Guardrail post for mining applications

Abstract

A guardrail post (10) for mining applications is provided, the guardrail post (10) comprising a post body (20) and configured to be operatively connected to at least one guardrail (70) and configured to be installed into a cavity defined in a rock surface at a mining site. The guardrail post (10) can further comprise one or more of the following: a universal fixation plate (80); one or more rotatable guardrail support plates (90); one or more service support brackets; an adjustable tube sleeve (110); a releasable rock anchoring mechanism; or any combination thereof.

Description

GUARDRAIL POST FOR MINING APPLICATIONSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a guardrail post for mining applications, specifically open pit mining applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In open pit mining operations, the bund / rock embankment, standard in the industry, involves a considerable footprint since regulations impose a height for the guardrails (or bund / embankments) equal to half the height of the wheel of the largest vehicle. For example, a 150-ton mining truck with a wheel radius of 1.5m requires a bund / embankment with a footprint of approximately 37m. This distance of 37m must be considered on the overall width of the ramp. As a result, in general, the greater the ramp width, the less efficient the final open pit design.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided:1 . A guardrail post for mining applications, the guardrail post comprising a post body and configured to be operatively connected to at least one guardrail and configured to be installed into a cavity defined in a solid rock surface at a mining site.2. The guardrail post of item 1 , wherein the guardrail post is configured to be releasably operatively connected to at least one guardrail.3. The guardrail post of item 1 or 2, wherein the mining site is an open pit mining operation.4. The guardrail post of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the guardrail post is configured such that each guardrail, once installed, is positioned, height wise, to absorb an impact of a mining vehicle and prevent said mining vehicle from falling.5. The guardrail post of any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising one or more back angle brackets secured to the post body on a back side thereof and configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means and / or one or more front angle brackets secured to the post body on a front side thereof and configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means.6. The guardrail post of item 5, wherein each back angle bracket and / or each front angle bracket is removably securable to the rock surface and / or removably securable to the post body.7. The guardrail post of item 5 or 6, further comprising a lower locking plate attached to the back angle brackets and / or the front angle brackets, said lower locking plate defining an aperture through which the post body is received.8. The guardrail post of any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising one or more of the following: a main adjustable tube sleeve covering at least a portion of the post body and configured to be slidably moveable along a height of the post body; a universal fixation plate operatively connected to a top end of the post body or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, the universal fixation plate configured to connect to a device;one or more rotatable guardrail support plates operatively and rotatably attached to the post body or the main adjustable tube sleeve, if present, and configured to support and releasably attach to a guardrail while also configured to be rotatable; one or more service support brackets operatively attached to the post body or the main adjustable tube sleeve, if present, and configured to support service means; a releasable rock anchoring mechanism configured to releasably secure the guardrail post into the cavity defined in the solid rock surface; or any combination thereof. The guardrail post of item 8, wherein the main adjustable tube sleeve is a pipe with an inner diameter larger than the post body, thereby allowing the main adjustable tube sleeve to englobe the post body and to slidably move along the post body, and wherein the main adjustable tube sleeve is releasably securable to the post body using securing means. The guardrail post of item 8 or 9, wherein the universal fixation plate comprises an aperture in the center thereof and a plurality of arc-shaped slots. The guardrail post of any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the rotatable guardrail support plate comprises at least two arc-shaped slots, wherein the rotatable guardrail support plate is attached to the post body or the main adjustable tube sleeve, if present, using attachment means placed along said slots, such that the rotatable guardrail support plate is rotatable relative to the guardrail post. The guardrail post of item 11 , wherein the attachment means are nuts and bolts, wherein the arc-shaped slot is wider than the width of a body of each bolt, but not wider than a head of each bolt or each bolt’s corresponding nut. The guardrail post of item 11 or 12, wherein one or more main fixation plates are affixed to the post body or main adjustable tube sleeve, each main fixation plate comprising apertures dimensioned and positioned to allow said main fixation plate to be attached to a rotatable guardrail support plate through the arc-shaped slots (210) using the attachment means. The guardrail post of item 13, wherein each main fixation plate is shaped such that a back surface of said main fixation plate is spaced apart from the post body or the main adjustable tube sleeve, if present, so as to render the back surface easily accessible to users. The guardrail post of any one of items 8 to 14, wherein the service means are an electrical pipe, a water supply pipe, or a dewatering pipe. The guardrail post of any one of items 8 to 15, wherein the releasable rock anchoring mechanism comprises a plurality of rock anchor plates secured along a longitudinal direction towards a bottom end of the guardrail post, each of the rock anchor plates comprising a top end whose surface is configured to lockingly and releasably engage with anchor tightening means, and a bottom end comprising teeth positioned on the rock anchor plate along a longitudinal direction thereof, each of the teeth being shaped to prevent removal of the guardrail post from the rock surface.17. The guardrail post of item 16, wherein the surface of each top end is a helical surface, and wherein the anchor tightening means comprises a locking washer and a tightening nut configured to be releasably engageable with the surface of the top end of each of the rock anchor plates, thereby locking the anchor tightening means in place along the post body.18. The guardrail post of item 17, wherein the bottom end of the post body comprises a portion of increasing width in a downward direction; wherein, when the tightening nut is rotated, the portion of increasing width is driven by the nut in an upward or downward direction depending on the direction of rotation of the tightening nut; and wherein each rock anchor plate is configured such that, when the tightening nut is rotated to impose an upward movement on the portion of increasing width, the bottom end of each rock anchor plate is pushed away from the post body by the portion of increasing width in a radial direction.19. The guardrail post of any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the cavity is a drill hole.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a guardrail post according to an embodiment of the present invention, with guardrails attached thereto.

[0005] Figure 2 is an isometric left-side view of the guardrail post of Figure 1 , anchored into a rock surface.

[0006] Figure 3 is a top view of a universal fixation plate of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0007] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a rotatable guardrail support plate of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0008] Figure 5 is an isometric front view of the rotatable guardrail support plate of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0009] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a guardrail main fixation plate of the guardrail post of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 7 is an isometric left-side view of a removable rock anchor mechanism of the guardrail post of Figure1.

[0011] Figure 8 is an isometric view of an anchor tightening mechanism of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0012] Figure 9 is an isometric view of rock anchor plates of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0013] Figure 10 is an isometric view of front angle brackets of the guardrail post of Figure 1 .

[0014] Figure 11 is an isometric view of an anchor tightening mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention (a) in a “closed” configuration and (b) in a “pushed out” configuration.

[0015] Figure 12 is an isometric view of a plurality of guardrail posts of Figure 1 connected in series using guardrails and installed into a rock surface, as well as a truck used for open mining.

[0016] Figure 13 is an isometric view of a plurality of guardrail posts according to another embodiment of the present invention connected in series using guardrails.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring first to Figure 1 , as well as Figures 2-10, a guardrail post for mining applications, generally referred to using the reference numeral 10, will be described. The guardrail post 10 comprises a post body 20 and is configured to be operatively connected (preferably releasably operatively connected) to at least one guardrail 70 and configuredto be installed into a cavity (preferably a drill hole) in rock defined in a solid rock surface at a mining site, preferably an open mining operation.

[0018] This guardrail post 10 is intended to replace conventional bund like structures as a safety measure for mining trucks.

[0019] In addition, in preferred embodiments, the guardrail post 10 is configured such that each guardrail 70, once installed, be positioned, height wise, to accommodate a different vehicle. As an example, in Figure 1, the guardrail post 10 comprises three guardrails attached thereto. The lowest guardrail 70 is intended to be the same height as the bumper of a standard pick-up truck such as the F-150 Ford™ truck, while the other two guardrails are positioned for bumpers of 150-ton trucks. Naturally, different heights can be used to accommodate different mining vehicles, depending on the needs of the user.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention further comprises one or more back angle brackets 30, which are (preferably releasably) secured to the post body 20 on a back side thereof (opposite side of where the guardrails are to be connected), while also being configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means, preferably rock bolts 60. In addition, in preferred embodiments, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention further comprises one or more front angle brackets 40, which are (preferably releasably) secured to the post body 20 on a front side thereof (same side as where the guardrails are to be connected), while also being configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means, preferably rock bolts 60. Each back angle bracket 30 and each front angle bracket 40 increase the sturdiness of the guardrail post 10 and the structural integrity thereof when installed into the rock surface.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, each back angle bracket 30 and / or each front angle bracket 40 is removably securable to the rock surface and / or removably securable to the post body 20. The former allows the back angle brackets 30 and / or the front angle brackets 40 to be removed from the rock surface and reused, while the latter allows the guardrail post 10 to be disengaged from the back angle brackets 30 and / or the front angle brackets 40, thereby allowing the rest of the guardrail post 10 to be re-used.

[0022] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 comprises a lower locking plate 50, attached to the back angle brackets 30 and / or the front angle brackets 40, said lower locking plate 50 defining an aperture through which the post body 20 is received.

[0023] In preferred embodiments, the guardrail post 10 further comprises one or more of the following: a universal fixation plate 80 operatively connected to a top end of the post body 20, the universal fixation plate 80 configured to connect to a device; one or more rotatable guardrail support plates 90 operatively and rotatably attached to the post body 20, configured to support and releasably attach to a guardrail 70 while also configured to be rotatable; one or more service support brackets 100 operatively attached to the post body 20 and configured to support service means; a main adjustable tube sleeve 110 covering at least a portion of the post body 20 and configured to be slidably moveable along a height of the post body 20;a releasable rock anchoring mechanism, configured to releasably secure the guardrail post 10 into the cavity defined in the rock surface; or any combination thereof.

[0024] By including one more of the above elements in the guardrail post 10, it allows said guardrail post 10 to be multifunctional.UNIVERSAL FIXATION PLATE

[0025] The universal fixation plate 80 is a plate that can be releasably attached to a top end of the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110, as shown for example in Figure 1 . This universal fixation plate 80 allows for the releasable attachment of a wide variety of devices to the top end of the post body 20.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the universal fixation plate 80 is as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, in preferred embodiments, the universal fixation plate 80 comprises an aperture 200 in the center thereof and a plurality of slots 190, more preferably arc-shaped slots 190, extending from a top surface of the universal fixation plate 80 to a bottom surface of the universal fixation plate 80. In a more preferred embodiment, the slots 190 are evenly spaced away from the aperture 200 located at the center of the universal fixation plate 80, and / or they are evenly spaced apart from each other, as shown for example in Figure 3. In a most preferred embodiment, there are four slots 190. In a most preferred embodiment, the universal fixation plate 80 comprises four arc-shaped slots 190; the universal fixation plate 80 is square shaped; each arc-shaped slot 190 is positioned at a different corner of the universal fixation plate 80; and the arc-shaped slots 190 are positioned and situated such that the four arc-shaped slots 190 are equidistant from the aperture 200, and such that the arc of each arc-shaped slot 190 follows a circumferential direction around the aperture 200.

[0027] As mentioned, the universal fixation plate 80 allows for the releasable attachment of a wide variety of devices to the top end of the post body 20. In preferred embodiments, the universal fixation plate 80 could be used to releasably attach any of the following to the guardrail post 10 of the present invention: a safety light deflector, a power line, a street light, a trolley system for electric trucks, a dust control system, a lifeline, or a rock catcher system. Naturally, in order for any device to be connectable to the universal fixation plate 80, said device should also comprise connecting means configured to connect to the universal fixation plate 80.

[0028] In Figure 1 , a safety light deflector 120 is attached to the fixation plate. In Figure 12, a lighting device is attached to the fixation plate.ROTATABLE GUARDRAIL SUPPORT PLATE

[0029] As mentioned, each rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is configured to support and releasably attach to a guardrail 70 while also configured to be rotatable. In open pit mining, the topography of the mine can be uneven. Accordingly, by being able to rotate the guardrail 70 using the rotatable guardrail support plate 90, it allows for differences in topography to be accounted for when guardrails are connected to posts in series. This gives the user a certain amount of latitude in terms of orienting the guardrail 70 installed on the rotatable guardrail support plate 90.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is positioned on the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 such that, when the guardrail post 10 is installed into rock and a guardrail 70 isattached thereto, the guardrail 70 is the height of the bumper of any vehicles intended to be used for said open pit mine. In addition, in preferred embodiments, multiple rotatable guardrail support plates 90 can be present along the height of the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110, such that each guardrail 70 will be positioned, height wise, to accommodate a different vehicle. As an example, in Figure 1 , the guardrail post 10 comprises three rotatable guardrail support plates 90. The lowest rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is intended to be the same height as the bumper of a standard pick-up truck such as the F-150 Ford™ truck, while the other two guardrails are positioned for bumpers of 150-ton trucks.

[0031] In preferred embodiments, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is rotatable using the structure shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 comprises at least two arc-shaped slots 210 wherein the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is attached to the post body 20 or main adjustable tube sleeve 110 using attachment means 220 placed along said slots 210, as shown for example in Figure 4. By having such a structure, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 can be rotated relative to the guardrail post 10. In preferred embodiments, the attachment means 220 are nuts and bolts, wherein the arc-shaped slot 210 is wider than the width of the body of the bolt, but not wider than the head of the bolt or the corresponding nut. In such an embodiment, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 can be secured to the post body 20 through an aperture in said post body 20. With such a configuration, the nuts and bolts can be sufficiently tightened so as to secure the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 into a specific position relative to the post body 20. However, if one wishes to rotate the rotatable guardrail support plate 90, one can simply loosen the nuts and bolts until they allow for rotative movement of the rotatable guardrail support plate 90. In alternative embodiments, the nuts and bolts can be sufficiently secured so as to secure the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 into a specific orientation relative to the post body 20, while still being sufficiently loose so as to allow the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 to be rotated if sufficient force is applied (without having to loosen the nuts and bolts).

[0032] In embodiments, one or more main fixation plates 230 are affixed to the post body 20 or main adjustable tube sleeve 110, each main fixation plate 230 comprising apertures dimensioned and positioned to allow said main fixation plate 230 to be attached to a rotatable guardrail support plate 90 through the arc-shaped slots 210 using attachment means 220, as shown in Figures 4-6. Such main fixation plates 230 are preferably shaped such that a back surface of said main fixation plate 230 is spaced apart from the post body 20, thereby rendering it easily accessible to users, as shown in Figure 6. This would make the attachment means 220 (for example, the nut or bolt) easily accessible by a user, in the event that said user wishes to tighten or loosen said attachment means 220.

[0033] In alternative embodiments, the post body 20, the main adjustable tube sleeve 110, or the one or more main fixation plates 230 can comprise the arc-shaped slots, while the rotatable guardrail support plates 90 comprise apertures through which the attachment means can secure the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 to the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 or the one or more main fixation plates 230 along said arc-shaped slots.

[0034] The skilled person would understand that additional attachments means can be used instead of nuts and bolts, as long as they can sufficiently secure the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 to the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 while allowing for the above-mentioned rotative movement.

[0035] In addition, the shape of the two-arc-shaped slots 210, as well as their position and orientation relative toeach other, should allow for rotative movement of the rotatable guardrail support plate 90, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, as the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is rotated, each attachment means 220 should travel along their corresponding arc, around a center point of rotation.

[0036] Moreover, while it is preferable to use two arc-shaped slots 210, in other embodiments, more than two arcshaped slots can be used, as long as they are positioned to allow for rotative movement of the rotatable guardrail support plate 90. In addition, the skilled person would understand that, by making the arc-shaped slots longer and / or more curved, the more the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 can be rotated.

[0037] In embodiments, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 is configured to releasably attach to a guardrail 70 using attachment means 220, preferably nuts and bolts, as shown in Figure 4. Preferably, the rotatable guardrail support plate 90 comprises both a top and a bottom surface, each surface configured to secure a guardrail 70 using attachment means 220. Such a configuration is well suited for U beam type guardrails.SERVICE SUPPORT BRACKETS

[0038] As mentioned, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention can comprise one or more service support brackets 100 configured to support a service means. Each service support bracket 100 is secured to the post body 20 or the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 and configured to support a service means. In embodiments, each service support bracket 100 is configured to releasably connect to a service means. A service means is a means used to provide a service to the open mine pit, such as water supply pipes or electrical cables being used to provide water or electrical power, respectively. In preferred embodiments, such service means include an electrical pipe 140, a water supply pipe 130 (e.g., to suppress road dust), or a dewatering pipe 150, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0039] In embodiments, the post body 20 comprises multiple service support brackets 100.

[0040] In embodiments, the service means are any of the following:- a water supply pipe, which allows for supplying of fresh water for dust control or any equipment requiring water, like production drilling.- an electrical supply pipe, which can comprise an electric cable for any electric mining requiring electricity, like electric production shovels, or an electric cable for secondary power supply distribution.- a dewatering pipe; in each open pit operation, water may need to be evacuated at the bottom of the pit. Dewatering pipes can be installed on the support brackets.

[0041] Naturally, each service support bracket 100 should be shaped and configured to be able to support the intended service means. Each service support bracket 100 may even be capable of supporting more than one service means. For example, in Figure 2, the upper service support bracket 100 is configured to support both an electrical pipe 140 and a water supply pipe 130, while the lower service support bracket 100 is configured to support a dewatering pipe 150.

[0042] By having service support brackets 100, it allows for easier and more convenient passage of important services to and from the open pit operation. As an example, if the service means in question is an electrical cable, by supporting said electrical cable on these support means, it allows electrical power to be supplied to the open pitoperation without having to, for example, install the electrical cables underground, or without having to build, install, or use a separate support structure to support the electrical cable.MAIN ADJUSTABLE TUBE SLEEVE

[0043] As mentioned previously, the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 covers at least a portion of the post body 20 and is configured to be adjustable along a height of the post body 20. This allows the position of various structures on the guardrail post 10 (e.g., service support brackets 100, rotatable guardrail support plates 90, etc.), to be easily adjustable along a height of the post body 20. A user would simply need to move the adjustable tube sleeve 110 along the post body 20 in order to adjust the height of all structures attached to said adjustable tube sleeve 110.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, and as shown for example in Figure 1 , the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 is a pipe with an inner diameter larger than the post body 20, thereby allowing the adjustable tube sleeve 110 to englobe the post body 20 and to slidably move along the post body 20.

[0045] The adjustable tube sleeve 110 should also be securable to the post body 20 using securing means 160. In preferred embodiments, these securing means 160 are lock bolts, as shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, once the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 has been placed at the desired height, the securing means 160 can be used to lock the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 in place on the post body 20. One need only loosen the securing means 160 in order to readjust the height of the main adjustable tube sleeve 110. The skilled person would understand that, depending on the needs of the user, different securing means 160 can be used instead of lock bolts.

[0046] In embodiments comprising a main adjustable tube sleeve 110, structures described above as being attached to the post body 20 could instead be attached to an outer surface of the main adjustable tube sleeve 110.

[0047] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 can comprise more than one main adjustable tube sleeve 110; this would allow the height of different structures to be easily adjustable independently of each other. As an example, a first service support bracket 100 could be on a first main adjustable tube sleeve 110 placed lower down on the post body 20, while a second service support bracket 100 could be placed on a main adjustable tube sleeve 110 placed higher up on the post body 20. This would allow the height of each of the two service support brackets 100 to be adjustable independently of the other.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the main adjustable tube sleeve 110 can define slots dimensioned and positioned to receive either the back angle brackets 30 and / or the front angle brackets 40, so as to allow the adjustable tube sleeve 110 to slidably move along the post body 20 unencumbered by either the back angle brackets 30 or the front angle brackets 40, if present.RELEASABLE ROCK ANCHORING MECHANISM

[0049] As mentioned, the releasable rock anchoring mechanism is configured to releasably secure the guardrail post 10 into a cavity defined in a solid rock surface, as shown for example in Figure 2. As also shown for example in Figure 1 , the releasable rock anchoring mechanism comprises a plurality of rock anchor plates 170 secured along a longitudinal direction towards a bottom end of the guardrail post 10. Each rock anchor plate 170 comprises two ends: a top end, whose surface 270 is configured to lockingly and releasably engage with anchor tightening means 180(defined below), and a bottom end comprising teeth 260 positioned on the rock anchor plate 170 along a longitudinal direction thereof, each of the teeth 260 being shaped to prevent removal of the guardrail post 10 from a rock surface.

[0050] The releasable rock anchoring mechanism comprises an anchor tightening means 180, as shown for example in Figure 8. In preferred embodiments, this anchor tightening means 180 comprises a locking washer 240 and a tightening nut 250 configured to be releasably engageable with the surface 270 of the top end of the rock anchor plates 170, thereby locking the anchor tightening means 180 in place along the post body 20.

[0051] In preferred embodiments, the surface 270 of the top end is a helical surface, meaning it has been machined helically, similar to how a screw is made. When the surface 270 of each top end comprises such a helical structure, it allows the anchor tightening means 180 to be displaced along the length of the rock anchor plates 170 by simply rotating it. In such an embodiment, the anchor tightening means 180 preferably comprises a tightening nut, configured to engage with the helical surface 270 of each top end.

[0052] In addition, in a more preferred embodiment, and as shown in Figure 11 (a) and (b), the bottom end of the post body 20 can comprise a portion of increasing width 280, wherein a width of the post body 20 increases in the downward direction. As shown in Figure 11 , the width of the bottom end of the post body 20 can increase slightly before narrowing (thereby forming the tip of the post body 20). In such an embodiment, rotating the tightening nut (or other anchor tightening means 180) can also cause the bottom end of the post body 20 to increase or decrease in height relative to the rest of the guardrail post 10. Specifically, when the tightening nut is turned, the bottom end of the post body 20 is driven by the nut in an upward or downward direction depending on the direction of rotation of the tightening nut.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in Figure 11 , each rock anchor plate 170 is configured such that, when the tightening nut is rotated to impose an upward movement on the bottom end of the post body 20 (once the guardrail post 10 has been inserted into a hole in a rock surface), the bottom end of each rock anchor plate 170 is pushed away from the post body 20 by the portion of increasing width 280 (in a radial direction), causing the teeth 260 to push against the walls of the cavity in the rock surface. This causes the releasable rock anchoring mechanism to go from a “closed” configuration (shown in Figure 11(a)) to a “pushed out” configuration (shown in Figure 11 (b)). The skilled person would understand that other configurations are possible in order to allow a user to cause the releasable rock anchoring mechanism to go from a “closed” configuration to a “pushed out” configuration.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the teeth 260 are designed to prevent removal of the guardrail post 10 from the rock surface, while minimally preventing insertion of the guardrail post 10 into the rock surface. This can be achieved as shown in Figure 9, by having each of the teeth 260 have a ratchet-like design, meaning the teeth 260 are asymmetrical, with each of the teeth 260 having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge.

[0055] In embodiments, the anchor tightening means 180 is also configured to secure the lower locking plate 50 to the rock surface, thereby further immobilizing the guardrail post 10. In such embodiments, the aperture defined by the lower locking plate 50 must be large enough to receive the bottom end of the post body 20, while not being large enough for the anchor tightening means 180 to pass through.

[0056] In embodiments, as the anchor tightening means 180 is securable along any portion of the surface 270 of thetop end of the rock anchor plates 170, the depth at which the guardrail post 10 is inserted into the rock surface can be easily varied and adjusted. In addition, to disengage the guardrail post 10 from the rock surface, one need simply loosen the anchor tightening means 180. This allows the guardrail post 10 to be removed from the rock surface when it is no longer needed, thereby allowing the guardrail post 10 to be reused.

[0057] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in Figures 8-9, the rock anchor plates 170 are evenly spaced apart around the circumference of the post body 20. In more preferred embodiments, the guardrail post 10 comprises four rock anchor plates 170, as this will help center the guardrail post 10 in the cavity. However, the number of anchors can vary, with the understanding that, in general, increasing the number of rock anchor plates 170 will make the guardrail post 10 more secure once installed in a rock surface, while also making the guardrail post 10 more complicated and expensive to manufacture. However, as few as two rock anchor plates 170 can be used.

[0058] In embodiments, the above rock anchoring mechanism can also help keep the guardrail post 10 in place once installed in the cavity during periods of freezing and unfreezing at the mining site (as during such periods, water could enter the cavity and freeze and then unfreeze, thereby displacing the guardrail post 10).

[0059] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 can be further secured in the cavity using cement. Naturally, in such a scenario, the guardrail post 10 is less likely to be removable and reusable.

[0060] In embodiments, the plurality of rock anchor plates 170 can be connected together along various points thereof.

[0061] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention comprises an anchoring point 290 configured to allow a worker to attach themselves thereto when, for example, working near an open hole. During installation or during maintenance, the worker can attach himself using a life lanyard (safety sling) to prevent a potential fall.

[0062] In order to install the guardrail post 10 of the present invention into a solid rock surface, several methods may be used. Preferably, the cavity is a drill hole that has been drilled by a drill (dimensioned so as to securely yet releasably receive the guardrail post 10), after which the guardrail post 10 is inserted into the drill hole.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0063] In addition to the advantages discussed above, in embodiments, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention can present one or more of the following advantages:Reduction of carbon footprintReduction of pit surface footprintMore efficient pit designDecreased stripping ratioSignificant positive impact on the economic aspect of the projectIncreased operational efficiencyReduction of negative impacts on nearby communitiesAllows for reduction of the width of the rampCan safely replace the bumper on the edges of the rampAllows for the installation of services such as water supply, electricity and pit dewatering systemsIncreases the security of production paths

[0064] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 of the present invention is developed to accommodate one or more of the following:A ramp lighting systemA dust reduction systemA power lineA “trolley” electric rail systemLifeline and anchor pointsA Noise barrierA “Rock catcher'1rock fall prevention net

[0065] In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 reduces the overall width of production ramps in an open pit. In embodiments, the guardrail post 10 only requires 1 m of space to install, which can reduce the width of the ramp by 27m.

[0066] In embodiments, the unique concept of the guardrail post 10 meets the needs of the industry by combining safety, utility and efficiency. It gives mining companies the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint at the source, by modifying the standard design parameters of production ramps in an open pit operation. Through its use, it makes it possible to reduce the overall width of the production ramps and thus reduce the quantity of sterile material that must be mined. Through this simple action, there can be a positive and significant impact on environmental, social and economic indicators.

[0067] Moreover, other functionalities can be included in the guardrail post 10, such as the passage of service means, such as electrical wires, water pipes for the dewatering of the pits, and / or a watering system to suppress road dust. This allows for safe, easy, permanent or temporary installation of such service means, and allows rapid interventions for maintenance.DEFINITIONS

[0068] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0069] The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted.

[0070] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All subsets of values within the ranges arealso incorporated into the specification as if they were individually recited herein.

[0071] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0072] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.

[0073] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0074] Herein, the term “about” has its ordinary meaning. In embodiments, it may mean plus or minus 10% or plus or minus 5% of the numerical value qualified.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0076] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0077] List of reference numbersGuardrail post 10Post body 20Back angle bracket 30From angle bracket 40 lower locking plate 50Rock bolts 60Guardrail 70 universal fixation plate 80Rotatable guardrail support plate 90Service support bracket 100Main adjustable tube sleeve 110 safety light deflector 120Water supply pipe 130Electric cable 140Dewatering pipe 150Securing means 160Rock anchor plate 170Anchor tightening means 180Slot of universal plate 190Aperture of universal plate 200Slot of rotatable plate 210Attachment means 220Main fixation plate for rotatable plate 230Lock washer 240Tightening nuts 250Teeth 260Surface of top end of rock anchor 270Portion of increasing width 280Anchoring point 290

Claims

CLAIMS1. A guardrail post (10) for mining applications, the guardrail post (10) comprising a post body (20) and configured to be operatively connected to at least one guardrail (70) and configured to be installed into a cavity defined in a solid rock surface at a mining site.

2. The guardrail post (10) of claim 1, wherein the guardrail post (10) is configured to be releasably operatively connected to at least one guardrail (70).

3. The guardrail post (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mining site is an open pit mining operation.

4. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guardrail post (10) is configured such that each guardrail (70), once installed, is positioned, height wise, to absorb an impact of a mining vehicle and prevent said mining vehicle from falling.

5. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising one or more back angle brackets (30) secured to the post body (20) on a back side thereof and configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means and / or one or more front angle brackets (40) secured to the post body (20) on a front side thereof and configured to be securable to said rock surface using rock securing means.

6. The guardrail post (10) of claim 5, wherein each back angle bracket (30) and / or each front angle bracket (40) is removably securable to the rock surface and / or removably securable to the post body (20).

7. The guardrail post (10) of claim 5 or 6, further comprising a lower locking plate (50) attached to the back angle brackets (30) and / or the front angle brackets (40), said lower locking plate (50) defining an aperture through which the post body (20) is received.

8. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more of the following: a main adjustable tube sleeve (110) covering at least a portion of the post body (20) and configured to be slidably moveable along a height of the post body (20); a universal fixation plate (80) operatively connected to a top end of the post body (20) or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, the universal fixation plate (80) configured to connect to a device; one or more rotatable guardrail support plates (90) operatively and rotatably attached to the post body (20) or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, and configured to support and releasably attach to a guardrail (70) while also configured to be rotatable; one or more service support brackets (100) operatively attached to the post body (20) or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, and configured to support service means; a releasable rock anchoring mechanism configured to releasably secure the guardrail post (10) into the cavity defined in the solid rock surface; or any combination thereof.

9. The guardrail post (10) of claim 8, wherein the main adjustable tube sleeve (110) is a pipe with an inner diameter larger than the post body (20), thereby allowing the main adjustable tube sleeve (110) to englobe the post body (20) and to slidably move along the post body (20), and wherein the main adjustable tube sleeve (110) is releasably securable to the post body (20) using securing means (160).

10. The guardrail post (10) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the universal fixation plate (80) comprises an aperture (200) in the center thereof and a plurality of arc-shaped slots (190).

11. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the rotatable guardrail support plate (90) comprises at least two arc-shaped slots (210), wherein the rotatable guardrail support plate (90) is attached to the post body (20) or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, using attachment means (220) placed along said slots (210), such that the rotatable guardrail support plate (90) is rotatable relative to the guardrail post (10).

12. The guardrail post (10) of claim 11 , wherein the attachment means (220) are nuts and bolts, wherein the arcshaped slot (210) is wider than the width of a body of each bolt, but not wider than a head of each bolt or each bolt’s corresponding nut.

13. The guardrail post (10) of claim 11 or 12, wherein one or more main fixation plates (230) are affixed to the post body (20) or main adjustable tube sleeve (110), each main fixation plate (230) comprising apertures dimensioned and positioned to allow said main fixation plate (230) to be attached to a rotatable guardrail support plate (90) through the arc-shaped slots (210) using the attachment means (220).

14. The guardrail post of claim 13, wherein each main fixation plate (230) is shaped such that a back surface of said main fixation plate (230) is spaced apart from the post body (20) or the main adjustable tube sleeve (110), if present, so as to render the back surface easily accessible to users.

15. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the service means are an electrical pipe (140), a water supply pipe (130), or a dewatering pipe (150).

16. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the releasable rock anchoring mechanism comprises a plurality of rock anchor plates (170) secured along a longitudinal direction towards a bottom end of the guardrail post (10), each of the rock anchor plates (170) comprising a top end whose surface (270) is configured to lockingly and releasably engage with anchor tightening means (180), and a bottom end comprising teeth (260) positioned on the rock anchor plate (170) along a longitudinal direction thereof, each of the teeth (260) being shaped to prevent removal of the guardrail post (10) from the rock surface.

17. The guardrail post (10) of claim 16, wherein the surface (270) of each top end is a helical surface, and wherein the anchor tightening means (180) comprises a locking washer (240) and a tightening nut (250) configured to be releasably engageable with the surface (270) of the top end of each of the rock anchor plates (170), thereby locking the anchor tightening means (180) in place along the post body (20).

18. The guardrail post (10) of claim 17, wherein the bottom end of the post body (20) comprises a portion of increasing width (280) in a downward direction; wherein, when the tightening nut is rotated, the portion of increasing width (280) is driven by the nut in an upward or downward direction depending on the direction of rotation of the tightening nut; and wherein each rock anchor plate (170) is configured such that, when the tightening nut is rotated to impose an upward movement on the portion of increasing width (280), the bottom end of each rock anchor plate (170) is pushed away from the post body (20) by the portion of increasing width (280) in a radial direction.

19. The guardrail post (10) of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cavity is a drill hole.

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