Portable locator including a ground marking arrangement

A method for using a portable locator which is configured for locating relative to a position beneath the surface of the ground, said method comprising the steps of:

• configuring the portable locator to include a marking arrangement including a canister for emitting an aerosol paint to mark the surface of the ground;
• interfacing an electronics package within the portable locator to (i) a push button switch located for finger actuation by an operator with the operator standing in an upright position holding the portable locator and to (ii) a solenoid having a plunger;
• housing a battery back in the portable locator for providing power to the electronics package and the solenoid such that actuation of the push button switch causes the electronics package to electrically drive the solenoid thereby moving the plunger of the solenoid;
• and
• connecting the plunger of said solenoid with a lever arranged proximate to the canister such that movement of the plunger, as a result of the electronics package driving the solenoid, engages the lever with the canister resulting in emission of the aerosol paint.

A method for manufacturing a portable device, said method comprising the step of:

• providing a housing arrangement;
• supporting a locating arrangement in one operational orientation in said housing arrangement, said locating arrangement being configured for locating at least one of a buried line and a boring tool;
• and
• supporting a ground marking arrangement in another operational orientation such that the locating arrangement and the ground marking arrangement cooperate for use by an operator in identifying a location on the surface of the ground relative to at least one of said buried line and said boring tool and in marking the location with the locating arrangement.