The support 10 of the present invention resembles a conventional Acrow prop which may be used for temporarily supporting a load. In particular, the present invention is arranged to support a surface at a static position. For example, the surface may comprise a ceiling/beam/lintel within a structure wherein the usual permanent supports for the ceiling/beam/lintel are being replaced or deemed temporarily insufficient. However, the present invention can be used in numerous situations where a support 10 is required and for which the support 10 can be quickly and easily installed. The present invention provides (hydraulic) movement means to move the upper end relative to the lower end. In addition, the present invention provides retraction prevention means to prevent the upper end moving towards the lower end whilst supporting the load and prevents the inner core member 14 being forcibly retracted back into the outer sleeve member 12 due to the compressive force of the load. A hydraulic ram 22 has a maximum extension limit and the present invention uses an adjustable mounting/abutment mechanism which means that a relatively small hydraulic ram 22 can be installed in the outer sleeve member 12. This size of hydraulic ram 22 will then be suitable for all heights and the support is not limited to simply being moveable within a restricted range.

A grout tillable prop assembly for supporting a ceiling such as the ceiling of an underground mine. The prop assembly comprising an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use configuration and a retracted configuration, a unidirectional grout inlet in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop, the inner member and the outer member having wall portions and being self-supporting, an air conduit through the prop having an opening adjacent an upper limit of the prop, a pressure relief valve coupled to the air conduit whereby the prop is be brought from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration by application of pressurized air through the air conduit and whereby the extended prop is filled with grout via the unidirectional grout inlet.

A jacking pole apparatus is disclosed. A jacking pole may include two tubular members, slidably engaged with one another in such a manner that they may extend or expand. A jacking pole may engage two surfaces or objects and extend therebetween in order to provide support. Further, a jacking pole may vertically displace an object or surface. A jacking pole utilizes locking mechanisms to remain in certain positions and provide continuous support for surface and objects. The locking mechanisms may also be utilized during vertical displacement in order to facilitate such motion.

The support 10 of the present invention resembles a conventional Acrow prop which may be used for temporarily supporting a load. In particular, the present invention is arranged to support a surface at a static position. For example, the surface may comprise a ceiling/beam/lintel within a structure wherein the usual permanent supports for the ceiling/beam/lintel are being replaced or deemed temporarily insufficient. However, the present invention can be used in numerous situations where a support 10 is required and for which the support 10 can be quickly and easily installed. The present invention provides (hydraulic) movement means to move the upper end relative to the lower end. In addition, the present invention provides retraction prevention means to prevent the upper end moving towards the lower end while supporting the load and prevents the inner core member 14 being forcibly retracted back into the outer sleeve member 12 due to the compressive force of the load. A hydraulic ram 22 has a maximum extension limit and the present invention uses an adjustable mounting/abutment mechanism which means that a relatively small hydraulic ram 22 can be installed in the outer sleeve member 12. This size of hydraulic ram 22 will then be suitable for all heights and the support is not limited to simply being moveable within a restricted range.

A mobile support apparatus that includes one or more extension and refraction devices and a unit that is releasably attachable to vertical members of the apparatus such that the apparatus can be extended in one or more stages to a vertical height that is substantially greater than the height of the fully retracted apparatus. The mobile support apparatus is useful for a multitude of new and existing construction-related applications.

A mobile support apparatus that includes one or more extension and refraction devices and a unit that is releasably attachable to vertical members of the apparatus such that the apparatus can be extended in one or more stages to a vertical height that is substantially greater than the height of the fully retracted apparatus. The mobile support apparatus is useful for a multitude of new and existing construction-related applications.

A grout tillable prop assembly for supporting a ceiling such as the ceiling of an underground mine. The prop assembly comprising an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use configuration and a retracted configuration, a unidirectional grout inlet in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop, the inner member and the outer member having wall portions and being self-supporting, an air conduit through the prop having an opening adjacent an upper limit of the prop, a pressure relief valve coupled to the air conduit whereby the prop is be brought from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration by application of pressurized air through the air conduit and whereby the extended prop is filled with grout via the unidirectional grout inlet.