AU2006325612B2 - Chutes and modules therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A chute lining module of a toe and preferably integral (peripheral or fully lateral) heel form to be anchored as a chute wall or floor covering as a sequence to pass material from one to the other. The module is preferably anchored by the toe to allow rocking and/or bouncing on the heel as a consequence for material fall flexing an integral cantilevered wing of the module.

Description

-1 "CHUTES AND MODULES THEREFOR" TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to chutes having modules, modules for chutes and related methods, uses, combinations etc. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. BACKGROUND ART Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention. There is frequently a need to rely on gravity for the transfer of material using chutes. This is particularly the case in the mining industry where, by way of example, lumps of iron are passed over a screen with specified aperture sizes. Undersize particles fall through the screen and cascade down a chute onto a conveyor belt to reduce where on such metal chutes they are usually covered by a sacrificial material and/or a resilient material such as soft natural rubber sheeting. Iron ore however tends to be very sticky and will actually adhere to rubber especially on the bottom of a chute and particularly where any chute narrows. Any build up ore tends to block the chute and leads to downtime. Embodiments of the present invention envisage an advantage whereby individually attached modules or substrate carried modules (eg; a plate of modules to be affixed) can be used to provide an effective matting of at least the bottom of a chute non vertical descending or for any wall of a vertically descending chute for such material chuting purposes and it is to that that the present invention is directed.

-2 As used herein "chute(s)" encompasses inclined or vertical chute(s) in whole or in part and thus "bottom" and/or "wall" can take appropriate meanings. Embodiments of the invention seek to provide modules useful in chute applications, combinations, sequences or series of modules useful in chute situations, chutes for wet or dry particulate material (eg; iron ore) and related methods and uses which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF INVENTION In an aspect of the invention there is provided a chute lining module comprising a toe zone for attachment to a support, a trailing heel zone, and a cantilevered wing extending rearwardly from above the heel zone, the arrangement being such that the module is at least in part resilient and the heel zone, in use, is adapted to rock and/or bounce on a support surface responsive to the wing being at least in part moved in flexure. As used herein the reference to "toe zone" and "heel zone" includes an analogy to a human foot in side elevation, preferably but not necessarily with any arch feature. The terms imply zones one ahead of the other with respect to the material flow direction and "toe zone" includes any such advance attachment zone irrespective of whether transversely (with respect to chute direction) continues or not. Preferably the toe and heel zones ate integrally formed. Preferably the toe and heel zones ate separated by a zone waisted to rise in flexure as the heel zone rocks responsive to the wing being at least in part moved in flexure. The toe zone is optionally reinforced. Preferably the toe zone is provided with apertures or slots for bolt, stud or the like fixing from the support surface. The support may be a fixed surface of a chute or a prefabricated cover of a frame or surface of a chute. Preferably, the chute lining module is (save for any localised reinforcement(s)) and/or any attachment feature(s), substantially a member of substantially constant cross section when viewed in a plane that will be normal to said support surface and parallel or in the material flow (i.e. parallel to the chute direction). Preferably the module has a said cross section able to be extruded or moulded. In less preferred forms of the present invention the heel feature can be a series of or plural heel zones disposed transversely across the width of the chute lining module. Optionally the cantilevered wing can include wear resistant lining or linings thereon (eg; -3 tiles, coatings, or the like). In a preferred form of the present invention the cross section is substantially as hereinafter described with reference to Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings having what is very much a silhouette corresponding to that of a foot thereby making it quite clear that there is a toe zone connected via a potential arch to a rocking heel zone. Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings shows how the heel zone rocks responsive to the wing being at least in part moved in flexure and how, preferably, a waisted "arch" rises in flexure as a complement. We find that with the arrangement as depicted there is a better spread of stored energy in the module as a result of impingement on the wing of the material flow thereby better passing the material onto a subsequent wing and/or directing the material inwardly of the module within the chute. Without the rocking feature of the heel zone and its trailed relationship with respect to the anchoring point provided by the so-called "toe zone" there would be less reliance upon the resilience of the zone between the toe zone and the heel and into the wing itself. Forms or embodiments of module useful in an analogous way to the preferred chute lining modules of the present invention are described in Figures I to 10 of the accompanying drawings. In respect of at least the downstream modules a chute lining module derived from a profile or section (in -whole or in part) of Figures II onwards is believed to have better performance characteristics and to allow a better coverage of wear resistance material on the wing itself without detracting from the vibrant requirements for such a module in a series of such modules. A chute lining module of any suitable kind with a deployed cantilevered wing supported from an affixed toe zone can be enhanced in its operability by being provided with a heel zone at at least the lateral regions of the modules thereby to encourage some degree of deformation to a scallop form under loading thereby to encourage particulate materials (eg; iron ore) to move to the inner regions of such a module. Preferably such lateral heels can be provided integrally by a moulding process or can be provided by affixed additions to an extruded or moulded toe zone and wing including member which may include or may not include any reinforcement laterally of its toe zone. Examples of such a structure are hereinafter described with reference to wedges being affixed by appropriate adhesive at each lateral region to define spaced trailing heel zones. In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a chute lining module as aforesaid in combination with a chute lining module of a similar or different kind which has a wing to at least in part overlie the toe region of the trailing chute lining module.

-4 In still a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a chute lining module to be positioned in advance of a chute lining module as aforesaid, the advance chute lining module otherwise having the characteristics previously defined, i.e. a heel zone and a cantilevered wing extending rearwardly from above the heel zone. In such a construction a trailing zone can act as the attachment to a support instead of a more advanced toe zone, i.e. somewhat analogous to the arrangements as hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 10. In some forms however a form of advance chute lining module as described in any one of Figures 1 to 10 can be used in combination with a chute lining module as previously defined or as described hereinafter with reference to any one or more of Figures I I to 14 of the accompanying drawings. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a chute for wet or dry particulate material (eg; iron ore), the chute comprising a material pathway bounded by at least one surface protected (or at least substantially protected) by a sequence or series of modules, each to transfer material (eg; by cascading and/or vibrant gravity assisted movement) to the next module below in the sequence or inwardly of the module, or both, wherein at least one module in section (at least at some stage(s) across its width i.e. transverse to the chuting direction) is anchored directly or indirectly to or over said surface at its toe region thereby to trail both a rocking and/or bouncing heel zone and a wing cantilevered from above the heel zone. Preferably each module at least in part is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber. Preferably the chute has, in an inclined chute, at least sidewalls and a descending (preferably modular mat-like) bottom between the sidewalls and at least the bottom is protected by said module(s), and has, in a vertical chute, all walls protected with at least some surface(s) protected by modules as aforesaid. Preferably a sequence or series of modules is able to provide a vibrant (preferably mat-like) bottom or surface cover, yet each module can be removed for replacement without removal of a neighbouring module, Preferably said rubber has a polybutadiene content. Preferably said rubber defines for (at least most of) the modules a datum surface adapted to be bolted or otherwise removably fixed via attachment features (eg, holes or boltable peripheral inlets) to an underlying support (for example, a steel support floor). Preferably the foremost or leading module has its attachment features differently positioned to the following or trailing remainder of the sequence of modules. Preferably the leading module includes, with respect to the material locus in the chute, a trailing resiliently deformable wing or flap that overlies its own attachment feature(s) whereas the modules of the trailing sequence below the leading module each has its attachment feature(s) (i.e. in the toe zone) upstream of a trailing wing or flap and the heel zone. Preferably however all attachment features are overlayed (at least with respect to direct material impingement as material moves down the chute) under a wing or flap. In some forms of the present invention the chute is a closed inclined chute having both a bottom and a roof. Preferably the roof includes (over at least a zone thereof) a (preferably substantially corresponding to that of the bottom) sequence of modules to provide a vibrant surface. In some forms of the present invention a lining is provided against the walls of the chute, the chute having two spaced (preferably vertical walls) between which extends said bottom and said roof. In other forms a square or rectangular vertical chute has all surfaces carrying modules. In some forms the modules are held in place by nuts. Preferably each said nut (preferably a domed nut) is of a plastics material optionally fibre reinforced. Preferably said nut is a 60% glass filled aromatic nylon. Preferably said nut engages a end threaded stud. Preferably said side walls are lined with sheets of material. Preferably said sheet material is of a low friction plastics material. Preferably said plastics material is a high molecular weight polyethylene. Alternatively the material is a nylon. Optionally said nylon can be fibre reinforced eg; glass fibre reinforced. Preferably the natural or synthetic rubber of the module has a Shore Hardness of 45* Shore A. In some preferred forms of the present invention the flap or wing over at least part of its lateral extent (whether continuously or discontinuously eg; as if tiled) carries a sheet material. Optionally any such sheet material is bonded or otherwise affixed to the wing or flap. Preferably said material is a nylon. Preferably the module is formed by extrusion and subsequent machining. Alternatively however the natural or synthetic rubber of the module can be moulded. Preferably the rubber has a formulation of which at least from 40 to 60 parts per hundred (PPH) is polybutadiene. Preferably each module has a cross section when viewed transversely y of the material locus substantially as hereinafter described with reference to Figures I I of the accompanying drawings. Preferably said wing as a distal region angles upwardly (or inwardly) and rearwardly from said surface on which said heel zone is rock, such surface being a datum surface. Optionally the wing or flap itself angles or has an upper angle (which can continuously or -6 intermittently vary) which is in the range of from 10 to 450 with respect to the datum surface (eg; about 180 for a leading module and about 350 for a subsequent module). In some forms of the present invention the cross section of said proximal region can be reduced in section by being provided hollow or scalloped thereby to maximise resilience and/or resilient deformation of the wing or flap distal region cantilevering integrally from the proximal region. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a chute for iron ore (or other wet or dry particulate material), the chute having surfaces, wherein at least one said surface has fitted (directly or indirectly) thereto, as a mat like sequence, a sequence or series of modules to transfer iron ore or material (eg; by cascading) to the next module below in the sequence, and wherein each or at least one module, has, with respect to the material locus in the chute, a trailing resiliently deformable wing or flap supported from over a trailed rocket on said surface(s) and such wing or flap laps its downstream neighbouring module sufficiently to enable material transfer from module to module as if the bottom were a vibrant surface. Preferably the rocket is adapted to bounce. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a chute for iron ore (or other wet or dry particulate material), the chute having sidewalls and a descending floor and roof between the sidewalls, wherein said floor has fitted thereto, as a mat like sequence or series, a sequence or series of modules to transfer iron ore or material (eg; by cascading) to the next module below in the sequence, and said roof carries as a sequence of fitted resilient modules, and wherein each module, has, with respect to the material locus in the chute, a trailing resiliently deformable wing or flap and such wing or flap laps its downstream neighbouring module sufficiently to enable material transfer as if the bottom were a vibrant surface. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a chute having its bottom or at least one surface directly or indirectly matted by a series or sequence of modules, each module being individually attached to a support and each having a (optionally resiliently) cantilevered (optionally resilient) wing or flap that extends transversely of the fall of the chute, wherein at least some modules have a trailed rocker that rocks and/or bounces on an underlying support thereby to assist wing or flap displacement. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. The invention is also a module, a combination of modules or a series or sequence of -7 modules suitable for said chute. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a module for use as part of a series of modules to define a vibrant bottom or surface in a chute, the module having a leading zone capable of being held (eg; by nuts engaging studs or bolts) thereby to deploy a resiliently cantilevered resilient wing or flap (wing") on a rocker as a trailing zone, wherein the wing or flap can have its angular disposition affected by not only its flexure but also a rocking and/or bounce support therefor. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a module for use in a chute, wherein the module is elongate but is adapted to be fitted with its elongate axis transverse of the chuting direction, thereby to define a leading zone and a trailing zone which is a wing or flap at least resiliently cantilevered from the leading zone, the leading zone or a zone beneath the wing or flap being adapted for fixing by a nut and stud or bolt to which the leading zone is able to be stably held to deploy the wing or flap in a reproducible manner, wherein (1) the zone being held by the nut (preferably directly or indirectly through a washer) being rigidified by an affixed or positioned member that extends parallel to the elongate axis or (II) the wing on its upper surface carrying one or more sheet materials to provide some rigidity of that zone and/or wear resistance of that zone or friction reduction enhancement of that zone, or (III) the wing can have its angular disposition affected by not only its flexure but also a rocking support therefor, or (IV) any one or more of (1), (11) and (III). Preferably (Ill) is present. Preferably (III) provides also a bounce support. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a module for use in a chute of a kind having at least sidewalls and a descending bottom between the sidewalls (eg; if an inclined chute), or only side walls (eg; if a vertical chute). Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided, in juxtaposition in a chute, a first module and a second module, each having towards the downward direction of the chute a distal wing or flap, wherein said first module and said second module are each separately fixed to an underlying support under the wing or flap of said first module, and wherein the wing or flap of said first module laps in part the wing or flap of said second module [preferably thereby to transfer (eg; by cascading) material(s) from one to the other], -8 and wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, and/or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein said second module has a rocker profile trailing its fixed advance region(s) thereby, by rocking and/or bouncing, to enhance wing or flap movement in use. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided, in juxtaposition in a chute, a first module and a second module, each having towards the downward direction of the chute a distal wing or flap, wherein the wing or flap of said first module laps in part the wing or flap of said second module thereby to allow transfer (eg; by cascading) from one to the other, wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein the more upward module is held by nut and stud or bolt means below its own wing or flap and the more downward module is held by nut and stud or bolt means below the wing or flap of the mote upward module, and wherein said second module has a rocket profile trailing its region(s) of being fixed, thereby to enhance wing or flap movement in use. In another aspect of the invention there is provided, in juxtaposition in a chute, a series of like modules each having a resiliently cantilevered wing or flap, and wherein the wing or flap of a more upward module laps in part the wing or flap of the immediately trailing module (if any), and wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, and/or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein said second module has a rocker profile trailing its region(s) of being fixed, thereby to enhance wing or flap movement in use. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a module, or at least the body of a module, the module or body being adapted for attachment to a support and to act in concert with complementary attached modules, or bodies, as a vibrant mat or cover of a chute, wherein a composition has been extruded or moulded (at least in part) to define an elongate body of a resilient material section that defines proximate and distal regions, the distal region including a rocking heel or rocker and the commencement or continuation of an integrally cantilevered wing or flap, and wherein the proximate region has (or has been subsequently provided by material -9 removal with) a plurality of hold down features to enable, (eg; with the use of nut and stud or bolt combinations), as a toe zone, holding down of a datum of the proximate region to a support thereby to present the distal region as having a wing or flap that extends away from and at an angle or angles from said datum and in part supported from a rocking heel or rocker of the distal zone. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a module, or at least the body of a module, the module or body being adapted for attachment to a support and to act in concert with complementary attached modules, or bodies, as a vibrant mat or cover of a chute, wherein a composition has been extruded to define an elongate body of a resilient material section that defines proximate and distal regions, and wherein part of the proximate region which underlies but is separate from the distal region has been subsequently provided by material removal with a plurality of hold down features to enable, (for example with the use of nut and stud or bolt combinations), holding down of a datum of the proximate region to a support thereby to present the distal region as a wing or flap that extends away from and at an angle or angles from said datum and which is at least in part supported from or fulcrumed by a rocking heel zone. Preferably each module has any of the preferments or options previously mentioned. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of maintaining a chute which involves the replacement of at least one module of the chute, the chute being a chute of any of the kinds previously described and/or the module being a module of any of the kinds previously described. In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of modules or a chute in accordance with any aspect of the present invention as described for any movement of a material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a series of like modules of a kind typified by those of the trailing two members depicted in Figure 6 to show how each is bolted so that the wing or flap of one overlies at least the attachment zone and preferably also the lead up to and/or part of the wing or flap of the next downstream module, the fall of the chute being depicted by the angle Y, Figure 2 is a view looking along the fall of an open top vertical sided chute having, for example, steel walls with an underlying steel floor to which is fitted a series of modules, Figure 3 is a variant of the arrangement shown in Figure 2 where there is a steel or the like form roof and that is rendered vibrant by the use of modules, Figure 4 is a variation of the arrangement shown in Figure 3 where, in addition, wear - 10 resistant and friction reducing linings are provided on the inside of the walls to the outside of each of the modules at the top and the bottom of the chute, Figure 5 shows in elevation a sequence of modules ofa first form, the first module being a leading module whilst the remaining two are of a series of modules to co-act therewith, the first two modules each having its attachment zone under the wing or flap of the leading module, Figure 6 is a variation of the arrangement shown in Figure 5 but this time using a sequence of modules where the downstream series of like modules is substantially as in Figure 1 but again the leading module and the ensuing module each has its attachment zone under the wing or flap of the leading module, Figure 7 is a top elevation of a module of the downstream type as depicted in elevation in Figure 6, Figure 8 is a plan view of a form of module of the downstream type shown in Figure 5 but modified to the extent that it is provided with tiles of the like members bonded to part of the wing or flap to enhance wear resistance, reduced flexibility in that zone to some extent and to reduce friction, Figure 9 is a view similar to the elevations of Figure 5 for the downstream modules of Figure 8 showing the tiles in elevation, Figure 10 is detail X of Figure 9 showing the tile on the distal upper region of the wing or flap, Figure I I is a cross-section or silhouette of a preferred module of the present invention showing a proximate or toe zone linked by a waisted arch to a rocking heel zone from above which the wing is deployed, Figure 12 shows two cross sections or silhouettes as in Figure 11 in an inclined chute showing how one can have its wing regions still located to protect the toe zone or proximate zone at which the trailing like module is to be attached by a method as described with reference to any one of Figure 1 through 10, Figure 13 shows how the cross section or silhouette of Figure 11, irrespective of how rigidly the toe zone may be reinforced and how coated or protected might be the rear most top side regions of the wing, can nonetheless, in flexure, move reliant upon the rocking action of the heel zone as shown in broken lines on the underlying support surface (whether inclined, or vertical), Figure 14 shows the disposition of the modules of Figure 12 as they would relate one to the other when attached to a support of the boundary of a vertical chute, Figure 15 is an end view showing how an affixed wedge at each lateral end region of an extruded toe and -wing defining member can provide flanking or lateral region heels, and - 11 Figure 16 is a view of one end of such a module as in Figure 15 from the front showing a left hand end flank having such a wedge providing a heel at that zone, there being a corresponding wedge or other formation defining heel at the right hand end (not shown). DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The embodiment of the system being modular, allows mine site personnel to change out the modules in the areas of most wear. The bolting assembly is from the inside of the mill, which makes the changeover more efficient and can be carried out I or 2 people. Alternately panels of such prefixed modules can be used for the relining procedure. In Figure 2 there is a mat I in the chute provided by, for example, a leading module (not shown) and a series of following modules each bolted to the floor as shown as 2 in Figure 1. A similar sequence but inverted can be provided as 3 of a roof on a closed chute. Side linings 4 can be provided. Forms or embodiments of each module can be as depicted, preferably each being extruded from a composition to the form and thereafter been machine pressed or otherwise modified for the purpose of provision of the holes and the reinforcement. In Figure 5 there is a proximal region 5 with a stud hole 6 underlying a bonded reinforcing strip 7. The distal region 8 includes a wing 9. This wing 9 is adapted to overlie the attachment zone 10 of the adjacent module 1 which is of a different type in that its holes 12 and reinforcing plate 13 is in advance of its wing or flap 14. It can be seen that the wing 9, if desired, could be extended to overlie the commencement of the wing 14 proper but, as it is, it overlies a first compressible zone 15 of the module 11. Zone 15 can be rendered more resilient by being extruded hollow or otherwise being machined to provide deformability and resilience enhancement grooving, relief, etc, the enhancement being to the wings cantilevering and the Zone 15 itself. The subsequent module 16 is similar to that of I I as would be the remainder down the fall of the chute. A different embodiment is shown in Figure 6 where the leading module 17 with its wing 18 definitely has that wing 18 overlying the commencement of the slope 19 to the wing or module 20. Likewise the wing 20 overlies the commencement zone 21 of the ensuring module. The embodiment of Figure 8 includes tiles 22 affixed to the wing of a module as depicted in Figure 5 as 11 or 16. These tiles 22 are to enhance wear resistance and to reduce friction. Alternatively strips transversely of the chute fall can be utilised. The modules, are placed from the inside of the mill and sit on, for example, nominal IOrun flash welded stainless steel studs that upstand from the steel floor. The nuts, whilst they can be stainless dome topped nuts to secure each module, are preferably a plastics nut less likely to destroy - 12 machinery downstream should they become loose. A preferred dome nut is an injection moulded nut of impact surviving 60% glass filled aromatic nylon. The tiles 22 or a strip replacement is preferably of a material with a low coefficient of friction and less susceptible to sliding abrasion. For example, 150inni x 150 mm x 2mm sheets of a material eg; glass filled nylon can be bonded eg; by 2-part cold-bonding system to the composition. In an alternate embodiment the 22 or strip replacement is formed as a long injection moulded or extruded strip. The lining materials 4 are preferably 32mm ultra high molecular weight polyethylene plates which can be bolted to the metal parallel sides of the chute where the modules meet i.e. there is about a 10mm gap. Other materials besides polyethylene can be used and better wear resistance is likely from nylon whether fibre reinforced or not. The embodiments previously described are not those preferred of the present invention although some of such module forms can be used in conjunction with preferred modules and sequences of modules in accordance with the present invention. Figure I I shows in section or silhouette an extruded form or a moulded form that preferably is used. It shows, without reference to any fixing feature, or coating or tiling feature a proximate region 23 and a distal region 24. The proximate region 23 includes a toe region 25 for attachment reliant on the under surface 26 as the datum surface. Disposed as part of the distal region is a wing or flap 27 that is to be in part supported by a rocker, rocking heel or the like 28. The heel like form 28 depicted in the transverse section shown in Figure 11 is preferably rearward of an arch region 29 which better allows in "flexure" the link provided by the arch region 29 to move upwardly as shown in Figure 13 as a result of material loading on the wing 27. The rocking feature provided by the form 28 (preferably with the in advance arching at 30) allows the wing or flap form to commence from as early as 31 and to continue upwardly as a cantilevered region from above the heel region 28. It is believed that the moulded, extruded or otherwise formed resilient profile substantially as depicted (irrespective of whether or not the heel region is hollowed or otherwise formed) better uses the resilience of the material thereby allowing a better placement elsewhere on the form of protective surfacing features (whether in the form of adhesively or in mould affixed tiles, coating or the like). By way of example wear exposed surfaces of the wing can have bonded thereto (on preferably a chemically modified rubber surface, the tubber preferably as described previously) a coating of a reactive polyurethane or polyuxea. Figure 14 shows two profiles as in Figure I I as they might be positioned relative to each other in a vertical chute. There the datum is the interface of the surface 26 in each instance with -13 the boundary support on which the heel region can also bounce, rock or the like. Figure 12 shows a similar arrangement to that of Figure 14 but this time for an inclined chute. In each of Figures 12 and 14 a suitable axis of fixation in a manner analogous to that previously shown is denoted by the broken lines whilst, in each instance, in Figures 12 and 14, the chute direction or material advance direction (in a general sense) is shown by the large arrow. Figures 15 and 16 show a fabricated module that may be used as an option to that or those previously described. It comprises an extruded or moulded toe and wing defining component 32. At each end region heel defining formations (eg; wedges) 33 have preferably been attached. As can be seen there is the toe region 34 by which there can be attached as previously described to a supporting surface. There is also the cantilevered wing 35. There is however the encouragement for the structure by virtue of lateral heel bouncing and higher support (thereby to encourage scalloping) to move material from the lateral extent as it cascades to a more central locus from module to module whether or not all modules are of the fabricated or moulded form contemplated in Figure 15 and 16. By way of example these wedges 33 can be moulded rubber wedges approximately 80mmx 150mm x 20mm in dimension. They can be retro fitted if desired to out aforementioned FLEXIFLO extrusion thus creating a raised lateral end region with a heel. It is believed that material tumbling down such modules will be deflected back towards the main chute locus and reduce the chances of clogging and /or build up at the end. As previously described there can be reinforcement of the toe region 34, eg; by the provision of a straight or bent steel clamping bar. With such an arrangement however we envisage lateral extension with respect to the fabricated module of any such metal bar into the region where there is a trailing lateral wedge 33. A suitable wedge of a similar material to that from which the component 32 has been made can be affixed by a suitable adhesive system whether a suitable cyanoacrylate (SUPERGLUETM) system or a neoprene based two part cold bonding system. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the flexure inherent in profiles or silhouettes as depicted and how with such lead attachment, a rocker can act to both rock and bounce as the need might be during module caused redirection of material away from the boundary and/or onto an underlying wing or flap. In use therefor modules of the present invention act collectively as a mat down which material moves on the fall of the chute so matted and the vibrance of the support for and the resilient cantilevering of the wings is sufficient to keep the material from excessive clumping which could lead to downtime.

- 14 Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (35)

1. A chute lining module comprising: a toe zone for attachment to a support, a trailing heel zone, and a cantilevered wing extending rearwardly from above the heel zone, the arrangement being such that the module is at least in part resilient and the heel zone, in use, is adapted to rock and/or bounce on a support surface responsive to the wing being at least in part moved in flexure.

2. A module of claim I wherein the toe and heel zones are integrally formed.

3. A module of claim I or 2 wherein the toe and heel zones are separated by a zone waisted to rise in flexure as the heel zone rocks responsive to the wing being at least in part moved in flexure.

4. A module of any one of the preceding claims wherein the toe zone is reinforced.

5. A module of any one of the preceding claims wherein the toe zone is provided with apertures or slots for bolt, stud or the like fixing from the support surface.

6. A module of any one of the preceding claims wherein (save for any localised Reinforcement(s) and/or any attachment feature(s)), it is substantially a member of substantially constant cross section when viewed in a plane that will be normal to said support surface and parallel or in the material flow.

7. A module of claim 6 wherein said cross section has been extruded or moulded.

8. A module of any one of the preceding claims wherein the cantilevered wing includes wear resistant lining or linings thereon.

9. A chute lining module of claim I wherein the heel zone is provided over part of the lateral extent of the module by one or more affixed additions to an extruded or moulded toe zone including member.

10. A module of claim 9 wherein wedges are affixed at each lateral region to define spaced trailing heel zones.

11. A chute for wet or dry particulate material, the chute comprising a material pathway bounded by at least one surface at least substantially protected by a sequence or series of modules, each to transfer material to the next module below in the sequence or inwardly of the module, or both, wherein at least one module in section at least at some stage(s) across its width is anchored directly or indirectly to or over said surface at its toe region thereby to trail both a rocking and/or bouncing heel zone and a wing cantilevered from above the heel zone.

12. A chute of claim I I wherein the or each module at least in part is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber.

13. A chute of claim 11 or 12 where in the chute is inclined and has sidewalls and a descending -16 bottom between the sidewalls and at least the bottom is protected by said module(s).

14. A chute of claim 13 wherein a sequence or series of modules is able to provide a vibrant mat-like bottom surface cover, yet each module can be removed for replacement without removal of a neighbouring module.

15. A chute of claim I I or 12 wherein the chute is vertical and all walls are protected with at least some surface(s) being protected by said module(s).

16. A chute of any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein each module is at least in part of rubber having a polybutadiene content.

17. A chute of claim 16 wherein said rubber defines for at least most of the modules a datum surface adapted to be bolted or otherwise removably fixed via attachment features to an underlying support.

18. A chute for iron ore or other wet or dry particulate material, the chute having surfaces, wherein at least one said surface has fitted directly or indirectly thereto, as a mat like sequence, a sequence or series of modules to transfer iron ore or material to the next module below in the sequence, and wherein each or at least one module, has, with respect to the material locus in the chute, a trailing resiliently deformable wing or flap supported from over a trailed rocker on said surface(s) and such wing or flap laps its downstream neighbouring module sufficiently to enable material transfer from module to module as if the bottom were a vibrant surface.

19. A chute for iron ore or other wet or dry particulate material, the chute having sidewalls and a descending floor and roof between the sidewalls, wherein said floor has fitted thereto, as a mat like sequence or series, a sequence or series of modules to transfer iron ore or material to the next module below in the sequence, and said roof carries as a sequence of fitted resilient modules, and wherein each module, has, with respect to the material locus in the chute, a trailing resiliently deformable wing or flap and such wing or flap laps its downstream neighbouring module sufficiently to enable material transfer as if the bottom were a vibrant surface.

20. A chute having its bottom or at least one surface directly or indirectly matted by a series or sequence of modules, each module being individually attached to a support and each having an optionally resiliently cantilevered optionally resilient wing or flap that extends transversely of the fall of the chute, wherein at least some modules have a trailed rocker that rocks and/or bounces on an underlying support thereby to assist wing or flap displacement.

21. A chute of claim I1, 18, 19 or 20 wherein at least one chute lining module is as claimed in claim 9 or 10. -17

22. A module for use as part of a series of modules to define a vibrant bottom or surface in a chute, the module having a leading zone capable of being held thereby to deploy a resiliently cantilevered resilient wing or flap on a rocker as a trailing zone, wherein the wing or flap can have its angular disposition affected by not only its flexure but also a rocking and/or bounce support therefor.

23. A module for use in a chute, wherein the module is elongate but is adapted to be fitted with its elongate axis transverse of the chuting direction, thereby to define a leading zone and a trailing zone which is a wing or flap at least resiliently cantilevered from the leading zone, the leading zone or a zone beneath the wing or flap being adapted for fixing by a nut and stud or bolt to which the leading zone is able to be stably held to deploy the wing or flap in a reproducible manner, wherein (I) the zone being held by the nut, directly or indirectly through a washer, being rigidified by an affixed or positioned member that extends parallel to the elongate axis or (II) the wing on its upper surface carrying one or more sheet materials to provide some rigidity of that zone and/or wear resistance of that zone or friction reduction enhancement of that zone, or (111) the wing can have its angular disposition affected by not only its flexure but also a rocking support therefor, or (IV) any one or more of (I), (11) and (III).

24. A module of claim 23 wherein (III) is present.

25. A module of claim 24 wherein (Ill) provides also a bounce support.

26. A module of claim 22, 23, 24 or 25 wherein laterally peripheral heels are provided by under module included integral or affixed heel defining formations.

27. In juxtaposition in a chute, a first module and a second module, each having towards the downward direction of the chute a distal wing or flap, wherein said first module and said second module are each separately fixed to an underlying support under the wing or flap of said first module, and wherein the wing or flap of said first module laps in part the wing or flap of said second module, and wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, and/or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein said second module has a rocker profile trailing its fixed advance region(s) thereby, by rocking and/or bouncing, to enhance wing or flap movement in use.

28. In juxtaposition in a chute, a first module and a second module, each having towards the downward direction of the chute a distal wing or flap, -18 wherein the wing or flap of said first module laps in part the wing or flap of said second module thereby to allow transfer from one to the other, wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein the more upward module is held by nut and stud or bolt means below its own wing or flap and the more downward module is held by nut and stud or bolt means below the wing or flap of the more upward module, and wherein said second module has a rocker profile trailing its region(s) of being fixed, thereby to enhance wing or flap movement in use.

29. In juxtaposition in a chute, a series of like modules each having a resiliently cantilevered wing or flap, and wherein the wing or flap of a more upward module laps in part the wing or flap of the immediately trailing module (if any), and wherein the wings or flaps provide a vibrant support for material to be transferred from one wing or flap to the other, and/or to be directed inwardly of the chute boundary, and wherein said second module has a rocker profile trailing its region(s) of being fixed, thereby to enhance wing or flap movement in use.

30. A module, or at least the body of a module, the module or body being adapted for attachment to a support and to act in concert with complementary attached modules, or bodies, as a vibrant mat or cover of a chute, wherein a composition has been extruded or moulded at least in part to define an elongate body of a resilient material section that defines proximate and distal regions, the distal region including a rocking heel or rocker and the commencement or continuation of an integrally cantilevered wing or flap, and wherein the proximate region has or has been subsequently provided by material removal with a plurality of hold down features to enable, as a toe zone, holding down of a datum of the proximate region to a support thereby to present the distal region as having a wing or flap that extends away from and at an angle or angles from said datum and in part supported from a rocking heel or rocker of the distal zone.

31. A module, or at least the body of a module, the module or body being adapted for attachment to a support and to act in concert with complementary attached modules, or bodies, as a vibrant mat or cover of a chute, wherein a composition has been extruded to define an elongate body of a resilient material section that defines proximate and distal regions, and wherein part of the proximate region which underlies but is separate from the distal - 19 region has been subsequently provided by material removal with a plurality of hold down features to enable, holding down of a datum of the proximate region to a support thereby to present the distal region as a wing or flap that extends away from and at an angle or angles from said datum and which is at least in part supported from or fulcrumed by a rocking heel zone.

32. A method of maintaining a chute which involves the replacement of at least one module of the chute, with a module of any one of claims I to 10, 30 or 31.

33. The use of modules of any one of claims I to 10, and 19 to 22, or a chute of any one of claims 11 to 20.

34. A module substantially as hereinbefore described with or without reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

35. A chute substantially as hereinbefore described with or without reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.