CA2659202A1

CA2659202A1 - Seismic drilling bit

Info

Publication number: CA2659202A1
Application number: CA2659202A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Robert Cousineau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-20
Filing date: 2009-03-20
Publication date: 2010-09-20

Abstract

A seismic drilling bit designed for insertion for use in enlarging an upper end of a pre-drilled hole for receiving and securely retaining an anchor therein. The bit is rotatably mounted onto a drill or can be mounted onto a mounting assembly which in turn is rotatably mounted to the drill. The upper end of the bit has cutting portions positioned on each side of the upper end which have a greater cutting radius than that of the bit body whereby, when the bit is inserted fully into an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole and rotated, by means of the drill, the cutting portions enlarge a circumference of the pre-drilled hole at the uppermost end that is greater than that of the pre-drilled hole. In this manner, an anchor can be inserted within the pre-drilled hole, and, when the anchor has been flanged outwardly by conventional means within the hole, the flange portions of the anchor will rest within the enlarged area, thus securely retaining the anchor in place.

Description

SEISMIC DRILLING BIT

The present invention relates to a seismic drilling bit meant to be used for the insertion and setting of anchors, such as drop-in and wedge type anchors, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a seismic drilling bit for the insertion and setting of anchors into brittle materials such as concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Anchors are conventionally used in construction to attach various components of a building construction to an overhead ceiling or other structure. Such components to be attached can relate to, for example, services that provide plumbing, electrical, drainage, sprinkler system piping and drop ceilings. From these anchors, which are usually of the wedge or drop-in type variety, all of the above services and ceilings are suspended or secured.

Conventionally, in setting anchors in concrete to suspend 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 inserted into the pre-drilled hole. However, when setting such anchors in concrete it is not uncommon for such anchors to weaken and loosen over time, particularly in situations where cracking or chipping of the concrete around the pre-drilled hole has occurred.

Furthermore, studies have revealed that cracking can typically occur in the concrete element, and that such cracks can significantly impact the performance of anchors. Cracks can originate on a concrete beam or slab in a variety of ways, such as creep, temperature settlement of the support or foundation, thermal expansion and contraction stress overload, or from a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood. In such situations, the situation can arise where, if one such concrete anchor fails and lets go, the remaining anchors, by virtue of the weight they additionally assume in light of such failure, can also similarly collapse and fail.

It has been found that enlarging the upper (interior) part of the pre-drilled hole can allow for the use of anchors in a more secure manner. It has further been found that providing a pre-drilled hole with an enlarged upper end can be advantageously provided by a drill bit having an enlarged cutting portion adjacent the tip, which is inserted into the pre-drilled hole, whereby the enlargement of the cutting portion is configured so that it can pass through the shaft of the pre-drilled hole to the upper end to be enlarged.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an improved seismic drilling bit meant for use in a pre-drilled hole for the insertion and setting of anchors into brittle materials such as concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous materials.

It would be further advantageous to have an improved seismic drilling bit for use in enlarging an upper end of a pre-drilled hole, wherein an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole can be further drilled and enlarged to have a greater circumference than that of the remainder of the pre-drilled hole for receiving and securely retaining an anchor therein.

2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved seismic drilling bit meant for use in a pre-drilled hole for the insertion and setting of anchors into brittle materials such as concrete, stone, masonry and cementuous materials.

The present invention also provides an improved seismic drilling bit for use in enlarging an upper end of a pre-drilled hole, wherein an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole can be further drilled to have a greater circumference than that of the remainder of the pre-drilled hole, whereby an anchor can be set more securely therein.

According to a first broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a drilling bit for insertion into a pre-drilled hole to effect an enlargement of an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole for placement of an anchor, the drilling bit comprising a substantially cylindrical bit body having a first diameter sized to fit into the pre-drilled hole, and having at least one cutting edge and at least one groove extending in a helical fashion along a length of the bit body, the bit body having a first end region constructed and arranged to be operatively connected by a connecting means to a drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite said first end region, the second end region having a tapered end and a drill tip extending generally outwardly from the tapered end; and a second cutting portion positioned to protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the second cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting radius of the bit body whereby, when the drill bit is inserted fully

3 into an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole and rotated, the second cutting portion enlarges a circumference of the pre-drilled hole at the uppermost end that is greater than a diameter of a remainder of the pre-drilled hole.
According to a second broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed A drilling bit for use with a mounting assembly constructed and arranged for attachment to a power drill to effect an enlargement of an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole for placement of an anchor, the drill bit comprising a substantially cylindrical bit body having a first diameter sized to fit into the pre-drilled hole, and having at least one cutting edge and at least one groove extending in a helical fashion along a length of the bit body, the bit body having a first end region constructed and arranged to be operatively connected by a connecting means to a drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite said first end region, the second end region having a tapered end and a drill tip extending generally outwardly from the tapered end; and a second cutting portion positioned to protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the second cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting radius of the bit body whereby, when the drilling bit is inserted into fully into an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole and rotated, the second cutting portion enlarges a circumference of the pre-drilled hole at the uppermost end that is greater than a diameter of a remainder of the pre-drilled hole.

An important advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved seismic drilling bit which can be

4 mounted onto an elongated mounting assembly, the mounting assembly in turn being connected to a conventional drill, for use therewith in enlarging an upper end of the pre-drilled hole for receiving and securely retaining an anchor therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the seismic drilling bit of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the seismic drilling bit mounted onto the mounting assembly;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2, illustrating the seismic drilling bit and the mounting assembly rotatably mounted to the drill;

Figure 4 is a cutaway perspective view of a second embodiment of the seismic drilling bit of the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the second embodiment of the seismic drilling bit shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an end view of the second embodiment of the seismic drilling bit shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the enlargement of the pre-drilled hole by the seismic drilling bit of the present invention;

5 Figure 8 is a top view of the pre-drilled hole, after insertion of one embodiment of the seismic drilling bit of the present invention, and prior to rotation of the drilling bit;
and Figure 9 is a top view of the pre-drilled hole, after insertion of a second embodiment of the seismic drilling bit of the present invention, and prior to rotation of the drilling bit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described for the purposes of illustration only in connection with certain embodiments;
however, it is to be understood that other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent by the following description of the drawings according to the present invention. While a preferred embodiment is disclosed, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the general principles set forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the scope of the present invention and it is to be further understood that numerous changes may be made without straying from the scope of the present invention.
The present invention consists of an improved seismic drilling bit designed for insertion and use in enlarging an upper end of a pre-drilled hole for receiving and securely retaining an anchor therein. The drilling bit which can be rotatably mounted onto a conventional drill, or, alternatively, onto an elongated mounting assembly, which in turn is rotatably mounted to a conventional drill.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a seismic drilling bit shown generally at 1 in accordance with a first exemplary

6 embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, as hereinafter described, the seismic drilling bit 1 is to be rotatably mounted onto a drill by way of spindle 9, or, alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the seismic drilling bit 1 can be mounted onto a mounting assembly 17, the mounting assembly 17 then in turn being rotatably mounted and connected, by way of spindle 25, to a drill 23, as shown in Figure 3. It is, of course, to be understood that the mounting assembly 17 is preferably elongated, so as to provide extra length for easy placement of the seismic drilling bit 1 in pre-drilled holes in areas such as ceilings, for example. It will also be understood that there are numerous other variations as to the types of attachments to a drill or otherwise that the seismic drilling bit 1 of the present invention could be mounted thereon, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the seismic drilling bit 1 will be made of a durable, machinable metal and is substantially cylindrical in shape. The seismic drilling bit 1 is, preferably, of a one-piece construction that comprises an upper end 2 and a lower end 4 which are integrally connected to one another.

With reference to Figure 1, it can be seen that the bit body 7 of the seismic drilling bit 1 has a first diameter (and cutting radius) sized to fit into a pre-drilled hole 12 (as seen in Figure 7, and as hereinafter described), and possesses at least one cutting edge 5 and at least one groove 3 extending in a helical fashion along a length of the bit body

7 of the seismic drilling bit 1. In a preferred embodiment, these extend along a substantial length of the bit body 7, or, alternatively, extend along at least half a length of the bit body 7. Preferably, the first diameter of the bit body 7 is slightly less than or equal to a diameter of the pre-drilled hole into which the seismic drilling bit 1 of the present invention is to be inserted.

A proximal lower end 4 of the seismic drilling bit 1 is constructed and arranged to be releasably secured to a drill by way of spindle 9, and the distal upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1 (disposed generally opposite the proximal end) has a tapered end 13 and a drill tip 15 extending generally outwardly from the tapered end 13.

The upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1 has cutting portions 11 positioned on each side of the upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1, the cutting portions 11 having a greater outermost width than that of the bit body 7 whereby, when the seismic drilling bit 1 is inserted fully into an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole and rotated, the cutting portions 11 enlarge a circumference of the pre-drilled hole at the uppermost end thereof that is greater than the circumference of the remainder of the shaft of the pre-drilled hole. Preferably, the cutting portions 11 are flange portions that extend slightly outwardly from each side of the upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1, as seen in Figure 1.

In an alternative embodiment, as seen in Figures 4 to 6, the upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1 has a cutting portion 6 positioned on only one side of the upper end 2 of the seismic drilling bit 1.

In operation, the seismic drilling bit 1 is to be rotatably mounted onto a drill 23, or, alternatively, the

8 seismic drilling bit 1 can be mounted onto a mounting assembly 17, which is then in turn rotatably mounted to the drill, as shown in Figure 3, the seismic drilling bit 1 being releasably retained within an end portion 21 of the mounting assembly 17.

In this embodiment, of course, the mounting assembly 17 is mounted and connected, by way of spindle 25, to drill 23. The advantage of utilizing mounting assembly 17 in conjunction with the drill 23, is that, by virtue of the mounting assembly 17 being elongated, a worker can utilize the elongated assembly to more readily insert the seismic drilling bit 1 into the pre-drilled hole, particularly in situations where an anchor is to be inserted in a ceiling, for example, and the extra length of the mounting assembly 17 is required to more safely and easily effect insertion into the pre-drilled hole.
It will be understood though, that this is not essential. In placing the seismic drilling bit 1 into the pre-drilled hole, by virtue of the cutting portions 11 having a slightly greater outermost width (and thus, a slightly greater cutting radius) than that of the bit body 7, the seismic drilling bit 1 is forcibly inserted so as to attain a position at the uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole 12 shown in Figure 7, whereby rotation of the seismic drilling bit 1 by means of the drill can then be effected in creating enlarged area 16 (shown in Figure 7).

In a still further embodiment (not shown), the bit body 7 of the seismic drilling bit 1 has a diameter (and cutting radius) that is less than that of the pre-drilled hole 12, with the cutting portions 11, of course, still having a greater outermost width (and cutting radius)than that of the bit body 7. In this manner, with the bit body 7 of the seismic drilling bit 1 having a width that is less than that of the

9 pre-drilled hole 12, the insertion of the seismic drilling bit 1 into the pre-drilled hole is made easier, whereby the bit does not need to be as readily forcibly inserted.

With reference to Figure 7, in utilizing the seismic drilling bit 1 to enlarge an upper end of a pre-drilled hole 12 for receiving and securely retaining an anchor (not shown) therein, the seismic drilling bit 1 is inserted into the pre-drilled hole 12. As noted above, the seismic drilling bit 1 can be connected solely to the drill 23, or to the mounting assembly 17, which is then in turn rotatably mounted and connected to drill 23. With reference to Figure 2, the mounting assembly 17 may have a handle 19 thereon, to allow a worker better leverage in guiding the seismic drilling bit 1 into the pre-drilled hole 12. The seismic drilling bit 1 is then manually pushed up into the pre-drilled hole 12, whereby the tapered end 13 and the drill tip 15 allow and provide for easier entry into the pre-drilled hole 12. By virtue of the configuration of the outwardly protruding cutting portions 11 or 6, when the drilling bit 1 is forcibly inserted into the pre-drilled hole 12, the walls 40 of the pre-drilled hole 12 are only enlarged across a part of its cross section by the insertion of the seismic drilling bit 1 into the pre-drilled hole, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9. More particularly, the cutting portions 11 or 6, as the drilling bit 1 is forced into the pre-drilled hole 12, will create a small groove in walls of the pre-drilled hole 12, as the upper end 2 of the drilling bit 1 attains its position at an upper end of the pre-drilled hole 12. If the embodiment of the drilling bit shown in Figure 1 is utilized, having two cutting portions 11 on either side of the upper end 2 of the drilling bit 1, these grooves 39, 41 will be formed on opposed side walls of the pre-drilled hole 12, as shown in Figure 8. If the embodiment of the drilling bit shown in Figure 4 is utilized, having one cutting portion 6 on one side of the upper end 2 of the drilling bit 1, this groove 43 will be formed on one side wall of the pre-drilled hole 12, as shown in Figure 9.

Once the seismic drilling bit 1 assumes a position substantially at an upper end of the pre-drilled hole 12, the worker then engages and powers the drill 23 connected to the seismic drilling bit 1, whereby the seismic drilling bit 1 rotates to create an enlarged area 16 at an upper end of the pre-drilled hole 12, as shown in Figure 7.

Of course, by virtue of the cutting portions 11 (in Figure 1) or 6 (in Figure 4) having an outermost width (and operational cutting radius) that is slightly greater than that of the bit body 7 (or of the pre-drilled hole 12), these cutting portions 11 or 6, when the drilling bit 1 is rotated, enlarge a circumference of the pre-drilled hole 12 at the uppermost end (in creating enlarged area 16) that is greater than that of the remainder of the pre-drilled hole 12.

In this manner, once the enlarged area 16 has been created, and the seismic drilling bit 1 removed from the pre-drilled hole 12, the anchor (not shown) can be inserted, and, when the anchors have been flanged outwardly by conventional means within the pre-drilled hole 12, the flange portions of the anchor will rest within the enlarged area 16 on shoulders 14, as shown in Figure 7, thus securely retaining the anchor in place.

It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Other embodiments consistent with the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the invention disclosed therein.

Accordingly, the specification and the embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed by the following claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A drilling bit for insertion into a pre-drilled hole to effect an enlargement of an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole for placement of an anchor, the drilling bit comprising:

a substantially cylindrical bit body having a first diameter sized to fit into the pre-drilled hole, and having at least one cutting edge and at least one groove extending in a helical fashion along a length of the bit body, the bit body having a first end region constructed and arranged to be operatively connected by a connecting means to a drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite said first end region, the second end region having a tapered end and a drill tip extending generally outwardly from the tapered end; and a second cutting portion positioned to protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the second cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting radius of the bit body.

2.The drilling bit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting radius of the bit body is substantially equal to a diameter of the pre-drilled hole.

3. The drilling bit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting radius of the bit body is substantially equal to one-half a diameter of the pre-drilled hole.

4. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second cutting portion comprises flange portions positioned extending outwardly from each side of the second end region.

5. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting means is releasably secured to the drill.

6. The drilling bit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the connecting means is a drill spindle.

7. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one cutting edge and the at least one groove extend along a substantial length of the bit body.

8. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one cutting edge and the at least one groove extend along at least half the length of the bit body.

9. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second cutting portion is integrally connected to the bit body.

10. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the drill bit is constructed and arranged for attachment to a power drill.

11. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pre-drilled hole is enlarged across a portion of a cross section thereof by the second cutting portion when the drilling bit is inserted into the pre-drilled hole.

12. A drilling bit for use with a mounting assembly constructed and arranged for attachment to a power drill to effect an enlargement of an uppermost end of the pre-drilled hole for placement of an anchor, the drill bit comprising:

a substantially cylindrical bit body having a first diameter sized to fit into the pre-drilled hole, and having at least one cutting edge and at least one groove extending in a helical fashion along a length of the bit body, the bit body having a first end region constructed and arranged to be operatively connected by a connecting means to a drill and a second end region disposed generally opposite said first end region, the second end region having a tapered end and a drill tip extending generally outwardly from the tapered end; and a second cutting portion positioned to protrude from at least one side of the second end region, the second cutting portion having an operational cutting radius greater than a cutting radius of the bit body.

13. The drilling bit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cutting radius of the bit body is substantially equal to a diameter of the pre-drilled hole.

14. The drilling bit as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cutting radius of the bit body is substantially equal to one-half a diameter of the pre-drilled hole.

15. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second cutting portion comprises flange portions positioned extending outwardly from each side of the second end region.

16. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the connecting means is releasably secured to the drill.

17. The drilling bit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the connecting means is a drill spindle.

18. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one cutting edge and the at least one groove extend along a substantial length of the bit body.

19. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the at least one cutting edge and the at least one groove extend along at least half the length of the bit body.

20. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the second cutting portion is integrally connected to the bit body.

21. The drilling bit as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the pre-drilled hole is enlarged across a portion of a cross section thereof by the second cutting portion when the drilling bit is inserted into the pre-drilled hole.