters from the left side and right edge nominally one millimeter from the right side, and nominally one and one-half millimeters deep at the deepest point; (2) said third component is a latch pin comprising a first cylinder of a second material with nominal dimensions of thirty-eight millimeters in length and diameter of three millimeters, held in place by a latch screw comprising an alien socket screw of a third material with nominal length of six millimeters, threaded 10-24 right-hand coarse threads, and two millimeters hexagonal head; c. communicating rotatably a fourth component into a first side of the first component, wherein; (1) said fourth component is a securing handle comprising; (i) a second cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of one-hundred forty millimeters in length and diameter of thirty-two millimeters; (ii) a third cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of twenty-three millimeters in length and diameter of sixteen millimeters; (iii) a first end of the second cylinder joined permanently and indistinguishably to a first end of the third cylinder so that the centerlines of the second cylinder and the third cylinder are coincident; (iv) said first end of the third cylinder cut to nominal dimensions of thirteen millimeters outside diameter for a length of four millimeters, the next nominal fifteen millimeters threaded with nominal five-eighth inch coarse right-hand threads, and the final nominal three millimeters beveled to a sharp point ending at a second end of the third cylinder; (v) a securing pin port comprising; (A) a fifth hole with a nominal diameter of eight millimeters with flat bottom drilled longitudinally and centered at the centerlines of the second cylinder and the third cylinder beginning at said second end of the third cylinder and proceeding nominally thirty-seven millimeters through the third cylinder and into the second cylinder; (vi) a securing pin comprising; (A) a fourth cylinder of a fourth material with nominal dimensions of forty-four millimeters in length and diameter of eight millimeters, interference fitted as far as it will proceed into said fifth hole; (vii) a cover of a fifth material providing cushion and electrical insulation with nominal dimensions of twenty-nine millimeters inside diameter and overall length of one hundred fifteen millimeters, stretched tightly to fit over the second cylinder to the extent of said overall length of the cover; d. extending rotatably said fourth component into said first side of the first component until the fourth component communicates loosely with the third component; e. communicating rotatably a fifth component into a second side of the first component to a tight home position, wherein; (1) said fifth component is a static handle comprising; (i) a fifth cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of one-hundred forty millimeters in length and diameter of thirty-two millimeters; (ii) a sixth cylinder of the first material with nominal dimensions of twenty-three millimeters in length and diameter of sixteen millimeters; (iii) a first end of the fifth cylinder joined permanently and indistinguishably to a first end of said sixth cylinder so that centerlines of the fifth cylinder and the sixth cylinder are coincident; (iv) said first end of the sixth cylinder cut to nominal dimensions of thirteen millimeters diameter and length of four millimeters, the next nominal fifteen millimeters threaded with nominal five-eighth inch coarse right-hand threads, and the final nominal three millimeters beveled to a sharp point ending at the second end of the sixth cylinder; (iv) a static pin port comprising; (A) a sixth hole with a nominal diameter of eight millimeters with flat bottom drilled longitudinally and centered at the centerlines of the fifth cylinder and the sixth cylinder beginning at a second end of the sixth cylinder and proceeding nominally thirty-seven millimeters through the sixth cylinder and into the fifth cylinder; (v) a static pin comprising; (A) a seventh cylinder of the fourth material with nominal dimensions of forty-four millimeters in length and diameter of eight millimeters, interference fitted as far as it will proceed into said sixth hole; and (vi) a cover of a fifth material providing cushion and electrical insulation with nominal dimensions of twenty-nine millimeters inside diameter and overall length of one hundred fifteen millimeters, stretched tightly to fit over the fifth cylinder to the extent of said overall length of the cover; f. securing provisionally the rod in the communicated first component, second component, third component, fourth component, and said fifth component; g. adjusting the position of the communicated first component, second component, third component, fourth component, and fifth component, vertically up or down along the length of the rod to a place about waist high on said user for safe and ergonomic probing; and h. securing finally the rod between the first component and second component by causing the second component to slidably move along the third component towards the rod by extending rotatably the fourth component into said first side of the first component until the fourth component communicates tightly with the third component.

20. Claim 19 wherein the first material comprises a machinable material with an ultimate tensile strength of at least 50,000 pounds-force per square inch.

21. Claim 19 wherein the second material comprises a 300 series stainless steel.

22. Claim 19 wherein the third material comprises mild steel.

23. Claim 19 wherein the fourth material comprises dowel pin metal with a surface hardness of at least Rockwell C 60 and a single shear strength of at least 11,500 pounds-force.

24. Claim 19 wherein the fifth material comprises natural or synthetic rubber with a dielectric strength of at least 400 volts per thousandth inch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

1. Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings

[0038] The present application will be more fully understood by reference to the following figures, which are for illustrative purposes only. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. The figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the various embodiments described herein. The figures do not describe every aspect of the teachings disclosed herein and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows the apparatus, with upper and lower rods, safety cap, and coupling in place and ready for use.

[0040] FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus with latch in the unsecured position and handles in position for securing a probing rod.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a cut-away view of the slotted block and the handles removed.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the slotted block.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the slotted block.

[0044] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the slotted block with the latch open.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the slotted block showing how to position a probe rod with circular cross-section.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows probe rod ready to be clamped in place.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows probe rod clamped in place.

[0048] FIG. 10 depicts a probe rod with hexagonal cross-section clamped in place.

[0049] FIG. 11 depicts a user positioned to push into the ground a probe rod clamped into the apparatus.

[0050] FIG. 12 shows a user pushing a probe rod into the ground or pulling it out of the ground using the apparatus.

2. Glossary

[0051] The term 300 series stainless steel means a stainless steel with an austenitic microstructure. These grades of stainless steel have approximately 18% to 30% chromium and 6% to 20% nickel as their major alloying additions.

[0052] The term dielectric strength means the maximum voltage differential that the material can withstand under ideal conditions without undergoing electrical breakdown and becoming electrically conductive.

[0053] The term dowel pin metal means carbon steel that is hardened and ground to produce a very hard, tough brittle, metal.

[0054] The term effective diameter for an object with a circular cross-section means the object's diameter. For objects of other uniform and regular cross-sections; such as, equilateral triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or other shapes of multiple uniformly and regularly faceted cross-section, it means the diameter of the circle that touches all the points of that object's cross-section.

[0055] The term interference fit means the fastening between two parts is achieved by friction after the parts are pushed together with force.

[0056] The term machinable or machinable material mean with respect to a material of fabrication that the material is capable of being cut or shaped with machine tools.

[0057] The term mild steel means low carbon steel; which typically contains 0.04% to 0.30% carbon. The term nominal dimension or nominal or nominally as referring to a dimension mean the specified dimension, which may be different than the actual dimension in the item itself. Any dimension disclosed or claimed as a nominal dimension or a dimension qualified as nominal or nominally has a tolerance range; specifically, 10 percent to +50 percent of the stated dimension.

3. List of Reference Numbers

Number Description

[0058] 100 Probe rod holder outfitted for soil probing [0059] 102 Probe rod holder [0060] 104 Upper probing rod [0061] 106 Safety cap [0062] 108 Rod coupling [0063] 110 Lower probing rod [0064] 112 Blunt tip [0065] 200 Securing handle [0066] 202 Latch [0067] 204 Slotted block [0068] 206 Static handle [0069] 208 Cushion and electrical insulation cover [0070] 210 Latch slot [0071] 212 Pin slot [0072] 300 Latch pin [0073] 302 Latch screw [0074] 304 Threaded end of securing handle [0075] 306 Threaded end of static handle [0076] 308 Securing handle port [0077] 310 Static handle port [0078] 312 Block pin port [0079] 314 Latch pin port [0080] 316 Block pin inner port [0081] 318 Block pin threaded port [0082] 320 Latch lock [0083] 322 Lower latch arm [0084] 324 Upper latch arm [0085] 500 Rod notch [0086] 502 Anti-slip notch [0087] 504 Latch notch [0088] 506 Rod pinch points [0089] 700 Securing pin port [0090] 702 Static pin port [0091] 704 External home position of static handle [0092] 706 Internal home position of static handle pin [0093] 708 Securing pin [0094] 710 Static pin [0095] 900 Internal home position of securing handle pin [0096] 1000 Hexagonal probe rod [0097] 1100 User

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0098] Item 100 in FIG. 1 shows probe rod holder 102 outfitted for use. Upper rod 104 is fitted through and secured to 102. 104 is threaded at the top to accept safety cap 106, which prevents 104 from inadvertently striking the face or upper torso of user 1100. If 104 is too short for the soil probe, rod coupling 108, may be screwed on the end of 104 and a lower rod 110 may be used to extend the reach of 104. The end of 104 or 110 is threaded and fitted with blunt tip 112. 112 is sufficiently blunt so that it will not damage a coated utility. Upper and lower rod 104 and 110 are nominally to inch (9.5 to 12.7 millimeters) diameter if circular cross-section, and 36 to 60 inches (914 to 1,524 millimeters) long, but may be longer. 104 and 110 may have other regular and uniform cross-sections; such as, equilateral triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or other shapes of like multiple uniformly and regularly faceted cross-section provided the effective diameter is nominally to inch (9.5 to 12.7 millimeters). Item 1000 is an example of a rod with hexagonal cross-section, for which its effective diameter is nominally to inch (9.5 to 12.7 millimeters).

[0099] FIG. 2 shows a detail of 102. 102 comprises slotted block 204 with securing handle 200 and static handle 206 screwed into 204. Slotted block 204 has a latch slot 210 and pin slot 212. Items 200 and 206 are covered with pliable cushion and electrical insulation 208 to provide comfort to the hands of user 1100 and protection from electrical shock.

[0100] FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of 102 with 200 and 206 removed from 102. Latch slot 210 and pin slot 212 in slotted block 204 are sized to permit 104 to be inserted into the latch slot and then to swing latch 202 into place for final securing of 104. Slotted block 204 is drilled and threaded to accept 200 and 206 at securing handle port, 308, and static handle port, 310, respectively. Item 200 has threaded male end 304 and 206 has threaded male end 306 which communicate with 308 and 310. 204 is further drilled forming block pin port 312 at a diameter slightly more than the outside diameter of latch pin 300. The outside of latch pin 300 is secured by latch screw 302 screwed into block pin threaded port 318. Slotted block 204 is further drilled forming block pin inner port 316 at a diameter slightly more than the outside diameter of 300 to slidably accept the end of latch pin 300. Latch 202 is drilled forming latch pin port 314 with an inside diameter slightly more than the outside diameter of 300 to permit sliding access of 300 through 202 at 314. Latch 202 is notched forming latch lock 320. The upper latch arm 324 and lower latch arm 322 formed by latch lock 320 communicates slidably with the bottom and top of 204, respectively, to relieve the stress on pin 300 when 102 is pushed down and or pulled up with 104 in place.

[0101] FIG. 4 shows the front of slotted block 204 and latch slot 210. 308 is drilled through to 210. This permits the end of 304 to push against 202 when 202 has been pivoted into 210. 310 is not drilled through to slot 210 as it is used solely to give user 1100 a balanced push or pull on 102 when 104 is secured in it. This reduces the likelihood that rod 104 will bend when it is pushed into the soil.

[0102] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of slotted block 204. 500 is a round indentation in slot 210 with diameter slightly larger than the diameter of rod 104. 500 is positioned in 204 so that when 104 is in the secured position the longitudinal center-line of 104 is located in the centroid or geometric center of the top of 204. The side of 500 closest to 310 is further indented at 502 to provide pinch points at 506 upon which rod 104 rests. Latch 202 has round indentation 504. When latch 202 is pivoted home in slot 210, 504 is directly opposite 500 such that 500 and 504 touch opposite surfaces of 104. With latch 202 pivoted into slot 210 and rod 104 in position for soil probing, as 200 is screwed into 308, 304 pushes against 202 forcing 202 to slide towards the opposite side of slot 210. The force applied by 304 against latch 202 causes rod 104 to be securely held in slotted block 204.

[0103] FIG. 6 shows side view of slotted block 204 with latch 202, with latch lock 320, upper latch arm 324, and lower latch arm 322, in the open and closed position. Once rod 104 is inserted into slot 210, latch 202 pivots about pin 300 to the closed position. Pin 300 is shown inserted in 312. Item 308 is the threaded securing handle port into which 200 is screwed. When 202 is in the closed position, latch slot 320 permits lower latch arm 322 to contact the bottom of 204 and upper latch arm 324 to contact the top of 204 limiting the vertical movement of 202.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of slotted block 204 and positioning of rod 104 before clamping in place by 200. Items 304 and 306 are respectively the threaded ends of securing handle 200 and static handle 206. Item 304 screws into the threaded securing handle port 308 and 306 screws into the threaded static handle port 310. Item 700 is the securing pin port for securing handle 200. Securing pin 708 is fixed in 700 by interference fit. Item 702 is the static pin port for static handle 206. Static pin 710 is fixed in 702 by interference fit. Item 206 is screwed firmly into 204 until it reaches home against the exterior of 204, position 704. Position 706, internal home position of 710 shows that 710 does not touch 204 when in its home position, leaving a small gap. Securing handle 200 is shown in its rest position before securing rod 104.

[0105] In FIG. 8, rod 104 and latch 202 are in position for clamping. The side of rod 104 towards slotted block 204 rests loosely against rod notch 500 and rod pinch points 506 formed by anti-slip notch 502. The side of rod 104 towards latch 202 is positioned loosely inside latch notch 504. Inner end of 700 rests loosely against latch 202. This permits 104 to be adjusted up or down by user 1100 before final clamping.

[0106] After final positioning of rod 104, as shown in FIG. 9, latch 202 is pushed hard against rod 104 by screwing 200 into slotted block 204 causing the interior end of 708 to contact the side of latch 202. This pushes 504 tight against 104 further pushing 104 tight against rod notch 500 and rod pinch points 506. User 1100 is then ready to push down on both 200 and 206 to force rod 104 and 110, if fitted, into the soil.

[0107] FIG. 10 shows a hexagonal rod 1000, after final positioning. Rod 1000 is positioned in 500 so that one of the six points on the hexagon fall into 502. Once positioned, latch 202 is pushed hard against rod 1000 by screwing 200 into slotted block 204 causing the interior end of 708 to contact the side of latch 202. This pushes 504 tight against 1000 further pushing 1000 tight against rod notch 500 and rod pinch points 506. User 1100 is then ready to push down on both 200 and 206 to force rod 1000 and a mating hexagonal extension, if fitted, into the soil.

[0108] In the embodiments disclosed here, materials of fabrication are: (1) slotted block 204, latch 202, securing handle 200, and static handle 206 are machinable materials with ultimate tensile strength of at least 50,000 pounds-force per square inch (PSI) and any metal, metal alloy, or composite material with such properties are within this disclosure; (2) latch pin 300 is constructed of type 300 stainless steel and any metal or metal alloy with same or similar properties are within this disclosure; (3) latch screw 302 is mild steel, or equivalent; (4) securing pin 708 and static pin 710 are dowel pin metal with a surface hardness of at least Rockwell C 60, a single shear strength of at least 11,500 pounds-force, and any pin with same or similar properties are within this disclosure; and (5) cushion and electrical insulation cover 208 comprises natural or synthetic rubber with a dielectric strength of at least 400 volts per thousandth inch and tested according to ASTM F1505 as providing electrical shock protection up to 1,000 VAC and 1,500 VDC for compliance with 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.

[0109] FIGS. 11 and 12 show user 1100 in position for probing. In FIG. 10, he is shown with 102 outfitted with rod 104, safety cap 106, and clamped tight in 102. In FIG. 12, user is pushing 104 into the ground by uniformly pushing down on 200 and 206. It also shows nothing other than body weight is used for pushing 104 into the ground.

[0110] Those with skill in the art of clamping rods like 104 or 1000, would understand that the invention disclosed here would work equally well with rods made of electrically insulating materials, such as fiberglass or composite materials. They would also understand that the invention would work equally well with rods of uniform and regular cross-sections other than circular; such as, equilateral triangular, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or other shapes of like multiple uniformly and regularly faceted cross-section as long as all the points of the other cross-sections touch the perimeter of a circle with a nominal diameter of to inch (9.5 to 12.7 millimeters).

2. Detailed Description of the Method of Using the Preferred Embodiment

[0111] Referring to FIG. 1, user 1100, obtains probe rod holder 102, upper rod 104, safety cap 106 and blunt tip 112. Depending on the depth to be probed, 1100 may also obtain coupling 108 and lower rod 110. If shallow depth, 1100 uses only upper rod 104. 1100 screws 106 onto one end of 104 and 112 onto the other end. If deeper probing, 1100 screws coupling onto end of 104, screws lower rod 110 into coupling, and screws 112 onto the other end of 110.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7, 1100 partially unscrews 200 from slotted block 204 enough to permit latch 202 to pivot out of latch slot 210. 1100 then positions rod 104 into notch 500. Static handle 206 is screwed tight.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, latch 202 is pivoted into slot 210 cradling rod 104 between 500 and 504. User 1100 positions 102 up and down along 104 until it is properly positioned for ergonomic and safe soil probing. In FIG. 9, 1100 screws 200 hand tight into 204 pushing 202 towards 104 and pinching rod between 504 and 500. 100 is now ready for soil probing.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 11, user 1100 positions himself at the location of probing and takes 102 in both hands gripping 200 and 206. In FIG. 12, 1100 pushes down uniformly on 200 and 206 with body weight alone pushing 104 or 110 into the soil. Once the object to be probed is hit, 1100 pulls up on 102 to pull 104, and 110 if used, out of the soil. 1100 marks the location and depth of the underground facility according the procedure.

[0115] 1100 then moves to the next position and again begins probing, contacting the object to be probed, and removing the rod as previously described.

[0116] Rod 104 may be removed from 102 by partially unscrewing 200 from slotted block 204 permitting 202 to slide away from 104. Latch 202 is then pivoted out of slot 210 releasing rod 104. 104 may then be removed from 102.

[0117] Persons of skill in the art of locating underground utilities by means of methods meeting Quality Level A (QL-A) requirements understand that the apparatus and method of using the apparatus described in the preferred embodiment can vary and still remain within the invention herein described. Variations obvious to those persons skilled in the art are included in the invention.

[0118] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the preferred embodiment, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention, including making and using any apparatuses and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those person of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0119] Further, multiple variations and modifications are possible in the embodiments of the invention described here. Although a certain illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described here, a wide range of modifications, changes, and substitutions is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description be construed broadly and understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the appended claims.