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.

1 . An expansible anchor adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure, said anchor comprising: a load cable; a first chock attached to an end of said load cable; a second chock adjacent to said first 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 bearing against at least one of said first and second chocks and comprising 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 first or second chocks, such that said second chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge said anchor from the hole of the structure, wherein the chock-release column comprises at least one of axially-aligned spools carried on said load cable, and defining respective break points allowing said anchor to flex relative to the structure.  
   
   
       2 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 1 , and comprising a handle carried by said load cable and adapted for moving said second chock from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position.  
   
   
       3 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 2 , and comprising a chock cable interconnecting said handle and said second chock.  
   
   
       4 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 3 , wherein said handle comprises a rocker assembly allowing kink-controlling movement of said chock cable relative to said load cable.  
   
   
       5 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 1 , wherein said chock-release column comprises a cable guide defining a contoured opening receiving said load cable and said chock cable.  
   
   
       6 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 1 , and comprising a biasing element carried on said load cable and adapted for normally urging said spools into an assembled arrangement.  
   
   
       7 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 6 , and comprising a cable guide sheath located between said load cable and said spring.  
   
   
       8 . The expansible anchor of  claim 6 , wherein the biasing element is selected from the group consisting of a compression spring, an elastomer, a wire a rubber grommet, or an elastomeric spring.  
   
   
       9 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 3 , and comprising a cable-positioning ferrule defining respective spaced-apart openings for receiving said load cable and said chock cable.  
   
   
       10 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 1 , wherein said second chock defines a generally convex inner surface adapted for sliding movement against an inner surface of said first chock.  
   
   
       11 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 1 , wherein said first chock comprises a bearing shoulder against which said chock-release column is forced.  
   
   
       12 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 11 , wherein said first chock further comprises an integrally-formed cable connector secured to said load cable, and extending through a hollow end of said chock-release column.  
   
   
       13 . An expansible anchor adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure, said anchor comprising: a load cable; a first chock attached to an end of said load cable; a second chock adjacent to said first chock and adapted for sliding linear 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; means for normally urging said second chock into the anchor-expanding position; a handle adapted for moving said second chock from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position; and a chock-release column bearing against at least one of said first and second chocks, and comprising 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 first or second chocks, such that said second chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge said anchor from the hole of the structure, wherein said chock-release column comprises 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.  
   
   
       14 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 13 , and comprising a chock cable interconnecting said handle and said second chock.  
   
   
       15 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 14 , wherein said handle comprises a rocker assembly allowing kink-controlling movement of said chock cable relative to said load cable.  
   
   
       16 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 13 , wherein said chock-release column comprises a cable guide defining a contoured opening receiving said load cable and said chock cable.  
   
   
       17 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 13 , and comprising a cable-positioning ferrule defining respective spaced-apart openings for receiving said load cable and said chock cable.  
   
   
       18 . The expansible anchor according to  claim 13 , wherein said first chock comprises a bearing shoulder against which said chock-release column is forced.  
   
   
       19 . An expansible anchor adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure, said anchor comprising: a load cable; a first chock attached to an end of said load cable; a second chock adjacent to said first 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; a spring adapted for normally urging said second chock into the anchor-expanding position; and a chock-release column bearing against at least one of said first and second chocks and comprising a striking head adapted for locating outside of the hole, said striking head defining a striking surface adapted for receiving a sudden force and transferring the force through said chock-release column to said first or second chocks, such that said second chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge said anchor from the hole of the structure, wherein said chock-release column comprises at least one of axially-aligned spools carried on said load cable, and defining respective break points allowing said anchor to flex relative to the structure.