DIGGING LANCE WITH ADJUSTABLE VAVLE HANDLE & METHODS

Abstract

A digging lance for hydro excavation includes an extension pipe, a nozzle, and a valve handle. The valve handle is adjustably attached to the extension pipe, and is selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe.

Claims

1. A digging lance for hydro excavation; the digging lance comprising: (a) an extension pipe having opposite first and second ends; the first end being configured to connect with a source of fluid; (b) a nozzle attached to the second end of the extension pipe; the nozzle configured to deliver pressurized fluid at a target; and (c) a valve handle in fluid communication with the extension pipe and the source of fluid; the valve handle being adjustably attached to the extension pipe, wherein the valve handle is selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe.

2. The digging lance of claim 1, further including a clamp arrangement adjustably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

3. The digging lance of claim 2, wherein the clamp arrangement comprises a clamp block supporting a portion of the valve handle or a fitment extending from the valve handle; and a clamp jaw holding the extension pipe; the clamp block engaging against the clamp jaw.

4. The digging lance of claim 3, further including: (a) a latch having a handle and a catch; the latch being secured to the clamp block; (b) a hook extending from the clamp jaw; wherein the catch on the latch is engageable with the hook, by moving the handle.

5. The digging lance of claim 3, wherein the clamp block includes a pair of clamp blocks.

6. The digging lance of claim 3, further including a half-clamp slidably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

7. The digging lance of claim 3: (a) wherein the clamp jaw and the clamp block together form a pipe aperture holding the extension pipe; and (b) further including a threaded assembly secured to the clamp block; the threaded assembly being adjustable to tighten or loosen the pipe aperture around the extension pipe.

8. The digging lance of claim 3: (a) wherein the clamp jaw and the clamp block together form a pipe aperture holding the extension pipe; a size of the pipe aperture being adjustable by relative movement between the clamp jaw and clamp block; and (b) further including a cam lever to tighten or loosen the pipe aperture around the extension pipe.

9. The digging lance of claim 1, wherein the valve handle is a shutoff valve handle having a trigger; the trigger allowing flow or stopping flow of fluid through the extension pipe and nozzle.

10. The digging lance of claim 1, further including: (a) a first hose with a first end in communication with the fluid source, and a second end attached to an inlet end of the valve handle; and (b) a second hose with a first end attached to an outlet end of the valve handle; the second hose having a second end attached to the first end of the extension pipe.

11. The digging lance of claim 1, wherein: (a) the extension pipe is at least 3 feet long; and (b) the nozzle delivers a flow of from 3-10 gallons/minute.

12. A method of using a digging lance for hydro excavation; the digging lance having an extension pipe having opposite first and second ends; the first end being configured to connect with a source of fluid; a nozzle attached to the second end of the extension pipe; the nozzle configured to deliver pressurized fluid at a target; and a valve handle in fluid communication with the extension pipe and the source of fluid; the method comprising: adjusting a position of the valve handle along a length of the extension pipe, and then securing the valve handle in a selected position.

13. The method of claim 12, further including: (a) using pressurized water from the digging lance to move soil and create a hole; (b) putting the nozzle and a portion of the extension pipe in the hole; and (c) adjusting the position of valve handle along the extension pipe away from the hole.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the position of the valve handle includes: (a) releasing a latch secured to a clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; (b) moving the valve handle to the selected position; and (c) engaging the latch to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the position of the valve handle includes: (a) releasing a threaded assembly secured to a clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; (b) moving the valve handle to the selected position; and (c) tightening the threaded assembly to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the position of the valve handle includes: (a) releasing a cam lever secured to a clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; (b) moving the valve handle to the selected position; and (c) engaging the cam lever to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

17. A digging lance for hydro excavation; the digging lance comprising: (a) an extension pipe having opposite first and second ends; the first end being configured to connect with a source of fluid; (b) a nozzle attached to the second end of the extension pipe; the nozzle configured to deliver pressurized fluid at a target; (c) a valve handle in fluid communication with the extension pipe and the source of fluid; the valve handle being selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe; and (d) means for adjustably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

18. The digging lance of claim 17, wherein the valve handle is a shutoff valve handle having a trigger; the trigger allowing flow or stopping flow of fluid through the extension pipe and nozzle.

19. The digging lance of claim 17, further including: (a) a first hose with a first end in communication with the fluid source, and a second end attached to an inlet end of the valve handle; and (b) a second hose with a first end attached to an outlet end of the valve handle; the second hose having a second end attached to the first end of the extension pipe.

20. The digging lance of claim 17, wherein: (a) the extension pipe is at least 3 feet long; and (b) the nozzle delivers a flow of from 3-10 gallons/minute.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a prior art digging lance, during a step of using the digging lance;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a prior art digging lance, using the lance at an angle;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an operator using a digging lance, constructed according to principles of this disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the digging lance of FIG. 3;

[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an adjustable clamp arrangement and valve handle, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective, enlarged view of the adjustable clamp arrangement and valve handle, shown from an opposite side of FIG. 5;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective, enlarged view of the adjustable clamp arrangement and valve handle, shown from the same side as FIG. 5;

[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of parts of the digging lance of FIG. 3, including the clamp arrangement and valve handle;

[0035] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the clamp arrangement and other parts of the digging lance of FIG. 3;

[0036] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the clamp arrangement;

[0037] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the clamp arrangement; and

[0038] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the clamp arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Problem with the Current State of the Art

[0039] The problem with the digging lances in the prior art is the fact that the shutoff valve handle is located at the end of the extension pipe opposite of the nozzle. With the shutoff valve located at the end of the extension pipe (typically 6 feet long), the operator must start out with the shutoff valve handle over their head to dig a hole of appreciable depth. See FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, an operator 10 is shown holding a prior art digging lance 12. The digging lance 12 has a shutoff valve handle 14 attached to an end of an extension pipe 16. The shutoff valve handle 14 is over the head of the operator 10. This situation is awkward and fatiguing for most operators 10, and especially restricted for shorter and/or individuals with limited physical strength.

[0040] One way to overcome the problem is to start with a much shorter extension pipe 16 (typically 3 feet long). This situation would require the operator 10 to stop and add additional extensions to dig to deeper depths, which is very time consuming. In addition, rather than add additional extensions, operators 10 tend to lean over or get on their knees to dig deeper, which is also fatiguing and can lead to injuries.

[0041] Another technique is to take the digging lance 12 and remove material at an angle to bring the shutoff valve 14 to a lower level (see FIG. 2). However, since the digging lance 12 is at an angle, it will require the operator 10 to remove more material, resulting in a wider hole than may be desired. This also requires the operator 10 to be further from the hole, which could limit the operator's ability to see into the hole.

The Solution; FIGS. 3-12

[0042] An operator of a digging lance, constructed according to principles of this disclosure, will be able to start out with a longer extension pipe and easily place the valve handle at a comfortable position along the length of the extension pipe. As the digging lance and air conveyance system remove material and the hole gets deeper, the operator can easily move the valve handle up the extension pipe to maintain a comfortable position. The operator can keep the digging lance vertical to be more precise with the material removal and provides the opportunity to have better visibility into the hole. In addition, when the lance is more vertical, the thrust from the nozzle counteracts the maximum amount of weight from the lance assembly.

[0043] In reference now to FIGS. 3-12, in accordance with principles of this disclosure, a digging lance for hydro excavation is shown generally at 100. The digging lance 100 includes an extension pipe 102. The extension pipe 102 is generally a cylindrical, straight, hollow tube made of metal, constructed for conveying pressurized fluid, such as water. The extension pipe 102 will typically have a diameter of between 0.5-1 inch, for example 0.65 inch-0.90 inch. The extension pipe 102 has a first end 104 and an opposite second end 106. The first end 104 is configured to releasable connect/attach to a source of fluid/water. The extension pipe 102 is typically 3-7 feet long, but using principles of this disclosure, can be longer than 7 feet.

[0044] The digging lance 100 includes a nozzle 110. The nozzle 110 is removably connected or attached to the second end 106 of the extension pipe 102. The nozzle 110 is configured to deliver pressurized fluid (such as water) at a target. Typically, the target will be ground soil to dig a hole. The nozzle 110 can vary, depending on the desired flow rating. Flow ratings for the nozzle 110 range typically from 3-10 gallons per minute. The nozzle 110 can vary with desire flow patterns, to accommodate different digging applications.

[0045] The digging lance 100 includes a valve handle 112. The valve handle 112 is in fluid communication with the extension pipe 102 and the source of fluid. The valve handle 112 is adjustably attached to the extension pipe 102, such that the valve handle 112 is selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe 102. See the arrow 118 in FIG. 4. Being movable along the extension pipe 102 allows the valve handle 112 to be positioned by the operator 101 to a comfortable location for use. That is, when starting to dig a hole, the valve handle 112 can be positioned away from the first end 104 of the extension pipe 102 and somewhere along a mid-section of the pipe 102, depending on the height of the operator 101 and the length of the pipe 102. As the hole becomes deeper and the extension pipe 102 goes lower into the ground, the valve handle 112 can be moved up the extension pipe 102, toward the first end 104 to be positioned in a comfortable position for the operator 101.

[0046] The valve handle 112 is preferably a shutoff valve 114, including a trigger 116. The trigger 116 is controlled by the operator 101 to allow for the flow or stopping of flow of the fluid through the extension pipe 102 and nozzle 110. Typically, fluid flows when the trigger 116 is in a pulled position, and when the trigger 116 is released back to its rest position, the flow of the fluid is stopped.

[0047] In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the digging lance 100 includes a clamp arrangement 120. The clamp arrangement 120 is provided to adjustably secure the valve handle 112 to the extension pipe 102.

[0048] Many arrangements are possible. In the example embodiment shown, the clamp arrangement 120 comprises a pair of clamp blocks 122, 123. The clamp blocks 122, 123 support a portion of the valve handle 112, or a fitment 126 (FIGS. 8 and 9) extending from the valve handle 112. In FIG. 9, it can be seen how the clamp blocks 122, 123 each has an open aperture 128, 129 sized to hold or accommodate fitment 126.

[0049] Many embodiments of the clamp blocks 122, 123 are possible. In the example illustrated, each of the clamp blocks 122, 123 has a front face 130, 131; a rear face 134, 135 (FIG. 6); a first side face 138, 139; a second side face 140, 141; a top face 143, 144; and a bottom face 146, 147. The second side faces 140, 141 oppose each other, and in use, can be in contact against each other. The apertures 128, 129 pass through the blocks 122, 123 from the first side face 138, 139 to the second side face 140, 141. The top face 143, 144 is shown as a convex curved surface, with the apertures 128, 129 being adjacent thereto. The bottom face 146, 147 is shown as being a concave curved surface, sized to accommodate the extension pipe 102. The front face 130, 131 includes a plurality of fastener apertures 148 to receive bolts or other fasteners, to accommodate a latch assembly 150, discussed further below.

[0050] The clamp arrangement 120 further includes a clamp jaw 152. The clamp jaw 152 holds the extension pipe 102. The clamp blocks 122, 123 engage against the clamp jaw 152, with the extension pipe 102 being held therebetween. In particular, the bottom face 146, 147 of the clamp blocks 122, 123 are against one side of the extension pipe 102, while the clamp jaw 152 is against an opposite side of the extension pipe 102.

[0051] The clamp jaw 152 can be embodied in many different ways. In the example shown, the clamp jaw 152 has a curved, concave top face 156; an opposite bottom face 158; a front face 160; an opposite rear face 162; and first 164 and second 166 side faces extending between the front face 160 and rear face 162.

[0052] A hook 168 extends from the clamp jaw 152. In the example shown, the hook 168 extends from the front face 160 of the clamp jaw 152. The hook 168 cooperates with the latch assembly 150, discussed further below.

[0053] The clamp jaw 152 is connected to the clamp blocks 122, 123. While there are many possibilities, in this example, the rear face 162 of the clamp jaw 152 has a plurality of apertured flanges 170, 171, 172 extending therefrom. The rear face 134, 135 of the clamp blocks 122, 123 each has an apertured flange 154, 155. The flanges 154, 155 on the clamp blocks 122, 123 fit between the flanges 170, 171, 172 on the clamp jaw 152 (FIG. 6). A pair of pins 174, 175 (FIG. 9) passes through the apertures in the flanges 154, 155, 170, 171, 172 to hold the clamp jaw 152 together with the clamp blocks 122, 123.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the clamp arrangement, shown at 120. In this embodiment, the clamp arrangement 120 is a monolith, single piece clamp block 222, rather than the pair of clamp blocks 122, 123.

[0055] The digging lance 100 further includes the latch assembly 150. The latch assembly 150 includes a handle 178 and a catch 180. The latch assembly 150 is secured to the clamp blocks 122, 123. In the example shown, a fastener plate 182 is attached to the clamp blocks 122, 123 using fasteners/bolts 184 which are received within the fastener apertures 148 of the clamp blocks 122, 123. The catch 180 on the latch assembly 150 is engageable with the hook 168 on the clamp jaw 152, by moving the handle 178. The handle 178 pivots about an axis parallel to the extension pipe 102.

[0056] When the latch assembly 150 is engaged with the catch 180 in contact with the hook 168, the clamp blocks 122, 123 are tight against the extension pipe 102 and the clamp jaw 152, which tightly holds the valve handle 112 in the selected position on the extension pipe 102. When the latch assembly 150 is released, with the catch 180 away from (not engaged with) the hook 168, the clamp blocks 122, 123 are loose around the extension pipe 102, allowing the valve handle 112 to be moved along the length of the extension pipe to a selected position.

[0057] While a latch assembly 150 is shown in FIGS. 1-10, alternative fastening arrangements are useable, such as straps, magnets, threaded assemblies, and the like. FIG. 11 shows an alternative fastening arrangement in the form of threaded assembly 300. The threaded assembly 300 includes a bolt 302, having a tightening handle 304. The clamp block 322 mates with a clamp jaw 352 to form a pipe receiving aperture 306 for the extension pipe 102. The clamp jaw 352 is movably fastened to the clamp block 322, and movement of the handle 304 and bolt 302 will make the pipe aperture 306 smaller or larger, to tighten around or to release attachment to the extension pipe 102. Many embodiments are possible.

[0058] FIG. 12 shows another alternative fastening arrangement in the form of a cam lever 400. As with the FIG. 11 embodiment, the clamp block 322 mates with clamp jaw 352 to form pipe receiving aperture 306 for the extension pipe 102. The size of the pipe aperture 306 is adjustable by relative movement between the clamp jaw 352 and clamp block 322. The cam lever 400 has a cam mechanism 401, which generates a clamping force by pressing the cam mechanism 401 against the clamp jaw 352 by rotating or pivoting about pivot axis 402 to tighten the pipe aperture 306 around the extension pipe 102. The pipe aperture 306 can be loosening by reverse pivoting of the lever 400. The pivot axis 402, in this embodiment, is parallel to a central longitudinal axis 404 of the pipe receiving aperture 306, but need not be in other embodiments.

[0059] From the above description of the clamp arrangement 120, 120, it is realized that the digging lance 100 has a means for adjustably securing the valve handle 112 to the extension pipe 102. The means includes various disclosed clamp arrangements 120, 120 and equivalents thereof, and includes various disclosed fastening arrangements including latch assembly 150, threaded assembly 300, cam lever 400, and equivalents thereof. The fastening arrangements may further include straps, magnets, and equivalents thereof.

[0060] A half clamp 188 is provided to slidably secure the valve handle 112 to the extension pipe 102. The half clamp 188 includes a sleeve 190. The sleeve 190 receives and holds the valve handle 112. Fitments 192, 193 can be seen connecting the valve handle 112 to a second hose 194. Extending from the sleeve 190 is a flange plate 196, which is attached to a concave shaped pipe receiver 198. The pipe receiver 196 tightly fits around the extension pipe 102, for example, with a snap over fit.

[0061] In reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the digging lance 100 has a first hose 202. The first hose 202 has a first end 204 in communication with the fluid source (e.g., water), and a second end 206 attached to an inlet end 207 of the valve handle 112. Second hose 194, has a first end 208 attached to an outlet end 210 of the valve handle 112. The second hose 194 has a second end 212 attached to the first end 104 of the extension pipe 102.

[0062] The above can be used in a method of using a digging lance for hydro excavation. The digging lance 100 has extension pipe 102 having opposite first 104 and second 106 ends; the first end 104 is configured to connect with a source of fluid. Nozzle 110 is attached to the second end 106 of the extension pipe 102. The nozzle 110 is configured to deliver pressurized fluid at a target. Valve handle 112 is in fluid communication with the extension pipe 102 and the source of fluid. The method includes adjusting a position of the valve handle 112 along a length of the extension pipe 102, and then securing the valve handle 112 in a selected position.

[0063] The method further includes using pressurized water from the digging lance 100 to move soil and create a hole; putting the nozzle 110 and a portion of the extension pipe 102 in the hole; and adjusting the position of valve handle 112 along the extension pipe 102 away from the hole.

[0064] In one example method, adjusting the position of the valve handle 112 includes releasing latch 150 secured to clamp arrangement 120, 120 holding the valve handle 112 and the extension pipe 102. The method further includes moving the valve handle 112 to the selected position; and engaging the latch 150 to secure the valve handle 112 in the selected position.

[0065] In another example method, adjusting the position of the valve handle 112 includes releasing threaded assembly 300 secured to clamp arrangement 120, 120 holding the valve handle 112 and the extension pipe 102. Then, moving the valve handle 112 to the selected position; and tightening the threaded assembly 300 to secure the valve handle 112 in the selected position.

[0066] In another example method, adjusting the position of the valve handle 112 includes releasing cam lever 400 secured to clamp arrangement 120, 120 holding the valve handle 112 and the extension pipe 102. Then, moving the valve handle 112 to the selected position; and engaging the cam lever 400 to secure the valve handle 112 in the selected position.

[0067] The above describes example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.