DIGGING LANCE WITH ADJUSTABLE VAVLE HANDLE & METHODS

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.