Digging Lance with Adjustable Vavle Handle & Methods

This disclosure concerns hydro excavation. In particular, this disclosure concerns a digging lance used for hydro excavation having an adjustable valve handle, and methods of use.

Hydro Excavation is the process of removing or moving soil with pressurized water. An air conveyance or vacuum is then used to transfer the soil or debris to a debris tank. This allows for a non-destructive and more accurate way to excavate soil and locate underground utilities. The pressurized water is delivered with a digging lance that typically includes a nozzle, extension pipe, and a shutoff valve handle. The nozzles come in different flow ratings typically from 3 to 10 gpm and various flow patterns to accommodate different digging applications.

The extension pipes are typically ½ pipe made from steel or aluminum in lengths typically from 3 to 7 feet. The shutoff valve handles come in various configurations and have a hold-to-run valve trigger that shuts off the pressurized water automatically as soon as the operator removes his hand from the valve trigger.

Improvements in these types of assemblies are desirable.

A digging lance is provided that improves the prior art.

In general, a digging lance for hydro excavation is provided. The digging lance comprises 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 valve handle being adjustably attached to the extension pipe, wherein the valve handle is selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe.

The digging lance further includes a clamp arrangement adjustably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

In example embodiments, 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.

In one or more embodiments, the lance includes a latch having a handle and a catch; the latch being secured to the clamp block; a hook extending from the clamp jaw; and wherein the catch on the latch is engageable with the hook, by moving the handle.

In some arrangements, the clamp block includes a pair of clamp blocks.

Preferably, the digging lance further includes a half-clamp slidably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

In some examples, the clamp jaw and the clamp block together form a pipe aperture holding the extension pipe; and there is 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.

Some arrangements include the clamp jaw and the clamp block together forming 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 further including a cam lever to tighten or loosen the pipe aperture around the extension pipe.

In preferred implementations, 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.

The digging lance further includes 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 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.

Preferably, the extension pipe is at least 3 feet long; and the nozzle delivers a flow of from 3-10 gallons/minute.

In another aspect, 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 comprises adjusting a position of the valve handle along a length of the extension pipe, and then securing the valve handle in a selected position.

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

The step of adjusting the position of the valve handle includes: releasing a latch secured to a clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; moving the valve handle to the selected position; and engaging the latch to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

In another example, adjusting the position of the valve handle includes releasing a threaded assembly secured to clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; moving the valve handle to the selected position; and tightening the threaded assembly to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

In another example, adjusting the position of the valve handle includes releasing cam lever secured to clamp arrangement holding the valve handle and the extension pipe; moving the valve handle to the selected position; and engaging the cam lever to secure the valve handle in the selected position.

In another aspect, a digging lance for hydro excavation is provided. The digging lance comprising: 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; 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 means for adjustably securing the valve handle to the extension pipe.

In preferred implementations, 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.

The digging lance further includes 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 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.

Preferably, the extension pipe is at least 3 feet long; and the nozzle delivers a flow of from 3-10 gallons/minute.

It is noted that not all of the specific features described herein need to be incorporated in an arrangement for the arrangement to have some selected advantage according to the present disclosure.

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. In, an operatoris shown holding a prior art digging lance. The digging lancehas a shutoff valve handleattached to an end of an extension pipe. The shutoff valve handleis over the head of the operator. This situation is awkward and fatiguing for most operators, and especially restricted for shorter and/or individuals with limited physical strength.

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

Another technique is to take the digging lanceand remove material at an angle to bring the shutoff valveto a lower level (see). However, since the digging lanceis at an angle, it will require the operatorto remove more material, resulting in a wider hole than may be desired. This also requires the operatorto be further from the hole, which could limit the operator's ability to see into the hole.

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.

In reference now to, in accordance with principles of this disclosure, a digging lance for hydro excavation is shown generally at. The digging lanceincludes an extension pipe. The extension pipeis generally a cylindrical, straight, hollow tube made of metal, constructed for conveying pressurized fluid, such as water. The extension pipewill typically have a diameter of between 0.5-1 inch, for example 0.65 inch-0.90 inch. The extension pipehas a first endand an opposite second end. The first endis configured to releasable connect/attach to a source of fluid/water. The extension pipeis typically 3-7 feet long, but using principles of this disclosure, can be longer than 7 feet.

The digging lanceincludes a nozzle. The nozzleis removably connected or attached to the second endof the extension pipe. The nozzleis configured to deliver pressurized fluid (such as water) at a target. Typically, the target will be ground soil to dig a hole. The nozzlecan vary, depending on the desired flow rating. Flow ratings for the nozzlerange typically from 3-10 gallons per minute. The nozzlecan vary with desire flow patterns, to accommodate different digging applications.

The digging lanceincludes a valve handle. The valve handleis in fluid communication with the extension pipeand the source of fluid. The valve handleis adjustably attached to the extension pipe, such that the valve handleis selectively movable along a length of the extension pipe. See the arrowin. Being movable along the extension pipeallows the valve handleto be positioned by the operatorto a comfortable location for use. That is, when starting to dig a hole, the valve handlecan be positioned away from the first endof the extension pipeand somewhere along a mid-section of the pipe, depending on the height of the operatorand the length of the pipe. As the hole becomes deeper and the extension pipegoes lower into the ground, the valve handlecan be moved up the extension pipe, toward the first endto be positioned in a comfortable position for the operator.

The valve handleis preferably a shutoff valve, including a trigger. The triggeris controlled by the operatorto allow for the flow or stopping of flow of the fluid through the extension pipeand nozzle. Typically, fluid flows when the triggeris in a pulled position, and when the triggeris released back to its rest position, the flow of the fluid is stopped.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the digging lanceincludes a clamp arrangement. The clamp arrangementis provided to adjustably secure the valve handleto the extension pipe.

Many arrangements are possible. In the example embodiment shown, the clamp arrangementcomprises a pair of clamp blocks,. The clamp blocks,support a portion of the valve handle, or a fitment() extending from the valve handle. In, it can be seen how the clamp blocks,each has an open aperture,sized to hold or accommodate fitment.

Many embodiments of the clamp blocks,are possible. In the example illustrated, each of the clamp blocks,has a front face,; a rear face,(); a first side face,; a second side face,; a top face,; and a bottom face,. The second side faces,oppose each other, and in use, can be in contact against each other. The apertures,pass through the blocks,from the first side face,to the second side face,. The top face,is shown as a convex curved surface, with the apertures,being adjacent thereto. The bottom face,is shown as being a concave curved surface, sized to accommodate the extension pipe. The front face,includes a plurality of fastener aperturesto receive bolts or other fasteners, to accommodate a latch assembly, discussed further below.

The clamp arrangementfurther includes a clamp jaw. The clamp jawholds the extension pipe. The clamp blocks,engage against the clamp jaw, with the extension pipebeing held therebetween. In particular, the bottom face,of the clamp blocks,are against one side of the extension pipe, while the clamp jawis against an opposite side of the extension pipe.

The clamp jawcan be embodied in many different ways. In the example shown, the clamp jawhas a curved, concave top face; an opposite bottom face; a front face; an opposite rear face; and firstand secondside faces extending between the front faceand rear face.

A hookextends from the clamp jaw. In the example shown, the hookextends from the front faceof the clamp jaw. The hookcooperates with the latch assembly, discussed further below.

The clamp jawis connected to the clamp blocks,. While there are many possibilities, in this example, the rear faceof the clamp jawhas a plurality of apertured flanges,,extending therefrom. The rear face,of the clamp blocks,each has an apertured flange,. The flanges,on the clamp blocks,fit between the flanges,,on the clamp jaw(). A pair of pins,() passes through the apertures in the flanges,,,,to hold the clamp jawtogether with the clamp blocks,.

illustrates an alternative embodiment of the clamp arrangement, shown at′. In this embodiment, the clamp arrangement′ is a monolith, single piece clamp block, rather than the pair of clamp blocks,.

The digging lancefurther includes the latch assembly. The latch assemblyincludes a handleand a catch. The latch assemblyis secured to the clamp blocks,. In the example shown, a fastener plateis attached to the clamp blocks,using fasteners/boltswhich are received within the fastener aperturesof the clamp blocks,. The catchon the latch assemblyis engageable with the hookon the clamp jaw, by moving the handle. The handlepivots about an axis parallel to the extension pipe.

When the latch assemblyis engaged with the catchin contact with the hook, the clamp blocks,are tight against the extension pipeand the clamp jaw, which tightly holds the valve handlein the selected position on the extension pipe. When the latch assemblyis released, with the catchaway from (not engaged with) the hook, the clamp blocks,are loose around the extension pipe, allowing the valve handleto be moved along the length of the extension pipe to a selected position.

While a latch assemblyis shown in, alternative fastening arrangements are useable, such as straps, magnets, threaded assemblies, and the like.shows an alternative fastening arrangement in the form of threaded assembly. The threaded assemblyincludes a bolt, having a tightening handle. The clamp blockmates with a clamp jawto form a pipe receiving aperturefor the extension pipe. The clamp jawis movably fastened to the clamp block, and movement of the handleand boltwill make the pipe aperturesmaller or larger, to tighten around or to release attachment to the extension pipe. Many embodiments are possible.

shows another alternative fastening arrangement in the form of a cam lever. As with theembodiment, the clamp blockmates with clamp jawto form pipe receiving aperturefor the extension pipe. The size of the pipe apertureis adjustable by relative movement between the clamp jawand clamp block. The cam leverhas a cam mechanism, which generates a clamping force by pressing the cam mechanismagainst the clamp jawby rotating or pivoting about pivot axisto tighten the pipe aperturearound the extension pipe. The pipe aperturecan be loosening by reverse pivoting of the lever. The pivot axis, in this embodiment, is parallel to a central longitudinal axisof the pipe receiving aperture, but need not be in other embodiments.

From the above description of the clamp arrangement,′, it is realized that the digging lancehas a means for adjustably securing the valve handleto the extension pipe. The means includes various disclosed clamp arrangements,′ and equivalents thereof, and includes various disclosed fastening arrangements including latch assembly, threaded assembly, cam lever, and equivalents thereof. The fastening arrangements may further include straps, magnets, and equivalents thereof.

A half clampis provided to slidably secure the valve handleto the extension pipe. The half clampincludes a sleeve. The sleevereceives and holds the valve handle. Fitments,can be seen connecting the valve handleto a second hose. Extending from the sleeveis a flange plate, which is attached to a concave shaped pipe receiver. The pipe receivertightly fits around the extension pipe, for example, with a snap over fit.

In reference again to, the digging lancehas a first hose. The first hosehas a first endin communication with the fluid source (e.g., water), and a second endattached to an inlet endof the valve handle. Second hose, has a first endattached to an outlet endof the valve handle. The second hosehas a second endattached to the first endof the extension pipe.

The above can be used in a method of using a digging lance for hydro excavation. The digging lancehas extension pipehaving opposite firstand secondends; the first endis configured to connect with a source of fluid. Nozzleis attached to the second endof the extension pipe. The nozzleis configured to deliver pressurized fluid at a target. Valve handleis in fluid communication with the extension pipeand the source of fluid. The method includes adjusting a position of the valve handlealong a length of the extension pipe, and then securing the valve handlein a selected position.