Expansible, variable depth hole anchor

Abstract

An expansible, variable depth anchor is adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure. The anchor includes a load cable and a first chock attached to an end of the load cable. A second chock resides adjacent to the first chock, and is adapted for movement between an anchor-contracting position and an anchor-expanding position. In the anchor-contracting position, the anchor is readily inserted into and removed from the hole of the structure. In the anchor-expanding position, the anchor is locked inside the hole of the structure. A chock-release column comprised of a series of axially-aligned spools carried on said load cable, and defining respective break points allowing said anchor to flex relative to the structure bears against at least one of the first and second chocks and has an enlarged head adapted for locating outside of the hole. The enlarged head defines a striking surface adapted for receiving a sudden force. This force is transferred through the chock-release column to the first or second chocks, such that the second chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge the anchor from the hole of the structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 069,646, filed on Mar. 1, 2005, and entitled “EXPANSIBLE HOLE ANCHOR WITH ENLARGED CHOCK-RELEASING STRIKER HEAD,” which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority of PCT / US04 / 24129, filed on Jul. 27, 2004, the content of all the aforesaid applications are relied upon and incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to an expansible, variable depth hole anchor with an enlarged chock-releasing striker head. The invention is easily installed and removed from a hole formed with a solid structure. In one application, the present anchor is inserted into a hole drilled in a concrete wall at a construction site. A safety harness, lifeline, and other fall protection gear is secured to the worker and to the anchor to arrest the worker in the event of a fall. In another applicat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an expansible hole anchor that can be easily inserted and removed from a hole in a solid structure. It includes a load cable and two chocks that can move between an expanded position and a contracted position. The anchor can be dislodged and removed without needing a special tool inside the hole. It also allows for substantial retraction of the chocks, increasing the contraction of the anchor relative to the hole. The anchor can be used in holes of varying depths and offers a striking surface outside of the hole for dislodging the anchor chocks. The invention provides an improved solution for securely anchoring items to holes in structures."

Problems solved by technology

Substantial drawbacks and limitations exist in prior art expansible hole anchors, particularly those with spring-loaded retractable handles.

In many cases, the anchor is so tightly lodged inside the hole that movement of the handle is difficult, if not impossible.

Additional forces exerted on the anchor during a worker's fall cause even greater locking engagement of the anchor chocks.

In practice, this procedure is generally ineffective; often resulting in mangled or broken retraction cables, and rendering the anchor unsuitable for future use.

This procedure further inconveniences the user by requiring the availability of special tools in order to access and release the anchor chocks.

A further problem of commercial prior art anchors relates to the exposure of control cables operable for moving the anchor from the expanded condition to the contracted condition.

Typically, these cables will bear directly against an inside wall of the anchor hole, resulting in substantial abrasion and chaffing when the anchor is inserted into and removed from the hole.

Further wear is created when the worker moves about causing the control cables to grind against the concrete lip of the hole.

If left undetected, the worn cables will eventually cause the anchor to fail which may result in serious injury or death.

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