Patent Description:
Anchor bolts are well-known in the art as fixings for connecting bolts and screws to a substrate (for example walls and floors). They generally comprise an insert used to enable the attachment of a screw/bolt in a material that is porous or brittle and that would otherwise not support the weight of the object attached with the screw. For example expansion bolts have a rigid body which expands against a spring to fit into the substrate.

Such anchors can attach one object to another in situations where screws, nails, adhesives or other simple fasteners are either impractical or ineffective. However, these other fixings may be appropriate for use in other applications.

However, a demerit of these fixings is that any shock loads are transmitted from the structure to the substrate via the fixing, hence damaging the substrate supporting the plug/bolt, and hence loosening the anchor. This is especially likely to happen if the substrate is a frangible material, for example concrete, as the concrete may become cracked or crumble, allowing the anchor to move relative to the substrate. The prestressing of the substrate by the fixing (i.e. where the fixing is expanded against the substrate) contributes to the risk of substrate cracking, and hence the fixing becoming loosened. Also vibrations are directly transmitted through the fixing to/from the substrate. <CIT>) describes examples of the related art.

Hence, an anchor which is operable to be fixed in a substrate, and which is capable of holding a fixing means (for example a bolt) in place but able to withstand a shock force, lower the peak force transmitted to the substrate, and/or dampen vibrations, is highly desirable.

According to the present disclosure there is provided an anchor assembly according to claim <NUM>.

Accordingly there may be provided an anchor assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving a fixing member (<NUM>). The assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise : a shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a substrate engagement surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive the fixing member (<NUM>). The passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) may extend from a trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards a leading edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) along an alignment axis (<NUM>). An engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be located in the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>), the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a through passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) for the fixing member (<NUM>) to extend therethrough to engage with the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>). The resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be located between the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>), the resilient member through passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) located between the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>); the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) being mounted in the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that it is fixed relative to the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) and such that the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is moveable with the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>), and relative to the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>), along the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise a first region (<NUM>, <NUM>) which extends from the trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards a second region (<NUM>, <NUM>), the second region (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the first region (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards the leading edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>), the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) being wider than the first region (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that the resilient member is prevented from entering the first region (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be sized to have a snug fit in the second region (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The leading edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) may be closed with an end cap (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise an outer guide surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) which extends parallel to a resilient member axis (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by the resilient member through passage (<NUM>, <NUM>).

At least one of the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise a bevel configured to allow the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to pivot relative to the alignment axis (<NUM>).

The engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise a guide surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) which extends parallel to an engagement member axis (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) guide surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) may comprise a bevelled leading and/or trailing edge configured to allow the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to pivot relative to the alignment axis (<NUM>).

The shell (<NUM>) substrate engagement surface (<NUM>) may be substantially cylindrical, and a cutting ridge (<NUM>) may extend from the substrate engagement surface (<NUM>).

The cutting ridge (<NUM>) may extend around the substrate engagement surface (<NUM>), spiralling along at least part of the length of the substrate engagement surface (<NUM>).

The shell (<NUM>) substrate engagement surface (<NUM>) may define a longitudinally extending groove (<NUM>).

The shell (<NUM>) substrate engagement surface (<NUM>) may be substantially cylindrical with circumferentially extending grooves (<NUM>) provided in the substrate engagement surface (<NUM>).

The circumferentially extending grooves (<NUM>) comprise an indentation (<NUM>) which increases in diameter along the length of the substrate engagement surface (<NUM>) in a direction from the leading edge end (<NUM>) to the trailing edge end (<NUM>).

The longitudinally extending groove (<NUM>) may extend through at least one of the circumferentially extending grooves (<NUM>).

There may also be provided a kit of parts comprising an anchor assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) as described hereinbefore and a fixing member (<NUM>) configured to be received in the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>).

There may also be provided a method of locating an anchor assembly according to the present disclosure in a substrate, comprising the steps of :.

Hence there is provided an anchor assembly, an anchor assembly kit of parts, and a method of locating an anchor assembly, wherein the anchor is configured to reduce shock loads and/or vibrations transmitted to/from the substrate into which the assembly is inserted.

The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly configured to be located in (that is to say, attached to and/or fixed to) a substrate <NUM>, for example a frangible substrate <NUM>. However, the substrate may be any base member or structure (for example a building wall, ceiling or floor, window, or part of another structure, for example an air, land or sea based vehicle). The anchor assembly may be provided as a kit of parts. The present disclosure also relates to a method of locating an anchor assembly according to the present disclosure in a substrate.

The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be used in conjunction with a fixing member <NUM> to fix and/or locate any article in place, or provide an anchor, as may be required by a particular application. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided in a range of sizes, and manufactured from a range of materials, depending on the application/use to which it is to be put.

By way of a non-limiting example, <FIG> shows an example of the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> according to the present disclosure located in a substrate <NUM>. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to hold an article, for example a post <NUM>, in place. Hence, in this example, although not shown in the Figures, the base of the post <NUM> may have a plate or aperture at its base through which a fixing member (bolt) <NUM> may extend to clamp the post <NUM> to the substrate <NUM> using the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> has an alignment axis <NUM> which extends along its length, and in the example shown the fixing member <NUM> is centred on the alignment axis <NUM> when entered in the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. In <FIG> the article/post <NUM> is also shown centred on the alignment axis <NUM> by way of example only, as the orientation of the article being held to the substrate will be dependent on its geometry, which may be of any shape. Likewise, in such an application, more than one anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be used to hold the article/post in place. For example, instead of a centre fixing, two or more anchor assemblies may be located around the periphery of the post, for example passing through a flange extending from the base of the post. Put another way, the arrangement shown in <FIG> is by way of non limiting example only to illustrate the functionality of the anchor assembly of the present disclosure in one of its many applications.

The fixing member <NUM> may have an axis <NUM>, for example as shown in <FIG>, which at rest, in a normal configuration, is centred on the alignment axis <NUM> of the anchor assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an advantage of the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> when an impact force is applied to the article <NUM>. In the example shown, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> is moved away from its at rest position (as shown in <FIG>) under the influence of the impact force, causing it to at least pivot and/or bend about the location at which it is anchored by the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM>.

As will be described below, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure is configured to reduce the peak force transmitted to the substrate <NUM> via the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> from an external force on the post, and thereby maintain a connection between the article <NUM> and substrate <NUM> under conditions in which an anchor assembly of the related art would have been broken free from the substrate <NUM>.

Similarly, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure is configured to dampen vibrations, thereby reducing the amount of vibration energy transmitted between the substrate <NUM> and anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM>.

Hence the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> is operable to reduce the transmission of peak forces and vibrations between the substrate and the article whether the force/vibrations originate from the substrate or the article.

The features of the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> which enable this functionality will now be described with reference to the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, with further detail provided in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The first example of the anchor assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure is shown in <FIG>. A second example of the anchor assembly <NUM> accordingly to the present disclosure is shown in <FIG>. Despite some technical differences between the two example anchor assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, they share a common operational principle, function and advantage.

As shown for both the examples, there is illustrated an anchor assembly which is locatable in (attachable to) a substrate <NUM>. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may have particular efficacy with frangible substrates (for example concrete and like). The anchor assembly may also be used in other substrates, for example brick, tarmac, plastic, glass, wood and/or metal. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> is configured for receiving a fixing member <NUM> as hereinbefore described.

The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a shell <NUM>, <NUM> which a substrate engagement surface <NUM>, <NUM>. The shell <NUM>, <NUM> defines a passage <NUM>. The passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be elongate. The passage <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to receive the fixing member <NUM>. The passage <NUM>, <NUM> extends from a trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> towards a leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> along the alignment axis <NUM>. The leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM> is at the opposite end of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> to the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM>. Hence the alignment axis <NUM> extends between the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> and the leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in relation to the examples of <FIG> the leading edge end <NUM> may be shaped to guide the shell <NUM> into a passage <NUM> provided in the substrate <NUM>.

The shell <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of a metal, a plastic, a fibre reinforced plastic or composite material. The shell <NUM>, <NUM> may be manufactured using investment casting.

As shown in the example of <FIG> the leading edge end <NUM> may comprise a conical region or may be frustoconical. That is to say, the leading edge end <NUM> may start at a point or a first diameter and flare out to a larger diameter to meet the sides of the shell <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in the example of <FIG>, the leading edge end <NUM> may be planar/flat (that is to say perpendicular to the alignment axis <NUM> of the shell <NUM>).

The leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM> may be closed with an end cap <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in the example of <FIG> the end cap <NUM> may comprise a conical region or may be frustoconical. That is to say, the end cap <NUM> may start at a point or a first diameter and flare out to a larger diameter to meet the sides of the shell <NUM>. A cap support land <NUM> may be provided which is provided towards the leading edge end <NUM>, with a surface for receiving and supporting the cap <NUM>. The land <NUM> may extend in a direction parallel to the alignment axis <NUM>. The outer surface of the cap <NUM> may be flush with the shell <NUM> engagement surface <NUM>.

Alternatively, as shown in the example of <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> may be planar/flat (that is to say perpendicular to the alignment axis <NUM> of the shell <NUM>). The cap <NUM> may comprise a shell <NUM> engagement land <NUM> which is configured to extend into the passage <NUM> and engage with the surface of the passage <NUM> to thereby locate the end cap <NUM> in place.

In both examples, an engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> and a resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> are located in the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be compressible. That is to say the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be resiliently compressible. The resilient member <NUM> may be provided as a biasing member. That is to say, the resilient member <NUM> may have spring-like properties. Put another way, the resilient member <NUM> may be configured as a spring or spring member.

In some examples, not shown, instead of the cap <NUM>, <NUM> closing the passage <NUM>, <NUM>, the engagement member <NUM> may close the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Hence the engagement member <NUM> may at least in part define the leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM>.

The engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided as a nut. However, the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided as any part suitable for engagement with the fixing member <NUM>. For example the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> and fixing member <NUM> may have a snap fit and/or ratchet type connection to hold them together and allow the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> to travel along the fixing member <NUM>.

In the example shown the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, <NUM> with a through passage <NUM>, <NUM> for the fixing member <NUM> to extend therethrough to engage with the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM>.

The resilient member through passage <NUM>, <NUM> may extend between a first end <NUM>, <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM>.

The body <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from a solid body so that the features of the body <NUM>, <NUM> are integrally formed. The body <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise alternate thick walled regions <NUM> and thin walled regions <NUM> along the length of the body <NUM>. That is to say, the body <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise steps <NUM>, <NUM> along its length to provide, in series, alternately arranged relatively thick wall sections <NUM> and relatively thin wall sections <NUM>. Hence a spring factor (i.e. the ratio of the force affecting a spring to the displacement of the spring) of the resilient member <NUM> is at least in part defined as a function of the dimensions (e.g. length and thickness) and material of thin wall sections <NUM>. The number and dimensions of the thick wall sections <NUM>, as well as the material from which they are made, define the extent to which the body <NUM> may be compressed. The resilient member <NUM> may comprise (e.g. be made from) any suitable material which can be configured to have the required properties, for example a plastic, in particular polyurethane, or a metal.

However, the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may also be provided in an alternative form, with an alternative configuration and material choice, as may be required by the application, provided it fulfils the functional requirements of the device of the present disclosure.

The engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is provided with a guide surface <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is engageable with the fixing member <NUM>. Hence in an example where the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is provided as a nut, the fixing member <NUM> is provided as a bolt with a compatible thread such that the fixing member <NUM> is engageable with the thread of the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> and passage <NUM>, <NUM> are configured so that the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is moveable along the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. The through passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be co-axial and/or concentric with the alignment axis <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be located between the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> and the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first end <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be located between the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>.

The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted in the passage <NUM>, <NUM> such that the first end <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> is fixed relevant to the passage <NUM>, <NUM> such that the second end <NUM>, <NUM> is movable relative to the first end <NUM>, <NUM> along the alignment axis <NUM>.

The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be glued, welded or pinned or otherwise held relative to the passage <NUM>, <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is held in place by virtue of the relative size of the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. To this end, the passage <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a first region <NUM>, <NUM> which extends from the trailing edge <NUM>, <NUM> towards a second region <NUM>, <NUM>. The second region <NUM>, <NUM> extends from the first region <NUM>, <NUM> at least part of the distance towards the leading edge end <NUM>, <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is wider (that is to say, has a larger diameter) than the first region <NUM>, <NUM> such that the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is prevented from entering the first region <NUM>, <NUM> of the passage <NUM>, <NUM>.

The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise an outer guide surface <NUM>, <NUM> which extends parallel to a resilient member axis <NUM>, <NUM> defined by the resilient member through passage <NUM>, <NUM>.

The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is sized to have a snug fit in the second region <NUM>, <NUM>, although the relative dimensions of the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and the second region <NUM>, <NUM> are such that at least part of the outer guide surface, <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> can slide along the passage <NUM> while the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is being compressed. That is to say, as shown in the figures, the relative dimensions of the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and the second region <NUM>, <NUM> are such that at least part of the outer guide surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> can slide along the second region <NUM> of the passage <NUM> while the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is being compressed.

At least one of the first end <NUM>, <NUM> and second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a bevelled or chamfered leading and/or trailing edge configured to allow the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot relative to the alignment axis <NUM>. The bevel/chamfer may comprise a spherical profile. At least part of the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> guide surface <NUM>, <NUM> may extend parallel to an engagement member axis <NUM>, <NUM>, which defines a centre line of engagement member <NUM> (i.e. the axis around which the engagement member <NUM> is centred and, in operation, rotates).

The engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> guide surface <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a bevelled or chamfered leading and/or trailing edge configured to allow the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot relevant to the alignment axis <NUM>. That is to say the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> guide surface <NUM> may be configured to not just slide along the passage <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> but also rotate/pivot relative to it. The bevel/chamfer may comprise a spherical profile. In one example the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> guide surface <NUM> may be substantially spherical.

In the example shown in the figures, the shell <NUM>, <NUM> engagement surface <NUM>, <NUM> may define a substantially cylindrical shape. That is to say, the cross-sectional shape of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>, taken at right angles to the alignment axis <NUM>, may be circular (see for example <FIG>, <FIG>). In alternative examples the cross-sectional shape of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>, taken at right angles to the alignment axis <NUM>, may be polygonal, for example triangular, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal, a long at least part, most of or all of the length of the shell <NUM>.

In examples in which the shell <NUM>, <NUM> is provided as polygonal, edges of the polygonal shape may define engagement features for engagement with the substrate into which the shell <NUM>, <NUM> is located.

As shown in the example of <FIG>, the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM> may be provided with circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>. Each circumferentially extending groove <NUM> may be provided as an indent that extends at least part of the way around the outside of the shell <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> may be provided as undercut ridges. The grooves <NUM> are spaced apart along the length of the shell <NUM>.

With reference to the examples of <FIG>, each circumferentially extending groove <NUM> may comprise an indentation (i.e. recess) <NUM> which increases in diameter along the length of the substrate engagement surface <NUM> in a direction from the leading edge end <NUM> to the trailing edge end <NUM>. That is to say that the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM> may be provided in the form of teeth or serrations along the longitudinal length of the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are configured to engage with the substrate <NUM>. Alternatively a resin or other bonding medium may be entered in the hole provided in the substrate before the assembly <NUM> is entered in the hole which bonds the shell <NUM> to the substrate.

As shown in the example of <FIG>, the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM> may be provided with a longitudinally extending groove <NUM> which extends at least part of the way between the leading edge end <NUM> and the trailing edge end <NUM>. That is to say, the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM> may define a longitudinally extending groove <NUM>. The longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may extend from a location spaced apart from the trailing edge end <NUM> to a location spaced apart from the leading edge end <NUM>.

In some examples (not shown), the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> extends from the trailing edge end <NUM> at least part of the way to the leading edge end <NUM>. In some examples (not shown), the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> extends all of the way from the trailing edge end <NUM> to the leading edge end <NUM>.

In examples in which one or more circumferentially extending grooves <NUM> are provided, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may extend through at least one of the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>. The longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may extend through some or all of the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>.

Hence one or more circumferentially extending grooves <NUM> may extend the whole way, or part of the way, around the shell <NUM>, and be interrupted (i.e. crossed) by the longitudinally extending groove <NUM>.

The longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may extend more deeply into the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM> than the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>. At its deepest point, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may be at least <NUM>% but no more than <NUM>% the thickness of the wall of the shell <NUM>. At its deepest point, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may be at least <NUM>% but no more than <NUM>% the thickness of the wall of the shell <NUM>. At its deepest point, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may be about <NUM>% of the thickness of the wall of the shell <NUM>. At its deepest point, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> may be about <NUM>% of the thickness of the wall of the shell <NUM>.

The longitudinally extending groove <NUM> is configured to provide a flow path for fluid. For example it may provide a flow path for resin used during location of the anchor assembly in the substrate. That is to say, the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> provides a flow path for any fluid provided in the hole <NUM> to escape from a region ahead of the leading edge end <NUM> to a region towards or at the trailing edge end <NUM>. Thus resin used to hold the anchor assembly <NUM> in place may be distributed around the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM>, and specifically in the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>, as it may pass along the longitudinally extending groove <NUM> to one or more of the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM>. That is to say, longitudinally extending groove <NUM> is configured to distribute resin to one or more of the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM> it connects. Distribution of the resin (or other fixing medium) assists in producing an improved bond between the anchor assembly <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> in which it is located.

Alternatively as shown in the examples of <FIG>, the shell <NUM> substrate engagement surface <NUM> may be provided with a cutting ridge (blade) <NUM> extending from the substrate engagement surface <NUM>. The cutting ridge <NUM> may extend around the substrate engagement surface <NUM>, spiralling along at least part of the length of the substrate engagement surface <NUM>. The cutting ridge <NUM> is configured to cut into the material of the substrate <NUM> to assist with drawing the anchor assembly <NUM> into the substrate <NUM>.

The fixing member <NUM> and shell passage <NUM>, <NUM> may also be configured and sized relative to each other so the fixing member <NUM> may also move in a direction along its central axis <NUM> relative to the substrate and alignment axis <NUM> during an impact force. This helps to reduce the peak load/force on the anchor assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure may be provided with a sleeve <NUM> between the shaft of the fixing member <NUM> and the wall of the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. That is to say, the sleeve <NUM> may be located in the passage <NUM>, <NUM> and, at least in part, spaces apart the shaft of the fixing member <NUM> from the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> may be provided in the form of a washer or tube which is located in, fixed to and/or formed in the passage <NUM>, <NUM> prior to the fixing member <NUM> being entering in the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the sleeve <NUM> may be provided around the shaft of the fixing member <NUM> and then urged into the passage <NUM>, <NUM> when the fixing member <NUM> is entered into the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. In another example the sleeve <NUM> may be provided as a medium which is injected into the passage <NUM>, <NUM> and cures/sets around the fixing member to fill a region of the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> may comprise a resilient and/or shock absorbing material configured to absorb and/or distribute an impact and/or vibration load applied to the shell <NUM>, <NUM> and/or fixing member <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further variant in which the anchor assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure may be provided as part of a sleeve anchor type assembly <NUM>. This example includes in series, from the leading edge end <NUM>, a forcing member <NUM>, an expandable sleeve <NUM>, a spacer sleeve <NUM> and a washer <NUM>. The shell <NUM> is located in the forcing member <NUM>, and the forcing member <NUM> is engaged with the screw thread like cutting ridge <NUM>. The shell <NUM> is likewise located in the expandable sleeve <NUM>, spacer sleeve <NUM> and washer <NUM>. The trailing edge end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> is provided with an engagement feature <NUM> which may be used to receive a tool (for example an allen key) to rotate the shell <NUM> in the forcing member <NUM>. Hence, in use, the sleeve anchor type assembly <NUM> is located in a hole <NUM> in a substrate and then the shell <NUM> is rotated, causing the shell <NUM> to rotate relative to and into the forcing member <NUM> such that the forcing member <NUM> travels along the length of the shell <NUM> in the direction shown as arrow C, engaging with the expandable sleeve <NUM> which, trapped between the forcing member <NUM> and spacer sleeve <NUM> and/or washer <NUM>, is forced radially outwards as indicated by arrows D to engage with the substrate to thereby locate the anchor assembly <NUM> in the substrate.

In other examples, the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be located into the substrate in combination with any conventional means, for example expanding plugs into which the shells <NUM>, <NUM> are located, fillers and/or adhesives.

Hence there may be provided a kit of parts to provide an anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> according to the present disclosure, which may include a fixing member <NUM> figured to be received in the passage <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. The kit of parts may also comprise a set of instructions defining how the anchor assembly should be operated according to the method of the present disclosure.

The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure may be operated by the following method. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided to a user in an assembled state, or as a kit of parts to be assembled by the user.

First a hole/passage <NUM> may be provided in the substrate <NUM>. The anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may then be entered into the hole <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The hole/passage <NUM> should be sized appropriately relative to the shell <NUM>, <NUM> such that the shell <NUM>, <NUM> is a snug fit in the hole/passage <NUM>.

With reference to the examples of <FIG>, the circumferentially extending grooves <NUM> engage with the substrate <NUM>. Alternatively a resin or other bonding medium may be entered in the hole <NUM> which bonds the shell <NUM> to the substrate.

With reference to the examples of <FIG>, the shell <NUM> is rotated so that the cutting ridge <NUM> cuts into the substrate <NUM> to assist with drawing the anchor assembly <NUM> into the substrate <NUM>.

With reference to the examples of <FIG>, the sleeve anchor type assembly <NUM> is positioned and fixed in place as described above in relation to <FIG>.

The article <NUM> (for example the post as shown in <FIG>) may then be positioned relative to the anchor shell and the fixing member <NUM> entered in the shell, for example through an aperture or slot in the article <NUM>, so that the fixing member <NUM> extends through the shell passage <NUM>, <NUM>, through the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and engages with the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> are then operated so that the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is drawn along the fixing member <NUM> which thereby compresses the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and tightens the fixing member <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example in which the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is a nut and the fixing member <NUM> is a bolt, the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is drawn along the fixing member <NUM> by the act of turning the bolt <NUM>, which thereby compresses the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> and tightens the fixing member <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. That is to say, the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is tightened against the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM>.

This is illustrated in <FIG> for the examples of <NUM> to <NUM> and <FIG> for the examples of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> being drawn along the screw thread of the fixing member <NUM> in a direction "A" towards the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> by the act of tightening (i.e. rotating) the fixing member <NUM>. This compresses the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> which is held in position in the passage <NUM>, <NUM>. As can be seen in the examples of <FIG>, the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is located in the passage <NUM>, <NUM> by virtue of the resilient member being unable to move into the first region <NUM>, <NUM> because it is wider than the first region <NUM>, <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may not be compressed to its maximum extent during tightening of the fixing member <NUM>. Instead it may be tightened up to a predetermined torque which corresponds to a condition in which the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may be compressed further.

At the same time as the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> is being compressed, the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> is drawn along the second region <NUM>, <NUM> towards the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> in direction "A". Indeed it is the act of engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> being drawn along the passage <NUM> which compresses the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM>.

That the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> remains further compressible after the fixing member <NUM> has been tightened means that when an impact load is applied to the article/post <NUM> then the fixing member <NUM> and engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may move further along the passage <NUM>, <NUM> in the direction towards the trailing edge end <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> to thereby reduce the load on the shell <NUM>, <NUM> and hence reduce the force transmitted to the substrate <NUM> which is engaged with the outer surface of the shell <NUM>, <NUM>.

In examples in which the engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> has a bevelled or chamfered trailing and/or leading edge (or is substantially spherical) the fixing member <NUM> and engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may pivot relative to the alignment axis <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG> where the fixing member <NUM> is shown angled away from the alignment axis <NUM> in direction "B". Hence the fixing member <NUM> and engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> may move relative to the shell <NUM>, <NUM> by rotating, pivoting, and/or tipping relative to it thereby reducing the maximum load imparted to the substrate via its engagement with the shell <NUM>, <NUM>.

Hence in operation, the fixing member may be able to move longitudinally along the length of the passage <NUM>, <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, <NUM> in direction "A" and/or pivot relative to the shell <NUM>, <NUM> in direction "B" to reduce the peak load transmitted to the substrate <NUM> via the shell <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the load is removed, the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may expand back to its former length (i.e. prior to the impact force) and hence draw the fixing member <NUM> and engagement member <NUM>, <NUM> back into its previous orientation and location in the shell <NUM>, <NUM>. The act of expanding the resilient member <NUM>, <NUM> may also draw a fixing member <NUM> from a pivoted orientation (as shown in <FIG>) back to alignment with the alignment axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG> respectively. This may in part be aided by the sleeve <NUM>, where provided.

Hence there is provided an anchor assembly, an anchor assembly kit of parts, and a method of locating an anchor assembly, wherein the anchor is configured to reduce the effect of shock loads and/or vibration on the substrate into which the assembly is inserted.

Additionally, since the anchor assembly of the present disclosure allows for movement of the fixing member <NUM> relative to the anchor (for example in directions "A", "B" as shown in <FIG>) then the anchor assembly may compensate for larger assembly tolerances than anchors of the related art. Hence structures may be more easily constructed, with less rework and adjustment, than with anchor fixings of the related art.

In operation the resilient member of the present disclosure is pre-loaded and hence provides a rigid anchor point, as well as an anchor which may allow a fixing member to move relative to the shell in which it is located, either along an alignment axis <NUM>, or to pivot relative to the alignment axis. This "give" (i.e. relative movement) enables the anchor to relieve shock loads/forces and vibrations. In turn this reduces the likelihood of damage to the substrate and/or article it is used to join, and hence maintains the anchor in place, and maintains the integrity of the substrate and/or article, in scenarios in which a conventional anchor would not.

The anchor assembly may be used in applications where the vibration and/or impact originates from the substrate <NUM> and/or or the article <NUM> attached to the substrate. For example the anchor assembly <NUM>, <NUM> could be used in applications such as mounting engine components to a chassis or frame of a vehicle, or mounting fittings to a vehicle (for example seating and/or cupboards on land, air and sea vehicles). It may also be used in buildings to reduce the effect of seismic events on articles attached to the building, or form part of the superstructure of the building itself.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Claim 1:
An anchor assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving a fixing member (<NUM>), the assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising :
a shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a substrate engagement surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive the fixing member (<NUM>), the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from a trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards a leading edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>) along an alignment axis (<NUM>),
an engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) located in the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>),
the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a through passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) for the fixing member (<NUM>) to extend therethrough to engage with the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterised in that:
the engagement between the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the fixing member (<NUM>) being such that the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to travel along the fixing member (<NUM>),
the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured so that the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is moveable along the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>),
the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) located between the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>),
the resilient member through passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending between a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) located between the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the trailing edge end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) being mounted in the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that it is fixed relative to the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) and such that the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the resilient member (<NUM>, <NUM>) is moveable with the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>), and relative to the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>), as the engagement member (<NUM>, <NUM>) moves along the passage (<NUM>, <NUM>) and travels along the fixing member (<NUM>).