Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 SEISMIC TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN ANCHOR INSERTION
2
3 The present invention relates to a seismic tool assembly
4 meant to be used for the later insertion and setting of anchors,
such as drop-in and wedge type anchors into brittle materials
6 such as concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous materials. More
7 particularly, the present invention relates to a seismic tool
8 assembly for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a lowermost
9 end thereof to have a greater circumference than that of the
remainder of the drill hole whereby an anchor can be set more
11 securely therein.
12
13 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
14
Anchors are conventionally used in construction to attach
16 various components of a building construction to an overhead
17 ceiling or other structure. Such components to be attached can
18 relate to, for example, services that provide plumbing,
19 electrical, drainage, sprinkler system piping and drop ceilings.
From these anchors, which are usually of the wedge or drop-in
21 type variety, all of the above services and ceilings are
22 suspended or secured.
23 Conventionally, in setting anchors in concrete to suspend
24 an awning, for example, a hole is pre-drilled in the surface to
which the anchor is to be applied, and then the anchor is
26 inserted into the pre-drilled hole. However, when setting such
27 anchors in concrete it is not uncommon for such anchors to
28 weaken and loosen over time, particularly in situations where
29 cracking or chipping of the concrete around the pre-drilled hole
has occurred.
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1 Furthermore, studies have revealed that cracking can
2 typically occur in the concrete element, and that such cracks
3 can significantly impact the performance of anchors. Cracks can
4 originate on a concrete beam or slab in a variety of ways, such
as creep, temperature settlement of the support or foundation,
6 thermal expansion and contraction stress overload, or from a
7 natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood. In such
8 situations, the situation can arise where, if one such concrete
9 anchor fails and lets go, the remaining anchors, by virtue of
the weight they additionally assume in light of such failure,
11 can also similarly collapse and fail.
12 It has been found that enlarging the lowermost (interior)
13 portion of a drill hole can allow an anchor to be set more
14 securely therein. It has further been found that providing a
drill hole with an enlarged lower end having a greater
16 circumference than that of the remainder of the drill hole can
17 be advantageously provided by a drill bit having an enlarged
18 cutting portion adjacent the tip, which is inserted into the
19 drill hole, whereby the enlargement of the cutting portion is
configured so that it can pass through the shaft of the pre-
21 drilled hole to be enlarged.
22
23 It would therefore be advantageous to have an improved
24 seismic tool assembly meant to be used for the later insertion
and setting of anchors into brittle materials such as concrete,
26 stone, masonry and cementuous materials.
27
28 it would be further advantageous to have an improved
29 seismic tool assembly for use in a one step process for both
creating a drill hole and, at the same time, enlarging a
31 lowermost end of a drill hole, wherein the lowermost end of the
2
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l drill hole can be further drilled and enlarged to have a greater
2 circumference than that of the remainder of the drill hole,
3 wherein an anchor can later be positioned and securely retained
4 within the enlarged area.
6 It would also be further advantageous to have an improved
7 seismic tool assembly meant to be used for the later insertion
8 and setting of anchors which utilizes a stabilizer having an
9 opening corresponding with the drill hole for receiving an
insertion of the bit body into the drill hole, so as to aid in
11 accurately inserting the drill bit into the drill hole. It would
12 also be still further advantageous to have a stabilizer which
13 possesses a tapered interior, with an upper end of the
14 stabilizer having a narrower opening for receiving the insertion
of the bit body therein and thus stabilize the bit body, and the
16 lower end of the stabilizer having a larger sized opening
17 greater than that of the upper end, so as to increase the range
18 of motion of the drilling bit and permit limited tilting
19 movement of the bit within the stabilizer during the drilling
process so as to further aid in enlarging a lowermost end of the
21 drill hole to receive an anchor. To this end, the present
22 invention effectively addresses this need.
23
24 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
26 The present invention provides an improved seismic tool
27 assembly meant to be used for the later insertion and setting of
28 anchors for the insertion and setting of anchors into brittle
29 materials such as concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous
materials.
31
32 The present invention also provides an improved seismic
33 tool assembly meant to be used for the later insertion and
3
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1 setting of anchors, which can be used in a one step process for
2 both creating a drill hole and, at the same time, for enlarging
3 a lowermost end of a drill hole to have a greater circumference
4 than that of the remainder of the drill hole, whereby an anchor
can be later set and positioned more securely therein.
6
7 The present invention also provides an improved seismic
8 tool assembly meant to be used for the later insertion and
9 setting of anchors which utilizes a stabilizer having an opening
corresponding with the drill hole for receiving an insertion of
11 the bit body into the drill hole, so as to aid in accurately
12 inserting the drill bit into the drill hole.
13
14 The present invention also provides an improved seismic
tool assembly meant to be used for the later insertion and
16 setting of anchors which utilizes a drill stop member which
17 possesses a tapered interior, with an upper end of the drill
18 stop member having a narrower opening for receiving the
19 insertion of the bit body therein and thus stabilize the bit
body, and the lower end of the drill stop member having a larger
21 sized opening greater than that of the upper end, so as to
22 increase the range of motion of the drilling bit and permit
23 limited tilting movement of the bit within the drill stop member
24 during the drilling process so as to further aid in enlarging a
lowermost end of the drill hole.
26
27 According to a first broad aspect of an embodiment of the
28 present invention, there is disclosed a seismic tool assembly
29 for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a lowermost end
thereof for a later insertion and setting of anchors therein,
31 the assembly comprising a substantially cylindrical bit body
32 sized to fit into the drill hole, the bit body having a first
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1 end region constructed and arranged to be operatively connected
2 to a drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite
3 said first end region, wherein a cutting portion is positioned
4 to protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the
cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater
6 than a cutting radius of the bit body; a drill stop member
7 having an opening defined therethrough corresponding with the
8 drill hole and for receiving an insertion of the bit body into
9 the drill hole; and a stabilizer for mounting within at least a
portion of the drill hole and constructed and arranged for
11 having the drill stop member mounted thereon, the stabilizer
12 having a central opening corresponding with each of the openings
13 of the drill stop member and the drill hole, the stabilizer
14 restricting downward drilling movement of the bit body into the
drill hole to a pre-set depth.
16
17 According to a second broad aspect of an embodiment of the
18 present invention, there is disclosed a seismic anchor insertion
19 assembly for insertion into a drill hole to effect placement of
an anchor, the assembly comprising a substantially cylindrical
21 bit body sized to fit into the drill hole, the bit body having a
22 first end region constructed and arranged to be operatively
23 connected to a drill and a second end region disposed generally
24 opposite said first end region, wherein a cutting portion is
positioned to protrude from at least one side of the second end
26 region, the cutting portion having an operational cutting radius
27 greater than a cutting radius of the bit body; a drill stop
28 member having an opening defined therethrough corresponding with
29 the drill hole and for receiving an insertion of the bit body
into the drill hole, an upper end of the drill stop member
31 having a narrower opening for receiving the insertion of the bit
32 body therein and the lower end of the drill stop member having
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1 an opening greater than that of the upper end, so as to permit
2 limited tilting movement of the bit body within the drill stop
3 member during a drilling process to further enlarge a lowermost
4 end of the drill hole; a stabilizer having a flange portion
constructed and arranged to extend into the drill hole and abut
6 an inside portion thereof, the stabilizer being constructed and
7 arranged for having the drill stop member mounted thereon and
8 having a central opening corresponding with each of the openings
9 of the drill stop member and the drill hole; and locking means
on the stabilizer for selectively stabilizing the bit body and
11 for preventing disengagement of the bit body from the drill stop
12 member and the stabilizer.
13
14 According to a third broad aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill
16 hole and enlarging a lowermost end thereof for a later
17 insertion and setting of anchors therein, the assembly
18 comprising a substantially cylindrical bit body sized to fit
19 into the drill hole, the bit body having a first end region
constructed and arranged to be operatively connected to a drill
21 and a second end region disposed generally opposite said first
22 end region, wherein a cutting portion is positioned to protrude
23 from at least one side of the second end region, the cutting
24 portion having an operational cutting radius greater than a
cutting radius of the bit body; a drill stop member having an
26 opening defined therethrough corresponding with the drill hole
27 and for receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough, the
28 drill stop member further comprising: a lower portion; a
29 recessed middle portion; and an upper portion, each of the
portions being connected together, and the lower portion and the
31 upper portion having an outermost width that is greater than
32 that of the recessed middle portion; a stabilizer for mounting
6
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1 within at least a portion of the drill hole and having a
2 recessed interior portion which is constructed and arranged for
3 having the drill stop member mounted thereon, the stabilizer
4 having a central opening corresponding with each of the openings
of the drill stop member and further comprising: a flange
6 portion constructed and arranged to extend into the drill hole
7 and abut an inside portion thereof; holding screws connected at
8 opposed sides of an upper portion of the stabilizer, the holding
9 screws being adjustably movable towards the recessed middle
portion of the drill stop member so as to prevent disengagement
11 of the drill stop member from the stabilizer during a drilling
12 process, or adjustably movable away from the recessed middle
13 portion of the drill stop member so as to permit disengagement
14 of the drill stop member from the stabilizer.
16 According to another aspect of the present invention, there
17 is provided a seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole
18 and enlarging a lowermost end thereof for a later insertion and
19 setting of anchors therein, the assembly comprising a
substantially cylindrical bit body sized to fit into the drill
21 hole, the bit body having a first end region constructed and
22 arranged to be operatively connected to a drill and a second end
23 region disposed generally opposite said first end region,
24 wherein a cutting portion is positioned to protrude from at
least one side of the second end region, the cutting portion
26 having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting
27 radius of the bit body; a drill stop member having an opening
28 defined therethrough corresponding with the drill hole and for
29 receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough, the drill
stop member further comprising: a lower portion; a recessed
31 middle portion; and an upper portion, each of the portions being
32 connected together, and the lower portion and the upper portion
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1 having an outermost width that is greater than that of the
2 recessed middle portion; a stabilizer for mounting within at
3 least a portion of the drill hole and having a recessed interior
4 portion which is constructed and arranged for having the drill
stop member mounted thereon, the stabilizer having a central
6 opening corresponding with each of the openings of the drill
7 stop member and further comprising: a flange portion constructed
8 and arranged to extend into the drill hole and abut an inside
9 portion thereof; holding screws connected at opposed sides of an
upper portion of the stabilizer, the holding screws being
11 adjustably movable towards the recessed middle portion of the
12 drill stop member so as to prevent disengagement of the drill
13 stop member from the stabilizer during a drilling process, or
14 adjustably movable away from the recessed middle portion of the
drill stop member so as to permit disengagement of the drill
16 stop member from the stabilizer.
17
18 According to another aspect of the present invention, there
19 is provided a seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole
and enlarging a lowermost end thereof for a later insertion and
21 setting of anchors therein, the assembly comprising a
22 substantially cylindrical bit body sized to fit into the drill
23 hole, the bit body having a first end region constructed and
24 arranged to be operatively connected to a drill and a second end
region disposed generally opposite said first end region,
26 wherein a cutting portion is positioned to protrude from at
27 least one side of the second end region, the cutting portion
28 having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting
29 radius of the bit body; a drill stop member having an opening
defined therethrough corresponding with the drill hole and for
31 receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough; a
32 stabilizer for mounting above the drill hole and having a
8
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1 recessed interior portion which is constructed and arranged for
2 abutment with the drill stop member positioned therein so as to
3 restrict the bit body to achieving a pre-set cutting depth
4 within the drill hole, the stabilizer having a central opening
corresponding with the opening of the drill stop member and
6 further comprising: a bottom portion constructed and arranged
7 to substantially surround the drill hole; and a threaded upper
8 portion; a cap portion having an opening defined therethrough
9 for receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough, and
corresponding with the central opening of the stabilizer, an
11 upper end of the cap portion being threaded so as to permit
12 threaded engagement of the cap portion to the threaded upper
13 portion of the stabilizer so as to prevent disengagement of the
14 drill stop member from the stabilizer during a drilling process.
16 According to another aspect of the present invention, there
17 is provided a seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole
18 and enlarging a lowermost end thereof for a later insertion and
19 setting of anchors therein, the assembly comprising a
substantially cylindrical bit body sized to fit into the drill
21 hole, the bit body having a first end region constructed and
22 arranged to be operatively connected to a drill and a second end
23 region disposed generally opposite said first end region,
24 wherein a cutting portion is positioned to protrude from at
least one side of the second end region, the cutting portion
26 having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting
27 radius of the bit body; a drill stop member having an opening
28 defined therethrough corresponding with the drill hole and for
29 receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough; a
stabilizer for mounting above the drill hole and having a
31 recessed interior portion which is constructed and arranged for
9
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1 abutment with the drill stop member positioned therein so as to
2 restrict the bit body to achieving a pre-set cutting depth
3 within the drill hole, the stabilizer having a central opening
4 corresponding with the opening of the drill stop member and
further comprising: a bottom portion constructed and arranged to
6 substantially surround the drill hole; an upper portion; and
7 locking means positioned substantially around the upper portion
8 of the stabilizer for selectively stabilizing the bit body and
9 for preventing disassembly of the bit body from the drill stop
member and the stabilizer.
11 According to another aspect of the present invention, there
12 is provided a seismic tool assembly for effecting a drill hole
13 for a later insertion and setting of anchors therein, the
14 assembly comprising a substantially cylindrical bit body sized
to fit into the drill hole, the bit body having a first end
16 region. constructed and arranged to be operatively connected to a
17 drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite said
18 first end region, wherein a cutting portion is positioned to
19 protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the
cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater
21 than a. cutting radius of the bit body; a drill stop member
22 having an opening defined therethrough corresponding with the
23 drill hole and for receiving an insertion of the bit body
24 therethrough; a stabilizer for mounting within at least a
portion of the drill hole and having a recessed interior portion
26 which is constructed and arranged for having the drill stop
27 member mounted thereon, the stabilizer having a central opening
28 corresponding with each of the openings of the drill stop member
29 and further comprising:a bottom portion constructed and arranged
to substantially surround the drill hole, the bottom portion
31 having an internally threaded opening at a lowermost surface
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1 thereof; and a flange portion constructed and arranged to extend
2 into the drill hole and abut an inside portion thereof, an upper
3 end of the flange portion being threaded so as to permit
4 threaded engagement of the flange portion to the threaded
internally threaded opening of the bottom portion.
6 An important advantage of the present invention is that it
7 provides an improved seismic tool assembly having a drill bit
8 which can be connected to a conventional drill, for effecting a
9 drill hole and enlarging a lowermost end thereof wherein an
anchor can later be positioned and securely retained within the
11 enlarged area. Further, the present invention provides a
12 stabilizer for mounting within at least a portion of the drill
13 hole, having an opening corresponding with the drill hole, for
14 receiving an insertion of the drill bit into the drill hole, so
as to aid in accurately inserting and positioning the drill bit
16 into the drill hole.
17
18 Another important advantage of the present invention is
19 that it provides an improved seismic tool assembly which
utilizes a drill stop member which possesses a tapered interior,
21 with an upper end of the drill stop member having a narrower
22 opening for receiving the insertion of the bit body therein and
23 thus stabilize the bit body, and the lower end of the drill stop
24 member having a larger sized opening greater than that of the
upper end, so as to increase the range of motion of the drilling
26 bit and permit limited tilting movement of the bit within the
27 drill stop member during the drilling process so as to further
28 aid in enlarging a lowermost end of the drill hole.
29
Another important advantage of the present invention is
31 that it provides an improved seismic tool assembly which
11
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1 utilizes a drill stop member having a lower portion, a recessed
2 middle portion, and an upper portion, the lower portion and the
3 upper portion having an outermost width that is greater than
4 that of the recessed middle portion. The drill stop member is
mounted on the stabilizer and has holding screws connected at
6 opposed sides of an upper portion of the stabilizer, the holding
7 screws being adjustably movable towards the recessed middle
8 portion of the drill stop member so as to prevent disengagement
9 of the drill stop member from the stabilizer during a drilling
process, or adjustably movable away from the recessed middle
11 portion of the drill stop member so as to permit disengagement
12 of the drill stop member from the stabilizer.
13
14 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
16 The embodiments of the present invention will now be
17 described by reference to the following figures, in which
18 identical reference numerals in different figures indicate
19 identical elements and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the seismic
21 drilling bit of the present invention;
22 Figure 2 is a perspective view of an upper end of the drill stop
23 member;
24 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a lower end of the drill stop
member;
26 Figure 4 is an end view of the flange portion of the stabilizer,
27 illustrating the locking means surrounding the flange portion
28 and in an open unlocked position;
12
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1 Figure 5 is an end view of the flange portion of the stabilizer,
2 illustrating the locking means surrounding the flange portion
3 and in a closed locked position;
4 Figure 6 is a top view of the stabilizer, illustrating the
flange portion and the locking means surrounding the flange
6 portion and illustrating side portions of the flange portion
7 having an elongated opening defined along a length thereof, for
8 allowing passage of the cutting portion of the bit body when the
9 bit body is inserted through the stabilizer;
Figure 7 is an end view of the stabilizer;
11 Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the drill stop member
12 mounted within the stabilizer;
13 Figure 9 is a perspective view of the fully connected seismic
14 tool assembly;
Figure 10 is a side view illustrating the drill stop member
16 mounted within the stabilizer;
17 Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the drill stop member
18 mounted within the stabilizer, and illustrating the seismic tool
19 assembly effecting initially, a drill hole, and then enlarging a
lower end of the drill hole;
21 Figure 12A is a side view illustrating a further embodiment of a
22 fully connected seismic tool assembly, and illustrating the
23 drill stop member mounted within the stabilizer;
24 Figure 12B is a side view illustrating a further embodiment of a
fully connected seismic tool assembly, and illustrating the
26 drill stop member mounted within the stabilizer and the flange
27 portion extending at least partially into the drill hole;
13
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l Figure 13A is a side view illustrating a further embodiment of a
2 fully connected seismic tool assembly, and illustrating the
3 drill stop member mounted within the stabilizer;
4 Figure 13B is a side view illustrating the embodiment of a fully
connected seismic tool assembly shown in Figure 13A, and
6 illustrating the flange portion of the stabilizer as being
7 threadably disconnectable from the stabilizer;
8 Figure 14 is a side view illustrating the embodiment of a fully
9 connected seismic tool assembly shown in Figure 13A, and
illustrating the drill stop member mounted within the
11 stabilizer; and
12 Figure 15 is a side view illustrating a still further embodiment
13 of a fully connected seismic tool assembly.
14 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention will be described for the purposes of
16 illustration only in connection with certain embodiments;
17 however, it is to be understood that other objects and
18 advantages of the present invention will be made apparent by the
19 following description of the drawings according to the present
invention. While a preferred embodiment is disclosed, this is
21 not intended to be limiting. Rather, the general principles set
22 forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the
23 scope of the present invention and it is to be further
24 understood that numerous changes may be made without straying
from the scope of the present invention.
26 The present invention consists of an improved seismic tool
27 assembly designed for effecting a drill hole and enlarging a
28 lowermost end thereof to have a greater circumference than that
14
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1 of the remainder of the drill hole whereby an anchor can be set
2 more securely therein.
3 Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a seismic tool
4 assembly for use in the later insertion and setting of anchors
shown generally at 1 in accordance with a first exemplary
6 embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment,
7 as hereinafter described, the seismic tool assembly 1 is to be
8 rotatably mounted onto a drill by way of a drill spindle (not
9 shown). It will be understood that there are numerous variations
as to the types of attachments to a drill or otherwise that the
11 seismic tool assembly 1 of the present invention could be
12 mounted thereon, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in
13 the art.
14 In a preferred embodiment, the seismic tool assembly 1 is
for use in the later insertion and setting of anchors into
16 concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous materials (though it
17 will be understood that other variations to this are possible)
18 and comprises a seismic drilling bit 2, a stabilizer 7, and a
19 drill stop member 5, as hereinafter described.
Preferably, the seismic drilling bit 2 will be made of a
21 durable, machinable metal and is substantially cylindrical in
22 shape. The seismic drilling bit 2 is, preferably, of a one-piece
23 construction that comprises an upper end 9 and a lower end 8
24 which are integrally connected to one another.
With reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the bit
26 body 4 of the seismic drilling bit 2 can effect the drilling of
27 a drill hole, and has a first diameter (and cutting radius)
28 sized to readily fit into a drill hole (not shown), and
29 possesses, as most conventional drill bits do, at least one
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1 cutting edge and at least one groove extending in a helical
2 fashion along a length of the bit body 4 of the seismic drilling
3 bit 2. In a preferred embodiment, these extend along a
4 substantial length of the bit body 4, or, alternatively, extend
along at least half a length of the bit body 4. Preferably, the
6 first diameter of the upper end 9 of the bit body 4 is less than
7 or equal to a diameter of the drill hole into which the seismic
8 drilling bit 2 of the present invention is to be inserted.
9 The proximal upper end 9 of the seismic drilling bit 2 is
constructed and arranged to be releasably secured to a drill by
11 way of a drill spindle (not shown). In an alternative
12 embodiment, the distal lower end 8 of the seismic drilling bit 2
13 can have a tapered end (not shown) and a drill tip 11 extending
14 generally outwardly from the tapered end.
The lower end 8 of the seismic drilling bit 2 has a cutting
16 portion 10 positioned on each side of the lower end 8 of the
17 seismic drilling bit 2, the cutting portions 10 having a greater
18 outermost width than that of the bit body 4 whereby, when the
19 seismic drilling bit 2 is inserted fully into an lowermost end
of the drill hole and rotated, the cutting portions 10 enlarge a
21 circumference of the drill hole at the lowermost end thereof
22 that is greater than the circumference of the remainder of the
23 shaft of the drill hole. Preferably, the cutting portions 10
24 extend outwardly from substantially around an entirety of the
lower end 8 of the seismic drilling bit 2, as seen in Figure 1.
26 In an alternative embodiment (which is not shown), the lower end
27 8 of the seismic drilling bit 2 can have a cutting portion
28 positioned on only one side of the lower end 8 of the seismic
29 drilling bit 2.
16
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1 In a still further embodiment (not shown), the bit body 4
2 of the seismic drilling bit 2 has a diameter (and cutting
3 radius) that is less than that of the drill hole, with the
4 cutting portions 10, of course, still having a greater outermost
width (and cutting radius) than that of the bit body 4. In this
6 manner, with the bit body 4 of the seismic drilling bit 2 having
7 a width that is less than that of the drill hole, the initial
8 insertion of the seismic drilling bit 2 into the drill hole is
9 made easier, whereby the bit does not need to be as readily
forcibly inserted.
11 With reference to Figure 2, the drill stop member 5,
12 preferably, has an opening 6 defined therethrough, and is used
13 for receiving an insertion of the seismic drilling bit 2. Figure
14 2 illustrates the upper end 30 of the drill stop member 5 having
a shape which corresponds substantially to a shape of the
16 cutting portion 10 of the bit body 2 for receiving the insertion
17 of the bit body therethrough. With reference to Figure 3, it can
18 be seen that the lower end 32 of the drill stop member 5 has an
19 opening greater than that of the upper end 30, so as to permit
limited tilting movement of the bit body from its vertical axis
21 within the drill stop member 5 during the drilling process to
22 further enlarge a lowermost end of the drill hole, it being
23 understood that this tilting rotational drilling of the lower
24 end of the drill hole by the drill bit 2 within the drill stop
member 5 can be done through 360 degrees. This rotational
26 movement can be seen with reference to Figure 11, whereby the
27 lower end of the drill hole 45 can be seen to be funnel-shaped,
28 for receiving anchors therein.
29 Preferably, the opening in the drill stop member 5 is
positioned at a substantially central location of the drill stop
17
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1 member 5. The drill stop member 5 aids in the accurate and
2 gradual insertion of the seismic drilling bit 2 into the drill
3 hole. The drill stop member 5 further comprises a dust exit
4 opening 3 defined therein for allowing dust to be removed from
the assembly during the drilling process, the dust exit opening
6 3 being positioned at substantially a middle portion of the
7 drill stop member 5. It will, of course, also be understood that
8 the stabilizer 7 could also possess such a dust exit opening.
9 The seismic tool assembly 1 further comprises, with
reference to Figures 4 to 7, a stabilizer 7 for receiving, and
11 having mounted thereon, the drill stop member 5. The stabilizer
12 7 comprises a flange portion 15 constructed and arranged to
13 extend into the drill hole and abut an inside portion thereof.
14 In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the flange portion 15
of the stabilizer 7 could be tapered at a distal end thereof so
16 as to further aid in the accurate and gradual insertion of the
17 seismic drilling bit 2 into the drill hole. In a preferred
18 embodiment, and with reference to Figure 6, side portions of the
19 flange portion 15 have an elongated opening 44 defined along a
length thereof, for allowing passage of the cutting portion of
21 the bit body when the bit body is inserted through the
22 stabilizer 7.
23 The stabilizer 7 further comprises an upper portion 34
24 integrally connected to the flange portion 15, the upper portion
34 having, with reference to Figure 7, a recessed upper surface
26 36 for receiving the drill stop member 5 mounted thereon. With
27 further reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that the central
28 opening 38 on the stabilizer 7 has a shape which corresponds
29 substantially to a shape of the cutting portion 10 of the bit
18
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1 body for receiving, and allowing therethrough, the insertion of
2 the seismic drilling bit 2.
3 Preferably, the stabilizer 7 has the central opening 38
4 which corresponds with each of the openings of the drill stop
member 5 and the drill hole, it being understood that the drill
6 stop member 5 restricts downward drilling movement of the
7 seismic drilling bit 2 into the drill hole to a pre-set depth,
8 through virtue of the bit body 4 of the seismic drilling bit 2
9 only being able to be pushed downwardly within the drill stop
member 5 (mounted on the stabilizer 7) to a certain point, at
11 which it comes into contact with the drill stop member 5, thus
12 restricting its downward movement.
13 The seismic assembly of the present invention further
14 comprises locking means 40, which are positioned substantially
around the flange portion 15 of the stabilizer 7 for selectively
16 stabilizing the seismic drilling bit 2 and for preventing
17 disassembly of the seismic drilling bit 2 from the drill stop
18 member 5 and the stabilizer 7. In a preferred embodiment, the
19 locking means 40 is a substantially circular ring which at least
partially encircles an outside of the flange portion 15, the
21 locking means 40 being slidably movable to restrict
22 disengagement of the seismic drilling bit 2 from the stabilizer
23 7 and the drill stop member 5 mounted thereon. Figure 4
24 illustrates the locking means 40 in a substantially open
position to receive an insertion of the bit body 2 therethrough,
26 and Figure 5 illustrates the locking means 40 in a substantially
27 closed position, having been slightly rotated so as to cover the
28 elongated opening 44 in the side portions of the flange portion
29 15, and thus restrict the disengagement of the bit body 2 from
the interconnected drill stop member 5 and stabilizer 7. The
19
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1 interconnection of the stabilizer 7 to the drill stop member 5
2 can be plainly seen in Figure 8.
3 In operation, and as seen in Figure 10, the drill stop
4 member 5 is mounted upon the stabilizer 7, and the seismic
drilling bit 2 is inserted through the openings in the drill
6 stop member 5 and the stabilizer 7. Of course, seismic drilling
7 bit 2 is to be rotatably mounted onto a drill (not shown), and
8 the assembly is positioned over a surface where a drill hole is
9 to be made. Once the seismic drilling bit 2 is sunk to a pre-set
depth and rotated, rotational drilling (and tilted rotational
11 drilling as previously described) by the seismic drilling bit 2
12 can then be effected in creating an enlarged area of the
13 lowermost end of a drill hole.
14 Of course, by virtue of the cutting portions 10 having an
outermost width (and operational cutting radius) that is
16 slightly greater than that of the bit body 4, these cutting
17 portions 10, when the seismic drilling bit 2 is rotated, enlarge
18 a circumference of the drill hole at the lowermost end (in
19 creating the enlarged area) that is greater than that of the
remainder of the drill hole. In this manner, once the enlarged
21 area has been created, and the seismic drilling bit 2 removed
22 from the drill hole, the anchor (not shown) can be inserted,
23 and, when the anchors have been flanged outwardly by
24 conventional means within the drill hole, the flange portions of
the anchor can rest within the enlarged area, thus securely
26 retaining the anchor in place.
27 In a still further embodiment (not shown) the bit body 4 of
28 the seismic drilling bit 2 can be tapered, to have a narrower
29 circumference than that of the lowermost end of the bit body. In
this manner, the tapered drill bit allows for less physical
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 contact with the drill stop member 5 and increases the range of
2 motion of the seismic drilling bit 2 in permitting limited
3 tilting movement of the bit to enlarge a lowermost end of the
4 drill hole 45. It will also be understood that the seismic
drilling bit 2 can come in several set depths, or the drill stop
6 member 5 itself could be adjustable through a locking screw.
7 In a still further embodiment (not shown), the drill stop
8 member 5 is integrally mounted upon the stabilizer 7, and the
9 seismic drilling bit 2 is inserted through the openings in the
drill stop member 5 and the stabilizer 7. In this manner, the
11 drill stop member 5 is permanently connected and un-detachably
12 mounted upon the stabilizer 7, and the seismic drilling bit 2 is
13 permanently inserted through the openings of the drill stop
14 member 5 and the stabilizer 7 so as to be of a permanently
connected one-piece construction.
16 In a still further embodiment of the fully connected
17 seismic tool assembly, shown in Figure 12B, the drill stop
18 member 5 is mounted upon the stabilizer 7, and the bit body 2 is
19 inserted through the openings in the drill stop member 5 and the
stabilizer 7 whereby the drilling of a drill hole can be
21 effected. Of course, it will be understood that the stabilizer
22 7, when positioned within the drill hole, helps to maintain the
23 integrity of the drill hole by virtue of flange portion 15 (as
24 shown in Figure 9), which is constructed and arranged to extend
into the drill hole 45 and abut an inside portion thereof.
26 As shown in Figure 12B, the stabilizer 7 further comprises
27 an upper portion 34. This upper portion 34, as can be seen in
28 Figure 8, has an outermost width that is greater than that of
29 the flange portion 15. This upper portion 34 receives the drill
stop member 5 mounted thereon, as similarly shown in Figure 8.
21
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 In this embodiment, the drill stop member 5 possesses a
2 lower portion 56, a recessed middle portion 58 and an upper
3 portion 60, all of which are, in an exemplary embodiment,
4 integrally connected together, though of course variations to
this are possible, as these could potentially be interconnected.
6 As can be seen in Figure 12B, the lower portion 56 and the upper
7 portion 60 have an outermost width that is substantially equal,
8 while each of the lower portion 56 and the upper portion 60 have
9 an outermost width that is greater than that of the recessed
middle portion 58.
11 In a further embodiment, the upper portion 34 of the
12 stabilizer 7 will have holding screws 54 connected thereto,
13 which are positioned at opposed sides of the upper portion 34
14 approximately at a same height as the recessed middle portion 58
of the drill stop member 5. These holding screws 54 can either
16 be turned and adjustably moved towards the recessed middle
17 portion 58 of the drill stop member 5 (so as to maintain the
18 connection of the drill stop member 5 to the stabilizer 7 during
19 a drilling process), or adjustably movable away from the
recessed middle portion of the drill stop member so as to permit
21 disengagement of the drill stop member from the stabilizer.
22 Of course, as with the aforementioned embodiment of the
23 seismic tool assembly shown in Figure 1, the lower end 8 of the
24 bit body 4 has a cutting portion 10 positioned on each side of
the lower end 8 of the bit body 4, the cutting portions 10
26 having a greater outermost width than that of the bit body 4.
27 When the seismic drilling bit is inserted, it creates the drill
28 hole 45 in a one-step process, and it will also be understood
29 that, in a still further embodiment, rotational drilling (and
tilted rotational drilling as previously described) by the
22
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 seismic drilling bit 2 can also be effected in creating an
2 enlarged area of the lowermost end of a drill hole 45, creating
3 a funnel, conical shape in the drill hole 45. In a further
4 embodiment, the bit body 4 can possess a narrower circumference
towards a lowermost end of the bit than that of the uppermost
6 end of the bit body. In this manner, the drill bit allows for
7 less physical contact with, particularly, the flange portion 15
8 of the stabilizer 7 and increases the range of motion of the
9 seismic drilling bit 2, when tilted, to provide a greater range
of tilting movement of the bit in enlarging a lowermost end of
11 the drill hole 45.
12 A still further embodiment of the fully connected seismic
13 tool assembly is shown in Figure 12A. In a similar manner to the
14 embodiment shown in Figure 15, the drill stop member 5 is
mounted within the stabilizer 7, and the bit body 4 is inserted
16 through openings in the drill stop member 5 and the stabilizer 7
17 whereby the drilling of a drill hole can be effected. In doing
18 so, the drill stop member 5, when in place, abuts an interior
19 portion 70 within the stabilizer 7 so as to inhibit the downward
movement of drill stop member 5 within the stabilizer 7, thus
21 restricting the drill bit 4 (surrounded by the drill stop member
22 5) to achieving a pre-set cutting depth within the drill hole
23 45. Of course, it will be understood that the stabilizer 7, when
24 positioned, will substantially surround the drill hole 45, and,
as shown in Figure 12A, a lower portion of the stabilizer 7
26 encircles and surrounds the drill hole 45, the lower portion
27 having a greater outermost width than that of the remainder of
28 the stabilizer 7. It will of course be understood that the
29 dimensions of the stabilizer 7 could be varied, depending upon
the size of the drill bit to be used. Unlike the embodiment
31 shown in Figure 12B, however, tilted rotational drilling of the
23
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 drill stop member 5 within the stabilizer 7, as shown in Figure
2 12A, is not to be effected. Rather, the drill stop member 5
3 within the stabilizer 7 is rigid and does not have a range of
4 tilted rotation. Instead, when the seismic drilling bit is
inserted, it creates the drill hole 45 in a one-step process,
6 and the circumference of the drill hole 45 at the lowermost end
7 thereof is the same circumference of the remainder of the drill
8 hole. Of course, it will also be understood that, in a still
9 further embodiment, rotational drilling (and tilted rotational
drilling as previously described) by the seismic drilling bit
11 can also be effected in creating an enlarged area of the
12 lowermost end of a drill hole, in that the drill stop member 5
13 within the stabilizer 7 is not rigidly retained, so that when
14 the seismic drilling bit is inserted fully into a lowermost end
of the drill hole 45 and rotated, the cutting portions 10
16 enlarge a circumference of the drill hole 45 at the lowermost
17 end thereof that is greater than the circumference of the
18 remainder of the shaft of the drill hole 45.
19 In a still further embodiment of the fully connected
seismic tool assembly, shown in Figures 13A and 14, the drill
21 stop member 5 is mounted within the stabilizer 7, and the bit
22 body 4 is inserted through openings in the drill stop member 5
23 and the stabilizer 7 whereby the drilling of a drill hole can be
24 effected. In doing so, the drill stop member 5, when in place,
abuts an interior portion 70 within the stabilizer 7 so as to
26 inhibit the downward movement of drill stop member 5 within the
27 stabilizer 7, thus restricting the drill bit (surrounded by the
28 drill stop member 5) to achieving a pre-set cutting depth within
29 the drill hole 45. Of course, it will be understood that the
stabilizer 7, when positioned, will substantially surround the
31 drill hole 45, and, as shown in Figure 13A, a lower portion 66
24
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 of the stabilizer 7 encircles and surrounds the drill hole 45,
2 the lower portion having a greater outermost width than that of
3 the remainder of the stabilizer 7. It will of course be
4 understood that the dimensions of the stabilizer could be
varied, depending upon the size of the drill bit to be used.
6 Of course, as with the aforementioned embodiment of the
7 seismic tool assembly shown in Figure 12A, tilted rotational
8 drilling of the drill stop member 5 within the stabilizer 7 is
9 not to be effected. Rather, the drill stop member 5 within the
stabilizer 7 is rigid and does not have a range of tilted
11 rotation. Instead, when the seismic drilling bit is inserted, it
12 creates the drill hole 45 in a one-step process, and the
13 circumference of the drill hole 45 at the lowermost end thereof
14 is the same circumference of the remainder of the drill hole 45.
In an alternative embodiment of the fully connected seismic
16 tool assembly, shown in Figure 13B, the drill stop member 5 is
17 mounted upon the stabilizer 7, and the bit body 2 is inserted
18 through the openings in the drill stop member 5 and the
19 stabilizer 7 whereby the drilling of a drill hole can be
effected. In this embodiment, the stabilizer 7 possesses flange
21 portion 15 (similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 9), which
22 is constructed and arranged to extend into the drill hole 45 and
23 abut an inside portion thereof. In this embodiment, the lower
24 portion 66 of the stabilizer 7 possesses threads on an interior
surface thereof which can be matingly engaged with similar
26 threads contained towards an uppermost end of flange portion 15.
27 When disengagement of the lower portion 66 of the stabilizer 7
28 and flange portion 15 is desired, the threaded portions of each
29 can be untightened so as to permit disengagement of the flange
portion 15 from the stabilizer 7. In this manner, a user can
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
l utilize the tilted rotational drilling of the drill stop member
2 5 within the stabilizer 7, as shown in Figure 13B, or, simply
3 remove the flange portion 15 with a view to utilizing non-
4 rotational drilling of the drill stop member 5 within the
stabilizer 7, as shown in Figure 13A, whereby the drill stop
6 member 5 within the stabilizer 7 is rigid and does not have a
7 range of tilted rotation. It will be understood that flange
8 portion 15 will serve to limit somewhat the extent to which
9 rotational drilling can be effected, and thus protect the walls
of the drill hole 45, as the bit 2 will contact the flange
11 portion 15 if the range of rotation is too great.
12 Of course, as with the aforementioned embodiment of the
13 seismic tool assembly shown in Figure 12B, when the seismic
14 drilling bit is inserted, it creates the drill hole 45 in a one-
step process, and it will also be understood that, in a still
16 further embodiment, rotational drilling (and tilted rotational
17 drilling as previously described) by the seismic drilling bit
18 body 4 can also be effected in creating an enlarged area of the
19 lowermost end of a drill hole 45, creating a funnel, conical
shape in the drill hole 45. In a further embodiment, the bit
21 body 4 can possess a narrower circumference towards a lowermost
22 end of the bit than that of the uppermost end of the bit body.
23 In this manner, the drill bit allows for less physical contact
24 with, particularly, the flange portion 15 of the stabilizer 7
and increases the range of motion of the seismic drilling bit,
26 when tilted, to provide a greater range of tilting movement of
27 the bit in enlarging a lowermost end of the drill hole 45.
28 As shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 14, the stabilizer 7
29 further comprises an upper portion 68. This upper portion 68, as
can be seen in Figure 14, has an outermost width that is greater
26
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 than that of the interior portion 70, and posesses threads 72
2 towards an uppermost end thereof. With reference to Figure 14,
3 cap portion 74, which also possesses threads on an interior
4 surface thereof (not shown) can be matingly engaged with the
threads of upper portion 68 so as to secure the upper portion 68
6 to the cap portion 74, thus securing the drilling assembly
7 together, in an exemplary embodiment, though of course
8 variations to this are possible. The cap portion will, in an
9 exemplary embodiment, have an opening defined therethrough (not
shown) for receiving an insertion of the bit body therethrough,
11 which corresponds with the central opening of the stabilizer 7.
12 When disengagement of the upper portion 68 and cap portion 74 is
13 desired, the threaded portions of each can be untightened so as
14 to permit disengagement of the drill stop member 5 from the
stabilizer 7.
16 In a still further embodiment of the fully connected
17 seismic tool assembly, shown in Figure 15, the drill stop member
18 5 is mounted within the stabilizer 7, and the bit body 4 is
19 inserted through openings in the drill stop member 5 and the
stabilizer 7 whereby the drilling of a drill hole can be
21 effected. In doing so, the drill stop member 5, when in place,
22 abuts an interior portion 70 within the stabilizer 7 so as to
23 inhibit the downward movement of drill stop member 5 within the
24 stabilizer 7, thus restricting the drill bit (surrounded by the
drill stop member 5) to achieving a pre-set cutting depth within
26 the drill hole 45. Of course, it will be understood that the
27 stabilizer 7, when positioned, will substantially surround the
28 drill hole 45, and, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, a lower
29 portion 66 of the stabilizer 7 encircles and surrounds the drill
hole 45, the lower portion having a greater outermost width than
31 that of the remainder of the stabilizer 7. It will of course be
27
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 understood that the dimensions of the stabilizer could be
2 varied, depending upon the size of the drill bit to be used. As
3 with the aforementioned embodiment of the seismic tool assembly
4 shown in Figure 12A, tilted rotational drilling of the drill
stop member 5 within the stabilizer 7 is not to be effected, as
6 previously described. Rather, the drill stop member 5 within the
7 stabilizer 7 is rigid and does not have a range of tilted
8 rotation. Instead, when the seismic drilling bit is inserted, it
9 creates the drill hole 45 in a one-step process, and the
circumference of the drill hole 45 at the lowermost end thereof
11 is the same circumference of the remainder of the drill hole 45.
12 As with the embodiment shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 14,
13 the stabilizer 7 further comprises an upper portion 68. However,
14 in this embodiment, the seismic assembly of the present
invention further comprises locking means 40, which are
16 positioned substantially around the upper portion 68 of the
17 stabilizer 7 for selectively stabilizing the seismic drilling
18 bit and for preventing, when the locking means are engaged,
19 disassembly of the seismic drilling bit from the drill stop
member 5 and the stabilizer 7. In a preferred embodiment, as
21 shown in Figure 15, the locking means 40 is a substantially
22 circular ring which at least partially encircles the upper
23 portion 68 of the stabilizer 7, the locking means 40 being
24 slidably movable to restrict disengagement of the seismic
drilling bit from the stabilizer 7 and the drill stop member 5
26 mounted thereon.
27 It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that
28 various modifications and variations may be made to the
29 embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present
28
CA 02725069 2010-12-10
1 invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
2 present invention.
3 Other embodiments consistent with the present invention
4 will become apparent from consideration of the specification and
the practice of the invention disclosed therein.
6 Accordingly, the specification and the embodiments are to
7 be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of
8 the invention being disclosed by the following claims.
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