RIB, WALL, SLOPE AND ROOF SAFETY SYSTEM

Abstract

A deflection system and containment system are provided. The deflection system is for deflecting debris falling from a wall or roof. The deflection system comprises: two or more anchors; a support line extending between the anchors; and a deflection net, supported by the support line and spaced from the wall or roof, and configured to deflect debris falling from the wall or roof

Claims

1. A deflection system, for deflecting debris falling from a wall or roof, the deflection system comprising: two or more anchors; a support line extending between the anchors; and a deflection net, supported by the support line and spaced from the wall or roof, the deflection net facing the wall or roof and configured to deflect debris falling from the wall or roof

2. The deflection system of claim 1, including an upper support line, for supporting an upper portion of the deflection net, and a lower support line, for supporting a lower portion of the net.

3. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the support line is housed in a sock, which is attached to an edge of the net.

4. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the support line is threaded through one or more apertures of the deflection net.

5. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net is at least partly folded onto itself and both sides of the fold are supported by the support line.

6. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the support line is incorporated into the net at a time of manufacture of the net.

7. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the line comprises a steel line, or a synthetic rope.

8. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein high visibility tape and/or protective sheathing is placed around the line.

9. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein a third support line is configured to support a central portion of the net.

10. The deflection system of claim 9 wherein the third support line is configured to support a central portion of the net in certain areas, to reduce deflection in those areas, and to not support a central portion of the net in other areas.

11. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the anchors comprise steel plates, and an eye coupled to the steel plate to which the line is coupled.

12. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture being be about 55 mm×55 mm in size.

13. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net is formed of a polyester (PET) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or a combination of mixture thereof, and includes Kevlar reinforcing.

14. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net is coated with a flame-resistant coating.

15. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net is coated with an anti-static coating.

16. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the net is substantially rectangular in shape, and includes an anchor at or near each corner.

17. The deflection system of claim 1 wherein the deflection system is configured to deflect debris from a wall.

18. The deflection system of claim 17, wherein the extends along the length of the wall, and from an upper portion of the wall, to a lower portion of the wall.

19. The deflection system of claim 17 wherein the net is configured to deflect the debris back towards the wall.

20. The deflection system of claim 17 wherein the net is configured to allow the debris to fall to the ground at a base of the net.

21. The deflection system of claim 17 wherein the anchors are positioned on the wall from which debris is deflected.

22. The deflection system of claim 17 wherein the anchors are positioned on a roof and/or a floor adjacent to the wall from which debris is deflected.

23. The deflection system of claim 1 configured to deflect debris from a roof

24. The deflection system of claim 23, wherein the net is angled downwardly on one side, and configured to deflect falling debris at an angle.

25. The deflection system of claim 23, wherein the net includes a resealable opening for removing debris caught by the net.

26. The deflection system of claim 25, wherein the opening is provided using a zip, or by remote control release.

27. The deflection system of claim 1, wherein the net is elongate.

28. The deflection system of claim 27, wherein the net is about 40 m by about 1.7 to 2.7 m.

29. The deflection system of claim 1, wherein the wall, slope or roof comprises a slope, and the deflection net is configured to deflect debris falling from the slope back towards the slope.

30. The deflection system of claim 27, wherein the net is anchored at the top and bottom of the slope.

31. The deflection system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of overlapping nets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective cutaway view of a rib deflection system, for deflecting debris falling from a rib (wall) of an underground mine, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 3a illustrates an end view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 3b illustrates an end view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 1, illustrating debris falling from a wall;

[0059] FIG. 3c illustrates an end view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 1, illustrating debris being deflected from the net;

[0060] FIG. 3d illustrates an end view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 1, illustrating debris on the floor and supported by the net;

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a rib deflection system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the rib deflection system of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rib deflection system, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of a roof deflection system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the roof deflection system of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] 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.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective cutaway view of a rib deflection system 100, for deflecting debris falling from a rib (wall) of an underground mine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rib deflection system 100 may prevent injury to worker and damage to machines, by deflecting falling debris away from the workers or machine.

[0068] The rib deflection system 100 comprises a deflection net 105, spaced away from a wall 110 of the mine, and supported by support lines 115, each of which extends between anchors 120. When debris falls from the wall 110a, it hits the deflection net 105, which deflects the debris back towards the wall 110a, where it may fall to a floor 110b of the mine. As such, machinery, such as a conveyor 125, and workers, are protected.

[0069] The net 105 extends along the length of the wall 110a, and from an upper portion, adjacent to a roof 110c of the mine, to a lower portion adjacent to the floor 110b. As such, debris falling from a large portion of the wall 110a is able to be deflected by the system 100.

[0070] As the net 105 is positioned between the wall 110a and the conveyor 125, any debris falling from the wall is prevented from damaging the conveyor, and is instead directed towards the floor of the mine adjacent to the conveyor 125.

[0071] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the support lines 115 are housed in socks 205, which extend across upper and lower edges of the deflection net 105. The socks 205 are sewn onto edges of the net 105, and provide protection to the support lines 115, and help distribute the force applied against the support lines 115 to a larger area of the deflection net 105.

[0072] The anchors 120 comprise steel plates 120a, which may be about 200 mm×200 mm in size, which are bolted to the wall by M24 bolts, and an eye 120b, to which the line is coupled.

[0073] As best illustrated in FIG. 3a, the deflection net 105 is spaced from the wall 110a. As such, the deflection net 105 is not configured to support or hold the wall 110a in place, but instead deflect debris falling from the wall 110a, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3b-3d.

[0074] FIG. 3b illustrates a piece of rock 305 (e.g. coal) falling from the wall 110. The rock 305 falls downwards and outwards from the wall and hits the net 105, which flexes slightly, and causes the rock 305 to deflect back towards the wall 110, as illustrated in FIG. 3c. The rock may deflect into the net multiple times (e.g. depending on the size of the rock and/or the size of the gap between the wall 110 and the net 105)

[0075] FIGS. 3a-3b illustrate the net 105 being substantially vertical. However, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the net may be angled to form a tapered space between the wall 110 and the net 105. For example, the net may extend inwards towards a bottom of the net, to provide a limited area in which debris falls. Alternatively, the net may extend outwards towards a bottom of the net if desired.

[0076] The line 115 typically comprises high strength steel or synthetic rope, which enables the line 115 to be tensioned. High visibility tape and/or protective sheathing may be placed around the rope to avoid damage to the rope by sharp objects.

[0077] The net 105 is typically formed of a polyester (PET) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material, which is woven. Alternatively, the net 105 may be formed of synthetic Kevlar, or any other suitable material. The net 105 may be coated with a flame-resistant and/or anti-static coating, according to need.

[0078] The net 105 may comprise apertures that are about 55 mm×55 mm in size. The net may be about 300 g/m.sup.2. The net may have an Ultimate Tensile Strength of greater than about 30 kN/m2.

[0079] The net 105 may be provided in lengths of about 40 m. Multiple lengths of netting may be provided to protect a longer area. In some embodiments, the net is about 1.7 m high, but can vary in height, depending on the conditions and sizing of the area to protect

[0080] According to alternative embodiments, the anchors are placed on a roof and floor of the mine.

[0081] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a rib deflection system 400, and FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an end portion of the deflection system 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The deflection system 400 is, much like the deflection system 100, for deflecting debris falling from a rib (wall) of an underground mine.

[0082] The system 400 comprises the deflection net 105, spaced away from the wall 110a of the mine, and deflects the debris back towards the wall 110a, where it may fall to the ground to protect workers and machinery, much like the system 100 of FIG. 1. However, support lines 415 of the system 400, which extend along the net 105, extend between anchors 420 at the roof 110c and the floor 110b of the mine respectively.

[0083] In particular, and as best illustrated in FIG. 5, the support lines 415 extend through the sock 205, and then either upwardly to anchors 420 in the roof 110c (in the case of the upper support line 415), or downwardly to anchors 420 in the floor 110b (in the case of the lower support line 415). This enables the wall 110a to be shielded without requiring any anchoring in the wall 110a. As a result, this enables flexible configuration of the net 105 with reference to the wall 110a, which may be particularly advantageous when placed against machinery, such as a conveyor 405, or in tight spaces.

[0084] In other embodiments, the net 105 does not include a sock for receiving the support lines 415, but instead the support lines 415 are threaded through the net 105. Also, the net 105 may be folded at least partly, to provide extra strength and reduce the likelihood of debris damaging the net 105.

[0085] The system 400 can also be partly or wholly supported with steel props to eliminate or reduce the need for floor pins.

[0086] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a third (or more) support line may be used to reduce deflection. This is particularly advantageous in tight spaces, where only low levels of deflection are appropriate.

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of a portion of a rib deflection system 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The deflection system 600 is, much like the deflection systems 100 and 400, and is for deflecting debris falling from a rib (wall) of an underground mine.

[0088] The system 600 comprises a deflection net 605, spaced away from the wall 110a of the mine, and deflects the debris back towards the wall 110a, where it may fall to the ground, to protect workers and machinery, much like the system 100 of FIG. 1 and the system 400 of FIG. 4. However, the net 605 is folded, and support lines 615a-c are woven through the net at an upper end, and intermediate portion, and a lower end.

[0089] In particular, the net material is folded such an upper half of the net 605 comprises two layers of net material, and a lower portion of the net 605 comprises a single layer of net material. The upper support line 615a is threaded through both layers of net material, as is the intermediate support line 615b. The lower support line 615c is threaded through a single layer of net material.

[0090] The support lines 615a-c may be anchored at either end of the system 600 using any suitable means, such as the means described with reference to FIG. 1, or the means described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0091] The Inventor has discovered that by folding the net and threading the lines through the nets, as described above, the system is more resilient to tearing than if a sock is sewn onto the net as described in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4.

[0092] The intermediate rope may be installed to reduce deflection distance in certain areas only, such as next to critical equipment. As such, installation complexity may be reduced where low deflection is not essential, which reduces overall installation costs.

[0093] The above described rib deflection systems 100, 400, 600 may be adapted to deflect debris which may fall from the roof 110c of the mine. As such, a mine may be protected from the sides and from above.

[0094] FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of a roof deflection system 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The deflection system 700 is much like the deflection systems 100, 400 and 600, but is for deflecting debris falling from a roof of an underground mine.

[0095] The system 700 comprises a deflection net 705, spaced away from the roof 110c of the mine, and deflects the debris falling from the roof 110c, where it may come to rest in a portion of the net 705 where it is able to be safely removed, to protect workers and machinery.

[0096] Support lines 710 extend along a length of the net 705, in socks 205, and then outwardly to anchors 720 on opposite walls 110a of the mine. The net 705 is spaced from the roof 110c, and is angled towards one wall 110a of the mine. This provides that debris is deflected at an angle (rather than directly back) should debris fall directly downwards, as illustrated by exemplary debris 715 in FIG. 7.

[0097] As best illustrated in FIG. 8, a zip 725, which provides a resealable opening, extends along a length of the system 700, and can be opened to release debris from the net 705. A rope or other extension may be coupled to the zip to enable a worker to open the zip 725, and thus allow debris to fall to the ground, from a safe distance.

[0098] The systems described above may be used to provide a barrier when a defect is identified in a primary support mesh, for example, without having to immediately repair the primary support mesh. In particular, the systems may be used until secondary support crews are able to install a more permanent barrier, which in turn enables support crews to work more efficiently rather than jumping around over the mine depending on where the latest defect is (which is very inefficient and costly).

[0099] In some embodiments, the systems may be used to provide barriers on a more long term basis.

[0100] While the above describes installation onto anchors, the systems may be installed using existing bolts and anchors.

[0101] Furthermore, while the above systems have been primarily described with reference to coal mines, the systems may be used as barriers in other mining, underground or otherwise.

[0102] Similarly, the systems may be used in relation to construction trenches, as barriers against damaged structures, or the like.

[0103] In some embodiments, the system may comprise a containment system, for containing debris falling from a wall, such as a wall of a trench. In such case, the structure of the system may be similar, but with the net closer to the wall, to enable persons to work near the wall without risking debris falling onto or trapping the person.

[0104] In some embodiments, a frame may extend into the trench, to provide support for the anchors. This may simplify installation of the frame, and thus reduce costs.

[0105] The frame may be coupled to one or more concrete blocks located on an outside of the trench, to support the frame. As such, the frame may be quickly and easily lifted into place.

[0106] The frame may be configured to engage with walls of the trench. As an illustrative example, one or more hydraulic rams may be used to bias the frame against the walls of the trench. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate, however, that the hydraulic rams may be replaced by any suitable biasing means.

[0107] Advantageously, the frame may be used to avoid possible interaction infrastructure in the ground of the trench, which would otherwise occur if the frame was driven into the ground.

[0108] In alternative embodiments, one or more anchors may be driven into a base of the trench, to either support a frame, as outlined above, or to support the net directly (or indirectly).

[0109] The containment system may have a similar or identical structure to the deflection system described above.

[0110] The systems described above are advantageously less expensive than corresponding secondary support structures, and are reusable. In particular, nets may be moved around a mine and used as required.

[0111] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0112] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0113] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical 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. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.