Prop for Mining, Construction and the Like

Abstract

A prop, for example for supporting the roof of an underground mine, is provided in the form of a vessel. The vessel includes a base having a bottom and one or more sides. A cover, including a top and one or more sides is provided. The top includes a space for accommodating a roof bolt when installed in a mine. Sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a maximal extent in a collapsed configuration. A port is formed in the one or more sides for filling the vessel with material when the sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a minimal extent in an extended configuration. Consequently the prop is able to go from a collapsed configuration for transportation or storage, to an extended configuration for supporting the roof of the mine. The top of the vessel may comprise a flexible envelope fast with the one or more sides of the cover for receiving the filling, in order to present a deformable upper surface for bearing an uneven load.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to stays and props which may be used in applications such as underground mining and house re-stumping, for example.BACKGROUND[0002]The discussion of any prior art documents, techniques, methods or apparatus is not to be taken to constitute any admission or evidence that such prior art forms, or ever formed, part of the common general knowledge.[0003]Wooden or steel stays and props are known to be used in environments where excavation is being carried out such as underground mining for example.[0004]Wooden props of sufficient strength for underground mining applications are expensive and labour intensive to install. Furthermore, wood rots over time and is combustible, which is a hazard. Steel props are very heavy with those that are applicable to mining environments weighing up to two tons. Furthermore, both wooden and steel props are typically non-adjustable in height so that they must be cut to size before being transported to site...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is saying that the product has handles for easy carrying and to help extend the cover from the base to a desired height. The technical effect of this is that it makes it easier to carry and use the product, and allows for better adjustability of the cover.

Problems solved by technology

Wooden props of sufficient strength for underground mining applications are expensive and labour intensive to install.

Furthermore, wood rots over time and is combustible, which is a hazard.

Furthermore, both wooden and steel props are typically non-adjustable in height so that they must be cut to size before being transported to site.

A further problem is that it is often difficult and labor intensive to install a prop, for example in a mine.

This is because the roof and floor of the mine may be uneven so that it is difficult to maneuver the prop and locate it in its desired position.

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