U.S. patent application number 10/260207 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for mine stopping.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kennedy, John M., Kennedy, William R..
Application Number | 20030082010 10/260207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22695096 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030082010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy, William R. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Mine stopping
Abstract
A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a rigid
wall extending across the passageway to close the passageway. The
wall includes a first wall section extending from one side of the
passageway at a first angle and a second wall section extending
from an opposite side of the passageway at an oblique angle
relative to the opposite side such that the wall sections are
arranged in a non-coplanar, non-parallel relationship with respect
to one another. A method of installation is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kennedy, William R.;
(Taylorville, IL) ; Kennedy, John M.;
(Taylorville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SENNIGER POWERS LEAVITT AND ROEDEL
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE
16TH FLOOR
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Assignee: |
Jack Kennedy Metal Products &
Buildings, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22695096 |
Appl. No.: |
10/260207 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10260207 |
Sep 30, 2002 |
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09711656 |
Nov 13, 2000 |
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6457906 |
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09711656 |
Nov 13, 2000 |
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09188918 |
Nov 9, 1998 |
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6164871 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/151 ;
405/153 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21F 1/10 20130101; E21F
1/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/151 ;
405/153 |
International
Class: |
E21D 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway comprises: a
rigid wall extending across the passageway to close the passageway,
said wall comprising a first wall section extending from one side
of the passageway at a first angle and a second wall section
extending from an opposite side of the passageway at an oblique
angle relative to the opposite side such that the wall sections are
arranged in a non-coplanar, non-parallel relationship with respect
to one another.
2. A mine stopping as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said
first and second sections includes at least one elongate extensible
panel extending vertically from a floor to a roof of the
passageway.
3. A mine stopping as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a
door installed in an opening in the wall for swinging between a
closed position for inhibiting the passage of air therethrough and
an open position moved away from said closed position.
4. A method of installing a stopping in a mine wherein the stopping
comprises a plurality of elongate extensible panels adapted to
extend from a floor to a roof of a passageway in the mine, each
panel comprising a lower panel member adapted for engagement of its
lower end with the floor and an upper panel member adapted for
engagement of its upper end with the roof, the method comprising:
positioning a first of said extensible panels at a first angle
relative to sides of the passageway, positioning a second of said
extensible panels at a second angle relative to sides of the
passageway, forcing the upper end of the upper panel member of said
panels into engagement with the roof and the lower end of the lower
panel member of said panels into engagement with the floor, wherein
at least one of said first and second angles is oblique with
respect to the sides of the passageway.
5. A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the forcing step
includes engaging an end of an extensible member of a jack with the
upper end of the upper panel member and extending the extensible
member to effect relative telescopic extension of the upper and
lower panel members thereby to force the upper end of the upper
panel member into pressure engagement with the roof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/711,656 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,906),
filed Nov. 13, 2000, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/188,918 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,871),
filed Nov. 9, 1998. U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/711,656
and 09/188,918 are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to mine ventilation and,
more particularly, to mine doors and mine stoppings.
[0003] So-called "stoppings" are widely used in mines to stop off
the flow of air in passageways in the mines, a "stopping" generally
being a masonry (e.g., concrete block) or metal wall installed at
the entrance of a passageway to block flow of air therethrough.
Such stoppings are typically provided with a doorway or opening and
a door therein for occasional access to the blocked-off passageway.
This arrangement is satisfactory under usual conditions when the
stopping should prevent the passage of air through the passageway.
In some conditions, however, high pressure concussive air is forced
against the stopping and door. This may occur, for instance, in
longwall mining where a large roof can collapse very rapidly and
displace a large amount of air, thereby creating a shock wave of
high pressure concussive air. Likewise, a mine blast will also
force high pressure concussive air against the stopping and the
door. In conventional stopping arrangements, the concussive air
cannot escape through the stopping without causing significant
damage to the stopping, the door or both.
[0004] Moreover, prior art stoppings are constructed generally
perpendicular to the direction of air flow through the passageway.
This construction is not optimal for decreasing the stress on the
stopping caused by the concussive air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Among the several objects and features of the present
invention may be noted the provision of an improved mine stopping
having a door which seals an opening in the stopping; the provision
of such a stopping wherein the door can swing open in either of two
directions to avoid damage to the stopping due, for example, to
concussive air generated by longwall mining or by a mine blast; and
the provision of such a stopping which is effective in controlling
mine ventilation.
[0006] Further among the several objects and features of the
present invention may be noted the provision of a mine stopping
which may be installed in a mine passageway so as to reduce dynamic
air pressure exerted on the stopping; the provision of such a mine
stopping which is less likely to be damaged by concussive air; and
the provision of such a mine stopping which is effective in
controlling mine ventilation and which is economical to
manufacture.
[0007] Briefly, the present invention is directed to a mine
stopping installed in a mine passageway and comprising a rigid wall
extending across the passageway to close the passageway. The wall
comprises a first wall section extending from one side of the
passageway at a first angle and a second wall section extending
from an opposite side of the passageway at an oblique angle
relative to the opposite side such that the wall sections are
arranged in a non-coplanar, non-parallel relationship with respect
to one another.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of
installing a stopping in a mine. The stopping comprises a plurality
of elongate extensible panels adapted to extend from a floor to a
roof of a passageway in the mine. Each panel comprises a lower
panel member adapted for engagement of its lower end with the floor
and an upper panel member adapted for engagement of its upper end
with the roof. The method comprises positioning a first of said
extensible panels at a first angle relative to sides of the
passageway and positioning a second of said extensible panels at a
second angle relative to sides of the passageway. The upper end of
the upper panel member of said panels is forced into engagement
with the roof and the lower end of the lower panel member of said
panels is forced into engagement with the floor. At least one of
said first and second angles is oblique with respect to the sides
of the passageway.
[0009] Other objects and features of the present invention will be
in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a mine stopping of the
present invention having a swinging door mounted thereon;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross section taken in the plane of
line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevation of the door;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken in the
plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevation showing the door in a first open
position with respect to a door frame, the door being shown in
phantom lines in a second open position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front elevation of the swinging door
with a locking bar mounted thereon;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken in the
plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross section like FIG. 2 showing a
second embodiment of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross section like FIG. 2 showing a
third embodiment of the invention;
[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 show a sloped mine
stopping, generally designated 10, having a rigid wall 12 extending
across a passageway 14 in a mine 15 to close the passageway, an
opening 16 in the wall, and a swinging door 18 for closing the
opening. The opening 16 is preferably defined by a rectangular door
frame, generally designated 20. The door 18 is hinged adjacent the
opening 16, the door preferably being hinged on the door frame 20.
However, it is contemplated that the door may be hinged directly on
the wall 12. The door frame 20 has opposing top and bottom
horizontal frame members, designated 22 and 23, respectively, and
two opposing vertical right and left side frame members, designated
24 and 25, respectively. The horizontal and vertical frame members
22-25 may be formed from channel bar stock, for example. The door
18 includes a main panel portion 28, preferably formed from steel
plate and reinforcing box beams 29 extending along its bottom and
vertical sides. The door also includes an upper portion 30
preferably formed by a separate steel strip secured, such as by
welding, to the main portion. The upper portion 30 is shaped to
form a sleeve 32 extending parallel to the top edge of the door for
receiving a horizontal hinge pin 34 which is secured to the top
frame member 22. The door 18 is swingable on the hinge pin 34
relative to the frame 20 between a closed position (FIG. 4)
engaging surfaces of the frame members 22-25 to inhibit the flow of
air through the opening, a first open position in which the door is
swung in one direction away from its closed position (FIG. 5), and
a second open position in which the door is swung in an opposite
direction away from its closed position (shown in phantom lines in
FIG. 5). It is to be understood that other hinge configurations for
the door 18 may be used within the scope of this invention. For
instance, while the door 18 is preferably hinged along its top
edge, it will be understood that the door may be hinged at its
bottom or at one side.
[0021] Preferably, a seal 36, such as the rubber "D" seal shown in
FIG. 4, is attached to the reinforcing box beams 29 at the
periphery of the door 18 for sealingly engaging the bottom frame
member 23 and the right and left side frame members 24, 25 of the
frame 20 to seal against the passage of air through the opening 16
when the door 18 is in its closed position. A skirt 38 is attached
to the main panel portion 28 at the top edge of the door 18 and
extends substantially parallel to the top frame member 22 along
substantially its full length. The skirt 38 is preferably made of
neoprene and is attached by a retainer in the form of a steel
channel 40 secured by screws 41 extending through the channel,
skirt and into the door 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the skirt 38 is
shaped to engage the top frame member 22 when the door 14 is in its
closed position to further seal the opening 16. Preferably, a right
corner piece 42 and a left corner piece 43 are mounted on adjacent
corners of the door 18 for frictional, sealing engagement with the
frame 20. As shown, the right and left corner pieces 42, 43 are
attached, as by screws 45, near the bottom corners of the door to
engage the right and left frame members 24, 25, respectively, and
the bottom frame member 23. The right and left corner pieces 42, 43
help to seal the opening 16 at the bottom corners where the seal 36
may leave gaps. The right and left corner pieces 42, 43 are
preferably relatively stiff and are made of thick rubber or other
suitable material. The seal 36 and the corner pieces 42, 43
frictionally engage the frame members 22-25 to hold the door 18
closed under most circumstances. When the door 18 is subjected to
substantial air pressure, such as concussive air from a mine blast
or longwalling cave-in, the air pressure will overcome the friction
between the seal 36 and corner pieces 42, 43 and the frame members
22-25 to force the door to an open position. Moreover, the air
pressure may force the door 18 to swing in either direction to its
first or second open position. The ability of the door 18 to swing
in both directions is advantageous. Whenever a large, abrupt air
displacement occurs, such as occurs in longwall mining or in a mine
blast, there is an initial expansion or push of concussive air in a
direction away from the displacement, followed by a pulling of air
in the opposite direction toward the displacement as the low
pressure on the displacement side of the stopping 10 is equalized
with the higher pressure on the other side of the stopping. The
construction of the swinging door 18, as described above, allows
the air flow caused by the displacement to pass through the opening
16 in both directions.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the mine stopping 10 preferably
includes a mechanism for maintaining the door 18 in its closed
position. In this embodiment, the mechanism includes an elongate
locking bar 50 releasably mounted on the door 18 in a locking
position in which the bar extends laterally beyond the door for
engagement with the door frame 20 to prevent the door from moving
toward either of its first or second open positions. As shown in
FIG. 5, the bar 50 is secured to both the right and left frame
members 24, 25, although securement to only one frame member is
contemplated. Preferably, the locking bar 50 is removably mounted
on the door 18 by a plurality of generally U-shaped wire ties 52
(also referred to as twist clamps), each tie having a hook 54 at
each end engageable with a slot of a bracket 55 affixed to the
door, and a central portion 56 adapted to be twisted so as to
deform the wire tie around the bar to hold the bar in engagement
with the door. The bar 50 is similarly attached to the right and
left frame members 24, 25 by wire ties 52 engageable with slots
(not shown) in the frame members, the arrangement operable to
prevent the door from swinging in either direction to an open
position. The bar 50 is easily removable from its locking position
simply by removing the wire ties 52. It is to be understood that
other mechanisms for maintaining the door closed may be used within
the scope of this invention.
[0023] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mine stopping 10
includes the rigid wall 12 extending across the passageway 14. The
wall 12 preferably includes a first section 62 extending between
the opening 16 and one side of the passageway, and a second section
63 extending between the opening and the opposite side of the
passageway. At least one of the two sections 62, 63 extends at an
oblique angle A (see FIG. 2) with respect to the direction of air
flow through the passageway 14. In the preferred embodiment, both
sections 62, 63 extend at an oblique angle with respect to the
direction of flow. It should be apparent that the direction of air
flow is generally parallel to the walls of the passageway 14
adjacent the stopping 10. Conventional prior stoppings are
installed perpendicular to the flow of air, which causes the
stopping to experience the full amount of velocity pressure caused
by the flow. (Note that static pressure is neglected in this
discussion.) In the present invention, the angling of the wall 12
reduces the velocity pressure exerted against the stopping by a
factor of the sine of the angle between the direction of flow and
the wall. In the prior stoppings mentioned above, the angle between
the direction of flow and the stopping is generally 90.degree..
Since the sine of 90.degree. is 1, the velocity pressure has its
full impact on the stopping. In the present invention, as an
example, the wall 12 may be constructed such that the angle A
between the direction of flow and the wall is, for instance,
45.degree.. Since the sine of 45.degree. is 0.707, the velocity
pressure impact on the door would be only 0.707 times the full
velocity pressure.
[0024] The wall 12 may be constructed of a plurality of elongate
extensible panels extending vertically in side-by-side relation
from a floor to a roof of the passageway 14. The panels are
preferably positioned substantially in a plane at an oblique angle
with respect to the direction of air flow through the passageway
14. Installation of such panels is described in U.S. Pat. No. Re.
32,675, which is incorporated herein by reference, and suitable
panels are available from Jack Kennedy Metal Products, Taylorville,
Ill. The wall may also be constructed of masonry blocks or other
similar materials.
[0025] It is to be understood that the stopping 10 with angled wall
sections 62, 63 may be constructed without a door or other
structure to close the opening 16. It should also be understood
that the opening 16 may be positioned immediately adjacent the
passageway 14, i.e., the wall 12 may consist of only one section
extending from one side of the passageway to an opening at the
other side of the passageway, the opening being defined in part by
the passageway and in part by the stopping 10.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment wherein the wall sections
162, 163 are oriented more than ninety degrees relative to the
direction of air flow shown. However, as noted above, the direction
of air flow in a mine passageway 14 is reversible. Thus, the angled
wall sections may be angled more than ninety degrees relative to
one direction of air flow, and may be angled at less than ninety
degrees to flow in the opposite direction, but preferably the wall
sections will generally be oblique to the direction of air flow.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the wall sections 162, 163 may be
angled at a shallower angle than in the first embodiment, such as
about 30 degrees. The wall sections may also be angled at angles
greater than those shown. The exact angle of the wall may depend
upon such factors as the expected direction of air flow, or the
length of the mine passageway in which the stopping is installed.
The preferred angle for most stoppings is in the range of 40-50
degrees.
[0027] The sloped stopping 10 is advantageous as described above
because it reduces the velocity pressure against the stopping. It
is further advantageous in that it directs the air flow more
satisfactorily toward the doorway or opening 16 in the stopping.
This is accomplished because the sloped stopping acts as a funnel
to direct the air flow toward the opening. This feature helps to
improve the ventilation of the mine in that it allows air to flow
more rapidly and efficiently through the stopping.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 9, in a less preferred embodiment, the
swinging door and frame 20 of the first embodiment is shown
installed in a conventional stopping 212 having walls installed
perpendicular to the direction of air flow. Thus, the swinging door
of this invention may be used advantageously in any mine stopping,
and is not limited to use in the angled stopping of this
invention.
[0029] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0030] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
* * * * *