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  Expansible, variable depth hole anchorUSPTO Application #: 20080042029Title: 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. (end of abstract)
Agent: Clements Walker - Charlotte, NC, US Inventor: Eric William Reeves USPTO Applicaton #: 20080042029 - Class: 248231910 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Supports, Brackets, Specially Mounted Or Attached, By Wall Anchor The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080042029. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 application, the present anchor is applicable for use in recreational rock climbing. [0003] Substantial drawbacks and limitations exist in prior art expansible hole anchors, particularly those with spring-loaded retractable handles. The handle is applicable for moving the anchor from a normal expanded condition to a contracted condition for inserting and removing the anchor from the hole. In order to remove the anchor, the user is instructed to manually retract the handle to disengage the anchor chocks from an inside wall of the hole. In many cases, the anchor is so tightly lodged inside the hole that movement of the handle is difficult, if not impossible. This occurs often, as the operating instructions call for a tug on the load cable to set the anchor during insertion. Additional forces exerted on the anchor during a worker's fall cause even greater locking engagement of the anchor chocks. The instructions commonly provided for dislodging an embedded anchor are to insert a small, narrow flat screwdriver into the hole, and create an impact force on an end fitting to overcome the locking friction. 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. If all methods of removal fail, the exposed portion of the anchor is torched off, a new hole drilled, and the balance of the anchor is left in the old hole. [0004] 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. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an expansible hole anchor which is readily inserted into and removed from a hole formed in a solid structure. [0006] It is another object of the invention to provide an expansible hole anchor which is conveniently dislodged and removed without requiring insertion of a special tool inside the hole. [0007] It is another object of the invention to provide an expansible hole anchor which enables substantial retraction of the chocks, thereby increasing contraction of the anchor relative to the hole. [0008] It is another object of the invention to provide an expansible hole anchor which is applicable for use in holes of varying depths. [0009] It is another object of the invention to provide an expansible hole anchor which offers a striking surface outside of the hole for dislodging the anchor chocks. [0010] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an expansible anchor 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 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. [0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle is carried by the load cable and adapted for moving the second chock from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position. [0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a chock cable interconnects the handle and the second chock. [0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle includes a rocker assembly which allows kink-controlling movement of the chock cable relative to the load cable. [0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the chock-release column includes a cable guide defining respective openings receiving the load cable and the chock cable. [0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the chock-release column includes a series of axially-aligned spools carried on the load cable. The spools define respective break points allowing said anchor to flex relative to the structure. [0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a biasing element is carried on the load cable and adapted for normally urging the spools into an assembled arrangement. [0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a chafe protective/cable guide sheath is located between the load cable and the spring. [0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a cable-positioning ferrule defines respective spaced-apart openings for receiving the load cable and the chock cable. [0019] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second chock defines a generally convex inner surface adapted for sliding movement against an inner surface of the first chock. [0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first chock has a bearing shoulder against which the chock-release column is forced. [0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first chock further includes an integrally-formed cable connector secured to the load cable and extending through a hollow end of the chock-release column. Continue reading... Full patent description for Expansible, variable depth hole anchor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Expansible, variable depth hole anchor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Expansible, variable depth hole anchor or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Container mounting assembly Next Patent Application: Roofer's lifesaver Industry Class: Supports ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Expansible, variable depth hole anchor patent info. 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