GB2328388A - A reaming device for rock climbing - Google Patents

Abstract

A reaming device 10 for use in rock-climbing enables a climber to shape a drilled hole 17 in a rock face 15 so that it can engage more positively with an expansion bolt. The device 10 comprises an elongate carrier 12 having at least one side cutter 18 at its distal end 19 and a mount 13,16 for rotatably and pivotally supporting the carrier 12. When the device 10 is used to enlarge a previously drilled hole, the carrier 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis by use of a drill and is manually pivoted within the mount 13,16, thereby enabling the side cutter(s) 18 to form a tapered enlargement 24 of the drilled hole 17. An expansion-type anchor bolt 32 inserted into the thus formed tapered hole 24 makes a more positive engagement with the hole.

Description

A REAMING DEVICE FOR ROCK CLIMBING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a reaming device. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a reaming device for use in rock-climbing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In modern day rock-climbing, it is a known practice for the climber to locate and fix a series of anchorages to the rock face, each of which provides a secure location from which he can secure the next anchor point. The climber typically carries a rock-drill with which he can bore into the rock surface, a supply of bolts for fixing in the holes, and a supply of anchor brackets to be affixed to the rock face by means of the bolts. The climb progresses with a series of holes being drilled in the rock face, bolts being inserted into the holes and a series of anchor brackets being secured to the rock face.

It has been the practice to leave the bolts and brackets in place at the end of a climb, but this has environmental and third party liability drawbacks. To avoid these problems we have proposed in our International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/00620 a removable anchor which incorporates a spring-loaded expansion bolt. Whilst this overcomes many problems, the insertion of the expansion bolt into a drilled hole and its subsequent withdrawal from such a hole can give rise to an unwanted transfer of material from the expansion bolt structure to the interior side walls of the hole. This "greasing out" of the hole has an environmental disadvantage and also can cause the expansion bolt structure when in use to engage less securely with the drilled hole.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome or at least substantially reduce the above-discussed drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention resides in the appreciation that the engagement of an expansion bolt type of anchor with a drilled hole in a rock face would be more secure and would resist problems of "greasing out" if the drilled hole were not parallel-sided, but rather was reamed out at its distal (innermost) end to match the expanded configuration of the expansion bolt.

According to the present invention in one of its aspects, therefore, there is provided a reaming device for enlarging a drilled hole in a rock face, the device comprising: an elongate carrier for at least one side cutting member and a mount for rotatably supporting the carrier, and wherein the mount is adapted to permit a predetermined limited amount of pivotal movement of the carrier so that, in use, pivotal movement of the carrier coupled with rotation thereof can be employed to form a tapered enlargement of the drilled hole.

The side cutting action of the cutting member(s) may be advantageously provided by cutting blade(s).

The cutting member(s) can be made of cheap, commonly-available material such as carbide material, for example.

The cutting member(s) may be fixedly mounted to the elongate carrier by means of brazing or welding or the like. Alternatively, the cutting member(s) may be fixably mounted to the elongate carrier so as to enable the cutting member(s) to be dismounted from the carrier after the cutting operation is effected. This would enable worn cutters to be replaced or different sized cutters to be used with the same carrier.

Further, the elongate carrier may be configured to carry more than one side cutter. This is made possible through the provision of at least one groove formed in the carrier into which the cutting member(s) can be inserted.

Advantageously, the mount may be used to support the carrier and, further, be configured to permit pivotal movement of the carrier therein through a limited angular displacement, thereby enabling tapered hole(s) (for example, dovetail-shaped hole(s)) to be formed in the rock face. The mount may be an integrally-formed unit; for example, such a unit may comprise an undercutter tube and a locking collar.

Alternatively, the mount may comprise a number of separate parts, the parts including a separate undercutter tube and a separate locking collar.

A stabilising means may also be used for engagement into the mount so as to stabilise the reaming device when in use, particularly to avoid bodily rotation thereof. For example, the stabilising means may be in the form of a removably engageable handle.

Furthermore, the component parts of the reaming device may be readily assembled together so as to provide a reaming device that is fit for use and convenient to operate at a rock face. The component parts of the device (for example, carrier and/or mount) may be made of commonly available, durable material like steel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a tapered hole in a rock face, the method comprising the steps of: drilling a substantially parallel-sided hole in a rock face; inserting an elongate carrier into and through a mount; positioning the mount in the entrance of the hole such as to enable the elongate carrier with a side cutter at its distal end to be inserted into the hole and rotatably supported by the mount, the mount further enabling the supported carrier to be pivoted to a predetermined limited extent; and pivotally moving the carrier within the mount while effecting rotation of the carrier so as to permit the side cutter to cut a tapered enlargement of the drilled hole.

Advantageously, the mount may comprise a locking collar configured to abut against the rock face when in use, and an undercutter tube configured to fit in the hole along part of its drilled length, so as to enable a dovetail-shaped hole to be formed in the rock face when the reaming device is used in the method.

The invention also extends to a method of providing an anchor to a surface, the method comprising the steps of: forming a tapered hole in the surface by the method defined above; and inserting an expansion-type anchor bolt into the tapered hole formed in the surface and expanding the anchor bolt so as to provide an anchor to the surface.

The above and further features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims and, together with advantages thereof, will become more clear from consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: Figures l(a) to l(c) are side elevation views of an assembled reaming device embodying the present invention, Figure l(a) showing the reaming device in a horizontal position in a drilled hole, and Figures l(b) and l(c) showing the same reaming device in upwardly angular-displaced and downwardly angular-displaced positions relative to the horizontal position; Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of an expansion-type anchor bolt according to the teachings of PCT/GB97/00620 engaged in a dovetail-shaped hole, the dovetail-shaped hole being produced by the cutting action of the reaming device of Figures l(a) to l(c); Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are views showing in more detail two component parts of the reaming device of Figures l(a) to l(c), Figure 3(a) showing an elongate carrier and a side cutter at its distal end in side elevation view, and Figure 3(b) showing the same component parts in end elevation view; Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are different views showing the groove detail formed in the elongate carrier of the reaming device of Figures l(a) to l(c), Figure 4(a) showing the elongate carrier in side elevation view, and Figures 4(b) and 4(c) showing a groove formed in the carrier in end elevation and top plan views; Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are views showing a collar of the mount component of the reaming device of Figures l(a) to l(c), Figure 5(a) showing the collar in side elevation view, and Figure 5(b) showing the same collar in end elevation view; Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are views showing an undercutter tube of the mount component of the reaming device of Figures l(a) to l(c), Figure 6(a) showing the undercutter tube with an inner tapered bore therethrough in side elevation view, and Figure 6(b) showing the same tube in end elevation view; and Figure 7 shows a side elevation view of a possible further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring first to Figure l(a), there is shown therein a preferred assembly of component parts of a reaming device (10) embodying the invention. The assembled reaming device (10), generally indicated at a horizontal position and disposed partially inside a drilled hole (17) in a rock face (15), comprises an elongate single-piece carrier (12) having at least one side cutter (18) at its distal end (19) and a mount (13,16) for rotatably supporting the elongate carrier (12). The elongate carrier (12) in this embodiment is a shaft having a generally cylindrical configuration.

The side cutter(s) (18) are shown to be mounted, either fixably or fixedly, to the carrier (12), the side cutter(s) (18) being further shown to protrude radially outwardly from the surface (18') of the carrier (12). The side cutter(s) (18) may comprise cutting blades formed of carbide or like durable material. The mount in this embodiment comprises an integrally-formed unit, the unit further comprising a first portion (13) adapted to be positioned to abut against the rock face (15), and a second portion (16) having an opening (9) formed therein for receiving and supporting the carrier (12) and which portion (16) is adapted to fit into the hole (17) along part of its drilled length (as shown). The first portion (13) may comprise a collar having a generally circular cross-section, and in this embodiment, the collar is shown to have a tapered portion (14) which extends towards its bottom-end. The second portion (16) may comprise an undercutter tube having a generally circular cross-section. The carrier (12) and mount (13,16) component parts are preferably formed of steel or like durable material.

The periphery of the opening (9) formed in the mount is suitably formed with a profile generally complementary to that of the carrier (12) so that the carrier (12) can be firmly though loosely supported by the mount when in use. Further, the head end (19) of the carrier (12) and the side cutter(s) (19) mounted thereto are suitably configured to fit into and through the entrance of the drilled hole (17). For example, the head end (19) may be necked-in. Further, as will be readily appreciated, the shape and/or size of the carrier (12) and side cutter(s) (18) may be modified to fit inside drilled holes of different shape and/or size. In Figure l(a), for example, the carrier (12) and side cutter(s) (18) are shown to fit inside a drilled hole (17) 90mm deep and 14mm wide.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure l(a), the mount (13,16) is further configured to permit a limited amount of angular pivotal movement of the carrier (12) therein when the reaming device (10) is in use. The importance of this feature will become apparent from the following discussion.

A climber using the described reaming device (10) in the field of rock climbing must carry out a series of operations in a specific order, namely: first drilling a parallel-sided hole (17) in the rock face (15) using a conventional drill, inserting the elongate carrier (12), having side cutter(s) (18) mounted thereto, into and through the opening (9) formed in the mount (13,16), positioning the mount (13,16) in the entrance of the hole (17) to cause the carrier head (19)/side cutter(s) (18) to be inserted in the hole (17), and effecting a "swivel-like" cutting action of the side cutter(s) (18) inside the hole whilst rotating the carrier so as to cut a tapered enlargement of the inner end of the drilled hole (17). This "swivelling" action is produced by simultaneously (a) pivotally moving the carrier (12) within the mount (13,16) through a limited angular displacement about its pivot point, and (b) rotating the carrier (12) about its longitudinal axis (11).

Rotational movement of the carrier (12) may be effected at its tail end (25) by means of a drill or manually.

Figures l(b) and l(c) show a reaming device (10) embodying the invention in (i) an upwardly angular-displaced position and (ii) a downwardly angular-displaced position, in relation to the horizontal position shown in Figure l(a). Figures l(b) and l(c) employ the same reference numerals as are employed in Figure l(a) for same/like parts of the device (10). It will be noted that the provision of pivotal movability of the carrier (12) within the mount (13,16) is absolutely essential to the described embodiment. Because the mount is designed to fit in the hole only along part of its drilled length, the effect of pivotal movement (that is, angular displacement) of the carrier, coupled with rotation thereof, is to produce a dovetail-shaped enlargement (24) of the inner end of hole (17), having walls (23) which splay out toward the deep end of the hole (24), but which remain substantially parallel-sided at or near the entrance of the hole (17). The described cutting action of the reaming device (10) would typically enlarge the width of the hole at its deep end from 14mm to 18.5mm, corresponding to a limited angular displacement of 1.5 of the carrier about its pivot point within the mount (13,16).

Referring next to Figure 2, an expansion-type anchor bolt, similar to that disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB97/00620, is shown to be in an expanded condition of engagement with the wall interior (23) of a hole (24) having a tapered enlargement at its inner end, such a hole (24) having been formed by the described reaming device (10). As shown in the Figure, the anchor bolt (32) may be provided with a conical expander element (36) which is designed to engage with the wall interior (23) of the tapered hole (24). The conical element (36) is further shown to fit into one end of a preferably cylindrical-shaped bolt member (35) which is secured at its other end to a mount (34) and may be operated by way of a quick-release lever (33). The mount (34) is adapted to be positioned to abut against the rock face (15). It is to be noted that the anchor bolt (32), when in its expanded condition, is in direct surface contact over its entire length with the hole wall interior (23). That is to say, the tapered hole (24) is suitably configured to have a profile which matches that of the anchor bolt (32), thereby minimising/reducing the likelihood of the anchor bolt pulling out of the hole as a result, for example, of the hole surfaces "greasing out" with material from anchor bolts over a period of use and suffering a corresponding reduction in their friction characteristics.

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the structure of the carrier (12) together with the side cutter(s) (18) mounted thereto in (a) side elevation view and (b) end elevation view. Typical dimensions/tolerance of those separate component parts are as shown. Both Figures again use the same reference numerals as were used to designate same/like parts in the previous Figures.

The carrier (12) and/or side cutter(s) (18) can have varying shapes and sizes. In the exemplary embodiment, the carrier (12) comprises a shaft of generally cylindrical configuration, the shaft including a tail end (25), and a necked-in head end (19) which can be inserted into and through a hole formed at the rock face. The shaft is preferably formed of steel or like durable material. The side cutter(s) (18) are preferably mounted to the carrier (12) by way of insertion into groove(s) formed in the carrier (12) (see also Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). The side cutter(s) (18) are mounted in such a manner as to protrude radially outwardly from the surface (18') of the carrier. It is to be noted that the side cutter(s) (18) may be fixedly mounted to the carrier (12) by means of welding, brazing or the like.

Alternatively, the side cutter(s) (18) may be designed to engage fixably with the groove(s) formed in the carrier (12). The side cutter(s) (18) may be in the form of cutting blades. They are preferably formed of carbide material.

Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show the groove detail (29) formed in the carrier (12) according to the exemplary embodiment, as seen in (a) side elevation view, (b) end elevation view and (c) top plan view respectively.

In this embodiment, the body (12) and head portion (30) of the carrier (12) have a groove (29) of generally rectangular cross-section formed therein, the groove (29) being shown to extend through and across the body (12)/head portion (30). As shown in Figure 4(c), such a groove (29) is formed through opposing faces (18') of the carrier (12), and extends from a selected location (28) at the carrier surface (12) to a location (27) at the end (19) of the head portion (30). Typical dimensions/tolerances of such a groove (29) are given in the Figures.

It should be readily appreciated that grooves of varying shape, size and number may be formed in the carrier (12). For example, the groove(s) may have circular cross-section, and/or may extend only part way through and across the carrier (12). Further, a plurality of grooves may be formed in the carrier (12), thereby enabling a plurality of side cutter(s) (18) to be used together for reaming out a hole.

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show a collar (13'), which forms part of the mount, in side elevation and sectional views. The collar (13') is shown as a separate component part. Its typical dimensions and tolerances are also given. The collar (13') is almost structurally identical to that described in the exemplary embodiment of Figures l(a) to l(c), the sole difference being that the present Figures show the collar as a separate part, whereas in Figures l(a) to l(c), the same collar is part of an integrally-formed unit. Figures 5(a) and (b) use the same reference numerals as were used to designate same/like parts in the description of Figures l(a) to l(c).

To avoid unnecessary repetition, it should merely be noted from Figures 5(a) and 5(b) that the collar (13') comprises a solid section (13,14), which in side elevation is shown to taper at one end (14) and in which a hollow section (9') is formed to permit passage of a carrier therethrough. As shown in sectional view, the hollow section (9') may have an opening (9) of circular cross-section (42), and the outer solid section (13,14) may be circular in cross-section (41). In addition, the collar (13') may have a bore (43) formed therein into which one end of a handle or similar type of stabiliser (not shown) can be fitted. This feature enables the climber to maintain the collar firmly in position against the rock face during the reaming out process and ensure that the collar does not rotate.

Figures 6(a) and (b) show an undercutter tubular section (16) in side and end elevation views. Its typical dimensions/tolerances are shown. In those Figures, the tube (16) is shown as a separate component part of the mount; as mentioned previously, however, the mount in the exemplary embodiment comprises an integrally-formed unit. The Figures again use the same reference numerals as were used to designate same/like parts in the description of Figures l(a) to l(c).

To avoid unnecessary repetition, it should merely be noted that the undercutter tube (16) is of circular cross-section (51) and has an inner tapered bore (54) which preferably tapers toward the opening end (53) of the tube (16). Such a bore (54) is designed to receive and support a carrier therethrough, whilst the degree of taper extending along the tube from its rear (52) to opening end (53) permits a carrier to move pivotally within the tube (10) through a limited angular displacement.

Figure 7 shows a further possible embodiment of the invention in side elevation view, and has operating parts substantially as hereinbefore described. It should be noted that the mounting in this embodiment comprises a separate locking collar (13') and a separate oversized flange (16) adapted to receive and support the carrier (12) therethrough.

The figure uses the same reference numerals as were used to designate same/like parts in the description of the previous figures.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is to be appreciated that modifications and variations thereto are possible without departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the described reaming device may be used to produce a tapered enlargement of a hole formed in any kind of solid surface. Further, the carrier/side cutters of the device may have varying shapes and sizes. Grooves of varying shape, size and/or number may also be formed in the carrier. In addition, whereas in the described exemplary embodiment the mount comprises an integrally-formed unit, the mount could alternatively be of a kind comprising a number of separate component parts.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:

1. A reaming device for enlarging a drilled hole in a rock face, the device comprising: an elongate carrier for at least one side cutting member and a mount for rotatably supporting the carrier, and wherein the mount is adapted to permit a predetermined limited amount of pivotal movement of the carrier so that, in use, pivotal movement of the carrier coupled with rotation thereof can be employed to form a tapered enlargement of the drilled hole.

2. A reaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cutting member comprises a cutting blade, the blade being fixably or fixedly mounted to a carrying portion of the carrier.

3. A reaming device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one cutting member is fixably or fixedly mounted to the carrier by insertion into one or more grooves formed in the carrier.

4. A reaming device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more grooves extend through and diametrically across a carrying portion of the carrier.

5. A reaming device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cutting member comprises carbide material.

6. A reaming device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mount comprises an undercutter tubular element and a locking collar.

7. A reaming device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the undercutter tubular element has a tapered bore therethrough for receiving and supporting the carrier so as to permit the aforementioned pivotal movement of the carrier.

8. A reaming device as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the locking collar is adapted to be positioned to abut against the rock face in use and the undercutter tubular element is adapted to be fitted in the hole along part of its drilled length so as to prevent enlargement of the hole along said part.

9. A reaming device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mount is adapted to engage with a stabilising means which is adapted to stabilise the device when in use.

10. A reaming device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the stabilising means comprises a removably engageable handle.

11. A reaming device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier comprises a shaft of a generally cylindrical configuration.

12. A reaming device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the shaft is made from steel or like durable material.

13. A reaming device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the mount is made from steel or like durable material.

14. A method of forming a tapered hole in a rock face, the method comprising the steps of: drilling a substantially parallel-sided hole in a rock face; inserting an elongate carrier into and through a mount; positioning the mount in the entrance of the hole such as to enable the elongate carrier having a side cutter at its distal end to be inserted into the hole and rotatably supported by the mount, the mount further enabling the supported carrier to be pivoted to a predetermined limited extent; and pivotally moving the carrier within the mount while effecting rotation of the carrier so as to permit the side cutter to cut a tapered enlargement of the drilled hole.

15. A method of providing an anchor to a surface, the method comprising the steps of: forming a tapered hole in the surface by the method claimed in claim 14; and inserting an expansion type anchor bolt into the tapered hole formed in the surface and expanding the anchor bolt so as to provide an anchor to the surface.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising removing the anchor bolt from the hole when the anchor is no longer required.

17. A reaming device substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.