AU2861592A - Support device for services - Google Patents

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR SERVICES Technical Field

The present invention relates to devices intended to support one or more services from overhead locations. In one particular instance, the support devices are suited for installation from the roof or walls of an underground mine to hang or route mining services. Definitions

In this specification a number of expressions take a broad meaning, and are not to be seen as limited to any particular embodiment as will be described.

"Services" is to be understood to include hoses, pipes, pipelines, ducts, flumes, cables, conveyors, catinery wires, monorails, tubing and other ancilliary devices.

"Situation" is to be understood to include industrial sites, mines, construction zones, buildings, temporary structures, tunnels and bridges.

"Overhead solid" is to be understood to include strata, material, roof support members or structures, and roofs or ceilings (including the sides and roof in tunnels and underground mines). Background Art

In considering the background art it is convenient to refer to an underground mine.

In underground mines three types of roof supporting techniques are commonly used to secure the roof and sides from cave-in, especially where the overhead solid is 'incompetent¹. The first is known as pattern bolting, and by which rock bolts are emplaced into the roof or sides in a largely predetermined array. This results in a large number of exposed rock bolt threads spaced throughout the levels and galleries of the mine. Another method is to fix wire mesh to the roof and/or sides to support a friable immediate roof, which reduces the likelihood of crumbling rock falling.

The third roof supporting technique involves use of a device commonly known as a W-strap, which is an elongate strap having a roughly 'W cross-sectional shape, that is bolted to the mine roof at spaced intervals with respect to rock bolts. The W-strap would typically be installed to extend across the width of the opening, and usually is installed or emplaced at the time a new heading, cut through, drive or drift is being advanced. Examples of known W-straps are shown in published Australian Patent Applications No. 69679/81 (Calandra), No. 67475/81 (Titan Manufacturing Co. Pty Ltd.⁾ and No. 44647/85 (Arnall 's Engineering Pty. Limited).

In addition to securing the overhead solid, it is most often necessary to route services such as electricity, water, ventilation, materials haulage, dewateriπg, gas extraction and transmission, slurry and suspended matter transport, hydraulics, compressed air, electrical reticulation and signalling throughout the mine. In order to provide these services at the various sites, support devices are fastened or suspended from the sides or the roof of the mine to route the services. The fixing or suspending of these support devices cannot be arbitrary, and must consider questions of clearance, access for repair and inspection, and other matters relating to alignment and physical orientation.

To date, many approaches to fixing supporting services have been made on an ad hoc basis. Support devices have commonly been retrofitted to existing devices which support the mine roof, utilising the exposed threaded end of a rock bolt to fix the support devices by means of the bracket passed over an exposed rock bolt thread and a nut screwed to the thread to secure the bracket. One such type of retrofitted bracket is called the Menegasso bracket. The bracket is generally U-shaped, and has key-holes formed in the arms of the bracket, from which the services can be slung by means of link chains. Menegasso brackets suffer from the problem of being 'sloppy' or insecure when mounted, and therefore do not positively locate and secure a service hung therefrom.

Services support devices may also be fixed to exposed rock bolts protruding from an existing W-strap, or sometimes take the form of angled brackets which are wedged between a W-strap and the mine roof.

The known support devices typically all suffer from the disadvantage of a lack of correction for lateral alignment, and poor security of attachment. For example, cable trays or like brackets are commonly routed along sides or roofs, and difficulties in alignment are experienced when the mine tunnel turns a corner or meets an incline. This can result in leakage or fracturing of the service lines, which can have dire consequences. It is also often the case that the support devices can support only two service lines. Furthermore, a close packing or stacking arrangement of services cannot be achieved, and this consumes valuable space or necessitates that the opening be made larger than otherwise could be obtained.

The present invention has been developed with a view to avoiding one or more of the foregoing disadvantages in the prior art. Particularly, the present invention has, as an object, the provision of support devices for services which provide for fine lateral adjustment for the correct alignment of routed services. There is also great flexibility in the configuration of the support devices to permit adjustment or reconfiguration should the routing requirements change, and this can be achieved without undue effort or cost in removing existing support devices or installing/relocating new support devices.

Embodiments of the invention also seek to provide savings in terms of manpower, by emplacing support devices at the time an overhead solid is secured. Other embodiments propose support brackets which can be retrofitted to existing overhead solid securements, and provide the advantages in lateral adjustment as discussed above. Other advantages are discussed in relation to specific embodiments which follow. Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a supporting arrangement for services within a mine or the like, said arrangement comprising: an elongate load-bearing strap having a number of holes spaced along the length of the strap; an angled bracket having at least two portions, a first one of the portions having at least one aperture and a second one of said portions having a plurality of lengthwise spaced apart locking points from which tensile supporting means can be hung to support one or more services and which said locking points provide lateral positional adjustment of the one or more services; and wherein each said aperture is adapted to be aligned with one of the holes of the strap, whereby the strap and bracket, in stacked arrangement, are able to be emplaced to an overhead solid by a fastening device, which in part passes through said aligned aperture and hole and into said overhead solid, and which also butts against the strap in a region proximate the said hole. In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for supporting services from an overhead solid by means of an elongate load-bearing strap having a number of holes in the web spaced along the length of the strap; and an angled bracket having at least two portions, a first one of the portions having at least one aperture and a second one of said portions having a plurality of lengthwise spaced apart locking points from which tensile supporting means can be hung to support one or more services and which said locking points provide lateral positional adjustment of the one or more services, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the strap and the bracket, in stacked arrangement, so that the respective holes and apertures are aligned; and emplacing the said stacked arrangement to the overhead solid. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a bracket for supporting services, the bracket being intended for use with an elongate load-bearing strap, the combination of the bracket and the strap to be emplaced to an overhead solid; the bracket comprising two angled members, one of which forms a base whi h, in use, is emplaced, the other of which forms a flange which is connected over part of its length to the base, said flange having a plurality of spaced apart key-holes from which services can be hung, the flange being shaped along a top side edge thereof to provide clearance from the base and therefore the overhead solid when emplaced.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate load-bearing and support strap having transverse its width two 'V sections having a web formed therebetween, the strap having a number of holes spaced along the length of the web, the said holes being, in use, for attachment means which emplace the strap to an overhead solid to be load-bearing of the overhead solid, and a number of spaced fixture means formed in one or both sides of one or each said 'V section from which services can be hung. In accordance with one other aspect of the invention there is provided a supporting jig for holding a bracket of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 in correct position during emplacement, said jig comprising clamping means carried by said jig and arranged to hold said bracket to said jig, and locating means carried by said jig to prevent rotational movement or movement along the longitudinal axis of said bracket relative to said jig about an axis generally aligned with a fastener to be used in said emplacement. Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows one form of a key-hole which is commonly used in a number of the embodiments;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-shaped support bracket illustrating the concept of lateral adjustment;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support bracket;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of a support bracket known in the prior art; Figs. 5A-5D show various views and detail of a combination load-bearing member and support bracket in accordance with a first embodiment;

Fig. 6 illustrates an arrangement of brackets supporting a single service; Figs. 7A-7B show, in cross-section, two arrangements for temporarily fixing a support bracket and load-bearing member before emplacement;

Fig. 8 shows the arrangement of Fig. 7B emplaced to an overhead solid; Fig. 9 shows, on a macro scale, a number of the arrangements of Fig. 8 installed to the roof of a mine;

Figs. 10A-10E show a number of views of a yet different type of bracket and load-bearing member;

Fig. 11, shown as a sectional view, is similar to Fig. 9; Figs. 12A-12C show yet another embodiment of a support bracket and load-bearing member; Fig. 13 - Fig. 15B show a number of arrangements of support brackets;

Fig. 16 shows a variation of the support bracket of Fig. 10B; Figs. 17A-17C show an embodiment of a combination load-bearing and support member;

Figs. 18A-18D show another embodiment of a combination load-bearing and support member;

Figs. 19A-19C show another version of a combination member; Figs. 20A-22D show yet further versions of a combination member; Figs. 23A-23E show, in a number of views, another arrangement whereby a support bracket is fixed to a load-bearing member before emplacement;

Fig. 24 shows another view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 23; Fig. 25 shows a modified form of key-hole; Figs. 26A-26B show a mechanical arrangement for temporarily supporting a support bracket and load-bearing member for emplacement;

Fig. 27 shows another mechanical arrangement for securing a support bracket and load-bearing device for emplacement;

Figs. 28A-28B show yet another arrangement for fixing a support bracket and a load-bearing member for emplacement; Fig. 29 shows detail of an asymmetric dome; Fig. 30 shows a further type of another combination support and load-bearing member;

Fig. 31 shows a so-called over-strap configuration; Figs. 32A-32B show yet another over-strap configuration;

Fig. 33A shows an exploded.view of an embodiment of a support bracket and load-bearing member emplaced to an existing rock bolt;

Fig. 33B shows detail of the locating pins utilised in the arrangement of Fig. 33A. Figs. 34A-34B show yet another embodiment of a support bracket; Fig. 35 shows a strengthened form of combination load-bearing and support member;

Fig. 36 shows a stacked arrangement of like combination members; Fig. 37 shows a stacked arrangement of different types of combination members; Figs. 38 illustrates a device for strengthening the attachment point of a bracket such as is shown in Fig. 30;

Figs. 39A-39B show another way by which a lightweight service can be attached to a number of spaced brackets utilising loop ties; Fig. 40 shows portion of a load-bearing member with provision for alignment provision;

Fig. 41 shows a hemispherical seat for a rock bolt;

Fig. 42A-42B shows another embodiment of a combination load-bearing and support member having push-out tabs; Fig. 43 shows the combination member of Fig. 42 in cross-section;

Figs. 44A, 44B and Fig. 45 show other embodiments of combination members having push-out tabs; and

Fig. 46 shows another mechanical arrangement for temporarily supporting a load-bearing member as it is being emplaced. Best Mode of Carrying out the Invention

It is again convenient to describe the various embodiments with reference to an underground mine, in which situation it has industrial application. Even so, it is to be realised the present invention is not limited to such an environment, and that the invention can be implemented in a large number of situations where services are to be supported from an overhead solid.

Fig. 1 illustrates a key-hole profiled aperture which is commonly utilised in the embodiments as will be described. Such an aperture is more generally referred to herein as a locking point. The key-hole 3 is suited to receive a linked chain which can pass through the circular portion of the key-hole and one link be slotted into place in the slotted section to be fixed by an adjacent link which is oriented in a transverse plane. The chains themselves are generally referred to herein as tensile supporting means. In Fig. 2 the key-hole 3 is shown incorporated into an angled bracket 2, as may be used in an embodiment. The bracket 2 is generally L-shaped, having a downwardly extending flanged portion 4, in which is formed a number of spaced key-holes 3. The bracket 2 has two holes 6 cut through the other flange 5. These holes 6 can pass over an existing rock bolt so to be fastened to the exposed thread of the rock bolt in a substantially horizontal plane. In use of the bracket 5, the flange 4 would be arranged to be vertical, thereby allowing lateral alignment of a service supported by a chain by appropriate selection of a key-hole 3.

Another form of bracket 8 is shown in Fig. 3. This bracket 8 has a number of key-holes 3 spaced along the opposed sides, and a number of spaced holes 6 from which the bracket 8 can be fitted to one or more rock bolts.

The bracket 9 shown in Fig. 4 is also an example of what is known in the prior. rt. A nut 11 is provided in the upper edge, by which the bracket 9 can be bolted to a rock bolt so to dispose the key-holes 3 in a position from which they can support various services through the use of chains. There is also provided a number of spaced holes 10, which have the purpose of allowing a tensioning member or strut to be bolted between opposed brackets 9 to ensure rigidity. An embodiment of a combination load-bearing member and support bracket T2 is shown in Fig. 5. The views of Fig. 5 are by way of a front elevation CFig. 5A), an Inverted plan (Fig. 5B), an enlarged cross-section along line A-A (Fig. 5C) and an enlarged detail (Fig. 5D) of a portion of the bracket. The strap 12 has a number of key-holes 3 spaced along the vertical flange 13. The horizontal flange 141s provided with a number of holes 15 to e pl ce the bracket 12 by rock bolts. The slots 16 are provided for the purpose of allowing deformation of the bracket 12 when emplaced, which may occur for reason of the mine roof being irregularly shaped. Fig. 6 shows a single service, in this case being jointed victaulic pipes supported from two spaced brackets 2, as were shown in Fig. 2. The brackets 2 were emplaced into the mine roof 19 at the time the respective rock bolts 20 were first installed. This is evident from the type of rock bolt shown, which does not have an exposed threaded end to which a bracket could be retrofitted. The pipes 18 are slung by chains 21 from the respective brackets 2. The respective chains 21 are hung from selected key-holes 3 so as to assure correct alignment of the pipes 18.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7A-7B, a support bracket 22 and load-bearing member, in the form of a W-strap 23, are temporarily arranged so to be aligned for emplacement to the mine roof. The W-strap 23 bears the load of the emplaced rock bolt and overhead strata. The hole 6 of the bracket 22 is aligned with a similarly sized aperture 15 of the W-strap 23 so that the emplacing rock bolt can pass therethrough and the head or nut washer of the rock bolt butt up against the strap 23 proximate to the aperture 15. In order to assure proper alignment at the time of emplacement, the bracket 22 and W-strap

23 are temporarily fixed together. This is effected by means of a tab

24 formed at the edge of the horizontal section of the bracket 22. The tab 24 is defor able to engage the W-strap 23. In the arrangement of Fig. 7A, the tab has a slot (not shown⁾ which, when the tab is bent downward, engages the edge of the W-strap 23. In the arrangement of Fig. 7B, the tab 24 is bent around the edge of the W-strap 23 to be secured by an appropriate point contact chemical. The temporary bonding between the bracket 22 and W-strap 23 need not be so strong as to withstand the emplacement procedure; the bracket 22 and W-strap 23 would be securely fixed together by the compression force of the emplaced rock bolt passing therethrough.

Fig. 8 shows the bracket and W-strap arrangement of Figs. 7A-7B emplaced into the mine roof. The uneven nature of the surface 28 of the mine roof 26 can be seen. The innermost end of the rock bolt 25 is secured within the roof strata 26 by use of a point contact chemical 27 and the other end secured by a nut 28.

In Fig. 9, a number of W-straps 23 have been emplaced in spaced relation along the roof 26. A number of these W-straps include a bracket 22 such as has been described. These brackets 22 were emplaced at the time the W-straps 23 themselves were first emplaced. Three services, being joined sections of pipe 18, are supported from the brackets 22 at periodic points. Because of the large number of key-holes 3 provided on each bracket 22, it is possible to provide correct lateral alignment for the pipes 18, depending on their route. Figs. 10A-10C show another form of bracket 30 which is intended to be emplaced with a W-strap 23 to an overhead solid. The bracket 30 is formed by two angled sections, being the horizontal flange 36 and the vertical flange 37. The vertical flange 37 has a number of key-holes 3 spaced along its length, together with larger key-holes 41 located closer to the centre line. Clearly a larger link chain can be accommodated by the key-holes 41 than is the case for the smaller key-holes 3.

Fig. 10A is a top view of the bracket 30, which shows that the horizontal flange 36 extends only over part of the top edge 38 of vertical flange 37. A hole 6 is provided in the flange 36 through which a rock bolt can pass during emplacement. Also shown are tangs 39, which, as can be seen from Fig. IOC, extend downwardly from the horizontal flange 36. The function of the tangs 39 is to engage a slot 40, and so temporarily fix the bracket 30 to the W-strap 23 before emplacement occurs. Figs. 10D and 10E are respectively sections along lines D-D and E-E of Fig. 10A, which show the relation between a tang 39 and a slot 40, together with the alignment of the hole 6 with the aperture 15. Another important feature of the bracket 30 Is the shaped top edge 38 of the vertical flange 37. This is intended to provide clearance between the vertical bracket 37 and the roof surface 33. It is often the case the roof surface of an overhead solid is irregularly shaped, and by provision of a shaped bracket 30 such as is shown, there is less difficulty in emplacing the bracket 30 to an uneven surface which could jeopardise the security of a supported service, as only that portion of the vertical flange 37 that coincides with the horizontal flange 36 is at the level of the roof surface 33.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 9 showing how three services 43 can be hung or supported from a bracket 44 that has been emplaced to the roof surface 33 together with a W-strap 23. The top edge of the bracket 44 is shaped to provide clearance from the roof surface 33. The relative position of the sides 45 can also be seen. Figs. 12A and 12B show another form of bracket 46. The horizontal flange 48 shown in Fig. 12A has angled sides extending the full length of the vertical flange 48. As can be seen from Fig. 12B, the vertical flange 47 is also contoured along its top edge so as to provide clearance from the roof 33. The vertical flange 48 is shown with a large number of locking points and types, by way of demonstration of the types that may be utilised. These include a - n -

key-hole 3, holes 10, cruciform 51, horizontal slot 52, vertical slot 53, oblique slot 54 and welded chain 55. Fig. 12C is a section through line F-F which shows the relation between the bracket 46 in relation to the strap 23. In this arrangement the bracket 46 and the strap 23 are emplaced together to the roof 33, and the domed region 50 about the hole 49 provides a stand-off for the rock bolt. The edge 56 of the bracket 46 is sized to engage the point of the 'V 57 of the strap 23 to resist any horizontal moments being generated.

Fig. 13 shows a bracket 58 which has key-holes 59 inverted in comparison with the key-holes previously described. A chain 61 is shown attached to one key-hole 59. This particular configuration is suited to where the lateral alignment or adjustment is to be required at the point of the service, which, in this case may be such as a conveyor suspended from an overhead solid. Fig. 14 is similar to Fig. 13, indicating how the bracket 58 can be supported at two points or key-holes 59, by the chains 61, in turn, being supported from a bracket 60 (which is similar to the bracket 2 shown in Fig. 2). The brackets 60 themselves would be emplaced to an overhead solid. As noted, the bracket 58 could be such as a side rail of a conveyor. It is becoming increasingly more common for conveyors and the like to be suspended so as to allow clear access to doze or clear mullock or slurry waste from under the conveyor.

Figs. 15A-15B show how a single chain 16 can be "tied" between two key-holes 59 to provide a sturdier form of support. In Fig. 16, a modification of a bracket such as the bracket 30 of Fig. 10B is shown, having a shaped hole 64 which is sized to receive a dome-shaped washer associated with a rock bolt.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 17A-17C is of a W-strap 70 which has been modified over the W-straps previously described to incorporate locking points, rather than there being a stacked arrangement with a separate bracket, such as the example previously shown in Fig. 8. In this regard the strap is to be known as a combination load-bearing and support strap, or simply a combination strap.

The strap 70 is shown in plan view in Fig. 17A and In elevational view in Fig. 17B, whilst Fig. 17C shows the section through the lines A-A. The strap 70 is formed to be generally 'W' shaped in cross-section, having two 'V sections 73 and a web formed therebetween. A hole 72 is provided through the web for emplacement to an overhead solid. As can be seen from Fig. 17C, there is also provided a flanged portion 74, which can be bent downwardly. The flanged portion 74 includes a number of key-holes 75 spaced along its length to which chains can be locked so as to support one or more services. The flange 74 also incorporates a number of slots 76 which are intended to assist in bending of the flange 74 by relatively weakening the strap 70 in that general region. Also included in the flange 74 are a number of cut-out sections or wedges 77, which facilitate relevant movement of sections of the flange 74.

Another embodiment of a W-strap 80 is shown in Figs. 18A-18D. As can be seen from Fig. 18C the 'V sections 81 are more pronounced than in the embodiment shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 18A is an elevation of the strap 80, whilst Fig. 18B shows the strap 80 in plan view. The strap 80 has a number of key-holes 85 spaced along both sides of each 'V section 81. Groups of key-holes 85 are separated by a cut-out section 87 which allows relative movement of individual groups of the key-holes 85. As can best be seen from Fig. 18D, any two opposed key-holes 85 can be used to lock a linked chain 82, from which a service can be hung. The strap 80 would be emplaced to an overhead solid by means of the holes 82 formed in the web between the 'V sections 81. Two links 84,86 are identified, as it is these links which lock against the key-hole 85. Therefore, the chain 83 is locked and supported from two points at each 'V section 81. The cut-outs 87 also allow for deformation of the strap 80 due to an uneven loading of the key-holes 85 where a number of services are supported.

The views of Figs. 19A-19C show yet another embodiment of a load-bearing strap 91 which can be emplaced to an overhead solid. Fig. 19A is a plan view, Fig. 19B is an elevational view and Fig. 19C is a cross-section taken along the line C-C. The strap 91 is generally U-shaped in cross-section. A number of holes 92 are provided along the length of the strap through which a rock bolt can pass to emplace the strap. The sides of the strap have key-holes 94 spaced lengthwise therealong, from which linked chains or the like can be locked. The sides 94 have inturned ends 96, which act as stiffeners for the strap 91.

Figs. 20A-20E present a number of views of a further embodiment of a W-strap 101. Fig. 20A shows the strap 101 in plan view, which illustrates the holes 102 by which the strap 101 can be emplaced to an overhead solid. The strap 101 is again generally W-shaped in cross-section, with the bottoms of each 'V section 103 being flattened and having therein spaced holes 104. Fig. 20B is an elevational view of Fig. 20A. As can be determined from the sectional views of Figs. 20C-20E, the holes 104 can be utilised to lock a chain 107 or the like, from which a service may be supported. Locking of the chain 107 to a hole 104 requires use of either one of two types of pin 105. Fig. 20C shows a first type of pin 105 formed as a gentle 'V, being substantially straight and having a slight depression or valley which can seat one of the links of the chain 107. The pin 105 must therefore be passed through a link to be supported by the flat bottom of the 'V section 103 at opposed sides of the hole 104. In Fig. 20D a different type of pin 106 is shown. This pin is substantially straight, and has a tab or projection 108 which can be seated in a hole adjacent to the hole through which the end link of the chain 107 passes.

The W-strap 110, shown in Figs. 21A-21D, in many ways represents an amalgamation of the straps shown in Fig. 18B and Fig. 20A. The strap 110 again has 'V sections 113, which generally form two walls and a flat bottom section. The sides of the 'V sections 113 include horizontally directed slots 119, which are directly opposed. The flat bottom section of the sides of the 'V section 113 includes spaced holes 114 which are generally coincident with the slots 119 with respect to the length of the strap 110. By this arrangement a chain 112 can pass through either one of the slots 119 in a side wall of a 'V section 113 and through the corresponding hole 114. The chain will be locked in place by use of a pin 118 as can be seen from Fig. 21D. The pin 118 is passed through a particular link 117 of the chain 112, and the link and pin are lowered through the slot 119 (the pin being of slightly lesser length and width than the slot), thereafter to lock against the flat bottom section, spanning the hole 114. In this way a service can be hung from the chain 112.

The W-strap 120 shown in Figs. 22A-22D is very similar to the W-strap 110 shown in Figs. 21A-21D. The 'V sections 123 are provided with holes 122 in their side walls, and have a slot 124 at the same general position as the holes 122 along the length of the strap 120. The 'V sections 123, in this instance, have not be flattened. The shape of the slots 124 is such as to allow passage of a single link 127 of a chain 126. This can most clearly be seen from Figs. 22C-22D. The link 127 is locked to the strap 120 by means of a pin. Fig. 22C shows a first type of pin 128, and further illustrates two possible locking arrangements, whereby, in the first instance, the pin 128 passes through the outer hole 122, and through the link 127 to rest against a point on the strap where the 'V section 123 joins the web section. The other arrangement has the pin 127 passing through opposed holes 122 to lock the link 127. In Fig. 22D, a different type of pin 129 is shown. This pin is shaped to provide a depression or grooved portion 130 which can seat the link 127 more securely from lateral motion. The tip 131 of the pin 129 is shaped to provide easier positioning over the web of the strap 120.

Figs. 23A-23E get back to an embodiment having a support bracket in combination with a load-bearing member, such as a W-strap. Figs. 23A-23C show plan, elevational and end elevational views of a support bracket 135. This bracket would be similar to the one bracket 44 shown in Fig. 11. The bracket 135 has a horizontal flange section 136 and a vertical flange section 137. The horizontal flange 136 includes tangs 138, the purpose of which will presently be described. As can be seen from Fig. 23B, the vertical flange 137 has a number of key-holes spaced along its length. Two types of key-hole 139,140 are shown. Other arrangements of locking devices as previously have been described could equally be incorporated. The top edge of the vertical flange 137 is tapered, which is for the purpose of providing clearance from the mine roof.

Fig. 23D is a cross-section along line E-E, which shows the inter-action of a tang 138 with a mating opening 141 in the W-strap 142. The tangs 138 are intended to temporarily fix the bracket 135 to the W-strap 142 for emplacement. Fig. 23E is a section along line F-F. This illustrates the positioning of a hole 143 in the horizontal flange 136 with an aperture 144 in the W-strap 142. The bracket 135 is sized so that the point of joining of the horizontal flange 136 and vertical flange 137 coincides with the edge of the W-strap when the two are fixed together for emplacement. This, therefore, avoids rotation about the vertical axis, and causes the tangs 138 to remain locked in their respective opening 141. The end of the vertical flange 137 is in the form of a flange 145 to provide additional rigidity. Fig. 24 shows an example of a W-strap 150 in stacked arrangement with a support bracket 151, which is similar to the bracket 135 of Fig. 23. Fig. 24 particularly illustrates a form of tang 152 which folds around one of the spaced holes 153 formed in the web of the W-strap 150. In this way, the strap 150 and bracket 151 can be temporarily fixed together for emplacement, and the particular hole 153 about which the tang 152 is folded will not obstruct a rock bolt passing through the hole. In this way, existing W-straps can be utilised, and not require additional punching to form other holes or apertures for engagement of a tang of the support bracket. Fig. 25 shows a modified form of key-hole as a locking point option. The key-hole 155 has an approximately circular portion 156 and a slotted portion 157 which are joined by a filleted section 158. The filleted section 158 may also be mitred.

Figs. 26A-B shows a bracket 160 similar to that shown in Fig. 24. As is evident from Fig. 26B, the bracket 160 has a hole 165 in the top flange 161, through which a rock bolt passes to emplace the bracket.^' The top flange 161 also has locating holes 166, the function of which will presently be described. A number of key-holes are provided in the side or vertically extending flange 162. Fig. 26A illustrates a supporting mechanism 170 which serves to support the bracket 160 as emplacement occurs. The locating mechanism 170 comprises a frame 171 from which is mounted to spring-loaded pins 172. The springs 173 extend between the separate parts of the frame 174,175. Openings 177,178 are provided 1n the parts of the frame 174,175 to allow passage of a drill tip 176, which passes, in turn, through the emplacement hole 165 of the bracket 160. In use, the bracket is located on locating pins 172 then raised to the overhead solid. As pressure is applied the springs 173 compress, thereby drawing the pins 172 downwardly until such time as the tops of the pins 172 are flush with the top surface of the top flange 161. Rock bolting is then performed, and the mechanism can then be simply removed.

Fig. 27 shows a variation of a locating mechanism 180 over that shown in Fig. 26. The frame 186 is shaped to have an angled top edge 190 of the vertical flange 182 of the support bracket 181, along the region coincident with the horizontal flange 183. The locating mechanism 180 is generally shaped as a frame 186, which, at its uppermost extent, has an opening 187. When the frame 186 is positioned against the horizontal flange 183 the opening 187 is coincident with a hole 188 in the horizontal flange 183. A rock bolt 189 can thereby pass through the opening 187 to butt up against the rim of the hole 188 and so emplace the bracket 181.

In operation of the locking mechanism, the end 184 is tilted to allow the opposite end 185 to pass underneath the flanged head 192 of the spring loaded pin 191. The resulting assembly is then raised to contact the overhead solid. Proper alignment of the upper edge of the frame 190 with the bracket 181 is achieved, not only by the respective contouring, but also by engagement of the end 185 with end stop 193. After the bracket 181 is emplaced, the locating mechanism 180 can be removed by lowering it, which causes the spring 194 to compress. This allows the pin 191 to travel upwards with respect to the frame 186 and to tilt to allow disengagement of the flanged head 192 from the end 185 for reason of the narrowed tail section 195 of the pin 191 being loose at the point of supporting flange 196.

Fig. 28A is a sectioned elevation taken in the vicinity of the hole 188 shown in Fig. 27, and is intended as a substitute arrangement for the teeth of the upper edge 190. A depression 197 is formed in the region of the opening 187 of the frame 186. The depression 197 is shaped to compliment the domed section 198 of the horizontal flange 183. This then restricts relative movement between the flange 183 and frame 186. Fig. 28B is a section along line A-A showing similar detail. Fig. 29 shows a domed section 200 in a supporting bracket formed between a horizontal flange 201 and a vertical flange 202. The domed section 200 has a hole 203 through which a rock bolt can pass. The domed section 200 is asymetrically shaped, with the radius of curvature Rl being unequal to the radius of curvature R2. This arrangement may be used in preference to the arrangements shown in Fig. 26A-28B and is intended to reduce leverage by reducing the distance between the rock bolt and the vertical flange 202.

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of a bracket 205 which is a form of modified W-strap. The bracket could have locking points such as key-holes as previously described located in the downwardly directed flanged arm 206. The bracket 205 has a web portion 207 extending between the arm 206 and an asymetrical V-shaped section 208. A hole 209 is formed in the web 207 for passage of a rock bolt during emplacement.

Fig. 31 shows a so-called over-strap arrangement, whereby a support bracket 210 can clip or fasten over a load-bearing strap 215 so as to retain the two components with the respective hole 216 and aperture 211 in alignment for emplacement. The bracket 210 and strap 215 engaged by means of a hook or tang 212. The other end of the strap 215 forms a tight fit with the vertically extending flange 213 of the bracket 210. This arrangement has the advantage of being ready made for use and not requiring difficult fitting or bending of tangs or the like. Figs. 32A-32B show an arrangement which, in some ways, is similar to that of Fig. 24. A support bracket 220 is fixed to a load-bearing W-strap 225 by means of a tang 221 which passes through an aperture 222 of the bracket and a hole 226 of the strap, then to be bent around and fastened against the periphery of the hole 226. The tang 221 would be sized such so as not to obstruct a rock bolt passing through the hole 226 and aperture 222. The web section 223 of the bracket joins the downwardly extended flanges 224 of corners 228. Key-holes in the flanges 224 are placed to support and fix services. The strap 225 has 'V sections 227 and the edges of the strap 225 fits snugly with the corners 228 of the bracket 220. Fig. 33A shows an exploded view of a supporting bracket 230 which is retrofitted to an existing rock bolt 240. The rock bolt 240 is emplaced together with a load-bearing strap 242. The bracket 230 is formed to have a recess 231 which can fit over the exposed nut of the rock bolt 240. The exposed threaded end of the rock bolt 240 passes through an aperture 232 of the recess 231 , so that when the bracket 230 is butted up against the strap 242, a nut 241 can be used to fix the bracket 230 securely against the strap. As can be seen from Fig. 33B, which is a part section through the assembled bracket and strap, the bracket has flanged sides 233,234. The vertically extending flanged side 234 has a number of key-holes spaced therealong from which services can be fixed and supported. A particular feature of the strap is the provision of pins 235 which mate with corresponding pin holes 243 in the strap 242. The provision of the pins 235 is to avoid rotation of the strap when the nut 241 is being tightened, and thereby to ensure correct alignment of the bracket 230.

Figs. 34A-34B show a modified form of bracket 250, respectively in plan view and in elevational view. The bracket 250 would be emplaced to an overhead solid by means of holes 251 spaced upon the length of a horizontally extending flange 252 forming part of the bracket. The flange 252 i contoured so as to provide clearance from other obstacles. A number of slots 253 are shown which can provide for localised deformation dependent on the regularity of the surface 254 of the overhead solid. The vertically extending flange 255 is provided with a number of spaced key-holes 256, as well as a number of laterally directed slots 257. Services can be fixed and supported by the key-holes 256 by such as chains. The function of the slots 257 is to provide a point for determining alignment, or optionally so as to support services by another form of tensile member, such as may be in belt form.

Fig. 35 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in Figs. 17A-17C. Like reference numerals are used in this regard. It will be noted that the ^rV sections 73 are asymmetrically designed, and furthermore, the flange 74 is of greater length and is doubled over to form a folded section 78. This folded arrangement provides greater strength at the point of fixing or support by virtue of the double thickness of material.

Fig. 36 shows a stacked arrangement of three straps 70. Two different types of strap (A,B) are shown. The first (A) has the flange 74 and folded section 78, whilst the other (B) has no flanged section at all. In this regard, the type A flanges would be suited to being both supportive and load-bearing in combination, whilst the type B flange would be load-bearing only. It can also be noted that the respective 'V sections 73 allow stacking due to common asymmetry. In Fig. 37, a stacked arrangement of three flanges 70 is shown. These flanges 70 differ from those shown in Fig. 35, in that the 'V sections 73 are symmetric, which means that like ones of the flanges 70 can be stacked in alternating fashion so as to provide sufficient clearance for the folded section 78. Fig. 38 again relates to a combination load-bearing and support strap 260. In this instance, further strengthening of the point of locking is provided by a backing plate 261, in which is formed a key-hole 262. A chain 263 passes through an aperture 264 (which may be a key-hole) in the strap 260, and through the key-hole 262 of the backing plate 261. The end most link 265 is retained in the key-hole 262, so that a service can be hung from the chain 263.

Fig. 39 shows a possible way of supporting a lightweight service from a number of key-holes 268 which are provided in any of the straps or brackets previously discussed, which for convenience, are referred to by the numeral 269. The service 267 is suspended from appropriate key-holes 268 by means of string.or rope 268. A particular looped tying configuration is utilised for the string or rope. A knot 269 is made at one end, which can be fixed in the key-hole 268.

Fig. 40 shows a section of a W-strap 274 having a web 275 and 'V sections 276, being similar to straps as previously described. Bracket 274 has slots 277 formed in the vertical flange 276. The slots are intended to be equally distanced from a reference line 278 which coincides with an aperture by which the bracket can be emplaced. These slots are useful in aligning services or brackets within a mine, perhaps by use of a laser device. The arrangement of Fig. 41 shows a rock bolt 280 emplaced to an overhead solid 281. It will be noted that the surface of the overhead solid 281 is not perpendicular to the rock bolt 280. It is often the case in mines that there is a sloping side or roof, yet it is still intended that the rock bolt be vertical, or indeed horizontal, or for that matter, at any other desired or predefined angle with respect to the uneven surface of the overhead solid. In order to facilitate the desired angular positioning of a rock bolt 280, and to avoid a bending force on the rock bolt at the collar of the hole engagement with the roof surface, there is shown a combination of a domed washer 282 which seats between the nut 283 and a spherical cup 284, which is of substantially complimentary shape to the washer 282. A regular flat washer 285 or support bracket is interposed between the cup 284 and the surface of the overhead solid 281. In this way a good contact can be maintained by the rock bolt 280 with the angled surface of the overhead solid 281.

Fig. 42A shows an overhead view and cross-section of a portion of a W-strap 290 which acts as a load-bearing member and as a supporting structure for services. The W-strap 290 has a series of spaced holes 291 in the horizontal web portion 292 by which the strap may be emplaced. Fig. 42B shows the strap 290 in an elevational view. The strap has 'V-shaped sections 293. A particular feature of the flange 290 is that it has spaced along the web 292 a number of push-down tabs 294, in each of which is formed a key-hole 295. There are also a pair of slots 296 arranged in each tab 294. A function of the slots is to weaken the metal material at that point of the tab 294 so that it can be bent downwardly. Fig. 42B shows the tabs 294 fully bent down to extent in the vertical plane. The key-holes 295 can be used to affix chains and the like so that services may be supported. The strap 290 could also be bolted to existing conventional W-straps by way of retrofitting, as long as the respective cross-sections are the same. This then ensures a sound load-bearing capacity.

Fig. 43 shows another form of bracket 300 which has tabs 301 spaced along it length, one of which is shown in the 'stowed' position. The tabs are shaped so as to have a depression 302 and to have lips 303. The links 304,305 of a chain are shown relative to the key-hole

294 in the push-down tab 301, from which it becomes apparent that the link 305 will engage the lip 303 to provide a positive locking action.

Figs. 44A-B show the same views as Figs. 42A-42B, being a variation of the bracket 290. Like reference numerals have been used for convenience. The main difference in respect of the bracket shown in Figs. 44A-B is that the tabs 294 are foldable in the opposite orientation to those in Figs. 42A-42B. Clearly this W-strap arrangement provides flexibility and choice in respect of suspending services.

The bracket shown in Fig. 45 is similar again to that shown in Figs. 44A-44B. The push-down tabs in this instance are arranged to have a common junction 298, and are matching in shape. A ridge 299 is formed between adjacent pairs of tabs 294. Again, common reference numerals have been used.

Figs. 46A-46B show a locating mechanism 310 as a variation of those shown in Figs. 26 and 27. As can be seen from Fig. 46B, a supporting bracket 315 has a top or horizontal flange 316 in which is formed a hole 319. There is also a vertical flange 317, in connection with the horizontal flange 316. The vertical flange 317 has key-holes 318 spaced along its length.

The mechanism 310 is generally in the form of a frame 311, from which is supported a spring loaded arm 312. The arm has a pin 309 which extends through an opening in the top of the frame 308. The spring 313 is supported between the arm 312 and a portion of the frame 311. In operation of the mechanism 310, the bracket 315 is placed on the frame 311 so that the pin 309 passes through the hole 319. This combination is then placed up against the surface of the overhead solid in the correct alignment, which causes the pin 309 to be depressed, and in so doing compresses the spring 313. The arm 312 can then be grasped and pulled further downward and swung out of the way so that a rock bolt or the like 320 can emplace the bracket 315. The frame 311 is then withdrawn. The benefit of the mechanism 310 is the provision of correct alignment of the bracket 315 when being emplaced. The various embodiments described provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including time and cost savings, in that no additional bolting is required, and as support devices are emplaced at the same time as load-bearing members, then development time in new headings, for example, are gained. It is also possible to extend or modify the arrangement or configuration of services at will. The embodiments described provide increased head clearance and are compact in nature so that headings may be narrowed. The devices also provide a secure method of support of services in distinction to prior art devices. There is furthermore the possibility to allow for correction of alignment as services are routed. In a mining situation, the support devices can be installed at the face itself, and therefore is suited to hydraulic bolting. They also allow support of venturi at the face.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS :

1. A supporting arrangement for services within a mine or the like, said arrangement comprising: an elongate load-bearing strap having a number of holes spaced along the length of the strap; an angled bracket having at least two portions, a first one of the portions having at least one aperture and a second one of said portions having a plurality of lengthwise spaced apart locking points from which tensile supporting means can be hung to support one or more services and which said locking points provide lateral positional adjustment of the one or more services; and wherein each said aperture is adapted to be aligned with one of the holes of the strap, whereby the strap and bracket, in stacked arrangement, are able to be emplaced to an overhead solid by a fastening device, which in part passes through said aligned aperture and hole and into said overhead solid, and which also butts against the strap in a region proximate the said hole.

2. A support arrangement for services, said device comprising: an elongate load-bearing strap having transverse Its width two 'V sections having a web formed therebetween, and having a number of holes in the web spaced along the length of the strap; and an angled bracket having at least two portions, a first one of the portions having at least two apertures and a second one of said portions having a plurality of lengthwise spaced apart locking points from which tensile supporting means can be hung to support one or more services and which said locking points provide lateral positional adjustment of the one or more services; the spacing of the apertures of the bracket substantially matching the spacing of the holes of the strap, and the bracket further comprising means to engage the strap so as to hold the strap and bracket in correct alignment so that the respective apertures and holes coincide.

3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging means is a hooked tab extending away from the said first portion which engages an opening of the strap.

4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging means is a push-down tab formed in said first portion of the bracket which engages a slot in the strap.

5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging means is a foldable section at an edge of the bracket.

6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engaging means is a pin extending from the strap to be received in a pin seat formed in the said web.

7. A plurality of the supporting arrangements as claimed in claim 1, installed in spaced arrangement with the respective brackets arranged to generally follow the intended path of services to be supported therefrom.

8. A bracket for supporting services, the bracket being intended for use with an elongate load-bearing strap, the combination of the bracket and the strap to be emplaced to an overhead solid; the bracket comprising two angled members, one of which forms a base which, in use, is emplaced, the other of which forms a flange which is connected over part of its length to the base, said flange having a plurality of spaced apart key-holes from which services can be hung, the flange being shaped along a top side edge thereof to provide clearance from the base and therefore the overhead solid when emplaced.

9. An elongate load-bearing and support strap having transverse its width two 'V sections having a web formed therebetween, the strap having a number of holes spaced along the length of the web, the said holes being, in use, for attachment means which emplace the strap to an overhead solid to be load-bearing of the overhead solid, and a number of spaced fixture means formed in one or both sides of one or each said 'V section from which services can be hung.

10. The strap as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fixture means are slots opposed in the respective sides of one or each said 'V section.

11. The strap as claimed in claim 9, further comprising one or more cut-outs in the 'V sections or the web, which cut-outs permit deformation of the strap when emplaced to an irregular overhead solid.

12. A strap as claimed in claim 11, wherein the outer edge of one said 'V section is reinforced by folding over to provide a multiple thickness of material, and wherein said strap is stackable with a plurality of like straps by interleaving said folded edges with unfolded edges.

13. A strap as claimed in claim 11, wherein the respective 'V sections are assymetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of said strap.

14. A supporting jig for holding a bracket of the type defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 in correct position during emplacement, said jig comprising clamping means carried by said jig and arranged to hold said bracket to said jig, and locating means carried by said jig to prevent rotational movement or movement along the longitudinal axis of said bracket relative to said jig about an axis generally aligned with a fastener to be used in said emplacement.

15. A method for supporting services from an overhead solid by means of an elongate load-bearing strap having a number of holes in the web spaced along the length of the strap; and an angled bracket having at least two portions, a first one of the portions having at least one aperture and a second one of said portions having a plurality of lengthwise spaced apart locking points from which tensile supporting means can be hung to support one or more services and which said locking points provide lateral positional adjustment of the one or more services, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the strap and the bracket, in stacked arrangement, so that the respective holes and apertures are aligned; and e placing the said stacked arrangement to the overhead solid.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, comprising the further step following the step of positioning, of temporarily fastening the strap and the bracket by means of fastening means.