Expansible hole anchor

Abstract

An expansible anchor is adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure. The anchor includes a load cable and a center chock attached to an end of the load cable. At least one side chock resides adjacent to the center 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 bears against the center chock or may bear against the at least one side chock. The chock release column is in a fixed relation to the center chock via a fastener 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 center chock and the at least one side chock, such that the at least one side 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 claims the benefit of priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 959,232, filed on Jul. 12, 2007, entitled EXPANSIBLE HOLE ANCHOR, the content of all the aforesaid application(s) are relied upon and incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to safety devices and methods for fall protection, and more specifically, to safety devices, in an exemplary embodiment, including expansible hole anchors, operable for arresting the downward movement of a person or object after a fall.[0004]2. Technical Background[0005]In the construction industry, it is oftentimes necessary to provide fall protection for workers or objects suspended at heights. Conventionally, expansible hole anchor bolts are used to meet these needs. Contractors typically utilize the expansible hole anchors in the hopes that they provide a simple, reliable ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies and shortcomings of the devices described above. The present invention is designed to reduce the manufacturing costs and the complexity of assembly. In all exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to an improved expansible hole anchor with a chock releasing column which is advantageously secured to a center chock of the hole anchor, thereby decreasing side load forces which may be applied to the center chock during use. The present invention is easily installed and removed from a hole formed with a solid structure. In one application, the present invention discloses a hole anchor that 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 application, the present invention is directed to a hole anchor that is applicable for use in securing equipment, such as scaffolding, to a concrete structure, or as a lift connection point for items with a suitable hole, such as preformed concrete or boulders, or for use in recreational rock climbing.

[0011]According to an exemplary embodiment, an expansible anchor adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure is provided. The hole anchor generally includes a load cable, a center chock attached to an end of said load cable, at least one, but preferably two, side chocks adjacent to said center chock and adapted for movement between an anchor-contracting position and an anchor-expanding position, whereby in said anchor-contracting position, said anchor is readily inserted into and removed from the hole of the structure, and in said anchor-expanding position, said anchor is locked inside the hole of the structure, and a chock release column fastened to and bearing against at least one of said center chock or at least one side chock by a fastener. The chock release column generally includes an enlarged head adapted for locating outside of the hole, said enlarged head defining a striking surface adapted for receiving a sudden force and transferring the force through said chock-release column to said center chock or at least one side chock, such that said at least one side chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge said anchor from the hole of the structure.

Problems solved by technology

However, substantial drawbacks and limitations exist in conventional 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.

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 conventional 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 foul the cable motion and cause the anchor to fail which may result in inoperability, serious injury, or death.

A further problem with conventional hole anchors is the number of components required for assembly and use.

Existing hole anchors require a large number of parts which disadvantageously increase the complexity and cost of manufacture.

In addition, conventional hole anchors disadvantageously have a striker head which may lose contact with the center chock, thus providing a defective unit.

In addition, conventional hole anchors, are provided with chock cables which may kink caused by movement of the unit during normal use.

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