AU2013100401A4

AU2013100401A4 - Weigh down apparatus and method for stockpile covers

Info

Publication number: AU2013100401A4
Application number: AU2013100401A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul George
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-03
Filing date: 2013-04-02
Publication date: 2013-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-02
Also published as: AU2013100401B4

Abstract

Abstract A method for retaining a cover over a pile of material, for example stockpiles of gravel, sand cement or other materials that are used in road construction, including the steps of: disposing empty flexible tubes over the cover; filling the flexible tubes with water from a source of water under pressure so that the filled flexible tubes are of sufficient weight to retain the cover over the pile during normal wind conditions; and draining the flexible tubes of the water prior to their removal from the pile. - L.q Nq

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION WEIGH DOWN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STOCKPILE COVERS The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 WEIGH DOWN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STOCKPILE COVERS TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing stockpiles of loose material to prevent dust and debris blowing off them. BACKGROUND ART [002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. [003] During road works, building construction, mining and also in some other industries, it is necessary to form stockpiles of material on or near to the work site. For example, where road works are concerned the stockpiles may comprise stockpiles of gravel, sand cement or other materials that are used in road construction. [004] Over the last few decades steps have been taken to reduce blow off from stockpiles for environmental reasons. This is because, apart from the issue of material loss, fine particulate matter, which is potentially dangerous to humans, is known to blow off stockpiles. Different approaches to reducing blow off are known. For example, in the mining industry very large stockpiles of mined ore or coal are typically wetted to reduce blow off. [005] Another approach to reducing blow off, which is frequently used in relation to road work stockpiles of gravel, is to cover the stockpile with a tarpaulin or plastic sheet. The sheet is then weighed down. Various different articles are known to be used to weigh the sheets down. For example, the present inventor has known car tyres, besser blocks, and other types of articles of heavy weight to be used.

2 [006] Referring now to Figure 1, there are shown two typical shapes of gravel stockpiles. It will be noted that both of these are of substantial base area and height (i.e. 20m x 30m x 1Om). Therefore it is not a trivial exercise for workers to distribute sufficient weights about and on the stockpiles in order to secure a cover over the stockpile. This is particularly the case when it is realized that the cover must be sufficiently weighted for it to stay in place during occasional high wind conditions. [007] A problem arises therefore in that it is arduous and potentially dangerous for workers to distribute the weights, e.g. tyres, blocks or other heavy articles around and on the cover. [008] It would be advantageous if a method and/or apparatus were provided that addressed the above-described problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible and elongate tube for weighing down a stockpile cover when filled with liquid, said tube including an entry port for the liquid at one end and a closure at a second end. [0010] Preferably the entry port comprises a unidirectional port such as a one way port for ingress of liquid into the tube. While not essential, having a unidirectional port is advantageous because it means that liquid can be pumped into the tube uphill for example. [0011] The closure may comprise a removable drainage plug or alternatively the second end may simply be sealed. [0012] Preferably the tube is provided with a fastening means at at least one end for securing of a rope thereto.

3 [0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fastening means includes a web which extends integrally from the tube and is formed with a hole therethrough for receiving the rope or other fastener. [0014] According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for retaining a cover over a pile of material including the steps of: a. disposing empty flexible tubes over the cover; and b. filling the flexible tubes with water from a source of water under pressure so that the filled flexible tubes are of sufficient weight to retain the cover over the pile during normal wind conditions. [0015] Preferably the method further includes draining the flexible tubes of the water prior to their removal from the pile. [0016] In a preferred embodiment of the method the step of filling the flexible tubes comprises filling them from a water tanker driven to the site of the [0017] The step of filling the flexible tubes may include placing them all in fluid communication with a common manifold and delivering water into the manifold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0019] Figure 1 depicts two gravel stockpiles as are known in the prior art.

4 [0020] Figure 2 shows a stockpile cover weigh-down apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0021] Figure 4 is a detail view of one end of the weigh-down apparatus of Figure 2. [0022] Figure 4 shows the weigh-down apparatus of Figure 2 in use. [0023] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the weigh-down apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0024] Referring now to Figure 2, there is depicted a weigh-down apparatus 2 for retaining a cover over a stockpile according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The weigh-down apparatus 2 comprises a flexible and elongate tube 4 for weighing down a stockpile cover when filled with liquid. The tube 4 includes a unidirectional entry port 6, i.e. a one way valve, for ingress of the liquid at a first end 8 and a closure at a second end 10. As shown in the detailed view of end 8 of the apparatus 2, the one way valve 6 may screw into an end plate 16 sealing the end of tube 4. While not essential, having a unidirectional inlet port, e.g. a one way valve, is advantageous because it means that liquid can be readily pumped into the tube uphill for example. [0025] The closure at end 10 may comprise a removable or hinged drainage plug or alternatively the second end may simply comprise the tube 4 heat welded together or otherwise sealed. [0026] In the preferred embodiment that is illustrated, tube 4 is provided with a fastening means in the form of a flap, or tab shaped web 12 which extends integrally from the tube 4 at either end. The flap 12 is formed with a hole 14 therethrough for receiving a rope, line or other fastener. The hole 14 is reinforced with a brass ring 18, best seen in Figure 3. For example, a number of the apparatus may be joined end to end by fastening together with a plastic nut and bolt through the holes 14.

5 [0027] Preferably the weigh-down apparatus 2 is provided in lengths of say 15m, 20m, or 30m lengths depending on size of the stockpile for which it is intended to be used. [0028] Referring now to Figure 4, in use the weigh down apparatus 2 are disposed unfilled over the covers that have been placed over the stockpiles. This can be done relatively easily because the tubes 4 of each weigh down apparatus are initially empty and so lightweight. Typically the weigh down apparatus 2 are located over the cover by throwing a rope attached to hole 14 of each weigh down apparatus over and then pulling the weigh down apparatus over the stockpile cover and into place. [0029] Once a plurality of the weigh down apparatus 2 have been located over the cover, as shown in Figure 4 then water is then pumped through one way valve 6 so that the tube 4 fills with water and becomes weighty. The water is most conveniently installed in the tube 4 by pumping it, for example from a water tanker, through valve 6 into the tube 4. If desired, the ends of the tubes of each weigh down apparatus may be connected to a common feed tube, or manifold 22. In that case it is only necessary to pump water into feed tube 22 in order to fill all of the weigh-down apparatus 2. [0030] In the event that the tube of one of the weigh-down apparatus 2 is overly long for the stockpile then it may be laid alongside the stockpile and over the margin of the cover as shown as item 24 in figure 4. [0031] When the time comes for removing the weigh down apparatus the water is firstly let out either by removing the one way valve 6 from end plate 16 or by opening a drainage plug at the opposite end of the weigh down apparatus. [0032] Once the water has drained from the tubes 4 they will be sufficiently light to be readily removed. It will be realized that the above-described method of weighing down stockpile covers is advantageous because it does not 6 require workers to move heavy articles about and on the stockpile cover. Consequently the risk of injury to workers is avoided. Furthermore, recycled water may be used to fill the tubes, which is environmentally friendly. [0033] Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention comprising a water proof bag that has a flap at one end formed with a brass ring therethrough. The water proof bag has two openings being a sealable inlet and a sealable outlet. Both the inlet and the outlet may be plugged by means of the plugs shown in the drawing. Accordingly, it is possible to fill the bag with water via the inlet whilst the outlet port is plugged. The inlet is then plugged and the bag, now heavy since it is filled with water, can be attached to a tie down line by means of the ring 18. Accordingly, a number of the bags with attached lines can be used in conjunction with the previously described weigh-down tubes, or by themselves, to maintain a canvass over a pile to be secured. [0034] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. [0035] The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. [0036] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [0037] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

7 [0038] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A weigh-down apparatus for retaining a cover over a pile of material, said apparatus comprising a tube for weighing down the stockpile cover when filled with liquid, said tube including an entry port for the liquid at one end and a closure at a second end.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a removable drainage plug.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tube is provided with a fastening means at at least one end for securing of a line thereto.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fastening means includes a web which extends integrally from the tube and is formed with a hole therethrough for receiving the rope, said hole being reinforced.

5. A method for retaining a cover over a pile of material including the steps of: disposing empty flexible tubes over the cover; and filling the flexible tubes with water from a source of water under pressure so that the filled flexible tubes are of sufficient weight to retain the cover over the pile during normal wind conditions.

6. A method according to claim 5 further including draining the flexible tubes of the water prior to their removal from the pile.

7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the step of filling the flexible tubes comprises filling them from a water tanker driven to the site of the stockpile. 9

8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the step of filling the flexible tubes may include placing them all in fluid communication with a common manifold and delivering water into the manifold.