Earth anchor
OwnerJohn R. Olthoff, Wayne L. Nichols, Jr. +2inventors
InventorsJohn R. Olthoff, Wayne L. Nichols, Jr., Rick A. Harmon, Charles L. Duncan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An expandable earth anchor is provided with pivoted arms that remain contracted about a bolt rod as the rod, together with the anchor, is driven into the earth. Rotation of the rod with respect to the anchor induces an initial degree of expansion by rotation of the anchor arms about their pivot connection, followed by full expansion of the arms induced by movement of the bolt rod as a result of rotation of a bearing nut against a plate. Arrangements are provided for the expansion of a plurality of anchor devices on a single bolt rod, rendering the system suitable for various types of soils.
Claims10
An earth anchor including an internally threaded member having an axis and at least one arm pivotally connected to said internally threaded member for movement from a first position substantially parallel to said axis to a second position extending laterally from said axis, stop means operative to establish said second position, and an externally threaded member in engagement with said internally threaded member and extending to a remote position for transfer of linear forces, wherein the improvement comprises:
- abutment means disposed at an intermediate point on said externally threaded member;
- and
- cam means axially fixed with respect to said abutment means, and operative to engage said arm on relative axial movement of said cam means toward said internally threaded member on relative rotation in a selected direction between said members to induce movement of said arm from said first position toward said second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.