WO2007099303A1

WO2007099303A1 - A drill guide. a drill guide apparatus and a method of drilling

Info

Publication number: WO2007099303A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000681
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Steabben Hepworth; Stuart Harold Turner
Original assignee: Turner Intellectual Property Limited
Priority date: 2006-02-28
Filing date: 2007-02-27
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: GB0603960D0; GB2435439A; EP1996360A1

Abstract

In the field of drilling there is a need to facilitate the drilling of an object in a predetermined location while avoiding overheating the drill bit. A drill guide (20; 70), for guiding a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location (62) on an object (64), comprises a guide body (22) defining a bore (26) for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby. The guide body (22) also has a support surface (28) which is securable to the object (64). The drill guide. (20; 70) further includes a first reservoir (24) which is arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location (62) in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards.

Description

A DRILL GUIDE. A PRILL GUIDE APPARATUS AKD A METHOD OF DRILLING

This invention relates in particular, ^"but not exclusively, to a drill guide, a drill guide apparatus, and a method of drilling.

When drilling an object, particularly a hard object such as a tile, it is difficult to ensure that drilling takes place in a desired drilling location because the drill bit lias a tendency to move across the surface of the object. This problem is especially apparent when using a core drill bit which is tubular and so has no centre point to align with the desired drilling location.

It is known to provide a drill guide which is securable to an object in order to guide a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location.

However, a further problem when drilling is a tendency for the drill bit to overheat. Overheating can degrade the sharpness of the drill bit. Also, when using diamond core drill bits, overheating can lead to a breakdown of the diamond boding agent holding the drill bit together, thereby leading to failure of the drill bit.

Therefore it is a general aim of the invention to facilitate the drilling of an object in a predetermined location while avoiding overheating of the drill bit.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a drill guide, for guiding a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location on an object, comprising: a guide body defining a bore for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby, the guide body having a support surface which is securable to the object; and a first reservoir arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards. The ability to supply a fluid during use to the drill bit allows a user to reduce the temperature of the drill bit, thereby helping to avoid overheating, while ensuring ^■ that drilling takes place in a desired drilling location.

Optionally the guide body includes a conduit formed in fluid communication with each of the support surface and the first reservoir for conveying fluid ^' to the predetermined drilling location.

Such an arrangement is a convenient way of providing a drill guide which a user is readily able to handle while also permitting the desired cooling of the drill bit.

^■ Preferably the reservoir includes a valve selectively operable by a user so as to . permit, in-use, the selective discharge of the fluid held therein. This allows a user to control the rate at which fluid is supplied to the predetermined drilling location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the drill guide further includes at least one adhesive pad secured to the support surface, the or each adhesive pad being operable, in-use, to secure the drill guide to the object. The inclusion of one or more adhesive pads allows a user to conveniently secure the drill guide to the object. ^■ .

In another embodiment of the invention the or each adhesive pad includes an aperture operable, in-use, to define a cavity between the support surface and the object for retaining fluid supplied to the predetermined drilling location. Such an arrangement helps to concentrate the fluid on the predetermined drilling location.

Preferably the guide body includes one or more indications, for assisting a user in . aligning the bore with the predetermined drilhng location. Consequently, a user is able to quickly and accurately locate the drill guide as desired. ^■

Optionally the first reservoir includes a transparent portion. This allows a user to readily see the remaining, level of fluid in the.first reservoir. ^{• •} In a further embodiment of the invention the first reservoir includes a refill aperture to permit refilling thereof. As a result, a user is able to re-use the reservoir, as desired.

5 Conveniently the refill aperture is arranged so as to define an open-ended cavity ^■within the first reservoir. Such a cavity is easy to refill.

Preferably the guide body and the first reservoir are separable from one another. This allows a user to conveniently refill the first reservoir • . -

10

Optionally the guide body and the first reservoir include complimentary interengaging formations, whereby the guide body and the first reservoir are securable to one another.

15 In another preferred embodiment of the invention the guide body and the first reservoir are securable to one another such that the open-ended cavity extends in. a direction substantially parallel to the support surface. This facilitates the drilling in a predetermined location on a substantially vertically extending surface such as a wall.

20

Preferably the guide body and the reservoir are slidably engageable with one another. •

In a further embodiment of the invention the guide body defines a stop against 25 which the first reservoir is abuttable so as to limit the range of slidable movement therebetween. - ^{' "} ■ ^{• •} •

The foregoing features provide a convenient way. of securing^' the guide body and the first reservoir to one another. 30 ^■

In a still further embodiment of the invention the guide body and the first reservoir _: . are securable to^' one another such that the open-ended cavity extends in a direction ^•• . ^• . ^■ substantially perpendicular to the support surface. This facilitates the drilling in a predetermined location on a substantially horizontally extending surface such as a floor.

Optionally the guide body further includes a second reservoir formed hi fluid communication with the first reservoir. Such a second reservoir helps to retain any excess fluid dispensed from the first reservoir, thereby helping to ensure that the majority of the fluid is used to cool the drill bit.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a drill guide apparatus, for guiding a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location on an object, comprising: at least one guide body defining a bore for receiving a drill bit to be guided . thereby, the guide body having a support surface which is securable to the object; and at least one first reservoir securable to the or each guide body so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of drilling in a predetermined drilling location on an object, comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a drill guide including a guide body having a bore for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby and a support surface which is securable ^■ to the object, and a first reservoir arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a- fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location; ^{• ■ ■ ' ■ •} (ii) securing the support surface to the object so as to align the bore with the predetermined drilling location; . .

(ϋi) drilling in the predetermined drilling location; and (iv) supplying fluid held in the first reservoir to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards, steps (in) and (iv) taking place- in any order and being repeated if . necessary. . ^' The second and third -aspects of the invention share the advantages of the first aspect of the invention.

There now follows a brief description of preferred embodiments of the invention, 5 ■ by way of non-limiting examples, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures l(a) and l(b) show perspective views of a drill guide according to a first embodiment of the invention;

10 Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the drill guide shown in Figures l(a) and l(b);

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line πi-III of Figure 1 (a); Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a drill guide according to a second embodiment of the invention; 15 Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the drill guide shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a front elevational view of the drill guide shown in Figure 4; .

Figure 7 shows a plan view from above of the drill guide shown in Figure

IQ Figure 8 shows a plan view from below of the drill guide shown in Figure

4; - - .. ^• . ^;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view along line IX-IX of Figure 7; and Figures 10(a) to . lϋ(e) show a method of drilling according to one ^{'• •} embodiment of the invention. 15 ^{' ■ '} .

.. A drill guide- according to a first embodiment of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 20. The drill guide 20 includes a guide body 22 and a first reservoir 24. In the embodiment shown the first reservoir 24 is made, from a transparent material. ^• ■ ^• • .• •

The guide body 22 defines a bore 26 for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby. In the^' embodiment shown the bore 26 is substantially cylindrical, although bores

- - ■ having a different cross-sectional profile are also possible. - ■ •-_... .^' . •• • ■■ The guide body 22 also includes a support surface 28 which, in-use, is secuiable to an object/

5 The first reservoir 24 is arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid (not ■ shown) held therein to a predetermined drilling location.

The guide body 22 also includes a conduit 30 which, in this embodiment, takes the form of an elongate channel 32. The elongate channel 32 is formed in fluid 10 communication with both the support surface 28 and the first reservoir 24.

The first reservoir 24 includes a valve 34. In the arrangement shown, the valve 34 includes an actuating member 36 that is biased towards a first position. Aa elastically deformable arm 38 protrudes from each side of the actuating member 5 36 to engage with the first reservoir 24 so as to provide the desired biasing.

■ The actuating member 36 includes a valve seat 40 in the form of a screw 42. The degree to which the screw 42 penetrates the actuating member 36 is adjustable during assembly of the drill guide 20. This permits a degree adjustment to :0 accommodate manufacturing tolerances such that the valve 34 is openable and closable on movement of the actuating member 36 away from and towards the first position, respectively. Other embodiments of the invention may include ' alternative valves, actuating members, biasing means and. valve seats. ,

5 The first reservoir 24 includes a first protrusion 44 arranged so as to limit the .' extent to which the actuating member 36 is able to move away from the first position,- thereby regulating the amount of fluid discharged, upon opening of the . ■ . valve 34. . . ^' . - _. - . ■

) The first reservoir 24 includes a refill aperture 46 which is arranged to define an open-ended cavity 48 within the first reservoir 24. ^• . The guide body 22 and the first reservoir 24 are separable from one another. The guide body 22- and the first reservoir 24 include complimentary interengaging formations 50 which secure the guide body 22 and the first reservoir 24 to one another such that the open-ended cavity 48 extends in a direction substantially 5 parallel to the support surface 28.

- ^■ In the embodiment shown the guide body 22 and the first reservoir 24 are slidably engagable with one another, the guide body 22 defining a stop 52 against which the first reservoir 24 is abuttable so as to limit the range of slidable movement 0 therebetween.

The first drill guide 20 also includes an adhesive pad 54 which is secured, preferably by an adhesive, to the support surface 28. The adhesive .pad 54 may include a removable .backing (not shown) which is removable in use so as to 5 expose a surface of the adhesive pad 54.

The adhesive pad 54 shown, includes -an aperture 56 which envelops the bore 26 and the conduit 30. . •

Four indications 58 are included on the guide body 22 which assist a user in aligning the bore 26 with the predetermined drilling location. The guide body 22 may also, optionally, include an indicator 60 which provides a user ^" with information relating to the diameter of drill. bit that is usable with the- drill guide 20. ^{• '} . ^{■ ' '}

A user may use the drill guide 20 according to the first embodiment of the invention for drilling in a substantially vertical surface of an object, e.g a wall.

hi use, the user secures the drill guide 20 to the wall 64 using the adhesive pad 54, so as to align the bore 26 with a predetermined drilling location 62, as shown in Figure 10(b). . . ^' ; ■ ^; _. Optionally the user then fills the first reservoir 24, as shown in Figure 10(c), before securing the first reservoir 24 to the guide body 22, as shown in Figure 10(d).

5 A user is then able to drill in the predetermined drilling location 62 while selectively suppling fluid to the drilling location 62 by actuating the valve 34, as shown in Figure 10(e). • -

Upon activation of the valve 34, fluid is discharged from the first reservoir 24 and 10 into the conduit 30 in which it flows to the predetermined drilling location 62. The aperture 56 in the adhesive pad 54, when secured to the wall 64, defines a cavity (not shown) between the wall 64 and the support surface 28 which helps to retain the fluid in the predetermined drilling location 62.

15 A drill guide according to a second embodiment of the invention is designated ' • generally by the reference numeral 70. The second drill guide 70 has many of the same features as the first drill guide 20 and these are indicated by the same reference numerals.

20 The second drill guide 70 differs from the first drill guide 20 in that a portion 72 of the elongate channel 32 is exposed in use.

In addition, the actuating member 36 includes a second protrusion 74 arranged so as to limit the extent to which the actuating member 36 is able to move away from 5 the first position, thereby regulating the amount of fluid discharged upon opening of the valve 34. . • ■ ^• ■ . ^'

Furthermore the guide body 22 and the first reservoir 24 are securable to one another such that the open-ended cavity 48 extends ^'in a direction substantially 0 perpendicular to the support surface 28.

The guide body 22 also includes a second reservoir 76 which is formed in. fluid - - communication with the first reservoir 24. .^' .. .. ^• . . . _ .^' _.. ^'. _ ^' _. - A user may use the drill guide 70 according to the second embodiment of the invention for drilling in a substantially horizontal surface of an object, e.g a floor.

Otherwise, a user uses the second drill guide 70 in essentially the same way as the first drill guide 20.

During use, the second reservoir 76 of the second drill guide 70 retains any excess fluid dispensed from the first reservoir 24, thereby helping to concentrate the fluid on the predetermined drilling location 62.

A further embodiment of the invention is a drill guide assembly (not shown).

The drill guide assembly includes at least one guide body 22 and at least one first reservoir 24. hi this way it is possible for a user to use, e.g. a single first reservoir 24 with a plurality of guide bodies 22, each arranged at a different, predetermined drilling location 62.

Claims

CLAIMS;

1. A drill guide, for guiding a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location on an object, comprising: a guide body defining a bore for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby, the guide body having a support surface which is securable to the object; and a first reservoir arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards, the guide body and the first reservoir defining fluid conduits to selectively convey fluid from the first reservoir to the predetermined drilling location.

2. A drill guide according to Claim 1 wherein the guide body includes a conduit formed in fluid communication with each of the support surface and the first reservoir for conveying fluid to the predetermined drilling location.

3. A drill guide according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the reservoir includes a valve selectively operable by a user so as to permit, in-use, the selective discharge of the fluid held therein. ^• .

4. A drill guide according to any preceding claim further including at least one adhesive pad secured to the support surface, the or each adhesive pad being operable, in-use, to secure the drill guide to the object.

5. . A drill guide according to Claim 4 wherein the or each adhesive pad includes an aperture, operable, in-use, to define a cavity between the support surface and the object for retaining fluid supplied to the predetermined drilling location.

6. A drill guide according to any preceding claim wherein the guide body includes one or more indications, for assisting a user in aligning the bore with the predetermined drilling location. . - ^' . . ^'

7. A drill guide according to any preceding claim wherein the first reservoir includes a transparent portion.

5 8. A drill guide according to any preceding claim wherein the first reservoir includes a refill aperture to permit refilling thereof.

9. A drill guide according to Claim 8 wherein the refill aperture is arranged so as to define an open-ended cavity within the first reservoir.

10 .

10. A drill guide according to Claims 8 or 9 wherein the guide body and the first reservoir are separable from one another.

11. A drill guide according to Claim 10 wherein the guide body and the first L5 reservoir include complimentary interengaging formations, whereby the guide body and the first reservoir are securable to one another.

12. A drill guide according to Claims 10 or 11 wherein the guide body and the first reservoir are securable to one another such that the open-ended cavity extends in

JO a direction substantially parallel to the support surface.

13. A drill guide according to Claim 12 wherein the guide body and the reservoir are slidably engageable with one another.

!5 14. A drill guide according to Claim 13 wherein the guide body defines a. stop against which the first reservoir is abuttable so as to limit the range of slidable movement therebetween. ^■

15. A drill guide according to Claims 10 or 11 wherein the guide body and the SO first reservoir are securable to one another such that the open-ended cavity extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

16. A drill guide according to Claim 15 wherein the guide body further includes a second reservoir formed in fluid communication with the first reservoir.

17. A drill guide apparatus, for guiding a drill bit towards a predetermined drilling location on an object, comprising: at least one guide body defining a bore for receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby, the guide body having a support surface which is securable to the object; and at least one first reservoir securable to the or each guide body so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid held therein to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards, the guide body and the first reservoir defining fluid conduits to selectively convey fluid from the first reservoir to the predetermined drilling location.

18. A method of drilling in a predetermined drilling location on an object, . comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a drill guide including a guide body having a bore for ^' receiving a drill bit to be guided thereby and a support surface which is securable to the object, and a first reservoir arranged so as to permit, in-use, the supply of a fluid . held therein to the predetermined drilling location, the guide body and the first reservoir defining fluid conduits to selectively convey fluid from the first reservoir to the predetermined drilling location;

(ϋ) , securing the support surface to the object so as to. align the bore with . the predetermined drilling location; (iii) drilling in the predetermined drilling location; and

(iv) supplying fluid held in the first reservoir to the predetermined drilling location in order to cool the drill bit guided theretowards, steps (ϋi) and (iv) taking place in any order and being repeated if necessary.

19. A drill guide generally as herein described, with reference to and/or illustrated - in the accompanying drawings.

• ^' 12 . ^{• • •}

20, A drill guide apparatus, generally as herein.described, with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of drilling generally as herein described, with reference to and/or .illustrated in the accompanying drawings.