US 5,056,454 AGranted

Utility locator

OwnerLance H. Turnerinventor

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Abstract

A utility locator which is positioned on the surface, but which is capable of providing extensive information concerning the character and location of utility facilities, or other similar types of subsurface structures. More particularly, the present invention is capable of providing information at the surface concerning the type of facility located below ground, the depth at which it is buried, its precise location, and its drift or direction of travel. In one embodiment, the utility locator comprises a multiple piece assembly. The manner in which the pieces are assembled and the types of pieces used provide the desired information. In particular, a round center piece may be used which has inscribed on its surface an indication concerning the type of structure marked. A second piece contains a mark on its surface. This mark is positioned with respect to a third piece such that the drift of the underground line is identified. This is accomplished by inscribing on the surface of the third piece the points of the compass. Depth is also indicated in a manner similar to that in which drift is indicated. In one embodiment, the third piece also includes a series of depth indications around its circumference. A fourth piece is then provided whcih also contains a mark. The mark is aligned with the number which corresponds to the depth of the subsurface facility (such as in feet or meters).

Claims25

Dependent claims

A utility locator for providing upon inspection from the surface of the ground preselected information about a utility buried in the ground, said locator comprising:

(a) a multiple piece assembly comprising:
(i) a first piece having thereon a first means for indicating the type of the utility,
(ii) a second piece having thereon a second means for cooperating within said multiple piece assembly to selectively indicate the drift of the utility,
(iii) a third piece carrying thereon a third means for cooperating with said second means to selectively indicate the drift of the utility and a fourth means for cooperating within said multiple piece assembly to selectively indicate the depth of the utility, said second and third pieces being capable of being positioned with respect to one another, such that the direction of drift of the utility is indicated by the relative positions of the second and third means, and
(iv) a fourth piece carrying thereon a fifth means for cooperating with said fourth means to selectively indicate the depth of the utility, said fourth piece being capable of being positioned with respect to said third piece, such that the depth of the utility is indicated by the relative positions of the fourth and fifth indication means;
(b) first fixation means for fixing the relative positions of said second and third pieces;
(c) second fixation means for fixing the relative positions of said third and fourth pieces;
and
(d) means for securing the multiple piece assembly to the surface of the ground above the utility.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.