Abstract
New prop assemblies, suitable for a range of uses, including in mines and construction, have a pole subassembly. The pole subassembly includes: a first prop part and a second prop part, the first prop part being axially movable with respect to the second prop part; a first extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a first adjustment with respect to the second prop part; and either or both: a second extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a second adjustment with respect to the second prop part; or a third extending means, adapted to adjust a length of the prop assembly.
Claims
1. A prop assembly including: a pole subassembly having a first prop part and a second prop part, the first prop part being axially movable with respect to the second prop part; a first extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a first adjustment with respect to the second prop part; and either: a second extending means adapted to enable the first prop part to be moved in a second adjustment with respect to the second prop part; or a third extending means, adapted to adjust a length of the prop assembly.
2. The prop assembly of claim 1 which includes a foot at either or both a first end and a second end.
3. The prop assembly of claim 2 which includes a foot at each of the first end and second ends, wherein the foot at the first end is the same as or different from the foot at the second end.
4. The prop assembly of claim 2, wherein the or each foot is fixed relative to the pole assembly.
5. The prop assembly of claim 2, wherein the or each foot is pivotable relative to the pole assembly.
6. The prop assembly of claim 1 which includes a spike at either or both a first end and a second end.
7. The prop assembly of claim 1, configured to be used in a substantially vertical position in a mining environment.
8. The prop assembly of claim 1, configured to be used at an angle as well as in a substantially vertical position, in a construction environment.
9. The prop assembly of claim 1, wherein the first extending means has a quick release mechanism.
10. The prop assembly of claim 1, wherein the second extending means has a winding mechanism.
11. The prop assembly of claim 1, wherein the second extending means is a spring-loaded extension.
12. The prop assembly of claim 1, in which the first and second extending means are combined in a winding mechanism, which is capable of two speeds.
13. The prop assembly of claim 10, wherein the winding mechanism has a crank handle adapted to be disabled when not in use.
14. The prop assembly of claim 13, wherein the crank handle is lockable.
15. The prop assembly of claim 1, wherein the third extending means is a spring-loaded foot, located at a first end or a second end of the assembly.
16. The prop assembly of claim 1 which includes the first extending means, the second extending means and the third extending means.
17. A modular foot assembly for a hollow end of a prop assembly, the foot assembly including a subassembly adapted to be removably secured within the hollow end and including a spike or a plate which protrudes from the hollow end in use and means for retaining the spike or plate in the sub-assembly.
18. The modular foot of claim 17, wherein the prop assembly is the assembly claimed in claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a first embodiment of the assembly of the invention, intended for mining use;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a front cross-section of an embodiment of an upper sprung foot in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 2;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a side cross-section of the embodiment of the upper sprung foot in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a second embodiment of the assembly of the invention, intended for mining use;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the assembly of FIG. 5;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a top view and FIG. 8 is a front elevation of an embodiment of an upper foot suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a front elevation of an embodiment of bottom foot and FIG. 10 is an underside plan view of that foot, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0050] FIG. 11 is a front cross-section and FIG. 12 is a side cross-section of the bottom foot of FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0051] FIG. 13 is a front elevation of a third embodiment of the assembly of the invention, intended for mining use as a pogo stick;
[0052] FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the assembly of FIG. 13;
[0053] FIG. 15 is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0054] FIG. 16 shows a detail of the collet mechanism marked A in FIG. 15;
[0055] FIG. 17 shows a partial cross section of the collet mechanism of FIG. 16 in a locked state, while FIG. 18 shows the unlocked state;
[0056] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are views corresponding and very similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, but showing a fourth embodiment, intended for building use and also suitable for use during rescue operations, for example;
[0057] FIG. 21 is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 19;
[0058] FIG. 22 is a detail of the winder and collet mechanism marked A in FIG. 21;
[0059] FIG. 23 is a front cross-section of an embodiment of an upper sprung foot in the embodiment in FIGS. 19 to 22;
[0060] FIG. 24 is a side cross-section of the embodiment of the upper sprung foot in FIGS. 19 to 22;
[0061] FIGS. 25 and 26 are views corresponding and very similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, but showing a fifth embodiment, intended for building use;
[0062] FIG. 27 is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 25;
[0063] FIG. 28 is a detail of the winder mechanism marked A in FIG. 27;
[0064] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the winder mechanism shown in FIG. 28 (without the first or second prop parts);
[0065] FIG. 29A shows a first embodiment of a locking arrangement for a winder mechanism;
[0066] FIG. 29B shows a second embodiment of a locking arrangement for a winder mechanism;
[0067] FIGS. 30 and 31 are views corresponding and very similar to FIGS. 13 and 14, but showing a sixth embodiment, being a pogo stick intended for building use;
[0068] FIG. 32 is a top view and FIG. 33 is a front elevation of an embodiment of an upper foot suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 19 to 31;
[0069] FIG. 34 is a front elevation of an embodiment of a bottom foot and
[0070] FIG. 35 is an underside plan view of that foot, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 19 to 31;
[0071] FIG. 36 is a front cross-section and FIG. 37 is a side cross-section of the bottom foot of FIGS. 34 and 35;
[0072] FIG. 38 is a top view and FIG. 39 is a front elevation of a further embodiment of an upper swivel foot suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 19 to 31;
[0073] FIG. 40 is a front elevation of a further embodiment of a bottom swivel foot and FIG. 41 is an underside plan view of that foot, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 19 to 31;
[0074] FIG. 42 is a front cross-section and FIG. 43 is a side cross-section of the bottom foot of FIGS. 40 and 41;
[0075] FIG. 44 is a top view and FIG. 45 is a front elevation of a further embodiment of a swivel upper foot suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0076] FIG. 46 is a front elevation of a further embodiment of a swivel bottom foot and FIG. 47 is an underside plan view of that foot, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0077] FIG. 48 is a front cross-section and FIG. 49 is a side cross-section of the bottom foot of FIGS. 46 and 47;
[0078] FIG. 50 is a top view and FIG. 51 is a front elevation of an embodiment of a fixed upper foot suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0079] FIG. 52 is a front elevation of an embodiment of a fixed bottom foot and
[0080] FIG. 53 is an underside plan view of that foot, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0081] FIG. 54 is a front cross-section and FIG. 55 is a side cross-section of the bottom foot of FIGS. 52 and 53;
[0082] FIG. 56 is a top view and FIG. 57 is a front elevation of an embodiment having an upper engaging spike, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6;
[0083] FIG. 58 is a front elevation and FIG. 59 is an underside plan view of an embodiment having a lower engaging spike, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6; and
[0084] FIG. 60 is a front cross-section and FIG. 61 is a side cross-section of the lower engaging spike of FIGS. 58 and 59.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0085] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.
[0086] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are a front elevation and a side elevation, respectively, of a first embodiment of the assembly of the invention, intended for mining use. In this embodiment, prop assembly 10 has a pole subassembly including first prop part 14 and second prop part 16. First prop part 14 is axially movable with respect to the second prop part 16, to elongate prop assembly 10.
[0087] Prop assembly 10 has a first extending means 18, adapted to enable first prop part 14 to be moved in a first adjustment with respect to second prop part 16. First extending means 18 has a quick release collet mechanism, described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 16 to 18.
[0088] Prop assembly 10 also has second extending means 22, adapted to enable first prop part 14 to be moved in a second adjustment with respect to second prop part 16. Second extending means 22 is in the form of a winding mechanism and is described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 21 and 22.
[0089] Rings 38 are useful for hanging or attaching items. For example, in mining it is useful to retain electrical cables above the ground; rings 38 may be used for this purpose.
[0090] Prop assembly 10 has a third extending means 24, being a spring-loaded top section detailed in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a front cross-section of third extending means 24, while FIG. 4 is side cross-section. Third extending means 24 is shown in its extended position, which is its at rest position.
[0091] Third extending means 24 can be compressed by pressing upper foot 42 against a mine roof or other surface. Coil spring 36 is compressed and cylinder 30 travels downwards, to be received within first prop part 14.
[0092] Guide pin 26, attached to floor 28 of cylinder 30, travels downwards in channel 32, being confined within channel 32 by lower channel end 33. At that point, cylinder 30 is prevented from any further travel downwardly. Once pressure on upper foot 42 is removed, spring 36 causes cylinder 30 together with guide pin 26 to travel upwardly, until guide pin 26 reaches upper channel end 34.
[0093] Cuff 40 is located at the upper end of first prop part 14, to provide a neat appearance and to cover any sharp edge.
[0094] A second embodiment of the assembly of the invention, suitable for mining, construction or rescue use, is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In contrast to prop assembly 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6, prop assembly 110 has a dual winding mechanism 118.
[0095] Dual winding mechanism 118 is capable of two speeds and combines the first and second extending means. Using the first speed, dual winding mechanism 118 is adapted to enable first prop part 114 to be moved in a first (faster) adjustment with respect to second prop part 116. Using the second speed, dual winding mechanism 118 is adapted to enable first prop part 114 to be moved in a second (slower) adjustment with respect to second prop part 116. Dual winding mechanism 118 is described in detail below in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29.
[0096] Prop assembly 10 in FIGS. 1 to 4 and prop assembly 110 in FIGS. 5 and 6 have upper and lower feet appropriate to prop assembles used for these applications. Details are shown in FIGS. 7 to 12.
[0097] Upper foot 42 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Upper foot 42 is designed to be fitted into the upper end of cylinder 30 (first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4) or the upper end of first prop part 114 (second embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6). Upper foot 42 has load-bearing parts 44 and a recess 46. This configuration may avoid moisture and debris being trapped between upper foot 42 and the surface it contacts.
[0098] Upper foot 42 has two first barbs 48 which work in the same way as barbs 58 in lower foot 52 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Each first barb 48 snap fits into aperture 50, one of which is shown in FIG. 8. Upper foot 42 also has second barbs 49 which work the same way as second barbs 59 in lower foot 52.
[0099] If it is desired to replace upper foot 42, upper foot 42 may be removed from the upper end of cylinder 30 or first prop part 114 by squeezing barbs 48 so they disengage apertures 50.
[0100] Lower foot 52 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and in cross-section in FIGS. 11 and 12. Lower foot 52 is of larger dimensions than upper foot 42 in this embodiment. Lower foot 52 is designed to be fitted into the lower end of cylinder 51 which is fitted to the lower end of second prop part 16 (first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4), or into the lower end of second prop part 116 (second embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0101] Lower foot 52 has load-bearing parts 54 and a recess 56. This configuration may avoid moisture being trapped between lower foot 52 and the surface it contacts. If desired, lower foot 52 may be rubber-backed to prevent slippage.
[0102] Lower foot 52 has two first barbs 58, each of which snap fits into aperture 60, one of which is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 illustrates first barbs 58 engaged with apertures 60. Lower foot 52 also has second barbs 59 which are shown in cross-section in FIG. 11.
[0103] If it is desired to replace lower foot 52, barbs 58 may be squeezed so that they disengage apertures 50.
[0104] Turning now to FIGS. 13 to 15, this third embodiment of the assembly of the invention may be used in mining, construction or rescue as a pogo stick. This embodiment may also be used in construction, for example to hold up a protective cloth, for example. Rings located on the prop on side of prop may be used in both mining and constructions to hang electrical cables or cords.
[0105] Prop assembly 210 has first prop part 214 and second prop part 216. First prop part 214 is axially movable with respect to second prop part 216 by collet mechanism 18, described in more detail in FIGS. 16 to 18. Second prop part 216 includes along most of its length a number of spaced grooves 217, for engagement by collet mechanism 18. For convenience, only a few of grooves 217 are labelled in FIGS. 13 to 16.
[0106] Prop assembly 210 incorporates a spring-loaded upper portion 24, which works essentially as described in FIGS. 3 and 4, except that prop assembly 210 does not have an equivalent to upper foot 42. It will be noted that prop assembly 210 does not have an equivalent to lower foot 52, either. However, in this embodiment the upper and lower extremities of prop assembly 210 are designed to accept an upper foot and/or a lower foot of the same or similar design to upper foot 42 and lower foot 52 in the previous embodiments. Apertures 50 and 60 are provided for this purpose. If any foot is attached, it can be designed to swivel in relation to the longitudinal axis of the prop, for example up to about 30 degrees.
[0107] FIG. 17 shows a partial cross section of collet mechanism 18 in a locked state, while FIG. 18 shows the unlocked state. In the locked state in FIG. 17, collet mechanism 18 is at rest. Annular tooth 63 is engaged in groove 217 and locked in that position because tooth 63 abuts inner wall 64 of collet mechanism 18. FIGS. 17 and 18 are shown rotated through 180 degrees compared to FIG. 15, for convenience.
[0108] To unlock collet mechanism 18, collet 18 is pushed downwards in the direction of arrow 66, while holding second prop part 216. Tooth 63 no longer abuts inner wall 64 but has sufficient space to move radially into cavity 68, as shown in FIG. 18. Once downward pressure is released, tooth 63 engages and is locked into the next available groove 217. In this way, prop assembly 210 can be quickly released and extended (or contracted), as can prop assembly 10, which uses the same collet mechanism 18.
[0109] Further adjustment in the length of prop assembly 210 is effected using spring-loaded upper portion 24.
[0110] This embodiment may be used in different lengths for mining and construction, if desired.
[0111] The fourth embodiment, intended for building, construction or rescue use, is shown in FIGS. 19 to 24. Prop assembly 310 in FIGS. 19 and 20 is almost identical to prop assembly 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main differences being in the design of the upper and lower feet and the shorter minimum length of prop assembly 310 compared to that of prop assembly 10. Accordingly, labels in FIGS. 19 to 21 for essentially similar parts have the same labels as in FIGS. 1 and 2, or the same labels with the addition of the prefix 3, and will not be described in detail.
[0112] Upper foot 62 and lower foot 72 are described below in relation to FIGS. 32 to 35.
[0113] FIG. 22 shows a detail of the winder and collet mechanism marked A in FIG. 21. Winder 22 and collet mechanism 18 are the same as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Collet mechanism 18 has already been described in more detail in FIGS. 17 and 18.
[0114] Winder 22 works in known manner. Handle 74 engages pinion 76 when rotated. Pinion 76 in turn engages crown wheel 78 in order to wind worm thread 80 up or down, depending on the direction in which handle 74 is wound.
[0115] Spring loaded top section 324 in FIGS. 23 and 24 is substantially the same as spring loaded top section 24 in FIGS. 3 and 4. The same labels are used, except for upper foot 62.
[0116] Prop assembly 410, the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, is intended for building use but otherwise is very similar to the embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6, having the same dual winding mechanism 118. As described for FIGS. 5 and 6, dual winding mechanism 118 is capable of two speeds and combines the first and second extending means. Using the first speed, dual winding mechanism 118 is adapted to enable first prop part 414 to be moved in a first (fast) adjustment with respect to second prop part 416. Using the second speed, dual winding mechanism 118 is adapted to enable first prop part 414 to be moved in a second (fine) adjustment with respect to second prop part 416.
[0117] Prop assembly 410 includes upper foot 62 and lower foot 72, which are described below in relation to FIGS. 32 to 35.
[0118] Dual winding mechanism 118 is now described in detail in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29, FIG. 28 being a detail of the winder mechanism 118 marked A in FIG. 27.
[0119] Handle 174 has three positions: a first position in which handle 174 is pulled outwardly (to the right in FIG. 28). Handle 174 moves worm thread 180 at a higher speed, so that first prop part 414 can be extended or contracted rapidly with respect to second prop part 416.
[0120] In the second position, handle 174 is pushed inwardly (to the left in FIG. 28), to a neutral position, where handle 174 is disengaged. In this second position, accidental contact with handle 174 will not affect movement of first prop part 414 with respect to second prop part 416.
[0121] In the third position, handle 174 is pushed further inwardly. Handle 174 moves worm thread 180 at a lower speed, so that first prop part 414 can be extended or contracted more slowly with respect to second prop part 416.
[0122] With reference to FIG. 29, handle 174 has a pinion 82, adapted to engage aperture 84 in carrier 86, which has three planetary gears 88 (only two of which are visible). In the first position, planetary gears 88 engage and drive ring gear 90; pinion 92 engages crown wheel 94 and worm thread 180 is wound at the higher speed.
[0123] In the third position, ring gear 90 is held stationary and worm thread 180 is wound at the lower speed.
[0124] It will be noted from FIG. 27 that, in prop assembly 410, worm thread 180 is quite long. In this situation, worm thread 180 may need support to prevent it bending. For this purpose, ball plunger 96 is inserted in worm thread 180. Ball plunger 96 has a partially exposed ball, biased outwardly by a spring within ball plunger 96, in known fashion. When the ball encounters a vertical surface, it is pushed into the ball plunger a small distance. If that distance enables the ball to clear the vertical surface, ball plunger 96 (FIG. 28) does not impede movement of worm screw 180. The vertical surfaces in dual winding mechanism 118 are all designed so that the ball clears them, except for brace 98. Once ball plunger 96 encounters the lower surface 100 of brace 98, brace 98 is moved upwardly with worm thread 180, to provide support to worm thread 180.
[0125] When dual winding mechanism 118 is reversed to draw in first prop part 414 with respect to second prop part 416, brace 98 travels downwards with ball plunger 96 until brace 98 is once again seated within dual winding mechanism 118, as shown in FIG. 28.
[0126] FIGS. 29A and 29B show embodiments of a locking arrangement for a winder handle. In these embodiments, the winder is winder 174 of dual winding mechanism 118. However, a similar winder locking arrangement can be used with other winders, such as winder 74 in FIG. 22.
[0127] In both FIGS. 29A and 29B, apertures 93 are provided for accepting a locking means. In FIG. 29A, the locking means is padlock 95, having a shackle 97 for passing through apertures 93 before being locked in known manner. Padlock 95 may be adapted to be unlocked using a key. In a variation, padlock 95 may have a combination lock, unlocked by inputting a code.
[0128] In FIG. 29B, the locking means is in the form of a lockout hasp 99, having apertures 101 (only three are labelled) designed to accept one or more padlocks (not shown). In locking hasp 99 as illustrated, up to six padlocks may be locked into lockout hasp 99. All padlocks must be unlocked before winder 174 can be released.
[0129] Turning now to FIGS. 30 and 31, the sixth embodiment, being a pogo stick prop intended for building use, is very similar to the mining prop in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0130] Prop assembly 510 has first prop part 514 and second prop part 516. First prop part 514 is axially movable with respect to second prop part 516 by collet mechanism 18, described in more detail in FIGS. 16 to 18. Second prop part 516 includes along most of its length a number of spaced grooves 517, for engagement by collet mechanism 18. For convenience, only a few of grooves 517 are labelled in FIGS. 30 and 31.
[0131] Prop assembly 510 incorporates a spring-loaded upper portion 24, which works essentially as described in FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0132] In contrast to the prop in FIGS. 13 and 14, prop assembly 510 includes an upper foot 62 and a lower foot 72, described in detail in relation to FIGS. 32 to 37.
[0133] Upper foot 62 is shown is top view in FIG. 32 and in front elevation in FIG. 33. Upper foot 62 is designed to be fitted into the upper end of cylinder 30, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 or the upper end of first prop part 414 (FIGS. 25 and 26).
[0134] Upper foot 62 has a flat, load-bearing surface 102, for contact with and support to a panel or the like. As shown in FIG. 32, load bearing surface 102 has four apertures 104 (only two are labelled), in which screws or other attachment means may be inserted, if it is desired to temporarily attach prop assembly 510 to a panel or other building component. This can facilitate manoeuvring of a panel or similar into position during construction and holding it in place until permanent fixing has occurred. Or the panel or other building component can be moved from one location to another, as desired. Once the panel or other building component is permanently fixed in position, the screws or other attachments means may be removed from apertures 104 and prop assembly 510 is available for use elsewhere.
[0135] Upper foot 62 is designed so that it can pivot around pivot point 106. This enables the construction prop assembly to support a panel or similar which is vertical or at an angle between vertical and horizontal, without load bearing surface 102 being perpendicular to the rest of prop assembly 510. For example, prop assembly 510 may be used to support a vertical panel, load bearing surface 102 being in a vertical position, attached to the vertical panel or merely supporting it, while the rest of prop assembly 510 is at an angle of between about 30 and 60 degrees to the vertical panel. Prop assembly 510 may be used in a horizontal configuration, of course, to support a vertical building component.
[0136] Two of barbs 108 (only two are labelled) in recess 110 may snap into apertures 112 (one only is shown in the Figures), in a similar manner to upper foot 42 of the mining embodiments. If it is desired to replace upper foot 62, upper foot 62 may be removed from upper end of cylinder 30 or first prop part 414 by squeezing barbs 108 so they disengage apertures 112.
[0137] Lower foot 72 is shown in FIG. 34 (front elevation) and FIG. 35 (underside plan view). In this embodiment, lower foot 72 is identical to upper foot 62, although the invention is not limited in this respect. If upper foot 62 is identical to lower foot 72, there is greater versatility in being able to replace an upper foot 62 or a lower foot 72 from a reduced inventory of spare parts. The same labels as for upper foot 62 are used for lower foot 72.
[0138] It will be appreciated that apertures 104 in lower foot 72 may be used to attach lower foot 72 to a floor or other surface for added stability.
[0139] Lower foot 72 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 36 (front) and FIG. 37 (side).
[0140] Lower foot 72 is designed to be fitted into the lower end of cylinder 351 which is fitted to the lower end of second prop part 316 (FIGS. 19 to 21), or into the lower end of second prop part 416 (FIGS. 25 and 26) or 516 (FIGS. 30 to 31).
[0141] The detail in FIGS. 36 and 37 is the same for upper foot 62. Barbs 108 snap fit into aperture 112.
[0142] Turning now to the embodiment of upper and lower swivel feet in FIGS. 38 to 43, upper foot 162 is shown is top view in FIG. 38 and in front elevation in FIG. 39. Upper foot 162 is designed to be fitted into the upper end of cylinder 30, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 or the upper end of first prop part 414 (FIGS. 25 and 26).
[0143] Upper foot 162 has a flat, load-bearing surface 202 on a body 205, for contact with and support to a panel or the like. As shown in FIG. 38, load bearing surface 202 has four apertures 204 (only one is labelled), in which screws or other attachment means may be inserted, if it is desired to temporarily attach prop assembly 510 to a panel or other building component. This can facilitate manoeuvring of a panel or similar into position during construction and holding it in place until permanent fixing has occurred. Or the panel or other building component can be moved from one location to another, as desired. Once the panel or other building component is permanently fixed in position, the screws or other attachments means may be removed from apertures 204 and prop assembly 510 is available for use elsewhere.
[0144] Upper foot 162 is designed so that it can pivot around pivot point 206. This enables the construction prop assembly to support a panel or similar which is vertical or at an angle between vertical and horizontal, without load bearing surface 202 being perpendicular to the rest of prop assembly 510. For example, prop assembly 510 may be used to support a vertical panel, load bearing surface 202 being in a vertical position, attached to the vertical panel or merely supporting it, while the rest of prop assembly 510 is at an angle of up to about 60 degrees to the vertical panel. Prop assembly 510 may be used in a horizontal configuration, of course, to support a vertical building component.
[0145] Cap 208 is designed with a flange at each end to snap into bracket 209 and body 205 to secure them together. FIGS. 42 and 43 show details of cap 208 in cross-section.
[0146] Retaining screw 207 (see especially FIG. 43) may be removed to allow the sub-assembly which includes bracket 209, body 205 and pivot point 206 to be removed and replaced in case of wear or damage.
[0147] Lower foot 172 is shown in FIG. 40 (front elevation) and FIG. 41 (underside plan view). In this embodiment, lower foot 172 is identical to upper foot 162, although the invention is not limited in this respect. If upper foot 162 is identical to lower foot 172, there is greater versatility in being able to replace an upper foot 162 or a lower foot 172 from a reduced inventory of spare parts. The same labels as for upper foot 162 are used for lower foot 172.
[0148] It will be appreciated that apertures 204 in lower foot 172 may be used to attach lower foot 172 to a floor or other surface for added stability.
[0149] Lower foot 172 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 42 (front) and FIG. 43 (side).
[0150] Lower foot 172 is designed to be fitted into the lower end of cylinder 351 which is fitted to the lower end of second prop part 316 (FIGS. 19 to 21), or into the lower end of second prop part 416 (FIGS. 25 and 26) or 516 (FIGS. 30 to 31).
[0151] The detail in FIGS. 42 and 43 is generally the same for upper foot 162, except for added detail as already noted above.
[0152] Upper foot 142 is shown in FIGS. 44 and 45. Upper foot 142 is designed to be fitted into the upper end of cylinder 30 (first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4) or the upper end of first prop part 114 (second embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6). Upper foot 142 has load-bearing spiked parts 144, for engaging the roof of a mine, for example, and a flat plate 146.
[0153] Like the previous embodiment in FIGS. 38 to 43, upper foot 142 is held to bracket 209 by cap 208 and can swivel or pivot around pivot point 206, up to about 60 degrees.
[0154] If it is desired to replace upper foot 142, upper foot 142 may be removed from the upper end of cylinder 30 or first prop part 114 by removing screws 207, as for lower foot 152 (see FIG. 49).
[0155] Lower foot 152 is shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, and in cross-section in FIGS. 48 and 49. Lower foot 152 is the same as upper foot 142 in this embodiment. Lower foot 152 is designed to be fitted into the lower end of cylinder 51 which is fitted to the lower end of second prop part 16 (first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4), or into the lower end of second prop part 116 (second embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6).
[0156] Lower foot 152 has load-bearing spiked parts 144 and a flat plate 146. If desired, lower foot 152 may be rubber-backed to prevent slippage.
[0157] The embodiment in FIGS. 50 to 55 shows a fixed upper foot 342 and a fixed lower foot 352, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6. In this embodiment, upper foot 342 and lower foot 352 are similar to upper foot 42 and lower foot 52 of the embodiment in FIGS. 7 to 12, in that they have load-bearing spiked parts 344 and a recess 346. This configuration may avoid moisture and debris being trapped between each of upper foot 342 and lower foot 352 and the surfaces they contact.
[0158] However, in contrast to the embodiment in FIGS. 7 to 12, each of upper foot 342 and lower foot 352 is secured in sub-assembly 360, similarly to that in the embodiments in FIGS. 38 to 49. Sub-assembly 360, best seen in FIGS. 54 and 55, is held within the relevant prop part by a pair of screws 207. Once those screws are removed, sub-assembly 360 together with body 305 may be replaced if damaged or worn. The replacing unit may be identical to that removed, or it may be the swivel foot shown in FIGS. 48 and 49.
[0159] FIGS. 56 to 61 show an embodiment having an upper engaging spike 442 and a lower engaging spike 452, suitable for the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 6, for example.
[0160] Like the previous embodiment, each of upper engaging spike 442 and lower engaging spike 452 is retained in the relevant prop part by a pair of screws 207, engaging sub-assembly 360, which in the current embodiment includes threaded screw spike 370. Once those screws 207 are removed, sub-assembly 360 together with screw spike 370 may be replaced if damaged or worn. The replacing unit may be identical to that removed, or it may be the swivel foot shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 or the fixed foot shown in FIGS. 50 to 55.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0161] It will be appreciated that the invention in its various embodiments represents a significant advance in the art, providing greater versatility while reducing time and labour in installing and removing props, for various applications, such as mining, construction and/or rescue.
